foxnews--2020-04-22--Dogs may suffer extreme separation anxiety owners return to work after quarantine, experts say

Fido may get frantic when the coronavirus quarantining ends .
While isolated humans can ’ t wait until the end of work-from-home culture , canine experts say that lifting shelter-in-place restrictions could conversely cause “ extreme separation anxiety ” in the millions of dogs who ’ ve grown accustomed to their owners ’ constant companionship during lockdown .
SEE IT : DOG STEALS FAKE TEETH FROM OWNER , RUNS AROUND WITH GIGANTIC SMILE “ With such an overload of quality time with their families , dogs are building up a huge reservoir of over-dependency , ” animal psychology expert Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ’ s known for training Queen Elizabeth ’ s corgis , added that the pampered pooches could “ suffer when mums and dads suddenly return to work and the children go back to school.
” Dr. Karen Sueda , a veterinary behaviorist , added in a statement to Insider : “ Dogs thrive on consistency and predictability , as we all do , so any time there ’ s an abrupt change , it can cause stress.
” FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS The mental whiplash could cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of erratic behaviors , including defecating , urinating , howling , chewing or trying to escape , reported the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA ) .
Some panicky pups could even practice coprophagia , where they defecate and then consume their own feces .
“ Put a webcam on your dog , and you ’ ll see howling and pacing and other distress signs , ” Mugford tells the Times .
Separation anxiety isn ’ t just psychologically damaging .
The ASPCA reported stressed pets could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors or windows , which could result in self-injury , such as broken teeth , cut and scraped front paws and damaged nails.
” It ’ s a frightening proposition as approximately 20 to 40 percent of dogs referred to animal behavior practices in North America are diagnosed with separation anxiety , even when not isolating with their owners , according to the American Veterinary Medical Association .
While there is no remedy for canine conniptions , dog experts do advise acclimating pooches to separation prior to the end of lockdown , à @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pavlov .
“ Allow your pet to have some alone time , ” says Sueda .
“ You have your space , and they have theirs.
” For those who live in cramped quarters with their canine companions , the ASPCA prescribes training your dog to perform out-of-sight “ stays ” by an inside door in the home , such as the bathroom .
Separation anxiety specialist Malena DeMartini-Price told Insider : “ It ’ s a gradual process of using small absences that start to teach the dog that absences are safe.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fur babies for even short periods could prove a tall order for the millions who are relying on -- and even buying -- dogs to keep themselves sane during lockdown .
Especially when Fluffy ’ s so happy to see their master that he sprain his tail from wagging it so much .
That ’ s why canine specialists also advise keeping man ’ s best friend engaged via enrichment activities such as crate training , interactive toys and more , the ASPCA reported .
Dog-appeasing pheromone ( DAP ) , white noise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might also help Lassie avoid separation anxiety , according to Sueda .
This article originally appeared in The New York Post .

Fido may get frantic when the coronavirus quarantining ends.
While isolated humans can’t wait until the end of work-from-home culture, canine experts say that lifting shelter-in-place restrictions could conversely cause “extreme separation anxiety” in the millions of dogs who’ve grown accustomed to their owners’ constant companionship during lockdown.
“With such an overload of quality time with their families, dogs are building up a huge reservoir of over-dependency,” animal psychology expert Roger Mugford tells the Times. Mugford, who’s known for training Queen Elizabeth’s corgis, adds that the pampered pooches could “suffer when mums and dads suddenly return to work and the children go back to school.”
Dr. Karen Sueda, a veterinary behaviorist added in a statement to Insider, “Dogs thrive on consistency and predictability, as we all do, so any time there’s an abrupt change, it can cause stress.”
The mental whiplash could cause formerly doted-upon doggies to engage in a range of erratic behaviors, including defecating, urinating, howling, chewing or trying to escape, reports the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Some panicky pups could even practice coprophagia, where they defecate and then consume their own feces.
“Put a webcam on your dog, and you’ll see howling and pacing and other distress signs,” Mugford tells the Times.
Separation anxiety isn’t just psychologically damaging. The ASPCA reports stressed pets could attempt “to dig and chew through doors or windows, which could result in self-injury, such as broken teeth, cut and scraped front paws and damaged nails.”
It’s a frightening proposition as approximately 20% to 40% of dogs referred to animal behavior practices in North America are diagnosed with separation anxiety, even when not isolating with their owners, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
While there is no remedy for canine conniptions, dog experts do advise acclimating pooches to separation prior to the end of lockdown, à la conditioning applied by famed researcher Ivan Pavlov.
“Allow your pet to have some alone time,” says Sueda. “You have your space, and they have theirs.” For those who live in cramped quarters with their canine companions, the ASPCA prescribes training your dog to perform out-of-sight “stays” by an inside door in the home, such as the bathroom.
Separation anxiety specialist Malena DeMartini-Price tells Insider, “It’s a gradual process of using small absences that start to teach the dog that absences are safe.” Still, abandoning one’s fur babies for even short periods could prove a tall order for the millions who are relying on — and even buying — dogs to keep themselves sane during lockdown. Especially when Fluffy’s so happy to see their master that he sprain their tail from wagging it so much.
That’s why canine specialists also advise keeping man’s best friend engaged via enrichment activities such as crate training, interactive toys and more, the ASPCA reports.
Dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP), white noise and medications such as Zylkene or Anxitane might also help Lassie avoid separation anxiety, according to Sueda.


foxnews--2020-01-17--China confirms second death in mystery viral outbreak

Chinese health authorities said a second person has died after being diagnosed with a coronavirus that ’ s been linked to a seafood market in the city of Wuhan .
The man , identified as a 69-year-old with the surname Xiong , fell ill on Dec. 31 and died on Wednesday , according to the city ’ s health officials .
JAPAN CONFIRMS CORONAVIRUS CASE IN MAN WHO RECENTLY RETURNED FROM CHINA Once Xiong was admitted to the hospital , doctors recognized in him abnormal renal function , severe impairment in multiple organs , inflammation of the heart muscle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been diagnosed with pneumonia tied to the coronavirus , with most exhibiting respiratory issues and fever .
The other patient who died , a 61-year-old man , had abdominal tumors and liver disease before contracting the virus .
Recently , officials said it may be possible that the virus can be transmitted between humans , after a woman whose husband had worked at the Seafood Wholesale Market and fell ill , also contracted the virus despite not visiting the market .
However , they also did not rule out that she may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the man brought home from the market .
POSSIBLE MYSTERY VIRUS IN CHINA COULD SPREAD BETWEEN PEOPLE , OFFICIALS SAY Japanese health officials also reported the country ’ s first case of the virus in a Chinese man who had recently returned from China , and had not visited the market but had “ close contact ” with someone who had been exhibiting pneumonia symptoms .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The man developed a cough on Jan. 3 , while still in Wuhan , but was not hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 , when he tested positive for the virus .
Two others in Thailand have also been diagnosed , but officials have been quick to shut down rumors of a SARS re-emergence , going so far as to punish several people who spread such information online .
Several countries are advising travelers ahead of the lunar new year to take precautions while visiting China , including avoiding live animals and seeking medical attention if any symptoms develop .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

Chinese health authorities said a second person has died after being diagnosed with a coronavirus that’s been linked to a seafood market in the city of Wuhan. The man, identified as a 69-year-old with the surname Xiong, fell ill on Dec. 31 and died on Wednesday, according to the city’s health officials.
JAPAN CONFIRMS CORONAVIRUS CASE IN MAN WHO RECENTLY RETURNED FROM CHINA
Once Xiong was admitted to the hospital, doctors recognized in him abnormal renal function, severe impairment in multiple organs, inflammation of the heart muscle and other issues. At least 41 others have been diagnosed with pneumonia tied to the coronavirus, with most exhibiting respiratory issues and fever. The other patient who died, a 61-year-old man, had abdominal tumors and liver disease before contracting the virus.
Recently, officials said it may be possible that the virus can be transmitted between humans, after a woman whose husband had worked at the Seafood Wholesale Market and fell ill, also contracted the virus despite not visiting the market. However, they also did not rule out that she may have contracted the coronavirus from eating food that the man brought home from the market.
POSSIBLE MYSTERY VIRUS IN CHINA COULD SPREAD BETWEEN PEOPLE, OFFICIALS SAY
Japanese health officials also reported the country’s first case of the virus in a Chinese man who had recently returned from China, and had not visited the market but had “close contact” with someone who had been exhibiting pneumonia symptoms.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The man developed a cough on Jan. 3, while still in Wuhan, but was not hospitalized until he returned to Japan on Jan. 6, when he tested positive for the virus. Two others in Thailand have also been diagnosed, but officials have been quick to shut down rumors of a SARS re-emergence, going so far as to punish several people who spread such information online.
Several countries are advising travelers ahead of the lunar new year to take precautions while visiting China, including avoiding live animals and seeking medical attention if any symptoms develop.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-01-17--After deadly virus outbreak in China, CDC announces 'enhanced health screenings' at 3 major US airpo

