huffpost--2020-05-01--Pope's 'Robin Hood' Wired Money For Food To Struggling Transgender Sex Workers

When the coronavirus lockdown left a group of transgender sex workers in a beach town near Rome without work , they turned to a local Catholic priest for help to buy food .
But his parish ’ s resources were already stretched by the health crisis so the priest turned to the cardinal known as “ the Pope ’ s Robin Hood ” who runs the Vatican charities .
He wired money to the parish for them .
“ I don ’ t understand why this is getting so much attention , ” Cardinal Konrad Krajewski told Reuters by phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work for the Church , it ’ s normal .
This is how the Church is a field hospital.
“ Krajewski , whose formal title is “ papal almoner , ” or distributor of alms , said the sex workers most likely were undocumented , making it difficult for them to seek help from Italian state welfare offices .
“ Everything is closed .
They don ’ t have any resources .
They went to the pastor .
They could not have gone to a politician or a parliamentarian .
And the pastor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really in difficulty because sometimes their passports were taken away by the mafia pimps who control them , ” he said .
“ We follow the gospel.
” Krajewski , at 56 , one of the youngest cardinals in the world , said it was what Jesus would have done .
And it was not the first time the Polish cardinal has made the news with his sometimes unorthodox ways of distributing the pope ’ s charities .
Last year , he clambered down a manhole , broke a police seal , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hundreds of homeless people , many of them immigrants , living in an occupied building in Rome .
Although he tries to shun the limelight , Krajewski has become a minor celebrity in Rome .
Since Pope Francis named him to the Vatican charity post in 2013 , he became known for dressing down into simple layman ’ s clothes at night and bringing food to the city ’ s homeless in a white van .
He has also opened shelters near the Vatican where the homeless can wash , get haircuts @ @ @ @ @ @

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When the coronavirus lockdown left a group of transgender sex workers in a beach town near Rome without work, they turned to a local Catholic priest for help to buy food.
But his parish’s resources were already stretched by the health crisis so the priest turned to the cardinal known as “the Pope’s Robin Hood” who runs the Vatican charities. He wired money to the parish for them.
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“I don’t understand why this is getting so much attention,” Cardinal Konrad Krajewski told Reuters by phone on Thursday. “This is ordinary work for the Church, it’s normal. This is how the Church is a field hospital.“
Krajewski, whose formal title is “papal almoner,” or distributor of alms, said the sex workers most likely were undocumented, making it difficult for them to seek help from Italian state welfare offices.
“Everything is closed. They don’t have any resources. They went to the pastor. They could not have gone to a politician or a parliamentarian. And the pastor came to us.
“They are really in difficulty because sometimes their passports were taken away by the mafia pimps who control them,” he said. “We follow the gospel.”
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Cardinal Konrad Krajewski is responsible for carrying out charity in Pope Francis's name. ANDREAS SOLARO via Getty Images
Krajewski, at 56, one of the youngest cardinals in the world, said it was what Jesus would have done. And it was not the first time the Polish cardinal has made the news with his sometimes unorthodox ways of distributing the pope’s charities. Last year, he clambered down a manhole, broke a police seal, and re-connected electrical circuit breakers to restore electricity to hundreds of homeless people, many of them immigrants, living in an occupied building in Rome.
Although Krajewski ran afoul of then-Interior Minister Matteo Salvini and his anti-immigrant policies, an Italian newspaper dubbed him “The Pope’s Robin Hood.“
Although he tries to shun the limelight, Krajewski has become a minor celebrity in Rome. Since Pope Francis named him to the Vatican charity post in 2013, he became known for dressing down into simple layman’s clothes at night and bringing food to the city’s homeless in a white van.
He has also opened shelters near the Vatican where the homeless can wash, get haircuts, and receive medical care.


huffpost--2020-06-13--12 Amazing Photos You Missed This Week

12 Amazing Photos You Missed This Week

We ’ re highlighting exceptional photos from around the world for the week of June 6 to 12 .
Check @ @ @ @ @ : Arthur McCray places American flags in front of The Fountain of Praise church on @ @ @ @ @ as Houston prepared for the funeral of George Floyd .
Credit : Joe Raedle/Getty Images

We’re highlighting exceptional photos from around the world for the week of June 6 to 12. Check them out below.
Above: Arthur McCray places American flags in front of The Fountain of Praise church on June 7, 2020, as Houston prepared for the funeral of George Floyd. Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images


huffpost--2020-06-12--These Father’s Day Cards Sum Up Life During A Pandemic

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page .
Prices and availability subject to change @ @ @ @ @ s Day , Father ’ s Day is looking a bit different this year as @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic .
But at least there are cards to mark the occasion appropriately @

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability subject to change.
As with Mother’s Day, Father’s Day is looking a bit different this year as we practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. But at least there are cards to mark the occasion appropriately.


huffpost--2020-06-13--The Real Violent Extremist Threat Growing During Protests

LOGAN CYRUS via Getty Images A member of the far-right movement Boogaloo walks next to protestors outside a police station in Charlotte , North Carolina , on May 29 .
President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly that antifa , a favorite bogeyman , is behind the violence during recent waves of protest .
But while scant evidence supports Trump ’ s claims , another loosely organized movement has become a prominent sideshow at nationwide demonstrations and been linked with attacks and plots to create chaos .
Adherents of the far-right movement known as Boogaloo have shown up at various protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd in Minneapolis , attempting to use the demonstrations to further their own cause and in some cases carrying rifles .
Boogaloo devotees have also carried out violent attacks against police .
This week , a California district attorney said that Steven Carrillo , charged with the ambush shooting death of a sheriff ’ s deputy in California ’ s Santa Cruz County on June 6 , had ties to the Boogaloo .
Carrillo had written some of its slogans in blood on the hood of a nearby car before his arrest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was connected to the May 29 shooting death of a security officer at the federal building in Oakland , California ― a shooting that occurred during a large protest in that city over Floyd ’ s killing .
The Boogaloo movement is a somewhat amorphous anti-government community that under its umbrella includes militias , gun rights activists , libertarians and white supremacists .
What they share is a core set of symbols , terms and ideology centered on the belief a second civil war is coming to the U.S. , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extends to law enforcement .
Some in the Boogaloo movement have expressed admiration for Timothy McVeigh , the Oklahoma City bomber , and David Koresh , the religious cult leader whose standoff with authorities led to a violent confrontation in Waco , Texas .
Multiple movement supporters have been charged with plotting mass violence or linked to violent assaults .
Federal prosecutors in Nevada charged three men associated with Boogaloo with terrorism offenses last week , after authorities broke up a plot to cause mass violence and hijack a Black Lives Matter demonstration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier in June seized a large cache of guns and gear from a Boogaloo proponent at a Denver demonstration .
In previous months , an apparent Boogaloo supporter in Arkansas was charged with planning to kill an officer after describing his plot on a Facebook livestream , while police in Missouri shot and killed a neo-Nazi with ties to the movement who was planning on blowing up a hospital .
The Boogaloo movement grew out of internet culture and memes ; its name is a joking reference to the 1984 dance movie “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extent to which Boogaloo supporters have attempted to carry through the violence they discuss in online forums remains unclear , but researchers who have tracked the movement have watched its supporters continually try to capitalize on the unrest that has marked 2020 ― the coronavirus pandemic , protests of the lockdowns caused by the outbreak and the demonstrations triggered by Floyd ’ s death .
Following extremist movements with roots in internet culture can be a maddening task , as they continuously mutate and obsessively create new references and permutations of themselves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a big joke .
Boogaloo members have , for instance , appeared at protests in Hawaiian shirts with references to the “ big luau , ” an alteration of “ boogaloo ” created as a means of getting around scrutiny from social media platforms .
The ironic note and its absurdity are both a reflection of the movement ’ s roots in extreme online space and a veneer for its more extremist ideology ― it can be difficult to judge who among the movement is posturing and who is a true believer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at incels ( the shorthand for involuntary celibates notable for their misogyny ) or the Boogaloo movement or Qanon ( the absurd “ deep state ” /pedophile conspiracy theory ) , trying to determine which of these individuals are just keyboard warriors versus actual threats is very difficult , ” said Marc-Andre Argentino , a scholar at Montreal ’ s Concordia University who researches extremist groups on social media .
“ A lot of it is shitposting or internet bravado.
” Social media companies have been slow to take action against Boogaloo groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fringe networks where extremism and bigotry are engrained in the culture to more mainstream platforms .
Reddit has shut down several Boogaloo communities for inciting violence , but the movement has thrived on encrypted messaging applications such as Telegram and on the largest social platform , Facebook .
At least 125 Boogaloo groups with tens of thousands of followers could be found on Facebook as of April , according to a review by advocacy group Tech Transparency Project .
Facebook restricted the use of Boogaloo when used alongside violent images or calls to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the movement simply shifted terminology and the policy has had little effect .
“ When they really just have a libertarian , pro-2A ( Second Amendment ) narrative , it ’ s very hard for platforms to do anything , ” Argentino said .
“ There ’ s nothing really wrong with that in itself , except it does create an environment that leads to violent extremism and we ’ re getting to that point.
” In the past week , Facebook announced additional steps to limit the growth of Boogaloo groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer recommend them to users with similar interests .
But these groups are still largely out in plain view and available for public consumption , even if Facebook is no longer steering people directly to them .

