buzzfeed--2020-04-24--News O'Clock: Pandemic Parenting 101

News O'Clock: Pandemic Parenting 101

Check out the full episode transcript here : Hayes Brown : If you want to own Florence Pugh 's May Queen dress , from Midsommar , you 've got some major competition .
The guy who was in charge of developing vaccines for the US says he got demoted , and we have BuzzFeed Parenting editor Mike Spohr with us to talk about the trials and tribulations of being a parent these days .
CR : And I 'm Casey Rackham .
Welcome to News O'Clock .
Before we get started , Hayes , please tell me that I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are just some limits to what is and is not good quarantine television and I found mine the other night .
HB : Okay , yeah , I definitely agree with you , but what happened to you ?
CR : Okay .
Our mutual friend Alana , who used to work at BuzzFeed , had the nerve , the audacity to turn to me the other night and say , `` Should we re-watch Glee ? ''
HB : Oh .
Oh no .
CR : Okay , do not get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good Glee performance compilation .
You could go to my YouTube history from years ago and see that I 've watched them all , but just know , a pandemic is not the time to go down this road again .
HB : I can completely agree with that .
I would not start up Glee again .
I watched seasons I think up through three and I love Do n't Stop Believing , et cetera , still gives me chills , but no , I could n't do a full re-watch .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they go to regionals and stuff .
It 's cool because I ca n't sing so I like watching them all sing together .
But if BuzzFeed has a post titled 21 Times Glee Was actually Really Problematic , it 's not a show I want to revisit .
HB : That tracks .
I mean I could watch it if there was literally nothing else , my only hard limit right now is I ca n't watch anything too stressful .
If it 's something that has me like clenched up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , I do n't need that when I 'm watching TV .
CR : No , I know .
I do n't have any hard nos , I only have a hard yes right now and it 's Survivor .
I do n't know why , I 've watched Survivor like my whole life .
HB : Is Survivor still on ?
CR : Okay , yes .
Oh , do n't even get me started .
Okay , I 'm going to tell you .
Okay , it 's season 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special season .
So it 's a special season , right ?
Every single contestant has won Survivor already .
Okay ?
So it 's just Winners at War .
HB : Oh my God .
It 's a battle of champions .
CR : And instead of winning $ 1 million , they win $ 2 million .
I love it so much and it inspired me to start re-watching it all .
And I really think it has to be that like you , I just ca n't sit down and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now that 's just going to bring me down .
So Survivor 's just lifting me up .
HB : Okay .
Speaking unfortunately of survival , we 're going to do things a little differently today and in the interest of staying true to our BuzzFeed heritage , today 's corona update will be in list format .
So here 's the five things you need to know today about COVID-19 .
HB : One , lots of people in New York City may have already had the coronavirus .
Governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a test of random people walking out and about and grocery shopping in New York City , 21 % of people had COVID-19 antibodies , which is a big number .
But our science editor would caution me that this is just one study , so there 's not really a lot conclusive there , but still a lot of people .
HB : Okay , number two .
The guy who was in charge of developing vaccines for the US says he was punished for not pushing a drug that Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement yesterday , Rick Bright said he was removed from his job as the director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority , or BARDA , because he refused to push hydroxychloroquine , which the president and his allies have touted even without proper scientific study .
In his statement , Bright said , `` I 'm speaking out because to combat this deadly virus , science , not politics or cronyism , has to lead the way . ''
HB : Number three .
Trump actually said he disagrees with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprised a lot of people during his presser yesterday by saying he thought Georgia governor Brian Kemp was making a mistake in having businesses reopen even though the governor had to make his own decision .
Donald Trump : I told the governor of Georgia , Brian Kemp , that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the phase one guidelines for the incredible people of Georgia .
They 're incredible people .
HB : While this was a change of heart for Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people do want to stay inside .
Vast majorities of Americans are okay with the stay at home orders .
HB : Number four , Elizabeth Warren 's oldest brother died Tuesday from complications related to the novel coronavirus .
It was announced this morning that Donald Reed Herring passed away , he was 86 years old .
Warren in a statement said he was charming and funny , a natural leader .
Reed appeared in a campaign ad with her when she was still running for president .
HB : And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scary enough already , COVID-19 may or may not cause strokes in younger people under 50 .
One doctor reported seeing that COVID-19 infection can cause blood to clot in unusual ways and a stroke would be an expected consequence of that .
So enjoy folks .
And those are the five things you need to know .
CR : Oh my God .
I 'm depressed Hayes , that was a lot for me .
HB : It was a lot for everyone .
I 'm sorry , but here we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's just so wild how much we do not know about the coronavirus yet and how much we 're learning on a day to day basis just from people already having all the antibodies in New York City to causing strokes .
That 's all insane .
It 's a lot .
HB : It is in fact .
CR : Okay , well because I ca n't be depressed for too much longer , it 's time for today 's good news and bad news and you better believe I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : As you might guess from the name , this is where I bring you some of the most , `` aw , '' and some of the most , `` oh my God , no , '' stories from around the internet .
Today we have good news for the Juggalos of the world .
The Insane Clown Posse wants you to stay healthy .
The metal rap duo announced yesterday that the annual Gathering of the Juggalos is off because of the coronavirus .
I mean they 've been gathering every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the mud and other weird debauchery wrapped in what everyone says is a whole lot of community .
So in their announcement , ICP said , `` The bottom line is we refuse to risk even one Juggalo life by hosting a gathering during these troubled times . ''
And wow , I mean , that 's leadership , taking care of your fan base like that .
Good for them .
HB : Good for them .
I knew several Juggalos growing up because they 're from Michigan where I spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Faygo and I 've got to say , I 'm sorry for any Juggalos who may be listening .
It 's okay , the soda 's all right .
Your red pop is the best strawberry flavor soda out there , but otherwise , eh .
CR : Wow Hayes .
Okay , okay .
When you get the comments , do n't come running to me .
And onto the bad news , if you had hopes of one day owning Florence Pugh 's May Queen flower dress from the movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competition .
So the film studio A24 is having an auction for charities in New York and they 're selling off things that include the blinged out Furby from the Adam Sandler film Uncut Gems , the bear suit from Midsommar and the time capsule from Eighth Grade .
But the hot ticket item is definitely the May Queen flower dress because none other than Ariana Grande wants it and she wants it bad .
Apparently when this bidding auction popped up , she got a bunch of texts from all of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to get this dress , '' and now it 's led to a back and forth with Florence Pugh who wore the dress in the movie and how it has armholes for wine .
HB : I hope she gets it .
I really do .
Who would dare bid against Ariana Grande day for this dress ?
Who would do that ?
CR : No one .
She deserves the dress .
It belongs to her .
HB : Oh , can you imagine having the bear suit bought for you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
CR : No , you need to end your relationship with whoever bought the bear suit for you .
CR : Oh my God .
Okay .
Well , when we come back , we 're talking with Mike Spohr about how parents are doing as they shelter in place with their children .
Stick around .
HB : All right , welcome back .
It 's time for Say More , this is where we get to talk some of the best people out there into spending some quality time with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little over a month in for most people staying at home , including kids who have had their schools closed , that means parents are dealing with a lot right now .
HB : Being childless millennials ourselves , we wanted to know how that 's going .
So we 're glad to have on BuzzFeed Parenting editor , Mike Spohr .
Hello Mike .
Mike Spohr : Hi .
How are you guys ?
Making it through and we do n't have children to teach , so .
That 's better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so let 's get this out of the way .
How many kids do you have and have you decided which one is your emergency food supply ?
I have two .
I have a 10 year old girl named Annabelle , she 's a fourth grader .
And then I have a six year old first grader named James , and I think I 'd probably eat my own arm first if we had to get down to that .
No , that 's such a dad answer .
No , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you than the other .
Anyway , so I remember though at the start of this , a lot of parents out there were posting schedules for their kids .
Like , `` First we have art hour and then we have reading and then math . ''
But then by the end of the second week they were just like , `` F this . ''
Did you go through the same process ?
It is .
Well you know it 's really hard and what 's happening is the schools have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They 've actually set up a distance learning program where the kids actually interface with their teachers and do assignments and so they 've been setting that up .
My wife has actually been every morning writing on a board everything the kids have to do and she sets up like a schedule .
My kids likes to be scheduled , kids like schedule , and so that 's been good for them to check the board .
But we 're still doing it basically because the schools are doing it so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to worry about juggling a work life balance forever .
Has that become harder or easier with everyone home all the time ?
Oh boy , it 's a lot harder .
I mean we work in the office at BuzzFeed , so when I get in my car and I drive off to BuzzFeed I 've got my eight hour window where I can just focus on what we 're doing and get that done .
But being home , you sit down and you try to work for five minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` Can I get something to eat ? ''
Like , `` Okay , what do you want ? ''
So you 've got to get them food and then you work for five more minutes and then you hear that they need help with a math problem or something because just because they 're doing all this stuff at home does n't mean they do n't have questions .
And so they do have a lot of questions and you 're trying to figure out fourth grade math again before you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
So it 's been definitely challenging that way .
Wait , so how long have you been editing the parenting section at BuzzFeed ?
I joined BuzzFeed in 2013 and that was the first parenting content that we ever had at that time .
It was kind of thought to be a weird direction for BuzzFeed to go because BuzzFeed was n't known for parenting in any way .
