washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Alaska gallery owner charged with trafficking walrus ivory

ANCHORAGE , Alaska ( AP ) - The owner of a downtown Anchorage gallery was accused of illegally purchasing and selling walrus tusk ivory and tax evasion stemming from 2017 , federal prosecutors said .
Walter Earl , 75 , faces up to five years in prison and multiple $ 250,000 fines after he was charged Thursday with four felonies in federal court , including three Lacey Act violations , Anchorage Daily News reported .
The Lacey Act was passed in 1990 and prohibits the sale of wildlife or wildlife products taken or possessed in violation of state or foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walrus in Alaska , but only by Alaska Natives for subsistence and can only be sold to other Natives .
Earl owns The Antique Gallery , which has sold military antiques , estate jewelry , rare firearms , Alaska Native art and other historical curiosities for the last 30 years .
Prosecutors have accused Earl of illegally purchasing more than 50 walrus ivory tusks and selling walrus head mounts , which include the skull with ivory tusks , on three different occasions .
The U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service removed what appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skull and tusks in November 2017 where the gallery is located , wildlife officials said .
At the time , Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward confirmed a federal investigation was underway , but did not release any further details or information about the case .
Steward is now prosecuting the case against Earl .
Earl declined to comment on the charges against him when reached by phone .

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The owner of a downtown Anchorage gallery was accused of illegally purchasing and selling walrus tusk ivory and tax evasion stemming from 2017, federal prosecutors said.
Walter Earl, 75, faces up to five years in prison and multiple $250,000 fines after he was charged Thursday with four felonies in federal court, including three Lacey Act violations, Anchorage Daily News reported.
The Lacey Act was passed in 1990 and prohibits the sale of wildlife or wildlife products taken or possessed in violation of state or foreign law. It is legal to hunt walrus in Alaska, but only by Alaska Natives for subsistence and can only be sold to other Natives.
Earl owns The Antique Gallery, which has sold military antiques, estate jewelry, rare firearms, Alaska Native art and other historical curiosities for the last 30 years.
Prosecutors have accused Earl of illegally purchasing more than 50 walrus ivory tusks and selling walrus head mounts, which include the skull with ivory tusks, on three different occasions.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed what appeared to be massive whale vertebrae and walrus skull and tusks in November 2017 where the gallery is located, wildlife officials said.
At the time, Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward confirmed a federal investigation was underway, but did not release any further details or information about the case.
Steward is now prosecuting the case against Earl.
Earl declined to comment on the charges against him when reached by phone.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--McKinley County now leads New Mexico in COVID-19 cases

GALLUP , N.M. ( AP ) - Health officials on Saturday reported 69 additional COVID-19 cases in McKinley County , making it the New Mexico county with the most reported cases .
The total of 708 cases reported in McKinley County in western New Mexico as of Saturday now surpasses the 670 reported in Bernalillo County , which includes Albuquerque , New Mexico ’ s most populous city .
McKinley County includes a corner of the main part of the Navajo Nation , which has been hit hard by the pandemic .
Tribal officials reported Friday the reservation had 1,504 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes parts of Arizona , New Mexico and Utah .
McKinley County is bisected by Interstate 40 .
Gallup , the county seat , is a regional shopping destination , including for many reservation residents .
The New Mexico Department of Health updated its statewide figures , reporting nine additional deaths related to COVID-19 and 139 additional cases of the disease as of Saturday , for a total of 93 deaths and 2,660 cases .
The additional deaths included six in San Juan County , two in Sandoval County and one in Catron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in San Juan County , five involved residents of Life Care Center in Farmington , and three of those had underlying conditions , the department said in a statement , Apart from McKinley County ’ s 69 additional cases , counties that accounted for most of the additional cases included Bernalillo with 19 , Dona Ana with 16. and San Juan with 15 .
At least one additional case was reported in each of Cibola , Curry , Guadalupe , Roosevelt , Sandoval , Santa Fe , Socorro and Union counties .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
In another development related to McKinley County , an alcohol detox center in Gallup that was closed earlier this month because of a lack of staff to operate the facility has reopened to house intoxicated people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have recovered from the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being closed the previous week because of some employees going into quarantine due to exposure to the virus and others refusing to work because of fear of being exposed to the virus , the Gallup Independent reported Saturday .
That was after a client tested positive .
Since then , several clients tested positive for COVID-19 .
Since reopening , the detox center has been admitting intoxicated individuals only if they are positive for COVID-19 or have recovered , .Executive Director Kevin Foley said .
Gallup City Manager Maryann Ustick said Friday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiating with NCI to figure out how to process individuals from a detox hold into a quarantine hold when they become sober .
The detox center was able to reopen with help from the state Department of Health , the New Mexico National Guard and the Gallup Police Department , Foley said .
The National Guard provided 17 service members to perform duties that include answering phones , cleaning and helping conduct blood-alcohol tests , but they are not allowed to touch clients , Foley said .
Two police officers , two or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurse assistant work each shift , Foley said .
National Guard and police personnel were trained by doctors from Gallup Indian Medical Center on how to properly wear and remove personal protective equipment to avoid contamination .
Foley commended Police Chief Franklin Boyd because Boyd “ ” was the first one suited up in protective personal equipment and he took the lead .
A lot of his staff were afraid also.
” For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) - Health officials on Saturday reported 69 additional COVID-19 cases in McKinley County, making it the New Mexico county with the most reported cases.
The total of 708 cases reported in McKinley County in western New Mexico as of Saturday now surpasses the 670 reported in Bernalillo County, which includes Albuquerque, New Mexico’s most populous city.
McKinley County includes a corner of the main part of the Navajo Nation, which has been hit hard by the pandemic. Tribal officials reported Friday the reservation had 1,504 cases with 58 deaths. The reservation includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
McKinley County is bisected by Interstate 40. Gallup, the county seat, is a regional shopping destination, including for many reservation residents.
The New Mexico Department of Health updated its statewide figures, reporting nine additional deaths related to COVID-19 and 139 additional cases of the disease as of Saturday, for a total of 93 deaths and 2,660 cases.
The additional deaths included six in San Juan County, two in Sandoval County and one in Catron County. Of the six additional deaths in San Juan County, five involved residents of Life Care Center in Farmington, and three of those had underlying conditions, the department said in a statement,
Apart from McKinley County’s 69 additional cases, counties that accounted for most of the additional cases included Bernalillo with 19 , Dona Ana with 16. and San Juan with 15.
At least one additional case was reported in each of Cibola, Curry, Guadalupe, Roosevelt, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Socorro and Union counties.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
In another development related to McKinley County, an alcohol detox center in Gallup that was closed earlier this month because of a lack of staff to operate the facility has reopened to house intoxicated people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have recovered from the disease.
NCI Detox reopened last weekend after being closed the previous week because of some employees going into quarantine due to exposure to the virus and others refusing to work because of fear of being exposed to the virus, the Gallup Independent reported Saturday.
That was after a client tested positive. Since then, several clients tested positive for COVID-19.
Since reopening, the detox center has been admitting intoxicated individuals only if they are positive for COVID-19 or have recovered,.Executive Director Kevin Foley said.
Gallup City Manager Maryann Ustick said Friday that the New Mexico Department of Health was negotiating with NCI to figure out how to process individuals from a detox hold into a quarantine hold when they become sober.
The detox center was able to reopen with help from the state Department of Health, the New Mexico National Guard and the Gallup Police Department, Foley said.
The National Guard provided 17 service members to perform duties that include answering phones, cleaning and helping conduct blood-alcohol tests, but they are not allowed to touch clients, Foley said.
Two police officers, two or three NCI staff members and a certificated nurse assistant work each shift, Foley said.
National Guard and police personnel were trained by doctors from Gallup Indian Medical Center on how to properly wear and remove personal protective equipment to avoid contamination.
Foley commended Police Chief Franklin Boyd because Boyd “”was the first one suited up in protective personal equipment and he took the lead. A lot of his staff were afraid also.”


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--MLB official thought Manfred would nix Hernández for Series