A member of the far-right movement Boogaloo walks next to protestors outside a police station in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 29. LOGAN CYRUS via Getty Images
President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly that antifa, a favorite bogeyman, is behind the violence during recent waves of protest. But while scant evidence supports Trump’s claims, another loosely organized movement has become a prominent sideshow at nationwide demonstrations and been linked with attacks and plots to create chaos.
Adherents of the far-right movement known as Boogaloo have shown up at various protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, attempting to use the demonstrations to further their own cause and in some cases carrying rifles.
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Boogaloo devotees have also carried out violent attacks against police. This week, a California district attorney said that Steven Carrillo, charged with the ambush shooting death of a sheriff’s deputy in California’s Santa Cruz County on June 6, had ties to the Boogaloo. Carrillo had written some of its slogans in blood on the hood of a nearby car before his arrest. Authorities are reportedly looking into whether Carrillo was connected to the May 29 shooting death of a security officer at the federal building in Oakland, California ― a shooting that occurred during a large protest in that city over Floyd’s killing.
The Boogaloo movement is a somewhat amorphous anti-government community that under its umbrella includes militias, gun rights activists, libertarians and white supremacists. What they share is a core set of symbols, terms and ideology centered on the belief a second civil war is coming to the U.S., as well as a fervent opposition to the state that extends to law enforcement. Some in the Boogaloo movement have expressed admiration for Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, and David Koresh, the religious cult leader whose standoff with authorities led to a violent confrontation in Waco, Texas.
Multiple movement supporters have been charged with plotting mass violence or linked to violent assaults. Federal prosecutors in Nevada charged three men associated with Boogaloo with terrorism offenses last week, after authorities broke up a plot to cause mass violence and hijack a Black Lives Matter demonstration using Molotov cocktails and explosives.
Police earlier in June seized a large cache of guns and gear from a Boogaloo proponent at a Denver demonstration. In previous months, an apparent Boogaloo supporter in Arkansas was charged with planning to kill an officer after describing his plot on a Facebook livestream, while police in Missouri shot and killed a neo-Nazi with ties to the movement who was planning on blowing up a hospital.
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The Boogaloo movement grew out of internet culture and memes; its name is a joking reference to the 1984 dance movie “Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo.” The extent to which Boogaloo supporters have attempted to carry through the violence they discuss in online forums remains unclear, but researchers who have tracked the movement have watched its supporters continually try to capitalize on the unrest that has marked 2020 ― the coronavirus pandemic, protests of the lockdowns caused by the outbreak and the demonstrations triggered by Floyd’s death.
Following extremist movements with roots in internet culture can be a maddening task, as they continuously mutate and obsessively create new references and permutations of themselves. Often, they suggest the entire thing is a big joke. Boogaloo members have, for instance, appeared at protests in Hawaiian shirts with references to the “big luau,” an alteration of “boogaloo” created as a means of getting around scrutiny from social media platforms.
The ironic note and its absurdity are both a reflection of the movement’s roots in extreme online space and a veneer for its more extremist ideology ― it can be difficult to judge who among the movement is posturing and who is a true believer.
“When you’re looking at incels (the shorthand for involuntary celibates notable for their misogyny) or the Boogaloo movement or Qanon (the absurd “deep state”/pedophile conspiracy theory), trying to determine which of these individuals are just keyboard warriors versus actual threats is very difficult,” said Marc-Andre Argentino, a scholar at Montreal’s Concordia University who researches extremist groups on social media. “A lot of it is shitposting or internet bravado.”
But the increasing arrests of Boogaloo supporters ― as well as murders and deadly extremist attacks linked to Qanon and incels ― make it clear that these movements have the potential to create real harm.
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Social media companies have been slow to take action against Boogaloo groups, as the movement migrated from more fringe networks where extremism and bigotry are engrained in the culture to more mainstream platforms. Reddit has shut down several Boogaloo communities for inciting violence, but the movement has thrived on encrypted messaging applications such as Telegram and on the largest social platform, Facebook.
At least 125 Boogaloo groups with tens of thousands of followers could be found on Facebook as of April, according to a review by advocacy group Tech Transparency Project. Facebook restricted the use of Boogaloo when used alongside violent images or calls to action on May 1, but experts say the movement simply shifted terminology and the policy has had little effect.
“When they really just have a libertarian, pro-2A (Second Amendment) narrative, it’s very hard for platforms to do anything,” Argentino said. “There’s nothing really wrong with that in itself, except it does create an environment that leads to violent extremism and we’re getting to that point.”
In the past week, Facebook announced additional steps to limit the growth of Boogaloo groups on the platform and that it would no longer recommend them to users with similar interests. But these groups are still largely out in plain view and available for public consumption, even if Facebook is no longer steering people directly to them.


huffpost--2020-06-13--Trump Administration Says It's Not Forcing People Back To Work. Workers Disagree.

“ Just to be clear , we have never suggested that workers should sacrifice health for returning to work , ” said Eugene Scalia , leader of the U.S. Department of Labor , at a Senate hearing on Wednesday .
“ We oppose them being put to that choice as well.
” But the Trump administration , in coordination with state workforce agencies , has been forcing workers to make that choice for weeks .
The president has called for workers to be “ warriors ” for the economy , and the Labor Department is prodding them into battle as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe that most employers want to do the right thing and keep their workers safe , but they can ’ t do it if they don ’ t get clear guidance on what makes a safe workplace in the COVID era , ” Wyden said .
“ The Department of Labor has failed completely on this issue.
” Scalia said over and over that the department wants safe workplaces , but that these matters are really up to states .
“ If we hear from states that that ’ s an area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll certainly have those discussions with them , ” he said .
Kristina Kozak of Salt Lake City got called back to her job at a sporting goods store last month following an April furlough .
The 46-year-old wasn ’ t sure that her workplace would be safe , and she didn ’ t want to take a risk given her health issues .
She sent the state a doctor ’ s note confirming that she has asthma , upper respiratory issues and a compromised immune system .
Last week , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s frustrating , it ’ s bewildering , it ’ s sad , ” Kozak said , adding that she and her husband are struggling to make the rent .
“ I feel I have nowhere to turn .
I can ’ t get a hold of anybody .
I can ’ t get answers .
I feel like I jumped in a giant pool and I ’ m just treading water to try and figure something out.
” Kozak is clearly eligible to remain on unemployment under the criteria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Relief and Economic Stability ( CARES ) Act .
The Labor Department ’ s guidance to states specifically says that someone is eligible if they have been advised by a medical professional to self-quarantine because of an underlying condition .
But there ’ s a catch ― the special criteria only apply to the “ pandemic unemployment assistance ” benefits specifically created for people who don ’ t qualify for regular state-funded benefits .
Utah invited Kozak to file an appeal over getting regular benefits instead of rolling her onto the pandemic benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure that people with health conditions can switch to the pandemic benefits when they ’ re disqualified from regular benefits .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , people who are older or who have compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus , which has killed more than 110,000 Americans so far .
The Labor Department has said that if people think their workplace is unsafe , they should call the department ’ s Occupational Health and Safety Administration , which has issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telecommuting , to make sure people are washing their hands and to keep employees and customers from getting too close to each other , among other things .
Scalia testified this week that OSHA has received “ several thousand ” workplace safety complaints related to the coronavirus but has issued only one citation .
“ We have a number of cases that we are investigating and if we find violations , we will certainly not hesitate to bring a case , ” Scalia said .
Available data suggest that a lot of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have returned to work .
In California , for instance , more people are receiving only partial benefits or having their claims denied due to higher earnings , per an analysis of unemployment data by the California Policy Lab .
Nationally , nearly 8 million workers who ’ d been counted as “ unemployed ” in April wound up employed in May ― the largest-ever monthly flow of workers between the two categories , according to the American Enterprise Institute .
Besides health fears , another reason that some people may refuse to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job is now offering much lower pay , which may be the case at businesses whose customers are holding back to limit their own risk of coronavirus exposure .
Drastically lower pay usually means the job offer doesn ’ t meet the legal definition of “ suitable work ” that someone on unemployment can ’ t refuse and continue to get benefits .
The counties where McFetridge lives and works have recently reported the most new coronavirus cases in Arkansas , which is itself on the list of states seeing a surge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she gives 60- and 90-minute massages in a small room with poor ventilation and that it ’ s impossible for clients to wear a mask while they ’ re lying face down .