After deadly virus outbreak in China, CDC announces 'enhanced health screenings' at 3 major US airports

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) , announced the implementation of “ enhanced health screenings ” for airline passengers arriving from or traveling through the Wuhan province of China amid a mysterious viral outbreak in the region .
Screenings will begin Jan. 17 at three major air hubs : San Francisco International Airport ( SFO ) , John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York ( JFK ) and Los Angeles International Airport ( LAX ) .
Chinese health officials have already confirmed more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as two deaths -- tied to the coronavirus , which has been linked to a seafood market in the city of Wuhan .
Officials believe the virus spreads from animals to people , but have yet to rule out the possibility that it spreads from person to person , The Associated Press reported .
Health officials in Thailand and Japan have also confirmed cases of the virus , the latter of which was contracted in China and observed once the patient was hospitalized in Japan .
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health of the American public during the emergence of this novel coronavirus , CDC is beginning entry screening at three ports of entry .
Investigations into this novel coronavirus are ongoing and we are monitoring and responding to this evolving situation , ” Martin Cetron , M.D.
, director of CDC ’ s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine , said in a news release .
The CDC confirmed the deployment of 100 staffers to help the airports in their screening processes and bolster the existing staff at each air hub ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries across Asia have begun similar efforts to stem the spread of the virus , The Associated Press reported .
Travelers are also being warned to take precautions when visiting China ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations later this month .
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Officials have been quick to shut down rumors of a SARS reemergence , going so far as to punish several people who spread such information online .
The CDC and CBP expect around 5,000 travelers to be screened within the next few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first direct flight from Wuhan arrives Saturday , at SFO , The AP said .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The Associated Press contributed to this report .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), announced the implementation of “enhanced health screenings” for airline passengers arriving from or traveling through the Wuhan province of China amid a mysterious viral outbreak in the region.
Screenings will begin Jan. 17 at three major air hubs: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
CHINA CONFIRMS SECOND DEATH IN MYSTERY VIRAL OUTBREAK
Chinese health officials have already confirmed more than 40 cases of pneumonia -- as well as two deaths -- tied to the coronavirus, which has been linked to a seafood market in the city of Wuhan. Officials believe the virus spreads from animals to people, but have yet to rule out the possibility that it spreads from person to person, The Associated Press reported.
Health officials in Thailand and Japan have also confirmed cases of the virus, the latter of which was contracted in China and observed once the patient was hospitalized in Japan.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
“To further protect the health of the American public during the emergence of this novel coronavirus, CDC is beginning entry screening at three ports of entry. Investigations into this novel coronavirus are ongoing and we are monitoring and responding to this evolving situation,” Martin Cetron, M.D., director of CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, said in a news release.
The CDC confirmed the deployment of 100 staffers to help the airports in their screening processes and bolster the existing staff at each air hub’s quarantine areas.
At least six other countries across Asia have begun similar efforts to stem the spread of the virus, The Associated Press reported. Travelers are also being warned to take precautions when visiting China ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations later this month.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
Officials have been quick to shut down rumors of a SARS reemergence, going so far as to punish several people who spread such information online.
The CDC and CBP expect around 5,000 travelers to be screened within the next few weeks at all three airports combined. The first direct flight from Wuhan arrives Saturday, at SFO, The AP said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-20--Sunny Hostin says Fauci and Birx lend Trump an unearned 'veneer of credibility' at briefings

Sunny Hostin expressed her disdain for President Trump 's daily coronavirus press briefings on Monday 's installment of `` The View , '' complaining how Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx lend him an unearned `` veneer of credibility '' for standing alongside him .
During a panel discussion about remarks made by `` Real Time '' host Bill Maher , who condemned the media 's `` panic porn '' coverage of the pandemic and called for more hopeful reporting , Hostin stressed that she prefers `` facts '' over optimism .
`` If you listen to this White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it traffics in deflection , it traffics in blame , '' Hostin said before pointing to a tweet made by the president on March 9 claiming that the `` risk is low '' for average Americans regarding the virus outbreak .
`` This is the kind of information- misinformation that we 're getting from the White House .
I think the media is the last line of defense to give Americans real facts .
SUNNY HOSTIN SAYS TRUMP ONLY WANTS TO REVIVE THE ECONOMY TO SAVE HIS HOTELS : 'THERE 'S SOMETHING IN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her call for networks to not broadcast the coronavirus task force briefings live since the president `` traffics in misinformation . ''
`` Because he is flanked by Dr. Birx and flanked by Dr. Fauci , it almost lends him a veneer of credibility , which he should not have , '' Hostin continued .
`` He has negligently , almost criminally handled this coronavirus pandemic and we need the facts .
Not optimism , the facts . ''
On Friday , Maher slammed the media over its `` gloom and doom '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it could pave the way for Trump 's reelection as the `` hopeful '' candidate .
`` Now that we 're starting to see some hope in all of this , do n't hope-shame me ! ''
Maher began .
`` You know , the problem with nonstop gloom and doom is that it gives Trump the chance to play the optimist .
And optimists tend to win American elections .
FDR has said , 'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself .
You know , as full of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could see Trump riding that into a second term .
And then there will be no more hope left for you to shame . ''
Maher urged news outlets to `` rein it in '' because the `` daily drumbeat of depression and terror veers into panic porn . ''
`` Enough with the 'Life will never be the same ' headlines ! ''
Maher exclaimed .
CRENSHAW , MAHER CLASH OVER TRUMP : IS GOAL TO MAKE PRESIDENT 'LOOK BAD ' OR 'GET TO THE TRUTH ' ?
The HBO star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headline that used the quote , `` It feels like a war zone , '' when referring to a grocery store and The New York Times for its headline , `` Braced for Apocalyptic Surge , New York Avoids Worst , So Far . ''
`` This was an article about how much better the city was doing than expected , '' Maher said .
`` You do n't have to put hot sauce on a jalapeño . ''
He then pointed to another Times headline that read , `` 'It 's Terrifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' that quoted a Hollywood event planner instead of someone like President Trump or Dr. Anthony Fauci .
`` What the f -- - is 'It 's terrifying ' doing in a headline ? ''
Maher asked .
`` How about this : Just tell me millions are out of work without the flashlight under the chin and I 'll decide how I feel about it . ''
He continued , `` There was never headlines like this before .
There was no , 'It 's Terrifying : Planes Hit World Trade Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Sad ' Titanic Sinks After Hitting Iceberg . ''
Maher then knocked the media for being `` obsessed '' with the number of young people who have died with the coronavirus , pointing to the much higher death toll from young people who died from the flu last year .
`` So all of this social distancing did some good .
Can I be happy about that ? ''
Maher complained .
`` Death is terrible , of course , no matter how it comes ... but giving the proper perspective is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is the truth .
Sudden dramatic deaths like plane crashes , shark attacks , tornadoes , mass shootings , terrorism , awful as they are , kill far less than seasonal flu .
Even hospital-acquired infections may very well kill more people than the coronavirus -- 99,000 of them last year !
Fifty-thousand died from nephritis last year and I do n't even know what that is ! ''
He added , `` We need the news to calm down and treat us like adults .
Trump calls you 'fake news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Sunny Hostin expressed her disdain for President Trump's daily coronavirus press briefings on Monday's installment of "The View," complaining how Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx lend him an unearned "veneer of credibility" for standing alongside him.
During a panel discussion about remarks made by "Real Time" host Bill Maher, who condemned the media's "panic porn" coverage of the pandemic and called for more hopeful reporting, Hostin stressed that she prefers "facts" over optimism.
"If you listen to this White House, it traffics in misinformation, it traffics in deflection, it traffics in blame," Hostin said before pointing to a tweet made by the president on March 9 claiming that the "risk is low" for average Americans regarding the virus outbreak. "This is the kind of information- misinformation that we're getting from the White House. I think the media is the last line of defense to give Americans real facts.
SUNNY HOSTIN SAYS TRUMP ONLY WANTS TO REVIVE THE ECONOMY TO SAVE HIS HOTELS: 'THERE'S SOMETHING IN IT FOR HIM'
The host then repeated her call for networks to not broadcast the coronavirus task force briefings live since the president "traffics in misinformation."
"Because he is flanked by Dr. Birx and flanked by Dr. Fauci, it almost lends him a veneer of credibility, which he should not have," Hostin continued. "He has negligently, almost criminally handled this coronavirus pandemic and we need the facts. Not optimism, the facts."
On Friday, Maher slammed the media over its "gloom and doom" coverage of the virus outbreak, suggesting that it could pave the way for Trump's reelection as the "hopeful" candidate.
"Now that we're starting to see some hope in all of this, don't hope-shame me!" Maher began. "You know, the problem with nonstop gloom and doom is that it gives Trump the chance to play the optimist. And optimists tend to win American elections. FDR has said, 'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. You know, as full of s--- as he is, I could see Trump riding that into a second term. And then there will be no more hope left for you to shame."
Maher urged news outlets to "rein it in" because the "daily drumbeat of depression and terror veers into panic porn."
"Enough with the 'Life will never be the same' headlines!" Maher exclaimed.
CRENSHAW, MAHER CLASH OVER TRUMP: IS GOAL TO MAKE PRESIDENT 'LOOK BAD' OR 'GET TO THE TRUTH'?
The HBO star singled out The Washington Post for a headline that used the quote, "It feels like a war zone," when referring to a grocery store and The New York Times for its headline, "Braced for Apocalyptic Surge, New York Avoids Worst, So Far."
"This was an article about how much better the city was doing than expected," Maher said. "You don't have to put hot sauce on a jalapeño."
He then pointed to another Times headline that read, "'It's Terrifying': Millions More Out of Work" that quoted a Hollywood event planner instead of someone like President Trump or Dr. Anthony Fauci.
"What the f--- is 'It's terrifying' doing in a headline?" Maher asked. "How about this: Just tell me millions are out of work without the flashlight under the chin and I'll decide how I feel about it."
He continued, "There was never headlines like this before. There was no, 'It's Terrifying: Planes Hit World Trade Center.' There was no, 'It's Sad' Titanic Sinks After Hitting Iceberg."
Maher then knocked the media for being "obsessed" with the number of young people who have died with the coronavirus, pointing to the much higher death toll from young people who died from the flu last year.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
"So all of this social distancing did some good. Can I be happy about that?" Maher complained. "Death is terrible, of course, no matter how it comes ... but giving the proper perspective isn't a cover-up of the truth, it is the truth. Sudden dramatic deaths like plane crashes, shark attacks, tornadoes, mass shootings, terrorism, awful as they are, kill far less than seasonal flu. Even hospital-acquired infections may very well kill more people than the coronavirus -- 99,000 of them last year! Fifty-thousand died from nephritis last year and I don't even know what that is!"
He added, "We need the news to calm down and treat us like adults. Trump calls you 'fake news,' don't make him be right."


