foxnews--2020-05-15--Places without social distancing have 35 times more potential coronavirus spread, study finds

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Parts of the U.S. that do n't adhere to any physical distancing policies face 35 times more cases of the novel coronavirus , a new study claims .
The study , published Thursday in the peer-reviewed journal Health Affairs , examined policies mandating social distancing -- as states across the country begin the process of reopening -- and found that the longer a distancing protocol was in effect the slower the daily growth rate of COVID-19 , the virus ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voluntary social distancing constant , these results imply 10 times greater spread by April 27 without [ shelter-in-place orders ] … and more than 35 times greater spread without any of the four measures , ” the researchers wrote in their study , titled “ Strong Social Distancing Measures in the United States Reduced the COVID-19 Growth Rate.
” LOUD TALKING CAN LEAVE CORONAVIRUS IN THE AIR FOR UP TO 14 MINUTES , STUDY SAYS A group of researchers examined confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States from March 1 through April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 1 million reported cases at that time .
When social distancing policies lasted at least 16 to 20 days , the daily rate of infection dropped by more than 9 percentage points , according to the study .
However , even policies lasting 15 days and less also saw declines in the daily infection rate , researchers found .
NIH BEGINS CLINICAL TRIAL OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE AND AZITHROMYCIN TO TREAT COVID-19 The social distancing measures , which at one time were mandated by almost the entire country , include shelter-in-place orders , bans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , gyms , bars , restaurants , salons and other businesses .
In certain states , there have been protests over the continued stay-at-home orders .
However , polls still show broad support for social distancing as a way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent more localized outbreaks in communities .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released some new guidelines for restaurants and bars around how to reopen safely , and the federal agency will release more broad-based guidelines soon .
As of Friday afternoon , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 86,387 deaths from coronavirus in the United States .

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Parts of the U.S. that don't adhere to any physical distancing policies face 35 times more cases of the novel coronavirus, a new study claims.
The study, published Thursday in the peer-reviewed journal Health Affairs, examined policies mandating social distancing -- as states across the country begin the process of reopening -- and found that the longer a distancing protocol was in effect the slower the daily growth rate of COVID-19, the virus’s disease.
“Holding the amount of voluntary social distancing constant, these results imply 10 times greater spread by April 27 without [shelter-in-place orders] … and more than 35 times greater spread without any of the four measures,” the researchers wrote in their study, titled “Strong Social Distancing Measures in the United States Reduced the COVID-19 Growth Rate.”
LOUD TALKING CAN LEAVE CORONAVIRUS IN THE AIR FOR UP TO 14 MINUTES, STUDY SAYS
A group of researchers examined confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States from March 1 through April 27, which was a total of about 1 million reported cases at that time.
When social distancing policies lasted at least 16 to 20 days, the daily rate of infection dropped by more than 9 percentage points, according to the study. However, even policies lasting 15 days and less also saw declines in the daily infection rate, researchers found.
NIH BEGINS CLINICAL TRIAL OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE AND AZITHROMYCIN TO TREAT COVID-19
The social distancing measures, which at one time were mandated by almost the entire country, include shelter-in-place orders, bans on large events and the closure of schools, gyms, bars, restaurants, salons and other businesses.
In certain states, there have been protests over the continued stay-at-home orders. However, polls still show broad support for social distancing as a way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent more localized outbreaks in communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released some new guidelines for restaurants and bars around how to reopen safely, and the federal agency will release more broad-based guidelines soon.
As of Friday afternoon, there were more than 1.4 million infections and 86,387 deaths from coronavirus in the United States.


foxnews--2020-05-22--The CDC is lumping positive COVID-19 viral and antibody tests together: Here's why that's bad

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and several state health departments have been reporting COVID-19 diagnostic tests and antibody tests as one grand tally , rather than keeping their results separate , The Atlantic reported .
Reporting these numbers as a lump sum , rather than two distinct data points , presents several major issues .
Namely , combining the numbers could make America 's diagnostic testing capabilities and testing rates appear higher than they actually are , according to The Atlantic .
And as the tests serve profoundly different purposes , `` positive '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interpreted in the same way .
Reporting all the positive results together , as one number , could skew our understanding of how many new COVID-19 cases emerge over time — a crucial metric to help control outbreaks as states begin reopening .
Related : 11 ( sometimes ) deadly diseases that hopped across species When told how the CDC chose to lump the results of both tests together , director of the Harvard Global Health Institute Ashish Jha told The Atlantic , `` You 've got to be kidding me ... How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a mess . ''
Diagnostic tests for COVID-19 work by detecting viral genetic material in nasal swabs , throat swabs and saliva samples collected from patients , Live Science previously reported .
The tests , although not 100 % accurate , can reveal whether a given patient has an active COVID-19 infection right now , at the time of testing .
New , saliva-based tests appear to be more reliable than the swab-based tests , in terms of minimizing false results .
Antibody tests can not be used to diagnose an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests scan patient blood samples for evidence of past infections .
During infection , the body mounts an immune response against the virus by building specific antibodies — molecules that latch onto the virus and help neutralize it , Live Science previously reported .
A positive antibody test result would indicate that the person has already been exposed to the virus and likely already recovered from an infection .
If a person tests negative on an antibody test , they could still have an active COVID-19 infection , as their body has yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be detected by the tests .
A positive antibody test result may also indicate that the individual is now somewhat immune to the pathogen ; however , more reliable antibody tests and more clinical data are needed to know if a positive antibody test actually implies immunity and how long that immunity might last .
`` The viral [ diagnostic ] testing is to understand how many people are getting infected , while antibody testing is like looking in the rearview mirror , '' Jha told The Atlantic .
`` The two tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these two signals makes the data difficult to interpret and could be misleading to the public , because the combined number does not reflect the rate of new infection ( and the number of infectious people circulating ) in their region , William Hanage , an epidemiology professor at the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health , told The Atlantic .
`` Combining a test that is designed to detect current infection with a test that detects infection at some point in the past is just really confusing and muddies the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition , people are most likely to receive a diagnostic test if they 're suspected to be infected , meaning they 're showing symptoms of the disease or have been in contact with an infected person .
Antibody tests can be given to anyone , and because relatively few people are thought to have been infected with COVID-19 across the U.S. , many antibody tests may come back negative .
If combined with diagnostic test results , antibody test results could artificially lower the percentage of positive tests out of the total .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sense of how much virus is currently circulating in a community , and if skewed , that warped statistic could wrongly influence public health policy decisions .
In addition to the CDC , Pennsylvania , Texas , Georgia and Vermont also report their diagnostic and antibody test results as one grand total , according to The Atlantic .
Virginia and Maine previously blended their data , as well , but they have started reporting the numbers separately within the past week .
According to The Atlantic 's COVID Tracking Project , COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than doubled over the past month , increasing from about 147,000 tests a day in mid-April to more than 413,000 tests a day as of May 20 .
Simultaneously , the proportion of positive tests recorded each week fell from 10 % to 6 % of total tests conducted .
Both trends appear encouraging at face value , but given that diagnostic and antibody tests are sometimes being lumped together , it 's impossible to know whether the data reflects reality , The Atlantic reported .
When asked about the mess-up , CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` hopes '' to separate the data on their COVID Data Tracker within the next few weeks .
• Going viral : 6 new findings about viruses

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and several state health departments have been reporting COVID-19 diagnostic tests and antibody tests as one grand tally, rather than keeping their results separate, The Atlantic reported .
Reporting these numbers as a lump sum, rather than two distinct data points, presents several major issues.
Namely, combining the numbers could make America's diagnostic testing capabilities and testing rates appear higher than they actually are, according to The Atlantic. And as the tests serve profoundly different purposes, "positive" results from either test cannot be interpreted in the same way. Reporting all the positive results together, as one number, could skew our understanding of how many new COVID-19 cases emerge over time — a crucial metric to help control outbreaks as states begin reopening .
Related: 11 (sometimes) deadly diseases that hopped across species
When told how the CDC chose to lump the results of both tests together, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute Ashish Jha told The Atlantic, "You've got to be kidding me ... How could the CDC make that mistake? This is a mess."
Diagnostic tests for COVID-19 work by detecting viral genetic material in nasal swabs, throat swabs and saliva samples collected from patients, Live Science previously reported . The tests, although not 100% accurate , can reveal whether a given patient has an active COVID-19 infection right now, at the time of testing. New, saliva-based tests appear to be more reliable than the swab-based tests, in terms of minimizing false results.
Antibody tests cannot be used to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection; rather, the tests scan patient blood samples for evidence of past infections. During infection, the body mounts an immune response against the virus by building specific antibodies — molecules that latch onto the virus and help neutralize it, Live Science previously reported . A positive antibody test result would indicate that the person has already been exposed to the virus and likely already recovered from an infection. If a person tests negative on an antibody test, they could still have an active COVID-19 infection, as their body has yet to build up enough specific antibodies to be detected by the tests.
A positive antibody test result may also indicate that the individual is now somewhat immune to the pathogen; however, more reliable antibody tests and more clinical data are needed to know if a positive antibody test actually implies immunity and how long that immunity might last.
"The viral [diagnostic] testing is to understand how many people are getting infected, while antibody testing is like looking in the rearview mirror," Jha told The Atlantic. "The two tests are totally different signals."
Combining these two signals makes the data difficult to interpret and could be misleading to the public, because the combined number does not reflect the rate of new infection (and the number of infectious people circulating) in their region, William Hanage, an epidemiology professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told The Atlantic. "Combining a test that is designed to detect current infection with a test that detects infection at some point in the past is just really confusing and muddies the water," he said.
In addition, people are most likely to receive a diagnostic test if they're suspected to be infected, meaning they're showing symptoms of the disease or have been in contact with an infected person. Antibody tests can be given to anyone, and because relatively few people are thought to have been infected with COVID-19 across the U.S., many antibody tests may come back negative. If combined with diagnostic test results, antibody test results could artificially lower the percentage of positive tests out of the total.
The percentage of positive diagnostic tests provides a sense of how much virus is currently circulating in a community, and if skewed, that warped statistic could wrongly influence public health policy decisions.
In addition to the CDC, Pennsylvania, Texas, Georgia and Vermont also report their diagnostic and antibody test results as one grand total, according to The Atlantic. Virginia and Maine previously blended their data, as well, but they have started reporting the numbers separately within the past week.
According to The Atlantic's COVID Tracking Project , COVID-19 testing capacity in the U.S. has more than doubled over the past month, increasing from about 147,000 tests a day in mid-April to more than 413,000 tests a day as of May 20. Simultaneously, the proportion of positive tests recorded each week fell from 10% to 6% of total tests conducted. Both trends appear encouraging at face value, but given that diagnostic and antibody tests are sometimes being lumped together, it's impossible to know whether the data reflects reality, The Atlantic reported.
When asked about the mess-up, CDC spokesperson Kristen Nordlund said that the agency "hopes" to separate the data on their COVID Data Tracker within the next few weeks.


