foxnews--2020-03-23--Maryland gov defends coronavirus restrictions: None of us want to be like China or Italy

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Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan told `` Bill Hemmer Reports '' Monday that he had ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses in his state in the hope of saving `` thousands of lives '' amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` As we talk to the expert doctors from places like John Hopkins and the University of Maryland ... they talk to us about catastrophic failures of the health care system , '' Hogan said .
`` If we do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the curve , the fact is we will not have ICU beds and ventilators ... You look at what happened in places like Italy and what is happening in New York .
We do n't want that to happen in each of our states . ''
Hogan 's order that all non-essential businesses close their doors at 5 p.m .
ET Monday followed his order earlier this month to close schools , as well as his ban dine-in service at bars and restaurants statewide .
`` These [ were ] unprecedented steps that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week or two ago , but now , they 've become absolutely necessary , '' Hogan said .
Hogan 's latest order will allow hotels , grocery stores , restaurants , farmer 's markets , convenience stores , liquor stores , laundromats , dry cleaners , and banks to remain open for business .
`` We saw what happened in China .
We see the example of Italy .
None of us want to be in that kind of situation .
Now we see what is happening in Washington state , California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're saying , 'Hey , we want to make sure we do what we can to not be the next place like that . '
So we are taking steps , '' Hogan said .
CORONAVIRUS : WHAT TO KNOW '' We do n't want to do it .
Obviously , it is disruptive to the economy and people 's lives , '' he added , `` but we also do n't want to have hundreds of thousands of people sick and thousands of people dying . ''
Hogan said he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on a regular basis and praised the administration for `` doing a good job of communicating to all the governors . ''
A total of 288 have reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus as of Monday afternoon .

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Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan told "Bill Hemmer Reports"Monday that he had ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses in his state in the hope of saving "thousands of lives" amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"As we talk to the expert doctors from places like Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland ... they talk to us about catastrophic failures of the health care system," Hogan said. "If we don't do something to stop this spike in the curve, the fact is we will not have ICU beds and ventilators ... You look at what happened in places like Italy and what is happening in New York. We don't want that to happen in each of our states."
MARYLAND POSTPONES PRIMARY AMID CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Hogan's order that all non-essential businesses close their doors at 5 p.m. ET Monday followed his order earlier this month to close schools, as well as his ban dine-in service at bars and restaurants statewide.
"These [were] unprecedented steps that we could not have possibly imagined a week or two ago, but now, they've become absolutely necessary," Hogan said.
Hogan's latest order will allow hotels, grocery stores, restaurants, farmer's markets, convenience stores, liquor stores, laundromats, dry cleaners, and banks to remain open for business.
"We saw what happened in China. We see the example of Italy. None of us want to be in that kind of situation. Now we see what is happening in Washington state, California, New York and the other states, we're saying, 'Hey, we want to make sure we do what we can to not be the next place like that.' So we are taking steps," Hogan said.
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT TO KNOW
"We don't want to do it. Obviously, it is disruptive to the economy and people's lives," he added, "but we also don't want to have hundreds of thousands of people sick and thousands of people dying."
Hogan said he is communicating with other governors as well as President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on a regular basis and praised the administration for "doing a good job of communicating to all the governors."
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
A total of 288 have reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus as of Monday afternoon.


foxnews--2020-03-23--Carnival CEO responds to global pandemic: 'Cruise ships are not a source for coronavirus'

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The CEO of Carnival Corporation says the company did not put passengers in danger amidst the coronavirus outbreak .
During the early days of the worldwide outbreak , multiple reports surfaced of passengers and crew members getting sick on cruise ships .
This resulted in multiple ships struggling to find ports that would allow them to dock in attempts to prevent the virus from spreading .
Arnold Donald , CEO of Carnival Corp , recently defended the company 's handling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He reportedly insisted that Carnival 's various cruise lines did not place passengers in `` a risky environment . ''
`` 20/20 hindsight , could everyone have done something sooner ?
Perhaps , '' Donald said .
`` But it was an evolving , learning situation . ''
AMERICAN STRANDED ON ITALIAN CRUISE SHIP BY CORONAVIRUS SAYS PASSENGERS IN HIGH SPIRITS AFTER WEEKS AT SEA Carnival suspended cruises for at least two months starting on March 12 .
`` Cruise ships are not a source for coronavirus .
We have hundreds of cruise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases on them , '' the CEO continued .
`` The one that had the most cases was very early on , when no one understood hardly anything . ''
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS In regards to cruise ships and large crowds , he explained , `` There 's lots of natural social distancing .
The ships are large .
People are not always gathered and clumped together . ''
He went on to elaborate that he is `` suggesting that a cruise ship is not a riskier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it that way .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP It was recently announced that Carnival Corp. would be using its ships as temporary hospitals to help out with the coronavirus pandemic .
According to the company , the ships would be used to treat patients not sick with COVID-19 , instead using the ships to treat other patients .
This would help free up space in hospitals to treat patients suffering from the virus .

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The CEO of Carnival Corporation says the company did not put passengers in danger amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
During the early days of the worldwide outbreak, multiple reports surfaced of passengers and crew members getting sick on cruise ships. This resulted in multiple ships struggling to find ports that would allow them to dock in attempts to prevent the virus from spreading.
Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corp, recently defended the company's handling of the outbreak, USA Today reports. He reportedly insisted that Carnival's various cruise lines did not place passengers in "a risky environment."
"20/20 hindsight, could everyone have done something sooner? Perhaps," Donald said. "But it was an evolving, learning situation."
AMERICAN STRANDED ON ITALIAN CRUISE SHIP BY CORONAVIRUS SAYS PASSENGERS IN HIGH SPIRITS AFTER WEEKS AT SEA
Carnival suspended cruises for at least two months starting on March 12.
"Cruise ships are not a source for coronavirus. We have hundreds of cruise ships out there. Very few had cases on them," the CEO continued. "The one that had the most cases was very early on, when no one understood hardly anything."
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In regards to cruise ships and large crowds, he explained, "There's lots of natural social distancing. The ships are large. People are not always gathered and clumped together."
He went on to elaborate that he is "suggesting that a cruise ship is not a riskier environment," although people may perceive it that way.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
It was recently announced that Carnival Corp. would be using its ships as temporary hospitals to help out with the coronavirus pandemic. According to the company, the ships would be used to treat patients not sick with COVID-19, instead using the ships to treat other patients. This would help free up space in hospitals to treat patients suffering from the virus.


foxnews--2020-03-23--Coronavirus in Italy spurs hardest-hit region to set strict distance limit on dog walking

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In the epicenter of Europe 's coronavirus outbreak , not even man 's best friend is immune to restrictions set by authorities to contain the deadly virus .
As of Monday morning , Italy had 59,138 confirmed COVID-19 cases , the second-highest number in the world , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
Among all the people with the virus in the country , 5,476 have died , the university 's tally said .
In the hardest-hit region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy 's cases and two-thirds of deaths have taken place , officials on Sunday announced more restrictions after complaints that too many people were still going outside .
Outdoor exercise in the northern Italian region is now banned , and even dog walking faces strict limitations .
As of Sunday , the maximum radius for dog walking was set at around 650 feet .
Those who violate the new set of restrictions face fines of up to $ 5,345 .
Authorities have stressed the new restrictions were implemented after people abused the freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Chief Franco Gabrielli said 80 people had been cited a day earlier -- including for shopping six miles from home , traveling about nine miles to a doctor ’ s appointment and claiming medical reasons for being out for a walk but lacking a doctor ’ s certification .
The action in Lombardy came ahead of new measures announced by Premier Giuseppe Conte to slow industrial production in eurozone 's third-largest economy and a major exporter to only sectors deemed crucial .
Labor unions have threatened a general strike if too many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drags on , according to Italian news agency ANSA .
Supermarkets , pharmacies , food stores , banks , post offices , and transport services will still remain open .
Two additional doctors died on Monday of COVID-19 , bringing the death toll among the frontline medics to 19 , according to ANSA .
Italian authorities said Sunday the increase in both infections and deaths had shown the first sign of narrowing in the previous 24 hours .
But in Spain , the number of new infections rose for the second day in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 infections on Monday brought the overall number since the beginning of the outbreak to 33,089 .
The day-to-day increase of around 15 percent is similar to the one seen the day before .
The number of deaths also jumped by 462 .
Spain now has 2,182 fatalities related to the virus as Spaniards are beginning their second week of confinement .
The Spanish government said deputy prime minister Carmen Calvo has been hospitalized with a respiratory infection and doctors are testing her for coronavirus .
The Spanish government is seeking parliamentary approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more weeks until April 11 , but harsher measures like halting overall industrial production have been ruled out .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP The virus has exploded across Europe in recent weeks .
Germany took drastic action Sunday to slow the spread of the coronavirus as the European Union country banned public gatherings of more than two people .
Shortly after announcing the new measures , German Chancellor Angela Merkel went into quarantine after a doctor she recently had contact with tested positive for the virus .
The Associated Press @ @ @ @ @