But we started from then and now we 've got a few writers who do parenting stuff and it 's kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Makes total sense , we 're all unfortunately getting older as millennials and having kids .
So based on what you 've seen in that time , have you found parents wanting different content over the last month or so ?
Yes , I think so .
What they really want mainly is humor and funny stuff and stuff where they can see what other parents are going through as well .
It used to be at times that stuff that would do well would be kind of service-y stuff where you would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or how you could set up your home better .
But really parents do n't want to hear that right now , they do n't want to hear it .
Do n't tell me how to be a parent right now .
Right now what they want to see is just basically how are other parents surviving .
Do you have a funny joke ?
They 're trying to survive that way .
What 's been the hardest part about working through this crisis with your kids ?
Do they get what 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do understand what 's happening , but thankfully they do n't seem too worried about it as you would expect , which is good .
My son is kind of like okay with staying home because that means there 's a lot of video game time .
We do n't have to go out and do stuff so he 's happy to do this .
But my daughter has kind of hit the wall and she misses friends and she 's a big softball player so she misses her team and she misses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hard and trying to kind of tell her it 's going to be better when you get back and when you get back to everything .
That 's important and I worry my son 's going to turn into like a feral creature if we keep staying in the house too much longer .
He needs to get back into the real world too , so .
He needs to be properly socialized .
He does , it 's true .
Are they at least providing some much needed humor throughout all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had one thing happen the other day that was pretty funny .
I was telling you that they have to do all this work with the school and the way it 's set up is on a computer .
They 'll log onto a website and they have these assignments and they have to complete these assignments .
And one of the neat things they do to kind of keep the kids close to each other is that they make the kids leave comments for the other kids .
So if you put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paragraph or two about your day , the kids have to go on and leave comments .
And for the little kids like my son who 's six , they leave voice comments .
And if you leave a voice comment , the teacher then goes through and listens to the voice comment , make sure it 's appropriate , and if it is , they hit approve and the kid gets to see the message and it 's this wonderful thing .
Well , on Tuesday I got an email from my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son James had gone through and left a voice message on all 31 of his classmates ' work .
And the message was simply , `` It 's Wednesday , my dudes . ''
And he just left that message 31 times .
So the teacher , the poor teacher , she had to go through and like , `` Well , let 's see if James ' first message is appropriate , '' and she listens to , `` it 's Wednesday , my dudes . ''
Not appropriate .
Well let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's Wednesday , my dudes . ''
Message three , `` It 's Wednesday , my dudes . ''
It 's , it 's , it 's , it 's [ crosstalk 00:14:46 ] .
Oh my God .
Yeah , she was not very happy in the email .
You can tell that tone when teachers are being very teacher like and professional and nice but they 're also kind of annoyed .
So we had to talk to James .
The problem also with the it 's Wednesday , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yeah , we talked to him about what 's appropriate and even though we 're at home , you 're still in a school setting and you 've still got to act appropriately and yeah .
But you know , what do you do ?
Okay , so real talk .
How do you feel when your non child having coworkers say or post things like , `` I 'm bored at home with nothing to do . ''
Well , having worked at BuzzFeed for seven years now with a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
People will come in and they 'll be like , `` I am so tired .
I was watching this Netflix show and oh my God , I 'm just so tired . ''
And meanwhile I 'm thinking back to being up five times in the night with my newborn .
And I 'm like , `` Oh , you 're tired from the Netflix show , '' so I 'm used to it .
Okay , last thing .
Yesterday we played a bit of a Sesame Street PSA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to just breathe .
What would your PSA for parents be right now ?
Oh boy , that 's a good one .
I think the idea of breathing is good and also just remembering that this will pass and just like anything in parenting when it 's hard , eventually it 's over and you 're onto the next thing and things are better and you just have to be patient and kind of get through it .
And I think that not just for parents , but I guess anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years into the future , a year into the future , whatever it may be , things are going to be different .
Things are going to be better .
We 'll be back to more normalcy and I think just trying to keep that view of the future and where we 'll be is a good idea .
CR : Oh , well Mike , thank you so much for joining us .
All of you stay healthy .
MS : Thank you .
Thanks for having me .
CR : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys today , one that I 'm sure wo n't cause any fights between you and your loved ones .
It 's called Got To Pick One .
MS : Oh no , I 'm already dreading this .
MS : Okay , how is this going to work ?
CR : Okay , I 'm going to give you a topic and a few options , all very good options .
Then you have to pick just one to exist in this world .
The others get cast off into the Negaverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CR : None at all .
CR : Okay , today we 're doing two rounds , both sets of movies .
First up , we 've got teen movies .
Of these four you can only pick one , the rest were never , ever , ever made .
Okay , here they are .
One , Clueless , two , Mean Girls , three , 10 things I Hate About You and four , Bring It On .
Which one are you keeping forever ?
HB : Oh , I hate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad .
All of those are so important to me and my life .
HB : Am I a racist for getting rid of Bring It On ?
Am I offensive to the women of California if I get rid of Clueless ?
Okay , I think I have to choose 10 Things I Hate About You to stick around .
That 's the one that has to exist for me .
CR : Oh yes , 100 % .
I mean fun fact about me , 10 Things I Hate About You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not teen movies , no genre , it is my favorite movie .
I could watch it every day .
HB : That makes my heart happy because it is a perfect film .
CR : I 've seen Letters to Cleo three times , they 're the band that plays within 10 Things I Hate About You .
HB : I am well aware of that fact .
Their cover of I Want You To Want Me is high art .
HB : Okay so , sorry to Mean Girls and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for getting rid of that .
You are also in my heart , but I had to give it up for 10 Things .
CR : I know , it 's a difficult decision , but one that has to be made .
Okay , moving on .
The next round is comedies .
One , Bridesmaids , two , The Princess Bride , three , The 40-Year-Old Virgin , four , Superbad .
HB : Oh man .
I 've realized within the last few years that comedies and I , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't know what 's wrong with me .
Especially if you go back to the 2000s , so I 've got to give it up for The Princess Bride .
That one has to stay .
That has to stay in existence .
CR : That 's just like a classic choice .
You could watch that all of the time .
Okay , another fun fact about me .
When I was younger , I did try and build up a cyanide resistance eating apple seeds .
HB : Oh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Yeah , like Westley because I loved The Princess Bride so much .
No one try that at home , okay ?
It turns out that there 's different types of cyanide and the apple seed one just builds up in your system forever , so do n't do that one .
HB : I 'm glad that you are still alive , Casey .
Kids do not try this at home .
We 're going to edit that to add that on to the end of the last segment where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's some advice for your everyday life .
CR : I 'm sorry .
Okay .
If you want to take the rest of this quiz online , head over to buzzfeed.com and look out for the post titled You Can Only Pick One Movie For Every Genre .
HB : And we want to hear from you out there listeners .
Of these two categories , which one would you save ?
Let us know and tell us why .
Just open the voice memo app on your phone , record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending this from , and email it to us at newsoclock @ buzzfeed.com .
That 's newsoclock , all one word , at buzzfeed.com CR : Or DM us on Twitter at newsoclock .
We 're going to be gathering up the best answers you all send in and compiling them into one mega list , so be sure to listen out for yours .
HB : Okay , we have time for one more thing because we can not let you go until we talk about this .
The coronavirus commercials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't know about you , but I really feel bad for the marketers of the world right now .
CR : Wait , the marketers , that 's who you feel bad for ?
HB : In a weird attachment to late stage capitalism kind of way , yes .
I feel bad for them .
CR : Okay , if Stockholm syndrome were at all real , I 'd say you have it .
HB : Probably yes , but watching TV , the commercials are just so grim .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reflect everything , things are just getting hell out of hand though .
CR : No , that 's true .
Commercials were pretty weird and confusing before this , but now you just have no idea what they 're selling with all of their weird empathy .
HB : I just really ca n't decide what 's more jarring at this point , the commercials where people are just outside hanging out together or GoDaddy reassuring me that even as the bodies pile up , you can still build a website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you heard the super cut of all of those commercials ?
HB : I have not , but now I feel like I absolutely need to .
CR : Okay , good .
This went up last week from YouTube user , Microsoft Sam .
We open with a soft piano that tells us your feelings .
We 're about to exploit the shit out of them .
The company lets you know that they 've been around long enough that your grandparents know them .
Commercial : Since 1926 .
Since 1978 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
For over 80 years .
In 90 years .
Over 100 years .
CR : A somber voice reminds you that everything is kind of fucked .
Commercial : During these difficult times .
In these troubled times .
In challenging times .
Trying times .
In these times of uncertainty .
During this time of great uncertainty .
During these- CR : And then they finish by telling you that the thing that will make this all better , their product .
HB : Wow .
That was exactly what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convince me to buy a new thing .
CR : Things .
That 's what you need right now .
HB : All right , that 's it for today .
Join us tomorrow when we talk about self care and its limits during a pandemic .
CR : And remember , there is no I in team , but there is a U in virus so please stay the hell home .
HB : Be sure to subscribe to News O'Clock on the iHeartRadio app , Apple podcast , or wherever you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : And please take the time to leave us a rating and a review .
It helps us figure out what you like about the show versus what you love about the show .
And tell all your friends to set their alarm so that you never miss News O'Clock .