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A major league official testified he suggested Ángel Hernández be removed from consideration for the 2015 World Series because he did not think Commissioner Rob Manfred would approve the umpire to work baseball ’ s premier event .
Hernández sued Major League Baseball in 2017 , alleging race discrimination and cited his failure to be assigned to the World Series since 2005 and MLB ’ s failure to promote him to crew chief .
Documents and depositions from pretrial discovery were filed late Friday night and early Saturday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a partial summary judgment .
A member of the big league staff since 1993 , the Cuba-born Hernández worked the World Series in 2002 and 2005 .
He was not picked after Joe Torre was hired in 2011 to head baseball operations .
Steve Palermo , an umpire supervisor , sent an email on Oct. 16 , 2015 , to Randy Marsh , the director of umpiring , recommending Hernández for the World Series along with Phil Cuzzi , Gerry Davis , Marvin Hudson , Dale Scott , Bill Welke and Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woodfork , the senior vice president of baseball operations .
Woodfork forwarded the email to Matt McKendry , senior director of umpire operations , and wrote on top : “ Four new umpires and the guy in the middle of the largest debacle.
” Woodfork sent a text message to Torre , the chief baseball officer , on the afternoon of Oct. 16 that read : “ Angel is going to be a no for Rob.
” Rich Rieker , director of umpire development , sent an email to Woodfork later that day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the totals .
They are just suggestions .
Put who you and Joe want in from the suggestions .
Take Ángel out if you want .
Any supervisor or director that told any umpires about any lists should be disciplined.
” Cuzzi , Hudson , Welke and Wolf had not worked a World Series .
Hernández was involved in a controversy in 2013 when Oakland ’ s Adam Rosales was awarded a double after a video review rather than a home run .
The replay system in use at the time did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York control room .
Welke and Wolf were picked for the 2015 Series between Kansas City and the New York Mets , along with fellow Series newcomer Mark Carlson .
They were joined by Gary Cederstom , Mike Everitt , Alfonso Márquez and Mike Winters .
During a deposition last June 21 , Woodfork testified he did not recall Manfred telling him he did not want Hernández in the World Series .
Woodfork testified “ I took a presumption on the situation.
” Ed Montague , another umpire supervisor , recommended Hernández @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLB document referenced in the case stated just 7 % of umpires were minorities .
Woodfork testified Torre , who retired in February , “ focuses on leadership ” in crew chief decisions rather than evaluations .
MLB has used computer evaluations of umpires ’ balls and strikes calls for two decades .
Manfred testified that in-person evaluations of umpires were requested by the World Umpires Association during bargaining .
“ We went along with it in order to get a deal on the evaluation system , but frankly , I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weight on what they turn in , ” he said .
Hernández has been an interim crew chief but hasn ’ t been picked as a permanent head .
Kerwin Danley became the first African-American umpire crew chief in February , and Márquez was elevated to the first Hispanic crew chief born outside the United States .
Marquez is the second overall after Richie Garcia , who was born in Florida .
Márquez was the first Mexican-born umpire to work in the majors .
” Ángel has earned the opportunity to run that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are times when Ángel successfully performs in that , and there are other times where he seems to struggle.
” Hernández ’ s suit alleges violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 , New York and Ohio state law and the New York City administrative code .
MLB has declined comment .
He was announced to work the 2017 All-Star Game shortly after he sued .
He worked the League Championship Series in 2016 and Division Series in 2018 and 2019 .
During the 2018 playoffs , he was reversed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked first base in Game 3 between Boston and the New York Yankees .
Depositions revealed Hernández was fined for trying to get a baseball for a colleague who called Homer Bailey ’ s no-hitter .
Marsh , a former crew chief , testified he was suspended for three days for a similar offense .
Marsh also testified that Richie Garcia was fired as an umpire supervisor in March 2010 following an issue connected with Vic Carapazza , who umped his first big league game a month later .
“ His son-in-law was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in strong consideration for promotion to the major leagues , and he was told not to go watch him work , because of being related to him , ” Marsh testified .
“ He continued to do so .
He had been told not to do it , and he continued to do.
” Many of the documents were filed under seal accompanied by highly redacted public versions .

NEW YORK (AP) - A major league official testified he suggested Ángel Hernández be removed from consideration for the 2015 World Series because he did not think Commissioner Rob Manfred would approve the umpire to work baseball’s premier event.
Hernández sued Major League Baseball in 2017, alleging race discrimination and cited his failure to be assigned to the World Series since 2005 and MLB’s failure to promote him to crew chief.
Documents and depositions from pretrial discovery were filed late Friday night and early Saturday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan as part of Hernández’s motion for a partial summary judgment.
A member of the big league staff since 1993, the Cuba-born Hernández worked the World Series in 2002 and 2005. He was not picked after Joe Torre was hired in 2011 to head baseball operations.
Steve Palermo, an umpire supervisor, sent an email on Oct. 16, 2015, to Randy Marsh, the director of umpiring, recommending Hernández for the World Series along with Phil Cuzzi, Gerry Davis, Marvin Hudson, Dale Scott, Bill Welke and Jim Wolf. Palermo copied Torre and Peter Woodfork, the senior vice president of baseball operations.
Woodfork forwarded the email to Matt McKendry, senior director of umpire operations, and wrote on top: “Four new umpires and the guy in the middle of the largest debacle.”
Woodfork sent a text message to Torre, the chief baseball officer, on the afternoon of Oct. 16 that read: “Angel is going to be a no for Rob.”
Rich Rieker, director of umpire development, sent an email to Woodfork later that day, stating: “I do not know the totals. They are just suggestions. Put who you and Joe want in from the suggestions. Take Ángel out if you want. Any supervisor or director that told any umpires about any lists should be disciplined.”
Cuzzi, Hudson, Welke and Wolf had not worked a World Series. Hernández was involved in a controversy in 2013 when Oakland’s Adam Rosales was awarded a double after a video review rather than a home run. The replay system in use at the time did not provide sufficiently clear images to the New York control room.
Welke and Wolf were picked for the 2015 Series between Kansas City and the New York Mets, along with fellow Series newcomer Mark Carlson. They were joined by Gary Cederstom, Mike Everitt, Alfonso Márquez and Mike Winters.
During a deposition last June 21, Woodfork testified he did not recall Manfred telling him he did not want Hernández in the World Series. Woodfork testified “I took a presumption on the situation.”
Ed Montague, another umpire supervisor, recommended Hernández for the 2012 World Series.
An MLB document referenced in the case stated just 7% of umpires were minorities. Woodfork testified Torre, who retired in February, “focuses on leadership” in crew chief decisions rather than evaluations.
MLB has used computer evaluations of umpires’ balls and strikes calls for two decades. Manfred testified that in-person evaluations of umpires were requested by the World Umpires Association during bargaining.
“We went along with it in order to get a deal on the evaluation system, but frankly, I don’t think anybody places a lot of weight on what they turn in,” he said.
Hernández has been an interim crew chief but hasn’t been picked as a permanent head. Kerwin Danley became the first African-American umpire crew chief in February, and Márquez was elevated to the first Hispanic crew chief born outside the United States. Marquez is the second overall after Richie Garcia, who was born in Florida. Márquez was the first Mexican-born umpire to work in the majors.
”Ángel has earned the opportunity to run that crew,” Woodfork said. “There are times when Ángel successfully performs in that, and there are other times where he seems to struggle.”
Hernández’s suit alleges violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, New York and Ohio state law and the New York City administrative code. MLB has declined comment.
He was announced to work the 2017 All-Star Game shortly after he sued. He worked the League Championship Series in 2016 and Division Series in 2018 and 2019. During the 2018 playoffs, he was reversed in three of four video reviews when he worked first base in Game 3 between Boston and the New York Yankees.
Depositions revealed Hernández was fined for trying to get a baseball for a colleague who called Homer Bailey’s no-hitter. Marsh, a former crew chief, testified he was suspended for three days for a similar offense.
Marsh also testified that Richie Garcia was fired as an umpire supervisor in March 2010 following an issue connected with Vic Carapazza, who umped his first big league game a month later.
“His son-in-law was umpiring in the minor leagues, was in strong consideration for promotion to the major leagues, and he was told not to go watch him work, because of being related to him,” Marsh testified. “He continued to do so. He had been told not to do it, and he continued to do.”
Many of the documents were filed under seal accompanied by highly redacted public versions.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Michigan records 189 more coronavirus deaths

DETROIT ( AP ) - Michigan has recorded 189 more deaths from the disease caused by the coronavirus , bringing @ @ @ @ @ to 3,274 , state health officials said Saturday .
The number of new cases was @ @ @ @ @ ’ s total to 37,274 , state data showed .
Detroit has been city hit @ @ @ @ @ .
The city added 81 new COVID-19 deaths Saturday , bringing the total to 897 @ @ @ @ @ Public Health Officer Denise Fair said .

DETROIT (AP) - Michigan has recorded 189 more deaths from the disease caused by the coronavirus, bringing the state’s total to 3,274, state health officials said Saturday.
The number of new cases was 562, raising the state’s total to 37,274, state data showed.
Detroit has been city hit the hardest by the disease. The city added 81 new COVID-19 deaths Saturday, bringing the total to 897, Detroit’s Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair said.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Naval destroyer USS Kidd reports rise in virus cases to 33

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - 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 on Friday to 33 .
The destroyer with its crew of 350 are off the Pacific coast of South America .
Its current mission is related to U.S. counter-drug activities .
In a statement issued Saturday , the Navy said an embarked medical team continues testing of the Kidd ’ s crew .
Two sailors have been medically evacuated to the United States .
Meanwhile , officials say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks and other personal protective equipment .
The Navy says the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island is en route to rendezvous with 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been moved ashore to quarantine on Guam .