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In the epicenter of Europe's coronavirus outbreak, not even man's best friend is immune to restrictions set by authorities to contain the deadly virus.
As of Monday morning, Italy had 59,138 confirmed COVID-19 cases, the second-highest number in the world, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Among all the people with the virus in the country, 5,476 have died, the university's tally said.
In the hardest-hit region of Lombardy, where nearly half of Italy's cases and two-thirds of deaths have taken place, officials on Sunday announced more restrictions after complaints that too many people were still going outside.
SAMARITAN'S PURSE OPENS CORONAVIRUS FIELD HOSPITAL IN ITALY, RECEIVES FIRST PATIENTS
Outdoor exercise in the northern Italian region is now banned, and even dog walking faces strict limitations.
As of Sunday, the maximum radius for dog walking was set at around 650 feet.
Those who violate the new set of restrictions face fines of up to $5,345. Authorities have stressed the new restrictions were implemented after people abused the freedom of movement.
On Sunday, Rome Police Chief Franco Gabrielli said 80 people had been cited a day earlier -- including for shopping six miles from home, traveling about nine miles to a doctor’s appointment and claiming medical reasons for being out for a walk but lacking a doctor’s certification.
The action in Lombardy came ahead of new measures announced by Premier Giuseppe Conte to slow industrial production in eurozone's third-largest economy and a major exporter to only sectors deemed crucial.
Labor unions have threatened a general strike if too many factories remain open as the virus outbreak drags on, according to Italian news agency ANSA. Supermarkets, pharmacies, food stores, banks, post offices, and transport services will still remain open.
Two additional doctors died on Monday of COVID-19, bringing the death toll among the frontline medics to 19, according to ANSA.
Italian authorities said Sunday the increase in both infections and deaths had shown the first sign of narrowing in the previous 24 hours.
RUSSIAN ARMY SENDING HARD-HIT ITALY CORONAVIRUS AID AFTER PUTIN PHONE CALL
But in Spain, the number of new infections rose for the second day in a row.
Spain's new 4,517 COVID-19 infections on Monday brought the overall number since the beginning of the outbreak to 33,089. The day-to-day increase of around 15 percent is similar to the one seen the day before.
The number of deaths also jumped by 462. Spain now has 2,182 fatalities related to the virus as Spaniards are beginning their second week of confinement.
The Spanish government said deputy prime minister Carmen Calvo has been hospitalized with a respiratory infection and doctors are testing her for coronavirus.
The Spanish government is seeking parliamentary approval to extend the state emergency for two more weeks until April 11, but harsher measures like halting overall industrial production have been ruled out.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
The virus has exploded across Europe in recent weeks.
Germany took drastic action Sunday to slow the spread of the coronavirus as the European Union country banned public gatherings of more than two people.
Shortly after announcing the new measures, German Chancellor Angela Merkel went into quarantine after a doctor she recently had contact with tested positive for the virus.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-03-23--Former Miss Hawaii tests positive for coronavirus, pleads with state to ‘shelter in place’

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Former Miss Hawaii Jeanné Kapela is pleading with decision-makers in her native state to order people to “ shelter-in-place ” and to shut down schools and businesses indefinitely in order to protect its residents against the spread of coronavirus after she tested positive .
The 25-year-old beauty queen , who was crowned Miss Hawaii in 2015 and later competed in the Miss America pageant , made her plea via a Facebook post on Friday , in which she wrote that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a recent trip to New York City where she said she auditioned for the New York Jets dance team .
“ I was concerned about having potentially been exposed to COVID-19 in New York and tried to get tested before returning to Hawaii , but was unable to do so due to the nationwide shortage of tests that we were , and still are , experiencing , ” she wrote .
CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS Kapela said she feels “ fine , ” except for a minor cough , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t experiencing any flu-like symptoms but is still under quarantine “ for at least seven days following the date of my test.
” “ I even inquired about being tested immediately upon arriving back in the islands , which I was informed might be possible , ” Kapela wrote .
“ Again , however , my attempt to be proactive and precautionary was rebuffed and the information I was given turned out to be false.
” Kapela said she ultimately “ took it upon myself ” to visit a local hospital in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said all of the parties that she had been in contact with since returning home have been notified , adding that “ luckily , none of them , including my family , are showing symptoms ” of COVID-19 .
“ While I was initially shocked about my test result , my shock has become deep concern for our state , ” she wrote .
“ Now is the time to band together in common cause to prevent the spread of this illness on our shores.
” “ I call upon Big Island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect our island from coronavirus , ” Kapela continued .
“ It is imperative that our mayor implements a mandatory 15-day shelter-in-place order four [ sic ] our county and prohibit all nonessential travel to and from the Big Island .
Additionally , our state should close all schools indefinitely to protect teachers and our keiki , while quickly instituting a two-week quarantine for all travelers entering the islands.
” Although schools in Hawaii are currently on an extended spring break , they are scheduled to reopen on April 6 and Kapela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in need of assistance .
CORONAVIRUS CAUSES FILM , TV PRODUCTION DELAYS CREATING AN INDUSTRY ‘ NIGHTMARE , ’ EXPERTS SAY “ Finally , lawmakers must prioritize working families and small businesses in overcoming the financial devastation wrought by this crisis , ” she said .
“ When we help workers meet their basic needs , everyone prospers .
Paid sick and emergency leave , access to childcare and family leave , increases to unemployment benefits , and the extension of loans to impacted local businesses are all measures that are vital in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Kapela concluded : “ We are one ‘ ohana .
We will get through this .
Together , we will emerge more united , more resilient , and more filled with aloha for one another.
” Over the weekend , Hawaii Gov .
David Ige said the state 's majority of COVID-19 cases so far are linked to travel , which makes it `` critical '' to mitigate the spread of the virus by those arriving from out of state .
In a concerted effort to mitigate the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all visitors and returning residents to the region will be required to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine starting on Thursday in what the Ige called an `` extreme action . ''
“ These actions are extreme , but they will help flatten the curve and lay the groundwork for a quicker recovery , '' Ige said Saturday .
`` We need everyone to comply with these quarantine orders to help protect Hawaii ’ s residents . ''
The state announced 11 new cases of people with coronavirus , bringing Hawaii 's total to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them are hospitalized , according to Hawaii News Now .

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Former Miss Hawaii Jeanné Kapela is pleading with decision-makers in her native state to order people to “shelter-in-place” and to shut down schools and businesses indefinitely in order to protect its residents against the spread of coronavirus after she tested positive.
The 25-year-old beauty queen, who was crowned Miss Hawaii in 2015 and later competed in the Miss America pageant, made her plea via a Facebook post on Friday, in which she wrote that she believed she was exposed to the virus during a recent trip to New York City where she said she auditioned for the New York Jets dance team.
“I was concerned about having potentially been exposed to COVID-19 in New York and tried to get tested before returning to Hawaii, but was unable to do so due to the nationwide shortage of tests that we were, and still are, experiencing,” she wrote.
CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS
Kapela said she feels “fine,” except for a minor cough, and said on Friday she wasn’t experiencing any flu-like symptoms but is still under quarantine “for at least seven days following the date of my test.”
“I even inquired about being tested immediately upon arriving back in the islands, which I was informed might be possible,” Kapela wrote. “Again, however, my attempt to be proactive and precautionary was rebuffed and the information I was given turned out to be false.”
CINEMACON CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
Kapela said she ultimately “took it upon myself” to visit a local hospital in order to keep those around her safe. She said all of the parties that she had been in contact with since returning home have been notified, adding that “luckily, none of them, including my family, are showing symptoms” of COVID-19.
“While I was initially shocked about my test result, my shock has become deep concern for our state,” she wrote. “Now is the time to band together in common cause to prevent the spread of this illness on our shores.”
“I call upon Big Island Mayor Harry Kim to enact stronger measures to protect our island from coronavirus,” Kapela continued. “It is imperative that our mayor implements a mandatory 15-day shelter-in-place order four [sic] our county and prohibit all nonessential travel to and from the Big Island. Additionally, our state should close all schools indefinitely to protect teachers and our keiki, while quickly instituting a two-week quarantine for all travelers entering the islands.”
Although schools in Hawaii are currently on an extended spring break, they are scheduled to reopen on April 6 and Kapela is urging lawmakers to prioritize those most in need of assistance.
CORONAVIRUS CAUSES FILM, TV PRODUCTION DELAYS CREATING AN INDUSTRY ‘NIGHTMARE,’ EXPERTS SAY
“Finally, lawmakers must prioritize working families and small businesses in overcoming the financial devastation wrought by this crisis,” she said. “When we help workers meet their basic needs, everyone prospers. Paid sick and emergency leave, access to childcare and family leave, increases to unemployment benefits, and the extension of loans to impacted local businesses are all measures that are vital in protecting economically vulnerable residents and public health.”
Kapela concluded: “We are one ‘ohana. We will get through this. Together, we will emerge more united, more resilient, and more filled with aloha for one another.”
Over the weekend, Hawaii Gov. David Ige said the state's majority of COVID-19 cases so far are linked to travel, which makes it "critical" to mitigate the spread of the virus by those arriving from out of state.
In a concerted effort to mitigate the spread of the virus, the state announced on Saturday that all visitors and returning residents to the region will be required to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine starting on Thursday in what the Ige called an "extreme action."
KATHARINE MCPHEE, DAVID FOSTER DEDICATE MARIAH CAREY SONG TO HEALTH CARE WORKERS: 'THE ACTUAL HEROES'
“These actions are extreme, but they will help flatten the curve and lay the groundwork for a quicker recovery," Ige said Saturday. "We need everyone to comply with these quarantine orders to help protect Hawaii’s residents."
The state announced 11 new cases of people with coronavirus, bringing Hawaii's total to 48 as of Sunday. Three of them are hospitalized, according to Hawaii News Now.
Fox News’ Travis Fedschun contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-03-22--Some McDonald's in Florida to give hospital workers free meals amidst coronavirus pandemic

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Hospital workers could use any extra help , especially now .
In light of the coronavirus pandemic , many hospital employees are working long and difficult shifts .
One McDonald 's franchisee in Florida is doing what it can to help them out .
Costa Enterprises owns several McDonald 's in Bay County , Fla. , and through March 31st , these locations will be offering free combo meals to hospital workers , WMBB reports .
The offer is reportedly available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valid ID .
In a press release obtained by the news outlet , Costa Enterprises said the promotion is to `` honor and give a special thanks to all the men and women who dedicate their lives to work in their medical professions to serve those affected by this global pandemic . ''
On Facebook , the franchisee shared a post from a thankful hospital worker , writing , `` We are so honored to be able to serve hardworking hospital workers like Shavonna a free meal !
If you work in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valid ID , and we will give you a FREE combo meal !
`` The post also confirms that the offer is limited to one meal per customer per day and , due to the current closure of restaurant dining rooms , is only available for takeout or at the drive-thru .
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Nationwide , McDonald 's closed the dining rooms at all of its company-owned locations and asked all franchises to do the same .
These locations will continue to serve customers through take-out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , delivery .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Several states have also ordered all restaurants and bars to close their dining rooms and to only serve customers through take-out or delivery options .