Check out the full episode transcript here:
Hayes Brown: If you want to own Florence Pugh's May Queen dress, from Midsommar, you've got some major competition. The guy who was in charge of developing vaccines for the US says he got demoted, and we have BuzzFeed Parenting editor Mike Spohr with us to talk about the trials and tribulations of being a parent these days.
Casey Rackham: The date, April 23rd, 2020.
HB: The time, News O’Clock.
HB: Good afternoon, I'm Hayes Brown.
CR: And I'm Casey Rackham. Welcome to News O'Clock. Before we get started, Hayes, please tell me that I am not alone in this.
HB: In what?
CR: There are just some limits to what is and is not good quarantine television and I found mine the other night.
HB: Okay, yeah, I definitely agree with you, but what happened to you?
CR: Okay. Our mutual friend Alana, who used to work at BuzzFeed, had the nerve, the audacity to turn to me the other night and say, "Should we re-watch Glee?"
HB: Oh. Oh no.
CR: Okay, do not get me wrong, I love me a good Glee performance compilation. You could go to my YouTube history from years ago and see that I've watched them all, but just know, a pandemic is not the time to go down this road again.
HB: I can completely agree with that. I would not start up Glee again. I watched seasons I think up through three and I love Don't Stop Believing, et cetera, still gives me chills, but no, I couldn't do a full re-watch.
CR: Yeah, I love when they go to regionals and stuff. It's cool because I can't sing so I like watching them all sing together. But if BuzzFeed has a post titled 21 Times Glee Was actually Really Problematic, it's not a show I want to revisit.
HB: That tracks. I mean I could watch it if there was literally nothing else, my only hard limit right now is I can't watch anything too stressful. If it's something that has me like clenched up, the rest of my day is for that, I don't need that when I'm watching TV.
CR: No, I know. I don't have any hard nos, I only have a hard yes right now and it's Survivor. I don't know why, I've watched Survivor like my whole life.
HB: Is Survivor still on?
CR: Okay, yes. Oh, don't even get me started. Okay, I'm going to tell you. Okay, it's season 40.
HB: Oh my God.
CR: And it's a special season. So it's a special season, right? Every single contestant has won Survivor already. Okay? So it's just Winners at War.
HB: Oh my God. It's a battle of champions.
CR: And instead of winning $1 million, they win $2 million. I love it so much and it inspired me to start re-watching it all. And I really think it has to be that like you, I just can't sit down and watch something with a really difficult plot right now that's just going to bring me down. So Survivor's just lifting me up.
HB: Okay. Speaking unfortunately of survival, we're going to do things a little differently today and in the interest of staying true to our BuzzFeed heritage, today's corona update will be in list format. So here's the five things you need to know today about COVID-19.
HB: One, lots of people in New York City may have already had the coronavirus. Governor Andrew Cuomo said this morning that in a test of random people walking out and about and grocery shopping in New York City, 21% of people had COVID-19 antibodies, which is a big number. But our science editor would caution me that this is just one study, so there's not really a lot conclusive there, but still a lot of people.
HB: Okay, number two. The guy who was in charge of developing vaccines for the US says he was punished for not pushing a drug that Trump said could work miracles. So in a statement yesterday, Rick Bright said he was removed from his job as the director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, because he refused to push hydroxychloroquine, which the president and his allies have touted even without proper scientific study. In his statement, Bright said, "I'm speaking out because to combat this deadly virus, science, not politics or cronyism, has to lead the way."
HB: Number three. Trump actually said he disagrees with the Georgia governor reopening the state. Trump surprised a lot of people during his presser yesterday by saying he thought Georgia governor Brian Kemp was making a mistake in having businesses reopen even though the governor had to make his own decision.
Donald Trump: I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the phase one guidelines for the incredible people of Georgia. They're incredible people.
HB: While this was a change of heart for Trump, recent polling has showed that a lot of people do want to stay inside. Vast majorities of Americans are okay with the stay at home orders.
HB: Number four, Elizabeth Warren's oldest brother died Tuesday from complications related to the novel coronavirus. It was announced this morning that Donald Reed Herring passed away, he was 86 years old. Warren in a statement said he was charming and funny, a natural leader. Reed appeared in a campaign ad with her when she was still running for president.
HB: And five, as if things weren't scary enough already, COVID-19 may or may not cause strokes in younger people under 50. One doctor reported seeing that COVID-19 infection can cause blood to clot in unusual ways and a stroke would be an expected consequence of that. So enjoy folks. And those are the five things you need to know.
CR: Oh my God. I'm depressed Hayes, that was a lot for me.
HB: It was a lot for everyone. I'm sorry, but here we are.
CR: But it is, it's just so wild how much we do not know about the coronavirus yet and how much we're learning on a day to day basis just from people already having all the antibodies in New York City to causing strokes. That's all insane. It's a lot.
HB: It is in fact.
CR: Okay, well because I can't be depressed for too much longer, it's time for today's good news and bad news and you better believe I'm starting with the good news.
CR: As you might guess from the name, this is where I bring you some of the most, "aw," and some of the most, "oh my God, no," stories from around the internet. Today we have good news for the Juggalos of the world. The Insane Clown Posse wants you to stay healthy. The metal rap duo announced yesterday that the annual Gathering of the Juggalos is off because of the coronavirus. I mean they've been gathering every year for 20 years for mosh pits in the mud and other weird debauchery wrapped in what everyone says is a whole lot of community. So in their announcement, ICP said, "The bottom line is we refuse to risk even one Juggalo life by hosting a gathering during these troubled times." And wow, I mean, that's leadership, taking care of your fan base like that. Good for them.
HB: Good for them. I knew several Juggalos growing up because they're from Michigan where I spent my teen years. They're obsessed with Faygo and I've got to say, I'm sorry for any Juggalos who may be listening. It's okay, the soda's all right. Your red pop is the best strawberry flavor soda out there, but otherwise, eh.
CR: Wow Hayes. Okay, okay. When you get the comments, don't come running to me. And onto the bad news, if you had hopes of one day owning Florence Pugh's May Queen flower dress from the movie Midsommar, you've got some serious competition. So the film studio A24 is having an auction for charities in New York and they're selling off things that include the blinged out Furby from the Adam Sandler film Uncut Gems, the bear suit from Midsommar and the time capsule from Eighth Grade. But the hot ticket item is definitely the May Queen flower dress because none other than Ariana Grande wants it and she wants it bad. Apparently when this bidding auction popped up, she got a bunch of texts from all of her friends that were like, "You need to get this dress," and now it's led to a back and forth with Florence Pugh who wore the dress in the movie and how it has armholes for wine.
HB: I hope she gets it. I really do. Who would dare bid against Ariana Grande day for this dress? Who would do that?
CR: No one. She deserves the dress. It belongs to her.
HB: Oh, can you imagine having the bear suit bought for you though? Can you even picture that?
CR: No, you need to end your relationship with whoever bought the bear suit for you.
HB: Done, canceled, broken up.
CR: Oh my God. Okay. Well, when we come back, we're talking with Mike Spohr about how parents are doing as they shelter in place with their children. Stick around.
HB: All right, welcome back. It's time for Say More, this is where we get to talk some of the best people out there into spending some quality time with us.
CR: We're a little over a month in for most people staying at home, including kids who have had their schools closed, that means parents are dealing with a lot right now.
HB: Being childless millennials ourselves, we wanted to know how that's going. So we're glad to have on BuzzFeed Parenting editor, Mike Spohr. Hello Mike.
Mike Spohr: Hi. How are you guys?
CR:
Good.
HB:
Making it through.
CR:
Making it through and we don't have children to teach, so.
MS:
Yeah.
CR:
Okay.
MS:
That's better than what I'm dealing with.
CR:
Okay, so let's get this out of the way. How many kids do you have and have you decided which one is your emergency food supply?
MS:
I have two. I have a 10 year old girl named Annabelle, she's a fourth grader. And then I have a six year old first grader named James, and I think I'd probably eat my own arm first if we had to get down to that.
HB:
Oh, what a dad answer.
CR:
Oh, good answer Mike.
HB:
No, that's such a dad answer. No, one of them has more nutrition for you than the other. Anyway, so I remember though at the start of this, a lot of parents out there were posting schedules for their kids. Like, "First we have art hour and then we have reading and then math." But then by the end of the second week they were just like, "F this." Did you go through the same process?
MS:
It is. Well you know it's really hard and what's happening is the schools have been kind of dictating what we do. They've actually set up a distance learning program where the kids actually interface with their teachers and do assignments and so they've been setting that up. My wife has actually been every morning writing on a board everything the kids have to do and she sets up like a schedule. My kids likes to be scheduled, kids like schedule, and so that's been good for them to check the board. But we're still doing it basically because the schools are doing it so we have no choice.
CR:
Parents have had to worry about juggling a work life balance forever. Has that become harder or easier with everyone home all the time?
MS:
Oh boy, it's a lot harder. I mean we work in the office at BuzzFeed, so when I get in my car and I drive off to BuzzFeed I've got my eight hour window where I can just focus on what we're doing and get that done. But being home, you sit down and you try to work for five minutes and the next thing you hear is, "Can I get something to eat?" Like, "Okay, what do you want?" So you've got to get them food and then you work for five more minutes and then you hear that they need help with a math problem or something because just because they're doing all this stuff at home doesn't mean they don't have questions. And so they do have a lot of questions and you're trying to figure out fourth grade math again before you jump back into trying to do your work. So it's been definitely challenging that way.
HB:
Wait, so how long have you been editing the parenting section at BuzzFeed?
MS:
I joined BuzzFeed in 2013 and that was the first parenting content that we ever had at that time. It was kind of thought to be a weird direction for BuzzFeed to go because BuzzFeed wasn't known for parenting in any way. But we started from then and now we've got a few writers who do parenting stuff and it's kind of a known vertical for BuzzFeed now.