WASHINGTON (AP) - 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 on Friday to 33.
The destroyer with its crew of 350 are off the Pacific coast of South America. Its current mission is related to U.S. counter-drug activities. In a statement issued Saturday, the Navy said an embarked 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 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.


washingtontimes--2020-04-26--Recuperating nursing home residents get their own buildings

HARTFORD , Conn. ( AP ) - A few states may have found a way to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes by converting some of them into “ recovery centers ” set aside mostly for residents who have left the hospital but still might be contagious or lack immunity .
Critics worry about harming frail , elderly residents by transferring them to make room in repurposed nursing homes .
But some public health experts and advocates see potential in combating further infection and freeing up hospital space , and many relatives embrace the concept as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Debra Ellis agonizes over whether to bring her 87-year-old wife home if a coronavirus case appears in her nursing home , which currently isn ’ t reporting any .
Ellis lives in Meriden , Connecticut , a state where three of nine planned nursing homes set aside for recuperating COVID-19 patients opened this month .
“ It ’ s terrible , the anxiety , you almost feel like they ’ re sitting ducks , ” Ellis said .
While nursing homes routinely isolate residents who have an infectious illness , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatic idea of setting aside an entire facility as necessary , given how easily and fast the coronavirus can spread .
“ You can ’ t stop it .
Once it gets in , then it ’ s going to run its way through the facility , ” said Charlene Harrington , a professor emeritus of nursing at the University of California , San Francisco , and an expert in the risks of transferring elderly COVID-19 patients .
“ So that ’ s why we want the COVID-only facilities set up and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have the virus , send them to the COVID-only facility , ” said Harrington , who would like to see California set up such homes .
The idea has been introduced in some other states , including Massachusetts and Utah , but not on as large a scale as in Connecticut .
It ’ s too soon for statistics to show whether keeping hospital-discharged patients in a separate home to recuperate until they test negative will change the infection rate within nursing homes , but Connecticut officials say it has helped open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state officials said about 100 patients had been discharged to recovery homes .
The nine homes are expected to free up about 800 beds .
The longer plan is to contract with more nursing home operators and have 1,175 beds in COVID-19 recovery homes , state health officials said .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , and the vast majority recover .
For some others , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked to coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes and other long-term care centers nationwide .
In Connecticut , 43 % of the more than 1,700 people who have died of COVID-19 were from nursing homes .
Of about 215 nursing homes in the state , 135 have at least one case , the state reported Friday .
Initially , Connecticut officials intended simply to move residents sick with COVID-19 , who were already being kept away from others within their nursing homes , to a few homes designated for them .
But then it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 48 hours before exhibiting symptoms - so moving people to a different home could actually abet the spread .
The state then tweaked the concept , designating the specialized homes primarily for residents who have the disease but improved enough to leave the hospital - freeing up hospital beds for COVID-19 patients of all stripes by letting nursing home residents complete their recovery elsewhere , but with medical supervision .
Additionally , all residents whose nursing homes are being turned into recovery centers will be temporarily quarantined in their new spaces in case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus anyway .
But that requires uprooting people who might be fragile , even without having the virus , and plopping them into an unfamiliar setting .
“ We all know that a lot of seniors , whether they have end-stage dementia or not , they can get confused very often , ” said Lisa Warzecha , of Middletown , Connecticut , whose 89-year-old grandmother lives in a nursing home in Cromwell that hasn ’ t had a COVID-19 case .
“ And if they ’ re sick , in particular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confused or frightened , and they ’ re going to wake up and have all these machines on them possibly , and new nursing staff.
” Warzecha said she can see benefits on both sides , but Brent Colley , an elected official in Sharon , Connecticut , where the 88-bed Sharon Health Care Center was converted into the state ’ s first COVID-19 recovery center , objected outright .
“ Moving residents out of their home/care facility is wrong and places these individuals at risk ; it disrupts their care ; places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly depression ; it also affects their care-givers in similar , although different ways , ” he wrote on social media .
Sharon ’ s owner , Athena Health Care Systems , has agreed to transform another home in Bridgeport , as well as two empty ones , providing about 500 beds .
All patient transfers have been voluntary , said Athena spokesperson Timothy Brown .
They have been quarantined in their temporary homes and promised they will return to their original site , he said .
To entice companies , the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 recovery centers to $ 600 a day per resident .
Typical pay for staff at the Athena homes will nearly double to $ 35 an hour for a certified nurse ’ s aide , $ 50 an hour for a licensed practical nurse and $ 70 an hour for a registered nurse , Brown said .
Elsewhere , a 34-bed home in Salt Lake City is being transformed into a recovery center .
The decision came after six residents and two workers tested positive and one resident died .
In Worcester , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nursing Center this month became a recovery center .
Plans to transfer healthy residents were temporarily disrupted as some began testing positive for the fast-spreading virus .
The long-term care ombudsman for Connecticut has heard both compliments and complaints .
“ It ’ s very important to ask that individual rights are protected in people ’ s homes , and so I think our state is going very slow because of that , ” said Mairead Painter , the ombudsman .
“ We don ’ t want to go so slow that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we also don ’ t want to rush and neglect the fact that this is somebody ’ s home .
”

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A few states may have found a way to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes by converting some of them into “recovery centers” set aside mostly for residents who have left the hospital but still might be contagious or lack immunity.
Critics worry about harming frail, elderly residents by transferring them to make room in repurposed nursing homes. But some public health experts and advocates see potential in combating further infection and freeing up hospital space, and many relatives embrace the concept as a way to protect their loved ones.
Debra Ellis agonizes over whether to bring her 87-year-old wife home if a coronavirus case appears in her nursing home, which currently isn’t reporting any. Ellis lives in Meriden, Connecticut, a state where three of nine planned nursing homes set aside for recuperating COVID-19 patients opened this month.
“It’s terrible, the anxiety, you almost feel like they’re sitting ducks,” Ellis said.
While nursing homes routinely isolate residents who have an infectious illness, such as the flu, advocates see the more dramatic idea of setting aside an entire facility as necessary, given how easily and fast the coronavirus can spread.
“You can’t stop it. Once it gets in, then it’s going to run its way through the facility,” said Charlene Harrington, a professor emeritus of nursing at the University of California, San Francisco, and an expert in the risks of transferring elderly COVID-19 patients.
“So that’s why we want the COVID-only facilities set up and have the hospitals test patients. And if they have the virus, send them to the COVID-only facility,” said Harrington, who would like to see California set up such homes.
The idea has been introduced in some other states, including Massachusetts and Utah, but not on as large a scale as in Connecticut.
It’s too soon for statistics to show whether keeping hospital-discharged patients in a separate home to recuperate until they test negative will change the infection rate within nursing homes, but Connecticut officials say it has helped open hospital beds. As of Friday, state officials said about 100 patients had been discharged to recovery homes.
The nine homes are expected to free up about 800 beds. The longer plan is to contract with more nursing home operators and have 1,175 beds in COVID-19 recovery homes, state health officials said.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, and the vast majority recover. For some others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.
Over 10,000 deaths have been linked to coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes and other long-term care centers nationwide. In Connecticut, 43% of the more than 1,700 people who have died of COVID-19 were from nursing homes. Of about 215 nursing homes in the state, 135 have at least one case, the state reported Friday.
Initially, Connecticut officials intended simply to move residents sick with COVID-19, who were already being kept away from others within their nursing homes, to a few homes designated for them. But then it emerged that people can be infected for 48 hours before exhibiting symptoms - so moving people to a different home could actually abet the spread.
The state then tweaked the concept, designating the specialized homes primarily for residents who have the disease but improved enough to leave the hospital - freeing up hospital beds for COVID-19 patients of all stripes by letting nursing home residents complete their recovery elsewhere, but with medical supervision.
Additionally, all residents whose nursing homes are being turned into recovery centers will be temporarily quarantined in their new spaces in case they aren’t sick but have the virus anyway.
But that requires uprooting people who might be fragile, even without having the virus, and plopping them into an unfamiliar setting.
“We all know that a lot of seniors, whether they have end-stage dementia or not, they can get confused very often,” said Lisa Warzecha, of Middletown, Connecticut, whose 89-year-old grandmother lives in a nursing home in Cromwell that hasn’t had a COVID-19 case. “And if they’re sick, in particular, they’re really going to be confused or frightened, and they’re going to wake up and have all these machines on them possibly, and new nursing staff.”
Warzecha said she can see benefits on both sides, but Brent Colley, an elected official in Sharon, Connecticut, where the 88-bed Sharon Health Care Center was converted into the state’s first COVID-19 recovery center, objected outright.
“Moving residents out of their home/care facility is wrong and places these individuals at risk; it disrupts their care; places them in a mindset of confusion, possibly depression; it also affects their care-givers in similar, although different ways,” he wrote on social media.
Sharon’s owner, Athena Health Care Systems, has agreed to transform another home in Bridgeport, as well as two empty ones, providing about 500 beds.
All patient transfers have been voluntary, said Athena spokesperson Timothy Brown. They have been quarantined in their temporary homes and promised they will return to their original site, he said.
To entice companies, the state is doubling the Medicaid reimbursement for the COVID-19 recovery centers to $600 a day per resident. Typical pay for staff at the Athena homes will nearly double to $35 an hour for a certified nurse’s aide, $50 an hour for a licensed practical nurse and $70 an hour for a registered nurse, Brown said.
Elsewhere, a 34-bed home in Salt Lake City is being transformed into a recovery center. The decision came after six residents and two workers tested positive and one resident died.
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center this month became a recovery center. Plans to transfer healthy residents were temporarily disrupted as some began testing positive for the fast-spreading virus.
The long-term care ombudsman for Connecticut has heard both compliments and complaints.
“It’s very important to ask that individual rights are protected in people’s homes, and so I think our state is going very slow because of that,” said Mairead Painter, the ombudsman. “We don’t want to go so slow that we don’t react appropriately, but we also don’t want to rush and neglect the fact that this is somebody’s home.”


washingtontimes--2020-04-26--Michael Bloomberg deploys fortune against coronavirus

