foxnews--2020-06-23--Trump explains rally comment on slowing down COVID-19 testing in interview

In an expansion of what became a highly controversial comment at President Trump 's campaign rally in Tulsa , Okla. on Saturday , Trump explained in an interview airing Tuesday that he had been hyperbolically jesting about a COVID-19 testing `` slowdown . ''
In the exclusive on `` Fox & Friends '' with host Brian Kilmeade , Trump echoed many of his comments from Saturday 's performance but also denied that he had ordered slowing down coronavirus testing and lamented that higher case numbers and testing rates make America look bad `` even though it should make us look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COMMENT , SAYS MORE TESTS MAKE 'US LOOK LIKE WE HAVE MORE CASES' '' You know , what we did is a miracle , between the ventilators and all of the things we did .
But , we got so good at testing that we ’ ve done 25 million tests .
We ’ ve done 20 or 21 million more than Germany and these other countries , '' he stated on Monday .
`` If you do more tests , that means you ’ re going to have more cases .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ re showing we have a lot of cases . ''
`` And everyone ’ s saying that they have more cases .
Well , we have more cases , because we have more testing , '' Trump added .
`` So , they can test a kid who ’ s got sniffles and is going to be better in about two hours , because you know , the young kids have done unbelievably well . ''
`` Their immune system , I guess , or whatever is stronger , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you do 25 million tests , you ’ re going to show you have cases .
And by doing all of those tests , while it ’ s good to do them in one way , in another way , it makes us look bad .
And it ’ s crazy . ''
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the number of total tests reported hovering at just over 27 million with around 10 percent of those coming back positive .
However , health experts argue that the increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with more testing and more to do with there being more cases .
Plus , although the U.S. may have conducted the most coronavirus tests compared to any other country , it has lagged behind in testing per capita .
According to data provided by Johns Hopkins University , there are currently over 2.3 million confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States alone with now more than 120,000 American lives claimed .
In comparison , Germany has recorded just over 192,000 cases with almost 9,000 deaths reported .
While aides have told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about scaling back testing , the comments led to harsh backlash .
`` I ca n't believe I have to say this , but we should be speeding up testing — not slowing it down , '' presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden wrote in a tweet Sunday , which included a campaign ad criticizing Trump for the comments .
But Trump has mentioned in the past that the more people test positive for the coronavirus , the worse it makes the crisis look , despite the fact that experts have said a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation to fully get back to normal in the wake of the pandemic .
And his administration has been largely behind the push to quickly increase testing capacity in the U.S. as part of what Trump called a `` phenomenal '' response to the crisis .
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany stated Monday afternoon that Trump had not , in fact , ordered a coronavirus testing slowdown and affirmed that his comment to the contrary in Tulsa had been made `` in jest . ''
“ Any suggestion that testing has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” McEnany said , claiming Trump was trying to expose the media for reporting increases in coronavirus cases without acknowledging an uptick in testing .
“ It was a comment that he made in jest , ” McEnany asserted .
`` But you don ’ t mean -- do you mean slow down testing ? ''
Kilmeade asked Trump .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP '' No , I don ’ t mean slow down , but if we did slow down or if we didn ’ t do so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 million tests , we did five million tests , we ’ d be very low in cases right now .
And everybody would say , 'Is n't that wonderful ? '
'' he replied .
`` By doing so much and being so advanced , not only did we do a lot of testing , but we ’ re far more advanced than any other -- we have the five-minute test .
We have tests that they don ’ t even think of , other countries .
You know , you hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congratulating me on the great job I ’ ve done with testing .
But the media -- the fake news doesn ’ t get the word out , '' he complained .
`` So we ’ ve done 25 million tests .
That means we show a lot of cases .
And that ’ s all fine .
But it makes us look bad , even though it should make us look good , '' the president concluded .
Later Tuesday morning , the president took to Twitter , writing : `` Cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are testing far more than any other country , and ever expanding .
With smaller testing we would show fewer cases ! ''
Fox News ' Tyler Olson and Casey Stegall contributed to this report .

In an expansion of what became a highly controversial comment at President Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa, Okla. on Saturday, Trump explained in an interview airing Tuesday that he had been hyperbolically jesting about a COVID-19 testing "slowdown."
In the exclusive on "Fox & Friends" with host Brian Kilmeade, Trump echoed many of his comments from Saturday's performance but also denied that he had ordered slowing down coronavirus testing and lamented that higher case numbers and testing rates make America look bad "even though it should make us look good."
TRUMP DEFENDS CORONAVIRUS TESTING COMMENT, SAYS MORE TESTS MAKE 'US LOOK LIKE WE HAVE MORE CASES'
"You know, what we did is a miracle, between the ventilators and all of the things we did. But, we got so good at testing that we’ve done 25 million tests. We’ve done 20 or 21 million more than Germany and these other countries," he stated on Monday. "If you do more tests, that means you’re going to have more cases. So, we’ve done so good that we’re showing we have a lot of cases."
"And everyone’s saying that they have more cases. Well, we have more cases, because we have more testing," Trump added. "So, they can test a kid who’s got sniffles and is going to be better in about two hours, because you know, the young kids have done unbelievably well."
"Their immune system, I guess, or whatever is stronger," the president noted. "So, when you do 25 million tests, you’re going to show you have cases. And by doing all of those tests, while it’s good to do them in one way, in another way, it makes us look bad. And it’s crazy."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the number of total tests reported hovering at just over 27 million with around 10 percent of those coming back positive. However, health experts argue that the increased number of COVID-19 cases has less to do with more testing and more to do with there being more cases.
Plus, although the U.S. may have conducted the most coronavirus tests compared to any other country, it has lagged behind in testing per capita.
According to data provided by Johns Hopkins University, there are currently over 2.3 million confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States alone with now more than 120,000 American lives claimed.
In comparison, Germany has recorded just over 192,000 cases with almost 9,000 deaths reported.
While aides have told reporters that the president was just joking about scaling back testing, the comments led to harsh backlash.
"I can't believe I have to say this, but we should be speeding up testing — not slowing it down," presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden wrote in a tweet Sunday, which included a campaign ad criticizing Trump for the comments.
But Trump has mentioned in the past that the more people test positive for the coronavirus, the worse it makes the crisis look, despite the fact that experts have said a robust testing system is necessary for the nation to fully get back to normal in the wake of the pandemic. And his administration has been largely behind the push to quickly increase testing capacity in the U.S. as part of what Trump called a "phenomenal" response to the crisis.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany stated Monday afternoon that Trump had not, in fact, ordered a coronavirus testing slowdown and affirmed that his comment to the contrary in Tulsa had been made "in jest."
“Any suggestion that testing has been curtailed is not rooted in fact,” McEnany said, claiming Trump was trying to expose the media for reporting increases in coronavirus cases without acknowledging an uptick in testing.
“It was a comment that he made in jest,” McEnany asserted.
"But you don’t mean -- do you mean slow down testing?" Kilmeade asked Trump.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
"No, I don’t mean slow down, but if we did slow down or if we didn’t do so many -- let’s say instead of 25 million tests, we did five million tests, we’d be very low in cases right now. And everybody would say, 'Isn't that wonderful?'" he replied.
"By doing so much and being so advanced, not only did we do a lot of testing, but we’re far more advanced than any other -- we have the five-minute test. We have tests that they don’t even think of, other countries. You know, you hear about South Korea. They were always congratulating me on the great job I’ve done with testing. But the media -- the fake news doesn’t get the word out," he complained.
"So we’ve done 25 million tests. That means we show a lot of cases. And that’s all fine. But it makes us look bad, even though it should make us look good," the president concluded.
Later Tuesday morning, the president took to Twitter, writing: "Cases are going up in the U.S. because we are testing far more than any other country, and ever expanding. With smaller testing we would show fewer cases!"
Fox News' Tyler Olson and Casey Stegall contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-06-23--Joy Behar says she and her husband drive around looking for people not wearing masks