HB:
Makes total sense, we're all unfortunately getting older as millennials and having kids. So based on what you've seen in that time, have you found parents wanting different content over the last month or so?
MS:
Yes, I think so. What they really want mainly is humor and funny stuff and stuff where they can see what other parents are going through as well. It used to be at times that stuff that would do well would be kind of service-y stuff where you would talk about how you can parent better or how you could set up your home better. But really parents don't want to hear that right now, they don't want to hear it. Don't tell me how to be a parent right now. Right now what they want to see is just basically how are other parents surviving. Do you have a funny joke? They're trying to survive that way.
CR:
What's been the hardest part about working through this crisis with your kids? Do they get what's happening?
MS:
It's interesting, they do understand what's happening, but thankfully they don't seem too worried about it as you would expect, which is good. My son is kind of like okay with staying home because that means there's a lot of video game time. We don't have to go out and do stuff so he's happy to do this. But my daughter has kind of hit the wall and she misses friends and she's a big softball player so she misses her team and she misses a school as well. So that's hard and trying to kind of tell her it's going to be better when you get back and when you get back to everything. That's important and I worry my son's going to turn into like a feral creature if we keep staying in the house too much longer. He needs to get back into the real world too, so.
HB:
He needs to be properly socialized.
MS:
He does, it's true.
HB:
Are they at least providing some much needed humor throughout all this?
MS:
Oh they are. I had one thing happen the other day that was pretty funny. I was telling you that they have to do all this work with the school and the way it's set up is on a computer. They'll log onto a website and they have these assignments and they have to complete these assignments. And one of the neat things they do to kind of keep the kids close to each other is that they make the kids leave comments for the other kids. So if you put up, let's say a little paragraph or two about your day, the kids have to go on and leave comments. And for the little kids like my son who's six, they leave voice comments. And if you leave a voice comment, the teacher then goes through and listens to the voice comment, make sure it's appropriate, and if it is, they hit approve and the kid gets to see the message and it's this wonderful thing.
MS:
Well, on Tuesday I got an email from my son's teacher informing me that my son James had gone through and left a voice message on all 31 of his classmates' work. And the message was simply, "It's Wednesday, my dudes." And he just left that message 31 times. So the teacher, the poor teacher, she had to go through and like, "Well, let's see if James' first message is appropriate," and she listens to, "it's Wednesday, my dudes." Not appropriate. Well let's go to message two. "It's Wednesday, my dudes." Message three, "It's Wednesday, my dudes."
HB:
It's, it's, it's, it's [crosstalk 00:14:46]. Oh my God.
MS:
Yeah, she was not very happy in the email. You can tell that tone when teachers are being very teacher like and professional and nice but they're also kind of annoyed. So we had to talk to James. The problem also with the it's Wednesday, my dudes was it was Tuesday.
HB:
So close. So close.
MS:
So yeah, we talked to him about what's appropriate and even though we're at home, you're still in a school setting and you've still got to act appropriately and yeah. But you know, what do you do?
CR:
Okay, so real talk. How do you feel when your non child having coworkers say or post things like, "I'm bored at home with nothing to do."
MS:
Well, having worked at BuzzFeed for seven years now with a lot of young people, I'm used to that. People will come in and they'll be like, "I am so tired. I was watching this Netflix show and oh my God, I'm just so tired." And meanwhile I'm thinking back to being up five times in the night with my newborn. And I'm like, "Oh, you're tired from the Netflix show," so I'm used to it.
HB:
Well, sorry.
CR:
Sorry Mike.
HB:
Okay, last thing. Yesterday we played a bit of a Sesame Street PSA for parents with Elmo's dad reminding them to just breathe. What would your PSA for parents be right now?
MS:
Oh boy, that's a good one. I think the idea of breathing is good and also just remembering that this will pass and just like anything in parenting when it's hard, eventually it's over and you're onto the next thing and things are better and you just have to be patient and kind of get through it. And I think that not just for parents, but I guess anyone, I think if we project ourselves two years into the future, a year into the future, whatever it may be, things are going to be different. Things are going to be better. We'll be back to more normalcy and I think just trying to keep that view of the future and where we'll be is a good idea.
CR: Oh, well Mike, thank you so much for joining us. All of you stay healthy.
MS: Thank you. Thanks for having me.
CR: We're trying something new for you guys today, one that I'm sure won't cause any fights between you and your loved ones. It's called Got To Pick One.
MS: Oh no, I'm already dreading this.
CR: Embrace the dread.
MS: Okay, how is this going to work?
CR: Okay, I'm going to give you a topic and a few options, all very good options. Then you have to pick just one to exist in this world. The others get cast off into the Negaverse never to be heard from again.
MS: So no pressure.
CR: None at all.
CR: Okay, today we're doing two rounds, both sets of movies. First up, we've got teen movies. Of these four you can only pick one, the rest were never, ever, ever made. Okay, here they are. One, Clueless, two, Mean Girls, three, 10 things I Hate About You and four, Bring It On. Which one are you keeping forever?
HB: Oh, I hate this already. Oh, this is bad. All of those are so important to me and my life.
CR: You're correct.
HB: Am I a racist for getting rid of Bring It On? Am I offensive to the women of California if I get rid of Clueless? Okay, I think I have to choose 10 Things I Hate About You to stick around. That's the one that has to exist for me.
CR: Oh yes, 100%. I mean fun fact about me, 10 Things I Hate About You is my favorite movie of all time. Not teen movies, no genre, it is my favorite movie. I could watch it every day.
HB: That makes my heart happy because it is a perfect film.
CR: I've seen Letters to Cleo three times, they're the band that plays within 10 Things I Hate About You.
HB: I am well aware of that fact. Their cover of I Want You To Want Me is high art.
CR: So good.
HB: Okay so, sorry to Mean Girls and Tina Fey and Lindsay Lohan's career for getting rid of that. You are also in my heart, but I had to give it up for 10 Things.
CR: I know, it's a difficult decision, but one that has to be made. Okay, moving on. The next round is comedies. One, Bridesmaids, two, The Princess Bride, three, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, four, Superbad.
HB: Oh man. I've realized within the last few years that comedies and I, I don't like most mainstream comedies. I don't know what's wrong with me. Especially if you go back to the 2000s, so I've got to give it up for The Princess Bride. That one has to stay. That has to stay in existence.
CR: That's just like a classic choice. You could watch that all of the time. Okay, another fun fact about me. When I was younger, I did try and build up a cyanide resistance eating apple seeds.
HB: Oh my God, like Westley?
CR: Yeah, like Westley because I loved The Princess Bride so much. No one try that at home, okay? It turns out that there's different types of cyanide and the apple seed one just builds up in your system forever, so don't do that one.
HB: I'm glad that you are still alive, Casey. Kids do not try this at home. We're going to edit that to add that on to the end of the last segment where we were talking to Mike about kids. That's some advice for your everyday life.
CR: I'm sorry. Okay. If you want to take the rest of this quiz online, head over to buzzfeed.com and look out for the post titled You Can Only Pick One Movie For Every Genre.
HB: And we want to hear from you out there listeners. Of these two categories, which one would you save? Let us know and tell us why. Just open the voice memo app on your phone, record your answer, including where you're sending this from, and email it to us at newsoclock@buzzfeed.com. That's newsoclock, all one word, at buzzfeed.com
CR: Or DM us on Twitter at newsoclock. We're going to be gathering up the best answers you all send in and compiling them into one mega list, so be sure to listen out for yours.
HB: Okay, we have time for one more thing because we can not let you go until we talk about this. The coronavirus commercials are really bumming me out. Now, I don't know about you, but I really feel bad for the marketers of the world right now.
CR: Wait, the marketers, that's who you feel bad for?
HB: In a weird attachment to late stage capitalism kind of way, yes. I feel bad for them.
CR: Okay, if Stockholm syndrome were at all real, I'd say you have it.
HB: Probably yes, but watching TV, the commercials are just so grim. I knew they'd have to change to reflect everything, things are just getting hell out of hand though.
CR: No, that's true. Commercials were pretty weird and confusing before this, but now you just have no idea what they're selling with all of their weird empathy.
HB: I just really can't decide what's more jarring at this point, the commercials where people are just outside hanging out together or GoDaddy reassuring me that even as the bodies pile up, you can still build a website.
CR: Okay, but have you heard the super cut of all of those commercials?
HB: I have not, but now I feel like I absolutely need to.
CR: Okay, good. This went up last week from YouTube user, Microsoft Sam. We open with a soft piano that tells us your feelings. We're about to exploit the shit out of them. The company lets you know that they've been around long enough that your grandparents know them.
Commercial: Since 1926. Since 1978. For 60 years. For 75 years. For over 80 years. In 90 years. Over 100 years.
CR: A somber voice reminds you that everything is kind of fucked.
Commercial: During these difficult times. In these troubled times. In challenging times. Trying times. In these times of uncertainty. During this time of great uncertainty. During these-
CR: And then they finish by telling you that the thing that will make this all better, their product.
HB: Wow. That was exactly what I needed to lift my spirits and convince me to buy a new thing.
CR: Things. That's what you need right now.
HB: All right, that's it for today. Join us tomorrow when we talk about self care and its limits during a pandemic.
CR: And remember, there is no I in team, but there is a U in virus so please stay the hell home.
HB: Be sure to subscribe to News O'Clock on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you go for your sound stories.
CR: And please take the time to leave us a rating and a review. It helps us figure out what you like about the show versus what you love about the show. And tell all your friends to set their alarm so that you never miss News O'Clock.