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President Donald Trump’s labor secretary didn’t like it this week when Democrats accused him of forcing workers off unemployment insurance even if their jobs presented a risk of severe illness from the coronavirus.
“Just to be clear, we have never suggested that workers should sacrifice health for returning to work,” said Eugene Scalia, leader of the U.S. Department of Labor, at a Senate hearing on Wednesday. “We oppose them being put to that choice as well.”
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But the Trump administration, in coordination with state workforce agencies, has been forcing workers to make that choice for weeks. The president has called for workers to be “warriors” for the economy, and the Labor Department is prodding them into battle as the virus continues to spread.
Congress created new rules allowing people to continue receiving unemployment benefits and not go back to work if they’re at risk of severe illness from the coronavirus due to a preexisting condition. Longstanding federal regulations for disaster benefits say people can decline a job if it poses a risk to their health or safety.
On Wednesday, Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), repeatedly asked Scalia if his department would clarify under what circumstances states should allow workers to continue receiving unemployment benefits instead of returning to work.
“I believe that most employers want to do the right thing and keep their workers safe, but they can’t do it if they don’t get clear guidance on what makes a safe workplace in the COVID era,” Wyden said. “The Department of Labor has failed completely on this issue.”
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Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) questions Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia via teleconference during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on COVID-19 and unemployment insurance in Washington on June 9, 2020. Caroline Brehman/Getty Images
Scalia said over and over that the department wants safe workplaces, but that these matters are really up to states. “If we hear from states that that’s an area where they need further guidance, we’ll certainly have those discussions with them,” he said.
In fact, the administration has encouraged states to take a hard line, urging them to yank benefits from people who refuse to go back to their jobs.
Utah, for instance, has warned unemployed workers who refuse job offers that they “may be required to pay back benefits received and face possible prosecution for fraud.” The state’s Department of Workforce Services has provided scant information about exceptions to this rule.
Kristina Kozak of Salt Lake City got called back to her job at a sporting goods store last month following an April furlough. The 46-year-old wasn’t sure that her workplace would be safe, and she didn’t want to take a risk given her health issues. She sent the state a doctor’s note confirming that she has asthma, upper respiratory issues and a compromised immune system. Last week, the workforce agency terminated her benefits anyway.
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“It’s frustrating, it’s bewildering, it’s sad,” Kozak said, adding that she and her husband are struggling to make the rent. “I feel I have nowhere to turn. I can’t get a hold of anybody. I can’t get answers. I feel like I jumped in a giant pool and I’m just treading water to try and figure something out.”
(Utah is one of two states to “pause” its reopening this week amid a rise in coronavirus infections.)
Kozak is clearly eligible to remain on unemployment under the criteria laid out in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stability (CARES) Act. The Labor Department’s guidance to states specifically says that someone is eligible if they have been advised by a medical professional to self-quarantine because of an underlying condition.
But there’s a catch ― the special criteria only apply to the “pandemic unemployment assistance” benefits specifically created for people who don’t qualify for regular state-funded benefits. Utah invited Kozak to file an appeal over getting regular benefits instead of rolling her onto the pandemic benefits. Scalia has ignored Democratic demands to make sure that people with health conditions can switch to the pandemic benefits when they’re disqualified from regular benefits.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who are older or who have compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus, which has killed more than 110,000 Americans so far.
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The Labor Department has said that if people think their workplace is unsafe, they should call the department’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration, which has issued coronavirus guidelines that encourage employers to allow telecommuting, to make sure people are washing their hands and to keep employees and customers from getting too close to each other, among other things.
Scalia testified this week that OSHA has received “several thousand” workplace safety complaints related to the coronavirus but has issued only one citation. “We have a number of cases that we are investigating and if we find violations, we will certainly not hesitate to bring a case,” Scalia said.
“One citation out of 5,000 is unbelievable,” said Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.).
Democrats and their presumptive presidential nominee, Joe Biden, have said that OSHA should issue an “emergency temporary standard” imposing mandatory safety rules. Biden also said this week that the federal government should provide free coronavirus testing for everyone called back to their jobs.
“I fear every day that I’m going to get the phone call that I have been exposed.” - Tracy McFetridge, a massage therapist in Arkansas
Available data suggest that a lot of people who received unemployment benefits amid the pandemic have returned to work. In California, for instance, more people are receiving only partial benefits or having their claims denied due to higher earnings, per an analysis of unemployment data by the California Policy Lab. Nationally, nearly 8 million workers who’d been counted as “unemployed” in April wound up employed in May ― the largest-ever monthly flow of workers between the two categories, according to the American Enterprise Institute.
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Besides health fears, another reason that some people may refuse to go back to work is if their job is now offering much lower pay, which may be the case at businesses whose customers are holding back to limit their own risk of coronavirus exposure. Drastically lower pay usually means the job offer doesn’t meet the legal definition of “suitable work” that someone on unemployment can’t refuse and continue to get benefits.
“If they want to pull you back and pay you half of your previous wage, that’s usually not suitable,” said Michele Evermore, an unemployment policy expert with the National Employment Law Project.
Not everybody who went back to work is happy about it, regardless of the money. Tracy McFetridge of Springdale, Arkansas, returned to her job as a massage therapist last month after the state government put unemployment benefit recipients on notice that refusing work could be benefits fraud.
The counties where McFetridge lives and works have recently reported the most new coronavirus cases in Arkansas, which is itself on the list of states seeing a surge of infections. McFetridge, 38, said that she gives 60- and 90-minute massages in a small room with poor ventilation and that it’s impossible for clients to wear a mask while they’re lying face down.
But Arkansas included massage therapists on its list of approved businesses for the first phase of reopening last month, and McFetridge said she’s had a lot of new clients.
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huffpost--2020-03-13--What To Do If You Think You Have Coronavirus

“ Decreased immunity may be caused by some of the following conditions : being older than age 65 , diabetes , heart disease , chronic lung disease , chronic kidney disease , cancer , HIV or taking immunosuppressive medications , ” Dean explained .
If you fall into one of those categories and are experiencing any symptoms , contact a health care provider via phone or a virtual video visit to talk it through and discuss the next steps .
This is especially important if you have traveled to areas with high community transmission or been in contact with someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you aren ’ t exhibiting symptoms , it is advisable to self-isolate for 14 days after contact . )
Conducting initial consultations through telemedicine networks can help reduce the spread of the virus by allowing health care workers to take protective measures to prepare for a visit from a potentially infectious patient .
If you ’ re experiencing severe symptoms , however , call 911 to get immediate medical care .
Whatever you do , try not to panic .
“ Most cases of COVID-19 will be mild and resolve on their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ It ’ s best to stay home and out of public .
However , if you have any severe symptoms such as a very high fever , severe cough or shortness of breath , it would be wise to seek in-person care.
” What to do if you ’ re unable to be diagnosed .
HuffPost has previously reported that due to test kit shortages in the U.S. , people who show mild symptoms but haven ’ t been in contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients or visited high-risk areas may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But it ’ s still important to stay home if you aren ’ t feeling well to help reduce the spread of illness .
“ If you suspect you have COVID-19 , please do not go to work , school or out in public places until you are directed to do so by a health care provider , ” Dean said .
“ Mild COVID-19 , just like other colds you have experienced , will typically resolve on its own by taking care of your health.
” She advised people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest , stay hydrated and remain isolated from others .
“ You can take over-the-counter cold remedies to help treat your symptoms , such as acetaminophen for fevers or headaches , and cough medications to alleviate coughing , ” she added .
“ Since this illness is due to a virus , antibiotics are not effective .
Stay in touch with your doctor about changes in your symptoms , and when it ’ s all right to return to your usual activities.
” Doctors still aren ’ t certain about how long patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one study suggests that those with mild cases are probably not infectious by about 10 days after they first experienced symptoms .
Pending more conclusive research , however , it ’ s best to exercise caution and stay in touch with your doctor .
Avoiding high-risk places , washing hands , disinfecting surfaces , keeping a safe distance between people , not touching your face , and coughing or sneezing into elbows instead of hands are all measures everyone can take to help slow the rate of infection ― even if you aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of yourself is one of the most selfless things you can do in the time of a pandemic .
“ If everyone with a sore throat goes to the hospital , resources will be used unnecessarily , ” said Jake Deutsch , a physician specializing in emergency medicine and co-founder of Specialty Infusion .
“ Statistically speaking , most people won ’ t need an intensive-care level of treatment , so make sure those resources are available for people who clearly are more at risk .
If you don ’ t have underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staying home until you ’ re not sick .
Judge your symptoms and put them in context of your medical problems.
” Ultimately , it ’ s important to follow guidance from reputable public health leaders like the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
“ The best treatment we can provide is making sure people have correct information and can process everything , ” Deutsch said .

