foxnews--2020-06-05--Protesting during the coronavirus pandemic: Tips for staying safe, according to experts

Around the country , hundreds of thousands of people are flooding the streets to protest police brutality and racism after the death of George Floyd , who died after now-former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held him down with a knee on his neck for more than 8 minutes .
But a pandemic is still raging .
The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has n't disappeared , and a crowded protest seems like a perfect recipe for spreading COVID-19 .
Is there a way to protest racism and police brutality without putting yourself or others at risk of infection ?
Several experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of COVID-19 .
`` It 's really the worst thing they can do from the pandemic standpoint , because people are coming from disparate areas , crowding together , screaming , '' which can transmit the virus more easily , said Dr. John Swartzberg , a clinical professor emeritus in infectious diseases and vaccinology at the University of California at Berkeley School of Public Health .
`` And then they 're going back to their own communities . ''
That said , protesting racism and injustice is important , and much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reduced by staying 6 feet ( 1.8 meters ) away from people and wearing a mask , Swartzberg said .
From how to prepare for a march to post-protest due diligence , here 's what you need to know to stay safe ( r ) at a protest .
Prepare before you go '' Public health departments such as the NYC Department of Health have provided tips to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 during protests , '' Elaine Nsoesie , a professor of global health at Boston University 's School of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email .
`` It is important that protesters do the best they can to follow these tips . ''
Before you go , pack a face mask , hand sanitizer , eye protection such as goggles or a face shield and plenty of water , said Krys Johnson , an epidemiologist at Temple University in Philadelphia .
And protest with buddies , Johnson said .
`` Stay with that buddy group to reduce your contacts and to ensure some social distancing between you and other people ( people tend to give groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual people ) , '' Johnson told Live Science in an email .
If you are feeling sick at all , `` the most important thing is do n't go , '' said Dr. Georges Benjamin , the executive director of the American Public Health Association .
`` If you have any symptomatology at all , because of COVID , do n't go . ''
Throughout the protest , maintain social distance and wear a mask , all the experts said .
`` This goes for the police , too , by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've seen are n't wearing masks either , '' Swartzberg told Live Science .
During the protest , sanitize hands frequently , do n't shake hands and do n't hug , Johnson said .
Johnson and Swartzberg suggested people might carry signs , use noisemakers or take a knee , rather than yelling .
Studies suggest that people singing and talking loudly emit more infectious respiratory droplets than people who are not doing those things .
Benjamin disagreed , saying that mask-wearing should mitigate most of that risk .
`` People need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Benjamin told Live Science .
Some police tactics could theoretically worsen COVID-19 spread .
One such tactic is using tear gas , Swartzberg said .
`` People start wiping their eyes , and if their hands are contaminated they could infect themselves through their eyes , '' Swartzberg said .
Goggles are very important to reduce that risk , he said .
`` Also their nose is going to be running a lot so they 're going to be wiping that . ''
And tear gas can irritate the lower airways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do get infected , you may not handle the virus as well , '' Swartzberg said .
For instance , during wildfire season in California , people whose lower airways have been damaged are more likely to have severe cases of influenza , and the same may go for damage due to tear gas and COVID-19 , he said .
People who are coughing may have been tear gassed , or may have COVID-19 , but you have no way of knowing , so it 's best to steer clear of them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crammed into packed police buses or a jail cells makes social distancing impossible .
If that happens , `` all bets are off , '' Benjamin said .
You should wash your hands and clothes as soon as you get home , Benjamin said .
`` Stay hydrated , take care of yourself , check in with your group of buddies , and monitor your temperature so you can get tested and treated early if you do become ill , '' Johnson said .
But let 's be real : People have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended a protest and did n't maintain 6 feet of physical distance or wear a mask throughout the event .
What now ?
Anyone who has n't taken these precautions `` should assume that they 've been infected and take the necessary precautions not to infect anyone else , '' Swartzberg said .
That can mean quarantining for 14 days after the last protest you attended , or taking a COVID-19 test about 4 days after a protest and then 4 days after that , Swartzberg said .
Johnson recommends being tested 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you have symptoms .
`` The testing protocol is not as well established , and we do n't know how well that would work compared to the quarantine , '' Swartzberg said .
If you do fall ill , it could be more difficult to contain the spread using traditional methods , such as tracing your contacts and isolating them .
`` From a contact-tracing standpoint , this would be a nightmare , '' Swartzberg said .
Without location-based tracing apps , it may be impossible to identify all of an infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ march , the experts said .
That 's partly why Johnson recommends sticking with buddies to reduce unknown contacts .
Still , `` timely testing and contact tracing can reduce spread , '' Nsoesie said .
So it will help if state and local health departments make testing available for anyone who wants it , she said .
Protesters are often young and unlikely to have conditions that worsen COVID-19 .
But they may live with or love someone who does .
If they throw social distancing precautions to the wind , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to parents and grandparents , '' Swartzberg said .
`` People are protesting the taking of somebody 's life , '' Swartzberg said .
`` But the irony is that they 're doing things that could cause someone else 's death . ''
Related : Why COVID-19 kills some people and spares others .
Here 's what scientists are finding .
Ultimately , every expert said that protesting racism and police violence is too important to let the pandemic stop things .
Such protests `` are the beginning of meaningful change for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't want to dissuade people from doing this , '' Swartzberg said .
`` People have to ask , 'Is there a way we can do this safely ? '
The answer is 'Yes you can , but it 's not the way you might like it . '
But we 're all doing things we do n't like right now . ''
• 20 of the worst epidemics and pandemics in history

Around the country, hundreds of thousands of people are flooding the streets to protest police brutality and racism after the death of George Floyd, who died after now-former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held him down with a knee on his neck for more than 8 minutes.
But a pandemic is still raging. The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 hasn't disappeared, and a crowded protest seems like a perfect recipe for spreading COVID-19. Is there a way to protest racism and police brutality without putting yourself or others at risk of infection?
Several experts said the nationwide protests could plausibly enhance the spread of COVID-19.
"It's really the worst thing they can do from the pandemic standpoint, because people are coming from disparate areas, crowding together, screaming," which can transmit the virus more easily, said Dr. John Swartzberg, a clinical professor emeritus in infectious diseases and vaccinology at the University of California at Berkeley School of Public Health. "And then they're going back to their own communities."
Related: Latest updates on COVID-19
That said, protesting racism and injustice is important, and much of the risk of a protest can be reduced by staying 6 feet (1.8 meters) away from people and wearing a mask , Swartzberg said. From how to prepare for a march to post-protest due diligence, here's what you need to know to stay safe(r) at a protest.
Prepare before you go
"Public health departments such as the NYC Department of Health have provided tips to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 during protests," Elaine Nsoesie, a professor of global health at Boston University's School of Public Health, told Live Science in an email. "It is important that protesters do the best they can to follow these tips ."
Before you go, pack a face mask, hand sanitizer , eye protection such as goggles or a face shield and plenty of water, said Krys Johnson, an epidemiologist at Temple University in Philadelphia.
And protest with buddies, Johnson said.
"Stay with that buddy group to reduce your contacts and to ensure some social distancing between you and other people (people tend to give groups a wider berth than they do for individual people)," Johnson told Live Science in an email.
If you are feeling sick at all, "the most important thing is don't go," said Dr. Georges Benjamin, the executive director of the American Public Health Association. "If you have any symptomatology at all, because of COVID, don't go."
During the protest
Throughout the protest, maintain social distance and wear a mask, all the experts said.
"This goes for the police, too, by the way. Most of the police I've seen aren't wearing masks either," Swartzberg told Live Science.
During the protest, sanitize hands frequently, don't shake hands and don't hug, Johnson said.
Johnson and Swartzberg suggested people might carry signs, use noisemakers or take a knee, rather than yelling. Studies suggest that people singing and talking loudly emit more infectious respiratory droplets than people who are not doing those things.
Benjamin disagreed, saying that mask wearing should mitigate most of that risk.
"People need to express themselves however they feel most comfortable," Benjamin told Live Science.
Complicating factors
Some police tactics could theoretically worsen COVID-19 spread. One such tactic is using tear gas, Swartzberg said.
"People start wiping their eyes, and if their hands are contaminated they could infect themselves through their eyes," Swartzberg said. Goggles are very important to reduce that risk, he said.
"Also their nose is going to be running a lot so they're going to be wiping that."
And tear gas can irritate the lower airways, he said.
"If you do get infected, you may not handle the virus as well," Swartzberg said.
For instance, during wildfire season in California, people whose lower airways have been damaged are more likely to have severe cases of influenza, and the same may go for damage due to tear gas and COVID-19, he said.
People who are coughing may have been tear gassed, or may have COVID-19, but you have no way of knowing, so it's best to steer clear of them, Benjamin said.
And being arrested or crammed into packed paddy wagons or a jail cell makes social distancing impossible. If that happens, "all bets are off," Benjamin said.
After the protest
Risk mitigation extends beyond the protest.
You should wash your hands and clothes as soon as you get home, Benjamin said.
"Stay hydrated, take care of yourself, check in with your group of buddies, and monitor your temperature so you can get tested and treated early if you do become ill," Johnson said.
But let's be real: People have been protesting for days. Maybe you already attended a protest and didn't maintain 6 feet of physical distance or wear a mask throughout the event. What now?
Anyone who hasn't taken these precautions "should assume that they've been infected and take the necessary precautions not to infect anyone else," Swartzberg said. That can mean quarantining for 14 days after the last protest you attended, or taking a COVID-19 test about 4 days after a protest and then 4 days after that, Swartzberg said. Johnson recommends being tested 5 days after the event, or immediately if you have symptoms.
"The testing protocol is not as well established, and we don't know how well that would work compared to the quarantine," Swartzberg said.
If you do fall ill, it could be more difficult to contain the spread using traditional methods, such as tracing your contacts and isolating them.
"From a contact-tracing standpoint, this would be a nightmare," Swartzberg said. Without location-based tracing apps, it may be impossible to identify all of an infected person's contacts at a protest or march, the experts said. That's partly why Johnson recommends sticking with buddies to reduce unknown contacts.
Still, "timely testing and contact tracing can reduce spread," Nsoesie said. So it will help if state and local health departments make testing available for anyone who wants it, she said.
Risks and benefits
Protesters are often young and unlikely to have conditions that worsen COVID-19. But they may live with or love someone who does.
If they throw social distancing precautions to the wind, "they're going to bring it back to parents and grandparents," Swartzberg said. "People are protesting the taking of somebody's life," Swartzberg said. "But the irony is that they're doing things that could cause someone else's death."
Related: Why COVID-19 kills some people and spares others. Here's what scientists are finding.
Ultimately, every expert said that protesting racism and police violence is too important to let the pandemic stop things.
Such protests "are the beginning of meaningful change for our country," Johnson said.
"I don't want to dissuade people from doing this," Swartzberg said. "People have to ask, 'Is there a way we can do this safely?' The answer is 'Yes you can, but it's not the way you might like it.' But we're all doing things we don't like right now."