buzzfeed--2020-01-30--People Are Spreading Racist Memes, Hoaxes And Messages About The Coronavirus

As the world nervously watches the progression of the coronavirus that emerged in Wuhan , China , earlier this year @ @ @ @ @ sites like Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and TikTok about it .
But many of @ @ @ @ @ tropes to foment and reinforce Sinophobic and anti-immigration views – particularly in Australia , where @ @ @ @ @ % of people identified themselves as of Chinese ancestry .
As with all big breaking @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been plenty of false and misleading information spreading about the coronavirus online .
@ @ @ @ @ have targeted Chinese Australians and used Asian stereotypes to support their claims and spread fear @

As the world nervously watches the progression of the coronavirus that emerged in Wuhan, China, earlier this year, people are posting to sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok about it.
But many of these posts are using racist tropes to foment and reinforce Sinophobic and anti-immigration views – particularly in Australia, where at the 2016 census 5.6% of people identified themselves as of Chinese ancestry.
As with all big breaking news events today, there’s been plenty of false and misleading information spreading about the coronavirus online. Some of these viral hoaxes have targeted Chinese Australians and used Asian stereotypes to support their claims and spread fear.


buzzfeed--2020-04-29--They Had Planned For A Wedding With 200 Guests And The Coronavirus Pandemic Happened. Their Photo Ca

They Had Planned For A Wedding With 200 Guests And The Coronavirus Pandemic Happened. Their Photo Captures Just How Different Their Big Day Was.

In messages to BuzzFeed News , Parris said : “ We always planned on getting married at St. Ignatius church @ @ @ @ @ at USF ( University of San Francisco ) which is affiliated with that church.
” @ @ @ @ @ postpone the occasion , Emily said : “ It was a hard call to make @ @ @ @ @ wanted to have everyone with us , but we wanted to get married and start @ @ @ @ @ Once the shelter-in-place took effect , we spent some time trying to figure out what @ @ @ @ @ Neither of us wanted to postpone indefinitely , since it 's hard to figure out @ @ @ @ @ again , meanwhile we did not want to put our loved ones at risk.
” @ @ @ @ @ 1,468 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and has been on lockdown since March 17 .

When Emily Manashi and Parris Khachi got engaged in May of last year, the couple from San Francisco never anticipated that their big day would potentially be derailed by a global health crisis, and that the wedding they would spend months planning would look dramatically different in the end.


buzzfeed--2020-04-05--This London Park Is Closing To Stop People Gathering During The Coronavirus Outbreak But People Are

This London Park Is Closing To Stop People Gathering During The Coronavirus Outbreak But People Are Worried It Might Do More Harm Than Good

Lambeth council ’ s decision to close Brockwell Park in response to the thousands of visitors it received on Saturday has prompted mixed responses , with some members of the public and political figures supporting it and others calling it the wrong decision .
A Lambeth Council spokesperson said : “ Unfortunately Brockwell Park will be closed on Sunday .
This is to ensure people observe the critically important social distancing measures needed right now to fight coronavirus .
“ Despite clear advice , more than 3,000 people visited Brockwell Park on Saturday , with some visitors sunbathing and congregating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this time .
“ We thank people for their understanding at this incredibly difficult time .
The single most important action we can all take , in fighting coronavirus , is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives.
” The 126-acre park located between Brixton , Herne Hill , and Tulse Hill hosts the borough ’ s annual country show and welcomes almost 4 million annual visits .
Local MP Helen Hayes called for visitors to only use the park “ for exercise staying 2m apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure that the park could stay open in the future .

Lambeth council’s decision to close Brockwell Park in response to the thousands of visitors it received on Saturday has prompted mixed responses, with some members of the public and political figures supporting it and others calling it the wrong decision.
A Lambeth Council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately Brockwell Park will be closed on Sunday. This is to ensure people observe the critically important social distancing measures needed right now to fight coronavirus.
“Despite clear advice, more than 3,000 people visited Brockwell Park on Saturday, with some visitors sunbathing and congregating in large groups. This is unacceptable at this time.
“We thank people for their understanding at this incredibly difficult time. The single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives.”
The 126-acre park located between Brixton, Herne Hill, and Tulse Hill hosts the borough’s annual country show and welcomes almost 4 million annual visits.
Local MP Helen Hayes called for visitors to only use the park “for exercise staying 2m apart, not for sunbathing & BBQs” to ensure that the park could stay open in the future.


buzzfeed--2020-04-05--Boris Johnson Has Been Admitted To Hospital For Tests After Having Coronavirus For 10 Days

Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests after suffering from symptoms of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , for 10 days .
The decision was taken for precautionary reasons on the advice of his doctor and it was not an emergency admission , the prime minister 's office said in a statement on Sunday night .
Johnson has had a high temperature since Thursday March 26 .
He tested positive for COVID-19 the following day , and continues to have persistent symptoms .
A Downing Street spokesperson said : “ On the advice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonight been admitted to hospital for tests .
This is a precautionary step , as the Prime Minister continues to have persistent symptoms of COVID-19 ten days after testing positive for the virus .
“ The prime minister thanks NHS staff for all of their incredible hard work and urges the public to continue to follow the government ’ s advice to stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives.
” Johnson remains in charge of the government , and is in contact with ministers and officials , Downing Street said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8pm on Sunday and is expected to stay in overnight .
Monday morning 's meeting of senior advisers and officials will instead be chaired by the foreign secretary Dominic Raab .

Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests after suffering from symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, for 10 days.
The decision was taken for precautionary reasons on the advice of his doctor and it was not an emergency admission, the prime minister's office said in a statement on Sunday night.
Johnson has had a high temperature since Thursday March 26. He tested positive for COVID-19 the following day, and continues to have persistent symptoms.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “On the advice of his doctor, the prime minister has tonight been admitted to hospital for tests. This is a precautionary step, as the Prime Minister continues to have persistent symptoms of COVID-19 ten days after testing positive for the virus.
“The prime minister thanks NHS staff for all of their incredible hard work and urges the public to continue to follow the government’s advice to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Johnson remains in charge of the government, and is in contact with ministers and officials, Downing Street said.
He went into hospital at around 8pm on Sunday and is expected to stay in overnight. Monday morning's meeting of senior advisers and officials will instead be chaired by the foreign secretary Dominic Raab.


buzzfeed--2020-03-26--Kathy Griffin Was Sent To A Coronavirus Ward With "Unbearably Painful" Symptoms — And Can't Get Test

Kathy Griffin Was Sent To A Coronavirus Ward With "Unbearably Painful" Symptoms — And Can't Get Tested

Kathy shared this update in response to President Donald Trump 's misleading claim that the US is doing more coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ ( The US has done more testsbecause our population is more than six times larger @ @ @ @ @ But South Korea has tested far more people per capita than we have : One @ @ @ @ @ been tested , compared with 1 in 1,090 Americans . )

Kathy shared this update in response to President Donald Trump's misleading claim that the US is doing more coronavirus testing than South Korea. (The US has done more testsbecause our population is more than six times larger than South Korea's. But South Korea has tested far more people per capita than we have: One in 170 South Koreans have been tested, compared with 1 in 1,090 Americans.)


buzzfeed--2020-04-07--Queen Elizabeth Has Praised Health Workers For Their "Selfless Commitment And Diligence"

Queen Elizabeth has issued a special message for health workers battling the coronavirus , saying their dedication to caring for others `` is an example to us all '' .
The Queen thanked health care staff around the world for their `` selfless commitment and diligence '' as they put themselves in harm 's way to save lives .
A number of National Health Service workers have died after contracting the coronavirus , including nurses Areema Nasreen and Aimee O'Rourke , both mothers of three .
The Queen said : `` On the occasion of World Health Day , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the healthcare profession for your selfless commitment and diligence as you undertake vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of people across the Commonwealth , and around the world .
`` In testing times , we often observe that the best of the human spirit comes to the fore ; the dedication to service of countless nurses , midwives and other health workers , in these most challenging of circumstances , is an example to us all .
`` My family and I send our enduring appreciation and good @ @ @

Queen Elizabeth has issued a special message for health workers battling the coronavirus, saying their dedication to caring for others "is an example to us all".
The Queen thanked health care staff around the world for their "selfless commitment and diligence" as they put themselves in harm's way to save lives.
A number of National Health Service workers have died after contracting the coronavirus, including nurses Areema Nasreen and Aimee O'Rourke, both mothers of three.
The Queen said: "On the occasion of World Health Day, I want to thank all those working in the healthcare profession for your selfless commitment and diligence as you undertake vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of people across the Commonwealth, and around the world.
"In testing times, we often observe that the best of the human spirit comes to the fore; the dedication to service of countless nurses, midwives and other health workers, in these most challenging of circumstances, is an example to us all.
"My family and I send our enduring appreciation and good wishes."


buzzfeed--2020-03-20--I Might Have The Coronavirus, And I Had Contact With An NHS Worker. Why Can’t We Get Tested?