foxnews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus pandemic and grocery shopping: No need to wipe down food packaging, FDA says

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Heads up , consumers : When running the essential errand that is grocery shopping during the coronavirus epidemic in the U.S. , there ’ s no need to wipe down the food packaging after you ’ ve returned home , according to a federal agency .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) attempted to quell Americans ’ fears that their food packaging may be contaminated with the novel coronavirus , as recent studies have suggested it can live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But in a statement posted to its website on Thursday , the FDA said : “ We want to reassure consumers that there is currently no evidence of human or animal food or food packaging being associated with transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
” “ This particular coronavirus causes respiratory illness and is spread from person-to-person , unlike foodborne gastrointestinal or GI viruses , such as norovirus and hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food , ” it added , noting there are currently no nationwide shortages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be out of certain products .
( Speaking of , what drives people to panic buy ? )
The FDA also provided tips on how to protect yourself , other shoppers and store employees when buying essential items .
For instance , it advised to : CORONAVIRUS : WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW • Wear a face mask or covering while in the store ( this is in line with recently updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [ CDC ] guidelines , and is now mandatory in hot spots like New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , make sure to stay at least 6 feet away from others • Thoroughly wash your hands after returning home and again after putting the groceries away “ Again , there is no evidence of food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19 .
However , if you wish , you can wipe down product packaging and allow it to air dry , as an extra precaution , ” the FDA added .

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Heads up, consumers: When running the essential errand that is grocery shopping during the coronavirus epidemic in the U.S., there’s no need to wipe down the food packaging after you’ve returned home, according to a federal agency.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) attempted to quell Americans’ fears that their food packaging may be contaminated with the novel coronavirus, as recent studies have suggested it can live on certain surfaces between hours and days.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
But in a statement posted to its website on Thursday, the FDA said: “We want to reassure consumers that there is currently no evidence of human or animal food or food packaging being associated with transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.”
“This particular coronavirus causes respiratory illness and is spread from person-to-person, unlike foodborne gastrointestinal or GI viruses, such as norovirus and hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food,” it added, noting there are currently no nationwide shortages of food, though some stores may be out of certain products. (Speaking of, what drives people to panic buy?)
The FDA also provided tips on how to protect yourself, other shoppers and store employees when buying essential items. For instance, it advised to:
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Prepare a grocery list in advance
Wear a face mask or covering while in the store (this is in line with recently updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] guidelines, and is now mandatory in hot spots like New York)
Practice social distancing while shopping, make sure to stay at least 6 feet away from others
Thoroughly wash your hands after returning home and again after putting the groceries away
“Again, there is no evidence of food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19. However, if you wish, you can wipe down product packaging and allow it to air dry, as an extra precaution,” the FDA added.


foxnews--2020-04-20--Pittsburgh-area food bank expects supply to diminish in coming weeks: 'This really is unprecedented'

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Lisa Scales , CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank , said on “ Fox & Friends ” on Monday that she has never experienced such a surge in demand in her more than two-decade career .
“ I have been in food banking for almost 25 years , '' she said .
`` This really is unprecedented.
” Images of cars lining up outside food banks are emerging across the country as food banks nationwide are scrambling to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A perfect storm – record demand , volunteer shortages , and now food supply issues due to panic buying – has put food banks across the country into overdrive .
A Feeding America survey of its food banks found more than 98 percent have seen a surge in demand — with 59 percent reporting a decrease in inventory .
As food banks struggle to feed as many people as possible , they are now feeling the ripple effects of the panic-buying that cleaned grocery stores out over the past few weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been , Scales said , “ Our greatest need is keeping up with the demand here in southwestern Pennsylvania.
” “ We started planning for the spread of the virus here in early March and by middle of March we were receiving calls from hundreds of people a day , ” she said .
“ We had people showing up at our front door of our warehouse .
We started drive up distributions and are serving 1,000 to 2,000 cars at each of those distributions.
” She added , “ Right now our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am concerned that in the next three or four weeks our supply will be diminished.
” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Scales said the items that are of most need are “ canned fruits and vegetables , pasta , tuna fish , peanut butter and of course many of the items that are personal care items ; shampoo , toothpaste , toilet paper , paper towels . ''

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Lisa Scales, CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, said on “Fox & Friends” on Monday that she has never experienced such a surge in demand in her more than two-decade career.
“I have been in food banking for almost 25 years," she said. "This really is unprecedented.”
Images of cars lining up outside food banks are emerging across the country as food banks nationwide are scrambling to keep up with demand amid the coronavirus pandemic. A perfect storm – record demand, volunteer shortages, and now food supply issues due to panic buying – has put food banks across the country into overdrive.
A Feeding America survey of its food banks found more than 98 percent have seen a surge in demand — with 59 percent reporting a decrease in inventory.
As food banks struggle to feed as many people as possible, they are now feeling the ripple effects of the panic-buying that cleaned grocery stores out over the past few weeks.
When asked what her biggest challenges have been, Scales said, “Our greatest need is keeping up with the demand here in southwestern Pennsylvania.”
“We started planning for the spread of the virus here in early March and by middle of March we were receiving calls from hundreds of people a day,” she said. “We had people showing up at our front door of our warehouse. We started drive up distributions and are serving 1,000 to 2,000 cars at each of those distributions.”
She added, “Right now our food supply is good, but I am concerned that in the next three or four weeks our supply will be diminished.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Scales said the items that are of most need are “canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, tuna fish, peanut butter and of course many of the items that are personal care items; shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, paper towels."
Fox News’ Rob DiRienzo contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-27--'Food supply chain is breaking,' Tyson Foods chairman says as processing plants continue to close