foxnews--2020-03-31--Psychoanalyst: Con men prey on 'primitive' fear during coronavirus crisis

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A prominent psychoanalyst warned that some Americans may find themselves more susceptible to falling victim to coronavirus-related crimes , as con men seek to exploit people 's `` primitive '' responses during a crisis .
Former prosecutor and Fox Nation host Nancy Grace added that the most vulnerable among us are prime targets for criminals .
`` The elderly specifically are susceptible to coronavirus , we know that , '' said Grace on her Fox Nation 's show `` Crime Stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ones watching infomercials . ''
Los Angeles psychoanalyst Dr. Bethany Marshall told Grace that these alleged criminals prey on people 's ancient response mechanisms .
`` What 's happening during this pandemic is the amygdala , the primitive part of the brain that ensured our survival as a species , is getting very activated and panicky and in the face of the unknown , '' she explained .
Last week , federal agents arrested a Southern California man who allegedly claimed in online videos that he had a cure for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Johnson ’ s name as a ruse to lure investors .
Keith Lawrence Middlebrook , 53 , who held small-time uncredited roles in “ Iron Man 3 , ” “ Thor ” and “ Moneyball , ” was taken into custody after an undercover sting operation .
He was charged with one count of attempted wire fraud and faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison .
Middlebrook 's apparent scheme was similar to the alleged fraud that landed convicted felon and televangelist Jim Bakker in hot water .
Missouri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 that he had filed a lawsuit against Bakker for misleading claims about a product sold during a Feb. 12 episode of `` The Jim Bakker show , '' which was marketed as a possible safeguard against coronavirus .
`` [ Middlebrook ] , like Jim Bakker , is the updated version of the cult leader , '' said Marshall .
`` He has 2.5 million followers on Instagram .
He 's probably been grooming them for some time .
He 's been engaging in low-level cons , benefiting from them , grooming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 's done is he 's playing on their most primitive fears . ''
`` They are so invested in believing in him and in staying well and being a part of this online group , who probably looks up to him and worships them , that their thought process bypasses logic .
It 's like wishful thinking , fantasy of thinking , '' Marshall concluded .
To hear more about this investigation and watch all of `` Crime Stories with Nancy Grace '' go to Fox Nation and sign up today .
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A prominent psychoanalyst warned that some Americans may find themselves more susceptible to falling victim to coronavirus-related crimes, as con men seek to exploit people's "primitive" responses during a crisis.
Former prosecutor and Fox Nation host Nancy Grace added that the most vulnerable among us are prime targets for criminals.
"The elderly specifically are susceptible to coronavirus, we know that," said Grace on her Fox Nation's show "Crime Stories" on Tuesday. "They are the ones watching infomercials."
Los Angeles psychoanalyst Dr. Bethany Marshall told Grace that these alleged criminals prey on people's ancient response mechanisms.
"What's happening during this pandemic is the amygdala, the primitive part of the brain that ensured our survival as a species, is getting very activated and panicky and in the face of the unknown," she explained.
Last week, federal agents arrested a Southern California man who allegedly claimed in online videos that he had a cure for the coronavirus and was even using Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s name as a ruse to lure investors.
ACCUSED WIFE-KILLER'S ATTORNEY SPEAKS OUT AFTER CLIENT'S SUICIDE
Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, 53, who held small-time uncredited roles in “Iron Man 3,” “Thor” and “Moneyball,” was taken into custody after an undercover sting operation. He was charged with one count of attempted wire fraud and faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Middlebrook's apparent scheme was similar to the alleged fraud that landed convicted felon and televangelist Jim Bakker in hot water.
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced on March 10 that he had filed a lawsuit against Bakker for misleading claims about a product sold during a Feb. 12 episode of "The Jim Bakker show," which was marketed as a possible safeguard against coronavirus.
"[Middlebrook], like Jim Bakker, is the updated version of the cult leader," said Marshall. "He has 2.5 million followers on Instagram. He's probably been grooming them for some time. He's been engaging in low-level cons, benefiting from them, grooming them, establishing relationships. And what he's done is he's playing on their most primitive fears."
5 TRUE CRIME SHOW TO BINGE-WATCH ON FOX NATION
"They are so invested in believing in him and in staying well and being a part of this online group, who probably looks up to him and worships them, that their thought process bypasses logic. It's like wishful thinking, fantasy of thinking," Marshall concluded.
To hear more about this investigation and watch all of "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" go to Fox Nation and sign up today.
LIMITED TIME OFFER, GET YOUR FIRST MONTH OF FOX NATION FOR $0.99
Fox Nation programs are viewable on-demand and from your mobile device app, but only for Fox Nation subscribers. Go to Fox Nation today to start a free trial and watch the extensive library from Tomi Lahren, Pete Hegseth, Abby Hornacek, Laura Ingraham, Ainsley Earhardt, Greg Gutfeld, Judge Andrew Napolitano and many more of your favorite Fox News personalities.
Fox News' Julius Young contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-03-31--Speeding doctor gets coronavirus masks from Minnesota trooper, not ticket

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A doctor caught speeding by a Minnesota state trooper was issued five brand new N95 masks -- not a ticket .
“ I burst into tears , ” Dr. Sarosh Ashraf Janjua wrote on Facebook , according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune .
Janjua , a cardiologist , was headed to Minneapolis after getting off work at Essentia Health in Duluth on March 21 when she was pulled over , the paper reported Monday .
MINNESOTA MAN RECOVERING FROM CORONAVIRUS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WAS ANYTHING' Doctors and nurses at U.S. hospitals treating coronavirus patients have reported a shortage of N95 masks , making them a priceless commodity .
`` This complete stranger , who owed me nothing and is more on the front lines than I am , shared his precious masks with me , without my even asking , ” she wrote , according to the Star Tribune .
“ The veil of civilization may be thin , but not all that lies behind it is savage .
We are going to be OK. ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brian Schwartz stopped Janjua for going 85 mph in a 70 mph zone .
He was issued N95s as protection for himself from the coronavirus , the paper reported .
His mask donation to the doctor also came with a warning not to speed .
“ Trooper Schwartz said he noticed what appeared to be ... used N95 masks in [ her ] purse that he assumed she was reusing , ” Lt. Gordon Shank told the paper .
“ Trooper Schwartz said he heard there was a shortage of personal protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the extra masks.
” CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP Shank said Schwartz and his fellow troopers “ are working hard during the pandemic and are thinking about all the first responders who are caring for Minnesotans during this critical time .
”

Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.
A doctor caught speeding by a Minnesota state trooper was issued five brand new N95 masks -- not a ticket.
“I burst into tears,” Dr. Sarosh Ashraf Janjua wrote on Facebook, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Janjua, a cardiologist, was headed to Minneapolis after getting off work at Essentia Health in Duluth on March 21 when she was pulled over, the paper reported Monday.
MINNESOTA MAN RECOVERING FROM CORONAVIRUS: 'I DIDN'T EVEN THINK IT WAS ANYTHING'
Doctors and nurses at U.S. hospitals treating coronavirus patients have reported a shortage of N95 masks, making them a priceless commodity.
"This complete stranger, who owed me nothing and is more on the front lines than I am, shared his precious masks with me, without my even asking,” she wrote, according to the Star Tribune. “The veil of civilization may be thin, but not all that lies behind it is savage. We are going to be OK.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Trooper Brian Schwartz stopped Janjua for going 85 mph in a 70 mph zone.
He was issued N95s as protection for himself from the coronavirus, the paper reported.
His mask donation to the doctor also came with a warning not to speed.
“Trooper Schwartz said he noticed what appeared to be ... used N95 masks in [her] purse that he assumed she was reusing,” Lt. Gordon Shank told the paper. “Trooper Schwartz said he heard there was a shortage of personal protective equipment and thought [the doctor] could use the extra masks.”
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
Shank said Schwartz and his fellow troopers “are working hard during the pandemic and are thinking about all the first responders who are caring for Minnesotans during this critical time.”


foxnews--2020-03-24--Iran rejects international humanitarian aid despite coronavirus death toll

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As Iran battles one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world , its regime has rejected life-saving humanitarian aid from abroad .
On Sunday , Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières ( MSF ) , the leading international medical humanitarian organization , announced that it had sent a 50-bed inflatable hospital and an emergency team of nine people to Isfahan , the second-worst affected province in Iran , “ to increase hospital capacity for treating patients critically ill from coronavirus disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on Monday , the Iranian Embassy in France boldly tweeted that a “ second shipment of MSF aid has left Bordeaux for Tehran today.
” A PERSON DIES OF CORONAVIRUS EVERY 10 MINUTES IN IRAN , HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS Yet on Tuesday , the Tehran leadership rejected the help while repeating a whirlwind of conspiracies that the France-based NGO was part of a broader spy network and scheming to expel aid from the crippled country .
For now , the charity is stating only that the aid is “ on hold ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps.
” Alireza Vahabzadeh , a Health Ministry adviser in Iran , has instead doubled-down on the notion that the Islamic Republic currently has many field hospitals that they ’ ve built that haven ’ t yet been used .
“ We have empty beds and spare capacity , ” he told Bloomberg .
“ So , at this stage , we don ’ t need this help.
” Nonetheless , those inside paint a far more devastating portrait of a country overrun with a burgeoning body count , medical facilities brimming beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hiding in their homes and prisons saturated with the sick .
CONCERN GROWS FOR VULNERABLE PRISON POPULATIONS AND EMPLOYEES AS CORONAVIRUS SPREADS THROUGH OVERSTUFFED FACILITIES Earlier this month , as coronavirus took hold nationwide , the U.S. also offered an olive branch of assistance , which was staunchly rejected by the Iran 's leaders , who have instead demanded that economic sanctions be lifted so they can adequately fight the virus .
Tehran has since ignited the ire of the U.S. State Department by perpetuating false narratives through its state-run media that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States and the fault of America ’ s hardline approach against them .
“ U.S .
sanctions do not target imports of food , medicine and medical equipment , or other humanitarian goods .
Iranian documents show their health companies have been able to import testing kits without obstacle from U.S. sanctions since January , ” State Department spokesperson , Morgan Ortagus , tweeted Monday .
As of Tuesday afternoon , as per Tehran ’ s official count , Iran has had just under 25,000 cases of the virus and just under 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Council of Resistance of Iran ( NCRI ) , argues that the real death toll is over 10,500 across more than 200 cities .
And it remains to be seen if the foreign humanitarian help will be welcomed .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP “ Iran is by far the hardest-hit country in the region , and Isfahan is the second-worst affected province , ” Julie Reversé , MSF ’ s representative in Iran , said in Sunday ’ s statement .
“ We heard the Iranian authorities ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cope with the outbreak and , as a medical organization already present in the country , we offered to help with what we believe can provide the most value : assisting with treating the most severe cases .
”

Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.
As Iran battles one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world, its regime has rejected life-saving humanitarian aid from abroad.
On Sunday, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the leading international medical humanitarian organization, announced that it had sent a 50-bed inflatable hospital and an emergency team of nine people to Isfahan, the second-worst affected province in Iran, “to increase hospital capacity for treating patients critically ill from coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19.”
Furthermore, on Monday, the Iranian Embassy in France boldly tweeted that a “second shipment of MSF aid has left Bordeaux for Tehran today.”
A PERSON DIES OF CORONAVIRUS EVERY 10 MINUTES IN IRAN, HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS
Yet on Tuesday, the Tehran leadership rejected the help while repeating a whirlwind of conspiracies that the France-based NGO was part of a broader spy network and scheming to expel aid from the crippled country.
For now, the charity is stating only that the aid is “on hold” and that they are awaiting “next steps.”
Alireza Vahabzadeh, a Health Ministry adviser in Iran, has instead doubled-down on the notion that the Islamic Republic currently has many field hospitals that they’ve built that haven’t yet been used.
“We have empty beds and spare capacity,” he told Bloomberg. “So, at this stage, we don’t need this help.”
Nonetheless, those inside paint a far more devastating portrait of a country overrun with a burgeoning body count, medical facilities brimming beyond the point of capacity, fearful residents hiding in their homes and prisons saturated with the sick.
CONCERN GROWS FOR VULNERABLE PRISON POPULATIONS AND EMPLOYEES AS CORONAVIRUS SPREADS THROUGH OVERSTUFFED FACILITIES
Earlier this month, as coronavirus took hold nationwide, the U.S. also offered an olive branch of assistance, which was staunchly rejected by the Iran's leaders, who have instead demanded that economic sanctions be lifted so they can adequately fight the virus. Tehran has since ignited the ire of the U.S. State Department by perpetuating false narratives through its state-run media that the novel pathogen was planted by the United States and the fault of America’s hardline approach against them.
“U.S. sanctions do not target imports of food, medicine and medical equipment, or other humanitarian goods. Iranian documents show their health companies have been able to import testing kits without obstacle from U.S. sanctions since January,” State Department spokesperson, Morgan Ortagus, tweeted Monday.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
As of Tuesday afternoon, as per Tehran’s official count, Iran has had just under 25,000 cases of the virus and just under 2,000 deaths. However, opposition group, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), argues that the real death toll is over 10,500 across more than 200 cities.
And it remains to be seen if the foreign humanitarian help will be welcomed.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
“Iran is by far the hardest-hit country in the region, and Isfahan is the second-worst affected province,” Julie Reversé, MSF’s representative in Iran, said in Sunday’s statement. “We heard the Iranian authorities’ calls for more support to help them cope with the outbreak and, as a medical organization already present in the country, we offered to help with what we believe can provide the most value: assisting with treating the most severe cases.”


foxnews--2020-03-31--Matthew McConaughey urges fans to stay inside: 'We are at war with a virus'