Are you an NHS worker with a story to tell ?
We 'd love to hear from you .
Get in touch : tips @ buzzfeed.com On Sunday morning I awoke feeling feverish , with tightness in my chest and a persistent cough .
I looked at my phone and saw an email saying that a fellow member of my gym “ has been diagnosed with the Covid-19 virus ” .
I rang around the people I had recently been in contact with — including an NHS worker I had spent a considerable amount of time with at my flat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms to them .
They told me that although I might not have it , I should behave as though I do , and self-isolate .
And then they went to work .
Many NHS staffers have been told that they should still come to work even if they have had close contact with someone showing symptoms of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus .
My NHS contact told me they could stay home only if I test positive or if they start showing symptoms .
But I haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get tested at all .
Despite the World Health Organisation ’ s plea for governments around the world to “ test , test , test ” , the UK has only managed to test between 5,000 and 10,000 people per day .
The shortage means that tests are given to those who need them most , while people with mild symptoms are supposed to stay home and hold tight without a test .
I waited out my mild symptoms in my flat with my cat and a fridge full of soup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video calls with friends , playing plenty of Call of Duty , and tackling all the unread New Yorker magazines I had previously neglected .
I became my own amateur doctor , drinking turmeric tea and running up and down the fire escape in my building to test my breaths per minute .
Meanwhile , everyone I was in contact with before I developed symptoms with has had to readjust their lives as if they have been exposed .
My employer closed down our offices for a deep clean and sent out an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom were asked to self-isolate too .
I received sympathetic messages from coworkers who were worried about my wellbeing .
I had upturned their working life and filled them with the dread of potentially having the virus or passing it on to someone more vulnerable .
And yet I might not have COVID-19 at all .
At least if my colleagues self-isolate , that can still help prevent the spread of the coronavirus regardless of whether or not I have it .
But with my NHS contact , the stakes are different — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very sick patients is coming to hospitals around the country , and the UK has fewer intensive-care beds per capita than many other nations — including Italy , where overwhelmed hospitals are making choices about who to help and who to let die .
If Italy is any indication , many of our health care workers are about to get sick .
If an NHS worker tests positive , they can stay home and make sure they don ’ t infect the vulnerable people they treat , or other health care workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay on the front lines where they are so urgently needed , at a time when staffing is so short that retired NHS staffers are being asked to come back , and medical students are being graduated early and fast-tracked to hospitals .
That some number of them can ’ t know whether or not they have it must add untold stress at this already-terrifying moment .
( The NHS did not respond to a request for comment ; it told the Independent that `` all NHS staff should be following the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms have subsided .
My NHS contact isn ’ t showing any .
Will that change ?
Without a test , all we can do is hope .

Are you an NHS worker with a story to tell? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch: tips@buzzfeed.com
On Sunday morning I awoke feeling feverish, with tightness in my chest and a persistent cough. I looked at my phone and saw an email saying that a fellow member of my gym “has been diagnosed with the Covid-19 virus”.
I rang around the people I had recently been in contact with — including an NHS worker I had spent a considerable amount of time with at my flat the day before. I explained my symptoms to them. They told me that although I might not have it, I should behave as though I do, and self-isolate. And then they went to work.
Many NHS staffers have been told that they should still come to work even if they have had close contact with someone showing symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. My NHS contact told me they could stay home only if I test positive or if they start showing symptoms. But I haven’t tested positive — because I can’t get tested at all.
Despite the World Health Organisation’s plea for governments around the world to “test, test, test”, the UK has only managed to test between 5,000 and 10,000 people per day. The shortage means that tests are given to those who need them most, while people with mild symptoms are supposed to stay home and hold tight without a test.
I waited out my mild symptoms in my flat with my cat and a fridge full of soup. I tackled the boredom by making video calls with friends, playing plenty of Call of Duty, and tackling all the unread New Yorker magazines I had previously neglected. I became my own amateur doctor, drinking turmeric tea and running up and down the fire escape in my building to test my breaths per minute.
Meanwhile, everyone I was in contact with before I developed symptoms with has had to readjust their lives as if they have been exposed. My employer closed down our offices for a deep clean and sent out an email informing my colleagues, some of whom were asked to self-isolate too. I received sympathetic messages from coworkers who were worried about my wellbeing. I had upturned their working life and filled them with the dread of potentially having the virus or passing it on to someone more vulnerable. And yet I might not have COVID-19 at all.
At least if my colleagues self-isolate, that can still help prevent the spread of the coronavirus regardless of whether or not I have it. But with my NHS contact, the stakes are different — and enormously high. A surge of very sick patients is coming to hospitals around the country, and the UK has fewer intensive-care beds per capita than many other nations — including Italy, where overwhelmed hospitals are making choices about who to help and who to let die. If Italy is any indication, many of our health care workers are about to get sick.
If an NHS worker tests positive, they can stay home and make sure they don’t infect the vulnerable people they treat, or other health care workers. If they test negative, they can stay on the front lines where they are so urgently needed, at a time when staffing is so short that retired NHS staffers are being asked to come back, and medical students are being graduated early and fast-tracked to hospitals. That some number of them can’t know whether or not they have it must add untold stress at this already-terrifying moment. (The NHS did not respond to a request for comment; it told the Independent that "all NHS staff should be following the government guidance on self-isolating".)
My symptoms have subsided. My NHS contact isn’t showing any. Will that change? Without a test, all we can do is hope.


buzzfeed--2020-04-12--The Coronavirus Hit Germany And The UK Just Days Apart But The Countries Have Responded Differently.

The Coronavirus Hit Germany And The UK Just Days Apart But The Countries Have Responded Differently. Here’s How.

When the novel coronavirus reached the UK and Germany , both governments assessed the risk as low and said they were well prepared .
But a detailed analysis by BuzzFeed News of the two countries ’ responses since the first cases were reported at the end of January shows how the two countries adopted different approaches in those crucial early weeks .
While Angela Merkel ’ s government moved quickly to scale up testing and contact tracing of those infected , Boris Johnson ’ s initial strategy , on the basis of the recommendations of his top scientific advisers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while schools , mass gatherings , work , and leisure activities continued .
Nearly three months since their first positive cases , Germany has conducted more than 1.3 million tests and contact tracing remains central to its strategy .
The UK has carried out fewer than 335,000 tests and all but dropped attempts to aggressively trace contacts .
About 3,000 people have died so far in Germany .
More than 10,000 have died in the UK .
This timeline reveals how British and German leaders communicated about this crisis at every step , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolled out key measures to fight the virus at different times .
Decisions delayed by just a few days may have had a significant impact .

When the novel coronavirus reached the UK and Germany, both governments assessed the risk as low and said they were well prepared. But a detailed analysis by BuzzFeed News of the two countries’ responses since the first cases were reported at the end of January shows how the two countries adopted different approaches in those crucial early weeks.
While Angela Merkel’s government moved quickly to scale up testing and contact tracing of those infected, Boris Johnson’s initial strategy, on the basis of the recommendations of his top scientific advisers, continued to focus primarily on hygiene recommendations while schools, mass gatherings, work, and leisure activities continued.
Nearly three months since their first positive cases, Germany has conducted more than 1.3 million tests and contact tracing remains central to its strategy. The UK has carried out fewer than 335,000 tests and all but dropped attempts to aggressively trace contacts. About 3,000 people have died so far in Germany. More than 10,000 have died in the UK.
This timeline reveals how British and German leaders communicated about this crisis at every step, and shows that they prepared differently and rolled out key measures to fight the virus at different times. Decisions delayed by just a few days may have had a significant impact.


buzzfeed--2020-03-13--There's A Lot Going On With The Coronavirus. Here Are Things You Do Need To Know.

The UK escalated its response to the coronavirus crisis on Thursday as Boris Johnson warned : `` Many families are going to lose loved ones before their time . ''
The prime minister , along with government medical experts , set out new measures to tackle the spread of the virus as Britain officially moved into the “ delay ” stage of its response .
There are four strands to the government ’ s strategy , “ contain , delay , research and mitigate ” .
The UK is moving to the second stage because the virus is now being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left the country .
Between 5,000 and 10,000 people in the UK are believed to have contracted the coronavirus — which causes the illness COVID-19 — despite the formal tally putting the number of cases at 798 on Friday morning .
The peak of the virus is estimated to be 10 to 14 weeks away , but it could be longer .
Here is what the UK government is advising people to do to slow the spread , and why it does not yet want to take more stringent measures like Italy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
People with possible symptoms of coronavirus have been asked to stay at home for seven days .
If you have a high temperature ( 37.8 degrees Celsius or above ) or a “ new , continuous ” cough , you should “ self-isolate ” for a week .
The government guidance says you should stay at home even if these symptoms are “ mild ” .
This is a major change to previous advice — which asked only those who had been to hotspots abroad or been in close contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affect many thousands of people across the country .
Symptoms may vary for different people : Half of the first few cases identified had a fever , and 75 % of those had a cough as well , but 40 % of people had a cough without a fever .
People typically feel as they usually do with cold or flu symptoms and should be able to tell if the cough is caused by that rather than , say , dust .
As the virus is now spreading rapidly throughout the UK ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not been to a hotspot overseas ) , medics are no longer asking everyone with mild symptoms to phone 111 .
They said that doing so will block up the system .
Instead people should look for information online , and only call 111 if their symptoms get worse .
Most people who contract coronavirus will suffer a mild illness that does not need medical treatment .
However , when deterioration occurs , people typically suffer difficulty breathing and should seek medical attention if this is the case .
If someone doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , they should also seek medical help , according to officials .
The seven-day isolation period has been chosen because studies of the virus show that peak infectiousness is around the time people start showing symptoms , and for a few days afterwards .