`` The View '' co-host Joy Behar revealed on Tuesday that she regularly spends time looking at people who are walking around without masks during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` I do n't have much faith that this is going to end anytime soon ... Barring a vaccine , all we have is social distancing and masks -- neither of which is happening in this country right now ... this is going to go on and on and on , and I 'll tell you the truth , it 's making me crazy , '' she said .
`` All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car maybe with Steve and we go around town looking for people who are not wearing masks , '' she added , referring to her husband .
TRUMP EXPLAINS RALLY COMMENT ON SLOWING DOWN COVID-19 TESTING IN FOX NEWS INTERVIEW Behar 's comments touched on growing concerns that social distancing guidelines were being abused by some as a justification for surveilling fellow Americans .
While mask requirements vary by state , the federal government has not mandated that citizens wear facial coverings in public .
`` The View '' was discussing President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to avoid the alleged misconception that coronavirus cases were spiking across the country .
CLICK HERE TO GET COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE According to Behar , halting testing would be a form of `` criminal negligence '' on Trump 's part .
`` He 's always wanted to slow down the testing because the testing -- when it 's in big numbers , when it 's accurate -- it makes him look bad .
I believe that 's called criminal negligence , when you say I 'm not going to do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a mask , and encourage other people to do that , '' she said .

"The View" co-host Joy Behar revealed on Tuesday that she regularly spends time looking at people who are walking around without masks during the coronavirus pandemic.
"I don't have much faith that this is going to end anytime soon ... Barring a vaccine, all we have is social distancing and masks -- neither of which is happening in this country right now ... this is going to go on and on and on, and I'll tell you the truth, it's making me crazy," she said.
"All I do is I get in my car maybe with Steve and we go around town looking for people who are not wearing masks," she added, referring to her husband.
TRUMP EXPLAINS RALLY COMMENT ON SLOWING DOWN COVID-19 TESTING IN FOX NEWS INTERVIEW
Behar's comments touched on growing concerns that social distancing guidelines were being abused by some as a justification for surveilling fellow Americans.
While mask requirements vary by state, the federal government has not mandated that citizens wear facial coverings in public.
"The View" was discussing President Trump's suggestion that testing rates should slow in order to avoid the alleged misconception that coronavirus cases were spiking across the country.
CLICK HERE TO GET COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
According to Behar, halting testing would be a form of "criminal negligence" on Trump's part.
"He's always wanted to slow down the testing because the testing -- when it's in big numbers, when it's accurate -- it makes him look bad. I believe that's called criminal negligence, when you say I'm not going to do the testing. Just like he goes out without a mask, and encourage other people to do that," she said.


foxnews--2020-06-23--Fauci says institutional racism contributes to coronavirus impact in black communities

Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said Tuesday that institutional racism is a contributing factor to why black communities have suffered disproportionately during the coronavirus pandemic compared to white communities .
Fauci , who is on the White House coronavirus task force , also defended the Trump administration after the president was criticized for suggesting at a Tulsa rally that the government should reduce testing so the number of recorded cases would be lower .
When Rep. Bobby Rush , D-Ill. , asked at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black communities being affected more than white communities , Fauci plainly said , “ Yes.
” “ Obviously the African-American community has suffered from racism for a very , very long period of time , ” Fauci testified .
“ And I can not imagine that that has not contributed to the conditions that they find themselves in , economically and otherwise .
So the answer , Congressman , is yes.
” Fauci also gave other reasons for why minority communities may face a disproportionate impact .
One was a greater risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'OUTLIERS ' SERIES THAT WILL FOCUS ON DR. ANTHONY FAUCI “ Because of economic and other considerations , the jobs that the majority of them would find themselves in does not allow them to protect themselves by looking into a computer and doing telework , ” he said .
“ And then we know , from a lot of experience now , that the situation regarding whether or not you have serious consequences – hospitalizations , intubation , complications , and death – relate very strongly to the prevalence and incidence of underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed in the African-American population than in the rest of the population , and that particularly includes hypertension , diabetes , obesity , chronic lung disease , and kidney disease , ” Fauci continued .
“ So unfortunately we have a situation where it ’ s sort of a double whammy of a negative capability of them to respond through no fault of their own , because of underlying conditions.
” TRUMP DEFENDS CORONAVIRUS TESTING COMMENT , SAYS MORE TESTS MAKE 'US LOOK LIKE WE HAVE MORE CASES' Earlier in the hearing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s recent comment about testing that he made at a rally in Tulsa , Okla. “ When you test when you do testing , to that extent , you 're going to find more people .
You 're gon na find more cases , ” Trump said , adding , “ So I said to my people , slow the testing down , please.
” Trump aides have since said that he said this in jest , and Fauci stated that neither he nor anyone else , as far as he knows , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing .
“ I know for sure , and to my knowledge , none of us have been told to slow down on testing .
That just is a fact .
In fact , we will be doing more testing.
” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Fauci also said that the government will be ramping up contact tracing and surveillance .
“ So it ’ s the opposite .
We ’ re going to be doing more testing , not less .
”

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Tuesday that institutional racism is a contributing factor to why black communities have suffered disproportionately during the coronavirus pandemic compared to white communities.
Fauci, who is on the White House coronavirus task force, also defended the Trump administration after the president was criticized for suggesting at a Tulsa rally that the government should reduce testing so the number of recorded cases would be lower.
FAUCI DOESN'T SEE NFL SEASON HAPPENING UNLESS LEAGUE ADOPTS NBA 'BUBBLE' PLAN
When Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., asked at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing if institutional racism was a factor in black communities being affected more than white communities, Fauci plainly said, “Yes.”
“Obviously the African-American community has suffered from racism for a very, very long period of time,” Fauci testified. “And I cannot imagine that that has not contributed to the conditions that they find themselves in, economically and otherwise. So the answer, Congressman, is yes.”
Fauci also gave other reasons for why minority communities may face a disproportionate impact. One was a greater risk of infection from work.
HBO MAX DEVELOPING 'OUTLIERS' SERIES THAT WILL FOCUS ON DR. ANTHONY FAUCI
“Because of economic and other considerations, the jobs that the majority of them would find themselves in does not allow them to protect themselves by looking into a computer and doing telework,” he said.
“And then we know, from a lot of experience now, that the situation regarding whether or not you have serious consequences – hospitalizations, intubation, complications, and death – relate very strongly to the prevalence and incidence of underlying co-morbid conditions which are clearly disproportionately more expressed in the African-American population than in the rest of the population, and that particularly includes hypertension, diabetes, obesity, chronic lung disease, and kidney disease,” Fauci continued. “So unfortunately we have a situation where it’s sort of a double whammy of a negative capability of them to respond through no fault of their own, because of underlying conditions.”
TRUMP DEFENDS CORONAVIRUS TESTING COMMENT, SAYS MORE TESTS MAKE 'US LOOK LIKE WE HAVE MORE CASES'
Earlier in the hearing, Fauci was asked about President Trump’s recent comment about testing that he made at a rally in Tulsa, Okla.
“When you test when you do testing, to that extent, you're going to find more people. You're gonna find more cases,” Trump said, adding, “So I said to my people, slow the testing down, please.”
Trump aides have since said that he said this in jest, and Fauci stated that neither he nor anyone else, as far as he knows, has ever been told to slow down testing.
“I know for sure, and to my knowledge, none of us have been told to slow down on testing. That just is a fact. In fact, we will be doing more testing.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Fauci also said that the government will be ramping up contact tracing and surveillance.
“So it’s the opposite. We’re going to be doing more testing, not less.”
Fox News' Julia Musto contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-06-23--Utah epidemiologist warns coronavirus surge could result in state’s 'complete shutdown'