foxnews--2020-05-25--Trump visits Arlington cemetery, Fort McHenry for Memorial Day as Baltimore mayor criticizes trip

President Trump was marking Memorial Day with appearances at Arlington National Cemetery and Baltimore ’ s historic Fort McHenry , honoring fallen military members while also sending a clear signal to the country that his agenda will be business-as-almost-usual amid the coronavirus pandemic .
A 21-gun salute greeted Trump as he arrived at the solemn ceremony by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Monday morning .
Trump , first lady Melania Trump , Vice President Pence and second lady Karen Pence attended to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America ’ s freedoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military played the National Anthem and Taps while Pence and Defense Secretary Mark Esper stood next to him with their hands on their hearts .
Trump paused before the tomb with his hands clasped in front of him , touched the wreath -- adorned with a red , white and blue ribbon -- and then saluted again .
The military personnel and some VIPs in attendance had been wearing masks on the steps of the monument prior to the arrival of the Trumps and the Pences .
But an unknown woman approached the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off .
Much of the group stood socially distanced on the outdoor stairs .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was spotted putting on a mask decorated with stars and stripes as he left the ceremony .
The ceremony , while customary for Memorial Day , along with the rest of the day 's itinerary also sent a signal that the administration is looking to bring a return to normalcy .
After two months of lockdowns in many states , Trump has sought to put a priority on reopening the economy while continuing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Memorial Day weekend has marked the start , or at least an acceleration , of that experiment in parts of the country – with many families heading to the beach and states pressing forward with loosening restrictions .
Coinciding with this , the president played golf at his private Virginia club on Saturday and Sunday and kept a packed Memorial Day schedule – despite criticism from Baltimore ’ s mayor .
Mayor Bernard `` Jack '' Young late last week urged Trump to forgo his planned visit amid the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president , as our nation 's leader , would set a positive example and not travel during this holiday weekend , '' Young , a Democrat , said in a statement .
“ That President Trump is deciding to pursue nonessential travel sends the wrong message to our residents , many of whom have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus . ''
The price tag for the visit in terms of security and personnel will hamper the city , which is already facing revenue losses of $ 20 million each month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Young said .
The White House was not convinced .
`` The brave men and women who have preserved our freedoms for generations did not stay home and the president will not either as he honors their sacrifice by visiting such a historic landmark in our nation 's history , '' White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement Sunday .
Further , a spokesperson for Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan , a Republican who has clashed with Trump over his response to the pandemic , told the Baltimore Sun that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and first lady have chosen to spend Memorial Day at Fort McHenry .
Although Marylanders are encouraged not to gather in large numbers this year -- now more than ever -- it ’ s important to reflect on the American heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
” Trump will visit Baltimore just over a week after Maryland began to lift some of the restrictions put in place for the coronavirus , though they remain in effect in Baltimore .
Baltimore and the Washington , D.C. , area have the nation 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Dr. Deborah Birx , coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force .
As Trump marks a solemn day on the American calendar , the country also will mark a grim milestone this week , with the pandemic expected to claim its 100,000th American .
Trump , who has likened himself to a “ wartime ” president in the fight against the virus , started Monday with his visit just across the Potomac , to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , before heading to Baltimore .
CLICK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to speak later at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine .
It 's near where Francis Scott Key wrote the poem -- inspired by a huge American flag that was hoisted to celebrate an important victory over the British during the War of 1812 -- that became `` The Star-Spangled Banner . ''
Fox News ’ Louis Casiano and The Associated Press contributed to this report .

President Trump was marking Memorial Day with appearances at Arlington National Cemetery and Baltimore’s historic Fort McHenry, honoring fallen military members while also sending a clear signal to the country that his agenda will be business-as-almost-usual amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A 21-gun salute greeted Trump as he arrived at the solemn ceremony by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Monday morning. Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President Pence and second lady Karen Pence attended to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America’s freedoms.
BALTIMORE MAYOR TO TRUMP: STAY HOME
Trump saluted as members of the military played the National Anthem and Taps while Pence and Defense Secretary Mark Esper stood next to him with their hands on their hearts. Trump paused before the tomb with his hands clasped in front of him, touched the wreath -- adorned with a red, white and blue ribbon -- and then saluted again.
The military personnel and some VIPs in attendance had been wearing masks on the steps of the monument prior to the arrival of the Trumps and the Pences. But an unknown woman approached the dignitaries and asked everyone to take them off. Much of the group stood socially distanced on the outdoor stairs. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was spotted putting on a mask decorated with stars and stripes as he left the ceremony.
The ceremony, while customary for Memorial Day, along with the rest of the day's itinerary also sent a signal that the administration is looking to bring a return to normalcy.
After two months of lockdowns in many states, Trump has sought to put a priority on reopening the economy while continuing to abide by CDC guidelines. Unofficially, the Memorial Day weekend has marked the start, or at least an acceleration, of that experiment in parts of the country – with many families heading to the beach and states pressing forward with loosening restrictions.
Coinciding with this, the president played golf at his private Virginia club on Saturday and Sunday and kept a packed Memorial Day schedule – despite criticism from Baltimore’s mayor.
Mayor Bernard "Jack" Young late last week urged Trump to forgo his planned visit amid the city’s stay-at-home order.
"I wish that the president, as our nation's leader, would set a positive example and not travel during this holiday weekend," Young, a Democrat, said in a statement. “That President Trump is deciding to pursue nonessential travel sends the wrong message to our residents, many of whom have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus."
The price tag for the visit in terms of security and personnel will hamper the city, which is already facing revenue losses of $20 million each month amid business closures and a fractured economy, Young said.
TRUMP BLASTS BIDEN AD CRITICAL OF GOLF OUTING
The White House was not convinced.
"The brave men and women who have preserved our freedoms for generations did not stay home and the president will not either as he honors their sacrifice by visiting such a historic landmark in our nation's history," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement Sunday.
Further, a spokesperson for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican who has clashed with Trump over his response to the pandemic, told the Baltimore Sun that they are "honored that the president and first lady have chosen to spend Memorial Day at Fort McHenry. Although Marylanders are encouraged not to gather in large numbers this year -- now more than ever -- it’s important to reflect on the American heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”
Trump will visit Baltimore just over a week after Maryland began to lift some of the restrictions put in place for the coronavirus, though they remain in effect in Baltimore. Baltimore and the Washington, D.C., area have the nation's highest percentages of positive cases, according to Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force.
As Trump marks a solemn day on the American calendar, the country also will mark a grim milestone this week, with the pandemic expected to claim its 100,000th American.
Trump, who has likened himself to a “wartime” president in the fight against the virus, started Monday with his visit just across the Potomac, to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, before heading to Baltimore.
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He is expected to speak later at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. It's near where Francis Scott Key wrote the poem -- inspired by a huge American flag that was hoisted to celebrate an important victory over the British during the War of 1812 -- that became "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Fox News’ Louis Casiano and The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-21--Former Reagan official: Revive Cold War-era program to keep China from benefiting from coronavirus