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The chairman of Tyson Foods has issued a stark warning to Americans following the shuttering of multiple meat processing plants across the country : “ The food supply chain is breaking.
” STAFFING SHORTAGES AT CHICKEN PLANT FORCES GROWERS TO 'DEPOPULATE ' MILLIONS OF BIRDS In an open letter published as a full-page ad in Sunday ’ s New York Times , Washington Post and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette , John H. Tyson outlined Tyson Foods ’ response to the ongoing coronavirus health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — not only of Tyson Foods facilities , but competitors ’ facilities as well — would put stress on the nation ’ s food supply .
In recent weeks , Tyson Foods has been forced to temporarily pause operations at a number of plants following outbreaks of COVID-19 , or because of staffing shortages caused by the pandemic .
“ In addition to meat shortages , this is a serious food waste issue , ” Tyson claimed .
“ Farmers across the nation simply will not have anywhere to sell their livestock to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fed the nation .
Millions of animals – chickens , pigs and cattle – will be depopulated because of the closure of our processing facilities .
The food supply chain is breaking.
” FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Tyson said the company had adopted several new practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at its processing facilities , including new social distancing requirements , workstation dividers , deep cleanings , and temperature screenings ( some performed by infrared “ walkthrough ” scanners ) , among other precautionary measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will remain “ vulnerable ” and confirmed a “ limited supply of our products ” until its own plants could reopen .
“ The government bodies at the national , state and county levels must unite in a comprehensive way to allow our team members to work in safety without fear , panic or worry , ” he wrote .
“ The private and public sectors must come together.
” CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER A representative for Tyson Foods told Fox News on Monday that its facilities were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production , ” and were working hard to remain open .
“ But if it is the right decision to shut down more facilities , we will do so.
” Tyson ’ s full-page ads come less than a week after the company was forced to suspend operations at its largest pork plant in Waterloo , Iowa .
The company also temporarily shuttered plants in Indiana , Washington and another in Iowa .
As of last week , four Tyson Foods employees had been reported to have died of coronavirus .
Tyson 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meat industry , and potentially the U.S. food supply .
JBS , one of the largest meat processing companies in the world , closed several of its U.S. facilities in response to COVID-19 outbreaks , the latest of which temporarily suspended operations just this Sunday , Bloomberg reported .
And Smithfield Foods , the largest pork processor in the nation , closed its Sioux Falls plant after hundreds of its employees tested positive for COVID-19 .
The president and CEO warned of “ severe , perhaps disastrous ” consequences from the closures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , combined with a growing list of other protein plants that have shuttered across our industry , is pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply , ” Kenneth M. Sullivan , of Smithfield , said in a media release earlier this month .

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The chairman of Tyson Foods has issued a stark warning to Americans following the shuttering of multiple meat processing plants across the country: “The food supply chain is breaking.”
STAFFING SHORTAGES AT CHICKEN PLANT FORCES GROWERS TO 'DEPOPULATE' MILLIONS OF BIRDS
In an open letter published as a full-page ad in Sunday’s New York Times, Washington Post and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, John H. Tyson outlined Tyson Foods’ response to the ongoing coronavirus health crisis, but hinted that further closures — not only of Tyson Foods facilities, but competitors’ facilities as well — would put stress on the nation’s food supply.
In recent weeks, Tyson Foods has been forced to temporarily pause operations at a number of plants following outbreaks of COVID-19, or because of staffing shortages caused by the pandemic.
“In addition to meat shortages, this is a serious food waste issue,” Tyson claimed. “Farmers across the nation simply will not have anywhere to sell their livestock to be processed, when they could have fed the nation. Millions of animals – chickens, pigs and cattle – will be depopulated because of the closure of our processing facilities. The food supply chain is breaking.”
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Tyson said the company had adopted several new practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at its processing facilities, including new social distancing requirements, workstation dividers, deep cleanings, and temperature screenings (some performed by infrared “walkthrough” scanners), among other precautionary measures.
Still, Tyson said the supply chain will remain “vulnerable” and confirmed a “limited supply of our products” until its own plants could reopen.
“The government bodies at the national, state and county levels must unite in a comprehensive way to allow our team members to work in safety without fear, panic or worry,” he wrote. “The private and public sectors must come together.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
A representative for Tyson Foods told Fox News on Monday that its facilities were currently “running at reduced levels of production,” and were working hard to remain open. “But if it is the right decision to shut down more facilities, we will do so.”
Tyson’s full-page ads come less than a week after the company was forced to suspend operations at its largest pork plant in Waterloo, Iowa. The company also temporarily shuttered plants in Indiana, Washington and another in Iowa. As of last week, four Tyson Foods employees had been reported to have died of coronavirus.
CLICK HERE FOR FOX NEWS' CONTINUING CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Tyson's announcement is just the latest upset to the meat industry, and potentially the U.S. food supply.
JBS, one of the largest meat processing companies in the world, closed several of its U.S. facilities in response to COVID-19 outbreaks, the latest of which temporarily suspended operations just this Sunday, Bloomberg reported. And Smithfield Foods, the largest pork processor in the nation, closed its Sioux Falls plant after hundreds of its employees tested positive for COVID-19. The president and CEO warned of “severe, perhaps disastrous” consequences from the closures.
“The closure of this facility, combined with a growing list of other protein plants that have shuttered across our industry, is pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply,” Kenneth M. Sullivan, of Smithfield, said in a media release earlier this month.
Fox News' Alexandra Deabler contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-27--Gov. Noem: States that are well governed and fiscally stable could be hurt by lack of stimulus 'flex

Gov. Noem: States that are well governed and fiscally stable could be hurt by lack of stimulus 'flexibility'

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South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem said on Monday that she will press President Trump on getting flexibility over using additional stimulus money that was sent to the states for support during the coronavirus shutdown .
“ They are not allowing us to use those dollars for revenue loss .
They ’ re literally putting me in a position where I ’ m going to leave hundreds of millions of dollars on the table while I ’ m slashing education and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the flexibility I need to really do what I need to here in South Dakota to take care of our people , ” Noem told “ America ’ s Newsroom . ''
Noem said that she will be asking the president and the treasury secretary for flexibility in how to use the stimulus package Congress voted on , referring to a group conference between the president and governors planned for later on Monday .
US OFFICIALS CONFIRM FULL-SCALE INVESTIGATION OF WHETHER CORONAVIRUS ESCAPED FROM WUHAN LAB Trump on Friday signed the nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency interim coronavirus relief package into law after Congress passed legislation this week replenishing the fund for small businesses and adding billions of dollars in aid to hospitals across the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
In an Oval Office ceremony , the president touted the bill as being “ great for small businesses ” and “ great for the workers , ” adding that the bill will “ extend relief to thousands of African-American and Hispanic American business owners . ''
The new interim emergency relief package , which provides $ 484 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House on Thursday and the Senate earlier this week .
The bill delivers a $ 310 billion infusion to the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) , which helps businesses with fewer than 500 employees obtain loans that can cover eight weeks of their payroll , benefits and other expenses .
Thirty billion of that is reserved for community-based lenders , small banks and credit unions , and $ 30 billion is for mid-sized banks and credit unions .
Noem said that South Dakota never closed down businesses because residents were given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by practicing social distancing and wearing protective masks .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP Noem said that Congress has spent plenty of money and South Dakota only needs “ flexibility on what they ’ ve already voted on.
” “ They can build accountability into this .
I served Congress for eight years .
It ’ s not hard to build guardrails up to make us account for the date of which we can prove that we ’ ve had revenue losses .
Don ’ t allow us to use it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t allow us to go back and fill previous years of overspending .
“ They ’ re really , by not giving us this flexibility today , hurting some of us in these states that have been well-governed for years and make tough decisions and are conservative , ” Noem concluded .

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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said on Monday that she will press President Trump on getting flexibility over using additional stimulus money that was sent to the states for support during the coronavirus shutdown.
“They are not allowing us to use those dollars for revenue loss. They’re literally putting me in a position where I’m going to leave hundreds of millions of dollars on the table while I’m slashing education and health care because I can’t have the flexibility I need to really do what I need to here in South Dakota to take care of our people,” Noem told “America’s Newsroom."
Noem said that she will be asking the president and the treasury secretary for flexibility in how to use the stimulus package Congress voted on, referring to a group conference between the president and governors planned for later on Monday.
US OFFICIALS CONFIRM FULL-SCALE INVESTIGATION OF WHETHER CORONAVIRUS ESCAPED FROM WUHAN LAB
Trump on Friday signed the nearly $500 billion “Phase 3.5” emergency interim coronavirus relief package into law after Congress passed legislation this week replenishing the fund for small businesses and adding billions of dollars in aid to hospitals across the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an Oval Office ceremony, the president touted the bill as being “great for small businesses” and “great for the workers,” adding that the bill will “extend relief to thousands of African-American and Hispanic American business owners."
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS MAP
The new interim emergency relief package, which provides $484 billion in additional funding, passed the House on Thursday and the Senate earlier this week.
The bill delivers a $310 billion infusion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which helps businesses with fewer than 500 employees obtain loans that can cover eight weeks of their payroll, benefits and other expenses. Thirty billion of that is reserved for community-based lenders, small banks and credit unions, and $30 billion is for mid-sized banks and credit unions.
Noem said that South Dakota never closed down businesses because residents were given the opportunity to protect themselves from the coronavirus by practicing social distancing and wearing protective masks.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
Noem said that Congress has spent plenty of money and South Dakota only needs “flexibility on what they’ve already voted on.”
“They can build accountability into this. I served Congress for eight years. It’s not hard to build guardrails up to make us account for the date of which we can prove that we’ve had revenue losses. Don’t allow us to use it to bail out pensions, don’t allow us to go back and fill previous years of overspending.
“They’re really, by not giving us this flexibility today, hurting some of us in these states that have been well-governed for years and make tough decisions and are conservative,” Noem concluded.