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Hospital workers could use any extra help, especially now.
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, many hospital employees are working long and difficult shifts. One McDonald's franchisee in Florida is doing what it can to help them out.
Costa Enterprises owns several McDonald's in Bay County, Fla., and through March 31st, these locations will be offering free combo meals to hospital workers, WMBB reports. The offer is reportedly available to any employee that can show a valid ID.
In a press release obtained by the news outlet, Costa Enterprises said the promotion is to "honor and give a special thanks to all the men and women who dedicate their lives to work in their medical professions to serve those affected by this global pandemic."
RESTAURANT CHAINS MODIFY SERVICE AS CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK CONTINUES
On Facebook, the franchisee shared a post from a thankful hospital worker, writing, "We are so honored to be able to serve hardworking hospital workers like Shavonna a free meal! If you work in the healthcare industry, simply show us your valid ID, and we will give you a FREE combo meal!"The post also confirms that the offer is limited to one meal per customer per day and, due to the current closure of restaurant dining rooms, is only available for takeout or at the drive-thru.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
Nationwide, McDonald's closed the dining rooms at all of its company-owned locations and asked all franchises to do the same. These locations will continue to serve customers through take-out, the drive-thru and, where applicable, delivery.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Several states have also ordered all restaurants and bars to close their dining rooms and to only serve customers through take-out or delivery options.


foxnews--2020-03-23--Daniel Hoffman: The coronavirus challenge – staying connected while keeping your distance

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The CIA ’ s Directorate of Operations , where I served for many years , produces human intelligence , which involves gathering information clandestinely from sources .
Imagine , for example , a CIA officer huddling with a source on a dark street in snowy Moscow or meeting a penetration of a terrorist group in the Middle East .
Source meetings involve the most intense personal interaction .
The moment an individual agrees to become a CIA source , he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal crisis .
Working with the CIA appears to be the best decision to solve his problem .
During clandestine meetings , CIA officers want to look their sources in the eye , while reassuring them about the risks they are taking by stealing secrets on our behalf and assessing the veracity of their reporting .
For these reasons we always sought to meet personally with sources .
But sometimes the risk of conducting a meeting meant we needed another option .
In these cases , we used covert communications or COVCOM , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while practicing “ physical ” distancing from sources .
FORMER CDC CHIEF DR. TOM FRIEDEN : CORONAVIRUS INFECTION RISK MAY BE REDUCED BY VITAMIN D When I served in overseas combat zones in the Middle East and South Asia , there were times when kinetic operations made it impossible to move safely in country .
We did the next best thing and maintained contact with our sources via COVCOM .
When I heard health professionals sensibly advising us how “ social distancing ” is the most effective means by which to limit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remembering CIA COVCOM tradecraft , especially the three years I spent overseas in challenging war zone environments .
Schools and businesses are closed , and sporting events are canceled .
People are strongly discouraged from getting within a few feet of one another , even outdoors .
We are in the incident-response phase , the so-called right of boom .
A medical crisis is threatening citizens ’ health and the healthcare system on which we will increasingly rely .
And right now , the key to “ flattening the curve ” – that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a longer time period – is keeping our physical distance from one another .
So to be more precise , we need to practice physical rather than social distancing .
My wife , kids and I are not doing anything close to “ social distancing.
” We are in more regular contact with our family , friends , school teachers and colleagues by phone , Skype , Zoom and other social media connections than we arguably have ever been .
Our family ’ s mental and physical health relies as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are enjoying no-contact bike riding and outdoor play with friends .
We assiduously avoid physical contact outside our home .
We ’ ve been extra careful because my wife , who has been battling cancer for three years , is in a high-risk category .
She sits on our front steps or takes walks and converses with neighbors from a distance .
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR OPINION NEWSLETTER Any of us could become infected with the virus , so all of us need to do our part to slow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not becoming carriers .
Reducing the number of people who will be infected is important for the health of our population writ large and our health system , which is at risk of overheating .
With so much uncertainty causing distress among our population , quality time together among family and friends , albeit at a physical distance , is at a premium .
There is a bitter irony that millennials , who are arguably the most sophisticated and regular users of social media , are showing the least respect for medical professionals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aisle calling for physical distancing from one another .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Socially , we need to converge even if we ’ re keeping our physical distance .
At CIA , we always prepared for getting back to personal meetings after relying for as short a time as possible on COVCOM .
At some point , we will get back to enjoying one another ’ s company on our own terms , but for now , physical distancing is the key for each of us in staying in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HERE TO READ MORE BY DANIEL HOFFMAN

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The CIA’s Directorate of Operations, where I served for many years, produces human intelligence, which involves gathering information clandestinely from sources. Imagine, for example, a CIA officer huddling with a source on a dark street in snowy Moscow or meeting a penetration of a terrorist group in the Middle East.
Source meetings involve the most intense personal interaction. The moment an individual agrees to become a CIA source, he is often facing some sort of a serious personal crisis. Working with the CIA appears to be the best decision to solve his problem. During clandestine meetings, CIA officers want to look their sources in the eye, while reassuring them about the risks they are taking by stealing secrets on our behalf and assessing the veracity of their reporting.
For these reasons we always sought to meet personally with sources. But sometimes the risk of conducting a meeting meant we needed another option. In these cases, we used covert communications or COVCOM, which allows CIA officers to maintain contact while practicing “physical” distancing from sources.
FORMER CDC CHIEF DR. TOM FRIEDEN: CORONAVIRUS INFECTION RISK MAY BE REDUCED BY VITAMIN D
When I served in overseas combat zones in the Middle East and South Asia, there were times when kinetic operations made it impossible to move safely in country. We did the next best thing and maintained contact with our sources via COVCOM.
When I heard health professionals sensibly advising us how “social distancing” is the most effective means by which to limit the spread of the coronavirus I found myself remembering CIA COVCOM tradecraft, especially the three years I spent overseas in challenging war zone environments.
Schools and businesses are closed, and sporting events are canceled. People are strongly discouraged from getting within a few feet of one another, even outdoors.
We are in the incident-response phase, the so-called right of boom. A medical crisis is threatening citizens’ health and the healthcare system on which we will increasingly rely. And right now, the key to “flattening the curve” – that is extending the number of new cases over a longer time period – is keeping our physical distance from one another.
So to be more precise, we need to practice physical rather than social distancing.
Any of us could become infected with the virus, so all of us need to do our part to slow the virus’ transmission within our population by not becoming carriers.
My wife, kids and I are not doing anything close to “social distancing.” We are in more regular contact with our family, friends, school teachers and colleagues by phone, Skype, Zoom and other social media connections than we arguably have ever been. Our family’s mental and physical health relies as much as anything on social contact. Our kids are enjoying no-contact bike riding and outdoor play with friends.
We assiduously avoid physical contact outside our home. We’ve been extra careful because my wife, who has been battling cancer for three years, is in a high-risk category. She sits on our front steps or takes walks and converses with neighbors from a distance.
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Any of us could become infected with the virus, so all of us need to do our part to slow the virus’ transmission within our population by not becoming carriers. Reducing the number of people who will be infected is important for the health of our population writ large and our health system, which is at risk of overheating.
With so much uncertainty causing distress among our population, quality time together among family and friends, albeit at a physical distance, is at a premium.
There is a bitter irony that millennials, who are arguably the most sophisticated and regular users of social media, are showing the least respect for medical professionals and politicians from both sides of the aisle calling for physical distancing from one another.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Socially, we need to converge even if we’re keeping our physical distance. At CIA, we always prepared for getting back to personal meetings after relying for as short a time as possible on COVCOM.
At some point, we will get back to enjoying one another’s company on our own terms, but for now, physical distancing is the key for each of us in staying in the fight against the coronavirus.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE BY DANIEL HOFFMAN


foxnews--2020-03-23--hosting virtual coronavirus town hall with President Trump, White House task force

Fox News Channel is hosting a two-hour virtual town hall with President Trump and members of the White House coronavirus task force on Tuesday , March 24 , at 12 p.m .
ET .
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The president and his team will be answering text and video questions you submit to Fox News ' Twitter , Facebook and Instagram accounts .
Anchors Harris Faulkner and Bill Hemmer will co-moderate the event , and will be joined by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Fox News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Siegel .
Part One of the town hall will feature Faulkner and Hemmer interviewing members of the coronavirus task force about the latest developments from the pandemic .
They will explain how the White House is handling the growing crisis before President Trump joins the forum at roughly 12:30 p.m .
ET to answer questions from Fox News viewers across the country .
CORONAVIRUS : WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Fox Corporation announced last week that unlimited free access to Fox News Channel and FOX Television Stations is available during the pandemic so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and information .
Fox News is available for free on FoxNews.com , the Fox News app , FOX.com and the FOX NOW app .
FOX ’ s 29 owned-and-operated television stations will be available for free on FOX.com and the FOX NOW app .
Faulkner has been holding special Q & A segments related to the coronavirus on a regular basis during “ Outnumbered Overtime , ” often speaking with the nation ’ s top medical experts .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP Hemmer has also been a leading journalist during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic with easily digestible facts .
Hemmer also anchors a nightly three-minute live coronavirus report weekdays at 6 p.m .
ET on local FOX affiliates .
Fox News recently celebrated its 18th consecutive year as the most-watched cable news network , dating back to January 2002 .
FNC ’ s 18-year streak is for both primetime and total-day viewers , including the key demographic of adults age 25-54 .