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A former intelligence official from the Reagan administration is concerned that China is using the shutdown of the American economy during the coronavirus pandemic to their competitive advantage , and suggests that restarting a Cold War-era program he led could be the key to keeping them at bay and spurring American growth .
In the 1980s , physicist Michael Sekora was the director of Project Socrates , an initiative of the Defense Intelligence Agency that looked to exploit existing technologies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world .
The program was shuttered in 1990 , after the end of the Reagan administration and as the Cold War was drawing to a close .
Now Sekora believes reviving it is “ the only way ” to keep China in check .
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER PRESSED ON HOW CHINA WILL BE PUNISHED FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC “ If we look at what ’ s going to happen right now and you look at the virus , ” Sekora said in an interview with Fox News , “ they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” He argues the U.S. has been at a disadvantage even before this crisis — which has seen much of the U.S. economy shuttered as Washington spends trillions to keep families and businesses afloat .
This , as China claims to be emerging from the pandemic which started inside the country .
According to Sekora , the U.S. has been at a self-imposed disadvantage due to a “ finance-based planning ” economic strategy that focuses on maximizing profits in the short-term rather than producing the best products to establish long-term market dominance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the time following World War II when the U.S. lacked serious global competition .
In the decades that followed , however , countries such as Russia , China , Japan , and India have used “ technology-based planning ” to grow at tremendous rates .
Project Socrates was the result of the Reagan administration believing that a return to a tech-focused approach – overseen by the government – would help counter the Soviet Union .
It involved a system that included a program that mapped out existing technologies and identified competitors while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predict how the tech environment might develop .
Sekora explained that technological advances occur when two existing technologies combine , and Socrates was to be used to create what he called “ automated innovation.
” CHINA UPS ITS SPY GAME ON US SOIL AS IT BIDS TO CONTROL CORONAVIRUS NARRATIVE If this sounds complicated , it is because it is part of what Sekora called “ a technology chess game ” where countries try to acquire technologies and block others from doing the same .
He acknowledges that modern-day American tech giants like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but argues that the country needs a centralized approach with government backing .
He said President Ronald Reagan was about to sign an executive order creating a new federal agency dedicated to this effort , and that all U.S. companies were to have access to Socrates , but it never happened .
When President George H.W .
Bush took office , he scrapped the project .
Sekora believes bringing it back is the best way the U.S. can recover from the current economic crisis and keep China from establishing dominance .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term relief .
“ We ’ re going to spend trillions of dollars , and when all the dust settles we ’ re not going to have a competitive advantage , ” he said .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Meanwhile , U.S. lawmakers like Sens .
Marco Rubio , R-Fla. , and Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, are calling for reducing American reliance on the Chinese supply chain for medical products .
They have noticed that China 's positioning leaves the U.S. at an industrial disadvantage , and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on China for pharmaceuticals .
`` Over a year ago , I warned about our nation ’ s critical vulnerabilities and supply chain risk in key sectors of our economy , including the medical supply chain , as a result of decades of lost industrial capacity to China , ” Rubio said in a statement .
“ The industrial capacity of a nation still matters , and we are learning a painful lesson as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
Once our nation has recovered from this unprecedented crisis , we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and supply chain risk that the coronavirus pandemic revealed . ''

Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.
A former intelligence official from the Reagan administration is concerned that China is using the shutdown of the American economy during the coronavirus pandemic to their competitive advantage, and suggests that restarting a Cold War-era program he led could be the key to keeping them at bay and spurring American growth.
In the 1980s, physicist Michael Sekora was the director of Project Socrates, an initiative of the Defense Intelligence Agency that looked to exploit existing technologies to keep the U.S. ahead of the rest of the world. The program was shuttered in 1990, after the end of the Reagan administration and as the Cold War was drawing to a close.
Now Sekora believes reviving it is “the only way” to keep China in check.
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER PRESSED ON HOW CHINA WILL BE PUNISHED FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC
“If we look at what’s going to happen right now and you look at the virus,” Sekora said in an interview with Fox News, “they’re using that to improve their competitive edge.”
He argues the U.S. has been at a disadvantage even before this crisis — which has seen much of the U.S. economy shuttered as Washington spends trillions to keep families and businesses afloat. This, as China claims to be emerging from the pandemic which started inside the country.
According to Sekora, the U.S. has been at a self-imposed disadvantage due to a “finance-based planning” economic strategy that focuses on maximizing profits in the short-term rather than producing the best products to establish long-term market dominance. He said this has been the case since the time following World War II when the U.S. lacked serious global competition. In the decades that followed, however, countries such as Russia, China, Japan, and India have used “technology-based planning” to grow at tremendous rates.
Project Socrates was the result of the Reagan administration believing that a return to a tech-focused approach – overseen by the government – would help counter the Soviet Union. It involved a system that included a program that mapped out existing technologies and identified competitors while playing the “what-if game” to predict how the tech environment might develop.
Sekora explained that technological advances occur when two existing technologies combine, and Socrates was to be used to create what he called “automated innovation.”
CHINA UPS ITS SPY GAME ON US SOIL AS IT BIDS TO CONTROL CORONAVIRUS NARRATIVE
If this sounds complicated, it is because it is part of what Sekora called “a technology chess game” where countries try to acquire technologies and block others from doing the same.
He acknowledges that modern-day American tech giants like Google and Apple engage in such planning, but argues that the country needs a centralized approach with government backing.
He said President Ronald Reagan was about to sign an executive order creating a new federal agency dedicated to this effort, and that all U.S. companies were to have access to Socrates, but it never happened. When President George H.W. Bush took office, he scrapped the project.
Sekora believes bringing it back is the best way the U.S. can recover from the current economic crisis and keep China from establishing dominance. He said current measures will only provide short term relief.
“We’re going to spend trillions of dollars, and when all the dust settles we’re not going to have a competitive advantage,” he said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers like Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., are calling for reducing American reliance on the Chinese supply chain for medical products. They have noticed that China's positioning leaves the U.S. at an industrial disadvantage, and are pushing for legislation that will reduce dependence on China for pharmaceuticals.
"Over a year ago, I warned about our nation’s critical vulnerabilities and supply chain risk in key sectors of our economy, including the medical supply chain, as a result of decades of lost industrial capacity to China,” Rubio said in a statement. “The industrial capacity of a nation still matters, and we are learning a painful lesson as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Once our nation has recovered from this unprecedented crisis, we must take steps to address the systemic vulnerability and supply chain risk that the coronavirus pandemic revealed."


foxnews--2020-03-25--Gun shops to stay open in Los Angeles amid coronavirus, sheriff says hours after calling them 'nones

Gun shops to stay open in Los Angeles amid coronavirus, sheriff says hours after calling them 'nonessential'

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Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva Tuesday said gun shops in the county can remain open just hours after he called them “ nonessential ” under Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s `` Safer at Home '' coronavirus order and said they would be cited if they didn ’ t close .
Villanueva said L.A. County Counsel Mary Wickham intervened with an opinion that gun stores could be classified as essential , according to FOX LA .
Earlier Tuesday the sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs , night clubs are nonessential businesses .
We are trying to get them to close their doors . ''
Coronavirus fueling gun store sales but California sheriff says shops are 'not an essential , ' orders closures The earlier order to close received a substantial backlash , including from the Gun Owners of California , a gun rights organization that said it was considering a legal challenge before the reversal .
“ Those that are involved in the security business that still need to do their business ... we want to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villanueva said , according to KABC-TV .
`` However that is not a license for everyone to do panic gun buying and rushing to stores , which is now what we 're seeing .
That violates the issue of social distancing . ''
Gun sales have ramped up across the country as concern grows about the pandemic but Villanueva said he has safety concerns about panic buying by first-time gun owners , adding “ you can ’ t shoot a virus , ” FOX LA reported .
San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t be ordered to close because they provide a “ valuable public service , ” KNSD-TV reported .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

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Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva Tuesday said gun shops in the county can remain open just hours after he called them “nonessential” under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s "Safer at Home" coronavirus order and said they would be cited if they didn’t close.
Villanueva said L.A. County Counsel Mary Wickham intervened with an opinion that gun stores could be classified as essential, according to FOX LA.
Earlier Tuesday the sheriff said, “Gun shops, strip clubs, night clubs are nonessential businesses. We are trying to get them to close their doors."
Coronavirus fueling gun store sales but California sheriff says shops are 'not an essential,' orders closures
The earlier order to close received a substantial backlash, including from the Gun Owners of California, a gun rights organization that said it was considering a legal challenge before the reversal.
“Those that are involved in the security business that still need to do their business ... we want to make sure they're properly equipped," Villanueva said, according to KABC-TV. "However that is not a license for everyone to do panic gun buying and rushing to stores, which is now what we're seeing. That violates the issue of social distancing."
Gun sales have ramped up across the country as concern grows about the pandemic but Villanueva said he has safety concerns about panic buying by first-time gun owners, adding “you can’t shoot a virus,” FOX LA reported.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said gun shops in San Diego County won’t be ordered to close because they provide a “valuable public service,” KNSD-TV reported.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-03-25--ICE deports illegal immigrants to Central America, brings back Americans stranded under coronavirus

ICE deports illegal immigrants to Central America, brings back Americans stranded under coronavirus measures

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) is using flights deporting illegal immigrants to two Central American countries to bring back Americans stranded by restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic .
ICE , working with the State Department , has brought home 209 U.S. citizens on the return leg of two deportation flights to El Salvador and Honduras , the agency said in a statement .
Those flights took place on March 22 and 24 , respectively .
Acting Deputy Homeland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a series of tweets where he posted pictures of the Americans being brought home .
“ This was an ICE flight repatriating Hondurans to Honduras , & ICE arranged your bring stranded Americans home on the return flight from Honduras , ” he tweeted .
Both countries have placed significant restrictions on movement and travel over the coronavirus , with Honduras closing its borders entirely -- leaving some foreigners stranded .
A U.S. women ’ s tackle football team was airlifted out of Honduras on Friday by the U.S. military after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US RESTRICTS NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL WITH MEXICO AND CANADA : WHAT THAT MEANS The Trump administration last year made a number of Asylum Cooperative Agreements with Honduras , El Salvador and Guatemala , which includes greater cooperation for returning migrants to their countries .
ICE said in a statement that it will continue to use flights from Honduras , El Salvador and Guatemala to return U.S. citizens .
The agency said that such operations could also be expanded to countries outside the Northern Triangle .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on non-essential incoming travel at the northern and southern border , as well as from Europe , China and Iran , but those restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents .
On illegal immigration , the Trump administration has said it will change procedures in order to protect officers and the general public , while continuing to apprehend and deport illegal immigrants .