“Decreased immunity may be caused by some of the following conditions: being older than age 65, diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, HIV or taking immunosuppressive medications,” Dean explained.
If you fall into one of those categories and are experiencing any symptoms, contact a health care provider via phone or a virtual video visit to talk it through and discuss the next steps. This is especially important if you have traveled to areas with high community transmission or been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. (Even if you aren’t exhibiting symptoms, it is advisable to self-isolate for 14 days after contact.)
Conducting initial consultations through telemedicine networks can help reduce the spread of the virus by allowing health care workers to take protective measures to prepare for a visit from a potentially infectious patient. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, however, call 911 to get immediate medical care.
Whatever you do, try not to panic.
“Most cases of COVID-19 will be mild and resolve on their own similar to the flu,” Anegawa said. “It’s best to stay home and out of public. However, if you have any severe symptoms such as a very high fever, severe cough or shortness of breath, it would be wise to seek in-person care.”
What to do if you’re unable to be diagnosed.
HuffPost has previously reported that due to test kit shortages in the U.S., people who show mild symptoms but haven’t been in contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients or visited high-risk areas may not be able to get a diagnosis. But it’s still important to stay home if you aren’t feeling well to help reduce the spread of illness.
“If you suspect you have COVID-19, please do not go to work, school or out in public places until you are directed to do so by a health care provider,” Dean said. “Mild COVID-19, just like other colds you have experienced, will typically resolve on its own by taking care of your health.”
She advised people who are exhibiting mild symptoms to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and remain isolated from others.
“You can take over-the-counter cold remedies to help treat your symptoms, such as acetaminophen for fevers or headaches, and cough medications to alleviate coughing,” she added. “Since this illness is due to a virus, antibiotics are not effective. Stay in touch with your doctor about changes in your symptoms, and when it’s all right to return to your usual activities.”
Doctors still aren’t certain about how long patients infected with coronavirus are contagious, but one study suggests that those with mild cases are probably not infectious by about 10 days after they first experienced symptoms. Pending more conclusive research, however, it’s best to exercise caution and stay in touch with your doctor.
Avoiding high-risk places, washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, keeping a safe distance between people, not touching your face, and coughing or sneezing into elbows instead of hands are all measures everyone can take to help slow the rate of infection ― even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms. Taking care of yourself is one of the most selfless things you can do in the time of a pandemic.
“If everyone with a sore throat goes to the hospital, resources will be used unnecessarily,” said Jake Deutsch, a physician specializing in emergency medicine and co-founder of Specialty Infusion. “Statistically speaking, most people won’t need an intensive-care level of treatment, so make sure those resources are available for people who clearly are more at risk. If you don’t have underlying medical conditions, I’d recommend staying home until you’re not sick. Judge your symptoms and put them in context of your medical problems.”
Ultimately, it’s important to follow guidance from reputable public health leaders like the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The best treatment we can provide is making sure people have correct information and can process everything,” Deutsch said.


huffpost--2020-03-13--CDC Tested Just 77 People For Coronavirus This Week

WASHINGTON — Despite insistent promises from the Trump administration , coronavirus testing in the United States appears to be proceeding with a marked lack of urgency .
An examination of state and federal records by Yahoo News finds that American states are , on average , testing fewer than 100 people per day — while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had tested fewer than 100 people total in the first two days of this week .
Meanwhile , a single private lab is performing tests , according to a trade group representing such facilities .
The administration has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a critical role in making sure that all Americans who need a coronavirus test receive one .
“ This is not a problem we can test our way out of , ” said Stephen Redd , MD , head of the CDC ’ s Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response , in testimony on Wednesday .
It was an admission that , in a nation of 320 million , testing every person will be impossible .
Redd also revealed in his testimony that the total number of people tested for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means that , as of Wednesday morning , the CDC had tested only 77 people for the coronavirus since Sunday .
According to a CDC spokesman , the number that had been tested as of Sunday was 1,707 .
Speaking at a different hearing on Wednesday , CDC Director Robert Redfield , MD , said public health labs — that is , labs run by individual states — were ready to “ test up to 75,000 people , ” presumably because they had received test kits from the CDC .
Redfield also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were ready to perform tests across the United States .
In fact , the number is even higher — 81 , according to Michelle Forman , a spokesperson for the Association of Public Health Laboratories .
Those labs each have the capacity to perform 100 tests per day .
So far , however , only 7,617 people have been tested in state laboratories , according to the COVID Tracking Project , a database that updates the test statistics from states and the federal government .
( Some of those statistics don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number tested could be higher . )
On Tuesday , the 50 states cumulatively had tested only 2,728 people , meaning an average of 55 people tested per state .
Administration officials have repeatedly said that private industry would step in and meet the deficit .
But it was because of an administration directive that private laboratories could not prepare for a coronavirus surge until earlier this month .
“ We just haven ’ t been getting information about how to get those kits , ” Mark Birenbaum of the National Independent Laboratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , Birenbaum said in a subsequent conversation , only a single private lab in the United States is performing coronavirus tests .
He said he was aware of “ one that will begin testing on March 16 , and seven to 10 that are still setting up.
” He later added that the total number of labs preparing to test for the coronavirus was actually 15 .
More testing will inevitably reveal more coronavirus cases .
The United States now has 1,300 cases , with 38 deaths .
Trump admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have coronavirus-infected passengers disembark the Grand Princess cruise ship on U.S. shores because , as he explained , “ I like the numbers being where they are.
” The numbers where they are as of today are not especially troubling , but likely not because the coronavirus has failed to take hold .
“ Low case counts so far may reflect not an absence of the pathogen but a woeful lack of testing , ” explained former Department of Homeland Security official Juliette Kayyem in an article for the Atlantic .
That could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security about the severity of the disease , and the disruptions that the disease could cause .
“ If Americans conclude that life will continue mostly as normal , ” Kayyem writes , “ they may be wrong .
”

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WASHINGTON — Despite insistent promises from the Trump administration, coronavirus testing in the United States appears to be proceeding with a marked lack of urgency. An examination of state and federal records by Yahoo News finds that American states are, on average, testing fewer than 100 people per day — while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had tested fewer than 100 people total in the first two days of this week.
Meanwhile, a single private lab is performing tests, according to a trade group representing such facilities. The administration has repeatedly said that private enterprise would play a critical role in making sure that all Americans who need a coronavirus test receive one.
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U.S. officials on Tuesday were faced with an onslaught of questions from members of Congress, amid reports of South Korea’s drive-through coronavirus testing locations.
“This is not a problem we can test our way out of,” said Stephen Redd, MD, head of the CDC’s Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, in testimony on Wednesday. It was an admission that, in a nation of 320 million, testing every person will be impossible.
Redd also revealed in his testimony that the total number of people tested for the coronavirus by the CDC was 1,784. That means that, as of Wednesday morning, the CDC had tested only 77 people for the coronavirus since Sunday. According to a CDC spokesman, the number that had been tested as of Sunday was 1,707.
REUTERS
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Speaking at a different hearing on Wednesday, CDC Director Robert Redfield, MD, said public health labs — that is, labs run by individual states — were ready to “test up to 75,000 people,” presumably because they had received test kits from the CDC.
Redfield also said on Wednesday morning that 75 public labs were ready to perform tests across the United States. In fact, the number is even higher — 81, according to Michelle Forman, a spokesperson for the Association of Public Health Laboratories. Those labs each have the capacity to perform 100 tests per day.
So far, however, only 7,617 people have been tested in state laboratories, according to the COVID Tracking Project, a database that updates the test statistics from states and the federal government. (Some of those statistics don’t include negative tests, which means the number tested could be higher.) On Tuesday, the 50 states cumulatively had tested only 2,728 people, meaning an average of 55 people tested per state.
Administration officials have repeatedly said that private industry would step in and meet the deficit. But it was because of an administration directive that private laboratories could not prepare for a coronavirus surge until earlier this month. “We just haven’t been getting information about how to get those kits,” Mark Birenbaum of the National Independent Laboratory Association told Yahoo News last week.
Bloomberg via Getty Images
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As a result, Birenbaum said in a subsequent conversation, only a single private lab in the United States is performing coronavirus tests. He said he was aware of “one that will begin testing on March 16, and seven to 10 that are still setting up.” He later added that the total number of labs preparing to test for the coronavirus was actually 15.
More testing will inevitably reveal more coronavirus cases. The United States now has 1,300 cases, with 38 deaths. Trump admitted last Friday that he was hesitant to have coronavirus-infected passengers disembark the Grand Princess cruise ship on U.S. shores because, as he explained, “I like the numbers being where they are.”
The numbers where they are as of today are not especially troubling, but likely not because the coronavirus has failed to take hold. “Low case counts so far may reflect not an absence of the pathogen but a woeful lack of testing,” explained former Department of Homeland Security official Juliette Kayyem in an article for the Atlantic.
That could lull Americans into a false sense of security about the severity of the disease, and the disruptions that the disease could cause. “If Americans conclude that life will continue mostly as normal,” Kayyem writes, “they may be wrong.”
This article has been updated with the correct number of tests that public labs can administer when running at full capacity. That number is 100, not 1,000.
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huffpost--2020-03-13--What Does Trump's European Travel Ban Mean Exactly?

“ To keep new cases from entering our shores , we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days , ” he stated .
“ The new rules will go into effect Friday at midnight .
These restrictions will be adjusted subject to conditions on the ground.
” The announcement sparked a great deal of confusion about the ban ’ s timing , who is affected , how it will be enforced and whether it will be effective in curbing the spread of COVID-19 .
The European Union was apparently also caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are included ?
The ban applies to foreign nationals who have been in the 26 countries that make up the Schengen Area ― the European zone that allows free and open movement across borders ― during the past two weeks .
On Thursday , Trump said he exempted the U.K. because he believes it is “ doing a good job ” in fighting the spread of the coronavirus .
Health experts disagree , however , and many people have pointed out that the president owns three golf resorts in the U.K. and Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ship crew members , foreign government officials and their immediate family , foreign nationals who work for the U.S. armed forces , foreign nationals invited to the U.S. to help combat the virus , visitors from organizations like NATO and the United Nations , and those “ whose entry would be in the national interest , as determined by the Secretary of State , the Secretary of Homeland Security , or their designees , ” according to the White House announcement .
When does the ban start ?
The ban goes into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ET .
It does not apply to anyone aboard a flight bound for the U.S. that departed before that time .
U.S. citizens traveling in Europe do not need to race to board a flight home before midnight .
They are free to return to the U.S. while the ban is in effect .
“ U.S .
citizens and legal permanent residents will be permitted to return from the European Schengen area , ” according to the State Department website .
“ The Department of Homeland Security will be issuing instructions requiring U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures.
” Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday that there are 13 such airports but did not list them .
Currently , we know of 11 airports that were set up to screen travelers from China under a previously announced ban .
Pence also noted that Americans returning to the U.S. from the European Union would be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days .
The same presumably applies to the non-citizens exempted from the ban .
The ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 million seats ) that were scheduled to fly from those 26 nations to the U.S. during the 30-day period , according to the travel analytics firm Cirium .
Delta will suspend four routes between the U.S. and Paris and three between the U.S. and Amsterdam once the ban goes into effect .
American Airlines will do the same for flights to and from Amsterdam , Frankfurt , Munich and Zürich and then eventually Paris , Madrid and Barcelona .
United intends to cut down on European flights after March 19 .
American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be capping fares on flights from Europe to the U.S. “ The safety and health of our customers and employees is always our highest priority , ” Delta said in a statement , noting that the carrier would “ continue to quickly make adjustments to service , as needed , in response to government travel directives.
” How effective could this ban be ?
“ The U.S. problem is not anymore about trying to reduce virus importation .
It ’ s about how on earth are you going to manage the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia , told Time .