A top epidemiologist in Utah recently warned of another “ complete shutdown ” in the state if the average number of new daily coronavirus cases does not go down .
In a memo provided to state and local health officials last Friday , Dr. Angela Dunn , the state epidemiologist , warned that Utahns are “ quickly getting to a point where the only viable option to manage spread and deaths will be a complete shutdown , ” if daily new COVID-19 cases do not reach 200 or below by July 1 , according to a copy of the memo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THESE 9 HAND SANITIZERS MAY BE TOXIC , FDA WARNS For context , the state reported some 444 new cases on Monday , marking the 26th straight day with more than 200 newly reported cases , according to the newspaper .
Currently , with the exception of Salt Lake City , nearly all of Utah is in “ yellow ” and “ green ” phases of reopening ; yellow means there is a low risk of infection while green represents the “ ‘ new normal ” in the state .
“ Orange ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk and high risk , respectively .
Cases began to surge on May 27 , or about 12 days after the state moved into the yellow phase of reopening , said the memo .
Utah may need to move back to “ orange ” if the state does not lower its average number of new daily coronavirus cases by next month .
“ This might be our last chance for course correction , ” the memo reads .
“ Utahns care about these colors .
They change their actions based on them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public.
” Health officials in the memo also wrote that moving back to orange “ will send the message to Utahns that this outbreak continues to be a serious problem , and state leadership is committed to saving lives and preventing a complete economic shutdown.
” If state officials do not stop the easing of restrictions and mandate the use of face coverings , “ we need to be clear with the public about why decisions are being made lessening restrictions , ” they wrote , noting it would be for economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have heard from the [ Utah Hospital Association , University of Utah Health and Intermountain Healthcare ] that hospitals are going to exceed their capacity to care for individuals within the next 4-8 weeks , ” they added .
But responding to the memo on Twitter , Utah Gov .
Gary Herbert said he currently “ has no plans to shut down Utah ’ s economy ” despite the fact he “ shares many of [ Dunn ’ s ] concerns.
” “ Dr .
Dunn ’ s internal memo raises alarm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I appreciate her analysis and share many of her concerns .
We will work to stem this tide , but I have no plans to shut down Utah ’ s economy , ” the tweet reads .
`` I urge Utahns to protect themselves and their loved ones from the spread of the virus by following our common sense guidelines for social distancing , good hand hygiene and especially the use of face coverings .
# StayStrongUtah , '' he added .
To date , the Beehive State has reported some 18,300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 160 COVID-19 deaths , according to official state estimates .

A top epidemiologist in Utah recently warned of another “complete shutdown” in the state if the average number of new daily coronavirus cases does not go down.
In a memo provided to state and local health officials last Friday, Dr. Angela Dunn, the state epidemiologist, warned that Utahns are “quickly getting to a point where the only viable option to manage spread and deaths will be a complete shutdown,” if daily new COVID-19 cases do not reach 200 or below by July 1, according to a copy of the memo provided to the Salt Lake Tribune.
THESE 9 HAND SANITIZERS MAY BE TOXIC, FDA WARNS
For context, the state reported some 444 new cases on Monday, marking the 26th straight day with more than 200 newly reported cases, according to the newspaper.
Currently, with the exception of Salt Lake City, nearly all of Utah is in “yellow” and “green” phases of reopening; yellow means there is a low risk of infection while green represents the “‘new normal” in the state. “Orange” and “red” represent a moderate risk and high risk, respectively. Cases began to surge on May 27, or about 12 days after the state moved into the yellow phase of reopening, said the memo.
Utah may need to move back to “orange” if the state does not lower its average number of new daily coronavirus cases by next month.
“This might be our last chance for course correction,” the memo reads. “Utahns care about these colors. They change their actions based on them. They are the key messaging tool to the public.”
Health officials in the memo also wrote that moving back to orange “will send the message to Utahns that this outbreak continues to be a serious problem, and state leadership is committed to saving lives and preventing a complete economic shutdown.”
If state officials do not stop the easing of restrictions and mandate the use of face coverings, “we need to be clear with the public about why decisions are being made lessening restrictions,” they wrote, noting it would be for economic reasons, not health ones.
“We have heard from the [Utah Hospital Association, University of Utah Health and Intermountain Healthcare] that hospitals are going to exceed their capacity to care for individuals within the next 4-8 weeks,” they added.
But responding to the memo on Twitter, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said he currently “has no plans to shut down Utah’s economy” despite the fact he “shares many of [Dunn’s] concerns.”
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“Dr. Dunn’s internal memo raises alarm about the increasing COVID-19 cases in Utah. I appreciate her analysis and share many of her concerns. We will work to stem this tide, but I have no plans to shut down Utah’s economy,” the tweet reads.
"I urge Utahns to protect themselves and their loved ones from the spread of the virus by following our common sense guidelines for social distancing, good hand hygiene and especially the use of face coverings. #StayStrongUtah," he added.
To date, the Beehive State has reported some 18,300 cases of the novel virus and more than 160 COVID-19 deaths, according to official state estimates.


foxnews--2020-06-23--Saudi Arabia says hajj to go ahead with 'very limited numbers' amid coronavirus pandemic

Only about 1,000 Muslims already inside Saudi Arabia 's kingdom will be allowed to attend a heavily pared-down version of hajj this year due to the coronavirus , officials announced Tuesday .
Those who want to participate in the much-anticipated pilgrimage to Mecca must be under the age of 65 and agree to quarantine before and after the event .
Officials had weighed canceling the annual pilgrimage for weeks for fear of a resurgence of COVID-19 but settled on allowing a “ small and very limited ” number of people to attend in an unprecedented decision in the 90-year history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , God willing , may be in the thousands .
We are in the process of reviewing so it could be 1,000 or less , or a little more , ” Saudi Arabia 's Hajj Minister Muhammad Benten said during a virtual press conference Tuesday .
The event usually draws more than 2 million people from all over the globe .
Only worshippers of various nationalities inside the kingdom will be allowed to participate , a blow to Muslims worldwide who have saved for the opportunity to make the once-in-a-lifetime trip that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is a very sensitive operation and we are working with experts at the Health Ministry , ” Benten said , stressing the importance of protecting the lives and health of pilgrims .
Typically , every country is granted a specific number of visas for people to attend hajj that is proportionate to its population of Muslims .
In some countries -- such as Egypt , Pakistan and India -- competitive queues to attend the event require payment of hefty fees , a connection to a local official or simply years of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of every Muslim to perform hajj , but because of COVID-19 , it will not be possible this year , '' said Maulana Khalid Rashid , chairman of the Islamic Center of India .
Rashid , who is one of India 's most influential Muslim clerics , blamed China for the disappointing restrictions and insisted that a delegation from India be allowed to participate in the pilgrimage .
`` Had China told the world about COVID beforehand , the world would have reacted differently , ” he said .
“ This is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be broken . ''
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP Other countries , including Egypt , Indonesia and Afghanistan , praised Riyadh ’ s decision-making that showed awareness of the dangers caused by the virus .
The kingdom has one of the highest infection rates in the Middle East , with more than 161,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus , including 1,307 deaths .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