foxnews--2020-05-19--Florida Keys targets June 1 reopening to visitors

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The Florida Keys will welcome visitors once again on the target date of June 1 , officials have announced .
The island chain has been closed to tourists for over two months in the fight against the novel coronavirus .
After temporarily shuttering on March 22 , the Keys will reopen in correlation with the previously announced removal of checkpoints at U.S. 1 and State Road 905 on June 1 , which barred visitors from entry .
Airport screenings at Key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be lifted that day .
FLYING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS : HOW TO STAY SAFE ON A PLANE With the exception of vacation rentals , lodging establishments will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent occupancy , Monroe County Emergency Management said in a Sunday statement .
These hotels , campgrounds , RV parks , marinas and other transient-licensed sites must adopt increased sanitation protocol and abide by the American Hotel and Lodging Association ’ s amplified cleaning guidelines amid the COVID-19 outbreak .
“ We appreciate and have supported local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimize coronavirus infection rates in the Keys , ” said Rita Irwin , chair of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council , said of the news .
“ That said , we are most gratified that we can ease into hosting visitors again.
” According to The Miami Herald , reopening decision followed a low coronavirus infection rate throughout the Florida Keys .
Monroe County reported 100 positive cases of COVID-19 and three deaths as of Sunday , per The Associated Press .
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain subject to change amid the ongoing outbreak .
“ Should the Florida Keys experience an increase in cases and under the advisement of the Florida Department of Health , restrictions may be heightened and/or amenities may again be closed , ” the Monroe County public safety office said .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

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Who’s ready for a vacation?
The Florida Keys will welcome visitors once again on the target date of June 1, officials have announced. The island chain has been closed to tourists for over two months in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
After temporarily shuttering on March 22, the Keys will reopen in correlation with the previously announced removal of checkpoints at U.S. 1 and State Road 905 on June 1, which barred visitors from entry. Airport screenings at Key West International and Marathon Florida Keys airports will also be lifted that day.
FLYING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS: HOW TO STAY SAFE ON A PLANE
With the exception of vacation rentals, lodging establishments will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent occupancy, Monroe County Emergency Management said in a Sunday statement. These hotels, campgrounds, RV parks, marinas and other transient-licensed sites must adopt increased sanitation protocol and abide by the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s amplified cleaning guidelines amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We appreciate and have supported local government and health officials’ decisions to minimize coronavirus infection rates in the Keys,” said Rita Irwin, chair of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, said of the news. “That said, we are most gratified that we can ease into hosting visitors again.”
According to The Miami Herald, reopening decision followed a low coronavirus infection rate throughout the Florida Keys. Monroe County reported 100 positive cases of COVID-19 and three deaths as of Sunday, per The Associated Press.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
Details of the tentative reopening, however, remain subject to change amid the ongoing outbreak.
“Should the Florida Keys experience an increase in cases and under the advisement of the Florida Department of Health, restrictions may be heightened and/or amenities may again be closed,” the Monroe County public safety office said.
CLICK HERE FOR FOX NEWS' CONTINUING CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-05-19--Hawley bill would let Americans sue China over coronavirus

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A bill to hold China accountable for coronavirus by opening the U.S. legal system to permit millions of American virus patients to sue China and the Chinese Communist Party for damages has been announced by a U.S. senator .
If passed , the bill could allow for the largest negligence lawsuit in world history .
`` The reason we have this pandemic is because the Chinese communist government unleashed it on the world , '' Sen. Josh Hawley , R-Mo.
, @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would provide redress for those hit by the virus or its consequences , by stripping China of its sovereign immunity and letting Americans file lawsuits in U.S. courts seeking damages against Beijing .
`` They suppressed the evidence .
They suppressed the doctors .
They jailed the doctors even .
And now we 're dealing with this terrible disease , '' the senator said .
`` So the victims of this disease in our country ought to be able to go to our courts and sue the Chinese government to hold them accountable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The bill , known as the Justice for Victims of Coronavirus Act , would not only make the Chinese government liable for civil claims in U.S. courts , but would also penalize China for its alleged negligence and cover-up when the virus first emerged in Wuhan .
`` Throughout the pandemic , they have lied about the facts , both about the virus itself and also what 's going on in China .
So , make no mistake , the Chinese government is responsible for the extent of this damage , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world is now suffering , and that 's why they should be on the hook , '' Hawley told Fox News .
According to the bill , China allegedly `` concealed the emergence and spread '' of the virus , '' engaged in a pattern of `` silencing medical professionals , journalists , and academic researchers , '' and worked on `` halting research and destroying or otherwise denying access by Chinese and international health authorities to COVID-19 viral samples and relevant medical information . ''
Beijing is also accused of `` waging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its mishandling of the outbreak .
The potential damages , Hawley told Fox News , could be in the trillions of dollars .
`` Citizens who have been damaged by this pandemic can go to a court , an American court , and can sue China and ask for relief , '' Hawley explained .
`` The court would have the ability to attach Chinese assets , government assets in this country , so that the court would actually have the ability to have damages awarded to those victims who have come in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will allow victims real relief . ''
Experts have said suing China would not be easy .
The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 generally has blocked such lawsuits , declaring that foreign states `` shall be immune from the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States and of the states . ''
But , there have been exceptions and successful actions .
Last year , a federal judge awarded the parents of Otto Warmbier , the 22-year-old Ohio college student who was arrested and tortured by the regime of Kim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a $ 500 million judgment against North Korea .
Warmbier 's parents , Cindy and Fred , have been seeking to attach North Korean assets around the globe to collect .
The families of passengers who were killed in the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie , Scotland , in 1988 , were awarded between $ 5 and $ 10 million each against the government of Libya .
Two families of victims killed on 9/11 won a $ 104 million verdict against the government of Iraq .
In 2016 the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Terrorism Act , which enabled 1,500 survivors and 850 families of 9/11 victims to file a massive lawsuit against Saudi Arabia for also allegedly helping the hijackers .
That suit has been winding through the courts .
CORONAVIRUS : WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW On Monday , the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Sudan can be held responsible for punitive damages from American families of victims of Al Qaeda 's 1998 embassy bombing in Africa .
Sudan has already settled with victims of the 2000 attack on the USS Cole warship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based upon what has been reported to point the finger at China , but that is a little bit different than what the law will actually permit , '' cautioned Philadelphia lawyer Jim Beasley Jr. of the Beasley Firm .
In 2003 , he won the suit against Iraq , having brought an action against that country as well as Afghanistan , Al Qaeda and Usama Bin Laden on behalf of the families of two 9/11 victims .
Beasley won the default judgment of $ 104 million in 2003 , but the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal district court blocked the payment .
The U.S. government had argued the money needed to go to rebuild schools in Afghanistan and Iraq instead .
Most of the previous cases against foreign nations have been brought under terrorism statutes , and Beasley said it will be difficult to prove China 's legal responsibility for causing a pandemic versus finding fault from an intentional act .
`` Even if everything that people are saying that China did is true , it is still a very contagious virus , '' Beasley said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't be here but for China 's behavior ?
Are some of the people that are bringing a claim , did they wear masks when they were supposed to , did they stand 6 feet apart from everybody , then how do you calculate damages , and then how are you going to secure any assets to satisfy any potential default judgment that we get ? ''
And , Beasley said Beijing may not only simply thumb its nose at the U.S. legal system , but that the State Department will ultimately move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did in his successful case against Iraq .
`` China 's not going to respond , so to the extent that this somehow proceeds and it ends up in a default judgment , then you end up having a collective , and the State Department 's not going to let that happen because issues between nations , especially sovereign nations , are the province of diplomacy , not the United States courts , '' he said .
`` There are 10 different reasons why I do n't think it will work . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox News ' request for comment on Hawley 's bill , but last week the Foreign Ministry criticized the efforts by Republican senators to hold China accountable for coronavirus .
`` This act sponsored by several U.S. lawmakers shows no respect for facts , '' ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said .
`` By pushing for investigations based on the presumption of guilt , it is meant to shirk responsibility for the U.S. fumbling response to China .
This is highly immoral .
We are firmly opposed to it . ''
Hawley , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was undeterred .
Hawley also proposed a `` Working Group to Quantify Harm '' that would identify the extent of the economic damage , and an international commission to investigate China 's actions and eventually hold China accountable to prevent a recurrence .
The commission also would examine the ways in which China has gained influence in the World Health Organization , which prompted the U.N. agency to `` spread false , incomplete or misleading information '' and `` to praise '' the Chinese government all the while Beijing was working `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 . ''
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Hawley said the same measures that have been used successfully in the past on behalf of Americans in other cases , should be enacted for this crisis .
`` Let 's take away that immunity of the Beijing government , the communist government .
Let 's strip it .
We know how to do it .
We 've done it many times in the past .
Let 's do it now and let 's give victims the ability to have their day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they have suffered , '' he insisted .