NEW YORK — Nearly two months after an embarrassing end to his presidential campaign , Mike Bloomberg is again deploying his massive personal fortune – this time to combat the coronavirus .
The billionaire former New York City mayor is spending tens of millions of dollars to bolster social services , feed first responders and help local officials trace the spread of the coronavirus in the city that has become the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States .
The effort is in line with Bloomberg ’ s long-standing interest in scientific research and public health .
But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rebuild an image that was badly damaged earlier this year by accusations from some Democrats that he was trying to buy the White House .
He spent more than $ 1 billion on a campaign that ultimately resulted in just one primary victory , in American Samoa .
Allies say the coronavirus plays to Bloomberg ’ s strengths .
“ He is really good at a lot of things , but he ’ s really , really good in crisis , in organizing , in bringing people together and making plans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Nutter , who served as a national co-chair for Bloomberg ’ s presidential bid .
Bloomberg plans to spend $ 10.5 million to build a contact tracing program , which would help local officials follow the spread of the virus in an effort to contain it .
The work will center on New York City , but also go into neighboring jurisdictions .
The effort , which requires a massive data operation and significant budget , was seen as a natural fit , according to two people close to the former mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss his thinking .
Beyond the New York contact tracing work , Bloomberg ’ s philanthropic operation announced a $ 40 million pledge to support efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in low- and middle-income nations .
Though Bloomberg didn ’ t win the Democratic presidential nomination , his coronavirus response could still leave him as a counter to President Donald Trump , whose handling of the pandemic has been criticized as too slow .
It would mark the latest twist in the complicated relationship between the two New Yorkers .
Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president , belittled Trump on the presidential campaign trail .
Trump reveled in his defeat , calling him “ Mini Mike ” and saying he “ didn ’ t have what it takes ” to be president .
While Bloomberg ’ s allies say their fields of influence may overlap because of the coronavirus response , they note the two haven ’ t spoken since the weeks following Trump ’ s November 2016 victory .
At the time , the president-elect recited his personal cellphone number to Bloomberg before the men hung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t write the number down .
When an aide expressed surprise , Bloomberg indicated there was no point in writing down the number because he would never use it , according to an aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the private conversation .
While Trump made his name in real estate , Bloomberg built a personal fortune from his namesake financial data and media organization .
He served three terms in City Hall before running for president .
As he turns his focus to the coronavirus , Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connect local officials with national leaders .
On Friday , local leaders heard from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
Former Presidents Barack Obama , George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have joined previous events .
A Bloomberg aide also said he ’ s had personal conversations with a number of European leaders in recent weeks about the coronavirus response , and the firm is planning to roll out a new global initiative soon that is partly the result of those talks .
But some of those who have known Bloomberg the longest say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight is welcome , this may mark just the latest move in a long history of philanthropic giving with political aims .
George Arzt , a veteran New York political operative and former press secretary for Mayor Ed Koch , noted that Bloomberg ’ s primary loss launched a month of negative headlines , including stories about failing to pay staff as promised .
Bloomberg ’ s work on the coronavirus response could overshadow such criticism .
“ He had a couple of bad stories , and he needed some reputation doctoring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that by giving the money for testing .
Gov .
Cuomo , who was not always on friendly terms when Mike was mayor , said glowing things about him.
” “ When you have the resources , you can mend your reputation quite easily , ” Arzt added .
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer noted that , during his mayoral tenure , Bloomberg was known for making charitable contributions that helped make up for some of the steep cuts he enacted in the city ’ s budget , or for donations that might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know how much of it was from the heart , because you believe in it , or how much was strategic , ” she said .
As a presidential candidate , Bloomberg didn ’ t shy away from the advantage his billions have afforded him .
He often touted the successes he helped pay for , noting his spending helped shut down 300 coal-fired power plants , strengthen gun laws in 20 states and flip the U.S. House to a Democratic majority .
But those directly involved in some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus say , regardless of the motivation , he ’ s filling a vacuum in leadership left by the White House .
Stephen Benjamin , the Columbia , South Carolina , mayor who served as a co-chair on Bloomberg ’ s campaign , has participated in the weekly conversations with mayors .
“ There are challenges with the messages resonating from the White House , ” he said , pointing to the president ’ s heavily criticized suggestion that Americans inject themselves with “ disinfectants ” to cure the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from our governors , ” Benjamin said .
“ In trying to cut through the noise and come up with thoughtful , public-health-driven , pragmatic solutions to help our communities deal with it - that ’ s Mike Bloomberg ’ s and Bloomberg ’ s Philanthropy ’ s sweet spot .
”

NEW YORK — Nearly two months after an embarrassing end to his presidential campaign, Mike Bloomberg is again deploying his massive personal fortune – this time to combat the coronavirus.
The billionaire former New York City mayor is spending tens of millions of dollars to bolster social services, feed first responders and help local officials trace the spread of the coronavirus in the city that has become the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States.
The effort is in line with Bloomberg’s long-standing interest in scientific research and public health. But it’s also an opportunity for him to rebuild an image that was badly damaged earlier this year by accusations from some Democrats that he was trying to buy the White House. He spent more than $1 billion on a campaign that ultimately resulted in just one primary victory, in American Samoa.
Allies say the coronavirus plays to Bloomberg’s strengths.
“He is really good at a lot of things, but he’s really, really good in crisis, in organizing, in bringing people together and making plans and executing,” said former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who served as a national co-chair for Bloomberg’s presidential bid.
Bloomberg plans to spend $10.5 million to build a contact tracing program, which would help local officials follow the spread of the virus in an effort to contain it. The work will center on New York City, but also go into neighboring jurisdictions.
The effort, which requires a massive data operation and significant budget, was seen as a natural fit, according to two people close to the former mayor who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss his thinking.
Beyond the New York contact tracing work, Bloomberg’s philanthropic operation announced a $40 million pledge to support efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in low- and middle-income nations.
Though Bloomberg didn’t win the Democratic presidential nomination, his coronavirus response could still leave him as a counter to President Donald Trump, whose handling of the pandemic has been criticized as too slow. It would mark the latest twist in the complicated relationship between the two New Yorkers.
Bloomberg, whose wealth far exceeds that of the president, belittled Trump on the presidential campaign trail. Trump reveled in his defeat, calling him “Mini Mike” and saying he “didn’t have what it takes” to be president.
While Bloomberg’s allies say their fields of influence may overlap because of the coronavirus response, they note the two haven’t spoken since the weeks following Trump’s November 2016 victory.
At the time, the president-elect recited his personal cellphone number to Bloomberg before the men hung up, but the former mayor didn’t write the number down. When an aide expressed surprise, Bloomberg indicated there was no point in writing down the number because he would never use it, according to an aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the private conversation.
While Trump made his name in real estate, Bloomberg built a personal fortune from his namesake financial data and media organization. He served three terms in City Hall before running for president.
As he turns his focus to the coronavirus, Bloomberg is leaning on his political connections to connect local officials with national leaders. On Friday, local leaders heard from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have joined previous events.
A Bloomberg aide also said he’s had personal conversations with a number of European leaders in recent weeks about the coronavirus response, and the firm is planning to roll out a new global initiative soon that is partly the result of those talks.
But some of those who have known Bloomberg the longest say that while his involvement in the coronavirus fight is welcome, this may mark just the latest move in a long history of philanthropic giving with political aims.
George Arzt, a veteran New York political operative and former press secretary for Mayor Ed Koch, noted that Bloomberg’s primary loss launched a month of negative headlines, including stories about failing to pay staff as promised. Bloomberg’s work on the coronavirus response could overshadow such criticism.
“He had a couple of bad stories, and he needed some reputation doctoring,” Arzt said. “He did that by giving the money for testing. Gov. Cuomo, who was not always on friendly terms when Mike was mayor, said glowing things about him.”
“When you have the resources, you can mend your reputation quite easily,” Arzt added.
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer noted that, during his mayoral tenure, Bloomberg was known for making charitable contributions that helped make up for some of the steep cuts he enacted in the city’s budget, or for donations that might help quiet his opposition.
“I don’t know how much of it was from the heart, because you believe in it, or how much was strategic,” she said.
As a presidential candidate, Bloomberg didn’t shy away from the advantage his billions have afforded him. He often touted the successes he helped pay for, noting his spending helped shut down 300 coal-fired power plants, strengthen gun laws in 20 states and flip the U.S. House to a Democratic majority.
But those directly involved in some of the initiatives Bloomberg has launched in response to the coronavirus say, regardless of the motivation, he’s filling a vacuum in leadership left by the White House. Stephen Benjamin, the Columbia, South Carolina, mayor who served as a co-chair on Bloomberg’s campaign, has participated in the weekly conversations with mayors.
“There are challenges with the messages resonating from the White House,” he said, pointing to the president’s heavily criticized suggestion that Americans inject themselves with “disinfectants” to cure the coronavirus.
“But there are also inconsistencies coming from our governors,” Benjamin said. “In trying to cut through the noise and come up with thoughtful, public-health-driven, pragmatic solutions to help our communities deal with it - that’s Mike Bloomberg’s and Bloomberg’s Philanthropy’s sweet spot.”
• Jaffe reported from Washington.