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is using flights deporting illegal immigrants to two Central American countries to bring back Americans stranded by restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.
ICE, working with the State Department, has brought home 209 U.S. citizens on the return leg of two deportation flights to El Salvador and Honduras, the agency said in a statement. Those flights took place on March 22 and 24, respectively.
TRUMP IMMIGRATION AGENDA ROLLS ON: CORONAVIRUS THREAT FUELS NEW BORDER CRACKDOWN
Acting Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Ken Cuccinelli touted the moves in a series of tweets where he posted pictures of the Americans being brought home.
“This was an ICE flight repatriating Hondurans to Honduras, & ICE arranged your bring stranded Americans home on the return flight from Honduras,” he tweeted.
Both countries have placed significant restrictions on movement and travel over the coronavirus, with Honduras closing its borders entirely -- leaving some foreigners stranded.
A U.S. women’s tackle football team was airlifted out of Honduras on Friday by the U.S. military after being stuck there for nearly a week.
US RESTRICTS NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL WITH MEXICO AND CANADA: WHAT THAT MEANS
The Trump administration last year made a number of Asylum Cooperative Agreements with Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, which includes greater cooperation for returning migrants to their countries.
ICE said in a statement that it will continue to use flights from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala to return U.S. citizens. The agency said that such operations could also be expanded to countries outside the Northern Triangle.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The U.S. has placed a number of restrictions on non-essential incoming travel at the northern and southern border, as well as from Europe, China and Iran, but those restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
On illegal immigration, the Trump administration has said it will change procedures in order to protect officers and the general public, while continuing to apprehend and deport illegal immigrants.


foxnews--2020-03-25--Walmart, Kroger among grocery stores installing plexiglass barriers, social distancing markers amid

Walmart, Kroger among grocery stores installing plexiglass barriers, social distancing markers amid outbreak

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Sign up here .
Walmart , Kroger , Albertsons , Publix and other major grocery stores are adding physical barriers to keep customers and employees safe during the coronavirus outbreak .
In press releases , both Walmart and Kroger shared that supermarkets would be adding temporary plexiglass sneeze guards to pharmacy lanes and checkout counters .
Walmart shared the news Tuesday , confirming that all locations across the country will install the plexiglass shields at store registers in the next 2 to 3 weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ barriers at both Walmart and Sam ’ s Club pharmacy lanes during the same time period .
Kroger , which operates several regional chains such as Ralphs , Smith ’ s and others , also said it would be adding the sneeze guards on Tuesday to its more than 2,700 stores in the coming weeks , USA Today reported .
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Publix , too , announced this week it would be installing the guards to its store registers .
Albertsons grocery stores , which own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shaws , Star Market and Acme , among others , has already started installing the plexiglass barriers to its checkouts at its 2,200 locations .
Installation is reportedly expected to be completed by the end of March .
In addition to the sneeze guards meant to protect both customers and employees , the major grocery store chains have also implemented social distancing tools by installing floor decals and waiting points designed to keep people six feet away from each other .
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS “ Over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floor decals in our stores at both the entrances and in checkout lanes , making it easier for customers to judge the proper social distance from each other , ” a press release from Walmart read .
On Monday , Albertsons shared it would be installing designated waiting points via floor markers , to be located throughout the store , and especially places where people congregate , e.g.
, checkout stands , the bakery and deli section , and the pharmacy .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP '' We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing on their own with our 'two carts apart ' reminders as they shop our stores , so we think our floor markers will increase awareness , '' said Vivek Sankaran , president & CEO of Alberstons brands .
The floor markers will be rolling out in stores in the coming weeks , as well .

Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.
Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Publix and other major grocery stores are adding physical barriers to keep customers and employees safe during the coronavirus outbreak.
In press releases, both Walmart and Kroger shared that supermarkets would be adding temporary plastic or acrylic sneeze guards to pharmacy lanes and checkout counters.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Walmart shared the news Tuesday, confirming that all locations across the country will install the shields at store registers in the next 2 to 3 weeks. The company will also be installing the barriers at both Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacy lanes during the same time period.
Kroger, which operates several regional chains such as Ralphs, Smith’s and others, also said it would be adding the sneeze guards on Tuesday to its more than 2,700 stores in the coming weeks, USA Today reported.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Publix, too, announced this week it would be installing the guards to its store registers.
Albertsons grocery stores, which own and operate supermarket chains including Safeway, Shaws, Star Market and Acme, among others, has already started installing the barriers to its checkouts at its 2,200 locations. Installation is reportedly expected to be completed by the end of March.
In addition to the sneeze guards meant to protect both customers and employees, the major grocery store chains have also implemented social distancing tools by installing floor decals and waiting points designed to keep people six feet away from each other.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
“Over the coming days and week we are installing floor decals in our stores at both the entrances and in checkout lanes, making it easier for customers to judge the proper social distance from each other,” a press release from Walmart read.
On Monday, Albertsons shared it would be installing designated waiting points via floor markers, to be located throughout the store, and especially places where people congregate, e.g., checkout stands, the bakery and deli section, and the pharmacy.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"We have seen our customers begin to implement social distancing on their own with our 'two carts apart' reminders as they shop our stores, so we think our floor markers will increase awareness," said Vivek Sankaran, president & CEO of Alberston's brands.
The floor markers will be rolling out in stores in the coming weeks, as well.


foxnews--2020-03-25--White House, Senate strike deal on historic $2T coronavirus relief bill; Pelosi offers tepid endorse

White House, Senate strike deal on historic $2T coronavirus relief bill; Pelosi offers tepid endorsement