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A bill to hold China accountable for coronavirus by opening the U.S. legal system to permit millions of American virus patients to sue China and the Chinese Communist Party for damages has been announced by a U.S. senator. If passed, the bill could allow for the largest negligence lawsuit in world history.
"The reason we have this pandemic is because the Chinese communist government unleashed it on the world," Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said. He has introduced legislation that would provide redress for those hit by the virus or its consequences, by stripping China of its sovereign immunity and letting Americans file lawsuits in U.S. courts seeking damages against Beijing.
"They suppressed the evidence. They suppressed the doctors. They jailed the doctors even. And now we're dealing with this terrible disease," the senator said. "So the victims of this disease in our country ought to be able to go to our courts and sue the Chinese government to hold them accountable and to get damages for it."
The bill, known as the Justice for Victims of Coronavirus Act, would not only make the Chinese government liable for civil claims in U.S. courts, but would also penalize China for its alleged negligence and cover-up when the virus first emerged in Wuhan.
"Throughout the pandemic, they have lied about the facts, both about the virus itself and also what's going on in China. So, make no mistake, the Chinese government is responsible for the extent of this damage, they are responsible for the pandemic that the world is now suffering, and that's why they should be on the hook," Hawley told Fox News.
According to the bill, China allegedly "concealed the emergence and spread" of the virus," engaged in a pattern of "silencing medical professionals, journalists, and academic researchers," and worked on "halting research and destroying or otherwise denying access by Chinese and international health authorities to COVID-19 viral samples and relevant medical information." Beijing is also accused of "waging a global propaganda offensive" to hide its mishandling of the outbreak.
The potential damages, Hawley told Fox News, could be in the trillions of dollars.
"Citizens who have been damaged by this pandemic can go to a court, an American court, and can sue China and ask for relief," Hawley explained. "The court would have the ability to attach Chinese assets, government assets in this country, so that the court would actually have the ability to have damages awarded to those victims who have come in. ... This is a common-sense measure that will allow victims real relief."
Experts have said suing China would not be easy. The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 generally has blocked such lawsuits, declaring that foreign states "shall be immune from the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States and of the states." But, there have been exceptions and successful actions.
Last year, a federal judge awarded the parents of Otto Warmbier, the 22-year-old Ohio college student who was arrested and tortured by the regime of Kim Jong Un and died after his release, a $500 million judgment against North Korea. Warmbier's parents, Cindy and Fred, have been seeking to attach North Korean assets around the globe to collect.
The families of passengers who were killed in the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, were awarded between $5 and $10 million each against the government of Libya.
Two families of victims killed on 9/11 won a $104 million verdict against the government of Iraq.
In 2016 the U.S. Senate passed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, which enabled 1,500 survivors and 850 families of 9/11 victims to file a massive lawsuit against Saudi Arabia for also allegedly helping the hijackers. That suit has been winding through the courts.
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Sudan can be held responsible for punitive damages from American families of victims of Al Qaeda's 1998 embassy bombing in Africa. Sudan has already settled with victims of the 2000 attack on the USS Cole warship in Yemen.
"It is easy based upon what has been reported to point the finger at China, but that is a little bit different than what the law will actually permit," cautioned Philadelphia lawyer Jim Beasley Jr. of the Beasley Firm. In 2003, he won the suit against Iraq, having brought an action against that country as well as Afghanistan, Al Qaeda and Usama Bin Laden on behalf of the families of two 9/11 victims. Beasley won the default judgment of $104 million in 2003, but the U.S. State Department objected and appealed. A federal district court blocked the payment. The U.S. government had argued the money needed to go to rebuild schools in Afghanistan and Iraq instead.
Most of the previous cases against foreign nations have been brought under terrorism statutes, and Beasley said it will be difficult to prove China's legal responsibility for causing a pandemic versus finding fault from an intentional act.
"Even if everything that people are saying that China did is true, it is still a very contagious virus," Beasley said. "How do you prove that it wouldn't be here but for China's behavior? Are some of the people that are bringing a claim, did they wear masks when they were supposed to, did they stand 6 feet apart from everybody, then how do you calculate damages, and then how are you going to secure any assets to satisfy any potential default judgment that we get?"
And, Beasley said Beijing may not only simply thumb its nose at the U.S. legal system, but that the State Department will ultimately move to block any damages, as it did in his successful case against Iraq.
"China's not going to respond, so to the extent that this somehow proceeds and it ends up in a default judgment, then you end up having a collective, and the State Department's not going to let that happen because issues between nations, especially sovereign nations, are the province of diplomacy, not the United States courts," he said. "There are 10 different reasons why I don't think it will work."
The Chinese government did not respond to Fox News' request for comment on Hawley's bill, but last week the Foreign Ministry criticized the efforts by Republican senators to hold China accountable for coronavirus.
"This act sponsored by several U.S. lawmakers shows no respect for facts," ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. "By pushing for investigations based on the presumption of guilt, it is meant to shirk responsibility for the U.S. fumbling response to China. This is highly immoral. We are firmly opposed to it."
Hawley, who previously served as the Missouri attorney general, was undeterred.
Hawley also proposed a "Working Group to Quantify Harm" that would identify the extent of the economic damage, and an international commission to investigate China's actions and eventually hold China accountable to prevent a recurrence. The commission also would examine the ways in which China has gained influence in the World Health Organization, which prompted the U.N. agency to "spread false, incomplete or misleading information" and "to praise" the Chinese government all the while Beijing was working "to conceal the emergence and spread of COVID-19."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Hawley said the same measures that have been used successfully in the past on behalf of Americans in other cases, should be enacted for this crisis.
"Let's take away that immunity of the Beijing government, the communist government. Let's strip it. We know how to do it. We've done it many times in the past. Let's do it now and let's give victims the ability to have their day in court and to get damages for what they have suffered," he insisted.
Fox News' Ben Evansky contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-05-19--Long Island couple sues cruise line over coronavirus exposure

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A Long Island couple is suing a cruise line after they say it negligently exposed them to the coronavirus during the early days of the outbreak .
The couple says the cruise line was aware that someone on the boat was displaying symptoms of COVID-19 , but they claim the company did not alter the boat ’ s schedule or activities .
They also claim the boat held large gatherings of passengers , further exposing everyone to infection .
Fred and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 29 , ABC News reported .
After they returned home on March 30 , Fred Kantrow was reportedly hospitalized after being infected with COVID-19 .
They say Celebrity did not inform them of any positive cases of the virus until one or two days after they disembarked .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In the lawsuit , the couple alleges that the cruise line was aware that someone on the boat was showing symptoms of the disease at the beginning of the voyage .
The couple claims the boat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity options and continued to serve buffet-style meals anyway .
After news of the pandemic broke , the ship ’ s management reportedly held a large gathering of passengers and crew members to honor health care workers .
The Kantrows described the event , saying that everybody on the ship was “ right next to each other.
” FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Toward the end of the cruise , the ship reportedly threw a Mexican Fiesta , causing the buffet area to become “ crammed , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not immediately respond to Fox News ' request for comment .

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A Long Island couple is suing a cruise line after they say it negligently exposed them to the coronavirus during the early days of the outbreak.
The couple says the cruise line was aware that someone on the boat was displaying symptoms of COVID-19, but they claim the company did not alter the boat’s schedule or activities. They also claim the boat held large gatherings of passengers, further exposing everyone to infection.
DIAMOND PRINCESS CRUISE SHIP FINALLY LEAVES JAPAN TO REPATRIATE REMAINING CREW AFTER CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Fred and Marlene Kantrow boarded the Celebrity Eclipse on Feb. 29, ABC News reported. After they returned home on March 30, Fred Kantrow was reportedly hospitalized after being infected with COVID-19. They say Celebrity did not inform them of any positive cases of the virus until one or two days after they disembarked.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In the lawsuit, the couple alleges that the cruise line was aware that someone on the boat was showing symptoms of the disease at the beginning of the voyage. The couple claims the boat continued with its normally scheduled entertainment and activity options and continued to serve buffet-style meals anyway.
After news of the pandemic broke, the ship’s management reportedly held a large gathering of passengers and crew members to honor health care workers. The Kantrows described the event, saying that everybody on the ship was “right next to each other.”
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
Toward the end of the cruise, the ship reportedly threw a Mexican Fiesta, causing the buffet area to become “crammed," the couple said.
A Celebrity Eclipse spokesperson did not immediately respond to Fox News' request for comment.


foxnews--2020-05-18--Washington community develops rural coronavirus testing model