washingtontimes--2020-04-26--Cloistered nuns emerge to bless health care workers

GREAT FALLS , Mont .
( AP ) - Through good times and bad they have prayed for all of us ; a cloistered order of nuns , devout in their vows of poverty and seclusion .
The Poor Clares are not often seen in public .
Perhaps out for a walk or while attending a Mass at one of the community ’ s churches .
For the vast majority of their time the six sisters remain in anonymity , quietly praying that the blessings of God be granted to all of us , even during the most common of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
For the first time in their 20-year history in Great Falls , the Poor Clares emerged from their monastery to raise their hands in blessing over the city and sing the blessing of St. Clare .
“ We wanted to bless the city , especially the healthcare workers , ” said Sister Judith Crosby .
“ We pray for them a lot , and when Mercy Flight takes off and lands we also pray for them.
” “ We see the city and we are very aware of its needs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added Sister Jane Sorenson .
“ It ’ s been strongly on our minds for as long as we ’ ve been here .
But at this point in time with the pandemic , we just believe it would be good for us to visible let people know that they are in our prayers.
” Born to a noble family in Italy in 1193 , She is said to have often saved food from the table of her family to distribute to the poor .
Though raised among the elite , she cared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
At the age of 18 , Clare is said to have rejected her parent ’ s plans for her marriage , and fled to the Italian town of Portiuncula where St. Francis of Assisi accepted her , cut her long hair and dressed her in a rough , simple cloak .
She adopted a life of poverty , and established the order of Poor Clare at the San Damiano monastery near Assisi , Italy around 1212 A.D. “ St .
Clare was a healer , ” said Sister Jane of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simple gesture , with a sign of the cross on the forehead .
Her blessing is very healing.
” Sister Jane also spoke of the challenges facing families confined by social distancing .
“ I have a soft place in my heart for the parents who are at home with their kids for this extensive time , ” she said .
“ People are not used to being closed in … and its been an adjustment for people to do that ; whether its been parents with children or just being together with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The peace that people need is not always there.
” “ In order to live in closure as we do … you have to live in the now , ” added Sister Judith Crosby .
“ You have have to be centered in what is going on right now - not planning ahead to what I would be doing if I was at work or if I was at school .
Just be where you are and experience what is going on now.
” The Poor Clares invite the faithful to contact them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monastery typically invites people onto their campus for quiet reflection and prayer , but are unable to do so at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic .

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) - Through good times and bad they have prayed for all of us; a cloistered order of nuns, devout in their vows of poverty and seclusion.
The Poor Clares are not often seen in public. Perhaps out for a walk or while attending a Mass at one of the community’s churches. For the vast majority of their time the six sisters remain in anonymity, quietly praying that the blessings of God be granted to all of us, even during the most common of times.
But these are not common times.
For the first time in their 20-year history in Great Falls, the Poor Clares emerged from their monastery to raise their hands in blessing over the city and sing the blessing of St. Clare.
“We wanted to bless the city, especially the healthcare workers,” said Sister Judith Crosby .“We pray for them a lot, and when Mercy Flight takes off and lands we also pray for them.”
“We see the city and we are very aware of its needs, and continually pray for them,” added Sister Jane Sorenson. “It’s been strongly on our minds for as long as we’ve been here. But at this point in time with the pandemic, we just believe it would be good for us to visible let people know that they are in our prayers.”
Born to a noble family in Italy in 1193, She is said to have often saved food from the table of her family to distribute to the poor. Though raised among the elite, she cared little for the social life which surrounded her.
At the age of 18, Clare is said to have rejected her parent’s plans for her marriage, and fled to the Italian town of Portiuncula where St. Francis of Assisi accepted her, cut her long hair and dressed her in a rough, simple cloak. She adopted a life of poverty, and established the order of Poor Clare at the San Damiano monastery near Assisi, Italy around 1212 A.D.
“St. Clare was a healer,” said Sister Jane of her foundress. “She healed with a simple gesture, with a sign of the cross on the forehead. Her blessing is very healing.”
Sister Jane also spoke of the challenges facing families confined by social distancing.
“I have a soft place in my heart for the parents who are at home with their kids for this extensive time,” she said. “People are not used to being closed in … and its been an adjustment for people to do that; whether its been parents with children or just being together with all that time on their hands, The peace that people need is not always there.”
“In order to live in closure as we do … you have to live in the now,” added Sister Judith Crosby. “You have have to be centered in what is going on right now - not planning ahead to what I would be doing if I was at work or if I was at school. Just be where you are and experience what is going on now.”
The Poor Clares invite the faithful to contact them for spiritual guidance at 406.453.7891. The monastery typically invites people onto their campus for quiet reflection and prayer, but are unable to do so at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


washingtontimes--2020-04-26--11 deaths, high rate of infection at one Michigan prison

COLDWATER , Mich. ( AP ) - More than 50 % of inmates tested at a Michigan prison have been infected with the highly contagious coronavirus and at least 11 have died , officials reported .
Lakeland prison in Branch County in southern Michigan continues to be a hot spot .
It has a large share of the system ’ s older prisoners .
The Corrections Department said 1,411 prisoners had been tested at Lakeland and 777 were positive for the virus , according to a tally posted online Saturday .
Thirty-one staff members also had the virus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there regardless of symptoms .
The same strategy will be used this week at the Cotton prison in Jackson County .
“ This kind of testing on this scale is going to help us save lives because these prisoners were unknown positives , had no symptoms and were walking around prisoners who are elderly and medically frail and potentially spreading it to them , ” spokesman Chris Gautz said .
Across the prison system , 55 % of prisoners tested so far had the virus and 31 have died , the state said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Innocence Clinic at University of Michigan law school tried to get Jeff Titus , 68 , removed from Lakeland prison while the attorney general ’ s office investigates whether he was wrongly convicted of two 1990 homicides in Kalamazoo County .
But U.S. District Judge Paul Borman rejected it .
“ The contention that ( Titus ) may become ill with COVID-19 at some future time does not create an exceptional circumstance warranting release on bond , ” Borman said Wednesday before a surge in new infections at the prison .

COLDWATER, Mich. (AP) - More than 50% of inmates tested at a Michigan prison have been infected with the highly contagious coronavirus and at least 11 have died, officials reported.
Lakeland prison in Branch County in southern Michigan continues to be a hot spot. It has a large share of the system’s older prisoners.
The Corrections Department said 1,411 prisoners had been tested at Lakeland and 777 were positive for the virus, according to a tally posted online Saturday. Thirty-one staff members also had the virus.
The department said it was testing all prisoners there regardless of symptoms. The same strategy will be used this week at the Cotton prison in Jackson County.
“This kind of testing on this scale is going to help us save lives because these prisoners were unknown positives, had no symptoms and were walking around prisoners who are elderly and medically frail and potentially spreading it to them,” spokesman Chris Gautz said.
Across the prison system, 55% of prisoners tested so far had the virus and 31 have died, the state said. Two staff members have died.
The Innocence Clinic at University of Michigan law school tried to get Jeff Titus, 68, removed from Lakeland prison while the attorney general’s office investigates whether he was wrongly convicted of two 1990 homicides in Kalamazoo County. But U.S. District Judge Paul Borman rejected it.
“The contention that (Titus) may become ill with COVID-19 at some future time does not create an exceptional circumstance warranting release on bond,” Borman said last Tuesday before a surge in new infections at the prison.


washingtontimes--2020-04-26--Somalia civilian shot dead amid coronavirus enforcement

NAIROBI , Kenya — A police officer in Somalia ’ s capital has been arrested in the fatal shooting of @ @ @ @ @ enforcing coronavirus restrictions , fellow officer Ahmed Muse said Saturday .
The shooting Friday evening @ @ @ @ @ continued Saturday with crowds of angry young men burning tires and demanding justice .
There @ @ @ @ @ some residents over alleged abuses by security forces , including beatings , while enforcing virus-related @ @ @ @ @ No police , no curfew ” could be heard as hundreds of protesters took to @ @ @ @ @ police landmark at a city roundabout .
The country ’ s police chief on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ of security in Bondhere district where the shooting occurred .
Somalia has one of the @ @ @ @ @ systems and virus cases have been rising quickly .
The Horn of Africa nation had @ @ @ @ @ of Saturday .

NAIROBI, Kenya — A police officer in Somalia’s capital has been arrested in the fatal shooting of at least one civilian while enforcing coronavirus restrictions, fellow officer Ahmed Muse said Saturday.
The shooting Friday evening sparked protests in Mogadishu that continued Saturday with crowds of angry young men burning tires and demanding justice.
There has been growing anger among some residents over alleged abuses by security forces, including beatings, while enforcing virus-related restrictions.
Shouts of “No police, no curfew” could be heard as hundreds of protesters took to the streets and damaged a police landmark at a city roundabout.
The country’s police chief on Saturday fired the commissioner in charge of security in Bondhere district where the shooting occurred.
Somalia has one of the world’s weakest health systems and virus cases have been rising quickly. The Horn of Africa nation had more than 325 cases as of Saturday.


washingtontimes--2020-04-26--Wyoming father, son, recount ordeal of COVID-19 illness