Veronique de Viguerie via Getty Images Passengers check in for flights bound for the United States at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport on March 12.
President Donald Trump announced a sweeping travel ban in his Wednesday evening address to the nation about the coronavirus pandemic.
“To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days,” he stated. “The new rules will go into effect Friday at midnight. These restrictions will be adjusted subject to conditions on the ground.”
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The announcement sparked a great deal of confusion about the ban’s timing, who is affected, how it will be enforced and whether it will be effective in curbing the spread of COVID-19. The European Union was apparently also caught off guard.
So what exactly does this travel ban mean?
Which countries and people are included?
The ban applies to foreign nationals who have been in the 26 countries that make up the Schengen Area ― the European zone that allows free and open movement across borders ― during the past two weeks.
Those countries are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
The ban excludes countries in Europe that aren’t part of the Schengen Area, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the U.K.
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On Thursday, Trump said he exempted the U.K. because he believes it is “doing a good job” in fighting the spread of the coronavirus. Health experts disagree, however, and many people have pointed out that the president owns three golf resorts in the U.K. and Ireland.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as the spouses, parents and children under age 21 of citizens and permanent residents, are exempt from the ban.
There are also exceptions for plane and ship crew members, foreign government officials and their immediate family, foreign nationals who work for the U.S. armed forces, foreign nationals invited to the U.S. to help combat the virus, visitors from organizations like NATO and the United Nations, and those “whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their designees,” according to the White House announcement.
When does the ban start?
The ban goes into effect on Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET. It does not apply to anyone aboard a flight bound for the U.S. that departed before that time.
For now, the restrictions are set to last for 30 days, but all of this is subject to change as the pandemic develops.
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How are Americans affected?
U.S. citizens traveling in Europe do not need to race to board a flight home before midnight. They are free to return to the U.S. while the ban is in effect.
“U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents will be permitted to return from the European Schengen area,” according to the State Department website. “The Department of Homeland Security will be issuing instructions requiring U.S. passengers that have been in the Schengen area to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures.”
Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday that there are 13 such airports but did not list them. Currently, we know of 11 airports that were set up to screen travelers from China under a previously announced ban.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan
Pence also noted that Americans returning to the U.S. from the European Union would be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. The same presumably applies to the non-citizens exempted from the ban.
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What about airlines?
The ban affects more than 7,300 flights (over 2 million seats) that were scheduled to fly from those 26 nations to the U.S. during the 30-day period, according to the travel analytics firm Cirium.
Needless to say, the ban has dealt an additional blow to the already struggling airline industry, particularly trans-Atlantic carriers. Norwegian Air announced plans to cancel about 4,000 flights and temporarily lay off about 50% of employees.
Delta will suspend four routes between the U.S. and Paris and three between the U.S. and Amsterdam once the ban goes into effect. American Airlines will do the same for flights to and from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich and Zürich and then eventually Paris, Madrid and Barcelona. United intends to cut down on European flights after March 19.
With this in mind, Americans traveling abroad may want to pay attention to flight availability if they intend to return home during this time.
American, Delta and United all said they would be capping fares on flights from Europe to the U.S. “The safety and health of our customers and employees is always our highest priority,” Delta said in a statement, noting that the carrier would “continue to quickly make adjustments to service, as needed, in response to government travel directives.”
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How effective could this ban be?
Public health experts have criticized Trump’s decision to focus his coronavirus response on foreign travel bans when the illness is already spreading within communities in the U.S.
“The U.S. problem is not anymore about trying to reduce virus importation. It’s about how on earth are you going to manage the spread within your population,” Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, told Time.
Trump’s former homeland security adviser Tom Bossert called the restrictions “a poor use of time and energy” with “little value.” Others questioned the decision to continue allowing travelers from London Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports.
Indeed, all the travel bans in the world can’t stop the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. if people here aren’t able to be tested for the virus. Test kit shortages remain the biggest barrier to tracking and slowing the spread of the disease.
“CORONAVIRUS IS ALREADY HERE,” Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) tweeted after Trump announced his European ban. “What we need are test kits.”
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huffpost--2020-03-12--Biden, Sanders Campaigns Go Digital Due To Coronavirus

The two leading Democratic contenders for the presidency are both essentially moving their campaigns online for the foreseeable future , telling staffers to work from home and deciding not to hold in-person events as the number of coronavirus cases in the United States continues to climb rapidly .
The campaigns of former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders made their announcements within hours of each other on Thursday afternoon .
The two men are the only major Democratic candidates left in the race to challenge President Donald Trump , with Biden leading Sanders in both public polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light of concerns about coronavirus and out of an abundance of caution for our staff , volunteers and supporters , the Sanders campaign has asked all staff to work from home and will no longer hold large events or door-to-door canvasses , instead moving to digital formats and outreach wherever possible , ” Sanders spokesperson Mike Casca said in a statement .
The Biden campaign announced that its Philadelphia headquarters and field offices around the country would be closed for at least the next two weeks .
The campaign will instead organize voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , virtual events , and other distributed organizing models.
” Biden ’ s campaign is also turning all of its upcoming fundraisers into “ virtual fundraisers ” and promising to keep them accessible to the press .
It ’ s still leaving open the possibility of holding small in-person events .
“ At this time , guidance remains that small gatherings are safe to continue if those with known exposure to COVID-19 do not participate .
We will continue to hold smaller events like roundtables , house parties , and press statements , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anita Dunn and Jennifer O ’ Malley Dillon , wrote in a memo to staffers obtained by HuffPost .
The Biden and Sanders campaign moves occurred on the same day as widespread announcements of closures and cancellations as Americans seek to limit the spread of the coronavirus and the accompanying strain on the country ’ s health care system .
There could be some significant political impact for the candidates : Biden is raising much larger sums now than he ’ d previously raised , and the lack of opportunity for a face-to-face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some donors ’ interest .
And what little hope remains for a Sanders comeback would likely involve the campaign ’ s volunteer army extensively knocking on doors .
The two campaigns had already canceled a number of rallies , following warnings from government and public health officials to limit large gatherings .
The Biden campaign plans to hold a virtual town hall for Illinois residents on Friday afternoon .
Both candidates delivered speeches on Thursday afternoon lambasting the Trump administration ’ s response to the coronavirus crisis and laying out their plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ functions of this campaign ― disseminating the Vice President ’ s message , educating voters , and earning their votes ― will not change , ” Dunn and O ’ Malley Dillon wrote to Biden staffers .
“ We will continue to implement our mission : putting together a broad and diverse coalition to make Donald Trump a one-term president and restoring the soul of the nation .
Our challenge now is to do that in new and creative ways that mitigate public health risk .
”

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The two leading Democratic contenders for the presidency are both essentially moving their campaigns online for the foreseeable future, telling staffers to work from home and deciding not to hold in-person events as the number of coronavirus cases in the United States continues to climb rapidly.
The campaigns of former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders made their announcements within hours of each other on Thursday afternoon. The two men are the only major Democratic candidates left in the race to challenge President Donald Trump, with Biden leading Sanders in both public polling and the delegate count.
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The moves come ahead of the next major wave of primaries ― in Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio ― on Tuesday.
“In light of concerns about coronavirus and out of an abundance of caution for our staff, volunteers and supporters, the Sanders campaign has asked all staff to work from home and will no longer hold large events or door-to-door canvasses, instead moving to digital formats and outreach wherever possible,” Sanders spokesperson Mike Casca said in a statement.
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden delivers remarks about the coronavirus pandemic at the Hotel Du Pont on March 12, 2020, in Wilmington, Delaware. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
The Biden campaign announced that its Philadelphia headquarters and field offices around the country would be closed for at least the next two weeks. The campaign will instead organize voters through “phone banking, text messaging, virtual events, and other distributed organizing models.”
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Biden’s campaign is also turning all of its upcoming fundraisers into “virtual fundraisers” and promising to keep them accessible to the press. It’s still leaving open the possibility of holding small in-person events.
“At this time, guidance remains that small gatherings are safe to continue if those with known exposure to COVID-19 do not participate. We will continue to hold smaller events like roundtables, house parties, and press statements,” two top Biden campaign officials, Anita Dunn and Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, wrote in a memo to staffers obtained by HuffPost.
The Biden and Sanders campaign moves occurred on the same day as widespread announcements of closures and cancellations as Americans seek to limit the spread of the coronavirus and the accompanying strain on the country’s health care system.
There could be some significant political impact for the candidates: Biden is raising much larger sums now than he’d previously raised, and the lack of opportunity for a face-to-face with the former vice president could damper some donors’ interest. And what little hope remains for a Sanders comeback would likely involve the campaign’s volunteer army extensively knocking on doors.
The two campaigns had already canceled a number of rallies, following warnings from government and public health officials to limit large gatherings. The Biden campaign plans to hold a virtual town hall for Illinois residents on Friday afternoon. Both candidates delivered speeches on Thursday afternoon lambasting the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus crisis and laying out their plans to respond to the pandemic.
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“The functions of this campaign ― disseminating the Vice President’s message, educating voters, and earning their votes ― will not change,” Dunn and O’Malley Dillon wrote to Biden staffers. “We will continue to implement our mission: putting together a broad and diverse coalition to make Donald Trump a one-term president and restoring the soul of the nation. Our challenge now is to do that in new and creative ways that mitigate public health risk.”
The Trump campaign has yet to announce similar steps, though it has canceled some events due to coronavirus concerns.


huffpost--2020-03-12--Can You Get Coronavirus Again After You've Already Had It?