Only about 1,000 Muslims already inside Saudi Arabia's kingdom will be allowed to attend a heavily pared-down version of hajj this year due to the coronavirus, officials announced Tuesday.
Those who want to participate in the much-anticipated pilgrimage to Mecca must be under the age of 65 and agree to quarantine before and after the event.
Officials had weighed canceling the annual pilgrimage for weeks for fear of a resurgence of COVID-19 but settled on allowing a “small and very limited” number of people to attend in an unprecedented decision in the 90-year history of the kingdom.
SAUDI ARABIA WEIGHS CANCELLING ANNUAL MUSLIM PILGRIMAGE AMID SURGE OF NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES
“The number, God willing, may be in the thousands. We are in the process of reviewing so it could be 1,000 or less, or a little more,” Saudi Arabia's Hajj Minister Muhammad Benten said during a virtual press conference Tuesday. The event usually draws more than 2 million people from all over the globe.
Only worshippers of various nationalities inside the kingdom will be allowed to participate, a blow to Muslims worldwide who have saved for the opportunity to make the once-in-a-lifetime trip that is required by Islam for all devotees.
“This is a very sensitive operation and we are working with experts at the Health Ministry,” Benten said, stressing the importance of protecting the lives and health of pilgrims.
SAUDI ARABIA PLEDGES $500M TO FIGHT CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Typically, every country is granted a specific number of visas for people to attend hajj that is proportionate to its population of Muslims. In some countries -- such as Egypt, Pakistan and India -- competitive queues to attend the event require payment of hefty fees, a connection to a local official or simply years of patience.
“It is a wish of every Muslim to perform hajj, but because of COVID-19, it will not be possible this year," said Maulana Khalid Rashid, chairman of the Islamic Center of India.
Rashid, who is one of India's most influential Muslim clerics, blamed China for the disappointing restrictions and insisted that a delegation from India be allowed to participate in the pilgrimage.
"Had China told the world about COVID beforehand, the world would have reacted differently,” he said. “This is an annual ritual and the tradition should not be broken."
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
Other countries, including Egypt, Indonesia and Afghanistan, praised Riyadh’s decision-making that showed awareness of the dangers caused by the virus.
The kingdom has one of the highest infection rates in the Middle East, with more than 161,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, including 1,307 deaths.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-06-23--EU considers barring US travelers as it reopens, citing coronavirus response, sources say

The European Union may initially exclude Americans from visiting the EU as it reopens to international travelers following months of restrictions to combat the coronavirus pandemic , Fox News has learned .
Officials say they ’ ve made no final decisions about the ability of Americans to enter EU member states , which will depend on coronavirus conditions in the United States .
Nations in the 27-member bloc are negotiating between two lists of countries whose citizens are allowed to enter based on how their governments are handling COVID-19 .
A European Union official told Fox News that according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month , `` ... it is difficult to see how U.S. citizens could qualify '' for entry beginning in July .
DC SCHOOLS ASKED TO CONSIDER OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS IN WAKE OF CORONAVIRUS FOLLOWING SUCCESS IN DENMARK “ We would certainly not call Americans ‘ unwelcome ’ … none of these measures are part of a repudiation of President Trump ; lifting travel restrictions is based on a strict risk-assessment according to the facts , '' a European diplomat told Fox News .
`` We certainly hope that normal traveling can resume as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the commission point to three criteria that a country would have to satisfy to gain access to the region : The number and rate of daily infections , the chances someone infected with the virus will pass it on while in Europe and the ability of EU citizens to enter the U.S. Another EU official told Fox News that epidemiology -- the incidence , distribution and the control of a disease in a given country -- of COVID-19 will be `` crucial '' in any decision .
A recent Johns Hopkins study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. at approximately 27,000 .
In the EU , with a population of more than one-third that of the U.S. , it was at approximately 4,000 cases per day .
President Trump announced in March that citizens from most EU nations would not be admitted into the U.S. as a precautionary measure -- a move that angered European leaders .
A final list of acceptable visitors could be presented next week , however , the EU ca n't force members to adopt it , according to The New York Times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ member nations to abide by the list can result in the reintroduction of borders .
The list would be revised every two weeks based on incoming data , according to the newspaper .
Free travel within the bloc is one of the EU 's core principles , which has been severely disrupted by the outbreak .
Europe has since made progress combating the virus and countries are eager to reopen their economies .
It 's not clear how the prohibition of Americans would affect Europe 's tourist economy .
Millions of Americans visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel to the EU for business .
Obtaining accurate data on the number of infections could pose a problem , as the numbers are dependent on the honesty and testing efforts in each country .
Over the weekend , Trump told supporters at a rally in Tulsa , Okla. , that he directed aides to slow down coronavirus testing .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP '' Testing is a double-edged sword , '' Trump said .
`` We 've tested now 25 million people .
It 's probably 20 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's the bad part : When you do testing to that extent , you 're going to find more people , you 're going to find more cases .
So I said to my people , slow the testing down -- please . ''
He later said `` I do n't kid . ''
China has been accused of withholding crucial information and falsifying the number of infections .
The European Commission has accused Beijing and Russia of running disinformation campaigns within EU borders regarding the pandemic .

The European Union may initially exclude Americans from visiting the EU as it reopens to international travelers following months of restrictions to combat the coronavirus pandemic, Fox News has learned.
Officials say they’ve made no final decisions about the ability of Americans to enter EU member states, which will depend on coronavirus conditions in the United States.
Nations in the 27-member bloc are negotiating between two lists of countries whose citizens are allowed to enter based on how their governments are handling COVID-19. A European Union official told Fox News that according to criteria issued by the European Commission earlier this month, "... it is difficult to see how U.S. citizens could qualify" for entry beginning in July.
DC SCHOOLS ASKED TO CONSIDER OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS IN WAKE OF CORONAVIRUS FOLLOWING SUCCESS IN DENMARK
“We would certainly not call Americans ‘unwelcome’… none of these measures are part of a repudiation of President Trump; lifting travel restrictions is based on a strict risk-assessment according to the facts," a European diplomat told Fox News. "We certainly hope that normal traveling can resume as soon as possible.”
The guidelines presented by the commission point to three criteria that a country would have to satisfy to gain access to the region: The number and rate of daily infections, the chances someone infected with the virus will pass it on while in Europe and the ability of EU citizens to enter the U.S.
Another EU official told Fox News that epidemiology -- the incidence, distribution and the control of a disease in a given country -- of COVID-19 will be "crucial" in any decision. A recent Johns Hopkins study put the daily case rate of COVID-19 in the U.S. at approximately 27,000. In the EU, with a population of more than one-third that of the U.S., it was at approximately 4,000 cases per day.
President Trump announced in March that citizens from most EU nations would not be admitted into the U.S. as a precautionary measure -- a move that angered European leaders.
A final list of acceptable visitors could be presented next week, however, the EU can't force members to adopt it, according to The New York Times. Officials have warned that the failure of member nations to abide by the list can result in the reintroduction of borders. The list would be revised every two weeks based on incoming data, according to the newspaper.
Free travel within the bloc is one of the EU's core principles, which has been severely disrupted by the outbreak. Europe has since made progress combating the virus and countries are eager to reopen their economies.
It's not clear how the prohibition of Americans would affect Europe's tourist economy. Millions of Americans visit the region each year and many also travel to the EU for business.
Obtaining accurate data on the number of infections could pose a problem, as the numbers are dependent on the honesty and testing efforts in each country.
Over the weekend, Trump told supporters at a rally in Tulsa, Okla., that he directed aides to slow down coronavirus testing.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"Testing is a double-edged sword," Trump said. "We've tested now 25 million people. It's probably 20 million people more than anybody else ... Here's the bad part: When you do testing to that extent, you're going to find more people, you're going to find more cases. So I said to my people, slow the testing down -- please."
He later said "I don't kid."
China has been accused of withholding crucial information and falsifying the number of infections. The European Commission has accused Beijing and Russia of running disinformation campaigns within EU borders regarding the pandemic.