GILLETTE , Wyo .
( AP ) - Not many people are strangers in a small community like Gillette , and chances are even if you ’ ve never met Kayman and Rafael Tamez , you ’ ve heard about them in recent weeks .
You may know them as cases Nos .
3 and 6 .
Kayman , 14 , was Campbell County ’ s third confirmed case of COVID-19 and his father the sixth , even though dad brought it home from work to his son .
It can take up to a couple of weeks for symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person is infected but when they do , those symptoms can hit like a ton of bricks , Rafael said .
March 24 was like every other day , he said .
He went to work , came home and laid down for a little nap .
It wasn ’ t long after that he knew something was very wrong .
“ I took a nap for a few hours , then that evening it hit me and I just felt weak and dizzy , then the fever and body aches and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He also lost his senses of smell and taste like others with the virus have reported .
What followed was an illness he described as unlike anything he ’ d experienced before , to the extreme that at one point , he didn ’ t want to go to sleep because he feared he wouldn ’ t wake up .
“ At first , it felt like the flu , ” he said .
“ You start getting really bad headaches , really strong headaches .
My wife ( Robin ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on me and I couldn ’ t smell it and I thought that was strange .
Then the next day I couldn ’ t taste anything.
” It was March 30 and about a week into Rafael ’ s bout with the coronavirus when Kayman started showing symptoms .
Robin is a nurse and knows threat the virus can pose , and the family took every precaution it could before Rafael became sick .
It ’ s likely he was infected for days or weeks before then .
Kayman has other medical conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catching COVID-19 , so he was tested first .
The results came back the next day on March 31 - positive .
Rafael finally was tested and confirmed positive April 2 .
While both said they enjoy spending father-son time together , being coronavirus buddies wasn ’ t what either had bargained for .
Rafael and Kayman Tamez are two of Wyoming ’ s more than 300 COVID-19 stories .
The state ’ s rate of confirmed cases continues to grow , but at a slower pace , the Wyoming Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have done to begin to flatten Wyoming ’ s COVID-19 curve that convinced Gov .
Mark Gordon to start planning for how to reopen the state after it ’ s been mostly shutdown for more than a month .
While state coronavirus orders mandating many of those closures will remain in place through April 30 , he hasn ’ t yet announced an extension of them .
“ You have done what was asked and have helped to flatten the curve , ” the governor said in a prepared statement Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , open for business.
” He said the existing orders are in line with phase one of President Donald Trump ’ s plan for opening American back up sooner rather than later .
Even so , he said now isn ’ t a time for people to get impatient and let up with their virus precautions .
“ Our transition into a new phase must be health data-driven , not date driven , ” Gordon said .
“ If the people of Wyoming continue to do the right thing and we see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue our transition to a stabilized economy .
We need our economy back , but we must avoid a resurgence of this virus.
” Those expecting to quickly put COVID-19 behind them will be disappointed , he said .
“ We have to get this right , ” Gordon said .
“ We are living in a time where the new reality is that COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future .
Until we have a vaccine or treatment , things are going to be different.
” ‘ I used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kayman are among those who advocate for being safe , not only for yourselves , but for others .
Rafael has recovered and was released from quarantine April 9 .
His son also is feeling fine and was released April 7 .
A few weeks ago , Rafael would have given a different response if someone would have asked him about the coronavirus and whether its threat is more hype than substance .
“ At first , you were seeing people all over the internet saying it ’ s a hoax and whatnot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew anyone who had it , ” he said .
“ I used to think that .
Now I know it ’ s definitely not a hoax .
It sounds a little extreme , but you definitely don ’ t want that virus.
” Had he not come down with COVID-19 or had seen his son go through it , “ I would ’ ve been just like everybody else complaining on the internet about everything being closed.
” Kayman agreed , recalling how he was scared for his father when he became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus himself .
“ I was scared , because I didn ’ t know what was happening to him at first , ” Kayman said .
“ So , I took care of my brothers and sisters , and then I got sick.
” His experience echoed much of his father ’ s .
“ I had shivers a lot and a lot of back pain , nausea , light-headedness and some chest pain , ” he said .
Now he urges people to continue to be as safe as they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the advice of local , state and national health experts .
Kayman ’ s advice is that people “ should care about it , because it can take their lives and it ’ s a serious thing to have .
It can affect you and your life.
” A nurse at Campbell County Health , Robin Tamez hasn ’ t had the novel coronavirus , but has helped nurse her husband and stepson through COVID-19 while keeping her three younger children isolated .
In fact , now she ’ s the only member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been cleared by Campbell County Public Health to be released from quarantine .
That happens Tuesday .
Robin said she “ really has mixed emotions ” about the virus and the public debate about how soon to emerge from restrictions .
“ I see both sides , ” she said .
“ Because it affected our family , you get to thinking that , ‘ OK , we have recovered , but some people aren ’ t that lucky.
’ It ’ s important that people stay away from each other.
” Asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in dealing with the crisis , Robin said she doesn ’ t envy them .
“ Thankfully , I don ’ t get paid to make those decisions.
” While social distancing and isolating can be a challenge for some families , it hasn ’ t been much out of the ordinary for hers , Robin said .
They haven ’ t had television for years and already were in a routine that didn ’ t require much travel and interaction .
“ Being a family of six , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay home all the time , ” she said .
“ But you have to take into consideration those around you who may not stay home all the time.
” Robin ’ s battle with the virus also began March 24 when her husband hit that wall .
She was at work and got a text message from her kids .
“ I got a text about 10 or 11 saying dad couldn ’ t get off the floor , dad was shivering and had a fever of 102 , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because in hindsight , she imagined all the times she and her family were around Rafael before he showed symptoms .
“ That to me is scary , ” she said .
“ That ’ s the part that scared me the most about the whole process , that I could walk into the room and he would look totally normal .
When I walk into a patient ’ s room ( at the hospital ) you can see something ’ s wrong .
I could see none of that in my husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went through the house for four days or more probably without knowing he had it .
You can be running around spreading this and you truly don ’ t know , and that ’ s truly the reality of all this.
” Their other children - Taylah , 12 , Mazik , 4 , and Gracelan , 2 - haven ’ t showed symptoms and also have been released from quarantine , Robin said .
Now they ’ re dealing with the same challenge of remote learning like hundreds of other local families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely had the virus before he showed symptoms like his father , his mother Amanda Tamez also had to ride out a home quarantine .
She gets along great with her son , ex-husband and their family , so Amanda was allowed to be quarantined with the rest of the Tamez family , another much-appreciated pair of hands in a house with two recovering virus patients and three other young children also in quarantine .
She also said one of the scariest things about the coronavirus is the realization of how easily it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careful .
If people don ’ t want to look out for themselves , they should do it for others .
People don ’ t realize that someone who make look vigorous and healthy may have a compromised immune system or have a higher risk of getting sick , Amanda said .
“ People look at others and don ’ t realize they have underlying health issues , ” she said .
“ Like Kayman .
He looks like a normal 14-year-old boy .
He plays hockey , he runs around , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t see he ’ s at ( higher ) risk.
” She also said having people know some of their local COVID-19 cases by name and not just a number , maybe they ’ ll be more thoughtful of others .
“ If people can put a face to the virus and a family to the virus , it can make a difference , ” Amanda said .
Looking back , Rafael said knowing his son likely got the virus from him .
Being sick at the same time meant also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through it .
He also said he ’ s relieved that his son has shown remarkable resilience by bouncing back much faster than he did .
That means some bragging rights for Kayman that his dad is glad to concede .
“ When we were sick , we were joking around and we had a competition called the ‘ Corona Challenge , ’ for who can get better first , ” Rafael said .
“ He definitely won that one .
”