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An island community in Washington State has developed a coronavirus testing and tracing model that they believe could be replicated in rural and tribal areas nationwide .
The Vashon Island community , with help from the medical reserve corps and a swath of volunteers , developed a testing system in which residents self-test with nasal swabs from the security of their own cars .
The set-up also eliminates the need for extensive personal protective equipment , testing organizers said .
Vashon Island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the nearest emergency room , vulnerable to an easily overwhelmed ambulance system , and lacks acute care facilities .
Rural communities across America face similar issues as well .
“ While rural areas are typically under-resourced and disadvantaged as it comes to health and health care , a model like this shows that rural places can be particularly nimble and flexible , ” Carrie Henning-Smith , the deputy director of the University of Minnesota ’ s Rural Health Research Center , told the New York Times .
The testing model came about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s wife reportedly developed gastrointestinal issues and endless bouts of coughing with no testing options in sight .
CORONAVIRUS VACCINE MIGHT BE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR , BUT DO N'T 'BANK ON IT , ' JOHNS HOPKINS EXPERT SAYS The island community coins the coronavirus response plan and model the `` Rural Test & Trace Toolkit . ''
`` We have no acute care or hospital care , '' the toolkit 's website states .
`` When faced with these challenges , we developed and deployed a testing strategy that allowed our community to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than three weeks using local resources , a volunteer workforce and without resources from our country 's public health system that was already stretched thin . ''
The website said that the strategy is based on three principles : 1 ) that informed patients can self-collect nasal swab specimens for testing ; 2 ) that exposure of volunteer health care workers to SARS-CoV2 must be minimized ; and 3 ) PPE use can be minimized during testing by isolating patients and workers from each other throughout the testing process .
Residents are instructed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written instructions given before they arrive to test sites and again immediately before they administer the test .
The sample is then put into a biohazard bag , and the resident drives to the drop off point to deposit it in a cooler before leaving the premise .
A portion of Vashon volunteers were trained on contact tracing as well , which will ensue should positive cases arise .
“ It ’ s not rocket science and with the right supervision you can train basically anyone to do it , ” Bristow told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the testing model , Bristow told the news outlet that he recruited the help of Seattle E.R .
physician , Dr. John Osborn , who leads Vashon 's medical reserve corps .
They believe other remote areas could come to rely on the same help .
`` We believe that rural communities can and should accept responsibility for protecting their communities now , '' the toolkit 's website stated .
`` We suggest engaging and marshaling local resources while communicating your intentions upward .
If your community or area has a Medical Reserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- they may already be organizing . ''
Bristow ’ s wife recovered and as of Saturday , the island community had not experienced a positive case in more than two weeks despite four other coronavirus cases previously reported to the Washington Department of Health .

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An island community in Washington State has developed a coronavirus testing and tracing model that they believe could be replicated in rural and tribal areas nationwide.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
The Vashon Island community, with help from the medical reserve corps and a swath of volunteers, developed a testing system in which residents self-test with nasal swabs from the security of their own cars. The set-up also eliminates the need for extensive personal protective equipment, testing organizers said.
Vashon Island is reportedly located over an hour away from the nearest emergency room, vulnerable to an easily overwhelmed ambulance system, and lacks acute care facilities. Rural communities across America face similar issues as well.
“While rural areas are typically under-resourced and disadvantaged as it comes to health and health care, a model like this shows that rural places can be particularly nimble and flexible,” Carrie Henning-Smith, the deputy director of the University of Minnesota’s Rural Health Research Center, told the New York Times.
The testing model came about after Vashon resident Dr. Jim Bristow’s wife reportedly developed gastrointestinal issues and endless bouts of coughing with no testing options in sight.
CORONAVIRUS VACCINE MIGHT BE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR, BUT DON'T 'BANK ON IT,' JOHNS HOPKINS EXPERT SAYS
The island community coins the coronavirus response plan and model the "Rural Test & Trace Toolkit."
"We have no acute care or hospital care," the toolkit's website states. "When faced with these challenges, we developed and deployed a testing strategy that allowed our community to launch a successful testing site in less than three weeks using local resources, a volunteer workforce and without resources from our country's public health system that was already stretched thin."
The website said that the strategy is based on three principles: 1) that informed patients can self-collect nasal swab specimens for testing; 2) that exposure of volunteer health care workers to SARS-CoV2 must be minimized; and 3) PPE use can be minimized during testing by isolating patients and workers from each other throughout the testing process.
Residents are instructed on how to swab their noses via written instructions given before they arrive to test sites and again immediately before they administer the test. The sample is then put into a biohazard bag, and the resident drives to the drop off point to deposit it in a cooler before leaving the premise.
UK WOMAN, 102, BEATS CORONAVIRUS: 'A MIRACLE RECOVERY'
A portion of Vashon volunteers were trained on contact tracing as well, which will ensue should positive cases arise.
“It’s not rocket science and with the right supervision you can train basically anyone to do it,” Bristow told the New York Times.
In developing the testing model, Bristow told the news outlet that he recruited the help of Seattle E.R. physician, Dr. John Osborn, who leads Vashon's medical reserve corps. They believe other remote areas could come to rely on the same help.
"We believe that rural communities can and should accept responsibility for protecting their communities now," the toolkit's website stated. "We suggest engaging and marshaling local resources while communicating your intentions upward. If your community or area has a Medical Reserve Corp, begin by talking to them -- they may already be organizing."
Bristow’s wife recovered and as of Saturday, the island community had not experienced a positive case in more than two weeks despite four other coronavirus cases previously reported to the Washington Department of Health.


foxnews--2020-05-19--Texas bars to begin reopening Friday after coronavirus shutdown

Many of Texas ’ bars , bowling alleys and some other attractions can begin reopening Friday after shutting their doors in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Gov .
Greg Abbott issued an executive order Monday outlining Phase II of the state ’ s plan to return to business following weeks of shutdowns .
But a handful of counties that the governor called COVID-19 hot spots can not move into Phase II until May 29 , Abbot said .
Those include El Paso , Randall , Potter , Moore and Deaf Smith .
“ Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one step closer to medical discoveries that can treat and protect people from COVID-19 , ” Abbott said in a statement .
“ But until that day comes , our focus is keeping Texans safe while restoring their ability to get back to work , open their businesses , pay their bills , and put food on their tables.
” Bars , bowling alleys , bingo halls , skating rinks , aquariums and simulcast racing sites in most Texas counties can resume business on May 22 .
Equestrian events and rodeos can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen , as well .
Restaurants can serve customers at 50 percent their normal occupancy .
Bars , breweries , tasting rooms and similar businesses can reopen at 25 percent capacity .
GERMAN CAFE GIVES SWIMMING POOL NOODLE HATS TO DINERS TO ENSURE SOCIAL DISTANCING There are exceptions for the occupancy rules in outdoor areas where customers can maintain safe distancing .
Other businesses and events , like summer camps and youth sports , can reopen on May 31 .
So can some professional sports , without in-person spectators .
CLICK HERE FOR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the state ’ s reopening push , public schools can hold in-person summer classes , so long as they follow social distancing practices and other health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services .
“ I ask all Texans to continue heeding the guidance of our state and federal medical experts and do their part to protect public health , ” Abbott said .
As of Tuesday morning , there were more than 1.5 million confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. and over 90,000 deaths , according to @ @ @ @

Many of Texas’ bars, bowling alleys and some other attractions can begin reopening Friday after shutting their doors in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Monday outlining Phase II of the state’s plan to return to business following weeks of shutdowns.
But a handful of counties that the governor called COVID-19 hot spots cannot move into Phase II until May 29, Abbot said. Those include El Paso, Randall, Potter, Moore and Deaf Smith.
“Today, tomorrow and every day going forward is one step closer to medical discoveries that can treat and protect people from COVID-19,” Abbott said in a statement. “But until that day comes, our focus is keeping Texans safe while restoring their ability to get back to work, open their businesses, pay their bills, and put food on their tables.”
Bars, bowling alleys, bingo halls, skating rinks, aquariums and simulcast racing sites in most Texas counties can resume business on May 22. Equestrian events and rodeos can resume operations, and natural caverns can reopen, as well.
Restaurants can serve customers at 50 percent their normal occupancy. Bars, breweries, tasting rooms and similar businesses can reopen at 25 percent capacity.
GERMAN CAFE GIVES SWIMMING POOL NOODLE HATS TO DINERS TO ENSURE SOCIAL DISTANCING
There are exceptions for the occupancy rules in outdoor areas where customers can maintain safe distancing.
Other businesses and events, like summer camps and youth sports, can reopen on May 31. So can some professional sports, without in-person spectators.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
In another aspect of the state’s reopening push, public schools can hold in-person summer classes, so long as they follow social distancing practices and other health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
“I ask all Texans to continue heeding the guidance of our state and federal medical experts and do their part to protect public health,” Abbott said.
As of Tuesday morning, there were more than 1.5 million confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. and over 90,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.


foxnews--2020-05-18--Russia asks Google to block article questioning COVID-19 death toll