Doctors and researchers are scrambling to better understand the basics of COVID-19 ( the disease caused by the coronavirus ) , including how it is transmitted , how it affects the body , and when a vaccine might be available .
People may be contagious for a few weeks , and it peaks at a certain point .
Beyond that , however , the CDC does not have much official guidance about the period of infectiousness for COVID-19 — or about the onset or duration of “ viral shedding.
” That term refers to the stretch of time during which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it from their body via secretions which , in the case of COVID-19 , pretty much means when they are coughing and sneezing it out .
A very small recent study suggested that people may emit high amounts of the virus before they show any symptoms , STAT News reported , but that research has not been peer reviewed .
“ The answer — today — is that people appear to be contagious one to two days prior to getting sick , and for one to two weeks after getting sick , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diseases physician at Penn Medicine and the medical director of Penn Global Medicine .
( This timeframe generally goes for any contagious illness , not just COVID-19 . )
It ’ s unclear whether reinfection is possible .
Pediatrician Dr. Peter Jung weighed in on the possibility of reinfection in children : “ No one knows for sure , but most children likely develop at least short-term immunity to the specific coronavirus that causes COVID-19 , ” he said .
“ But just as the flu can mutate , so could COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reacquiring the infection.
” Other experts feel it is far more likely that once an individual has contracted COVID-19 , they will not be able to get it again .
“ Coronaviruses aren ’ t new , they ’ ve been around for a long , long time and many species — not just humans — get them .
So we know a fair amount about coronaviruses in general , ” Gluckman said .
“ For the most part , the feeling is once you ’ ve had a specific coronavirus , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have enough data to say that with this coronavirus , but it is likely.
” But in the present moment , basically no one has any antibodies that might eventually protect against infection or reinfection .
Because COVID-19 is so new , there is “ essentially no immunity against this virus in the population , ” Dr. Nancy Messonnier , director of the CDC ’ s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases , said in a recent media briefing .
Prevention continues to be the best defense .

sorbetto via Getty Images Here's what we know about COVID-19 and transmission of the disease.
The coronavirus is now officially a pandemic, and health officials are warning Americans in no uncertain terms that it is “going to get worse.”
Doctors and researchers are scrambling to better understand the basics of COVID-19 (the disease caused by the coronavirus), including how it is transmitted, how it affects the body, and when a vaccine might be available.
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Some of the biggest questions right now are around its transmission: How long are people contagious? And is it possible to get COVID-19 twice?
Here’s what we know so far.
People may be contagious for a few weeks, and it peaks at a certain point.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “people are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).”
Beyond that, however, the CDC does not have much official guidance about the period of infectiousness for COVID-19 — or about the onset or duration of “viral shedding.” That term refers to the stretch of time during which a person infected with a virus emits it from their body via secretions which, in the case of COVID-19, pretty much means when they are coughing and sneezing it out. A very small recent study suggested that people may emit high amounts of the virus before they show any symptoms, STAT News reported, but that research has not been peer reviewed.
The bottom line?
“The answer — today — is that people appear to be contagious one to two days prior to getting sick, and for one to two weeks after getting sick,” said Dr. Stephen Gluckman, an infectious diseases physician at Penn Medicine and the medical director of Penn Global Medicine. (This timeframe generally goes for any contagious illness, not just COVID-19.)
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“As we improve, the amount of virus we’re shedding into the environment drops off,” Gluckman said.
It’s unclear whether reinfection is possible.
Often, when the body is infected by a particular virus, it develops protective antibodies that help prevent repeat infection. That is how, for example, flu vaccination works.
Pediatrician Dr. Peter Jung weighed in on the possibility of reinfection in children: “No one knows for sure, but most children likely develop at least short-term immunity to the specific coronavirus that causes COVID-19,” he said. “But just as the flu can mutate, so could COVID-19, which would make an individual susceptible to reacquiring the infection.”
Other experts feel it is far more likely that once an individual has contracted COVID-19, they will not be able to get it again.
“Coronaviruses aren’t new, they’ve been around for a long, long time and many species — not just humans — get them. So we know a fair amount about coronaviruses in general,” Gluckman said. “For the most part, the feeling is once you’ve had a specific coronavirus, you are immune. We don’t have enough data to say that with this coronavirus, but it is likely.”
But in the present moment, basically no one has any antibodies that might eventually protect against infection or reinfection. Because COVID-19 is so new, there is “essentially no immunity against this virus in the population,” Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said in a recent media briefing.
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Prevention continues to be the best defense.
Wash your hands often. Avoid close contact with sick people. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the CDC has recommended.
And finally, stay informed. Despite the fact that there is much experts do not understand about the virus right now, they are learning more every single day.


huffpost--2020-03-13--Pregnant 19-Year-Old Dies Trying To Climb U.S. Border Wall

HOUSTON ( AP ) — A 19-year-old pregnant woman from Guatemala died this week from injuries suffered when she fell trying to climb the U.S. border wall near El Paso , Texas , U.S. and Guatemalan authorities said Thursday .
Guatemala identified the woman as Mirian Stephany Girón Luna .
Medical personnel tried to deliver her baby , but were unsuccessful , both governments said .
The U.S. said Girón was eight months pregnant , while Guatemalan authorities said she was at seven months .
U.S. Customs and Border Protection blamed Girón ’ s death on human smugglers who encouraged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a statement , Gloria Chavez , the chief for the Border Patrol ’ s El Paso sector , said the authorities would work with Mexico “ to find those responsible for placing these lives in danger.
” CBP Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan told reporters that Girón and her partner were taken to the border by smugglers and left there in the darkness .
They were attempting to climb when she fell .
Border Patrol agents reached her and called medical authorities , who took her to the hospital but “ tragically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their injuries from the fall , ” he said .
According to Guatemalan authorities , Girón fell more than 19 feet ( 6 meters ) on Saturday .
Her partner , who is believed to have been the baby ’ s father , eventually found Border Patrol agents who called for an ambulance .
Girón is from Guatemala ’ s San Marcos department , near the country ’ s border with Mexico .
CBP says it has no record of her trying to enter the U.S. at an official port of entry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remain in Mexico ” program , in which tens of thousands of migrants have been forced to pursue their immigration cases from Mexico .
“ He said that if he had known that the risks were this high , he would not have done it , ” Paniagua said .
Paniagua said he could recall at least seven cases this year in which Guatemalans had injured themselves trying to climb U.S. border walls .
He says such cases are rising because more migrants from Guatemala and other Central American countries wracked by violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Border Patrol .
Policy changes such as “ Remain in Mexico ” and a ban on many asylum claims have made it more difficult for many people to remain in the U.S. once they are caught .
The U.S. has already built or replaced about 135 miles ( 220 kilometers ) of border barriers with Mexico , with several contracts awarded for more construction .
Much of the border in and around El Paso , across from Ciudad Juarez , Mexico , already has some form of fencing .
As it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump ’ s administration has continued to promote the border wall and move to condemn land for construction .
Responding to a post linking the wall to stopping the coronavirus , Trump tweeted Tuesday , “ We need the Wall more than ever !
” There is no evidence that an expanded border wall would prevent the spread of the virus , and the U.S. has reported far more coronavirus cases than Mexico .