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) - Not many people are strangers in a small community like Gillette, and chances are even if you’ve never met Kayman and Rafael Tamez, you’ve heard about them in recent weeks.
You may know them as cases Nos. 3 and 6.
Kayman, 14, was Campbell County’s third confirmed case of COVID-19 and his father the sixth, even though dad brought it home from work to his son.
It can take up to a couple of weeks for symptoms of the novel coronavirus to manifest once a person is infected but when they do, those symptoms can hit like a ton of bricks, Rafael said.
March 24 was like every other day, he said. He went to work, came home and laid down for a little nap. It wasn’t long after that he knew something was very wrong.
“I took a nap for a few hours, then that evening it hit me and I just felt weak and dizzy, then the fever and body aches and it progressed from there,” Rafael said.
He also lost his senses of smell and taste like others with the virus have reported. What followed was an illness he described as unlike anything he’d experienced before, to the extreme that at one point, he didn’t want to go to sleep because he feared he wouldn’t wake up.
“At first, it felt like the flu,” he said. “You start getting really bad headaches, really strong headaches. My wife (Robin) put Vick’s (VapoRub) on me and I couldn’t smell it and I thought that was strange. Then the next day I couldn’t taste anything.”
It was March 30 and about a week into Rafael’s bout with the coronavirus when Kayman started showing symptoms. Robin is a nurse and knows threat the virus can pose, and the family took every precaution it could before Rafael became sick. It’s likely he was infected for days or weeks before then.
Kayman has other medical conditions that have left him more compromised to catching COVID-19, so he was tested first. The results came back the next day on March 31 - positive. Rafael finally was tested and confirmed positive April 2.
While both said they enjoy spending father-son time together, being coronavirus buddies wasn’t what either had bargained for.
The pandemic in Wyoming
Rafael and Kayman Tamez are two of Wyoming’s more than 300 COVID-19 stories.
The state’s rate of confirmed cases continues to grow, but at a slower pace, the Wyoming Department of Health reports.
It’s the work people have done to begin to flatten Wyoming’s COVID-19 curve that convinced Gov. Mark Gordon to start planning for how to reopen the state after it’s been mostly shutdown for more than a month. While state coronavirus orders mandating many of those closures will remain in place through April 30, he hasn’t yet announced an extension of them.
“You have done what was asked and have helped to flatten the curve,” the governor said in a prepared statement Friday. “We are, and have been, open for business.”
He said the existing orders are in line with phase one of President Donald Trump’s plan for opening American back up sooner rather than later.
Even so, he said now isn’t a time for people to get impatient and let up with their virus precautions.
“Our transition into a new phase must be health data-driven, not date driven,” Gordon said. “If the people of Wyoming continue to do the right thing and we see the improvements we need to see, we will continue our transition to a stabilized economy. We need our economy back, but we must avoid a resurgence of this virus.”
Those expecting to quickly put COVID-19 behind them will be disappointed, he said.
“We have to get this right,” Gordon said. “We are living in a time where the new reality is that COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future. Until we have a vaccine or treatment, things are going to be different.”
‘I used to think that’
County Rafael and Kayman are among those who advocate for being safe, not only for yourselves, but for others.
Rafael has recovered and was released from quarantine April 9. His son also is feeling fine and was released April 7.
A few weeks ago, Rafael would have given a different response if someone would have asked him about the coronavirus and whether its threat is more hype than substance.
“At first, you were seeing people all over the internet saying it’s a hoax and whatnot, because not a lot of people knew anyone who had it,” he said. “I used to think that. Now I know it’s definitely not a hoax. It sounds a little extreme, but you definitely don’t want that virus.”
Had he not come down with COVID-19 or had seen his son go through it, “I would’ve been just like everybody else complaining on the internet about everything being closed.”
Kayman agreed, recalling how he was scared for his father when he became sick, then again when he got the virus himself.
“I was scared, because I didn’t know what was happening to him at first,” Kayman said. “So, I took care of my brothers and sisters, and then I got sick.”
His experience echoed much of his father’s.
“I had shivers a lot and a lot of back pain, nausea, light-headedness and some chest pain,” he said.
Now he urges people to continue to be as safe as they can, stay away from others and follow the advice of local, state and national health experts.
Kayman’s advice is that people “should care about it, because it can take their lives and it’s a serious thing to have. It can affect you and your life.”
In emergency mode
A nurse at Campbell County Health, Robin Tamez hasn’t had the novel coronavirus, but has helped nurse her husband and stepson through COVID-19 while keeping her three younger children isolated. In fact, now she’s the only member of the family who hasn’t been cleared by Campbell County Public Health to be released from quarantine. That happens Tuesday.
Robin said she “really has mixed emotions” about the virus and the public debate about how soon to emerge from restrictions.
“I see both sides,” she said. “Because it affected our family, you get to thinking that, ‘OK, we have recovered, but some people aren’t that lucky.’ It’s important that people stay away from each other.”
Asked about the position local and state officials are in dealing with the crisis, Robin said she doesn’t envy them.
“Thankfully, I don’t get paid to make those decisions.”
While social distancing and isolating can be a challenge for some families, it hasn’t been much out of the ordinary for hers, Robin said. They haven’t had television for years and already were in a routine that didn’t require much travel and interaction.
“Being a family of six, it’s not hard to stay home because we stay home all the time,” she said. “But you have to take into consideration those around you who may not stay home all the time.”
Robin’s battle with the virus also began March 24 when her husband hit that wall. She was at work and got a text message from her kids.
“I got a text about 10 or 11 saying dad couldn’t get off the floor, dad was shivering and had a fever of 102,” she said.
It also changed her perspective, because in hindsight, she imagined all the times she and her family were around Rafael before he showed symptoms.
“That to me is scary,” she said. “That’s the part that scared me the most about the whole process, that I could walk into the room and he would look totally normal. When I walk into a patient’s room (at the hospital) you can see something’s wrong. I could see none of that in my husband’s case.
“My husband went through the house for four days or more probably without knowing he had it. You can be running around spreading this and you truly don’t know, and that’s truly the reality of all this.”
Their other children - Taylah, 12, Mazik, 4, and Gracelan, 2 - haven’t showed symptoms and also have been released from quarantine, Robin said. Now they’re dealing with the same challenge of remote learning like hundreds of other local families.
Do it for others
Because Kayman likely had the virus before he showed symptoms like his father, his mother Amanda Tamez also had to ride out a home quarantine.
She gets along great with her son, ex-husband and their family, so Amanda was allowed to be quarantined with the rest of the Tamez family, another much-appreciated pair of hands in a house with two recovering virus patients and three other young children also in quarantine.
She also said one of the scariest things about the coronavirus is the realization of how easily it can spread if people aren’t careful. If people don’t want to look out for themselves, they should do it for others.
People don’t realize that someone who make look vigorous and healthy may have a compromised immune system or have a higher risk of getting sick, Amanda said. “People look at others and don’t realize they have underlying health issues,” she said. “Like Kayman. He looks like a normal 14-year-old boy. He plays hockey, he runs around, so if you didn’t know you wouldn’t see he’s at (higher) risk.”
She also said having people know some of their local COVID-19 cases by name and not just a number, maybe they’ll be more thoughtful of others.
“If people can put a face to the virus and a family to the virus, it can make a difference,” Amanda said.
‘He won that one’
Looking back, Rafael said knowing his son likely got the virus from him. Being sick at the same time meant also that he was unable to help Kayman through it.
He also said he’s relieved that his son has shown remarkable resilience by bouncing back much faster than he did. That means some bragging rights for Kayman that his dad is glad to concede.
“When we were sick, we were joking around and we had a competition called the ‘Corona Challenge,’ for who can get better first,” Rafael said. “He definitely won that one.”


washingtontimes--2020-04-26--Pentagon focusing on most vital personnel for virus testing

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - With limited supplies of coronavirus tests available , the Pentagon is focusing first on testing those performing duties deemed most vital to national security .
Atop the list are the men and women who operate the nation ’ s nuclear forces , some counterterrorism forces , and the crew of a soon-to-deploy aircraft carrier .
Defense leaders hope to increase testing from the current rate of about 7,000 a day to 60,000 by June .
This will enable them to test those showing symptoms as well as those who do not .
The current tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phased approach , which includes testing sailors aboard the USS Nimitz , the Bremerton , Washington-based Navy carrier next in line to head to the Pacific .
Officials hope to avoid a repeat of problems that plagued the virus-stricken USS Theodore Roosevelt .
On Friday the Navy disclosed a virus outbreak aboard another ship at sea , the USS Kidd .
Despite President Donald Trump ’ s assertion that testing capacity is not an issue in the United States , Pentagon officials don ’ t expect to have enough tests for all service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Mark Esper recently approved the tiered approach .
It expands the Pentagon ’ s practice of testing mainly those who show symptoms of the virus to eventually testing everyone .
Many virus carriers show no symptoms but can be contagious , as was discovered aboard the Roosevelt .
The aim is to allocate testing materials to protect what the military considers its most important missions , while not depleting supplies for high-risk groups in the civilian population , including the elderly at nursing homes and health care professionals on the front lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tier of U.S. troops are being tested this month , followed in May and June by the second-highest priority group : forces in combat zones such as Syria , Iraq and Afghanistan .
Next will be those abroad outside of war zones , like troops in Europe and aboard ships at sea , as well as those returning to the United States from overseas deployments .
Last in line : the remainder of the force .
Gen. John Hyten , vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , said the first three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By then the Pentagon hopes to reach its goal of being able to conduct 60,000 tests per day .
To complete testing of the entire force will take “ into the summer , ” he said without being specific .
Hyten said that testing under this tiered approach started to step up in mid-April , and that it included a plan to fully test the crew of the Nimitz .
The complications that come with trying to test for coronavirus aboard a ship while it ’ s already underway were made clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ port at Guam in late March after discovering its first infections .
It wasn ’ t able to test 100 % of the crew until a few days ago .
Beyond its desire to limit the spread of the virus , the Pentagon views testing and associated measures such as isolating and quarantining troops as tools to keep the force viable and to ensure it can perform its central function : to defend the nation .
At least 3,900 members of the military had tested positive , including more than 850 from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and younger than the general U.S. population , are thought to be less vulnerable to COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus .
So far only two military members have died from it .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
The military ’ s staggered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , because of limited supplies and incomplete knowledge about the virus .
“ It is a supply issue right now , which is causing us not to be able to go down the full spectrum of all of the forces , ” Hyten said .
“ So we ’ ll have to — that ’ s why we came up with the tiered approach.
” Keeping coronavirus out of the nuclear force has been a high priority from the earliest days of this crisis .
There are several reasons for that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating those forces 24/7 is central to deterring an attack on the United States .
Also , there are limited numbers of military personnel certified to perform those missions , which include controlling Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missiles from cramped underground modules and operating nuclear-armed Ohio-class submarines .
Since early in the outbreak crisis , Minuteman 3 launch officers have been operating in the missile fields for 14 days at a time , an extraordinary arrangement for personnel who for years had done 24-hour shifts and then returned to base .
Gen. David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff , said Wednesday there are no COVID-positive cases in the nuclear force .
That ’ s a “ no fail ” mission , he said , that will have to work around the virus indefinitely .
Other first-tier forces , Goldfein said , are elements of the new Space Force , including those who operate Global Positioning System navigation satellites as well as the satellites that would provide early warning of a missile attack on the United States or its allies .
The Air Force and the other services are prioritizing testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ to make sure that as test kits become available , we ’ re able to put them where they are most needed.
” Goldfein said the military understands that the limited national supply of test kits means it can not have all that it would like .
“ One of the top priorities right now across the nation is nursing homes , ” he said .
“ I would not want to take tests away from that top national priority for my younger and healthier force .
As tests become available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we know where we need to put them .
”