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Russia ’ s state media regulator , Roskomnadzor , has demanded that Google block a Russian news website ’ s article that claims Moscow may have dramatically undercounted coronavirus deaths .
The watchdog is also investigating reports by The New York Times and The Financial Times that analyzed official mortality data to see if Russia is undercounting deaths , to determine if the media organizations violated Moscow 's law against disinformation , The Moscow Times reports .
Roskomnadzor sent a letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down a write-up of FT ’ s analysis , written by MBKh Media , which estimated that 70 percent more Russians may have died from COVID-19 than officially confirmed by the country .
Next , Google informed MBKh Media , whose website is apparently hosted on the Google Cloud Platform , of the letter .
Fox News reached out to Google for comment on this story .
“ I believe the demand to remove the news about this article is pure political censorship , ” MBKh Media ’ s chief editor Veronika Kutsillo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday , claiming that the outlet wo n't be deleting the story .
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova complained about what she called ‘ disinformation ’ by the two newspapers and said letters demanding a retraction would be passed on to both .
AMAZON COULD BE THE ORIGIN OF THE NEXT GLOBAL PANDEMIC , SCIENTIST WARNS The New York Times is standing by its report becuase it was based on `` publicly available government records and interviews with experts from government-run institutions , '' its VP for communications told CBS News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to retract their articles .
Fox News reached out to Google for comment on this story .
Critics have said that Russia is under-counting deaths to downplay the virus .
Moscow 's Health Department reacted to the press reports by putting out a statement saying that more than 60 percent of deaths among the city 's coronavirus patients are not being included in the official virus death toll because their deaths resulted from underlying causes .
Officials defended their methodology as `` exceptionally precise . ''
As of Monday afternoon , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 2,722 deaths .
Worldwide , the virus has claimed the lives of at least 316,898 people .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

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Russia’s state media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has demanded that Google block a Russian news website’s article that claims Moscow may have dramatically undercounted coronavirus deaths.
The watchdog is also investigating reports by The New York Times and The Financial Times that analyzed official mortality data to see if Russia is undercounting deaths, to determine if the media organizations violated Moscow's law against disinformation, The Moscow Times reports.
Roskomnadzor sent a letter to Google calling on it to take down a write-up of FT’s analysis, written by MBKh Media, which estimated that 70 percent more Russians may have died from COVID-19 than officially confirmed by the country.
Next, Google informed MBKh Media, whose website is apparently hosted on the Google Cloud Platform, of the letter. Fox News reached out to Google for comment on this story.
INVESTIGATIONAL VACCINE PROTECTS MONKEYS AGAINST COVID-19 PNEUMONIA
“I believe the demand to remove the news about this article is pure political censorship,” MBKh Media’s chief editor Veronika Kutsillo said in a statement to Open Media on Friday, claiming that the outlet won't be deleting the story.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova complained about what she called ‘disinformation’ by the two newspapers and said letters demanding a retraction would be passed on to both.
AMAZON COULD BE THE ORIGIN OF THE NEXT GLOBAL PANDEMIC, SCIENTIST WARNS
The New York Times is standing by its report becuase it was based on "publicly available government records and interviews with experts from government-run institutions," its VP for communications told CBS News. Neither the Times nor the FT plan to retract their articles.
Fox News reached out to Google for comment on this story.
Critics have said that Russia is under-counting deaths to downplay the virus.
Moscow's Health Department reacted to the press reports by putting out a statement saying that more than 60 percent of deaths among the city's coronavirus patients are not being included in the official virus death toll because their deaths resulted from underlying causes. Officials defended their methodology as "exceptionally precise."
As of Monday afternoon, there are 290,678 coronavirus cases in Russia but only 2,722 deaths. Worldwide, the virus has claimed the lives of at least 316,898 people.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-05-17--Colorado Gov. Polis pushes back against CDC's coronavirus death counts

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Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis , a Democrat , pushed back against recent coronavirus death counts , including those conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [ CDC ] , days after his own state ’ s health department acknowledged that its numbers had been inflated by including people who had the virus but died from other causes .
Colorado previously had reported 1,150 people died from COVID-19 , but late Friday , officials changed that number to 878 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAYS FEWER HAVE DIED OF COVID-19 THAN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED “ The CDC criteria include anybody who has died with COVID-19 , but what the people of Colorado and the people of the country want to know is how many people died of COVID-19 , ” Polis told “ Fox News Sunday.
” Inconsistencies in death counts have been happening on both the state and national level .
As of Friday , Johns Hopkins University data counted 85,974 national COVID-19 deaths , while the CDC was reporting 83,947 that same day .
There has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lower number may be artificially high .
Three administration officials said Dr.Deborah Birx , the task force response coordinator , has pushed for the CDC to exclude from the death count some who were presumed infected but did not have a confirmed lab result and those who had the virus but might not have died as a direct result of it , according to the Daily Beast .
At the same time , however , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the top U.S. infectious disease expert , said during testimony before the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee Tuesday that he believes the coronavirus death toll is “ almost certainly higher ” than currently being reported .
Polis recognized Sunday “ that of course there ’ s likely cases that should be counted as COVID deaths that people have missed , doctors have missed.
” Regardless of the discrepancies , Polis said he does not want this to be a political issue .
“ No , in fact , one of the reasons we wanted to make sure we reported it out in a better way was to inspire confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicized , ” Polis said .
“ These are deaths that should not be politicized.
” CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE Polis spoke about his positive working relationship with President Trump , as the two men recently met and have praised each other for how they have handled the pandemic .
`` Look , I happen to be a Democrat , but what I 've said is he 's the president we have , and I owe it to the people of my state who elected me to work with any president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his job is to help save lives in his state and help revive their economy .
`` There 's a time for politics , there 's a time for elections , '' Polis said .
`` This is n't it . ''
Polis , who once served as president of the Colorado Board of Education , spent much of the interview discussing how he hopes to reopen schools this fall .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “ By and large , I think across our state and across our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to school in the fall , it ’ s just not going to look like any other school year , ” Polis said .
The governor said in anticipation of future outbreaks , there could be times when schools convert to online formats for weeks at a time during the year .
Polis also stated that day-to-day life between classes and during lunch periods will be different so that students interact less with each other .
He also noted that up to 20 percent of parents may prefer to have their children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more comfortable that it is safe to go back .
Fox News ' Robert Gearty and Chris Wallace contributed to this report .

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Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, pushed back against recent coronavirus death counts, including those conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], days after his own state’s health department acknowledged that its numbers had been inflated by including people who had the virus but died from other causes.
Colorado previously had reported 1,150 people died from COVID-19, but late Friday, officials changed that number to 878.
COLORADO AMENDS CORONAVIRUS DEATH COUNT - SAYS FEWER HAVE DIED OF COVID-19 THAN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED
“The CDC criteria include anybody who has died with COVID-19, but what the people of Colorado and the people of the country want to know is how many people died of COVID-19,” Polis told “Fox News Sunday.”
Inconsistencies in death counts have been happening on both the state and national level. As of Friday, Johns Hopkins University data counted 85,974 national COVID-19 deaths, while the CDC was reporting 83,947 that same day. There has been concern that even the CDC’s lower number may be artificially high.
Three administration officials said Dr.Deborah Birx, the task force response coordinator, has pushed for the CDC to exclude from the death count some who were presumed infected but did not have a confirmed lab result and those who had the virus but might not have died as a direct result of it, according to the Daily Beast.
At the same time, however, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said during testimony before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Tuesday that he believes the coronavirus death toll is “almost certainly higher” than currently being reported.
Polis recognized Sunday “that of course there’s likely cases that should be counted as COVID deaths that people have missed, doctors have missed.”
Regardless of the discrepancies, Polis said he does not want this to be a political issue.
“No, in fact, one of the reasons we wanted to make sure we reported it out in a better way was to inspire confidence so that it wouldn’t be politicized,” Polis said. “These are deaths that should not be politicized.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Polis spoke about his positive working relationship with President Trump, as the two men recently met and have praised each other for how they have handled the pandemic.
"Look, I happen to be a Democrat, but what I've said is he's the president we have, and I owe it to the people of my state who elected me to work with any president," Polis said, pointing out that his job is to help save lives in his state and help revive their economy.
"There's a time for politics, there's a time for elections," Polis said. "This isn't it."
Polis, who once served as president of the Colorado Board of Education, spent much of the interview discussing how he hopes to reopen schools this fall.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“By and large, I think across our state and across our nation are going to be able to return to school in the fall, it’s just not going to look like any other school year,” Polis said. The governor said in anticipation of future outbreaks, there could be times when schools convert to online formats for weeks at a time during the year.
Polis also stated that day-to-day life between classes and during lunch periods will be different so that students interact less with each other. He also noted that up to 20 percent of parents may prefer to have their children continue taking classes online until they feel more comfortable that it is safe to go back.
Fox News' Robert Gearty and Chris Wallace contributed to this report.