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Sign up here .
White House and Senate leaders reached a historic deal shortly after midnight Wednesday on a massive $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief package for workers and businesses , and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered something of a tepid endorsement of the agreement after previously pushing for her own legislation .
The bipartisan breakthrough in the Senate capped days of heated negotiations that had nearly been derailed by last-minute demands from House Democrats .
“ Ladies and gentleman , we are done , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ueland announced as he left the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , near midnight .
`` We have a deal . ''
Ueland told reporters that `` much of the work on bill text has been completed , and I ’ m hopeful over the next few hours we ’ ll finish what 's left and we will circulate it early in the morning.
” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , said the bill amounts to “ unemployment compensation on steroids , '' and that Americans who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed salary remunerated .
The package will enable companies to stay afloat and immediately bring back those employees when things are safe , Schumer said .
Democrats said the package specifically would help replace the salaries of furloughed workers for four months , rather than the three months first proposed .
Furloughed workers would get whatever amount a state usually provides for unemployment , plus a $ 600 per week add-on , with gig workers like Uber drivers covered for the first time .
The package also would give one-time payments of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child directly to the public .
Although 2019 tax returns would be used to determine income ( or 2018 tax returns if those are the most recent available ) , experts said it was likely the bill would contain provisions for those who do not file returns .
A draft version of the bill , released Wednesday afternoon , states : `` If the individual has not filed a tax return ... use information with respect to such individual for calendar year 2019 provided in— ‘ ( i ) Form SSA-1099 , Social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ii ) Form RRB-1099 , Social Security equivalent Benefit Statement . ''
The massive economic relief package would provide a $ 367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home .
One of the last issues to close concerned $ 500 billion for guaranteed , subsidized loans to larger industries , including a fight over how generous to be with the airlines , given that Democrats wanted them to abide by new carbon emissions restrictions .
Republicans also won inclusion of an `` employee retention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide $ 50 billion to companies that retain employees on payroll and cover 50 percent of workers ' paychecks .
Companies would also be able to defer payment of the 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax .
Other provisions , according to a summary , include $ 100 billion for direct aid to health care institutions battling the crisis ; more than $ 4 billion to health agencies ; $ 200 million to help nursing homes cope with the challenge ; $ 45 billion for FEMA ’ s Disaster Relief Fund and millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 400 million in election assistance to help states expand early voting and vote-by-mail options .
The breakthrough came as support for Pelosi 's climate-change push in the stimulus bill withered Tuesday .
The former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , Saikat Chakrabarti , wrote on Twitter : `` I helped write the # GreenNewDeal and I think this is ridiculous .
The tiny little emissions standard increase doesn ’ t even do anything meaningful to stave off climate change and gives the @ GOP leverage to get rid of real help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at hand .
Hospitals would get significant help as well . ''
In a letter to his colleagues , Schumer remarked , “ Democrats are ready to give our unanimous consent to speed up the consideration of the bill and get the job done.
“ That means that if there are no objections from Republicans , the Senate could clear the bill without a formal roll call vote .
Parliamentarily , that is the fastest way to move something on the floor .
A senior GOP source told Fox News contributor and Townhall.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a face-saving exercise by Schumer , and that he was trying to `` take credit '' for a GOP bill that he filibustered for `` small ball '' alterations .
Democrats , the source said , could n't drag the situation out much longer ; economic conditions have worsened dramatically , and President Trump 's approval rating has risen .
A senior Republican aide separately told Fox News : `` Reading Chuck Schumer 's list , I half expected that the next thing I read would be the Minority Leader taking credit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost every significant 'win ' he 's taking credit for , is actually a Senate Republican idea . ''
Republicans had `` never objected '' to more hospital funding , or that oversight of the stimulus stabilization fund `` be structured almost exactly like TARP oversight , '' the aide went on .
And Republicans were the first to push for three months of unemployment insurance and `` did not oppose adding a fourth . ''
`` Virtually all of the main policy features that Senator Schumer describes as 'unemployment insurance on steroids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bipartisan weekend working group phase and which were included in the Sunday bill that Democrats blocked twice , '' the aide said .
`` The only truly material change on unemployment during the Democrats ‘ obstruction was the change from three months to four , something that could ’ ve easily been plussed up during the 30 hours of post-cloture time . ''
`` To sum up , Senator Schumer delayed life-saving aid to medical professionals and significant relief for families and small businesses in order to claim credit for wins that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the aide concluded .
`` Stay tuned for all the unrelated wish list items Congressional Democrats demanded and Republicans stopped . ''
McConnell said the Senate will meet at noon on Wednesday , but did not set a time for a vote .
By rule , the procedural vote to begin debate on the coronavirus package would happen at 1 p.m .
ET , unless the Senate scraps that vote .
“ Democrats are finally taking ‘ yes ’ for an answer , '' McConnell said in his remarks on the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on the way.
” “ After days of intense discussions , the Senate has reached a bipartisan agreement on a historic relief package for this pandemic , ” he continued .
“ It will rush new resources onto the front lines of our nation 's health care fight .
And it will inject trillions of dollars of cash into the economy as fast as possible to help Americans workers , families , small businesses and industries make it through this disruption and emerge on the other side ready to soar . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ FUNDING , UNION HELP , CLIMATE CHANGE PROVISIONS AND MORE Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , who was smiling after McConnell left the floor , told reporters : `` This is a very important bipartisan piece of legislation that is going to be very important to help American workers , American business and people across America .
So , we could n't be more pleased .
I 've spoken to the president , many times today , and he 's very pleased with this legislation , and the impact that this is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mnuchin remarked , `` I ca n't speak for the Speaker .
I hope she takes it up and she passes as-is .
We need , we need this to get working for the American people .
And , again , there are a lot of compromises .
It 's a terrific bill , and it was a great accomplishment on everyone . ''
In a statement Wednesday morning , Pelosi said that `` House Democrats will now review the final provisions and legislative text of the agreement to determine a course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us a long way down the road in meeting the needs of the American people , '' she wrote .
`` While the compromise does not go as far as our Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act , thanks to the unity and insistence of Senate and House Democrats , the bill has moved a great deal closer to America ’ s workers . ''
Later , Pelosi told reporters , `` We ’ re reviewing it now .
We have a staff and our chairman reviewing the bill .
We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Regardless , the House will not pass coronavirus bill on Wednesday .
The chamber was quickly gaveled in and gaveled out .
Senior sources tell Fox News House won ’ t meet again later today , and will convene Thursday at 11 a.m .
ET .
Meanwhile , Michigan independent Rep. Justin Amash , who recently left the Republican Party , signaled that he might essentially delay consideration of the bill in the House .
The lower chamber may seek to pass the legislation via unanimous consent because many members are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ruin that plan .
The House used unanimous consent during the 1918 flu pandemic as well .
DEMS FUME AS TRUMP SAYS COUNTRY MAY BE REOPENED BY EASTER '' This bipartisan deal is a raw deal for the people , '' Amash tweeted .
`` It does far too little for those who need the most help , while providing hundreds of billions in corporate welfare , massively growing government , inhibiting economic adaptation , and widening the gap between the rich and the poor . ''
The deal came hours after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unprecedented $ 6 trillion stimulus plan was imminent , including $ 4 trillion in liquidity from the Federal Reserve and $ 2 trillion in new money from Congress .
Tensions then abruptly ratcheted back up again on Capitol Hill Tuesday night -- with Republican Sens .
Lindsey Graham and Steve Daines taking to the Senate floor and calling for an end to negotiations because , as Graham put it , Democrats were `` nickel-and-diming at a time when people are dying -- literally dying . ''
Graham and Daines ' late-night push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill came after tensions seemingly had cooled in Congress during the day , sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average to its highest point gain in its history as leaders from both parties signaled that an agreement could be within reach .
Shares advanced in Asia on Wednesday after the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged to its best day since 1933 as Congress and the White House neared a deal .
Japan 's Nikkei 225 index jumped 5.3 percent , while Hong Kong added 3 percent and Sydney climbed 3.6 percent .
Markets across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent .
But , the Republicans said late Tuesday , Democrats were still seeking new payouts that were delaying a vote on a final bill .
`` In case you 're watching , '' Graham said in reference to the president , his voice rising , `` tell [ Treasury Secretary ] Steven Mnuchin to come back to the White House and end negotiations .
I think I understand the give-and-take of life and politics , but I 've been called by two good friends on the Democratic side in the last five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ End the negotiations . ''
He added : `` This bill is $ 2 trillion .
There 's a ton of money in this bill for people who need it , but what we 're doing now is , every special-interest group in town is trying to get a little bit more . ''
“ Listen , we were told we are at the one-yard line last night to get this done , '' Daines , who led the colloquy with Graham , said from the Senate floor .
`` All I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate may think it ’ s at the one-yard line right now , but Montanans are getting sacked .
In fact , our unemployment claims in Montana since march 17th , we just looked it up 15 minutes ago , 14,350 Montanans have filed for unemployment in the last week.
” Shortly before Graham and Daines spoke , Trump declared at a coronovirus task force briefing that the country was nearing `` the end of our historic battle '' with `` the invisible enemy '' of coronavirus .
Trump 's approval numbers hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 60 percent of Americans approving of his coronavirus response efforts .
WATCH : TRUMP SAYS CORONAVIRUS SHUTDOWN MAY BE OVER BY EASTER The president also sounded an unexpectedly magnanimous note : `` I also want to thank Congress , because whether or not we 're happy that they have n't quite gotten there yet , they have been working long hours .
I 'm talking Republicans and Democrats , all of them , the House , the Senate .
I want to thank Congress because they are really trying to get there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Then , Director of the U.S. National Economic Council Larry Kudlow specifically said the new coronavirus bill working its way through congressional gridlock would total $ 6 trillion : $ 4 trillion in liquidity from the Federal Reserve and $ 2 trillion in new money .
Typical annual appropriations from Congress in a given fiscal year are around $ 1.2-4 trillion , with total expenditures roughly $ 4.3 trillion .
“ This package will be the single largest Main Street assistance program in the history of the United States , ” Kudlow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the evening but that a vote was imminent .
Meanwhile , there was some good news inside the White House grounds .
As the briefing concluded , White House press Secretary Stephanie Grisham , who has been quarantined since coming in contact with Brazilian officials almost two weeks ago and working from home , revealed she has received negative COVID-19 test results and will be back to work Wednesday .
Grisham will return as the Trump administration increasingly has sought to project optimism .
The president , who tweeted Sunday that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF , '' declared at the Fox News virtual town hall that he `` would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter . ''
Pressed by Fox News ' John Roberts on the timeline , Trump said at the briefing : `` We 'll be looking at a lot of things -- we 'll also be looking at very large portions of our country , but I 'll be guided very much by Dr. [ Anthony ] Fauci , and by Deborah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the longtime head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , whose absence from recent coronavirus briefings triggered a wave of speculation in the media , said the timeline was still `` flexible . ''
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Democrats have reacted furiously to Trump 's new timeline for relaxing economic restrictions , with Hillary Clinton suggesting people would `` needlessly die , '' and Joe Biden accusing Trump of spreading `` misinformation . ''
`` This a -- hole and his rich friends are too stupid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through this together , '' former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau wrote .
`` Everyone is at risk from the virus .
Everyone suffers when there aren ’ t enough hospital beds .
Everyone struggles when millions are too sick to work . ''