foxnews--2020-06-23--NY lawmaker pushes back after Cuomo claims GOP 'playing politics' with nursing home deaths

New York Republican Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis is calling for an independent investigation into COVID-19 nursing home deaths in the state telling `` Fox & Friends '' on Monday that Gov .
Andrew Cuomo 's actions made “ absolutely no sense.
” “ I may have been the first person to call for an investigation into this decision ; however , I 'm not the last , ” said Malliotakis , a GOP congressional candidate , adding that “ it 's not falling upon party lines . ''
“ We have the very powerful Democratic health assembly chairman of the committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state legislature that has also called for an independent investigation , ” Malliotakis continued .
Host Ainsley Earhardt noted , citing data from New York State Health Department , that as of June 21 more than 7,800 confirmed or presumed nursing home deaths had been reported .
Cuomo on Monday , speaking with MSNBC , again defended his administration ’ s now-scrapped nursing home policy that critics say contributed to thousands of coronavirus deaths .
When asked if he takes responsibility for the order and “ the role it may have played in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the Republicans definitely are playing politics.
” “ We had more people die in nursing homes than anywhere else because we had more people die , because the federal government missed the boat and never told us that this virus was coming from Europe and not from China , ” he continued .
On Thursday Cuomo also defended the policy slamming the controversy as “ a shiny object ” and “ pure politics.
” Cuomo has received scathing criticism for his early order requiring that nursing homes accept COVID-19 patients who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them in the same facilities housing the demographic most vulnerable to the virus .
CUOMO DOWNPLAYS CALLS FOR FEDERAL PROBE INTO NURSING HOME CORONAVIRUS DEATHS : 'ASK PRESIDENT TRUMP' Cuomo has insisted that New York ’ s original nursing home policy was in line with a March 13 directive from the Trump administration ’ s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ( CMS ) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) that went out to all states on how to control nursing homes .
The guidelines say a nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with COVID-19 ... as long as the facility can follow CDC guidance '' — and require any newly admitted resident with a COVID-19 case to be placed in a designated COVID-19 care unit .
The guidance also says `` nursing homes should admit any individuals that they would normally admit to their facility , including individuals from hospitals where a case of COVID-19 was/is present . ''
New York , among other states , said at the time that nursing homes can not refuse to take patients from hospitals solely because they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the policy put the most vulnerable people at risk and contributed to a high number of fatalities , New York reversed course May 10 .
Now hospitals can only send patients who have tested negative for COVID-19 to nursing homes .
“ I have to tell you what he ’ s [ Cuomo is ] saying is not accurate , ” Malliotakis said on Tuesday .
“ If you look at the directive … they said that nursing homes can accept [ coronavirus patients ] , but they had to be put in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn them away.
” She then stressed that there are “ two reasons why this needs to be investigated further.
” “ Here in New York they really were n't given a choice , ” Malliotakis said .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “ As a matter of fact , the nursing homes that I ’ ve spoken with have told me that they felt that they were pressured in being forced to take individuals even though they could n't provide care for them and then on top of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the proper PPE [ personal protective equipment ] and safety equipment to stop the spread within the nursing homes.
” Fox News ’ Brooke Singman and The Associated Press contributed to this report .

New York Republican Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis is calling for an independent investigation into COVID-19 nursing home deaths in the state telling "Fox & Friends" on Monday that Gov. Andrew Cuomo's actions made “absolutely no sense.”
“I may have been the first person to call for an investigation into this decision; however, I'm not the last,” said Malliotakis, a GOP congressional candidate, adding that “it's not falling upon party lines."
“We have the very powerful Democratic health assembly chairman of the committee here in [the] New York state legislature that has also called for an independent investigation,” Malliotakis continued.
Host Ainsley Earhardt noted, citing data from New York State Health Department, that as of June 21 more than 7,800 confirmed or presumed nursing home deaths had been reported.
Cuomo on Monday, speaking with MSNBC, again defended his administration’s now-scrapped nursing home policy that critics say contributed to thousands of coronavirus deaths.
When asked if he takes responsibility for the order and “the role it may have played in those deaths,” Cuomo said, “the Republicans definitely are playing politics.”
“We had more people die in nursing homes than anywhere else because we had more people die, because the federal government missed the boat and never told us that this virus was coming from Europe and not from China,” he continued.
On Thursday Cuomo also defended the policy slamming the controversy as “a shiny object” and “pure politics.”
Cuomo has received scathing criticism for his early order requiring that nursing homes accept COVID-19 patients who had been released from hospitals, effectively placing them in the same facilities housing the demographic most vulnerable to the virus.
CUOMO DOWNPLAYS CALLS FOR FEDERAL PROBE INTO NURSING HOME CORONAVIRUS DEATHS: 'ASK PRESIDENT TRUMP'
Cuomo has insisted that New York’s original nursing home policy was in line with a March 13 directive from the Trump administration’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that went out to all states on how to control nursing homes.
The guidelines say a nursing home "can accept a resident diagnosed with COVID-19 ... as long as the facility can follow CDC guidance" — and require any newly admitted resident with a COVID-19 case to be placed in a designated COVID-19 care unit. The guidance also says "nursing homes should admit any individuals that they would normally admit to their facility, including individuals from hospitals where a case of COVID-19 was/is present."
New York, among other states, said at the time that nursing homes cannot refuse to take patients from hospitals solely because they have the coronavirus. After mounting criticism that the policy put the most vulnerable people at risk and contributed to a high number of fatalities, New York reversed course May 10. Now hospitals can only send patients who have tested negative for COVID-19 to nursing homes.
“I have to tell you what he’s [Cuomo is] saying is not accurate,” Malliotakis said on Tuesday.
“If you look at the directive … they said that nursing homes can accept [coronavirus patients], but they had to be put in a separate wing and they could also turn them away.”
She then stressed that there are “two reasons why this needs to be investigated further.”
“Here in New York they really weren't given a choice,” Malliotakis said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“As a matter of fact, the nursing homes that I’ve spoken with have told me that they felt that they were pressured in being forced to take individuals even though they couldn't provide care for them and then on top of it, the governor didn't provide them with the proper PPE [personal protective equipment] and safety equipment to stop the spread within the nursing homes.”
Fox News’ Brooke Singman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-06-23--Texas military bases contributed $123.6B to state economy, 630K jobs in 2019, officials say