Fox News Channel is hosting a two-hour virtual town hall with President Trump and members of the White House coronavirus task force on Tuesday, March 24, at 12 p.m. ET.
Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.
The president and his team will be answering text and video questions you submit to Fox News' Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Anchors Harris Faulkner and Bill Hemmer will co-moderate the event, and will be joined by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Fox News contributors Dr. Nicole Saphier and Dr. Marc Siegel.
FOX NEWS OFFERS FREE ACCESS ‘TO HELP EDUCATE AND PROTECT’ AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Part One of the town hall will feature Faulkner and Hemmer interviewing members of the coronavirus task force about the latest developments from the pandemic.
They will explain how the White House is handling the growing crisis before President Trump joins the forum at roughly 12:30 p.m. ET to answer questions from Fox News viewers across the country.
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Fox Corporation announced last week that unlimited free access to Fox News Channel and FOX Television Stations is available during the pandemic so all Americans can access the latest news and information.
Fox News is available for free on FoxNews.com, the Fox News app, FOX.com and the FOX NOW app. FOX’s 29 owned-and-operated television stations will be available for free on FOX.com and the FOX NOW app.
Faulkner has been holding special Q&A segments related to the coronavirus on a regular basis during “Outnumbered Overtime,” often speaking with the nation’s top medical experts.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
Hemmer has also been a leading journalist during the coronavirus crisis, explaining the impact of the pandemic with easily digestible facts. Hemmer also anchors a nightly three-minute live coronavirus report weekdays at 6 p.m. ET on local FOX affiliates.
Fox News recently celebrated its 18th consecutive year as the most-watched cable news network, dating back to January 2002. FNC’s 18-year streak is for both primetime and total-day viewers, including the key demographic of adults age 25-54.


foxnews--2020-03-23--Coronavirus and tornado shelters: Here's what forecasters say you should do during a warning

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As tens of millions of Americans are told to stay home and avoid gatherings to help slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic , forecasters have offered guidance about using shelters as tornado season approaches .
Tornadoes can happen any time of the year , but there are distinct seasons for twisters in different parts of the country , according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 's Storm Prediction Center ( SPC ) .
`` There is a general northward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. from late winter through midsummer , '' the SPC says .
`` The peak period for tornadoes in the Southern Plains , for example , is during May into early June .
On the Gulf Coast , it is earlier during the spring ; in the Northern Plains and upper Midwest , it is June or July . ''
HOW STRONG CAN TORNADOES GET ?
HERE 'S A BREAKDOWN On average , around 1,200 tornadoes are reported in the U.S. every year and kill about 60 people annually , mostly from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weather Service office in Birmingham , Ala. said March in a statement the Alabama Department of Public Health is recommending now during the COVID-19 pandemic the first priority during tornado warning should be `` to protect yourself from a potential tornado . ''
`` If a warning is issued for your area , you are more likely to be affected by the tornado than the virus , '' the weather service said .
Emergency planners in Kansas , a state known for seeing tornadoes , also gave similar guidance to people to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tornado is headed their way .
`` We should not let fear of the coronavirus blind us to the danger of an imminent tornado , '' Kansas Gov .
Laura Kelly said in a statement .
“ If you have to seek refuge in a community shelter , try to practice social distancing and other precautions as much as possible to minimize your risk.
” The Kansas Division of Emergency Management reiterated that the first priority is to protect oneself from a tornado and that those who rely on community shelters should `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe from a tornado while also limiting potential exposure to COVID-19 .
`` The onset of tornado season is also a good time to take stock of your family 's emergency supplies and review your emergency plan , '' Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli , the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management , said in a statement .
`` Above all , do n't let the threat of potential virus exposure outweigh the real threat of an approaching tornado . ''
Forecasters at the National Weather Service 's Storm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a `` tornado watch '' if weather conditions favor thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes in a region .
When a tornado has been sighted on the ground or is indicated by weather radar , forecasters will issue a tornado warning .
Tornado warnings encompass a much smaller area , like the size of a city or small county , that may be impacted by the storm being tracked by a spotter or on weather radar .
They are issued by local forecast offices .
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF DURING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NWS Birmingham went on to say that decisions to open any community shelters are made at the local or county level .
`` Before you make a decision to go to a community shelter , you should check with your community shelter managers to ensure they are open , and if there are any local COVID-19 considerations , '' the forecast office stated .
`` Certainly , wherever you choose to shelter from a tornado , you should use as many precautions as possible to inhibit the spread of COVID-19 as best as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may rely on public community shelters , forecasters said that now may be the time to `` explore other options that might keep you safer from severe weather and possibly limit your exposure to COVID-19 . ''
`` The best way to prepare for this potential scenario is to keep up with the latest weather forecast as well as the latest recommendations regarding COVID-19 from the Center for Disease Control ( CDC ) , the ADPH , and local authorities , '' the NWS stated .
Health agencies and local officials have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , keep their hands off their face , stay home when sick and even employ social distancing in an effort to stifle the spread of novel coronavirus .
CLICK HERE FOR MORE WEATHER COVERAGE FROM FOX NEWS Some homes in the so-called `` Tornado Alley '' are equipped with Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) -approved “ safe rooms , ” which , according to the organization , is a “ hardened structure specifically designed to meet FEMA criteria and provide life-safety protection in extreme wind events , including tornadoes and hurricanes.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to reach a safe room during a tornado , it ’ s best to go to the lowest level of a structure , such as a basement .
It is important to stay away from all windows , doors or anything else that leads outside , the Ready Campaign recommends .
Wearing a helmet and placing blankets , pillows or even a mattress over your body may protect you from debris if a tornado hits your home or a nearby building .

Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.
As tens of millions of Americans are told to stay home and avoid gatherings to help slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, forecasters have offered guidance about using shelters as tornado season approaches.
Tornadoes can happen any time of the year, but there are distinct seasons for twisters in different parts of the country, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center (SPC).
"There is a general northward shift in "tornado season" in the U.S. from late winter through midsummer," the SPC says. "The peak period for tornadoes in the Southern Plains, for example, is during May into early June. On the Gulf Coast, it is earlier during the spring; in the Northern Plains and upper Midwest, it is June or July."
HOW STRONG CAN TORNADOES GET? HERE'S A BREAKDOWN
On average, around 1,200 tornadoes are reported in the U.S. every year and kill about 60 people annually, mostly from flying or falling debris.
The National Weather Service office in Birmingham, Ala. said March in a statement the Alabama Department of Public Health is recommending now during the COVID-19 pandemic the first priority during tornado warning should be "to protect yourself from a potential tornado."
"If a warning is issued for your area, you are more likely to be affected by the tornado than the virus," the weather service said.
Emergency planners in Kansas, a state known for seeing tornadoes, also gave similar guidance to people to take their chances with the virus when a tornado is headed their way.
"We should not let fear of the coronavirus blind us to the danger of an imminent tornado," Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement. “If you have to seek refuge in a community shelter, try to practice social distancing and other precautions as much as possible to minimize your risk.”
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management reiterated that the first priority is to protect oneself from a tornado and that those who rely on community shelters should "explore other options" to keep them safe from a tornado while also limiting potential exposure to COVID-19.
"The onset of tornado season is also a good time to take stock of your family's emergency supplies and review your emergency plan," Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, said in a statement. "Above all, don't let the threat of potential virus exposure outweigh the real threat of an approaching tornado."
Forecasters at the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center will issue what's known as a "tornado watch" if weather conditions favor thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes in a region. When a tornado has been sighted on the ground or is indicated by weather radar, forecasters will issue a tornado warning.
Tornado warnings encompass a much smaller area, like the size of a city or small county, that may be impacted by the storm being tracked by a spotter or on weather radar. They are issued by local forecast offices.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A TORNADO? WHAT TO KNOW
The NWS Birmingham went on to say that decisions to open any community shelters are made at the local or county level.
"Before you make a decision to go to a community shelter, you should check with your community shelter managers to ensure they are open, and if there are any local COVID-19 considerations," the forecast office stated. "Certainly, wherever you choose to shelter from a tornado, you should use as many precautions as possible to inhibit the spread of COVID-19 as best as you can."
For those who may rely on public community shelters, forecasters said that now may be the time to "explore other options that might keep you safer from severe weather and possibly limit your exposure to COVID-19."
"The best way to prepare for this potential scenario is to keep up with the latest weather forecast as well as the latest recommendations regarding COVID-19 from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the ADPH, and local authorities," the NWS stated.
Health agencies and local officials have been urging people to practice thorough hand washing, keep their hands off their face, stay home when sick and even employ social distancing in an effort to stifle the spread of novel coronavirus.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE WEATHER COVERAGE FROM FOX NEWS
Some homes in the so-called "Tornado Alley" are equipped with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-approved “safe rooms,” which, according to the organization, is a “hardened structure specifically designed to meet FEMA criteria and provide life-safety protection in extreme wind events, including tornadoes and hurricanes.”
However, if you are not able to reach a safe room during a tornado, it’s best to go to the lowest level of a structure, such as a basement. It is important to stay away from all windows, doors or anything else that leads outside, the Ready Campaign recommends.
Wearing a helmet and placing blankets, pillows or even a mattress over your body may protect you from debris if a tornado hits your home or a nearby building.