The UK escalated its response to the coronavirus crisis on Thursday as Boris Johnson warned: "Many families are going to lose loved ones before their time."
The prime minister, along with government medical experts, set out new measures to tackle the spread of the virus as Britain officially moved into the “delay” stage of its response.
There are four strands to the government’s strategy, “contain, delay, research and mitigate”. The UK is moving to the second stage because the virus is now being rapidly transmitted among people who have not left the country.
Between 5,000 and 10,000 people in the UK are believed to have contracted the coronavirus — which causes the illness COVID-19 — despite the formal tally putting the number of cases at 798 on Friday morning. The peak of the virus is estimated to be 10 to 14 weeks away, but it could be longer.
Here is what the UK government is advising people to do to slow the spread, and why it does not yet want to take more stringent measures like Italy and France, despite growing pressure to do so.
People with possible symptoms of coronavirus have been asked to stay at home for seven days.
If you have a high temperature (37.8 degrees Celsius or above) or a “new, continuous” cough, you should “self-isolate” for a week. The government guidance says you should stay at home even if these symptoms are “mild”. This is a major change to previous advice — which asked only those who had been to hotspots abroad or been in close contact with a sufferer to self-isolate — and will affect many thousands of people across the country.
Symptoms may vary for different people: Half of the first few cases identified had a fever, and 75% of those had a cough as well, but 40% of people had a cough without a fever. People typically feel as they usually do with cold or flu symptoms and should be able to tell if the cough is caused by that rather than, say, dust.
As the virus is now spreading rapidly throughout the UK (three-quarters of coronavirus patients in intensive care have not been to a hotspot overseas), medics are no longer asking everyone with mild symptoms to phone 111. They said that doing so will block up the system. Instead people should look for information online, and only call 111 if their symptoms get worse.
Most people who contract coronavirus will suffer a mild illness that does not need medical treatment.
However, when deterioration occurs, people typically suffer difficulty breathing and should seek medical attention if this is the case. If someone doesn’t start getting better after a week, they should also seek medical help, according to officials.
The seven-day isolation period has been chosen because studies of the virus show that peak infectiousness is around the time people start showing symptoms, and for a few days afterwards.


buzzfeed--2020-03-13--50 Stories About How Coronavirus Is Affecting Real People's Lives

`` I ’ m in Rome right now under the lockdown .
I work in a restaurant in the center , and the new law is all restaurants have to close at 6pm , but can stay open until midnight for deliveries only ( like Uber , Deliveroo , etc. )
.
The city is a ghost town , and we have lost a lot of business , so my hours were cut .
I also teach English in two schools , and schools are closed until at least April 3 .
We have to stand one meter apart from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are huge lines to get into grocery stores .
Yesterday I had to wait a half an hour !
There is no food shortage , though , and Italians do not stockpile toilet paper like Americans , probably because we all have a bidet in our bathrooms , LOL .
My family was supposed to come for Easter , but they cancelled their trip .
My sister is a travel agent in America and she has lost a TON of business and many cancelled trips , so she ’ s hurting a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave our homes unless it ’ s for work , groceries , or pharmacy , so it ’ s like being under house arrest but I am a homebody so I don ’ t mind . ''

9.
"My anxiety has come back in full force. It was getting better.
I'm about a year out of treatment for breast cancer. Whenever I'd feel anxious in a crowd, I'd think back on something I did or think of something I can't control I'd take a few breaths and be like, 'You got through cancer, this is nothing.'
But because of the cancer and a congenital heart condition I have I am more susceptible. Thinking about the cancer reminds me of this and ramps up the panic. My fear of coronavirus seems to be undoing the years of coping skills and therapy I've done. It sucks.
My therapist knows and we have a plan for either of us being unable to make it but even signing the forms made me panic."
—j4b5d1e118


buzzfeed--2020-03-13--Police Officers Say They'll Struggle To Cope With The Extra Burden Of Coronavirus

Frontline police officers have warned that forces could struggle to cope with the extra burden placed on them by coronavirus as MPs launched an inquiry to examine whether the Home Office is adequately prepared to deal with an outbreak .
Police forces are drawing up contingency plans on how to respond to the expected spike in virus cases over the coming weeks , which could see officers being responsible for forcing people to return to isolation if they refuse to follow the advice of doctors .
The government passed emergency legislation last month allowing for the detention of those at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police will act in close cooperation with Public Health England and medical professionals to return those who refuse to comply to a place of isolation for further treatment .
The default position is not to arrest those involved , and no one will be taken to police custody .
In order to help deal with additional strain placed on forces , officers will have rest days cancelled , resources will be shared between forces , shifts will be extended to 12 hours , and special constables will be drafted in .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretched forces will still struggle to cope with the extra burden , as the Home Affairs Select Committee announced that it is investigating whether police services are adequately prepared .
“ Sickness would hammer us normally , ” one serving officer told BuzzFeed News .
“ Response teams already run under minimum strength every single day .
And if we ’ re sick the public are sick and there are more incidents , so 10 % sick probably goes hand in hand with 10 % increase in demand as well .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to deploy troops or paramilitary troops like other European countries , so if we have the same problems as Italy we ’ d be screwed .
We struggle to man big crime scenes , let alone quarantine zones . ''
A second officer , who also asked to remain anonymous , told BuzzFeed News : “ We can ’ t cope with Extinction Rebellion sitting in the middle of the road when we ’ re up to full strength .
“ How the heck are we gon na manage when [ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or in isolation added to those who have to be off with kids etc when schools are closed , never mind the extra stuff we ’ re going to have to do re policing the extra issues.
” Chris Hobbs , a retired Met police officer with experience in public order policing , told BuzzFeed News that if the situation escalates , it could spell trouble for forces due to depleted officer numbers .
Both France and Italy have significantly more officers per head than the UK when combining all forces , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view , policing around coronavirus would be more significantly more difficult here , “ in terms of being able to enforce any emergency measures that the government wants to bring in '' “ The police effort will be handicapped quite simply by the lack of numbers , ” he added .
Hobbs said that the scale of challenge for officers will depend on whether the streets are quiet in response to an outbreak of the virus — “ if people , even the gangs and the criminals are tending to stay at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doable.
” However , he said that if crime remains high , or “ if there is any sort of public disorder , ” it will present a serious challenge for policing .
“ I think the police will really struggle because I don ’ t think any force will want to provide mutual aid , because they ’ re going to need officer numbers in their own area , ” he told BuzzFeed News .
Hobbs said he imagined that forces would have specialist teams , equipped with hazmat suits , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he said it was “ inevitable ” that some police officers could come into contact with people who have the virus during their normal duties , which may then lead to further depletion of officer numbers if they have to self-isolate .
He pointed out that some forces did not have the necessary protective equipment required to deal with a widespread outbreak , and said there were concerns as to whether this would be made available .
In Wednesday ’ s budget , chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £5bn response fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — primarily the NHS — caused by COVID-19 .
However , the cash injection is unlikely to solve the immediate problem of limited officer numbers .
Labour ’ s shadow policing minister Louise Haigh said that in her view , overstretched police forces would also struggle to cope with any civil disobedience brought about by an outbreak .
She told BuzzFeed News : “ The coronavirus outbreak has rightly focused attention on our overstretched , underfunded NHS but all our public services are suffering after 10 years of austerity .
“ Our police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face of spiralling violent crime with hundreds of thousands of rest days cancelled , record levels of sickness it 's very difficult to see how they will be able to respond to civil disobedience without emergency support.
” The concerns have emerged as the Home Affairs Select Committee launches an inquiry into the Home Office ’ s preparations for and response to Covid-19 .
The inquiry will look at whether public services — including the police and Border Force — are sufficiently prepared for an outbreak .
It will consider a range of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be made by police if a significant number of officers are unable to work at any given time , and how police forces will support each other while also attempting to limit the possible spread of the virus .
Labour MP Yvette Cooper , the committee ’ s chair , said : “ It ’ s very important that all of our public services are prepared for coronavirus .
We need to know what preparations the Home Office is and should be making and what practical consequence there will be for police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread.
” Deputy chief constable Paul Netherton , the National Police Chiefs Council ’ s lead for civil contingencies , said he was confident police forces were in a strong position to respond .
“ While we are not anticipating a worst-case scenario , we are preparing for it , as the public would want us to do , ” he said .
“ If required , we have tried and tested plans that ensure continuity of policing during times of capacity issues or increased demand .
These plans can include moving officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the use of the Special Constabulary .
National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter said that the organisation was “ working closely ” with the NPCC , the Home Office , Public Health England and has been since they became aware of the original outbreak in China .
“ The NPCC are leading on the policing response and we are in discussion about how the service would adapt if there was widespread disruption to people ’ s everyday lives , ” he said .
“ Police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do their best for the public , but it must be remembered that policing is under huge pressure from our day to day demand .
I would urge the public to be pragmatic and sensible about their use of the 999-emergency system if the virus does become more prevalent.
” A Home Office spokesperson said : “ The government and police continue to work closely to plan for any impacts caused by the spread of the coronavirus .
“ There are robust contingency arrangements in place that will allow the police to maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the event of an emergency .
“ We will continue to work with the National Police Chiefs ’ Council to assess the business continuity plans in place in case of a reduction in the police workforce.
” There is also concern about the impact that the virus could have on the wider criminal justice system .
Earlier this week riots broke out in prisons across Italy after visits were suspended , and so far 12 prisoners have died .
Those with close knowledge of the UK prison system fear similar unrest here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in prisons we ’ ll certainly see concerted indiscipline , ” one former prison officer , who now works elsewhere in the criminal justice system , told BuzzFeed News .
They added : “ I don ’ t know what Italian staffing levels are like , but HMP struggle to run their regimes safely already , so [ it ] wouldn ’ t take too much to reach a tipping point .
Also , if widespread , [ it ] would impact on contingencies .
He said that the Operation Tornado teams that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being sent from nearby prisons .
“ If all prisons are struggling with absent staff they won ’ t have spare officers to send , or if they send staff then their prison kicks off.
” Prison reform charity the Howard League has also raised concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus in prisons , with chief executive Frances Crook has writing to justice secretary Robert Buckland to ask what steps were being taken to protect people in prisons , in particular in relation to hygiene and washing facilities .