Texas officials saluted the U.S. military ’ s bearing on the state ’ s economy this week , crediting the armed forces with a $ 123.6 billion financial impact and hundreds of thousands of jobs last year .
Gov .
Greg Abbott made the announcement in a press release Monday , based on the findings of a study by the state ’ s comptroller of public accounts on the influence of military bases in the Lone Star State in 2019 .
“ Not only are these military installations critical for the defense of our nation , they support more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and are a key driver of the Texas economy , ” Abbott said .
“ Now more than ever , these jobs add critical stability for communities focused on economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
” TEXAS ARMY BASE MAKES PLEA FOR VANESSA GUILLEN 'S RETURN AFTER SKELETAL REMAINS OF DIFFERENT MISSING SOLDIER FOUND The state ’ s 15 military installations , along with the Army Futures Command in Austin , directly employ more than 225,000 people , according to the study , but indirect employment ratchets that number up above 630,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a vital contribution to our strategic national defense and provide a significant economic impact on the entire state economy , ” said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar .
“ In most cases these bases and the men and women who work there are the lifeblood of their communities -- supporting local businesses , buying homes and creating the fabric of their neighborhoods.
” The analysis looked at military personnel , civilian employees , contractors and their dependents , among other factors .
It came at the behest of the governor ’ s Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state government on military issues and aims to prepare for any potential future impacts from the Defense Department ’ s Base Realignment and Closure ( BRAC ) decisions .
The largest impact came from Joint Base San Antonio , with 210,998 direct and indirect jobs , along with a $ 41 billion economic impact .
Fort Hood supports another 150,000 jobs and nearly $ 30 billion .
Officials at that base have been urgently searching for missing Pvt .
1st Class Vanessa Guillen , who vanished on April 22 .
Investigators last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2nd Class Gregory Wedel-Morales , who disappeared from the same Army facility last year .
They suspect foul play in that case .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Texas , like other states , saw a toll on its economy amid the coronavirus outbreak , which led to wide-ranging closures and other restrictions on business operations .
As the state began its incremental reopening , officials there reported a new spike in cases , which Abbott called “ unacceptable ” Monday night .

Texas officials saluted the U.S. military’s bearing on the state’s economy this week, crediting the armed forces with a $123.6 billion financial impact and hundreds of thousands of jobs last year.
Gov. Greg Abbott made the announcement in a press release Monday, based on the findings of a study by the state’s comptroller of public accounts on the influence of military bases in the Lone Star State in 2019.
“Not only are these military installations critical for the defense of our nation, they support more than 630,000 jobs in communities across this great state and are a key driver of the Texas economy,” Abbott said. “Now more than ever, these jobs add critical stability for communities focused on economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.”
TEXAS ARMY BASE MAKES PLEA FOR VANESSA GUILLEN'S RETURN AFTER SKELETAL REMAINS OF DIFFERENT MISSING SOLDIER FOUND
The state’s 15 military installations, along with the Army Futures Command in Austin, directly employ more than 225,000 people, according to the study, but indirect employment ratchets that number up above 630,000.
“The military installations in Texas are a vital contribution to our strategic national defense and provide a significant economic impact on the entire state economy,” said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. “In most cases these bases and the men and women who work there are the lifeblood of their communities -- supporting local businesses, buying homes and creating the fabric of their neighborhoods.”
The analysis looked at military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and their dependents, among other factors. It came at the behest of the governor’s Texas Military Preparedness Commission, which advises the state government on military issues and aims to prepare for any potential future impacts from the Defense Department’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decisions.
The largest impact came from Joint Base San Antonio, with 210,998 direct and indirect jobs, along with a $41 billion economic impact.
Fort Hood supports another 150,000 jobs and nearly $30 billion. Officials at that base have been urgently searching for missing Pvt. 1st Class Vanessa Guillen, who vanished on April 22.
Investigators last week found the skeletal remains of Pvt. 2nd Class Gregory Wedel-Morales, who disappeared from the same Army facility last year. They suspect foul play in that case.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Texas, like other states, saw a toll on its economy amid the coronavirus outbreak, which led to wide-ranging closures and other restrictions on business operations.
As the state began its incremental reopening, officials there reported a new spike in cases, which Abbott called “unacceptable” Monday night.


foxnews--2020-06-23--Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro has 'constitutional obligation' to wear coronavirus mask, judge rules

A Brazillian court has ordered President Jair Bolsonaro to wear a mask when out in public , ruling that he has a `` constitutional obligation '' to follow precautionary measures amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The president has a constitutional obligation to follow the laws in force in the country , as well as to promote the general welfare of the people , which means taking the necessary measures to protect citizens ' right to health , '' Judge Renato Borelli wrote , according to the AFP .
The ruling also applies to Bolsonaro 's cabinet and staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dismissed the severity of the pandemic and minimized its danger .
As of Tuesday , Brazil reported more than 1.1. million COVID-19 cases and more than 51,200 deaths -- the second-highest of any country , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Despite the large figures , Bolsonaro has been seen in public without a mask , gathering with large crowds , shaking hands with strangers and ignoring social distancing measures .
He has argued that the protocols to combat the pandemic could be more dangerous than the outbreak itself .
CLICK HERE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case against him was brought by a lawyer who said Bolsonaro should be held to account for his `` irresponsible behavior . ''
Brazilian Education Minister Abraham Weintraub was recently fined nearly $ 400 for attending a pro-Bolsonaro rally in Brasilia without a mask .

A Brazillian court has ordered President Jair Bolsonaro to wear a mask when out in public, ruling that he has a "constitutional obligation" to follow precautionary measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"The president has a constitutional obligation to follow the laws in force in the country, as well as to promote the general welfare of the people, which means taking the necessary measures to protect citizens' right to health," Judge Renato Borelli wrote, according to the AFP.
The ruling also applies to Bolsonaro's cabinet and staff. The far-right leader has flouted protective measures, dismissed the severity of the pandemic and minimized its danger.
As of Tuesday, Brazil reported more than 1.1. million COVID-19 cases and more than 51,200 deaths -- the second-highest of any country, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Despite the large figures, Bolsonaro has been seen in public without a mask, gathering with large crowds, shaking hands with strangers and ignoring social distancing measures. He has argued that the protocols to combat the pandemic could be more dangerous than the outbreak itself.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The case against him was brought by a lawyer who said Bolsonaro should be held to account for his "irresponsible behavior."
Brazilian Education Minister Abraham Weintraub was recently fined nearly $400 for attending a pro-Bolsonaro rally in Brasilia without a mask.


foxnews--2020-06-23--Blacks hospitalized with coronavirus at rate four times higher than whites, Medicare data reveals

Recent Medicare claims data further highlighted racial and socioeconomic health disparities amid the coronavirus pandemic , causing the federal agency to issue a call for value-based care .
The preliminary data included the total reported COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries from Jan. 1 to May 16 of 2020 .
The new data showed that black people were hospitalized with COVID-19 at a rate nearly four times higher than whites , specifically 465 per 100,000 vs 123 , according to a CMS statement .
Hispanics had 258 COVID-19 hospitalizations per 100,000 , while Asians had 187 per 100,000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CORONAVIRUS : 'WE HAVE LOST A BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL SHINING LIGHT' '' As we dug into the data , we also found that race and ethnicity are far from the only story , '' said Seema Verma , CMS Administrator , in a tweet on Monday .
`` Low socio-economic status represents a powerful predictor of complications from # COVID-19 . ''
“ The disparities in the data reflect longstanding challenges facing minority communities and low income older adults , many of whom face structural challenges to their health that go far beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ” Verma said in a statement .
“ Now more than ever , it is clear that our fee-for-service system is insufficient for the most vulnerable Americans because it limits payment to what goes on inside a doctor ’ s office , ” Verma said .
The administrator said that when value-care is implemented effectively , it encourages clinicians to care for the whole person and address the social risk factors that are so critical for beneficiaries ’ quality of life .
The new data also showed that more than 325,000 Medicare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four-month time frame .
End-stage renal disease patients , or those with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis , had the highest hospitalization rate among all Medicare beneficiaries at 1,341 hospitalizations per 100,000 beneficiaries .
CORONAVIRUS IN THE US : STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid were reported to have a higher rate of COVID-19 infection , with 1,406 cases per 100,000 beneficiaries , while enrollment in Medicare alone saw an infection rate of 325 cases per 100,000 beneficiaries .
Finally , the Center for Medicaid and Children ’ s Health Insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance for states on ways to adopt value-based payment design and strategies to address social determinants of health for beneficiaries , including those who are dually-eligible .
Also , the CMS Office of Minority Health will hold a series of listening sessions with stakeholders responsible for providing care to racial and ethnic minorities .
These listening sessions aim to help refine CMS ' ongoing outreach and work to improve future efforts on this issue .