foxnews--2020-03-23--Coronavirus wipes out Italian town's supply of ventilator valves, as local business jumps in

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As Italy now surpasses China in total deaths as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic , the European country ’ s health care system has been hit hard and is struggling to keep up with the flood of critical patients in its hospitals .
The death toll in Italy exceeded 5,000 lives lost , as of Monday .
Like many impacted countries , Italy lacks sufficient masks and gloves for their doctors and nurses , and most critically -- ventilators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory illness that can wreak havoc a patient ’ s lungs , in some cases a patient can require a ventilator to breathe for them and keep them alive .
One such hospital is in Chiari , in the province of Brescia in northern Italy .
The surrounding region , Lombardy , is one of the epicenters of the virus .
The hospital , located about an hour east of Milan , has been flooded with patients suffering from the coronavirus .
When staff ran out of a crucial valve that connects to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a local newspaper , to put out the call for help .
Fox News spoke with Isinnova , the Brescia-based business , that stepped up and answered that call .
CEO and founder Cristian Fracassi said his staff of 14 were all working from home , as instructed , when he was contacted about the hospital ’ s needs .
Fracassi said Isinnova is a research center where staff often work on patents , innovative projects and prototypes but had only had one past client in the biomedical field before this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his mechanical engineer Alessandro Romaioli said they were connected with the Ospedale di Chiari as soon as they heard about the need for the special lifesaving valves .
The hospital was in crisis , they explained , and the manufacturer of the much-needed Venturi valves was unable to get a fresh supply to the hospital .
Because the coronavirus pandemic constituted an emergency , Fracassi said that the hospital was permitted to look for outside help to solve the problem .
“ The right piece is certified , so the hospital can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any danger , ” Romaoili explained , of the reason the hospital generally uses the same manufacturer during normal circumstances .
But , because of massive supply chain delays , they had to be creative .
“ Because lives were in danger , the hospital can use [ our 3D-printed version ] .
” Isinnova said it contacted the manufacturer directly to ask for the plans in order to create a replica , but the request was denied .
Fracassi and Romaioli , along with two other employees , went into their office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital , and started brainstorming .
They quickly came up with a solution : 3D printing .
The hospital was able to give them a single used and sanitized valve to measure and analyze .
The venturi valves are not single-use , they explained , but can only be used on one patient -- not re-used on any other patients .
The Isinnova team took measurements by hand , and after they created a working prototype of the valve , they rushed five samples over to the hospital to be tested on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital while the doctors tested the valves .
“ We were unable to speak , because of emotion .
Maybe we saved some lives ?
The doctor saved lives , we just helped the doctor , ” Romaoili added .
Fracassi and his colleagues completed 95 pieces in 24 hours .
“ We maybe slept a few hours .
I don ’ t remember , ” Romaoili laughed .
They worked with three different types of 3D printers to get it right and were only slowed down by a small detail : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the valve .
“ The 3D printer isn ’ t able to make such a small hole , so we did it by hand , ” said Romaoili .
“ After the production , one by one , and then we washed them ” before bringing the 95 ventilator valves to the hospital .
CORONAVIRUS : WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW For Fracassi , it was personal .
“ I didn ’ t speak to my mother for two days because we were working in a dangerous area , directly in the hospital.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the virus .
A formerly bustling intersection showed just a few cars out the window of Isinnova ’ s office .
When asked about the reports that the manufacturer of the original venturi valve had threatened to sue Fracassi or Isinnova , he laughed and called it “ fake news ” .
Other than the initial call to ask for the 3D plans of the valve , Fracassi said he and his company have not had any further conversations with the multinational manufacturer , who he declined to name .
Since helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to print valves , just in case .
They ’ ve been contacted by various other hospitals and 3D-printing firms in several countries , but the process must begin at the start each time .
Different ventilators require different valves , so 3D prototypes have to be made in each instance , since they may not be using the same venturi valves as Chiari .
Asked why the small company jumped so quickly at the chance to problem-solve amidst the global pandemic , Fracassi said , “ We love competition .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to help them , and we won.
” Isinnova didn ’ t take any payment for the 3D-printed valves .
They claim each piece only cost them a few euros worth of materials .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “ We were trying to do something to help , ” Romaoili said .
“ We didn ’ t care about our interests , we were interested in making something good for others .
That ’ s why we didn ’ t ask for money , we just wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we heard about doctors working 20 hours a day , and we were just staying home on our couches.
” “ We heard we could do something good to save lives , we said yes -- we have to do that .
”

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As Italy now surpasses China in total deaths as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the European country’s health care system has been hit hard and is struggling to keep up with the flood of critical patients in its hospitals. The death toll in Italy exceeded 5,000 lives lost, as of Monday.
Like many impacted countries, Italy lacks sufficient masks and gloves for their doctors and nurses, and most critically -- ventilators. Because the novel coronavirus is a respiratory illness that can wreak havoc a patient’s lungs, in some cases a patient can require a ventilator to breathe for them and keep them alive.
One such hospital is in Chiari, in the province of Brescia in northern Italy. The surrounding region, Lombardy, is one of the epicenters of the virus.
The hospital, located about an hour east of Milan, has been flooded with patients suffering from the coronavirus. When staff ran out of a crucial valve that connects to the ventilator, the hospital reached out to a local newspaper, to put out the call for help.
Fox News spoke with Isinnova, the Brescia-based business, that stepped up and answered that call. CEO and founder Cristian Fracassi said his staff of 14 were all working from home, as instructed, when he was contacted about the hospital’s needs.
Fracassi said Isinnova is a research center where staff often work on patents, innovative projects and prototypes but had only had one past client in the biomedical field before this week.
Interviewed via video call, Fracassi and his mechanical engineer Alessandro Romaioli said they were connected with the Ospedale di Chiari as soon as they heard about the need for the special lifesaving valves. The hospital was in crisis, they explained, and the manufacturer of the much-needed Venturi valves was unable to get a fresh supply to the hospital. Because the coronavirus pandemic constituted an emergency, Fracassi said that the hospital was permitted to look for outside help to solve the problem.
“The right piece is certified, so the hospital can be sure it doesn’t create any danger,” Romaoili explained, of the reason the hospital generally uses the same manufacturer during normal circumstances. But, because of massive supply chain delays, they had to be creative. “Because lives were in danger, the hospital can use [our 3D-printed version].”
Isinnova said it contacted the manufacturer directly to ask for the plans in order to create a replica, but the request was denied.
Fracassi and Romaioli, along with two other employees, went into their office located a little over 15 miles from the hospital, and started brainstorming. They quickly came up with a solution: 3D printing.
The hospital was able to give them a single used and sanitized valve to measure and analyze. The venturi valves are not single-use, they explained, but can only be used on one patient -- not re-used on any other patients.
The Isinnova team took measurements by hand, and after they created a working prototype of the valve, they rushed five samples over to the hospital to be tested on patients.
Romaioli and Fracassi waited at the hospital while the doctors tested the valves.
The valves worked.
“We were unable to speak, because of emotion. Maybe we saved some lives? The doctor saved lives, we just helped the doctor,” Romaoili added.
Fracassi and his colleagues completed 95 pieces in 24 hours. “We maybe slept a few hours. I don’t remember,” Romaoili laughed.
They worked with three different types of 3D printers to get it right and were only slowed down by a small detail: a tiny hole down the center of the valve. “The 3D printer isn’t able to make such a small hole, so we did it by hand,” said Romaoili. “After the production, one by one, and then we washed them” before bringing the 95 ventilator valves to the hospital.
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
For Fracassi, it was personal. “I didn’t speak to my mother for two days because we were working in a dangerous area, directly in the hospital.” Brescia had been particularly hard hit by the virus. A formerly bustling intersection showed just a few cars out the window of Isinnova’s office.
When asked about the reports that the manufacturer of the original venturi valve had threatened to sue Fracassi or Isinnova, he laughed and called it “fake news”. Other than the initial call to ask for the 3D plans of the valve, Fracassi said he and his company have not had any further conversations with the multinational manufacturer, who he declined to name.
Since helping the local hospital in Chiari, Isinnova continues to print valves, just in case. They’ve been contacted by various other hospitals and 3D-printing firms in several countries, but the process must begin at the start each time. Different ventilators require different valves, so 3D prototypes have to be made in each instance, since they may not be using the same venturi valves as Chiari.
Asked why the small company jumped so quickly at the chance to problem-solve amidst the global pandemic, Fracassi said, “We love competition. It was a hard competition, we could try to help them, and we won.”
Isinnova didn’t take any payment for the 3D-printed valves. They claim each piece only cost them a few euros worth of materials.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“We were trying to do something to help,” Romaoili said. “We didn’t care about our interests, we were interested in making something good for others. That’s why we didn’t ask for money, we just wanted to help. In the days before, we heard about doctors working 20 hours a day, and we were just staying home on our couches.”
“We heard we could do something good to save lives, we said yes -- we have to do that.”