Fellow Obama communications alum Tommy Vietor , meanwhile , deleted a tweet lamenting that he was reduced to drinking red wine in the shower during the economic shutdown .
Fox News ' Chad Pergram , Brooke Singman , Caroline McKee , and John Roberts , as well as The Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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White House and Senate leaders reached a historic deal shortly after midnight Wednesday on a massive $2 trillion coronavirus relief package for workers and businesses, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered something of a tepid endorsement of the agreement after previously pushing for her own legislation.
The bipartisan breakthrough in the Senate capped days of heated negotiations that had nearly been derailed by last-minute demands from House Democrats.
“Ladies and gentleman, we are done," White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland announced as he left the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., near midnight. "We have a deal."
Ueland told reporters that "much of the work on bill text has been completed, and I’m hopeful over the next few hours we’ll finish what's left and we will circulate it early in the morning.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the bill amounts to “unemployment compensation on steroids," and that Americans who have been laid off will have their missed salary remunerated. The package will enable companies to stay afloat and immediately bring back those employees when things are safe, Schumer said.
Democrats said the package specifically would help replace the salaries of furloughed workers for four months, rather than the three months first proposed. Furloughed workers would get whatever amount a state usually provides for unemployment, plus a $600 per week add-on, with gig workers like Uber drivers covered for the first time. The package also would give one-time payments of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child directly to the public.
Although 2019 tax returns would be used to determine income (or 2018 tax returns if those are the most recent available), experts said it was likely the bill would contain provisions for those who do not file returns. A draft version of the bill, released Wednesday afternoon, states: "If the individual has not filed a tax return ... use information with respect to such individual for calendar year 2019 provided in—‘(i) Form SSA-1099, Social Security Benefit Statement, or ‘(ii) Form RRB-1099, Social Security equivalent Benefit Statement."
The massive economic relief package would provide a $367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home. One of the last issues to close concerned $500 billion for guaranteed, subsidized loans to larger industries, including a fight over how generous to be with the airlines, given that Democrats wanted them to abide by new carbon emissions restrictions.
Republicans also won inclusion of an "employee retention" tax credit that's estimated to provide $50 billion to companies that retain employees on payroll and cover 50 percent of workers' paychecks. Companies would also be able to defer payment of the 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax.
Other provisions, according to a summary, include $100 billion for direct aid to health care institutions battling the crisis; more than $4 billion to health agencies; $200 million to help nursing homes cope with the challenge; $45 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund and millions more for FEMA grants; and $400 million in election assistance to help states expand early voting and vote-by-mail options.
The breakthrough came as support for Pelosi's climate-change push in the stimulus bill withered Tuesday. The former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Saikat Chakrabarti, wrote on Twitter: "I helped write the #GreenNewDeal and I think this is ridiculous. The tiny little emissions standard increase doesn’t even do anything meaningful to stave off climate change and gives the @GOP leverage to get rid of real help for working people. Solve the problem at hand. Hospitals would get significant help as well."
In a letter to his colleagues, Schumer remarked, “Democrats are ready to give our unanimous consent to speed up the consideration of the bill and get the job done.“ That means that if there are no objections from Republicans, the Senate could clear the bill without a formal roll call vote. Parliamentarily, that is the fastest way to move something on the floor.
A senior GOP source told Fox News contributor and Townhall.com editor Guy Benson that the move was a face-saving exercise by Schumer, and that he was trying to "take credit" for a GOP bill that he filibustered for "small ball" alterations. Democrats, the source said, couldn't drag the situation out much longer; economic conditions have worsened dramatically, and President Trump's approval rating has risen.
A senior Republican aide separately told Fox News: "Reading Chuck Schumer's list, I half expected that the next thing I read would be the Minority Leader taking credit for inventing fire. The reality is that almost every significant 'win' he's taking credit for, is actually a Senate Republican idea."
Republicans had "never objected" to more hospital funding, or that oversight of the stimulus stabilization fund "be structured almost exactly like TARP oversight," the aide went on. And Republicans were the first to push for three months of unemployment insurance and "did not oppose adding a fourth."
"Virtually all of the main policy features that Senator Schumer describes as 'unemployment insurance on steroids' were ideas that took shape during the bipartisan weekend working group phase and which were included in the Sunday bill that Democrats blocked twice," the aide said. "The only truly material change on unemployment during the Democrats‘ obstruction was the change from three months to four, something that could’ve easily been plussed up during the 30 hours of post-cloture time."
"To sum up, Senator Schumer delayed life-saving aid to medical professionals and significant relief for families and small businesses in order to claim credit for wins that are either bipartisan or Republican ideas," the aide concluded. "Stay tuned for all the unrelated wish list items Congressional Democrats demanded and Republicans stopped."
McConnell said the Senate will meet at noon on Wednesday, but did not set a time for a vote. By rule, the procedural vote to begin debate on the coronavirus package would happen at 1 p.m. ET, unless the Senate scraps that vote.
“Democrats are finally taking ‘yes’ for an answer," McConnell said in his remarks on the Senate floor early Wednesday morning. "Help is on the way.”
“After days of intense discussions, the Senate has reached a bipartisan agreement on a historic relief package for this pandemic,” he continued. “It will rush new resources onto the front lines of our nation's health care fight. And it will inject trillions of dollars of cash into the economy as fast as possible to help Americans workers, families, small businesses and industries make it through this disruption and emerge on the other side ready to soar."
HERE'S WHAT PELOSI WANTED: ARTS FUNDING, UNION HELP, CLIMATE CHANGE PROVISIONS AND MORE
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who was smiling after McConnell left the floor, told reporters: "This is a very important bipartisan piece of legislation that is going to be very important to help American workers, American business and people across America. So, we couldn't be more pleased. I've spoken to the president, many times today, and he's very pleased with this legislation, and the impact that this is going to have."
Concerning the House, Mnuchin remarked, "I can't speak for the Speaker. I hope she takes it up and she passes as-is. We need, we need this to get working for the American people. And, again, there are a lot of compromises. It's a terrific bill, and it was a great accomplishment on everyone."
In a statement Wednesday morning, Pelosi said that "House Democrats will now review the final provisions and legislative text of the agreement to determine a course of action.”
“This bipartisan legislation takes us a long way down the road in meeting the needs of the American people," she wrote. "While the compromise does not go as far as our Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act, thanks to the unity and insistence of Senate and House Democrats, the bill has moved a great deal closer to America’s workers."
Later, Pelosi told reporters, "We’re reviewing it now. We have a staff and our chairman reviewing the bill. We're optimistic but we’ll see."
Regardless, the House will not pass coronavirus bill on Wednesday. The chamber was quickly gaveled in and gaveled out. Senior sources tell Fox News House won’t meet again later today, and will convene Thursday at 11 a.m. ET.
Meanwhile, Michigan independent Rep. Justin Amash, who recently left the Republican Party, signaled that he might essentially delay consideration of the bill in the House. The lower chamber may seek to pass the legislation via unanimous consent because many members are not in Washington -- but a single member can ruin that plan.
The House used unanimous consent during the 1918 flu pandemic as well.
DEMS FUME AS TRUMP SAYS COUNTRY MAY BE REOPENED BY EASTER
"We're optimistic, but we’ll see." — House speaker Nancy Pelosi
"This bipartisan deal is a raw deal for the people," Amash tweeted. "It does far too little for those who need the most help, while providing hundreds of billions in corporate welfare, massively growing government, inhibiting economic adaptation, and widening the gap between the rich and the poor."
The deal came hours after President Trump's top economic adviser said an unprecedented $6 trillion stimulus plan was imminent, including $4 trillion in liquidity from the Federal Reserve and $2 trillion in new money from Congress.
Tensions then abruptly ratcheted back up again on Capitol Hill Tuesday night -- with Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Steve Daines taking to the Senate floor and calling for an end to negotiations because, as Graham put it, Democrats were "nickel-and-diming at a time when people are dying -- literally dying."
Graham and Daines' late-night push for an immediate vote on a stimulus bill came after tensions seemingly had cooled in Congress during the day, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average to its highest point gain in its history as leaders from both parties signaled that an agreement could be within reach.
Shares advanced in Asia on Wednesday after the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged to its best day since 1933 as Congress and the White House neared a deal. Japan's Nikkei 225 index jumped 5.3 percent, while Hong Kong added 3 percent and Sydney climbed 3.6 percent. Markets across Asia were all up more than 2 percent.
But, the Republicans said late Tuesday, Democrats were still seeking new payouts that were delaying a vote on a final bill.
"In case you're watching," Graham said in reference to the president, his voice rising, "tell [Treasury Secretary] Steven Mnuchin to come back to the White House and end negotiations. I think I understand the give-and-take of life and politics, but I've been called by two good friends on the Democratic side in the last five or six hours wanting more money. End the negotiations."
He added: "This bill is $2 trillion. There's a ton of money in this bill for people who need it, but what we're doing now is, every special-interest group in town is trying to get a little bit more."
“Listen, we were told we are at the one-yard line last night to get this done," Daines, who led the colloquy with Graham, said from the Senate floor. "All I’ve got to say is, the Senate may think it’s at the one-yard line right now, but Montanans are getting sacked. In fact, our unemployment claims in Montana since march 17th, we just looked it up 15 minutes ago, 14,350 Montanans have filed for unemployment in the last week.”
Shortly before Graham and Daines spoke, Trump declared at a coronovirus task force briefing that the country was nearing "the end of our historic battle" with "the invisible enemy" of coronavirus. Trump's approval numbers hit their highest point ever this week, with 60 percent of Americans approving of his coronavirus response efforts.
WATCH: TRUMP SAYS CORONAVIRUS SHUTDOWN MAY BE OVER BY EASTER
The president also sounded an unexpectedly magnanimous note: "I also want to thank Congress, because whether or not we're happy that they haven't quite gotten there yet, they have been working long hours. I'm talking Republicans and Democrats, all of them, the House, the Senate. I want to thank Congress because they are really trying to get there, and I think they will."
Then, Director of the U.S. National Economic Council Larry Kudlow specifically said the new coronavirus bill working its way through congressional gridlock would total $6 trillion: $4 trillion in liquidity from the Federal Reserve and $2 trillion in new money. Typical annual appropriations from Congress in a given fiscal year are around $1.2-4 trillion, with total expenditures roughly $4.3 trillion.
“This package will be the single largest Main Street assistance program in the history of the United States,” Kudlow said, adding that negotiations would continue into the evening but that a vote was imminent.
Meanwhile, there was some good news inside the White House grounds. As the briefing concluded, White House press Secretary Stephanie Grisham, who has been quarantined since coming in contact with Brazilian officials almost two weeks ago and working from home, revealed she has received negative COVID-19 test results and will be back to work Wednesday.
Grisham will return as the Trump administration increasingly has sought to project optimism. The president, who tweeted Sunday that "WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF," declared at the Fox News virtual town hall that he "would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter."
Pressed by Fox News' John Roberts on the timeline, Trump said at the briefing: "We'll be looking at a lot of things -- we'll also be looking at very large portions of our country, but I'll be guided very much by Dr. [Anthony] Fauci, and by Deborah [Birx]."
Fauci, the longtime head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, whose absence from recent coronavirus briefings triggered a wave of speculation in the media, said the timeline was still "flexible."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Democrats have reacted furiously to Trump's new timeline for relaxing economic restrictions, with Hillary Clinton suggesting people would "needlessly die," and Joe Biden accusing Trump of spreading "misinformation."
"This a--hole and his rich friends are too stupid to get that we can only get through this together," former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau wrote. "Everyone is at risk from the virus. Everyone suffers when there aren’t enough hospital beds. Everyone struggles when millions are too sick to work."
Fellow Obama communications alum Tommy Vietor, meanwhile, deleted a tweet lamenting that he was reduced to drinking red wine in the shower during the economic shutdown.
Fox News' Chad Pergram, Brooke Singman, Caroline McKee, and John Roberts, as well as The Associated Press, contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-03-25--Wolfgang Puck paints dire picture for food service industry if Congress doesn't act: 'We can't wait

Wolfgang Puck paints dire picture for food service industry if Congress doesn't act: 'We can't wait a month'

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Legendary Austria-born chef Wolfgang Puck told Fox News Tuesday that the nationwide near-shutdown of the restaurant business due to the coronavirus pandemic will not only be a disaster for its workers , but will have a ripple effect on the nation 's economy in the long term .
SEN. KENNEDY : 'SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES ARE ACTING LIKE A-HOLES' Puck said on `` Tucker Carlson Tonight '' that the restaurant industry is the largest private-sector employer in America , giving jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that in a normal year , the food service industry provides $ 1 trillion to the U.S. economy .
`` How are we going to continue this way with no work for so many people ? ''
Puck told host Tucker Carlson .
`` It 's really a tragedy to have so many people out of work , not getting their money . ''
Puck said Congress must act to protect shuttered restaurants and help them get back on their feet in earnest when the coronavirus contagion subsides , claiming that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage for all of our businesses . ''
If the government subsidized that coverage , Puck added , it would ease the pain proprietors are increasingly feeling .
`` If every restaurant would go to the government , local , state , or federal [ individually ] and say 'We need money , ' it would be impossible .
We would be waiting for ten years , '' he said .
`` We 've seen in [ the aftermath of Hurricane ] Katrina how long it took to get money from the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We really need it now .
We can not wait a month . ''
Puck pointed out that some restaurateurs are letting their employees come by to cook themselves meals while they have no income to spend on food and necessities .
He also said that the ability of restaurants in many states to fill takeout and delivery orders helps , but is not feasible long-term .
Puck added that the entire supply chain will eventually feel the financial pain of a virus-induced shutdown -- pointing to farmers and produce harvesters like Driscoll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raspberries every day , because they do n't know where to put them .
So , it 's really not only on us , the whole economy , the whole food business is in trouble , I believe , if the government does not help us . ''
Puck was joined by Napa Valley chef Thomas Keller , who said the federal government is the most effective vehicle to bring relief to the food service industry right away .
`` The most important thing is that the restaurants survive , '' Keller said @

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Legendary Austria-born chef Wolfgang Puck told Fox News Tuesday that the nationwide near-shutdown of the restaurant business due to the coronavirus pandemic will not only be a disaster for its workers, but will have a ripple effect on the nation's economy in the long term.
SEN. KENNEDY: 'SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES ARE ACTING LIKE A-HOLES'
Puck said on "Tucker Carlson Tonight" that the restaurant industry is the largest private-sector employer in America, giving jobs to 15.6 million people nationwide. He added that in a normal year, the food service industry provides $1 trillion to the U.S. economy.
"How are we going to continue this way with no work for so many people?" Puck told host Tucker Carlson. "It's really a tragedy to have so many people out of work, not getting their money."
Puck said Congress must act to protect shuttered restaurants and help them get back on their feet in earnest when the coronavirus contagion subsides, claiming that "insurance companies are wrongfully denying business interruption coverage for all of our businesses."
If the government subsidized that coverage, Puck added, it would ease the pain proprietors are increasingly feeling.
"If every restaurant would go to the government, local, state, or federal [individually] and say 'We need money,' it would be impossible. We would be waiting for ten years," he said.
"We've seen in [the aftermath of Hurricane] Katrina how long it took to get money from the federal government to the people in need. We really need it now. We cannot wait a month."
Puck pointed out that some restaurateurs are letting their employees come by to cook themselves meals while they have no income to spend on food and necessities. He also said that the ability of restaurants in many states to fill takeout and delivery orders helps, but is not feasible long-term.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Puck added that the entire supply chain will eventually feel the financial pain of a virus-induced shutdown -- pointing to farmers and produce harvesters like Driscoll.
"They are picking strawberries and raspberries every day, because they don't know where to put them. So, it's really not only on us, the whole economy, the whole food business is in trouble, I believe, if the government does not help us."
Puck was joined by Napa Valley chef Thomas Keller, who said the federal government is the most effective vehicle to bring relief to the food service industry right away.
"The most important thing is that the restaurants survive," Keller said.


foxnews--2020-03-25--Coronavirus fuels toilet paper buying spree, California officials implore people not to flush t-shir

Coronavirus fuels toilet paper buying spree, California officials implore people not to flush t-shirts, wipes

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As tens of millions heed orders to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic , officials in California are warning people to be beware of what they flush .
In the weeks since the COVID-19 pandemic has spread , officials have discouraged hoarding supplies such as paper towels and toilet paper , which have been flying off the shelves in some stores .
According to market research firm Nielsen , toilet paper sales nationally have jumped about 213 percent in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same period a year before .
CORONAVIRUS IN THE US : STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN Stores such as Costco and Walmart are still getting shipments of toilet paper , but shelves quickly empty out as soon as they 're restocked .
Smaller retailers and convenience stores have fared better .
But for those running out of toilet paper , turning to alternatives already is having an impact on some communities .
In the Northern California city of Redding , wastewater management officials said Thursday that someone apparently used shredded T-shirts in place of toilet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The soiled T-shirts caused pumps in one of the city 's sewer lines to clog at a lift station , which could have led to a dangerous spill , the Record Searchlight reported .
Redding officials said the incident showed why it 's important to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper .
`` Clogs in the sewer system can cause fecal matter to back up into showers , toilets and sinks , putting the community at large at risk for another health crisis , '' the city said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything in the bathroom other than toilet paper , they should , `` Bag it .
Do n't flush it . ''
Days after that plea , officials in Napa shared what people flushing wet wipes had done to the area 's sewer system .
In a Facebook post , the Napa Sanitation District said Monday that a large mound of wet wipes had to be cleaned from a single screen at the district 's pump station .
`` Please help us keep our sewer system healthy and flowing smoothly , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flush wipes , paper towels , or tissues because they clog the pipes ! ''
CALIFORNIA MAN RUNS TOILET PAPER EXCHANGE ON STREET CORNER AS CORONAVIRUS LEADS TO SHORTAGES The district reminded people to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet , and to throw all wipes and other materials in a trash can .
`` We know that wipes are a tricky item- especially with packaging that labels many wipes as 'flushable . '
We just want to be sure we clear up any confusion and share that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they wrote .
For those who are concerned about toilet paper in the weeks ahead , manufacturers are stressing there is still plenty .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP '' We 're working around the clock to make sure we can keep delivering products to the retailers as fast as possible , ” Loren Fanroy , spokeswoman for Charmin , told the Associated Press .
Most toilet paper sold in the U.S. is made at paper mills in North America , which makes it easier to resupply stores while many foreign-made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the AP .
As of Wednesday morning , California had 2,628 cases of COVID-19 and 54 deaths .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that half of the state 's confirmed coronavirus patients are younger than 50 .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

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As tens of millions heed orders to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic, officials in California are warning people to be beware of what they flush.
In the weeks since the COVID-19 pandemic has spread, officials have discouraged hoarding supplies such as paper towels and toilet paper, which have been flying off the shelves in some stores.
According to market research firm Nielsen, toilet paper sales nationally have jumped about 213 percent in the week ending March 13, compared to the same period a year before.
CORONAVIRUS IN THE US: STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN
Stores such as Costco and Walmart are still getting shipments of toilet paper, but shelves quickly empty out as soon as they're restocked. Smaller retailers and convenience stores have fared better.
But for those running out of toilet paper, turning to alternatives already is having an impact on some communities.
In the Northern California city of Redding, wastewater management officials said Thursday that someone apparently used shredded T-shirts in place of toilet paper, causing a sewer backup.
The soiled T-shirts caused pumps in one of the city's sewer lines to clog at a lift station, which could have led to a dangerous spill, the Record Searchlight reported.
Redding officials said the incident showed why it's important to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper.
"Clogs in the sewer system can cause fecal matter to back up into showers, toilets and sinks, putting the community at large at risk for another health crisis," the city said in a statement.
Wastewater officials said that if people use anything in the bathroom other than toilet paper, they should, "Bag it. Don't flush it."
Days after that plea, officials in Napa shared what people flushing wet wipes had done to the area's sewer system.
In a Facebook post, the Napa Sanitation District said Monday that a large mound of wet wipes had to be cleaned from a single screen at the district's pump station.
"Please help us keep our sewer system healthy and flowing smoothly," the agency said. "Remember to never flush wipes, paper towels, or tissues because they clog the pipes!"
CALIFORNIA MAN RUNS TOILET PAPER EXCHANGE ON STREET CORNER AS CORONAVIRUS LEADS TO SHORTAGES
The district reminded people to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet, and to throw all wipes and other materials in a trash can.
"We know that wipes are a tricky item- especially with packaging that labels many wipes as 'flushable.' We just want to be sure we clear up any confusion and share that there are no truly flushable wipes," they wrote.
For those who are concerned about toilet paper in the weeks ahead, manufacturers are stressing there is still plenty.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
"We're working around the clock to make sure we can keep delivering products to the retailers as fast as possible,” Loren Fanroy, spokeswoman for Charmin, told the Associated Press.
Most toilet paper sold in the U.S. is made at paper mills in North America, which makes it easier to resupply stores while many foreign-made products suffer from delays and supply bottlenecks, according to the AP.
As of Wednesday morning, California had 2,628 cases of COVID-19 and 54 deaths. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that half of the state's confirmed coronavirus patients are younger than 50.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-03-25--Nebraska doctor calls Trump's hope to ease coronavirus restrictions by Easter 'ambitious,' likely 'u

Nebraska doctor calls Trump's hope to ease coronavirus restrictions by Easter 'ambitious,' likely 'unrealistic'

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Dr. Mark Rupp , Division of Infectious Diseases division chief at the University of Nebraska Medical Center , told Fox News Wednesday that President Trump 's goal of beginning to reopen the economy by Easter Sunday is `` ambitious '' but may not be viable .
`` I think it is probably a little bit premature .
Obviously we will have to look at data as it rolls out , but I think this will take a good four , six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to crimp down on this , '' Rupp told `` Your World '' host Neil Cavuto .
WOLFGANG PUCK WARNS OF LONG-LASTING DAMAGE TO FOODSERVICE INDUSTRY WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL AID Trump himself has echoed that sentiment , saying that his very strong hope is to start easing restrictions on economic activity by that date .
However , the president has said that he will listen to his medical advisers before making a final recommendation .
Rupp praised the Trump task force 's concentration on social distancing , saying it is the simplest act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think it is a bit ambitious to think in two weeks we 're going to see enough decline in the cases for folks to really go back to life as normal .
That is a little unrealistic , I ’ m afraid , '' the physician said .

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Dr. Mark Rupp, Division of Infectious Diseases division chief at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, told Fox News Wednesday that President Trump's goal of beginning to reopen the economy by Easter Sunday is "ambitious" but may not be viable.
"I think it is probably a little bit premature. Obviously we will have to look at data as it rolls out, but I think this will take a good four, six, eight weeks before we are really able to crimp down on this," Rupp told "Your World" host Neil Cavuto.
WOLFGANG PUCK WARNS OF LONG-LASTING DAMAGE TO FOODSERVICE INDUSTRY WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL AID
Trump himself has echoed that sentiment, saying that his very strong hope is to start easing restrictions on economic activity by that date. However, the president has said that he will listen to his medical advisers before making a final recommendation.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Rupp praised the Trump task force's concentration on social distancing, saying it is the simplest act to help flatten the infection curve.
"I think it is a bit ambitious to think in two weeks we're going to see enough decline in the cases for folks to really go back to life as normal. That is a little unrealistic, I’m afraid," the physician said.


foxnews--2020-03-25--Sarah Ferguson says coronavirus is warning from Mother Nature hours before Prince Charles' positive

Sarah Ferguson says coronavirus is warning from Mother Nature hours before Prince Charles' positive diagnosis

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Hours before Prince Charles was revealed to be COVID-19 positive , his former sister-in-law Sarah Ferguson , the Duchess of York , said the world should have seen the current pandemic coming .
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday , Prince Andrew 's ex-wife called attention to Mother Nature 's previous warnings .
`` Mother Nature has sent us to our rooms.. like the spoilt children we are .
She gave us time and she gave us warnings .
She was so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire and floods , she tried to warn us but in the end she took back control , '' Ferguson wrote along with a photo of a yard and trees in bloom .
The Duchess of York 's second tweet added a glimmer of hope as she asked her Twitter followers for answers .
`` She has sent us to our rooms and when she is finished clearing up our mess .
She will let us out to play again .
How will we use this time ?
xxxx . ''
On Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 71 , who is first in line to the British throne , announced he tested positive for the coronavirus after displaying mild symptoms .
“ The Prince of Wales has tested positive for Coronavirus .
He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual , '' the Clarence House said to Fox News in a statement .
The statement confirmed that Prince Charles ' wife , Camilla , the Duchess of Cornwall , 72 , tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , Burnham on the Balmoral Estate , in Scotland `` self-isolating , '' the statement confirmed .
Meanwhile , Prince Charles ' mother , Queen Elizabeth II , remains in a healthy condition despite her son testing positive , a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told Fox News .
“ Her Majesty The Queen remains in good health .
The Queen last saw the Prince of Wales briefly after the investiture on the morning of the 12th of March and is following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced on its official website last week that Queen Elizabeth would temporarily move to Windsor Castle amid the growing coronavirus pandemic one week earlier than planned .
On Tuesday , Ferguson 's daughter Princess Beatrice praised her hospital for the efforts they 've taken to keep U.K. citizens safe amid the pandemic .
`` I 'm so proud of my hospital , The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital , as they have become a trauma centre for the first time since 1982 due to the incredibly challenging time we face and the unprecedented pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP '' It has created a Covid-19 fund for the RNOH ’ s staff that urgently need our support.The purpose of the fund is to help their frontline clinical staff in any way possible – from providing meals , to purchasing essential equipment items , to supporting mental health in a time of crisis .
She also urged her followers to consider donating to the RNOH Charity , which raises money to help care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions .

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Hours before Prince Charles was revealed to be COVID-19 positive, his former sister-in-law Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, said the world should have seen the current pandemic coming.
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Prince Andrew's ex-wife called attention to Mother Nature's previous warnings.
"Mother Nature has sent us to our rooms.. like the spoilt children we are. She gave us time and she gave us warnings. She was so patient with us. She gave us fire and floods, she tried to warn us but in the end she took back control," Ferguson wrote along with a photo of a yard and trees in bloom.
PRINCE CHARLES TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS
The Duchess of York's second tweet added a glimmer of hope as she asked her Twitter followers for answers.
"She has sent us to our rooms and when she is finished clearing up our mess. She will let us out to play again. How will we use this time? xxxx."
On Wednesday morning, the office for Prince Charles, 71, who is first in line to the British throne, announced he tested positive for the coronavirus after displaying mild symptoms.
“The Prince of Wales has tested positive for Coronavirus. He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual," the Clarence House said to Fox News in a statement.
IDRIS ELBA TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS
The statement confirmed that Prince Charles' wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, 72, tested negative. They are currently at their home, Burnham on the Balmoral Estate, in Scotland "self-isolating," the statement confirmed.
Meanwhile, Prince Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, remains in a healthy condition despite her son testing positive, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told Fox News.
“Her Majesty The Queen remains in good health. The Queen last saw the Prince of Wales briefly after the investiture on the morning of the 12th of March and is following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare," the spokesman said.
'GAME OF THRONES' STAR KRISTOFER HIVJU TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS
The British royal family announced on its official website last week that Queen Elizabeth would temporarily move to Windsor Castle amid the growing coronavirus pandemic one week earlier than planned.
On Tuesday, Ferguson's daughter Princess Beatrice praised her hospital for the efforts they've taken to keep U.K. citizens safe amid the pandemic.
"I'm so proud of my hospital, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, as they have become a trauma centre for the first time since 1982 due to the incredibly challenging time we face and the unprecedented pressure all hospitals and their staff face.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"It has created a Covid-19 fund for the RNOH’s staff that urgently need our support.The purpose of the fund is to help their frontline clinical staff in any way possible – from providing meals, to purchasing essential equipment items, to supporting mental health in a time of crisis.
She also urged her followers to consider donating to the RNOH Charity, which raises money to help care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.