Recent Medicare claims data further highlighted racial and socioeconomic health disparities amid the coronavirus pandemic, causing the federal agency to issue a call for value-based care.
The preliminary data included the total reported COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries from Jan. 1 to May 16 of 2020. The new data showed that black people were hospitalized with COVID-19 at a rate nearly four times higher than whites, specifically 465 per 100,000 vs 123, according to a CMS statement.
Hispanics had 258 COVID-19 hospitalizations per 100,000, while Asians had 187 per 100,000, CMS wrote.
INDIANA TEEN DIES OF CORONAVIRUS: 'WE HAVE LOST A BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL SHINING LIGHT'
"As we dug into the data, we also found that race and ethnicity are far from the only story," said Seema Verma, CMS Administrator, in a tweet on Monday. "Low socio-economic status represents a powerful predictor of complications from #COVID-19."
“The disparities in the data reflect longstanding challenges facing minority communities and low income older adults, many of whom face structural challenges to their health that go far beyond what is traditionally considered ‘medical,'” Verma said in a statement.
“Now more than ever, it is clear that our fee-for-service system is insufficient for the most vulnerable Americans because it limits payment to what goes on inside a doctor’s office,” Verma said.
The administrator said that when value-care is implemented effectively, it encourages clinicians to care for the whole person and address the social risk factors that are so critical for beneficiaries’ quality of life.
The new data also showed that more than 325,000 Medicare beneficiaries had a COVID-19 diagnosis in the four-month time frame. End-stage renal disease patients, or those with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, had the highest hospitalization rate among all Medicare beneficiaries at 1,341 hospitalizations per 100,000 beneficiaries.
CORONAVIRUS IN THE US: STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN
Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid were reported to have a higher rate of COVID-19 infection, with 1,406 cases per 100,000 beneficiaries, while enrollment in Medicare alone saw an infection rate of 325 cases per 100,000 beneficiaries.
Finally, the Center for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Services is developing guidance for states on ways to adopt value-based payment design and strategies to address social determinants of health for beneficiaries, including those who are dually-eligible. Also, the CMS Office of Minority Health will hold a series of listening sessions with stakeholders responsible for providing care to racial and ethnic minorities.
These listening sessions aim to help refine CMS' ongoing outreach and work to improve future efforts on this issue.


foxnews--2020-06-23--Fraser and Smith: Public health professionals fight for everyone’s life – they deserve a break, too

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking its toll .
Nearly everyone in America has lost someone or something – a loved one , a job , a business , or hope for the future .
A few have blamed weary public health professionals for their losses as they look for someone to hold accountable for their pain and suffering .
On Monday , Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said she ’ s received numerous physical threats over the past several months .
Her story is just one example of harassment facing public health officials across the country during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have dedicated our lives to keeping communities safe from infectious disease and preventable death , we ’ re saddened and frustrated for our colleagues who are trying to do their best to keep the public healthy .
Public health professionals at every level want one thing for their communities : life free from this novel coronavirus .
SALLY PIPES : WHAT CORONAVIRUS DATA SHOW – IT 'S TIME FOR THE COUNTRY TO DO THIS While they battle alongside doctors , nurses , first responders , scientists and others to accomplish this goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do to help support your public health official during this extraordinary time .
First , wear a mask .
We get it , some people do not like wearing masks .
They ’ re uncomfortable and they make conversations difficult .
But they work .
It ’ s a simple concept .
My mask protects you .
Your mask protects me .
There are many creative and fashionable options available online if that ’ s what it takes to get you to wear one .
Next , monitor updates to re-opening plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want this pandemic to end as much as you do .
But rushing things can make even more people sick .
Many people are working very hard to find safe ways for you to go back to work , school and other activities .
But the return to “ normal ” must be done carefully lest we risk losing even more friends and neighbors to COVID-19 and its complications .
Also , if your health department calls , answer your phone .
The caller is likely trying to share information that could save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loved one .
Personal visits and certified letters are other options health departments have for reaching you , but they waste precious resources and time .
How long are you willing to wait before knowing that someone around you just tested positive for COVID-19 ?
Wouldn ’ t you want to be told as soon as possible if you ’ ve been exposed ?
Answer the call .
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR OPINION NEWSLETTER Finally , take the time to appreciate your public health agency and its staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the mounting loss of lives and livelihoods .
Rather than permit an angry few to degrade or demoralize them , reach out with an encouraging email , letter or card expressing appreciation for their vigilance on your behalf .
It means a lot when a member of the community takes the time to appreciate a public servant .
Public health professionals are working non-stop to defeat the COVID-19 virus .
In fact , they were standing up for us long before the first cases of the coronavirus were identified .
Now it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their dedication , their bravery and their tireless efforts to keep us alive , whether those who ’ ve leveled harsh criticisms like it or not .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Nathaniel Smith , MD , MPH , is director and state health officer of the Arkansas Department of Health and president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials .

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking its toll. Nearly everyone in America has lost someone or something – a loved one, a job, a business, or hope for the future. A few have blamed weary public health professionals for their losses as they look for someone to hold accountable for their pain and suffering.
On Monday, Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said she’s received numerous physical threats over the past several months. Her story is just one example of harassment facing public health officials across the country during the pandemic.
As public health leaders who have dedicated our lives to keeping communities safe from infectious disease and preventable death, we’re saddened and frustrated for our colleagues who are trying to do their best to keep the public healthy. Public health professionals at every level want one thing for their communities: life free from this novel coronavirus.
SALLY PIPES: WHAT CORONAVIRUS DATA SHOW – IT'S TIME FOR THE COUNTRY TO DO THIS
While they battle alongside doctors, nurses, first responders, scientists and others to accomplish this goal, there are a few things you can do to help support your public health official during this extraordinary time.
First, wear a mask. We get it, some people do not like wearing masks. They’re uncomfortable and they make conversations difficult. But they work. It’s a simple concept. My mask protects you. Your mask protects me. There are many creative and fashionable options available online if that’s what it takes to get you to wear one.
Next, monitor updates to re-opening plans in your area. Public health officials want this pandemic to end as much as you do. But rushing things can make even more people sick. Many people are working very hard to find safe ways for you to go back to work, school and other activities. But the return to “normal” must be done carefully lest we risk losing even more friends and neighbors to COVID-19 and its complications.
Also, if your health department calls, answer your phone. The caller is likely trying to share information that could save your life, or the life of a loved one. Personal visits and certified letters are other options health departments have for reaching you, but they waste precious resources and time. How long are you willing to wait before knowing that someone around you just tested positive for COVID-19? Wouldn’t you want to be told as soon as possible if you’ve been exposed? Answer the call.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR OPINION NEWSLETTER
Finally, take the time to appreciate your public health agency and its staff. Like you, they’re worried about the mounting loss of lives and livelihoods. Rather than permit an angry few to degrade or demoralize them, reach out with an encouraging email, letter or card expressing appreciation for their vigilance on your behalf. It means a lot when a member of the community takes the time to appreciate a public servant.
Public health professionals are working non-stop to defeat the COVID-19 virus. In fact, they were standing up for us long before the first cases of the coronavirus were identified. Now it’s our turn to support them for their dedication, their bravery and their tireless efforts to keep us alive, whether those who’ve leveled harsh criticisms like it or not.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Nathaniel Smith, MD, MPH, is director and state health officer of the Arkansas Department of Health and president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.