foxnews--2020-03-23--NYC restaurateur delivers hundreds of donated meals to health care workers during coronavirus

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In New York City , in the middle of a statewide pause on daily life , the owner of a popular Italian restaurant has taken it upon himself to collect donations to provide meals to frontline health care workers at the city ’ s hospitals .
Luca Di Pietro , the owner of the popular Italian eatery Tarallucci e Vino , had the idea when talking with a friend from Toronto about the coming coronavirus crisis and its impact on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s launched a website where patrons can donate to provide authentic Italian meals to health care workers .
Since last Thursday , Di Pietro said he ’ s donated 460 meals across a number of NYC hospitals .
He said he ’ s hoping to provide 300 to 400 donated meals per day going forward .
“ My hope in this craziness we live in is that we get enough hospitals that we can feed in these rough times , ” Di Pietro said , “ and eventually I could get more restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the help of his daughter and her classmate to build a website to facilitate the deliveries and help expand the network of restaurants involved .
Both college seniors were home after their university , like so many across the country , ended in-person classes and asked students to leave .
The website , Feed the Frontlines , allows people to donate meals beginning at $ 25 .
The website states that it raised more than $ 49,000 of its $ 140,000 goal .
By opening one of his kitchens for deliveries , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to keep most of the staff at one of his restaurants working .
Still , he , like so many other restaurateurs , has had to lay off some employees .
“ If we don ’ t get relief immediately , people will have loans out , some sort of cash advance deal , with banks , with merchants , they ’ re going to have to default , ” Di Pietro said .
“ … Without any kind of production , our landscape is bound to completely change.
” CORONAVIRUS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Restaurant Association estimates that the industry employs more than 15 million people across the United States , and the organization said nearly half of those people could lose their jobs if the projected $ 225 billion decline in revenue over the next three months comes to fruition .
The vast majority of states , including New York , have mandated that restaurants close their dining rooms and only offer delivery or carry out to try and stop the spread of coronavirus .
Di Pietro said that by his estimation those numbers don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to lay off the majjority of his workforce , but he ’ s hopeful that ’ ll change as his donation program grows .
“ My hope is again , to be as busy as I can so I can bring back everybody , ” he said .
“ I have 90 percent of my workforce unemployed as of [ March 16 ] .
” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP So far , at least , it seems Di Pietro has been growing toward that goal while providing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heroes this moment demands : frontline health care workers .
“ This is something else that I thought would be helpful , not just for myself , but maybe to make everybody feel a little better , ” Di Pietro said .

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In New York City, in the middle of a statewide pause on daily life, the owner of a popular Italian restaurant has taken it upon himself to collect donations to provide meals to frontline health care workers at the city’s hospitals.
Luca Di Pietro, the owner of the popular Italian eatery Tarallucci e Vino, had the idea when talking with a friend from Toronto about the coming coronavirus crisis and its impact on the restaurant industry.
Now, he’s launched a website where patrons can donate to provide authentic Italian meals to health care workers.
“My hope in this craziness we live in is that we get enough hospitals that we can feed in these rough times. And eventually I could get more restaurants to help out.” — Luca Di Pietro, owner of Tarallucci e Vino.
Since last Thursday, Di Pietro said he’s donated 460 meals across a number of NYC hospitals. He said he’s hoping to provide 300 to 400 donated meals per day going forward.
“My hope in this craziness we live in is that we get enough hospitals that we can feed in these rough times,” Di Pietro said, “and eventually I could get more restaurants to help out.”
Di Pietro enlisted the help of his daughter and her classmate to build a website to facilitate the deliveries and help expand the network of restaurants involved. Both college seniors were home after their university, like so many across the country, ended in-person classes and asked students to leave.
The website, Feed the Frontlines, allows people to donate meals beginning at $25. The website states that it raised more than $49,000 of its $140,000 goal.
By opening one of his kitchens for deliveries, both donated and personal, he’s managed to keep most of the staff at one of his restaurants working. Still, he, like so many other restaurateurs, has had to lay off some employees.
“If we don’t get relief immediately, people will have loans out, some sort of cash advance deal, with banks, with merchants, they’re going to have to default,” Di Pietro said. “… Without any kind of production, our landscape is bound to completely change.”
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The National Restaurant Association estimates that the industry employs more than 15 million people across the United States, and the organization said nearly half of those people could lose their jobs if the projected $225 billion decline in revenue over the next three months comes to fruition.
“This is something else that I thought would be helpful, not just for myself, but maybe to make everybody feel a little better." — Luca Di Pietro, owner of Tarallucci e Vino
The vast majority of states, including New York, have mandated that restaurants close their dining rooms and only offer delivery or carry out to try and stop the spread of coronavirus.
Di Pietro said that by his estimation those numbers don’t seem unrealistic. He’s had to lay off the majjority of his workforce, but he’s hopeful that’ll change as his donation program grows.
“My hope is again, to be as busy as I can so I can bring back everybody,” he said. “I have 90 percent of my workforce unemployed as of [March 16].”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
So far, at least, it seems Di Pietro has been growing toward that goal while providing a bit of warmth and sustenance to the heroes this moment demands: frontline health care workers.
“This is something else that I thought would be helpful, not just for myself, but maybe to make everybody feel a little better,” Di Pietro said.


foxnews--2020-03-23--Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert experiencing 'loss of smell and taste' after coronavirus infection

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Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert was among the first professional athletes in major American sports to contract the coronavirus and subsequently brought the NBA and every other U.S. league to a halt .
While Gobert was made to look like a fool because he didn ’ t initially take the virus ’ spread seriously at first , he became known to some as an “ accidental hero ” because he helped the sports world come to grips what would become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , DONOVAN MITCHELL CALLED ON TO BE FACE OF CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION Gobert appeared to have contracted COVID-19 about two weeks ago and he tweeted Sunday he ’ s still feeling some of the effects , including losing his sense of smell .
“ Just to give you guys an update , loss of smell and taste is definitely one of the symptoms , haven ’ t been able to smell anything for the last 4 days , ” he tweeted .
“ Anyone experiencing the same thing ?
” CHICAGO BULLS ' TOMAS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HE CAN GO BACK HOME Gobert is not alone in his experience .
About 30 percent of people who have contracted COVID-19 in China , South Korea , and Italy have also reported a loss of smell .
“ In South Korea , where testing has been more widespread , 30 percent of patients testing positive have had anosmia as their major presenting symptom in otherwise mild cases , ” Claire Hopkins , the president of the British Rhinological Society Professor , and professor Nirmal Kumar , the president of the British Associaton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The experts added that many patients who have tested positive for the coronavirus are only experiencing loss of smell or taste without symptoms of a high fever or a dry cough .
“ There have been a rapidly growing number of reports of a significant increase in the number of patients presenting with anosmia in the absence of other symptoms , ” the professors said .
“ Iran has reported a sudden increase in cases of isolated anosmia , and many colleagues from the US , France , and Northern Italy have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM A handful of NBA players have tested positive for coronavirus .

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Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert was among the first professional athletes in major American sports to contract the coronavirus and subsequently brought the NBA and every other U.S. league to a halt.
While Gobert was made to look like a fool because he didn’t initially take the virus’ spread seriously at first, he became known to some as an “accidental hero” because he helped the sports world come to grips what would become a pandemic spread across the U.S.
KEVIN DURANT, DONOVAN MITCHELL CALLED ON TO BE FACE OF CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION
Gobert appeared to have contracted COVID-19 about two weeks ago and he tweeted Sunday he’s still feeling some of the effects, including losing his sense of smell.
“Just to give you guys an update, loss of smell and taste is definitely one of the symptoms, haven’t been able to smell anything for the last 4 days,” he tweeted. “Anyone experiencing the same thing?”
CHICAGO BULLS' TOMAS SATORANSKY WANTS NBA TO CANCEL SEASON SO HE CAN GO BACK HOME
Gobert is not alone in his experience. About 30 percent of people who have contracted COVID-19 in China, South Korea, and Italy have also reported a loss of smell.
“In South Korea, where testing has been more widespread, 30 percent of patients testing positive have had anosmia as their major presenting symptom in otherwise mild cases,” Claire Hopkins, the president of the British Rhinological Society Professor, and professor Nirmal Kumar, the president of the British Associaton of Otorhinolaryngology, said in a statement.
LEBRON JAMES APPROVES LOS ANGELES' 'STAY AT HOME' DIRECTIVE AMID CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
The experts added that many patients who have tested positive for the coronavirus are only experiencing loss of smell or taste without symptoms of a high fever or a dry cough.
“There have been a rapidly growing number of reports of a significant increase in the number of patients presenting with anosmia in the absence of other symptoms,” the professors said. “Iran has reported a sudden increase in cases of isolated anosmia, and many colleagues from the US, France, and Northern Italy have the same experience.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
A handful of NBA players have tested positive for coronavirus.


foxnews--2020-03-22--José Díaz-Balart clarifies he doesn't have coronavirus after Trump shoutout from White House

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Noticias Telemundo anchor José Díaz-Balart offered some clarification on Sunday after President Trump accidentally referred to him instead of his brother , Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart of Florida , who tested positive for the coronavirus .
Kicking off his White House coronavirus task-force briefing Sunday , Trump addressed the GOP lawmakers who had tested positive in recent days with the virus , including Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , who said he discovered his results earlier in the day .
`` Senator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He 's been a great friend of mine .
He 's always been there when we needed him , when the country needed him .
And as you know , he just tested positive , '' Trump said .
`` José Díaz-Balart -- spoke to him yesterday , he tested positive .
And so , people , they 're getting quite close to home and it 's a terrible thing that 's going on .
The hidden enemy , I call it the hidden enemy . ''
He added , `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope they 're going to be fine , but I just want to send our regards and I think I can speak on behalf of our country . ''
HOW TO PREVENT THE SPREAD The `` NBC Nightly News '' weekend anchor took to Twitter shortly afterward to let everyone know that he was okay .
`` To clarify : I do not have Coronavirus .
The President has been in contact with my brother , Congressman @ MarioDB who has coronavirus , not me .
I am healthy , '' Díaz-Balart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also tested positive for the coronavirus .
Trump also reacted after a reporter informed the president that Mitt Romney , R-Utah , was one of four senators who 've decided to self-quarantine following Paul 's virus diagnosis .
`` Romney is in isolation ?
Gee , that 's too bad , '' Trump said .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP '' Was that sarcasm there , sir ? ''
the reporter quickly asked .