WASHINGTON (AP) - With limited supplies of coronavirus tests available, the Pentagon is focusing first on testing those performing duties deemed most vital to national security. Atop the list are the men and women who operate the nation’s nuclear forces, some counterterrorism forces, and the crew of a soon-to-deploy aircraft carrier.
Defense leaders hope to increase testing from the current rate of about 7,000 a day to 60,000 by June. This will enable them to test those showing symptoms as well as those who do not.
The current tight supply forced the Pentagon to take a phased approach, which includes testing sailors aboard the USS Nimitz, the Bremerton, Washington-based Navy carrier next in line to head to the Pacific. Officials hope to avoid a repeat of problems that plagued the virus-stricken USS Theodore Roosevelt. On Friday the Navy disclosed a virus outbreak aboard another ship at sea, the USS Kidd.
Despite President Donald Trump’s assertion that testing capacity is not an issue in the United States, Pentagon officials don’t expect to have enough tests for all service members until sometime this summer.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper recently approved the tiered approach. It expands the Pentagon’s practice of testing mainly those who show symptoms of the virus to eventually testing everyone. Many virus carriers show no symptoms but can be contagious, as was discovered aboard the Roosevelt.
The aim is to allocate testing materials to protect what the military considers its most important missions, while not depleting supplies for high-risk groups in the civilian population, including the elderly at nursing homes and health care professionals on the front lines of battling the virus.
The first tier of U.S. troops are being tested this month, followed in May and June by the second-highest priority group: forces in combat zones such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Next will be those abroad outside of war zones, like troops in Europe and aboard ships at sea, as well as those returning to the United States from overseas deployments.
Last in line: the remainder of the force.
Gen. John Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the first three groups could be fully tested by June. By then the Pentagon hopes to reach its goal of being able to conduct 60,000 tests per day. To complete testing of the entire force will take “into the summer,” he said without being specific.
Hyten said that testing under this tiered approach started to step up in mid-April, and that it included a plan to fully test the crew of the Nimitz. The complications that come with trying to test for coronavirus aboard a ship while it’s already underway were made clear with the Roosevelt, which pulled into port at Guam in late March after discovering its first infections. It wasn’t able to test 100% of the crew until a few days ago.
Beyond its desire to limit the spread of the virus, the Pentagon views testing and associated measures such as isolating and quarantining troops as tools to keep the force viable and to ensure it can perform its central function: to defend the nation. At least 3,900 members of the military had tested positive, including more than 850 from the Roosevelt.
Military members, being fitter and younger than the general U.S. population, are thought to be less vulnerable to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. So far only two military members have died from it.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
The military’s staggered approach to testing is necessary, officials said, because of limited supplies and incomplete knowledge about the virus.
“It is a supply issue right now, which is causing us not to be able to go down the full spectrum of all of the forces,” Hyten said. “So we’ll have to — that’s why we came up with the tiered approach.”
Keeping coronavirus out of the nuclear force has been a high priority from the earliest days of this crisis. There are several reasons for that, including the Pentagon’s view that operating those forces 24/7 is central to deterring an attack on the United States. Also, there are limited numbers of military personnel certified to perform those missions, which include controlling Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missiles from cramped underground modules and operating nuclear-armed Ohio-class submarines.
Since early in the outbreak crisis, Minuteman 3 launch officers have been operating in the missile fields for 14 days at a time, an extraordinary arrangement for personnel who for years had done 24-hour shifts and then returned to base.
Gen. David Goldfein, the Air Force chief of staff, said Wednesday there are no COVID-positive cases in the nuclear force. That’s a “no fail” mission, he said, that will have to work around the virus indefinitely.
Other first-tier forces, Goldfein said, are elements of the new Space Force, including those who operate Global Positioning System navigation satellites as well as the satellites that would provide early warning of a missile attack on the United States or its allies.
The Air Force and the other services are prioritizing testing in their own ranks, he said, “to make sure that as test kits become available, we’re able to put them where they are most needed.”
Goldfein said the military understands that the limited national supply of test kits means it cannot have all that it would like.
“One of the top priorities right now across the nation is nursing homes,” he said. “I would not want to take tests away from that top national priority for my younger and healthier force. As tests become available, we’ve tiered them out and we know where we need to put them.”


washingtontimes--2020-04-26--Dale Zorn, Michigan Republican, sorry for face mask 'choice of pattern'

LANSING , Mich. — A Michigan lawmaker has apologized for wearing a face mask that appeared to depict the Confederate flag during a vote at the state Capitol .
State Sen. Dale Zorn , R-Ida , said in a statement Saturday he was sorry for his “ choice of pattern ” on the face mask he wore the day before .
“ I did not intend to offend anyone ; however , I realize that I did , and for that I am sorry .
Those who know me best know that I do not support the things this pattern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in judgment for which there are no excuses and I will learn from this episode , ” he said .
Zorn previously denied that the face covering - a red mask with blue stripes and white stars - was the Confederate flag , telling WLNS-TV on Friday that his wife made it and told him it was more similar to the Kentucky or Tennessee flag .
“ It was not a Confederate flag , ” he said .
“ I think even if it was a Confederate flag , you know , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history in schools and that ’ s part of our national history and it ’ s something we can ’ t just throw away because it is part of our history .
And if we want to make sure that the atrocities that happened during that time doesn ’ t happen again , we should be teaching it .
Our kids should know what that flag stands for.
” When asked by a reporter what the flag stands for , Zorn replied , “ the Confederacy .
”

LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan lawmaker has apologized for wearing a face mask that appeared to depict the Confederate flag during a vote at the state Capitol.
State Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, said in a statement Saturday he was sorry for his “choice of pattern” on the face mask he wore the day before.
“I did not intend to offend anyone; however, I realize that I did, and for that I am sorry. Those who know me best know that I do not support the things this pattern represents. My actions were an error in judgment for which there are no excuses and I will learn from this episode,” he said.
Zorn previously denied that the face covering - a red mask with blue stripes and white stars - was the Confederate flag, telling WLNS-TV on Friday that his wife made it and told him it was more similar to the Kentucky or Tennessee flag.
“It was not a Confederate flag,” he said. “I think even if it was a Confederate flag, you know, we should be talking about teaching our national history in schools and that’s part of our national history and it’s something we can’t just throw away because it is part of our history. And if we want to make sure that the atrocities that happened during that time doesn’t happen again, we should be teaching it. Our kids should know what that flag stands for.”
When asked by a reporter what the flag stands for, Zorn replied, “the Confederacy.”


washingtontimes--2020-04-26--Jane Castor, Tampa mayor, issues 'letter of apology' to Tom Brady

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. — When it comes to first impressions , Tampa didn ’ t exactly give the best of welcomes to one of its newest and most famous residents when NFL superstar Tom Brady was ejected from a downtown park while working out .
Mayor Jane Castor tried to make amends by issuing a letter of apology .
“ Tom , my apologies for the miscommunication when you arrived — not the best first impression , ” the mayor wrote in a letter she posted on social media on Saturday .
“ But given my law enforcement background , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone investigate the sighting of a G.O.A.T running wild in one of our beautiful city parks.
” The 42-year-old quarterback , widely known as “ the greatest of all time , ” has six Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots and recently joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
On Monday , Brady was working out at the park and spotted by staff patrol , who ordered the four-time Super Bowl MVP to leave because the park was closed to the public because of the coronavirus outbreak .
In her letter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good sport.
” The mayor thanked Brady and his wife , Gisele Bundchen , for their recent donation of 750,000 meals to Feeding Tampa Bay .
The letter was also addressed to Rob Gronkowski , more simply known as “ Gronk , ” who also bolted the Patriots to join the Tampa Bay roster .
With so many “ wonderful activities , ” the mayor said , listing the area ’ s long list of offerings , “ you must be ready to pARRGHty…but not too hard ( I ’ m talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was perhaps referring to Gronkowski ’ s penchant for playing hard on and off the field .
Tampa hosts next year ’ s Super Bowl and the city is looking to Brady and Gronkowski to help the Buccaneers be the first team to win an NFL championship in its own backyard .
With the coronavirus outbreak preventing large gatherings , the mayor said the welcome would have to be virtual for now , saying that a “ proper Tampa welcome will have to wait for a while .
”

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — When it comes to first impressions, Tampa didn’t exactly give the best of welcomes to one of its newest and most famous residents when NFL superstar Tom Brady was ejected from a downtown park while working out.
Mayor Jane Castor tried to make amends by issuing a letter of apology.
“Tom, my apologies for the miscommunication when you arrived — not the best first impression,” the mayor wrote in a letter she posted on social media on Saturday.
“But given my law enforcement background, I couldn’t help but have someone investigate the sighting of a G.O.A.T running wild in one of our beautiful city parks.”
The 42-year-old quarterback, widely known as “the greatest of all time,” has six Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots and recently joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On Monday, Brady was working out at the park and spotted by staff patrol, who ordered the four-time Super Bowl MVP to leave because the park was closed to the public because of the coronavirus outbreak.
In her letter, the mayor thanked Brady “for being a good sport.”
The mayor thanked Brady and his wife, Gisele Bundchen, for their recent donation of 750,000 meals to Feeding Tampa Bay.
The letter was also addressed to Rob Gronkowski, more simply known as “Gronk,” who also bolted the Patriots to join the Tampa Bay roster.
With so many “wonderful activities,” the mayor said, listing the area’s long list of offerings, “you must be ready to pARRGHty…but not too hard (I’m talking to you Gronk).”
She was perhaps referring to Gronkowski’s penchant for playing hard on and off the field.
Tampa hosts next year’s Super Bowl and the city is looking to Brady and Gronkowski to help the Buccaneers be the first team to win an NFL championship in its own backyard.
With the coronavirus outbreak preventing large gatherings, the mayor said the welcome would have to be virtual for now, saying that a “proper Tampa welcome will have to wait for a while.”