Frontline police officers have warned that forces could struggle to cope with the extra burden placed on them by coronavirus as MPs launched an inquiry to examine whether the Home Office is adequately prepared to deal with an outbreak.
Police forces are drawing up contingency plans on how to respond to the expected spike in virus cases over the coming weeks, which could see officers being responsible for forcing people to return to isolation if they refuse to follow the advice of doctors.
The government passed emergency legislation last month allowing for the detention of those at risk of coronavirus who refuse isolation. Police will act in close cooperation with Public Health England and medical professionals to return those who refuse to comply to a place of isolation for further treatment. The default position is not to arrest those involved, and no one will be taken to police custody.
In order to help deal with additional strain placed on forces, officers will have rest days cancelled, resources will be shared between forces, shifts will be extended to 12 hours, and special constables will be drafted in.
However, frontline officers told BuzzFeed News that already stretched forces will still struggle to cope with the extra burden, as the Home Affairs Select Committee announced that it is investigating whether police services are adequately prepared.
“Sickness would hammer us normally,” one serving officer told BuzzFeed News. “Response teams already run under minimum strength every single day. And if we’re sick the public are sick and there are more incidents, so 10% sick probably goes hand in hand with 10% increase in demand as well.
“We also don’t have the same ability to deploy troops or paramilitary troops like other European countries, so if we have the same problems as Italy we’d be screwed. We struggle to man big crime scenes, let alone quarantine zones."
A second officer, who also asked to remain anonymous, told BuzzFeed News: “We can’t cope with Extinction Rebellion sitting in the middle of the road when we’re up to full strength.
“How the heck are we gonna manage when [a percentage] of officers are off sick or in isolation added to those who have to be off with kids etc when schools are closed, never mind the extra stuff we’re going to have to do re policing the extra issues.”
Chris Hobbs, a retired Met police officer with experience in public order policing, told BuzzFeed News that if the situation escalates, it could spell trouble for forces due to depleted officer numbers.
Both France and Italy have significantly more officers per head than the UK when combining all forces, he said, which means that in his view, policing around coronavirus would be more significantly more difficult here, “in terms of being able to enforce any emergency measures that the government wants to bring in"
“The police effort will be handicapped quite simply by the lack of numbers,” he added.
Hobbs said that the scale of challenge for officers will depend on whether the streets are quiet in response to an outbreak of the virus — “if people, even the gangs and the criminals are tending to stay at home, then I think it’s doable.”
However, he said that if crime remains high, or “if there is any sort of public disorder,” it will present a serious challenge for policing.
“I think the police will really struggle because I don’t think any force will want to provide mutual aid, because they’re going to need officer numbers in their own area,” he told BuzzFeed News.
Hobbs said he imagined that forces would have specialist teams, equipped with hazmat suits, who would deal with returning people to isolation, but he said it was “inevitable” that some police officers could come into contact with people who have the virus during their normal duties, which may then lead to further depletion of officer numbers if they have to self-isolate.
He pointed out that some forces did not have the necessary protective equipment required to deal with a widespread outbreak, and said there were concerns as to whether this would be made available.
In Wednesday’s budget, chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £5bn response fund to help deal pressures on public services — primarily the NHS — caused by COVID-19. However, the cash injection is unlikely to solve the immediate problem of limited officer numbers.
Labour’s shadow policing minister Louise Haigh said that in her view, overstretched police forces would also struggle to cope with any civil disobedience brought about by an outbreak.
She told BuzzFeed News: “The coronavirus outbreak has rightly focused attention on our overstretched, underfunded NHS but all our public services are suffering after 10 years of austerity.
“Our police are already unable to cope in the face of spiralling violent crime with hundreds of thousands of rest days cancelled, record levels of sickness it's very difficult to see how they will be able to respond to civil disobedience without emergency support.”
The concerns have emerged as the Home Affairs Select Committee launches an inquiry into the Home Office’s preparations for and response to Covid-19. The inquiry will look at whether public services — including the police and Border Force — are sufficiently prepared for an outbreak.
It will consider a range of issues, including what trade-offs will have to be made by police if a significant number of officers are unable to work at any given time, and how police forces will support each other while also attempting to limit the possible spread of the virus.
Labour MP Yvette Cooper, the committee’s chair, said: “It’s very important that all of our public services are prepared for coronavirus. We need to know what preparations the Home Office is and should be making and what practical consequence there will be for police and border force as coronavirus continues to spread.”
Deputy chief constable Paul Netherton, the National Police Chiefs Council’s lead for civil contingencies, said he was confident police forces were in a strong position to respond.
“While we are not anticipating a worst-case scenario, we are preparing for it, as the public would want us to do,” he said.
“If required, we have tried and tested plans that ensure continuity of policing during times of capacity issues or increased demand. These plans can include moving officers around the country, changing shift patterns and the use of the Special Constabulary.
National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter said that the organisation was “working closely” with the NPCC, the Home Office, Public Health England and has been since they became aware of the original outbreak in China.
“The NPCC are leading on the policing response and we are in discussion about how the service would adapt if there was widespread disruption to people’s everyday lives,” he said.
“Police officers are resilient, adaptable and will always do their best for the public, but it must be remembered that policing is under huge pressure from our day to day demand. I would urge the public to be pragmatic and sensible about their use of the 999-emergency system if the virus does become more prevalent.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “The government and police continue to work closely to plan for any impacts caused by the spread of the coronavirus.
“There are robust contingency arrangements in place that will allow the police to maintain their civil protection functions and critical services in the event of an emergency.
“We will continue to work with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to assess the business continuity plans in place in case of a reduction in the police workforce.”
There is also concern about the impact that the virus could have on the wider criminal justice system.
Earlier this week riots broke out in prisons across Italy after visits were suspended, and so far 12 prisoners have died. Those with close knowledge of the UK prison system fear similar unrest here.
“I think if it spreads in prisons we’ll certainly see concerted indiscipline,” one former prison officer, who now works elsewhere in the criminal justice system, told BuzzFeed News.
They added: “I don’t know what Italian staffing levels are like, but HMP struggle to run their regimes safely already, so [it] wouldn’t take too much to reach a tipping point. Also, if widespread, [it] would impact on contingencies.
He said that the Operation Tornado teams that respond to prison riots rely on officers being sent from nearby prisons. “If all prisons are struggling with absent staff they won’t have spare officers to send, or if they send staff then their prison kicks off.”
Prison reform charity the Howard League has also raised concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus in prisons, with chief executive Frances Crook has writing to justice secretary Robert Buckland to ask what steps were being taken to protect people in prisons, in particular in relation to hygiene and washing facilities.


buzzfeed--2020-03-13--Facebook Is Clamping Down On Coronavirus Misinformation In English, But Hoaxes Are Going Viral In Ot

Facebook Is Clamping Down On Coronavirus Misinformation In English, But Hoaxes Are Going Viral In Other Languages

Experts say Facebook is struggling to stop dangerous misinformation about coronavirus in languages other than English , after Romanian-language posts saying lemons kill the virus spread like wildfire on the site over the past couple of days .
After being contacted by BuzzFeed News , Facebook removed several viral posts in Romanian claiming to share advice from a `` Professor Chen Horin '' at the nonexistent `` Beijing Military University '' saying drinking hot water with lemon slices can kill the virus .
The message is a subtle variation on a long-running online meme giving `` advice '' from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cells .
This has had the widest reach on Facebook in Spanish .
The more recent twist — saying lemons kill the coronavirus — has also recently had some traction in English , with the most shared post by a popular Ugandan musician .
The message on an Italian-language website has had hundreds of thousands of views according to data provided by the website Viral Magazine , but similar posts on Facebook have had smaller reach , suggesting Facebook is onto the problem .
The same message in Romanian , however , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posts , which were removed when reported to Facebook by BuzzFeed News .

Experts say Facebook is struggling to stop dangerous misinformation about coronavirus in languages other than English, after Romanian-language posts saying lemons kill the virus spread like wildfire on the site over the past couple of days.
After being contacted by BuzzFeed News, Facebook removed several viral posts in Romanian claiming to share advice from a "Professor Chen Horin" at the nonexistent "Beijing Military University" saying drinking hot water with lemon slices can kill the virus.
The message is a subtle variation on a long-running online meme giving "advice" from the same professor saying lemons can kill cancer cells. This has had the widest reach on Facebook in Spanish.
The more recent twist — saying lemons kill the coronavirus — has also recently had some traction in English, with the most shared post by a popular Ugandan musician.
The message on an Italian-language website has had hundreds of thousands of views according to data provided by the website Viral Magazine, but similar posts on Facebook have had smaller reach, suggesting Facebook is onto the problem.
The same message in Romanian, however, had tens of thousands of shares across multiple posts, which were removed when reported to Facebook by BuzzFeed News.