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Noticias Telemundo anchor José Díaz-Balart offered some clarification on Sunday after President Trump accidentally referred to him instead of his brother, Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart of Florida, who tested positive for the coronavirus.
Kicking off his White House coronavirus task-force briefing Sunday, Trump addressed the GOP lawmakers who had tested positive in recent days with the virus, including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who said he discovered his results earlier in the day.
"Senator Rand Paul, a friend of mine. He's been a great friend of mine. He's always been there when we needed him, when the country needed him. And as you know, he just tested positive," Trump said. "José Díaz-Balart -- spoke to him yesterday, he tested positive. And so, people, they're getting quite close to home and it's a terrible thing that's going on. The hidden enemy, I call it the hidden enemy."
He added, "I think they'll all be fine. I hope they're going to be fine, but I just want to send our regards and I think I can speak on behalf of our country."
HOW TO PREVENT THE SPREAD
The "NBC Nightly News" weekend anchor took to Twitter shortly afterward to let everyone know that he was okay.
"To clarify: I do not have Coronavirus. The President has been in contact with my brother, Congressman @MarioDB who has coronavirus, not me. I am healthy," Díaz-Balart said.
Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, also tested positive for the coronavirus.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Trump also reacted after a reporter informed the president that Mitt Romney, R-Utah, was one of four senators who've decided to self-quarantine following Paul's virus diagnosis.
"Romney is in isolation? Gee, that's too bad," Trump said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"Was that sarcasm there, sir?" the reporter quickly asked.
"No, none whatsoever." Trump responded.


foxnews--2020-03-23--Miami-Dade mayor 'very disappointed' to see people partying on boats amid coronavirus shutdown

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Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said on “ Fox & Friends ” on Monday that he was “ very disappointed ” when photos emerged over the weekend showing packed sandbars amid the coronavirus outbreak .
In a video posted on Twitter on Sunday , Gimenez referenced images on social media from the day before showing people “ partying on their boats in close proximity.
” He said he also received information from the police department “ that was quite disturbing.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday night he “ had to issue an order to close all recreational boating activities.
” All marinas and boating ramps in the county are closed as of Sunday until further notice , he said in the video .
“ Miami-Dade police will be out on the water and shutting down any parties , ” Gimenez said , adding that “ there is only one exception to this rule : commercial fishing operations can continue to go out on the water.
” Gimenez told `` Fox & Friends '' hosts that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 14-day isolation .
“ My parks department , my police department said that on Saturday things got a little bit out of hand and then I saw a flier for a big party on a sandbar on Sunday , then I said , ‘ Enough is enough , ’ ” he said , describing what led to the decision to close all marinas and boat ramps in the county .
On Sunday , Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to stay home and not panic about the spread of the novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 people in the state and killed 13 , according to The Florida Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard .
GOV .
DESANTIS TO FLORIDA SPRING BREAKERS : 'THE PARTY 'S OVER' Nearly half of the state ’ s positive cases are in Miami-Dade , Broward and Palm Beach counties .
Many of the state ’ s beaches , including those in Miami-Dade County , have been ordered to close after images of rowdy spring break college crowds surfaced amid the rising global death toll , which surpassed 14,700 on Monday , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , adding to the growing list in the state , beaches and hotels in the Florida Keys officially closed to control the spread of the coronavirus .
Also Sunday , students at several Florida colleges were found to have the virus .
Ten students and one employee at the University of Florida in Gainesville , six students at University of Tampa , and one student at the University of South Florida , St. Petersburg all tested positive for COVID-19 , the universities announced .
The University of Miami also said a student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Young people think they are invincible and they think , ‘ even if I get it , it 's not going to be a big deal , ’ ” Gimenez said on Monday .
“ What they fail to understand though is that when they get it , then they can pass it on to their parents or their grandparents and it is a big deal to their parents and their grandparents and there is more evidence now that even young people are getting hit pretty hard.
” On Friday , DeSantis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooms in an effort to try and slow the spread of the virus .
The order is expected to last through May 8 or longer — a devastating blow to a state whose lifeblood is tourism .
DeSantis has not called for a “ shelter in place ” order , unlike governors in other states , including , California , New York and Illinois .
“ At the end of the day , it 's up to us to stop this virus , ” Gimenez said on Monday .
“ Government can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it all.
” “ As a matter of fact , at the end , it 's going to be the American people that decide , yes , we ’ re going to self-sacrifice , we ’ re going to self-isolate , we ’ re going to practice social distancing , ” he continued , adding that it is a good idea to “ assume that everybody is positive.
” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “ Unfortunately , there are a lot of people , as last Saturday demonstrated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the message , they ’ re going to do what they want and for them having a good time is more important than anything else .
And so , unfortunately , I had to take the action I did late Saturday night and said , ‘ OK , enough .
Nobody is going to go on the water.
’ ” The Associated Press contributed to this report .

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Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said on “Fox & Friends” on Monday that he was “very disappointed” when photos emerged over the weekend showing packed sandbars amid the coronavirus outbreak.
In a video posted on Twitter on Sunday, Gimenez referenced images on social media from the day before showing people “partying on their boats in close proximity.” He said he also received information from the police department “that was quite disturbing.”
Gimenez said, as a result, on Saturday night he “had to issue an order to close all recreational boating activities.”
All marinas and boating ramps in the county are closed as of Sunday until further notice, he said in the video. “Miami-Dade police will be out on the water and shutting down any parties,” Gimenez said, adding that “there is only one exception to this rule: commercial fishing operations can continue to go out on the water.”
Gimenez told "Fox & Friends" hosts that he is beginning his first day out of a 14-day isolation.
“My parks department, my police department said that on Saturday things got a little bit out of hand and then I saw a flier for a big party on a sandbar on Sunday, then I said, ‘Enough is enough,’” he said, describing what led to the decision to close all marinas and boat ramps in the county.
On Sunday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to stay home and not panic about the spread of the novel coronavirus, which had infected more than 1,000 people in the state and killed 13, according to The Florida Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard.
GOV. DESANTIS TO FLORIDA SPRING BREAKERS: 'THE PARTY'S OVER'
Nearly half of the state’s positive cases are in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Many of the state’s beaches, including those in Miami-Dade County, have been ordered to close after images of rowdy spring break college crowds surfaced amid the rising global death toll, which surpassed 14,700 on Monday, according to data compiled by Fox News.
On Sunday, adding to the growing list in the state, beaches and hotels in the Florida Keys officially closed to control the spread of the coronavirus.
Also Sunday, students at several Florida colleges were found to have the virus. Ten students and one employee at the University of Florida in Gainesville, six students at University of Tampa, and one student at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg all tested positive for COVID-19, the universities announced. The University of Miami also said a student had tested positive for the virus.
“Young people think they are invincible and they think, ‘even if I get it, it's not going to be a big deal,’” Gimenez said on Monday. “What they fail to understand though is that when they get it, then they can pass it on to their parents or their grandparents and it is a big deal to their parents and their grandparents and there is more evidence now that even young people are getting hit pretty hard.”
On Friday, DeSantis ordered restaurants statewide to close their dining rooms in an effort to try and slow the spread of the virus. The order is expected to last through May 8 or longer — a devastating blow to a state whose lifeblood is tourism. DeSantis has not called for a “shelter in place” order, unlike governors in other states, including, California, New York and Illinois.
“At the end of the day, it's up to us to stop this virus,” Gimenez said on Monday. “Government can do a lot, but it can't do it all.”
“As a matter of fact, at the end, it's going to be the American people that decide, yes, we’re going to self-sacrifice, we’re going to self-isolate, we’re going to practice social distancing,” he continued, adding that it is a good idea to “assume that everybody is positive.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Unfortunately, there are a lot of people, as last Saturday demonstrated, that they’re just not getting the message, they’re going to do what they want and for them having a good time is more important than anything else. And so, unfortunately, I had to take the action I did late Saturday night and said, ‘OK, enough. Nobody is going to go on the water.’”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-03-23--Woman with suspected coronavirus symptoms dies while waiting for test results, boyfriend claims