foxnews--2020-06-23--Prosecutor to testify Roger Stone case was handled in 'unprecedented way,' based on 'political consi

Prosecutor to testify Roger Stone case was handled in 'unprecedented way,' based on 'political considerations'

A prosecutor who quit the Justice Department over the Roger Stone case is expected to criticize the DOJ ’ s handling of Stone 's sentencing during testimony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday , saying officials treated the political operative “ differently from everyone else ” because of his relationship with President Trump .
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron S.J .
Zelinsky was subpoenaed last week to testify before the House Judiciary Committee as part of a broad investigation launched by Democrats into the “ unprecedented politicization ” of the Justice Department under the leadership of Attorney General William Barr .
Zelinksy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to testify that the sentencing for Stone was handled in an “ unusual and unprecedented way.
” “ What I saw was the Department of Justice Exerting significant pressure on the line prosecutors in the case to obscure the correct Sentencing Guidelines calculation to which Roger Stone was subject -- and to water down and in some cases outright distort the events that transpired in his trial and the criminal conduct that gave rise to his conviction , ” Zelinsky is expected to say .
“ Such pressure resulted in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentencing recommendation in his case and to file a new sentencing memorandum that included statements and assertions at odds with the record and contrary to Department of Justice policy , ” he continued .
He added : “ What I heard -- repeatedly -- was that Roger Stone was being treated differently from any other defendant because of his relationship to the president.
” Zelinsky is also expected to say that the former acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Tim Shea was “ receiving heavy pressure from the highest levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a break ” and that his sentencing instructions “ were based on political considerations.
” “ I was also told that the acting U.S. Attorney was giving Stone such unprecedentedly favorable treatment because he was ‘ afraid of the president , ’ ” he is expected to say , noting that it was “ deeply unsettling.
” Stone , in February , was sentenced to three years in prison , after being convicted in November 2019 on seven counts of obstruction , witness tampering and making false statements to Congress on charges that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s investigation .
Federal prosecutors had recommended a prison sentence of 87 to 108 months for the charges , but in a reversal , senior leadership at the Justice Department , including Attorney General William Barr , overruled and scaled back their recommended prison sentence .
The sentence , as is customary , was ultimately determined by the federal judge in the case .
Stone has yet to report to prison because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Zelinsky is also expected to detail his decision to resign from the case , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in writing and orally , that such political favoritism was wrong and contrary to legal ethics and Department policy.
” “ Our objections were not heeded , ” he will say .
“ When I learned that the Department was going to issue a new sentencing memo , I made the difficult decision to resign from the case and my temporary appointment in the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in D.C. rather than be associated with the Department of Justice ’ s actions at sentencing , ” he will say .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Office in Maryland , where I work today.
” Zelinsky will also say that his “ concern ” is not with the sentencing outcome for Stone , but “ about process and the fact that the Department of Justice treated Roger Stone differently and more leniently in ways that are virtually , if not entirely , unprecedented.
” NADLER PREPARES TO SUBPOENA BARR OVER FIRING OF US ATTORNEY U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson , while taking a firm stance toward Stone in the courtroom , also said the up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was excessive .
Her sentence of 40 months in prison was considerably less than that -- yet far more than the probation sought by his defense and certainly tough enough to keep speculation alive about a possible pardon from Trump .
Meanwhile , Zelinsky will testify Wednesday alongside another Justice Department official , John W. Elias , who “ can speak to improperly motivated activity by the Antitrust Division.
” Their testimony comes Chairman Jerrold Nadler , D-N.Y. , has said he is planning to subpoena Barr and compel his testimony on July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York , Geoffrey Berman .

A prosecutor who quit the Justice Department over the Roger Stone case is expected to criticize the DOJ’s handling of Stone's sentencing during testimony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, saying officials treated the political operative “differently from everyone else” because of his relationship with President Trump.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron S.J. Zelinsky was subpoenaed last week to testify before the House Judiciary Committee as part of a broad investigation launched by Democrats into the “unprecedented politicization” of the Justice Department under the leadership of Attorney General William Barr.
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Zelinksy, in his prepared opening statement, is expected to testify that the sentencing for Stone was handled in an “unusual and unprecedented way.”
“What I saw was the Department of Justice Exerting significant pressure on the line prosecutors in the case to obscure the correct Sentencing Guidelines calculation to which Roger Stone was subject -- and to water down and in some cases outright distort the events that transpired in his trial and the criminal conduct that gave rise to his conviction,” Zelinsky is expected to say.
“Such pressure resulted in the virtually unprecedented decision to override the original sentencing recommendation in his case and to file a new sentencing memorandum that included statements and assertions at odds with the record and contrary to Department of Justice policy,” he continued.
He added: “What I heard -- repeatedly -- was that Roger Stone was being treated differently from any other defendant because of his relationship to the president.”
Zelinsky is also expected to say that the former acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Tim Shea was “receiving heavy pressure from the highest levels of the Department of Justice to cut Stone a break” and that his sentencing instructions “were based on political considerations.”
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“I was also told that the acting U.S. Attorney was giving Stone such unprecedentedly favorable treatment because he was ‘afraid of the president,’” he is expected to say, noting that it was “deeply unsettling.”
Stone, in February, was sentenced to three years in prison, after being convicted in November 2019 on seven counts of obstruction, witness tampering and making false statements to Congress on charges that stemmed from former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.
Federal prosecutors had recommended a prison sentence of 87 to 108 months for the charges, but in a reversal, senior leadership at the Justice Department, including Attorney General William Barr, overruled and scaled back their recommended prison sentence. The sentence, as is customary, was ultimately determined by the federal judge in the case.
Stone has yet to report to prison because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Zelinsky is also expected to detail his decision to resign from the case, after he “immediately and repeatedly raised concerns, in writing and orally, that such political favoritism was wrong and contrary to legal ethics and Department policy.”
“Our objections were not heeded,” he will say.
“When I learned that the Department was going to issue a new sentencing memo, I made the difficult decision to resign from the case and my temporary appointment in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C. rather than be associated with the Department of Justice’s actions at sentencing,” he will say. “I returned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland, where I work today.”
Zelinsky will also say that his “concern” is not with the sentencing outcome for Stone, but “about process and the fact that the Department of Justice treated Roger Stone differently and more leniently in ways that are virtually, if not entirely, unprecedented.”
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U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson, while taking a firm stance toward Stone in the courtroom, also said the up to nine years originally sought by federal prosecutors was excessive. Her sentence of 40 months in prison was considerably less than that -- yet far more than the probation sought by his defense and certainly tough enough to keep speculation alive about a possible pardon from Trump.
Meanwhile, Zelinsky will testify Wednesday alongside another Justice Department official, John W. Elias, who “can speak to improperly motivated activity by the Antitrust Division.”
Their testimony comes Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., has said he is planning to subpoena Barr and compel his testimony on July 2 over the recent firing of the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Geoffrey Berman.
Fox News' David Spunt contributed to this report.