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HOUSTON (AP) — A 19-year-old pregnant woman from Guatemala died this week from injuries suffered when she fell trying to climb the U.S. border wall near El Paso, Texas, U.S. and Guatemalan authorities said Thursday.
Guatemala identified the woman as Mirian Stephany Girón Luna. Medical personnel tried to deliver her baby, but were unsuccessful, both governments said. The U.S. said Girón was eight months pregnant, while Guatemalan authorities said she was at seven months.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection blamed Girón’s death on human smugglers who encouraged her to try to climb the wall. In a statement, Gloria Chavez, the chief for the Border Patrol’s El Paso sector, said the authorities would work with Mexico “to find those responsible for placing these lives in danger.”
CBP Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan told reporters that Girón and her partner were taken to the border by smugglers and left there in the darkness. They were attempting to climb when she fell. Border Patrol agents reached her and called medical authorities, who took her to the hospital but “tragically, the mother and the child died from their injuries from the fall,” he said.
According to Guatemalan authorities, Girón fell more than 19 feet (6 meters) on Saturday. Her partner, who is believed to have been the baby’s father, eventually found Border Patrol agents who called for an ambulance.
Girón suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, a pelvis fracture, and liver and kidney lacerations. Guatemala says “surgical interventions” could not save her life and she died Tuesday afternoon.
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Girón is from Guatemala’s San Marcos department, near the country’s border with Mexico. CBP says it has no record of her trying to enter the U.S. at an official port of entry or having been placed in the “Remain in Mexico” program, in which tens of thousands of migrants have been forced to pursue their immigration cases from Mexico.
Tekandi Paniagua Flores, the Guatemalan consul in Del Rio, Texas, said he spoke to Girón’s partner, who remains in Border Patrol detention.
“He said that if he had known that the risks were this high, he would not have done it,” Paniagua said.
Paniagua said he could recall at least seven cases this year in which Guatemalans had injured themselves trying to climb U.S. border walls. He says such cases are rising because more migrants from Guatemala and other Central American countries wracked by violence and poverty no longer surrender en masse to the Border Patrol.
Policy changes such as “Remain in Mexico” and a ban on many asylum claims have made it more difficult for many people to remain in the U.S. once they are caught.
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The U.S. has already built or replaced about 135 miles (220 kilometers) of border barriers with Mexico, with several contracts awarded for more construction. Much of the border in and around El Paso, across from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, already has some form of fencing.
As it grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump’s administration has continued to promote the border wall and move to condemn land for construction. Responding to a post linking the wall to stopping the coronavirus, Trump tweeted Tuesday, “We need the Wall more than ever!” There is no evidence that an expanded border wall would prevent the spread of the virus, and the U.S. has reported far more coronavirus cases than Mexico.
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huffpost--2020-03-13--There's ASMR For Your COVID-19 Stress Now, Because Of Course

As anxieties have mounted about the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , a group of ASMR YouTubers have decided to try their hands at calming their disquieted viewers .
Typically , ASMR ( autonomous sensory meridian response ) videos are meant to simulate real-life situations .
They ’ re watched by millions of people who get “ a brain orgasm of sorts ” from the sound of whispering YouTubers doing things like folding clothes , or noisily eating foods , or gently brushing their hair .
But this new genre takes it a step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example , from the account ASMR Darling , the YouTuber plays a doctor doing a full checkup on you , the viewer , for COVID-19 .
She checks your ears .
She swabs your mouth .
She exits the screen to wash her hands , then returns to offer you some valuable information , “ because there ’ s a lot of panic about the coronavirus right now , and it ’ s important that we establish what is fact and what is not true , ” she says from behind a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the title : raising awareness and dispelling myths .
“ I understand it is a sensitive subject , but I think using my platform to debunk myths around the virus and giving real health tips will be beneficial to anyone who watches , ” Taylor Darling , the woman behind the video , told BuzzFeed News this week .
The video already has over 400,000 views , and includes an adamant reminder in its description that “ ASMR is not a medical treatment.
” ( It has not been monetized , either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ASMR .
There are plenty of videos of people pretending to be rude dentists , or sassy flight attendants .
What ’ s new is YouTubers taking up the mantle on quelling public fear .
If you search “ coronavirus ASMR ” in YouTube , you ’ ll find dozens of similar videos , ranging from pretend doctors administering pretend COVID-19 vaccines ( a real one does not yet exist ) , to a tortoise munching on a piece of watermelon carved to look like a strain of coronavirus .
Health experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blowing things out of proportion .
Panic buying is natural , but getting too worked up won ’ t help .
( Besides , picking up essentials like ibuprofen , acetaminophen , soap and non-perishable foods is a better option than building a bunker and stashing Purell . )
If you ’ re looking for another way to keep calm — other than the obvious watching of ASMR videos — here are a few things that might help : There ’ s not much to say about this one than what ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably seen the notes in your office bathrooms and the dispatches from various health officials .
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water .
There ’ s even an app that can measure that time out in song lyrics , so you can hum along and make sure you ’ re maintaining good hygiene .
As it is , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has cited a study indicating only 31 % of men wash their hands .
One of the best ways to stay calm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are keeping vigilant .
You know how you sometimes forget to breathe when you ’ re under stress ?
It ’ s a natural response to times of stress and anxiety .
Hyperventilation and shallow breathing happen when we ’ re freaking out .
If you ’ re feeling anxious , one very small way to address your body is to take a minute to breathe and to relax as best as you can .
It ’ s true that COVID-19 is a threat .
But psychotherapist Liz Ritchie says that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution .
While it ’ s important to stay informed about what ’ s going on , try to limit time on social media .
“ Try and achieve a healthy balance by sticking to factual data , e.g .
World Health Organization ( WHO ) , rather than some of the emotionally driven websites , ” she says on the St. Andrew ’ s Healthcare website .
“ Don ’ t jump to conclusions or be fatalistic ; work with the facts !
” Keep in contact with friends and family

In times of great adversity, we’re often drawn to things that bring us comfort: Music, yoga, warm baths, private bedroom viewings of “The Devil Wears Prada.”
But in a three-month period overtaken by panic about COVID-19, it seems a heroic new genre of self-soothing has emerged: the ASMR coronavirus video.
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As anxieties have mounted about the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, a group of ASMR YouTubers have decided to try their hands at calming their disquieted viewers.
Typically, ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) videos are meant to simulate real-life situations. They’re watched by millions of people who get “a brain orgasm of sorts” from the sound of whispering YouTubers doing things like folding clothes, or noisily eating foods, or gently brushing their hair.
Watch: What a coronavirus emergency kit looks like. Story continues below.
But this new genre takes it a step further. In one 30-minute video, for example, from the account ASMR Darling, the YouTuber plays a doctor doing a full checkup on you, the viewer, for COVID-19.
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She checks your ears. She swabs your mouth.
She exits the screen to wash her hands, then returns to offer you some valuable information, “because there’s a lot of panic about the coronavirus right now, and it’s important that we establish what is fact and what is not true,” she says from behind a mask.
The point is right there in the title: raising awareness and dispelling myths. “I understand it is a sensitive subject, but I think using my platform to debunk myths around the virus and giving real health tips will be beneficial to anyone who watches,” Taylor Darling, the woman behind the video, told BuzzFeed News this week.
The video has over 900,000 views, and includes an adamant reminder in its description that “ASMR is not a medical treatment.” (It has not been monetized, either.)
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Cosplay isn’t new to ASMR. There are plenty of videos of people pretending to be rude dentists, or sassy flight attendants. What’s new is YouTubers taking up the mantle on quelling public fear.
If you search “coronavirus ASMR” in YouTube, you’ll find dozens of similar videos, ranging from pretend doctors administering pretend COVID-19 vaccines (a real one does not yet exist), to a tortoise munching on a piece of watermelon carved to look like a strain of coronavirus.
Has a more modern form of keeping calm ever existed?
Other, actually research-backed ways to stay calm
With Canada’s COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, many people are taking comfort in forms of hysterical preparation, like hoarding face masks and disinfectant wipes or stockpiling on bleach and groceries.
Health experts have said that those responses in particular are probably blowing things out of proportion. Panic buying is natural, but getting too worked up won’t help. (Besides, picking up essentials like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, soap and non-perishable foods is a better option than building a bunker and stashing Purell.)
If you’re looking for another way to keep calm — other than the obvious watching of ASMR videos — here are a few things that might help:
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Keep washing your hands
There’s not much to say about this one than what’s already been said. You’ve probably seen the notes in your office bathrooms and the dispatches from various health officials.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. There’s even an app that can measure that time out in song lyrics, so you can hum along and make sure you’re maintaining good hygiene.
As it is, the CDC has cited a study indicating only 31 per cent of men wash their hands. One of the best ways to stay calm is making sure you count yourself among those who are keeping vigilant.
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Breathe
You know how you sometimes forget to breathe when you’re under stress? It’s a natural response to times of stress and anxiety. Hyperventilation and shallow breathing happen when we’re freaking out.
But purposeful, regular breathing can help to prevent the state of absolute panic you might be sliding toward.
If you’re feeling anxious, one very small way to address your body is to take a minute to breathe and to relax as best as you can.
Stay realistic
It’s true that COVID-19 is a threat. But psychotherapist Liz Ritchie says that freaking out isn’t the best solution. While it’s important to stay informed about what’s going on, try to limit time on social media.
“Try and achieve a healthy balance by sticking to factual data, e.g. World Health Organisation (WHO), rather than some of the emotionally driven websites,” she says on the St. Andrew’s Healthcare website. “Don’t jump to conclusions or be fatalistic; work with the facts!”
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She also recommends avoiding “scaremongering” language that can feed anxiety, like “plague,” “pandemic,” and “death toll.”
False statements and misinformation about #COVID19 continue to circulate online and on social media.
Get information you can trust: #GOC is a credible, fact-based, and authoritative source for #COVID19 information:https://t.co/TLfE0xVSaQ — Dr. Theresa Tam (@CPHO_Canada) February 23, 2020
Wear a homemade mask when you can’t physical distance
The guidelines around wearing protective face masks have shuffled quite a bit since the pandemic began. But as of this writing, Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, has recommended that non-medical, homemade masks be worn in situations where it is tough to practice the recommended two metres of physical distancing from those around you.
That means on public transit, navigating the grocery store, and in any other crowded space you might find yourself in.
Keep in contact with friends and family
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But one important thing to do is not to isolate yourself.
Keeping in contact with friends and family is a good way to stay distracted from the concerns we’re all sharing. Maintaining perspective in moments of crisis is a key way of avoiding unnecessary added panic, and a way to do that is to avoid self-imposed loneliness.
Even if you’re staying at home, don’t be afraid to reach out to those you care about.