A woman in New Orleans , La.
, died while she was waiting for the results from a coronavirus test after she experienced symptoms of the novel virus , or COVID-19 , her boyfriend claims .
Natasha Ott , 39 , died on Saturday .
Her boyfriend , Josh Anderson , 40 , said in a viral Facebook post that he found her body in the kitchen of her apartment after going to check on her .
“ Seeing a woman I knew to be so full of life lying on the floor lifeless was devastating .
I was afraid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway , ” he wrote .
Anderson claims that Ott first complained of feeling unwell earlier this month , on March 10 .
At the time , the woman told him she was experiencing cold-like symptoms and a “ tiny fever.
” Ott , a social worker , told Anderson that the medical clinic where she worked , Crescent Care , had some coronavirus tests available , but she declined to take one because she was considered low-risk and wanted to leave as many tests available for those in desperate need .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She tested negative for the flu and eventually received a coronavirus test about a week after falling ill , on March 16 .
She was reportedly told she would receive the results in about five days .
Anderson claimed in his Facebook post that he went to Ott ’ s apartment to walk her dog , Zola , on Thursday .
At the time , she told him she was “ feeling a bit better ” and “ had more energy than she ’ d had in days , and she ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She did complain that she felt like 'something ' was in her lungs .
She also mentioned that her coronavirus test results were delayed , and likely would n't come back until Monday , ” he wrote .
The two sent a few text messages the next morning , on Friday , but Anderson said Ott stopped responding to him around 8:30 a.m. that day .
“ At 6:54 p.m .
I texted , with no-reply .
I called twice , with no reply .
I wrote : ‘ I 'm getting nervous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call me soon .
If I do n't hear from you within the hour I 'm coming over there to check on you , ’ ” he recalled .
“ I got to her house around 8 .
No one answered the door .
I walked to the back of the house and noticed the rear door that opened into her fenced yard was open ( she left it open sometimes so Zola could go in and out ) .
” “ I went in the back , and found her dead in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EARLY SYMPTOM OF CORONAVIRUS MIGHT BE DIGESTIVE ISSUES : STUDY Speaking to Nola.com , Noel Twilbeck , the CEO of Crescent Care , confirmed that Ott worked at the company and also confirmed that she had died .
He declined to speak further out of “ respect for her family , ” he told the outlet .
At this time , the Orleans Parish Coroner ’ s Office has not released a cause of death , and state health officials have not yet said if it was a coronavirus case , Nola.com reported @

A woman in New Orleans, La., died while she was waiting for the results from a coronavirus test after she experienced symptoms of the novel virus, or COVID-19, her boyfriend claims.
Natasha Ott, 39, died on Saturday. Her boyfriend, Josh Anderson, 40, said in a viral Facebook post that he found her body in the kitchen of her apartment after going to check on her.
CORONAVIRUS KILLS WASHINGTON STATE MOM OF 6, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR
“Seeing a woman I knew to be so full of life lying on the floor lifeless was devastating. I was afraid to touch her. I held her anyway,” he wrote.
Anderson claims that Ott first complained of feeling unwell earlier this month, on March 10. At the time, the woman told him she was experiencing cold-like symptoms and a “tiny fever.”
Ott, a social worker, told Anderson that the medical clinic where she worked, Crescent Care, had some coronavirus tests available, but she declined to take one because she was considered low-risk and wanted to leave as many tests available for those in desperate need. But Ott’s condition continued to deteriorate. She tested negative for the flu and eventually received a coronavirus test about a week after falling ill, on March 16. She was reportedly told she would receive the results in about five days.
Anderson claimed in his Facebook post that he went to Ott’s apartment to walk her dog, Zola, on Thursday. At the time, she told him she was “feeling a bit better” and “had more energy than she’d had in days, and she ended up walking Zola with me.”
“She did complain that she felt like 'something' was in her lungs. She also mentioned that her coronavirus test results were delayed, and likely wouldn't come back until Monday,” he wrote.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
The two sent a few text messages the next morning, on Friday, but Anderson said Ott stopped responding to him around 8:30 a.m. that day.
“At 6:54 p.m. I texted, with no-reply. I called twice, with no reply. I wrote: ‘I'm getting nervous. Just called twice. Text or call me soon. If I don't hear from you within the hour I'm coming over there to check on you,’” he recalled. “I got to her house around 8. No one answered the door. I walked to the back of the house and noticed the rear door that opened into her fenced yard was open (she left it open sometimes so Zola could go in and out).”
“I went in the back, and found her dead in her kitchen,” he claimed.
Ott’s coronavirus test results are reportedly still pending.
EARLY SYMPTOM OF CORONAVIRUS MIGHT BE DIGESTIVE ISSUES: STUDY
Speaking to Nola.com, Noel Twilbeck, the CEO of Crescent Care, confirmed that Ott worked at the company and also confirmed that she had died. He declined to speak further out of “respect for her family,” he told the outlet.
At this time, the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has not released a cause of death, and state health officials have not yet said if it was a coronavirus case, Nola.com reported.


foxnews--2020-03-23--Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, 'wholly focused' on coronavirus, predicts 'things are going to get worse'

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos wrote an open letter to his employees over the weekend , thanking them for their hard work amid the coronavirus pandemic , while acknowledging the crisis is likely to get worse before it gets better .
`` I ’ m not alone in being grateful for the work you are doing , '' Bezos wrote in the letter , posted to the company 's blog .
`` I ’ ve received hundreds of emails from customers and seen posts on social media thanking you all .
Your efforts are being noticed at the highest levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week thanked this team profusely . ''
Bezos continued : `` Across the world , people are feeling the economic effects of this crisis , and I ’ m sad to tell you I predict things are going to get worse before they get better .
We ’ re hiring for 100,000 new roles and raising wages for our hourly workers who are fulfilling orders and delivering to customers during this period of stress and turmoil .
At the same time , other businesses like restaurants and bars are being forced to shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been laid off will come work with us until they ’ re able to go back to the jobs they had . ''
TOP CORONAVIRUS SCAMS TO BE AWARE OF In addition , Bezos wrote Amazon had placed purchase orders for `` millions of face masks '' for their employees and contractors who are unable to work from home .
`` Very few '' of the orders have been filled , Bezos acknowledged , as constraints are ongoing around the world and priority is being given to health care professionals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ why the incredible medical providers serving our communities need to be first in line , '' Bezos explained .
`` When our turn for masks comes , our first priority will be getting them in the hands of our employees and partners working to get essential products to people . ''
Last week , Amazon said its Fullfillment by Amazon ( FBA ) program would partially suspend shipments through April 5 to allow for the tech giant to prioritize products needed for the coronavirus pandemic shaking the globe .
The tech giant has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions in its distribution centers and warehouses in the U.S. and Europe .
On Friday , a group of four U.S. senators , including Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , and Cory Booker , D-N.J. , wrote a letter to Bezos expressing their concern about the health and safety of Amazon warehouses ' workers .
“ Any failure of Amazon to keep its workers safe does not just put their employees at risk , it puts the entire country at risk , ” the lawmakers wrote in the letter .
“ Americans who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 because of Amazon ’ s decision to prioritize efficiency and profits over the safety and well-being of its workforce.
” On Friday , Fox News reported that a worker at an Amazon warehouse in Queens , N.Y. , had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Fox News ' Gillian Turner and Lissa Kaplan contributed to this story .

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos wrote an open letter to his employees over the weekend, thanking them for their hard work amid the coronavirus pandemic, while acknowledging the crisis is likely to get worse before it gets better.
"I’m not alone in being grateful for the work you are doing," Bezos wrote in the letter, posted to the company's blog. "I’ve received hundreds of emails from customers and seen posts on social media thanking you all. Your efforts are being noticed at the highest levels of government, and President Trump earlier this week thanked this team profusely."
Bezos continued: "Across the world, people are feeling the economic effects of this crisis, and I’m sad to tell you I predict things are going to get worse before they get better. We’re hiring for 100,000 new roles and raising wages for our hourly workers who are fulfilling orders and delivering to customers during this period of stress and turmoil. At the same time, other businesses like restaurants and bars are being forced to shut their doors. We hope people who’ve been laid off will come work with us until they’re able to go back to the jobs they had."
TOP CORONAVIRUS SCAMS TO BE AWARE OF
In addition, Bezos wrote Amazon had placed purchase orders for "millions of face masks" for their employees and contractors who are unable to work from home. "Very few" of the orders have been filled, Bezos acknowledged, as constraints are ongoing around the world and priority is being given to health care professionals.
"It’s easy to understand why the incredible medical providers serving our communities need to be first in line," Bezos explained. "When our turn for masks comes, our first priority will be getting them in the hands of our employees and partners working to get essential products to people."
Last week, Amazon said its Fullfillment by Amazon (FBA) program would partially suspend shipments through April 5 to allow for the tech giant to prioritize products needed for the coronavirus pandemic shaking the globe.
The tech giant has come under scrutiny for having allegedly unsafe conditions in its distribution centers and warehouses in the U.S. and Europe.
On Friday, a group of four U.S. senators, including Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Cory Booker, D-N.J., wrote a letter to Bezos expressing their concern about the health and safety of Amazon warehouses' workers.
“Any failure of Amazon to keep its workers safe does not just put their employees at risk, it puts the entire country at risk,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. “Americans who are taking every precaution…might risk getting infected with COVID-19 because of Amazon’s decision to prioritize efficiency and profits over the safety and well-being of its workforce.”
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
On Friday, Fox News reported that a worker at an Amazon warehouse in Queens, N.Y., had tested positive for COVID-19.
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Fox News' Gillian Turner and Lissa Kaplan contributed to this story.