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Matthew McConaughey has a strong message for his followers .
The actor shared a public service announcement Monday on Twitter , calling on fans to stay home amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The 30-second video switched between clips of medical professionals working and people spending time at home , engaging in activities such as exercising and gardening .
“ We are at war with a virus , and health-care troops and first responders are on the front line fighting it every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a voice-over .
“ Let 's join the fight by staying home.
” “ Staying home is not a retreat , it 's the most brave and aggressive weapon we have against this enemy , ” McConaughey continues .
“ Because , when we do stay at home , we prevent overwhelming our hospitals while buying time for our scientists to find the vaccine.
” As McConaughey concluded , “ And that is how we beat it , ” text appeared in the video , simply stating : “ Stay home.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let the message out that staying home is more than more than a good idea , that it ’ s actually what we need to do — what 's necessary to win , ” McConaughey told The Associated Press on Monday .
“ That ’ s why we started it off with saying , let ’ s look at this as it is a war that we ’ re in , instead of just saying , ‘ Hey , is it a good defense to go stay at home ?
’ No , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense right now.
” McConaughey has been hunkered down in his longtime hometown of Austin , Texas , with his wife , three kids and his mother , who moved out of her assisted living facility to join them .
McConaughey said that this worldwide crisis , like others before it , could help show the best of humanity .
“ You see humanity acting and it ’ s at its best in a lot of ways , ” he said .
“ You see people helping out the least vulnerable in ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You see a lot of more compassion.
” Several other stars have encouraged their fans to practice social distancing on social media .
Reese Witherspoon revealed on Instagram that she and Laura Dern went out for a walk together , but maintained plenty of distance between themselves .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Ellen DeGeneres has been calling up some of her famous friends to stay in touch without being too close and has shared footage of her calls online as well .
The Associated Press contributed to this @ @

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Matthew McConaughey has a strong message for his followers.
The actor shared a public service announcement Monday on Twitter, calling on fans to stay home amid the coronavirus pandemic.
MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY CALLS FOR UNITY AMID 'FACELESS,' 'BIPARTISAN' CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
The 30-second video switched between clips of medical professionals working and people spending time at home, engaging in activities such as exercising and gardening.
“We are at war with a virus, and health-care troops and first responders are on the front line fighting it every day,” the 50-year-old actor said in a voice-over. “Let's join the fight by staying home.”
“Staying home is not a retreat, it's the most brave and aggressive weapon we have against this enemy,” McConaughey continues. “Because, when we do stay at home, we prevent overwhelming our hospitals while buying time for our scientists to find the vaccine.”
As McConaughey concluded, “And that is how we beat it,” text appeared in the video, simply stating: “Stay home.”
CELEBS PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING AMID CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
“It seemed like we need to let the message out that staying home is more than more than a good idea, that it’s actually what we need to do — what's necessary to win,” McConaughey told The Associated Press on Monday. “That’s why we started it off with saying, let’s look at this as it is a war that we’re in, instead of just saying, ‘Hey, is it a good defense to go stay at home?’ No, actually, it’s our greatest offense right now.”
McConaughey has been hunkered down in his longtime hometown of Austin, Texas, with his wife, three kids and his mother, who moved out of her assisted living facility to join them.
McConaughey said that this worldwide crisis, like others before it, could help show the best of humanity.
“You see humanity acting and it’s at its best in a lot of ways,” he said. “You see people helping out the least vulnerable in ways that maybe they weren’t before. You see a lot of more compassion.”
Several other stars have encouraged their fans to practice social distancing on social media.
Reese Witherspoon revealed on Instagram that she and Laura Dern went out for a walk together, but maintained plenty of distance between themselves.
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Ellen DeGeneres has been calling up some of her famous friends to stay in touch without being too close and has shared footage of her calls online as well.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-03-30--Sen. Bill Cassidy pitches online registry for recovered coronavirus patients

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Sen. Bill Cassidy , R-La.
, has proposed the creation of an online registry that would log recovered COVID-19 patients who have likely developed immunity to the coronavirus , in an effort to speed up the return to normal life in the U.S. '' There is hope , '' Cassidy , a gastroenterologist , said on Tuesday 's `` Fox News Rundown '' podcast .
`` About 85 percent of the people who are infected have no symptoms or minimal symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' While experts say there is a strong possibility that those who have already contracted COVID-19 and recovered develop an immunity to the novel virus , it ’ s likely too soon to know for sure .
Cassidy suggested a system similar to the `` immunization registries for children '' currently in place in the U.S. , `` where all the vaccines you got as a baby and young child all the way up until you 're in high school are recorded online in an immunization registry .
`` Taxpayers paid for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respected , '' he continued .
`` But that way , if I have to prove that I was vaccinated for hepatitis B when I go to nursing school or medical school many years later , I go online , put on my record in , and boom -- they can see that I 've been vaccinated . ''
`` I 'm proposing we have an online registry for immunity , '' Cassidy added .
`` So if I 've been exposed , I declare the virus , I 'm immune .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not fearing that I will get infected and not infecting other people . ''
As of midday Monday , Cassidy 's home state of Louisiana had recorded 4,025 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 185 deaths .
`` We 're not emerging as an epicenter [ of the outbreak ] , '' Cassidy said Tuesday .
`` We are a place which is being slammed right now .
Now , there 's maybe some hope over the weekend there seemed to be a little bit of a flattening of the increase in number of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not enough to call a trend . ''
Cassidy urged the public to obey social distancing guidelines , saying `` Hopefully , people have taken that to heart '' and that it will help flatten the curve in his state .
The Senator also addressed reports that some churches in Louisiana and other states were still holding live religious services , despite calls from U.S. health officials to avoid congregating in large groups .
`` You know , scripture tells us to obey our secular leaders .
So we 've been told by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congregate , '' Cassidy said .
`` Secondly , it would be presumptuous upon God 's grace if we were to say , 'Listen , we 're going to fight that which we know to be true , that this virus has spread and that it can kill , and that we 're going to defy that .
Go ahead , meet anyway . '
God gives wisdom .
And when he gives wisdom , we 're supposed to obey it .
And so I do n't step in front of a speeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of a speeding car , '' Cassidy concluded .
`` I dodge both in the same way we should be dodging this virus . ''
To hear the full interview , subscribe and download The FOX News Rundown on your favorite podcast player .
The FOX NEWS RUNDOWN is a news-based daily morning podcast delivering a deep dive into the major and controversial stories of the day .

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Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., has proposed the creation of an online registry that would log recovered COVID-19 patients who have likely developed immunity to the coronavirus, in an effort to speed up the return to normal life in the U.S.
"There is hope," Cassidy, a gastroenterologist, said on Tuesday's "Fox News Rundown" podcast. "About 85 percent of the people who are infected have no symptoms or minimal symptoms, but they will become immune."
While experts say there is a strong possibility that those who have already contracted COVID-19 and recovered develop an immunity to the novel virus, it’s likely too soon to know for sure.
SUBSCRIBE AND DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS RUNDOWN
Cassidy suggested a system similar to the "immunization registries for children" currently in place in the U.S., "where all the vaccines you got as a baby and young child all the way up until you're in high school are recorded online in an immunization registry.
"Taxpayers paid for it. It's HIPAA-compliant. Privacy is respected," he continued. "But that way, if I have to prove that I was vaccinated for hepatitis B when I go to nursing school or medical school many years later, I go online, put on my record in, and boom -- they can see that I've been vaccinated."
"I'm proposing we have an online registry for immunity," Cassidy added. "So if I've been exposed, I declare the virus, I'm immune. I can now work facing the public, not fearing that I will get infected and not infecting other people."
WILL CORONAVIRUS INFECTED PEOPLE DEVELOP IMMUNITY?
"If I've been exposed, I declare the virus, I'm immune. I can now work facing the public, not fearing that I will get infected and not infecting other people." — Sen. Bill Cassidy
As of midday Monday, Cassidy's home state of Louisiana had recorded 4,025 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 185 deaths.
"We're not emerging as an epicenter [of the outbreak]," Cassidy said Tuesday. "We are a place which is being slammed right now. Now, there's maybe some hope over the weekend there seemed to be a little bit of a flattening of the increase in number of cases ... but one or two days is not enough to call a trend."
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Cassidy urged the public to obey social distancing guidelines, saying "Hopefully, people have taken that to heart" and that it will help flatten the curve in his state.
The Senator also addressed reports that some churches in Louisiana and other states were still holding live religious services, despite calls from U.S. health officials to avoid congregating in large groups.
"God gives wisdom. And when he gives wisdom, we're supposed to obey it." — Sen. Bill Cassidy
"You know, scripture tells us to obey our secular leaders. So we've been told by the president, the governor not to congregate," Cassidy said.
"Secondly, it would be presumptuous upon God's grace if we were to say, 'Listen, we're going to fight that which we know to be true, that this virus has spread and that it can kill, and that we're going to defy that. Go ahead, meet anyway.' God gives wisdom. And when he gives wisdom, we're supposed to obey it.
And so I don't step in front of a speeding bullet. I don't step in front of a speeding car," Cassidy concluded. "I dodge both in the same way we should be dodging this virus."
To hear the full interview, subscribe and download The FOX News Rundown on your favorite podcast player.
The FOX NEWS RUNDOWN is a news-based daily morning podcast delivering a deep dive into the major and controversial stories of the day.
Fox News' Madeline Farber contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-03-31--Spirit Airlines temporarily halting flights to five airports in US Northeast

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Spirit Airlines is temporarily halting flights to five airports in New York , Connecticut and New Jersey because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Beginning this week , the budget airline will be suspending service to New York ’ s LaGuardia Airport , Niagara Falls and Plattsburgh , as well as Connecticut ’ s Hartford airport and Newark International Airport in New Jersey .
The suspended service will last “ at least through May 4 , ” a statement shared with Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER The move comes in response to the CDC ’ s travel advisory warning issued on Saturday , which has warned against all non-essential travel to New York and the tri-state area for at least 14 days due to COVID-19 concerns .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “ Taking care of our Guests and Team Members continues to be our number one priority as we navigate these unprecedented times .
Guests booked on these flights will receive emails notifying them of the change and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read .

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Spirit Airlines is temporarily halting flights to five airports in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey because of the coronavirus outbreak.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Beginning this week, the budget airline will be suspending service to New York’s LaGuardia Airport, Niagara Falls and Plattsburgh, as well as Connecticut’s Hartford airport and Newark International Airport in New Jersey.
The suspended service will last “at least through May 4,” a statement shared with Fox News from Spirit explained.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
The move comes in response to the CDC’s travel advisory warning issued on Saturday, which has warned against all non-essential travel to New York and the tri-state area for at least 14 days due to COVID-19 concerns.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Taking care of our Guests and Team Members continues to be our number one priority as we navigate these unprecedented times. Guests booked on these flights will receive emails notifying them of the change and explaining their options,” the statement read.


foxnews--2020-03-25--5 ways to make a 'quarantini,' the quarantine-inspired cocktail of the moment

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Sign up here With bars across the country temporarily closed during the coronavirus outbreak , those of us in need of a refreshing cocktail are forced to mix our own drinks from whatever we have in the liquor cabinet .
Luckily for us , each of us already has the necessary ingredients for the most popular drink of the moment : the “ quarantini.
” The quarantini , unlike other , more popular cocktails , benefits from the advantage of not actually being a thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or gin ( or whatever you happen to have on hand ) and often is consumed in isolation , or via a virtual “ happy hour ” with similarly isolated friends .
Now , some will insist that a true quarantini contains some type of powdered Vitamin C supplement , but no such requirement has been specified by either the National Bartenders Association or the International Bartenders Association .
( The people at Emergen-C are actively against that recipe , too . )
Since the possibilities are now endless , it falls upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cocktail that suits our own tastes .
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Not sure where to start ?
Allow a few of our friends to suggest their twists on the perfect quarantini .
Spencer , aka The Tipsy Rogue , felt we could all use a “ comedy cocktail ” in these trying times , hence his version of a quarantine .
Made with vodka and cranberry liqueur , Spencer likes to finish it off with an optional garnish of Charmin toilet paper .
( “ And yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he confirms in the official recipe . )
Katie , who goes by Garnish_Girl on Instagram , makes a kumquat-flavored Kumquarantine cocktail with rye , egg white* and citrus fruits .
“ Kumquat syrup makes a great daiquiri and is also delicious in this whiskey sour riff , ” she says .
Check out the recipe here .
*Consuming raw or undercooked egg whites may increase your risk of foodborne illness .
Cocktail bloggers Jay and Leah at Gastronomblog resurrected one of their favorite springtime drinks for a unique , fresh quarantini .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorite at our in-home cocktail classes , and a favorite of ours !
” they said earlier this week , likely while self-isolating .
Visit their blog for the recipe .
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Drinking is no excuse not to get your probiotics in .
Fitness coach Em Pye at Live Well With Em recently shared her take on a quarantini , which , along with booze and blackberries , contains a healthy dose of kombucha .
Learn more about the recipe here .
“ Chances are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stiff drink right about now , ” says Beth from Home Stories A to Z.
She ’ s not wrong .
To that end , Beth offers up a recipe for a brighter , more aromatic quarantini made with limoncello and homemade lavender syrup .
Here ’ s how it ’ s made .

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With bars across the country temporarily closed during the coronavirus outbreak, those of us in need of a refreshing cocktail are forced to mix our own drinks from whatever we have in the liquor cabinet.
Luckily for us, each of us already has the necessary ingredients for the most popular drink of the moment: the “quarantini.”
PARENTS CELEBRATE SON'S 21ST BIRTHDAY BY TRANSFORMING GARAGE INTO 'CLUB QUARANTINE'
The quarantini, unlike other, more popular cocktails, benefits from the advantage of not actually being a thing. It’s made with vodka or gin (or whatever you happen to have on hand) and often is consumed in isolation, or via a virtual “happy hour” with similarly isolated friends.
Now, some will insist that a true quarantini contains some type of powdered Vitamin C supplement, but no such requirement has been specified by either the National Bartenders Association or the International Bartenders Association. (The people at Emergen-C are actively against that recipe, too.)
Since the possibilities are now endless, it falls upon each of us to craft a quarantini cocktail that suits our own tastes.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Not sure where to start? Allow a few of our friends to suggest their twists on the perfect quarantini.
The Quarantini (With Charmin Garnish)
Spencer, aka The Tipsy Rogue, felt we could all use a “comedy cocktail” in these trying times, hence his version of a quarantine. Made with vodka and cranberry liqueur, Spencer likes to finish it off with an optional garnish of Charmin toilet paper. (“And yes, this is just a cosmo,” he confirms in the official recipe.)
The Kumquarantine
Katie, who goes by Garnish_Girl on Instagram, makes a kumquat-flavored Kumquarantine cocktail with rye, egg white* and citrus fruits. “Kumquat syrup makes a great daiquiri and is also delicious in this whiskey sour riff,” she says. Check out the recipe here.
*Consuming raw or undercooked egg whites may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
The ‘Spring Is Here’
Cocktail bloggers Jay and Leah at Gastronomblog resurrected one of their favorite springtime drinks for a unique, fresh quarantini. “The Spring is Here is a favorite at our in-home cocktail classes, and a favorite of ours!” they said earlier this week, likely while self-isolating. Visit their blog for the recipe.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
Quarantini (With Kombucha)
Drinking is no excuse not to get your probiotics in. Fitness coach Em Pye at Live Well With Em recently shared her take on a quarantini, which, along with booze and blackberries, contains a healthy dose of kombucha. Learn more about the recipe here.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Lemon Lavender Quarantini
“Chances are good, you probably could use a stiff drink right about now,” says Beth from Home Stories A to Z. She’s not wrong. To that end, Beth offers up a recipe for a brighter, more aromatic quarantini made with limoncello and homemade lavender syrup. Here’s how it’s made.


foxnews--2020-03-31--Brit Hume says media covering coronavirus press briefings 'missing something'

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Fox News senior political analyst Brit Hume appeared Monday on `` Fox News @ Night with Shannon Bream '' where he addressed critics of the president 's daily coronavirus briefings and media coverage .
He said while some in the press corps play it straight , `` too many of them are still trying to , you know , play the old game that you do ... asking these questions intended to show there 's something that Trump said previously was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine for normal times .
These are not normal times . ''
DR. MARC SIEGEL DESCRIBES HIV DRUG AS 'VERY EXCITING ' POTENTIAL NEW CORONAVIRUS TREATMENT '' Those briefings that are being held at the White House are really a fountain of information , '' Hume said .
`` Some of it 's provided by Trump himself , although he spends a lot of time bragging and and saying what a great job you 're doing and getting into the tussles with reporters who ask him annoying questions .
But even from him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticized reporters for not asking questions that would inform their readers , listeners or viewers .
`` But what I 'm interested in , just as a citizen watching these briefings day after day is what do they tell us about the about the virus , really ?
Tell us about the pandemic .
What do they tell us about how New York is doing and what is its death rates and its hospitalization rates ?
What is all this stuff telling us ? ''
Hume said .
`` I think a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this stuff and they 're missing something . ''
Hume also commented on the notion that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo should be the Democratic nominee for president .
`` He 's been kind of at the top of his game .
And it 's not hard to understand why Democrats worried about [ Joe ] Biden , worried about his age , worrying about his evidence , senility at times , '' Hume said .
`` Would n't [ you ] look at young Andrew Cuomo and say , 'Man , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

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Fox News senior political analyst Brit Hume appeared Monday on "Fox News @ Night with Shannon Bream" where he addressed critics of the president's daily coronavirus briefings and media coverage.
He said while some in the press corps play it straight, "too many of them are still trying to, you know, play the old game that you do... asking these questions intended to show there's something that Trump said previously was inconsistent with somebody. So that's fine for normal times. These are not normal times."
DR. MARC SIEGEL DESCRIBES HIV DRUG AS 'VERY EXCITING' POTENTIAL NEW CORONAVIRUS TREATMENT
"Those briefings that are being held at the White House are really a fountain of information," Hume said. "Some of it's provided by Trump himself, although he spends a lot of time bragging and and saying what a great job you're doing and getting into the tussles with reporters who ask him annoying questions. But even from him there's real information."
Hume criticized reporters for not asking questions that would inform their readers, listeners or viewers.
"But what I'm interested in, just as a citizen watching these briefings day after day is what do they tell us about the about the virus, really? Tell us about the pandemic. What do they tell us about how New York is doing and what is its death rates and its hospitalization rates? What is all this stuff telling us?" Hume said. "I think a lot of reporters aren't asking questions about this stuff and they're missing something."
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Hume also commented on the notion that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo should be the Democratic nominee for president.
"He's been kind of at the top of his game. And it's not hard to understand why Democrats worried about [Joe] Biden, worried about his age, worrying about his evidence, senility at times," Hume said. "Wouldn't [you] look at young Andrew Cuomo and say, 'Man, I wish he were our horse.'"


foxnews--2020-03-31--Coronavirus and cruises: Roughly 10 ships are stuck at sea amid pandemic

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Amid the global coronavirus pandemic and related travel restrictions , several cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers are stuck at sea , a major association of cruise lines said Monday .
The group Cruise Lines International Association ( CLIA , ) which counts Carnival , Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruise Lines among its 38 member cruise companies , confirmed that about 3.6 percent of its 277-ship fleet – about 10 vessels – are still at sea , People reports .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers can not yet disembark .
CRUISING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK : SHOULD I CANCEL MY CRUISE ?
WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE ?
All but one of the ships have a final destination port identified , People claims .
There is no guarantee that the ports the cruise ships are traveling toward will ultimately accept them , either .
On March 13 , the CLIA announced that its ocean-faring member cruise lines would `` voluntarily and temporarily '' be suspending operations from U.S. ports for 30 days during the coronavirus crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homeland Security instructed 40 cruise ships , which were at sea , to return to port by the end of March , according to the outlet .
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Later on Tuesday , Florida officials are scheduled to meet to decide whether to allow Holland America 's Zandaam and Rotterdam ships to dock at Broward County 's Port Everglades cruise ship terminal , The Associated Press reports .
The ships , which are carrying passengers and crew from an ill-fated South American cruise , are begging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those infected with the coronavirus and the dead , but Gov .
Ron DeSantis has claimed that the health care resources in the Sunshine State are already stretched too thin .
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic , many cruise lines around the world have extended the suspension of upcoming voyages .
Most have delayed future excursions until at least May .
In recent days , Carnival Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean International , MSC Cruises , Disney Cruise Line , Cunard Line and Seabourn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspension of new departures .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. State Department have advised that Americans to avoid traveling by cruise ship .
Fox News ’ Michael Bartiromo and the Associated Press contributed to this report .

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Amid the global coronavirus pandemic and related travel restrictions, several cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers are stuck at sea, a major association of cruise lines said Monday.
The group Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA,) which counts Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruise Lines among its 38 member cruise companies, confirmed that about 3.6 percent of its 277-ship fleet – about 10 vessels – are still at sea, People reports. Another five vessels are reportedly docked, but passengers cannot yet disembark.
CRUISING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK: SHOULD I CANCEL MY CRUISE? WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE?
All but one of the ships have a final destination port identified, People claims. There is no guarantee that the ports the cruise ships are traveling toward will ultimately accept them, either.
On March 13, the CLIA announced that its ocean-faring member cruise lines would "voluntarily and temporarily" be suspending operations from U.S. ports for 30 days during the coronavirus crisis, the organization said. The Department of Homeland Security instructed 40 cruise ships, which were at sea, to return to port by the end of March, according to the outlet.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Later on Tuesday, Florida officials are scheduled to meet to decide whether to allow Holland America's Zandaam and Rotterdam ships to dock at Broward County's Port Everglades cruise ship terminal, The Associated Press reports.
The ships, which are carrying passengers and crew from an ill-fated South American cruise, are begging local leaders to let them carry off those infected with the coronavirus and the dead, but Gov. Ron DeSantis has claimed that the health care resources in the Sunshine State are already stretched too thin.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, many cruise lines around the world have extended the suspension of upcoming voyages. Most have delayed future excursions until at least May.
In recent days, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line have all announced the extended suspension of new departures.
CLICK HERE FOR FOX NEWS' CONTINUING CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. State Department have advised that Americans to avoid traveling by cruise ship.
Fox News’ Michael Bartiromo and the Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-03-31--Louisiana pastor who defied coronavirus order arrested on misdemeanor charges

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The pastor of Lousiana megachurch was arrested on misdemeanor charges for holding Sunday services for hundreds of followers in the face of a state-wide coronavirus large gathering ban .
The criminal action against Pastor Tony Spell comes a day after Rev .
Rodney Howard-Browne , the pastor of another megachurch , River at Tampa Bay Church in Florida , was arrested and charged with violating a local coronavirus stay-at-home order when he held services over the weekend that drew large crowds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an estimated 500 people of all ages to Life Tabernacle Church in Central .
On Tuesday Central police charged Spell with six counts of violating the Louisiana governor ’ s ban on large gatherings that was enacted to contain the sometimes-deadly coronavirus .
“ Over the last two weeks I have worked with the sheriff , state police the state fire marshal , Reverend Tony Perkins and others to address this matter outside of legal action , ” Police Chief Roger Corcoran said at a news conference .
“ Mr .
Spell made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law clear , ” he said .
`` Instead of showing the strength and resilience of our community during this difficult time , Mr .
Spell has chosen to embarrass us for his own self-promotion . ''
Corcoran said the pastor will have his day in court “ where he will be held responsible for his reckless and irresponsible decisions that endangered the health of his congregation and our community.
” The chief added , “ This is not an issue over religious liberty , and it ’ s not about politics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and expect our community ’ s leaders to set a positive example and follow the law.
” CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE Spell told Fox News he prayed for the officers who arrested him at his church .
He said he was released after being fingerprinted and read his rights .
The pastor said he expects to be arrested again in front of his congregation when he holds Tuesday evening services as planned .
He said the officers who arrested were interfering with his right to conduct services which he was exercising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Jesus Christ .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP '' Our government authorities know that what they are doing is disregarding the Constitution , '' he said .
In Louisiana more than 5,200 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus , and 239 of them have died , according to state figures released Tuesday .
The virus has killed nine of the 228 people diagnosed with the disease in East Baton Rouge Parish , where the church is located .

The pastor of Lousiana megachurch was arrested on misdemeanor charges for holding Sunday services for hundreds of followers in the face of a state-wide coronavirus large gathering ban.
The criminal action against Pastor Tony Spell comes a day after Rev. Rodney Howard-Browne, the pastor of another megachurch, River at Tampa Bay Church in Florida, was arrested and charged with violating a local coronavirus stay-at-home order when he held services over the weekend that drew large crowds.
Spell’s service Sunday drew an estimated 500 people of all ages to Life Tabernacle Church in Central.
On Tuesday Central police charged Spell with six counts of violating the Louisiana governor’s ban on large gatherings that was enacted to contain the sometimes-deadly coronavirus.
FLORIDA MEGACHURCH PASTOR ARRESTED FOR HOLDING CROWDED SERVICES SUNDAY
"Over the last two weeks I have worked with the sheriff, state police the state fire marshal, Reverend Tony Perkins and others to address this matter outside of legal action," Police Chief Roger Corcoran said at a news conference.
"Mr. Spell made his intentions to continue to violate the law clear," he said. "Instead of showing the strength and resilience of our community during this difficult time, Mr. Spell has chosen to embarrass us for his own self-promotion."
FLORIDA PASTOR'S LEGAL TEAM RESPONDS TO 'ENTIRELY INAPPROPRIATE' ARREST
Corcoran said the pastor will have his day in court "where he will be held responsible for his reckless and irresponsible decisions that endangered the health of his congregation and our community."
The chief added, "This is not an issue over religious liberty, and it’s not about politics. We are facing a public health crisis and expect our community’s leaders to set a positive example and follow the law."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Spell told Fox News he prayed for the officers who arrested him at his church. He said he was released after being fingerprinted and read his rights.
The pastor said he expects to be arrested again in front of his congregation when he holds Tuesday evening services as planned.
He said the officers who arrested were interfering with his right to conduct services which he was exercising under the First Amendment and a mandate from Jesus Christ.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"Our government authorities know that what they are doing is disregarding the Constitution," he said.
In Louisiana more than 5,200 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, and 239 of them have died, according to state figures released Tuesday.
The virus has killed nine of the 228 people diagnosed with the disease in East Baton Rouge Parish, where the church is located.


foxnews--2020-03-31--Oklahoma company planned to dock stimulus money, abandons plan after backlash

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A second company planned to dock coronavirus relief money from its workers ’ paychecks , but has since rescinded the plan , Fox News has learned .
Over the weekend , Fox News reported that a Texas-based company planned to pre-emptively take money from its workers equivalent to what each employee might receive from the government ’ s $ 2 trillion stimulus bill .
The story sparked a strong backlash , and companies that planned to take similar measures have started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported by the Lost Ogle , Oklahoma City-based company ImageNet Consulting intended to take this measure with its employees .
As of Monday , the company issued a statement declaring that it will not follow through on that plan .
TEXAS COMPANY LOOKING TO DOCK STIMULUS MONEY FROM PAYCHECKS ImageNet sent the following statement to Fox News : “ As our company grapples with the massive business disruptions caused by this outbreak , our first concern was ensuring we could keep as many people as possible employed for as long as possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut costs , including asking our top executives to forego their pay and capping all salaries at $ 75,000 , ” said Pat Russell , president of ImageNet Consulting .
“ While there was uncertainty about the federal government response , we also asked a small group of employees to reduce their compensation by an amount equal to any government support they received.
” “ Our intentions were to serve the greater good and protect our most vulnerable employees .
However , we understand our plan was ill-advised .
We have rescinded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any pain or confusion it caused.
” The stimulus bill , signed by President Trump on Saturday , seeks to alleviate the mounting financial pressure .
Individuals making $ 75,000 or less would receive $ 1,200 , with an additional $ 500 per dependent .
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR A STIMULUS CHECK IN SENATE 'S CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE BILL ?
Following lockdown orders by various states in response to the coronavirus pandemic , many Americans have either lost their jobs or have seen their hours reduced , with 3.28 million Americans claiming unemployment last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas offices , with locations in Austin , Dallas , Houston and League City , the company that first sparked outrage with this plan was unnamed by the whistleblower .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP Additional reports stated that a national restaurant chain planned to do the same .

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A second company planned to dock coronavirus relief money from its workers’ paychecks, but has since rescinded the plan, Fox News has learned.
Over the weekend, Fox News reported that a Texas-based company planned to pre-emptively take money from its workers equivalent to what each employee might receive from the government’s $2 trillion stimulus bill.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
The story sparked a strong backlash, and companies that planned to take similar measures have started to rethink their strategy.
As originally reported by the Lost Ogle, Oklahoma City-based company ImageNet Consulting intended to take this measure with its employees. As of Monday, the company issued a statement declaring that it will not follow through on that plan.
TEXAS COMPANY LOOKING TO DOCK STIMULUS MONEY FROM PAYCHECKS
ImageNet sent the following statement to Fox News: “As our company grapples with the massive business disruptions caused by this outbreak, our first concern was ensuring we could keep as many people as possible employed for as long as possible. We implemented a series of steps to cut costs, including asking our top executives to forego their pay and capping all salaries at $75,000,” said Pat Russell, president of ImageNet Consulting.
“While there was uncertainty about the federal government response, we also asked a small group of employees to reduce their compensation by an amount equal to any government support they received.”
TRUMP SIGNS $2T STIMULUS BILL AFTER HOUSE APPROVES HISTORIC CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
“Our intentions were to serve the greater good and protect our most vulnerable employees. However, we understand our plan was ill-advised. We have rescinded the potential program, and we apologize for any pain or confusion it caused.”
The stimulus bill, signed by President Trump on Saturday, seeks to alleviate the mounting financial pressure. Individuals making $75,000 or less would receive $1,200, with an additional $500 per dependent.
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR A STIMULUS CHECK IN SENATE'S CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE BILL?
Following lockdown orders by various states in response to the coronavirus pandemic, many Americans have either lost their jobs or have seen their hours reduced, with 3.28 million Americans claiming unemployment last week alone.
While ImageNet does maintain Texas offices, with locations in Austin, Dallas, Houston and League City, the company that first sparked outrage with this plan was unnamed by the whistleblower.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
Additional reports stated that a national restaurant chain planned to do the same.


foxnews--2020-03-17--How to care for pets during the coronavirus outbreak

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While the veterinary community is still dealing largely with unknowns amid the novel coronavirus pandemic , most of what they do know might come as a relief to pet owners .
COVID-19 , a potentially deadly respiratory illness , is believed to have originated from exotic animal food markets in Wuhan , China — but domestic dogs and cats themselves do not appear to be carriers .
“ At this point , we ’ re encouraging people to interact with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Veterinary Hospital ‘ s Dr. Daniel Smith tells The Post , adding that as a precaution , pet owners should “ keep interaction between your pet and other people to a minimum.
” His advice echoes that of the American Veterinary Medical Association , which is currently advising , “ If you are not ill with COVID-19 , you can interact with your pet as you normally do.
” The World Health Organization currently reports there is “ no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAY THEY DESERVE 'BILLION DOLLARS ' WHILE HOMESCHOOLING KIDS AMID CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK Here ’ s everything we know about how the coronavirus interacts with cats and dogs so far : Animals are not thought to spread the disease “ There is no evidence that animals or animal products imported from China or other countries pose a risk of spreading coronavirus in the US , ” the New York State Veterinary Medical Society declares in a new pamphlet on COVID-19 .
“ At this time , there is no evidence that companion animals including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careful not to expose your pet to the virus Those who are sick with the coronavirus should “ restrict contact with any animals just like you would around other people , ” the VMS pamphlet continues .
A healthy household member should take care of the pet , or if that is not a possibility , the infected individual should wear a face mask and wash their hands thoroughly before and after feeding , walking or interacting with the pet .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using hand sanitizers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the correct amount of gel is applied .
However , 20 seconds of washing with “ soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs , ” the agency reports .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP There is one case of a dog testing positive In late February , a Hong Kong coronavirus patient ’ s pet dog tested “ weak positive ” for a “ low level ” of the virus after oral and nasal tests on Feb. 26 at an animal care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not exhibit any symptoms , was put into a two-week quarantine , after which it tested negative .
“ The repeated earlier test results support this being a true infection , ” J. Scott Weese , a professor at the University of Guelph ’ s Ontario Veterinary College , told the Washington Post .
“ It wouldn ’ t be surprising for this to be a low-grade infection because dogs are not thought to be very good hosts for this virus.
” FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not have actually been carrying the virus but tested positive due to “ environmental contamination.
” NYC ’ s Smith again stresses that “ there ’ s no evidence at this point that there ’ s transmission from animals to humans.
” For the rest of the story , continue reading on the New York Post .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
While the veterinary community is still dealing largely with unknowns amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, most of what they do know might come as a relief to pet owners.
COVID-19, a potentially deadly respiratory illness, is believed to have originated from exotic animal food markets in Wuhan, China — but domestic dogs and cats themselves do not appear to be carriers.
“At this point, we’re encouraging people to interact with their animal as normal,” West Village Veterinary Hospital‘s Dr. Daniel Smith tells The Post, adding that as a precaution, pet owners should “keep interaction between your pet and other people to a minimum.”
His advice echoes that of the American Veterinary Medical Association, which is currently advising, “If you are not ill with COVID-19, you can interact with your pet as you normally do.”
The World Health Organization currently reports there is “no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.” However, the first dog to test positive for coronavirus died in Hong Kong Monday, causing alarm for many pet owners.
Here’s everything we know about how the coronavirus interacts with cats and dogs so far:
Animals are not thought to spread the disease
“There is no evidence that animals or animal products imported from China or other countries pose a risk of spreading coronavirus in the US,” the New York State Veterinary Medical Society declares in a new pamphlet on COVID-19. “At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread the coronavirus.”
Previous 1 of 5 Next Advertisement A man holds his dog as he walks past an open vet clinic in the Aluche district of Madrid, Spain, on March 16, 2020. EPA A woman with a protective face mask prepares her cat as she attends an international cat show in Moscow, Russia, on March 8, 2020. EPA Advertisement A dog wearing a face mask is seen on a street in Shanghai, China, on March 2, 2020. REUTERS Advertisement
Be careful not to expose your pet to the virus
Those who are sick with the coronavirus should “restrict contact with any animals just like you would around other people,” the VMS pamphlet continues. A healthy household member should take care of the pet, or if that is not a possibility, the infected individual should wear a face mask and wash their hands thoroughly before and after feeding, walking or interacting with the pet.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol, ensuring the correct amount of gel is applied. However, 20 seconds of washing with “soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs,” the agency reports.
There is one case of a dog testing positive
In late February, a Hong Kong coronavirus patient’s pet dog tested “weak positive” for a “low level” of the virus after oral and nasal tests on Feb. 26 at an animal care facility. The dog, which did not exhibit any symptoms, was put into a two-week quarantine, after which it tested negative before dying Monday.
“The repeated earlier test results support this being a true infection,” J. Scott Weese, a professor at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College, told the Washington Post. “It wouldn’t be surprising for this to be a low-grade infection because dogs are not thought to be very good hosts for this virus.”
However, Hong Kong health officials report the dog may not have actually been carrying the virus but tested positive due to “environmental contamination.”
NYC’s Smith again stresses that “there’s no evidence at this point that there’s transmission from animals to humans.”
Animals may be ‘fomites’
While there is not yet solid evidence that animals can carry the virus, they still may be fomites for it.
“A fomite is a surface that can transmit disease,” says Smith. “Anything can be a fomite.”
A door handle, a tote bag, a phone screen — and your guinea pig. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently found that people affected by COVID-19 have live virus in their stool, so it can spread through fecal matter as well as droplets from sneezing and coughing.
“So, if somebody who has [the coronavirus] is coughing on their hand and then petting their dog, there is the possibility of transmission,” Smith says. “But I think it’s a very low likelihood … we don’t know enough.”
German researchers report coronavirus can indeed live on inanimate surfaces such as metal, glass or plastic — for up to nine days. Published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, the study analyzed data from 22 previous studies on human coronaviruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and endemic human coronavirus (HCoV).
“It seems plausible to reduce the viral load on surfaces by disinfection,” study authors write, “especially of frequently touched surfaces in the immediate patient surrounding where the highest viral load can be expected.”
So, again, wash hands frequently when touching devices — and your pets.
What to do if you’re worried about your pet
Concerned pet owners, Smith emphasizes, should contact their vets — but be patient: This virus is novel to everyone, and the situation is changing rapidly, with management protocols evolving daily.
“There’s a lot that’s not completely known. The vet community right now is still trying to figure out how to interact with the situation — give your vet the benefit of the doubt,” says the seven-year industry veteran. “I don’t think anybody has seen anything like this. It’s stressful for everybody.”
Build an emergency kit
“The ASPCA is committed to prioritizing the health and safety of pets and their owners, and we are closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19,” Dr. Stephanie Janeczko, vice president of ASPCA Shelter Medicine Services, said in a statement. “A pet’s first line of defense is a well-prepared owner, and we strongly encourage pet owners to take the necessary precautions and incorporate pets into their preparedness plans to keep their family — including their pets — healthy.”
The ASPCA advises “emergency kits” that include a 30-day supply of pets’ medications, as well as at least two weeks’ worth of food and other supplies, such as kitty litter. Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification info: pet name, telephone number and urgent medical needs. Plus, write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on carriers.
Designate an emergency caregiver
The ASPCA also advises “proactively” pre-designating a family member, friend or boarding facility to help with short- or long-term care in the event you are unable to care for your pets. If your emergency caregiver’s assistance is needed, ease their burden by compiling all info in a “dossier.” List habits, food preferences, medical conditions and meds taken, veterinarian contact info, medical and vaccination records and behavioral tendencies.


foxnews--2020-03-18--COVID-19 spread is fueled by 'stealth transmission'

Cases of the new coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) that fly under the radar — without being detected or diagnosed — may have fueled the rapid spread of the disease , according to a new study .
The study found that people with COVID-19 who did n't get diagnosed , likely because they did n't feel very sick , were the source of at least two-thirds of documented COVID-19 cases in China in the early days of the outbreak .
`` The explosion of COVID-19 cases in China was largely driven by individuals with mild , limited , or no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-author Jeffrey Shaman , a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health , said in a statement .
`` Undetected cases can expose a far greater portion of the population to [ the ] virus than would otherwise occur .
… These 'stealth transmissions ' will continue to present a major challenge to the containment of this outbreak going forward , '' Shaman said .
Related : What are the symptoms of the new coronavirus ?
For the study , published Monday ( March 16 ) in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a computer model to simulate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 , among 375 cities in China , including Wuhan , where the outbreak began .
For the model , they combined data on reported infections with information on people 's movements ( obtained from mobile phone data ) .
They estimated that , prior to the lockdown of Wuhan on Jan. 23 , about 86 % of all COVID-19 infections in China were undetected .
In other words , for every confirmed case of COVID-19 , there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post .
These undetected cases were responsible for the majority of the disease spread prior to the lockdown , the researchers said .
The findings have implications for COVID-19 spread in the rest of the world , as many countries are behind on testing for the disease .
The results suggest that the number of cases worldwide could be five to 10 times higher than what has been reported , meaning the true number of cases could be higher than 1.5 million , according to Quartz .
Related : How do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know this is just the tip of the iceberg , '' Shaman said at a press conference Monday ( March 16 ) , according to Quartz .
`` The question is how much of the iceberg is submerged .
We can argue about the exact number , but if you 're not in a place where you 're `` not proactively looking for people and testing , then the majority of infections will go undetected . ''
After China implemented the lockdown on Wuhan , officials were able to detect the majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the disease .
The findings suggest `` a radical increase in the identification and isolation of currently undocumented infections would be needed to fully control SARS-CoV-2 , '' the authors concluded .

Cases of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that fly under the radar — without being detected or diagnosed — may have fueled the rapid spread of the disease, according to a new study.
The study found that people with COVID-19 who didn't get diagnosed, likely because they didn't feel very sick, were the source of at least two-thirds of documented COVID-19 cases in China in the early days of the outbreak.
"The explosion of COVID-19 cases in China was largely driven by individuals with mild, limited, or no symptoms who went undetected," study co-author Jeffrey Shaman, a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, said in a statement .
"Undetected cases can expose a far greater portion of the population to [the] virus than would otherwise occur. … These 'stealth transmissions' will continue to present a major challenge to the containment of this outbreak going forward," Shaman said.
Related: What are the symptoms of the new coronavirus?
For the study, published Monday (March 16) in the journal Science , the researchers developed a computer model to simulate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, among 375 cities in China, including Wuhan, where the outbreak began. For the model, they combined data on reported infections with information on people's movements (obtained from mobile phone data).
They estimated that, prior to the lockdown of Wuhan on Jan. 23, about 86% of all COVID-19 infections in China were undetected. In other words, for every confirmed case of COVID-19, there were six undetected cases, according to The Washington Post . These undetected cases were responsible for the majority of the disease spread prior to the lockdown, the researchers said.
The findings have implications for COVID-19 spread in the rest of the world, as many countries are behind on testing for the disease. The results suggest that the number of cases worldwide could be five to 10 times higher than what has been reported, meaning the true number of cases could be higher than 1.5 million, according to Quartz .
Related: How do the new coronavirus tests work?
"We know this is just the tip of the iceberg," Shaman said at a press conference Monday (March 16), according to Quartz. "The question is how much of the iceberg is submerged. We can argue about the exact number, but if you're not in a place where you're "not proactively looking for people and testing, then the majority of infections will go undetected."
After China implemented the lockdown on Wuhan, officials were able to detect the majority of cases, 65%, and reduce the spread of the disease.
The findings suggest "a radical increase in the identification and isolation of currently undocumented infections would be needed to fully control SARS-CoV-2," the authors concluded.
Originally published on Live Science.