huffpost--2020-03-13--Self-Isolating For Coronavirus? Here's How To Avoid Cabin Fever

As cases of COVID-19 rise around the world , more people are being encouraged to self-isolate in at attempt to reduce the spread of the virus , which so far has proven a particular risk to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions .
While self-isolating might sound like a dream scenario for the introverts among us , two weeks alone with yourself can very quickly become boring and frustrating .
In some cases , people might find their mood is affected , says NHS England –- people might feel low , worried or have problems sleeping .
1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes , it ’ s not ideal you ’ ve got to stay at home for two weeks , but think of it as a great time to do some of those things you ’ ve been putting off ( like booking that dentist appointment or researching staycations ) .
Reprioritize your wellbeing and happiness .
Have a nice bath ( or five ) , paint your nails , practice mindfulness , do some yoga .
It all helps .
Instead of scrolling mindlessly through your feeds , use social media to connect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ networks and communities , join or promote worthwhile causes – perhaps one of those helping the vulnerable during the outbreak – or reach out to others who appear to be struggling .
Make use of Whatsapp and Facetime .
It can really help to lift our spirits to connect regularly with those we love .
Failing that , do it the old-fashioned way and give an old friend ( or your gramma ) a call .
It ’ s good to stay informed about the best health precautions , but you don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single news update , as this can feed and fuel our fears .
If you find it ’ s all getting too much , avoid the news , turn off notifications and mute specific words on social media .
And if you find yourself spending too much time online , limit your use to a certain time ( ie .
6p.m . )
each day .
When you ’ ve got your nose in a good book , time passes quickly and you find yourself immersed in an entirely new world – one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
A study by cognitive neuropsychologist Dr. David Lewis showed that reading for as little as six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by a whopping 60 % .
In fact , it was found to be better at reducing stress than music , having a cup of tea , going for a walk and playing video games .
When Channel 4 presenter Jon Snow returned to the U.K. from Iran , he was told he had to spend two weeks in isolation .
What did he do in that time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course .
If you ’ re house- or bedroom-bound , try to focus on what you can be doing to sort out the area you ’ re confined to .
Is it finally time to have a clear out ?
How about putting up those curtains that have been sat in their wrapping for eons ?
Or tidying up that bedside table drawer that ’ s crammed full of junk ?
You ’ ll feel totally satisfied and fulfilled afterwards .
Not to mention a little calmer .
It ’ s seriously crap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing the best you can , so buy yourself something nice ( online , of course ) .
Lovely flowers you can have delivered , or splurge on some new linens for the bed you ’ re having to look at and sit on day in , day out ?
Obviously if you ’ re being tested for coronavirus , or you ’ ve tested positive , you should be letting your delivery driver know that they should call you and leave the items on your doorstep when they arrive to limit interaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not too much .
You might want to sleep lots when you ’ re stuck indoors and bored , but don ’ t be tempted because it can really screw up your sleeping pattern .
If you ’ re self-isolating , use the time to catch up on sleep ( 7-8 hours per night is enough ) and don ’ t be drawn in by the temptation to nap for three hours each afternoon .
Prioritizing your sleep can help boost your mental health , but getting too much sleep can actually make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , learn a new skill .
YouTube is a great starting point .
You ’ ll find tutorials for pretty much anything – whether you ’ re learning how to draw , knit , or even cook .
If that ’ s not for you , why not download an app to help you learn a new language .
You ’ re confined to your room , you ’ re bored out of your skull , there ’ s only one thing for it : it ’ s time to dance .
Turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and spend 20 minutes dancing around – not only will it boost your mood , it ’ s also a good way of squeezing in some exercise without leaving the house .
Remember this is a temporary situation , it ’ s not forever .
So why not focus your mind on the things you ’ re looking forward to in the year ahead ?
The weddings you ’ re attending , the holidays you ’ ve booked , the big career or house move , spending summer in beautiful beer gardens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that promotion .
If we focus on the future , there ’ s less chance to catastrophize about the present .

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People with symptoms of Covid-19 have been instructed by the government to self-isolate for seven days, while those living with people with symptoms must self-isolate for 14.
While self-isolating might sound like a dream scenario for the introverts among us, two weeks alone with yourself can very quickly become boring and frustrating. In some cases, people might find their mood is affected, says NHS England – they might feel low, worried or have problems sleeping.
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So what can you do about it?
Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images
1. Get on top of things.
Yes it’s not ideal you’ve got to stay at home for two weeks but think of it as a great time to do some of those things you’ve been putting off (like booking that dentist appointment or researching staycations). Reprioritise your wellbeing and happiness. Have a nice bath (or five), paint your nails, practise mindfulness, do some yoga. It all helps.
2. Use social media for good.
Social media should never be a replacement for physical contact with other human beings, but when you’re in isolation, you have to compromise.
Instead of scrolling mindlessly through your feeds, use social media to connect with friends and family. Find new networks and communities, join or promote worthwhile causes – perhaps one of those helping the vulnerable during the outbreak – or reach out to others who appear to be struggling.
Advertisement
Make use of Whatsapp and Facetime. It can really help to lift our spirits to connect regularly with those we love. Failing that, do it the old-fashioned way and give an old friend (or your gran) a call.
It’s good to stay informed about the best health precautions, but you don’t need to be glued to every single news update, as this can feed and fuel our fears. If you find it’s all getting too much, avoid the news, turn off notifications and mute specific words on social media. And if you find yourself spending too much time online, limit your use to a certain time (ie. 6pm) each day.
3. Read a book (or three).
Reading is considered very therapeutic, so throwing yourself headfirst into a good book (preferably an uplifting one!) could work wonders for the soul. Why not revisit our favourite holiday reads – because you’re ‘kind of’ on a break.
When you’ve got your nose in a good book, time passes quickly and you find yourself immersed in an entirely new world – one where you’re not thinking about coronavirus. A study by cognitive neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis showed that reading for as little as six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by a whopping 60%. In fact, it was found to be better at reducing stress than music, having a cuppa, going for a walk and playing video games.
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4. Marie Kondo your room.
When Channel 4 presenter Jon Snow returned to the UK from Iran, he was told he had to spend two weeks in isolation. What did he do in that time? He organised his ties, of course.
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If you’re house- or bedroom-bound, try to focus on what you can be doing to sort out the area you’re confined to. Is it finally time to have a clear out? How about putting up those curtains that have been sat in their wrapping for eons? Or tidying up that bedside table drawer that’s crammed full of junk? You’ll feel totally satisfied and fulfilled afterwards. Not to mention a little calmer.
My ties are getting hung up! pic.twitter.com/6cmNKqSV6b — Jon Snow (@jonsnowC4) February 27, 2020
5. Buy yourself something nice.
It’s seriously crap being stuck indoors and you’re doing the best you can, so buy yourself something nice (online, of course). Bloom & Wild do lovely flowers you can have posted straight through your letter box or why not splurge on some new linen for the bed you’re having to look at and sit on day in, day out? Obviously if you’re being tested for coronavirus, or you’ve tested positive, you should be letting your delivery driver know that they should call you and leave the items on your doorstep when they arrive to limit interaction.
6. Prioritise sleep, but not too much.
You might want to sleep lots when you’re stuck indoors and bored, but don’t be tempted because it can really screw up your sleeping pattern. If you’re self-isolating, use the time to catch up on sleep (7-8 hours per night is enough) and don’t be drawn in by the temptation to nap for three hours each afternoon. Prioritising your sleep can help boost your mental health, but getting too much sleep can actually make us feel 10 times worse. Read more on sleep here.
7. Get creative.
Studies suggest that when we’re bored, we’re at our most creative, so use this time wisely. Write that book you’ve been putting off, paint that blank canvas, pen a poem or song, compose some music. Do something.
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Alternatively, learn a new skill. YouTube is a great starting point. You’ll find tutorials for pretty much anything – whether you’re learning how to draw, knit, or even cook. If that’s not for you, why not download an app to help you learn a new language.
8. Dance.
You’re confined to your room, you’re bored out of your skull, there’s only one thing for it: it’s time to dance. Turn up your music (upbeat songs only) and spend 20 minutes dancing around – not only will it boost your mood, it’s also a good way of squeezing in some exercise without leaving the house.
9. Focus on the future.
Remember this is a temporary situation, it’s not forever. So why not focus your mind on the things you’re looking forward to in the year ahead? The weddings you’re attending, the holidays you’ve booked, the big career or house move, spending summer in beautiful beer gardens, going to the beach, landing that promotion. If we focus on the future, there’s less chance to catastrophise about the present.
Useful websites and helplines: