huffpost--2020-05-06--Meghan And Harry Release Rare Video Of Archie For His 1st Birthday

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry gave fans a rare peek at their son , Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor , in celebration of his first birthday on Wednesday .
The Sussexes shared a video of Meghan reading the children ’ s book “ Duck !
Rabbit ” for his birthday on the Save the Children UK Instagram account .
The sweet clip was captured by Harry .
At the end of the video , Harry and Meghan cheer .
The prince shouts “ Bravo !
” as Archie puts the book in his mouth and smiles at his dad .
The video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.K. and U.S. , which will provide food and learning resources to children affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
In the video , the couple encourages donations .
In the U.S. , the # SaveWithStories campaign benefits the organizations Save the Children and No Kid Hungry .
Funds raised in the U.K. will go toward Save the Children UK .
Other members of the royal family also marked Archie ’ s birthday with posts on social media .
Kate Middleton and Prince William shared a photo of the entire family at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Wishing Archie a very happy first birthday today !
🎈 ” Prince Charles posted a black and white photo with Harry and Archie , also taken at the christening : A very Happy Birthday to Archie , who turns one today .
🎈 This photo of Archie and his grandfather was taken following his christening in July 2019 .
📸 Chris Allerton © Sussex Royal pic.twitter.com/AYxqkRxE1d — Clarence House ( @ ClarenceHouse ) May 6 , 2020 Queen Elizabeth marked the occasion by sharing a picture of herself and Prince Philip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the duchesses ’ mom , Doria Ragland .
“ Happy Birthday to Archie Mountbatten-Windsor who is celebrating his 1st birthday today !
🎈🎉 ” reads the caption on the photo .
Little Archie weighed 7 pounds , 3 ounces when he was born .
Meghan told the press at the time that her son had the “ sweetest temperament ” and was “ really calm.
” “ He ’ s just been the dream , so it ’ s been a special couple of days , ” she said , while Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time as a new father .
“ Parenting is amazing , ” he said .
“ It ’ s only been two and a half days , three days , but we ’ re just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy.
” A lot has changed in the year since Archie was born .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their intention to step back as working members of the royal family in January and officially completed their transition on March 31 .
The family relocated to Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are currently on the hunt for a house .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their son Archie meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe during their royal tour of South Africa on Sept. 25 , 2019 , in Cape Town , South Africa .
Many around the world celebrated Archie ’ s birthday , and the Sussexes ’ online supporters came together to donate to various charities in honor of Archie and his parents .

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry gave fans a rare peek at their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in celebration of his first birthday on Wednesday.
The Sussexes shared a video of Meghan reading the children’s book “Duck! Rabbit” for his birthday on the Save the Children UK Instagram account. The sweet clip was captured by Harry.
As Meghan reads the book, Archie helps flip pages:
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At the end of the video, Harry and Meghan cheer. The prince shouts “Bravo!” as Archie puts the book in his mouth and smiles at his dad.
The video is part of the #SaveWithStories campaign in the U.K. and U.S., which will provide food and learning resources to children affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In the video, the couple encourages donations.
In the U.S., the #SaveWithStories campaign benefits the organizations Save the Children and No Kid Hungry. Funds raised in the U.K. will go toward Save the Children UK.
Save the Children UK/Instagram
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Other members of the royal family also marked Archie’s birthday with posts on social media.
Kate Middleton and Prince William shared a photo of the entire family at Archie’s christening with the caption, “Wishing Archie a very happy first birthday today! 🎈”
Prince Charles posted a black and white photo with Harry and Archie, also taken at the christening:
A very Happy Birthday to Archie, who turns one today. 🎈
This photo of Archie and his grandfather was taken following his christening in July 2019.
📸 Chris Allerton © Sussex Royal pic.twitter.com/AYxqkRxE1d — Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) May 6, 2020
Queen Elizabeth marked the occasion by sharing a picture of herself and Prince Philip meeting Archie, alongside Harry, Meghan and the duchesses’ mom, Doria Ragland.
“Happy Birthday to Archie Mountbatten-Windsor who is celebrating his 1st birthday today! 🎈🎉” reads the caption on the photo.
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Little Archie weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces when he was born. Meghan told the press at the time that her son had the “sweetest temperament” and was “really calm.”
“He’s just been the dream, so it’s been a special couple of days,” she said, while Harry added that he was having a great time as a new father.
“Parenting is amazing,” he said. “It’s only been two and a half days, three days, but we’re just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy.”
Little Archie is seventh in line to the throne but does not have a title.
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A lot has changed in the year since Archie was born.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their intention to step back as working members of the royal family in January and officially completed their transition on March 31.
The family relocated to Los Angeles from their temporary home in Canada and are currently on the hunt for a house.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their son Archie meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe during their royal tour of South Africa on Sept. 25, 2019, in Cape Town, South Africa. Pool/Samir Hussein via Getty Images
Many around the world celebrated Archie’s birthday, and the Sussexes’ online supporters came together to donate to various charities in honor of Archie and his parents.
Through their social media campaign #SussexGreatForest, the community known as the Sussex Squad planted over 111,500 trees in honor of Archie’s birthday.
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huffpost--2020-05-19--Rabbits In The U.S. Are Facing A Deadly New Virus Outbreak Of Their Own

The lethal rabbit hemorrhagic virus Type 2 ( RHDV2 ) is sweeping the Southwestern United States .
Detected first in New Mexico in early March , it has since killed domestic and wild rabbits as it has spread through Texas , Arizona , Colorado , Nevada and , most recently , California .
The virus is not a coronavirus and is not known to affect humans or other animals .
It infects only lagomorph species , including jackrabbits , hares and pikas .
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , infected rabbits might display symptoms including fever , lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nervous signs .
But often the disease is not detected until the animal ’ s sudden death .
A rabbit that has died of the virus might have blood on its nose or mouth due to internal bleeding .
It ’ s the first outbreak of the virus in wild rabbit populations in North America .
In Southern California , where the most recent RHDV2 outbreak was reported early this month , roughly 10 dead jackrabbits were discovered on private property in Palm Springs , the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could significantly affect wild rabbit populations , especially species already imperiled , such as the endangered riparian brush rabbit or the pygmy rabbit , according to CDFW Senior Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Deana Clifford .
“ Unfortunately , we may also see impacts to species that depend on rabbits for food , as rabbits are a common prey species for many predators , ” Clifford noted .
The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted via contact between infected rabbits or carcasses , through their meat or fur , through contaminated food and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shoes .
Rabbits can be vaccinated against the virus , but the vaccine is approved for use only in Europe .
However , it can be approved for use in the U.S. when the virus circulates in feral and wild rabbits , the USDA said in an emerging risk notice .
This has happened in New Mexico , which received 500 doses of the vaccine from France on Wednesday , state veterinarian Ralph Zimmerman told The Washington Post .
It ’ s unclear how the virus made its way to New Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and head of the Department of Fish , Wildlife and Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University , told CNN he predicts it made its way over via the domestic rabbit trade or rabbit meat .
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease was first recorded in China in 1984 and is believed to have come from rabbits imported from Europe .
The first variant ( RHDV ) spread widely across several continents .
The Type 2 variant , the new RHDV2 , spread in Europe after its emergence in 2010 and has occurred in Australia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic rabbits had previously been reported in North America .
There is no cure ; infected rabbits should be isolated .
Authorities ask that any sightings of sick or dead rabbits be reported to state wildlife officials .
Dead rabbits should not be touched or moved .
And , like people , pet rabbits should be staying at home .
A USDA fact sheet says owners should introduce no new rabbits and limit any contact with outside rabbits , practice good hygiene and handwashing before and after handling , and use separate equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Rabbits in the United States are also facing a dangerous new viral outbreak.
The lethal rabbit hemorrhagic virus Type 2 (RHDV2) is sweeping the Southwestern United States. Detected first in New Mexico in early March, it has since killed domestic and wild rabbits as it has spread through Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and, most recently, California.
The virus is not a coronavirus and is not known to affect humans or other animals. It infects only lagomorph species, including jackrabbits, hares and pikas.
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According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, infected rabbits might display symptoms including fever, lack of appetite, swelling and respiratory or nervous signs. But often the disease is not detected until the animal’s sudden death. A rabbit that has died of the virus might have blood on its nose or mouth due to internal bleeding.
It’s the first outbreak of the virus in wild rabbit populations in North America. In Southern California, where the most recent RHDV2 outbreak was reported early this month, roughly 10 dead jackrabbits were discovered on private property in Palm Springs, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a news release.
The virus could significantly affect wild rabbit populations, especially species already imperiled, such as the endangered riparian brush rabbit or the pygmy rabbit, according to CDFW Senior Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Deana Clifford.
“Unfortunately, we may also see impacts to species that depend on rabbits for food, as rabbits are a common prey species for many predators,” Clifford noted.
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Concerns have also been raised about the conservation of at-risk species in other states.
The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted via contact between infected rabbits or carcasses, through their meat or fur, through contaminated food and water, and when carried on clothing and shoes.
Rabbits can be vaccinated against the virus, but the vaccine is approved for use only in Europe. However, it can be approved for use in the U.S. when the virus circulates in feral and wild rabbits, the USDA said in an emerging risk notice. This has happened in New Mexico, which received 500 doses of the vaccine from France on Wednesday, state veterinarian Ralph Zimmerman told The Washington Post.
It’s unclear how the virus made its way to New Mexico. Matt Gompper, a disease ecologist and head of the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University, told CNN he predicts it made its way over via the domestic rabbit trade or rabbit meat.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease was first recorded in China in 1984 and is believed to have come from rabbits imported from Europe. The first variant (RHDV) spread widely across several continents. The Type 2 variant, the new RHDV2, spread in Europe after its emergence in 2010 and has occurred in Australia, but only a few small outbreaks in domestic rabbits had previously been reported in North America.
There is no cure; infected rabbits should be isolated. Authorities ask that any sightings of sick or dead rabbits be reported to state wildlife officials. Dead rabbits should not be touched or moved.
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huffpost--2020-05-04--Kierra Sheard Waited A Year To Release Her Self-Titled Album And It Paid Off

In early April , Twitter praised her splitting image portrayal of her mother , Karen Clark Sheard , in the Lifetime film “ The Clark Sisters : First Ladies of Gospel.
” The biopic chronicles the origin , rise and success of one of gospel music ’ s greatest acts , and it was the highest-rated original movie for the network since 2016 .
Then on April 17 , the 32-year-old singer released her eighth album , “ Kierra , ” which debuted at the top of the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart .
It replaced Kanye West ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” after a 25-week reign at the top of the chart .
This is Sheard ’ s first project under a new partnership between RCA Inspiration and Karew Entertainment , a record label and entertainment company launched by her parents ( her father is J .
Drew Sheard ) in 2009 .
When business took longer to finalize than she expected , she turned to God for relief .
“ I am this woman who loves the Lord , ” she said .
“ And I ’ m hoping to inspire others who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a believer and still have balance.
” Sheard , who recorded her debut album when she was 14 , said it took years for her to comfortably showcase her musical range , whether it was stirring vocals for worshipers in church or upbeat tracks to bump in the car with her friends .
She has gospel legends to thank for paving the way for her to explore it all , especially her mom and her aunts ’ group , The Clark Sisters .
“ I looked at The Clark Sisters and Kirk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mary , The Winans , and especially The Clark Sisters because they had a lot of opposition when it came to their performance on the [ 1983 ] Grammys or just their music being released into different genres , ” she said .
The Clark Sisters , along with their mother , Mattie Moss Clark , performed “ You Brought The Sunshine ” at the Grammy Awards ceremony 27 years ago ― fulfilling a longtime dream .
But the leadership of the Church of God in Christ , where matriarch Clark was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them perform the song and then banned Clark from singing on stage with her children .
“ I didn ’ t know that my ( maternal ) grandmother had such challenges with her love life and I didn ’ t know that she had such opposition from leaders in the church , ” Sheard said of Clark , who served as president of the international music department for the Church of God in Christ , a Pentecostal Christian denomination .
Sheard didn ’ t want to seek the role at first , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her to reconsider .
After landing it , she spent three to four months watching videos of her mother ’ s performances and studying her voice .
One of the most challenging scenes to perform was when her mother went to the hospital for a procedure that left her with only a 2 % chance of recovery .
“ I had to put myself on her side of the fence when it came to that part because if you let her tell it , she said she was ‘ in a peaceful place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going crazy , ’ Sheard recounted .
“ It gave me a new level of respect for actors because it can be super draining , you know , having to activate those emotions .
”

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Gospel singer Kierra Sheard says her music and acting careers blossoming at once was all God’s plan.
In early April, Twitter praised her splitting image portrayal of her mother, Karen Clark Sheard, in the Lifetime film “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel.” The biopic chronicles the origin, rise and success of one of gospel music’s greatest acts, and it was the highest-rated original movie for the network since 2016. Then on April 17, the 32-year-old singer released her eighth album, “Kierra,” which debuted at the top of the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart. It replaced Kanye West’s “Jesus Is King (Soundtrack)” after a 25-week reign at the top of the chart.
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“I sat on this music for a year and sitting on the music for that long I was beginning to be frustrated,” she told HuffPost.
This is Sheard’s first project under a new partnership between RCA Inspiration and Karew Entertainment, a record label and entertainment company launched by her parents (her father is J. Drew Sheard) in 2009. When business took longer to finalize than she expected, she turned to God for relief.
“So, I prayed and I felt like God was showing me I have a specific time [for you] to release this,” she said.
Sheard wanted the timing to be right for her self-titled opus, an album that further highlights her musical duality: love for both gospel roots and secular music genres, such as pop, R&B and hip-hop.
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“I am this woman who loves the Lord,” she said. “And I’m hoping to inspire others who are listening to know that you can be a believer and still have balance.”
Sheard, who recorded her debut album when she was 14, said it took years for her to comfortably showcase her musical range, whether it was stirring vocals for worshipers in church or upbeat tracks to bump in the car with her friends. She has gospel legends to thank for paving the way for her to explore it all, especially her mom and her aunts’ group, The Clark Sisters.
“I looked at The Clark Sisters and Kirk Franklin and (gospel group) Mary Mary, The Winans, and especially The Clark Sisters because they had a lot of opposition when it came to their performance on the [1983] Grammys or just their music being released into different genres,” she said.
The Clark Sisters, along with their mother, Mattie Moss Clark, performed “You Brought The Sunshine” at the Grammy Awards ceremony 27 years ago ― fulfilling a longtime dream. But the leadership of the Church of God in Christ, where matriarch Clark was a high-ranking official, was displeased to see them perform the song and then banned Clark from singing on stage with her children.
In 15 tracks, “Kierra” brings the balance. For instance, her chipper pop-dance track “Don’t Judge Me” features Missy Elliott, whom she calls a family friend. It’s all about freedom of expressing herself without holding on to other people’s opinions.
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“Please don’t judge me by the clothes I wear (I wear)/ Please don’t judge me by the songs I sing (I sing)/ Please don’t judge me by the way that I’m dancing,” she pleads.
On “Human,” Sheard takes a snappy R&B beat and encourages people to find their own definition of success that isn’t centered on living up to other people’s expectations.
The Word of God will really see you through. Having a prayer life and having people around you and who encourage you to hang in there helps. Kierra Sheard
Her traditional gospel selections, recorded live in Detroit, include “It Keeps Happening For Me,” which she wrote to never lose sight of her blessings, and “Follow,” featuring Todd Dulaney, in which she proudly submits to God’s path for her life.
The album also celebrates her musical family. Her brother, J. Drew Sheard II, is a producer on the majority of the album’s cuts. Then there is her live cover of The Clark Sisters’ “My Redeemer,” a personal favorite from their catalog that “brings back childhood memories.”
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Although Sheard grew up witnessing her family’s musical genius, taking on the role of her mother in the Lifetime film brought her new understanding about The Clark Sisters’ journey from Detroit girls singing in church to crossover pop and the Grammy stages.
“I didn’t know that my (maternal) grandmother had such challenges with her love life and I didn’t know that she had such opposition from leaders in the church,” Sheard said of Clark, who served as president of the international music department for the Church of God in Christ, a Pentecostal Christian denomination.
Sheard didn’t want to seek the role at first, but auditioned after her manager and parents encouraged her to reconsider. After landing it, she spent three to four months watching videos of her mother’s performances and studying her voice. One of the most challenging scenes to perform was when her mother went to the hospital for a procedure that left her with only a 2% chance of recovery.
“I had to put myself on her side of the fence when it came to that part because if you let her tell it, she said she was ‘in a peaceful place while us out here, we were going crazy,’ Sheard recounted. “It gave me a new level of respect for actors because it can be super draining, you know, having to activate those emotions.”
The other challenge was doing her mother’s high notes justice.
“She’s a true soprano. I’m like an alto who can sing some soprano notes,” she said. “It did stretch my vocal ability.”
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Sheard is one of many entertainers releasing projects during the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, she lost her paternal grandmother to the disease in April. As she and her family cope with the loss, she said she is relying on her loved ones, studying God’s word, and embracing this moment of stillness to get through.


huffpost--2020-05-19--Marco Rubio To Head Senate Intelligence Committee Amid Probe Into Richard Burr

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will temporarily become chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee , Republican leaders announced , taking charge of the panel at a time of turnover and tension in the nation ’ s intelligence community .
Rubio will replace North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr , who said last week that he would step aside after federal agents examining his recent stock sales showed up at his home with a warrant to search his cellphone .
Friday was Burr ’ s last day in the position .
Along with House and Senate leaders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Intelligence Committee , Rubio will now have access to some of the highest-level secrets in Congress as part of a small “ Gang of Eight ” that receives the most sensitive information .
A former Republican presidential candidate who eventually endorsed Donald Trump in 2016 , he has also worked with Democrats on the panel on its investigation into Russian election interference and other matters .
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner , the top Democrat on the panel , said in a statement Monday that Rubio “ has been a great partner on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he looks forward to working with him .
Rubio ’ s promotion comes amid repeated tension between the White House and the intelligence community .
Trump has fired , ousted or moved aside multiple officials in the last year , including the inspector general of the intelligence community , Michael Atkinson , who triggered the beginning of impeachment proceedings last year when he tried to warn Congress about a call between Trump and the president of Ukraine .
Trump has also repeatedly questioned the intelligence agencies ’ conclusions that Russia attempted to interfere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel endorsed that conclusion in a report last month — including that Russia had a preference for Trump — and Rubio has repeatedly warned that Russia could try again .
The Senate panel ’ s report “ is another stark reminder of the threat foreign adversaries pose to our elections and the need to remain vigilant as we approach election season this November , ” Rubio said after the report was released .
The new chairman ’ s first official act will be a closed-door committee vote Tuesday to approve the nomination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national intelligence .
Ratcliffe would replace former DNI Dan Coats , who left the post last summer .
A close ally of Trump ’ s , Richard Grenell , is currently in the acting position .
Rubio has focused much of his Senate career on foreign policy , particularly Russia and China , and he is a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations panel .
He is also the chairman of the Senate small-business committee , where he has been negotiating relief measures during the coronavirus pandemic .
In announcing Rubio ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell did not say whether he would keep the small-business gavel .
“ His care for our nation ’ s security , advocacy for our values and interests , and vigilance toward threats have earned a national reputation , ” McConnell said .
“ On subjects ranging from China and Russia to Iran and North Korea to tyranny and unrest in our own hemisphere , Senator Rubio has been on the case for years.
” Rubio issued a short statement thanking McConnell for the post .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence in me to lead the Senate Intelligence Committee during Senator Burr ’ s absence from the chairmanship , ” he said .
“ The committee has long been one that conducts its work seriously , and I look forward to continuing that tradition.
” The Justice Department is investigating whether Burr exploited advance information when he unloaded as much as $ 1.7 million in stocks in February , days before the coronavirus pandemic caused markets to plummet .
Burr , who will remain on the committee , has denied any wrongdoing .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will temporarily become chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Republican leaders announced, taking charge of the panel at a time of turnover and tension in the nation’s intelligence community.
Rubio will replace North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr, who said last week that he would step aside after federal agents examining his recent stock sales showed up at his home with a warrant to search his cellphone. Friday was Burr’s last day in the position.
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Along with House and Senate leaders and the top Democrat and Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, Rubio will now have access to some of the highest-level secrets in Congress as part of a small “Gang of Eight” that receives the most sensitive information. A former Republican presidential candidate who eventually endorsed Donald Trump in 2016, he has also worked with Democrats on the panel on its investigation into Russian election interference and other matters.
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the panel, said in a statement Monday that Rubio “has been a great partner on intelligence and national security issues” and he looks forward to working with him.
Rubio’s promotion comes amid repeated tension between the White House and the intelligence community. Trump has fired, ousted or moved aside multiple officials in the last year, including the inspector general of the intelligence community, Michael Atkinson, who triggered the beginning of impeachment proceedings last year when he tried to warn Congress about a call between Trump and the president of Ukraine.
Trump has also repeatedly questioned the intelligence agencies’ conclusions that Russia attempted to interfere in the 2016 elections. The Senate panel endorsed that conclusion in a report last month — including that Russia had a preference for Trump — and Rubio has repeatedly warned that Russia could try again.
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The Senate panel’s report “is another stark reminder of the threat foreign adversaries pose to our elections and the need to remain vigilant as we approach election season this November,” Rubio said after the report was released.
The new chairman’s first official act will be a closed-door committee vote Tuesday to approve the nomination of Texas Rep. John Ratcliffe as director of national intelligence. Ratcliffe would replace former DNI Dan Coats, who left the post last summer. A close ally of Trump’s, Richard Grenell, is currently in the acting position.
Rubio has focused much of his Senate career on foreign policy, particularly Russia and China, and he is a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations panel. He is also the chairman of the Senate small-business committee, where he has been negotiating relief measures during the coronavirus pandemic. In announcing Rubio’s appointment to head the intelligence panel, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell did not say whether he would keep the small-business gavel.
McConnell said that Rubio is a “natural choice” and that congressional oversight was needed “to keep partisan bias and political interference” out of intelligence matters.
“His care for our nation’s security, advocacy for our values and interests, and vigilance toward threats have earned a national reputation,” McConnell said. “On subjects ranging from China and Russia to Iran and North Korea to tyranny and unrest in our own hemisphere, Senator Rubio has been on the case for years.”
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Rubio issued a short statement thanking McConnell for the post. “I am grateful to Leader McConnell for his confidence in me to lead the Senate Intelligence Committee during Senator Burr’s absence from the chairmanship,” he said. “The committee has long been one that conducts its work seriously, and I look forward to continuing that tradition.”


huffpost--2020-05-01--Trump Slights Intelligence Boss For Undermining China COVID-19 Theory

President Donald Trump claimed Thursday to have seen secret evidence linking the origins of COVID-19 to a laboratory in China — and disdainfully dismissed an apparently contradictory statement from his own acting intelligence director .
Trump insisted at his press briefing that he had information he could not reveal that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was linked to the outbreak of COVID-19 .
“ I can ’ t tell you ” details , he told reporters , adding that he was “ not allowed ” to do so .
But Fox News reporter John Roberts challenged Trump , pointing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the office of Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell that seemed to undermine the president ’ s statement .
“ The Intelligence Community ... concurs with the wide scientific consensus that the COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified , ” the statement read .
The statement did say an investigation would determine if the coronavirus outbreak began as a “ lab accident ” — or through human contact with infected animals at a wet market , as most scientists believe .
There was no mention of any evidence to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office issued the statement a day after The New York Times reported that the Trump administration was pushing the intelligence community to reach a conclusion blaming China .
Trump asked Roberts who had written the intelligence community statement , but before the journalist could answer , the president added dismissively : “ Oh , he would know that , huh ?
” Roberts responded : “ That would be your director of national intelligence.
” Grenell is a Trump loyalist whom the president named to the post in late February .
JOHN ROBERTS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a statement saying they think the coronavirus was naturally occurring TRUMP : Who ?
R : It was a statement from the DNI office TRUMP : Oh , he would know that , huh ?
R : That would be your Director of National Intelligence pic.twitter.com/ihBTp9HxVe — Aaron Rupar ( @ atrupar ) April 30 , 2020 Trump has railed against China for weeks for what he claims was the nation ’ s delay in alerting the world to the dangers of COVID-19 .
But he has also hinted more ominously that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a lab , echoing a right-wing conspiracy theory .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of “ hiding ” something .
The first coronavirus cases likely emerged in China in December .
The Chinese government informed the World Health Organization of the growing problem on Dec. 31 , and the WHO — another target of Trump ’ s criticism — in turn alerted the global community .
Trump praised the Chinese government ’ s handling of the coronavirus at least 15 times throughout February .
On Feb. 28 , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been reported in the U.S. at that time would quickly “ go down close to zero.
” There are now more than 1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in America .
Just had a long and very good conversation by phone with President Xi of China .
He is strong , sharp and powerfully focused on leading the counterattack on the Coronavirus .
He feels they are doing very well , even building hospitals in a matter of only days .
Nothing is easy , but ... — Donald J. Trump ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think that the World Health Organization should be ashamed of themselves because they ’ re like the public relations agency for China , ” Trump said Thursday .

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President Donald Trump claimed Thursday to have seen secret evidence linking the origins of COVID-19 to a laboratory in China — and disdainfully dismissed an apparently contradictory statement from his own acting intelligence director.
Trump insisted at his press briefing that he had information he could not reveal that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was linked to the outbreak of COVID-19. “I can’t tell you” details, he told reporters, adding that he was “not allowed” to do so.
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But Fox News reporter John Roberts challenged Trump, pointing to a statement earlier in the day from the office of Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell that seemed to undermine the president’s statement. “The Intelligence Community ... concurs with the wide scientific consensus that the COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified,” the statement read.
The statement did say an investigation would determine if the coronavirus outbreak began as a “lab accident” — or through human contact with infected animals at a wet market, as most scientists believe. There was no mention of any evidence to support the lab theory.
Grenell’s office issued the statement a day after The New York Times reported that the Trump administration was pushing the intelligence community to reach a conclusion blaming China.
Trump asked Roberts who had written the intelligence community statement, but before the journalist could answer, the president added dismissively: “Oh, he would know that, huh?”
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Roberts responded: “That would be your director of national intelligence.” Grenell is a Trump loyalist whom the president named to the post in late February.
“You’d have to tell me who specifically, who made the statement,” Trump insisted.
Roberts repeated that it was from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
“I haven’t seen the statement,” Trump replied.
JOHN ROBERTS: The Director of National Intelligence put out a statement saying they think the coronavirus was naturally occurring
TRUMP: Who?
R: It was a statement from the DNI office
TRUMP: Oh, he would know that, huh?
R: That would be your Director of National Intelligence pic.twitter.com/ihBTp9HxVe — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 30, 2020
Trump has railed against China for weeks for what he claims was the nation’s delay in alerting the world to the dangers of COVID-19. But he has also hinted more ominously that the virus may have been cooked up in a lab, echoing a right-wing conspiracy theory. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of “hiding” something.
The first coronavirus cases likely emerged in China in December. The Chinese government informed the World Health Organization of the growing problem on Dec. 31, and the WHO — another target of Trump’s criticism — in turn alerted the global community.
Trump praised the Chinese government’s handling of the coronavirus at least 15 times throughout February. On Feb. 28, he said the number of COVID-19 cases that had been reported in the U.S. at that time would quickly “go down close to zero.” There are now more than 1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in America.
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Just had a long and very good conversation by phone with President Xi of China. He is strong, sharp and powerfully focused on leading the counterattack on the Coronavirus. He feels they are doing very well, even building hospitals in a matter of only days. Nothing is easy, but... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 7, 2020
“I think that the World Health Organization should be ashamed of themselves because they’re like the public relations agency for China,” Trump said Thursday.
A HuffPost Guide To Coronavirus


huffpost--2020-05-01--Cities And States Request $1 Trillion In Coronavirus Aid, Says Pelosi

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that state and local governments are seeking up to $ 1 trillion for coronavirus costs , a stunning benchmark for the next aid package that ’ s certain to run into opposition from Senate Republicans .
Pelosi acknowledged the federal government may not be able to provide that much .
But she said money for “ heroes ” is needed to prevent layoffs as governors and mayors stare down red ink in their budgets .
Many jurisdictions are facing rising costs from the health pandemic and plummeting revenues in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans can support front-line community workers , Pelosi said , is to make sure they don ’ t lose their jobs to budget cuts .
But the eye-popping figure would be on top of the nearly $ 3 trillion Congress has already approved to salvage the economy and confront the health crisis .
Congress is partially reopening next week as the House convenes key committee hearings and the Senate gavels into session after being shuttered for more than a month during the pandemic .
Senators are recommended to wear masks , keep 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home , according to official guidance .
At the private Republican lunches , it will be just three senators to a table .
Democrats will have lunch by conference call .
On a conference call Thursday , the Capitol physician said his office does not have a testing system available for instant virus checks , as happens at the White House , according to a Republican familiar with the call with chiefs of staff .
Instead , the physician said the office only checks those lawmakers who are showing symptoms .
Test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told them .
The House declined this week to bring its 430 members back into session after the Capitol physician warned it was not worth the health risks .
McConnell has declined to say if he consulted with the physician in deciding to resume Senate operations .
As the new aid package takes shape , McConnell said Thursday on Fox that he ’ s willing to consider money for the states but isn ’ t about to send federal dollars to bail out overspending .
“ We ’ re not interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to states to help them with bad decisions they made in the past unrelated to the coronavirus epidemic , ” the GOP leader said .
In outlining priorities for the next package , Pelosi said the new funding for state , county and city governments could be spread out over several years .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that state and local governments are seeking up to $1 trillion for coronavirus costs, a stunning benchmark for the next aid package that’s certain to run into opposition from Senate Republicans.
Pelosi acknowledged the federal government may not be able to provide that much. But she said money for “heroes” is needed to prevent layoffs as governors and mayors stare down red ink in their budgets. Many jurisdictions are facing rising costs from the health pandemic and plummeting revenues in the economic shutdown. The best way Americans can support front-line community workers, Pelosi said, is to make sure they don’t lose their jobs to budget cuts.
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“This is something of the highest priority,” Pelosi said. “It honors our heroes.”
Nurses, transit bus drivers and other workers “are risking their lives to save lives, and now they’re going to lose their jobs,” she said.
The $1 trillion price tag comes after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell shifted his tone, suggesting he is “open” to considering additional funds in the next coronavirus relief bill.
But the eye-popping figure would be on top of the nearly $3 trillion Congress has already approved to salvage the economy and confront the health crisis.
At the White House, President Donald Trump said, “We’ll see what happens.”
Trump said, “If we do that, we’ll have to get something for it.”
Congress is partially reopening next week as the House convenes key committee hearings and the Senate gavels into session after being shuttered for more than a month during the pandemic.
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But the legislative branch will be a changed place.
Senators are recommended to wear masks, keep 6 feet apart and have most staff work from home, according to official guidance. At the private Republican lunches, it will be just three senators to a table. Democrats will have lunch by conference call.
Senators are raising alarms about the health risks of resuming operations.
On a conference call Thursday, the Capitol physician said his office does not have a testing system available for instant virus checks, as happens at the White House, according to a Republican familiar with the call with chiefs of staff.
Instead, the physician said the office only checks those lawmakers who are showing symptoms. Test results take up to seven days, he told them.
Notably, key public hearings may not have many members of the public, under guidance from the Senate Rules Committee that says people can view the proceedings online.
Officials are especially concerned about the hundreds of cooks, custodial staff and maintenance workers needed to run the vast Capitol complex for the 100 senators.
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The House declined this week to bring its 430 members back into session after the Capitol physician warned it was not worth the health risks. McConnell has declined to say if he consulted with the physician in deciding to resume Senate operations.
As the new aid package takes shape, McConnell said Thursday on Fox that he’s willing to consider money for the states but isn’t about to send federal dollars to bail out overspending.
“We’re not interested in borrowing money from future generations to send down to states to help them with bad decisions they made in the past unrelated to the coronavirus epidemic,” the GOP leader said.
McConnell insists any fresh funding must be tied to liability reforms to prevent what he calls “an epidemic of lawsuits” against doctors, hospitals and businesses reopening in the pandemic.
In meeting with Trump at the White House, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey said his state alone may need $20 billion to $30 billion.
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“This is a big hit,” Murphy said. “We don’t see it as a bailout.”
Economic wreckage from the coronavirus outbreak threatens McConnell’s own home state as well. Kentucky’s state government faces a revenue shortfall, according to a budget report issued Thursday.
The grim projections could force Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear to make painful budget cuts at a time when the virus outbreak has shuttered many businesses and put hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians out of work.
Beshear said he made a pitch for additional federal assistance in a Thursday conversation with McConnell.
“I appreciate him hearing me out,” Beshear said at his daily briefing. “Now I hope that he will be able to act.”
In outlining priorities for the next package, Pelosi said the new funding for state, county and city governments could be spread out over several years.
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The California Democrat said governors have asked for $500 billion, and county and city governments are requesting a similar amount.
“We’re not going to be able to cover all of it,” Pelosi said.
But to the extent the federal government can provide funds to prevent widespread layoffs, she said, “that’s our goal.”
Congressional leaders staked out priorities for the next, fifth round of aid, even as key senators sounded alarms over the health risks of reopening the U.S. Capitol.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., urged McConnell to reconsider. “This is the wrong example for the country,” she said in a statement.
The Washington, D.C., region remains a virus hot spot, health officials say. Stay-home orders are in place through mid-May for the District of Columbia.
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“I think we can conduct our business safely,” McConnell said on Fox.
The Republican leader faced a storm of criticism from the nation’s governors after panning Democrats’ proposal for more state aid. Last week, he suggested states should be allowed to go bankrupt.
His priority as senators return Monday is to consider Trump’s nominees for judicial and executive branch positions, including Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, Trump’s choice to be the new director of the Office of National Intelligence.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the Senate instead should focus on congressional oversight of the federal coronavirus response.
___
Schreiner reported from Frankfort, Ky. Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Mary Clare Jalonick and Laurie Kellman in Washington contributed to this report.


huffpost--2020-05-01--Easy Ways To Keep Your Face Mask From Hurting Your Ears

Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged all Americans to cover their faces while out in public to prevent the spread of the coronavirus , we ’ re all getting comfortable with wearing our face masks on the daily .
There ’ s only one problem : Face masks aren ’ t always comfortable .
Just ask the nurses and health care workers who ’ ve been wearing them for years .
Face masks can fog up glasses ( we ’ ve got solutions for that ) , make it difficult to breathe and even cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study published in April in the journal Wound Management & Prevention concluded that extensive face mask use ― typically by health care workers who wear masks for long periods of time ― can cause friction lesions .
Not only are these painful , but the study said that “ loss of facial skin integrity creates a portal for penetration of pathogens , including the coronavirus itself , as well as other hospital-acquired bacterial , viral , or fungal infections .
Thus , skin damage can facilitate penetration of coronavirus and other pathogens into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s particularly vulnerable to friction is behind the ears , especially when wearing face masks with straps that attach behind the ears .
Those who don ’ t work in the medical profession won ’ t likely wear face masks long enough to experience friction lesions , but wearing masks for even short periods of time can still cause discomfort .
Since wearing a mask is a key to preventing the spread of COVID-19 , it ’ s important to find a solution for that discomfort .
Luckily , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to switch to a tie-back type of mask , like this one , which won ’ t pull at the backs of your ears : But clever Etsy makers offer several other creative solutions that you can purchase affordably .
They sell headbands , caps and strap extensions made with buttons that are placed just behind your ears ― you simply slide your face mask ’ s elastic ear straps over the buttons , alleviating all the pressure that normally would be applied behind your ears .
Additionally , there are S-hooks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back of your head and hook your straps onto .
There ’ s even one with a hole for your ponytail .
Check out some of our picks below .
And keep wearing your masks responsibly .
Experts are still learning about the novel coronavirus .
The information in this story is what was known or available as of press time , but it ’ s possible guidance around COVID-19 could change as scientists discover more about the virus .
Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most @ @ @

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Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged all Americans to cover their faces while out in public to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, we’re all getting comfortable with wearing our face masks on the daily.
There’s only one problem: Face masks aren’t always comfortable. Just ask the nurses and health care workers who’ve been wearing them for years. Face masks can fog up glasses (we’ve got solutions for that), make it difficult to breathe and even cause painful friction behind our ears.
Advertisement
patpitchaya via Getty Images Elastic ear straps can pull behind the ears, causing friction with extensive wear.
A study published in April in the journal Wound Management & Prevention concluded that extensive face mask use ― typically by health care workers who wear masks for long periods of time ― can cause friction lesions. Not only are these painful, but the study said that “loss of facial skin integrity creates a portal for penetration of pathogens, including the coronavirus itself, as well as other hospital-acquired bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Thus, skin damage can facilitate penetration of coronavirus and other pathogens into the blood circulation directly.”
One area that’s particularly vulnerable to friction is behind the ears, especially when wearing face masks with straps that attach behind the ears. Those who don’t work in the medical profession won’t likely wear face masks long enough to experience friction lesions, but wearing masks for even short periods of time can still cause discomfort.
Since wearing a mask is a key to preventing the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to find a solution for that discomfort. Luckily, there are plenty out there.
Advertisement
One alternative is to switch to a tie-back type of mask, like this one, which won’t pull at the backs of your ears:
But clever Etsy makers offer several other creative solutions that you can purchase affordably. They sell headbands, caps and strap extensions made with buttons that are placed just behind your ears ― you simply slide your face mask’s elastic ear straps over the buttons, alleviating all the pressure that normally would be applied behind your ears.
Additionally, there are S-hooks and plastic clips that you can place at the back of your head and hook your straps onto. There’s even one with a hole for your ponytail.
Check out some of our picks below. And keep wearing your masks responsibly.


huffpost--2020-06-16--Retail Sales Rebound In May After Consumer Spending Collapse

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) - U.S. retail sales increased by the most on record in May after two straight months of sharp declines as businesses reopened , offering more evidence that the recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic was over or drawing to an end .
The report from the Commerce Department on Tuesday followed news early this month that the economy created 2.5 million jobs in May .
Layoffs are also ebbing and manufacturing activity is improving , though production remains at very low levels .
Still , the record jump in retail sales recouped only a fraction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving consumer spending and the economy on track for their biggest contraction in the second quarter since the Great Depression .
The economy slipped into recession in February .
“ The economy and retail sales have hit the bottom in May and we have a V-shaped first stage of recovery , ” said Sung Won Sohn , a business economics professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles .
“ However , it will take quite some time to get back to anywhere near the levels of retail sales and economic activity we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Retail sales jumped 17.7 % last month , the biggest advance since the government started tracking the series in 1992 .
Data for April was revised to show a record 14.7 % drop in sales instead of the previously reported 16.2 % .
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast retail sales would rise 8 % in May .
Even with May ’ s surge , sales were still about 8 % below their February level .
The reopening of nonessential businesses last month after being shuttered in mid-March to slow the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the novel coronavirus , has seen Americans flocking to car dealerships and spending more on gasoline , apparel and at restaurants .
Receipts at clothing stores rebounded 188 % last month .
Sales at furniture stores soared 89.7 % .
Receipts at restaurants and bars advanced 29.1 % .
Spending at hobby , musical instrument and book stores vaulted 88.2 % .
All these categories had suffered record declines in sales in March and April .
Excluding automobiles , gasoline , building materials and food services , retail sales surged 11 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April .
These so-called core retail sales correspond most closely with the consumer spending component of the gross domestic product report .
Economists expect consumer spending , which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity , could decline at as much as a 50 % annualized rate in the second quarter .
That could result in GDP plunging at around a 48.5 % pace in that period .
Consumer spending contracted at a 6.8 % rate in the first quarter , the sharpest drop since the second quarter of 1980 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pace in the January-March quarter , the deepest contraction since the 2007-2009 Great Recession .
Despite signs of recovery in retail sales , record savings and the government ’ s historic fiscal package of nearly $ 3 trillion providing a cushion for consumers through one-time $ 1,200 checks and generous unemployment benefits , economists caution that consumer spending is not out of the woods yet .
“ We look for record household savings to help fuel the sharp pick-up in spending in the third quarter that might not be possible through monthly income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities in Charlotte , North Carolina .
“ Still , even after the extra savings have fueled spending for the next year and a half , we still anticipate that the real level of personal consumption expenditures will end 2021 about 2.5 % below where it was at the end of 2019 .
”

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales increased by the most on record in May after two straight months of sharp declines as businesses reopened, offering more evidence that the recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic was over or drawing to an end.
The report from the Commerce Department on Tuesday followed news early this month that the economy created 2.5 million jobs in May. Layoffs are also ebbing and manufacturing activity is improving, though production remains at very low levels.
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Still, the record jump in retail sales recouped only a fraction of March and April’s decreases, leaving consumer spending and the economy on track for their biggest contraction in the second quarter since the Great Depression. The economy slipped into recession in February.
“The economy and retail sales have hit the bottom in May and we have a V-shaped first stage of recovery,” said Sung Won Sohn, a business economics professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. “However, it will take quite some time to get back to anywhere near the levels of retail sales and economic activity we enjoyed around the turn of the year.”
Retail sales jumped 17.7% last month, the biggest advance since the government started tracking the series in 1992. Data for April was revised to show a record 14.7% drop in sales instead of the previously reported 16.2%. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast retail sales would rise 8% in May.
Retail sales fell 6.1% on a year-on-year basis in May.
Even with May’s surge, sales were still about 8% below their February level. The reopening of nonessential businesses last month after being shuttered in mid-March to slow the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, has seen Americans flocking to car dealerships and spending more on gasoline, apparel and at restaurants.
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Receipts at auto dealerships accelerated 44.1% last month after declining 12.3% in April. Sales at building material stores rose 10.9%. Receipts at service stations increased 12.8%. Sales at electronics and appliance stores soared 50.5%.
Receipts at clothing stores rebounded 188% last month. Sales at furniture stores soared 89.7%. Receipts at restaurants and bars advanced 29.1%. Spending at hobby, musical instrument and book stores vaulted 88.2%. All these categories had suffered record declines in sales in March and April.
Online and mail-order retail sales rose 9.0%.
U.S. stock index futures extended gains after the release of the report. The dollar .DXY slipped against a basket of currencies. Prices of U.S. Treasuries fell.
CONSUMER SPENDING COLLAPSE
Excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, retail sales surged 11% in May after tumbling 12.4% in April. These so-called core retail sales correspond most closely with the consumer spending component of the gross domestic product report.
Economists expect consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, could decline at as much as a 50% annualized rate in the second quarter. That could result in GDP plunging at around a 48.5% pace in that period.
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Consumer spending contracted at a 6.8% rate in the first quarter, the sharpest drop since the second quarter of 1980. The economy contracted at a 5% pace in the January-March quarter, the deepest contraction since the 2007-2009 Great Recession.
Despite signs of recovery in retail sales, record savings and the government’s historic fiscal package of nearly $3 trillion providing a cushion for consumers through one-time $1,200 checks and generous unemployment benefits, economists caution that consumer spending is not out of the woods yet.
Some parts of the country are experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 infections. The unprecedented economic upheaval saw personal savings increasing at a record $337 billion in April and the saving rate hitting an all-time high of 33%.


huffpost--2020-06-16--Trump Claims COVID-19 Will Go Away And That An AIDS Vaccine Exists. It Doesn’t.

President Donald Trump went off-topic during an address outside the White House on police reform Tuesday , declaring that the coronavirus pandemic will go away without a vaccine and that scientists have “ come up with the AIDS vaccine.
” At present , there is no scientific indication that coronavirus will go away if a vaccine is not developed and no AIDS vaccine exists .
On Tuesday , Trump signed an executive order on police reform amid a global conversation about racial inequality and police brutality in America prompted by the police killing of George Floyd in late May .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of police officers who have a history of using excessive force .
Trump made his address in the Rose Garden , telling the crowd that he was signing the order “ to deliver a future of safety and security for Americans of every race , religion , color and creed.
” He also praised law enforcement ’ s response to the protests and insisted Americans “ demand law and order.
” His speech went on to address the ongoing pandemic and how the administration is handling it .
While lauding himself and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , he claimed that “ before the end of the year I predict we will have a very successful vaccine.
” Of the scientists , he said : “ They ’ ve come up with things .
They ’ ve come up with many other cures and therapeutics over the years .
These are the people , the best , the smartest , the most brilliant anywhere .
They ’ ve come up with the AIDS vaccine.
” “ Or the AIDS , and the as you know theres various things , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the therapeutic for AIDS .
AIDS was a death sentence and now people live a life with a pill , ” he continued .
No vaccine is currently available to prevent HIV infection , the virus which causes AIDS , or to treat those who have it , but there are many medications available for those living with HIV to manage the virus .
Outside of his erroneous claims about an AIDS vaccine , Trump once again said that the coronavirus will eventually go away if a vaccine does not get developed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , it goes away .
But if we had the vaccine ― and we will ― if we had therapeutic or cure , one thing sort of blends into the other .
It will be a fantastic day and I think that ’ s going to happen .
And it ’ s going to happen very soon , ” he rambled .
Dr. Mike Ryan , director of WHO ’ s emergencies program , told a virtual press conference from Geneva that he doesn ’ t believe “ anyone can predict when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it may “ never go away.
” “ It is important to put this on the table : This virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities , and this virus may never go away , ” Ryan said .
“ HIV has not gone away — but we have come to terms with the virus .
”

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President Donald Trump went off-topic during an address outside the White House on police reform Tuesday, declaring that the coronavirus pandemic will go away without a vaccine and that scientists have “come up with the AIDS vaccine.”
At present, there is no scientific indication that coronavirus will go away if a vaccine is not developed and no AIDS vaccine exists.
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On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order on police reform amid a global conversation about racial inequality and police brutality in America prompted by the police killing of George Floyd in late May. The order will establish a federal database of police officers who have a history of using excessive force.
Trump made his address in the Rose Garden, telling the crowd that he was signing the order “to deliver a future of safety and security for Americans of every race, religion, color and creed.” He also praised law enforcement’s response to the protests and insisted Americans “demand law and order.”
“Without police, there is chaos,” Trump said.
His speech went on to address the ongoing pandemic and how the administration is handling it. While lauding himself and the scientists working on a vaccine for the coronavirus, he claimed that “before the end of the year I predict we will have a very successful vaccine.”
Of the scientists, he said: “They’ve come up with things. They’ve come up with many other cures and therapeutics over the years. These are the people, the best, the smartest, the most brilliant anywhere. They’ve come up with the AIDS vaccine.”
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“Or the AIDS, and the as you know theres various things, and now various companies are involved and the therapeutic for AIDS. AIDS was a death sentence and now people live a life with a pill,” he continued.
“They’ve come up with the AIDS vaccine” pic.twitter.com/Z8MQK5Bi2F — Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) June 16, 2020
No vaccine is currently available to prevent HIV infection, the virus which causes AIDS, or to treat those who have it, but there are many medications available for those living with HIV to manage the virus.
Outside of his erroneous claims about an AIDS vaccine, Trump once again said that the coronavirus will eventually go away if a vaccine does not get developed.
“I always say, even without it, it goes away. But if we had the vaccine ― and we will ― if we had therapeutic or cure, one thing sort of blends into the other. It will be a fantastic day and I think that’s going to happen. And it’s going to happen very soon,” he rambled.
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Trump claims (falsely) that coronavirus "goes away" on its own, even if a vaccine isn't developed pic.twitter.com/iw5NlYSdsE — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 16, 2020
Dr. Mike Ryan, director of WHO’s emergencies program, told a virtual press conference from Geneva that he doesn’t believe “anyone can predict when this disease will disappear” and that it may “never go away.”
“It is important to put this on the table: This virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities, and this virus may never go away,” Ryan said. “HIV has not gone away — but we have come to terms with the virus.”


huffpost--2020-03-09--Schools Are Rapidly Moving To Online Classes As Coronavirus Spreads

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A growing number of U.S. colleges and universities are switching to online rather than in-person courses in response to the spread of coronavirus across the United States. As of Monday afternoon, at least a dozen institutions of higher learning have either canceled in-person courses entirely or shifted the majority of their operations online.
Colleges and universities across the country are closing down their classrooms to avoid spreading coronavirus. Hill Street Studios via Getty Images
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The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. rose to more than 550 Sunday, including 22 deaths, but the true scale remains unknown largely because the Trump administration continues to downplay its impact.
Regardless, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued guidance to colleges and universities on how to cope with campus closures, class cancellations and the transition to courses offered online.
Below is a list of several colleges and universities that have elected to go online amid fears about the coronavirus. (This list is not comprehensive. The number of schools going online is growing rapidly as the coronavirus spreads across the country, and students and parents should check with their schools for updates.)
Amherst College
Daytime view of the the Johnson Chapel standing at the center of College Row on the Amherst College campus. DenisTangneyJr via Getty Images
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On March 9, Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts, announced it will transition to online courses when spring break ends on March 23 out of concern for the spread of the coronavirus. Amherst President Biddy Martin said in a statement that classes would be canceled March 12 and March 13 to allow faculty and staff time to develop “alternate modes of delivering courses.”
Auburn
Auburn, AL, USA – June 17, 2012: Auburn University located in Auburn, Alabama. Auburn University is a public research university founded in 1856. wellesenterprises via Getty Images
On March 12, Auburn University in Alabama announced it will transition to online courses until at least April 10 out of concern for the spread of coronavirus.
After April 10, Auburn officials will consult public health officials to determine whether to resume in-person courses.
“University officials will subsequently determine if students will return to campus for the remaining weeks of the spring semester,” Auburn said in a statement.
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Bowdoin College
On March 11, Bowdoin College in Maine announced it will transition to online courses for students when classes resume March 25. “Our top priority is to protect those on our campus who are most at risk from COVID-19,” Bowdoin College said. “If the crisis resolves itself in the near term, we will reevaluate whether students might return to campus.
Brandman University
Brandman University's campus in San Diego. Most of the university's classes in California and Washington are already online. Brandman University
On March 6, Brandman University, a private college based in California and Washington, announced the school will suspend the majority of its on-campus courses. About 85% of Brandman’s courses are taken online, according to the university.
“University leaders developing Brandman’s response to this public health crisis anticipate the switch to entirely online course delivery can be achieved with minimal or no disruptions to students’ academic progress,” the university said in a statement.
Columbia University
Columbia University in New York City suspended classes for two days to prepare for online instruction. Education Images Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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Columbia University, based in New York City, suspended class on March 9 and March 10 to prepare the university for a week of exclusively online courses.
“This suspension of activities will allow us to prepare to shift to remote classes for the remainder of the week,” Columbia President Lee C. Bollinger said in a statement. There have been more than 100 confirmed cases of coronavirus in New York to date and at least 20 confirmed cases in New York City specifically.
CUNY and SUNY
New York, NY, USA - June 1, 2013: City College, City University of New York: City College campus, City University of New York mizoula via Getty Images
On March 12, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced via tweet the City University of New York and the State University of New York will transition to remote learning for the rest of the semester beginning March 19. Suspending in-person courses will allow the universities and their surrounding areas to “reduce density and reduce the spread” of coronavirus, Cuomo said.
Duke University
Three students walk past a dorm building on the campus of Duke University on Aug. 11, 2017. aimintang via Getty Images
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On March 10, Duke University in North Carolina announced that it will suspend in-person classes beginning March 23 and transition to online courses instead. To prepare for the change, the university said it will need to extend students’ spring break an extra week, until March 22.
Emerson College
On March 10, Emerson College announced it will suspend in-person classes and transition to online courses instead. Emerson College President Lee Pelton said in a statement that the decision was made “in the interest of safeguarding the health and wellness of our students, faculty, and staff as well as members of the greater community, who may be more vulnerable to this disease.”
Harvard University
The Harvard Widener Library on Harvard's campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. marvinh via Getty Images
On March 10, Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, announced in an email to students that it will move to remote instruction beginning March 23 out of concern for the spread of the coronavirus. The university is reportedly also asking students not to return to campus when spring break ends on March 22.
Georgetown University
"Washington, USA - July 27, 2011: Front courtyard and main entrance to Healy Hall at the university in Georgetown, Washington. The university was founded in 1789 and is the oldest Catholic university in the United States." FrankvandenBergh via Getty Images
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Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., announced on March 11 it will transition its courses online beginning March 16 and suspend in-person classes until further notice out of concern for the spread of coronavirus.
Hofstra University
Hofstra University's campus on Long Island has canceled in-person classes. Hofstra University
On March 8, Hofstra University, located on Long Island in New York, announced it would cancel in-person classes following a student’s reported symptoms of coronavirus after attending the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland.
The American Conservative Union, which hosts CPAC, announced one of its attendees tested positive for coronavirus. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) recently entered self-quarantine after discovering they had interacted with the infected individual at last month’s conference.
Middlebury College
On March 10, Middlebury College in Vermont announced it will dismiss students for spring break on March 13, one week earlier than scheduled. Students returning for the rest of the semester will begin taking courses remotely on March 30. University President Laurie Patton said the school has an obligation to provide quality education and a safe, healthy environment.
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“The rapidly developing circumstances of the novel coronavirus now require extraordinary changes to our usual practices to fulfill those obligations,” Patton said.
New York University
New York, MY, USA - March 22, 2016: New York University buildings on Macdougal Street at 37 Washington Square West. A purple flag with the NYU logo hangs above an entrance to one of the college buildings. In the distance, the Empire State Building appears above buildings on West 8th Street. CribbVisuals via Getty Images
On March 9, New York University announced it will transition almost exclusively to remote learning when classes begin on March 23 out of concern for the spread of coronavirus.
Princeton University
A student walks toward Princeton University's Nassau Hall. The college plans to begin "virtual instruction" starting March 23. Terryfic3D via Getty Images
On March 9, Princeton University in New Jersey announced it will offer its courses exclusively online when students return from spring break on March 23.
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The transition will include “a mandatory, temporary move for all lectures, seminars, and precepts to virtual instruction starting on Monday, March 23,” the university said in a statement.
Rice University
Rice University in Houston is preparing for the possibility of online classes only after an employee contracted the virus. aimintang via Getty Images
Rice University in Texas announced on March 8 all of its classes for the week of March 9 will be canceled as the university prepares to possibly offer all of its courses exclusively online.
One employee at the university was confirmed to have contracted the virus, and Rice has since closed the hall where that employee worked until further notice.
Seattle University
Seattle University campus suspended in-person classes on March 9 after several coronavirus cases were confirmed in Washington state. Seattle University
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On March 9, Seattle University in Washington announced it will suspend all in-person classes and offer its courses online from March 9 until March 20. Despite the discovery of several coronavirus infections in Washington, Seattle University said there have been no confirmed cases in their “campus community.”
In a statement, the university said it is taking these steps “out of an abundance of caution and to support public health efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the region, including social distancing.”
Smith College
On March 10, Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, announced it will offer in-person classes through March 13, but all courses will be delivered through “alternate modes” beginning March 30. Smith College President Kathleen McCartney said the decision to suspend in-person classes was made “to protect and care for the most vulnerable among us — those students, staff and faculty on the CDC’s list of those who are at a higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19.”
St. Francis College
On March 12, St. Francis College in Brooklyn, New York, announced it will transition its courses online beginning March 18 until further notice. St. Francis college President Miguel Martinez-Saenz said in an announcement via email the school hopes to resume face-to-face classes on April 6, but they will assess the situation at that time and “proceed prudently.”
Stanford University
Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, has suspended in-person classes for the rest of the current semester. SpVVK via Getty Images
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On March 9, Stanford University announced it will suspend all in-person courses for the remainder of the winter semester, effective immediately. In a statement, university Provost Persis Drell said California public health officials recommended encouraging good personal hygiene “but also minimizing close contact among groups of people.”
Tufts University
The exterior of Sophia Gordon Hall Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, New England, USA. Barry Winiker via Getty Images
On March 10, Tufts University in Massachusetts announced it will move to online courses starting March 25 out of concern for the spread of the coronavirus. In an email to students, university President Anthony Monaco reportedly told students they must leave their residence halls for spring break by March 16 and should plan to take classes remotely when they return for the following semester.
University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley, will hold classes remotely. Geri Lavrov via Getty Images
Officials from the University of California, Berkeley, told students Monday that they were suspending nearly all in-person classes until after spring break ends later this month.
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“There are no confirmed cases on our campus at this time; however, as local, national, and global public health recommendations shift to include mitigation of transmission, the campus is proactively taking steps that will help to protect the community,” Chancellor Carol Christ wrote in an email to students.
Most classes will be conducted online. Those that require in-person instruction ― arts, physical education or lab sciences ― will continue to meet in person when necessary.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, USA - May 28, 2019: The University of Pennsylvania's campus is very green and shady, as seen in this view along Locust Walk. peterspiro via Getty Images
On March 11, the University of Pennsylvania announced it will transition to remote learning when classes begin after spring break, on March 23.
“The COVID-19 virus is readily spread through close human contact, which is a fact of life in a university environment, whether in classrooms, dining halls or at University events,” university officials said in a statement.
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“Eliminating large gatherings and creating social distancing are important steps to help prevent the spread of the disease.”
University of Washington
The University of Washington's main campus in Seattle. It also plans to suspend in-person classes for the rest of the current semester. gregobagel via Getty Images
On March 6, University of Washington announced it will also suspend in-person instruction for the remainder of the semester, effective immediately.
“These actions are being taken in response to recommendations from public health agencies to avoid bringing large groups of people together in close proximity for events and gatherings,” university officials said in a statement.
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Are you aware of other school closures or in-person course suspensions in your area? If so, email jahan.jones@huffpost.com.
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huffpost--2020-03-10--Stocks Close Higher On Wall Street Following Worst Day Since 2008

The S & P 500 surged as much as 3.7 % in the morning and recouped nearly half its historic drop from the prior day , but all of those gains evaporated by midday .
The index then bounced up and down before turning decisively higher after President Donald Trump pitched his ideas for a break on payroll taxes and other economic relief to Senate Republicans .
It was up 3.2 % , as of 3:15 p.m. Eastern time .
The moves reflected the mood of a market that seems just as preoccupied with the virus as the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their record high just a few weeks ago , traders have crossed over from dismissing the economic pain created by COVID-19 — thinking it ’ s similar to the flu and could stay mostly contained in China — to being in thrall to it — worrying that it may cause a worldwide recession .
Such big swings are likely to continue as long as the number of infections accelerates , market watchers say .
In the meantime , investors want to see a big , coordinated response from governments and central banks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments helped lift the market , which had turned to losses , but neither Pence nor Trump said anything during the brief televised remarks about a potential cut to payroll taxes .
The index shuffled along with modest gains until after Trump made his pitch for economic aid on Capitol Hill .
The recovery is pulling the stock market a bit further from the edge of a bear market , signified by a drop of 20 % from a record .
The S & P 500 is down 16 % from its high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that point , it would extend the longest-ever bull market , which began its climb after the market hit bottom on March 9 , 2009 .
Brent crude , the international standard , rose $ 2.86 , or 8.3 % , to settle at $ 37.22 a barrel , while benchmark U.S. crude rose $ 3.23 , or 10.4 % , to $ 34.36 a barrel .
Oil prices plunged 25 % on Monday amid a price war between producers , who are pulling more oil out of the ground even though demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .
In mainland China , where the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered .
But because the virus is new , experts can ’ t say for sure how far it will ultimately spread .
That has investors worried about the worst-case scenario for corporate profits and the economy , where factories and supply chains are shut around the world due to quarantines and people stay huddled at home instead of working or spending .
But central banks have limited firepower , and some have already cut rates blow zero .
That adds pressure on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
Investors are asking for quick , coordinated aid to provide support to companies and households who are going to be out income because of the virus .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are closing sharply higher on Wall Street Tuesday, adding 4.9% to major indexes, as hopes build for a greater response from the Trump administration to the economic threat from the coronavirus outbreak.
The gains recovered about half of the market’s historic losses from the day before and came after another wild day of whipsaw trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped more than 1,100 points.
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Market watchers say more big swings are likely until the outbreak starts to slow down. The price of oil bounced back a day after cratering nearly 25% after Saudi Arabia started a price war with Russia.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below:
Wall Street endured another day of dizzying trading Tuesday, whipping up and down with hopes that the U.S. and other governments will cushion the economy from the pain of the coronavirus.
The S&P 500 surged as much as 3.7% in the morning and recouped nearly half its historic drop from the prior day, but all of those gains evaporated by midday. The index then bounced up and down before turning decisively higher after President Donald Trump pitched his ideas for a break on payroll taxes and other economic relief to Senate Republicans. It was up 3.2%, as of 3:15 p.m. Eastern time.
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The moves reflected the mood of a market that seems just as preoccupied with the virus as the rest of the world. Since U.S. stocks set their record high just a few weeks ago, traders have crossed over from dismissing the economic pain created by COVID-19 — thinking it’s similar to the flu and could stay mostly contained in China — to being in thrall to it — worrying that it may cause a worldwide recession.
Such big swings are likely to continue as long as the number of infections accelerates, market watchers say. In the meantime, investors want to see a big, coordinated response from governments and central banks to shore up the virus-weakened economy.
Monday’s plunge for U.S. stocks was the sharpest since 2008, when global authorities banded together to rescue the economy from the financial crisis.
Investors saw glimmers of such a coordinated response, which led to Tuesday’s early optimism.
At a White House press briefing Monday night, Trump said his administration would be asking Congress to pass payroll tax relief and other quick measures aimed at easing the impact of the coronavirus on workers.
In Japan, a task force set up by the prime minister approved a 430 billion yen ($4.1 billion) package Tuesday with support for small to medium-sized businesses.
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But markets on Tuesday were still waiting for details on Trump’s plan.
In a meeting with major health insurers, Vice President Mike Pence said those companies have agreed to waive co-pays on coronavirus testing. Trump, meanwhile, said the government is working with the cruise line industry, one of the hardest hit by the virus.
The comments helped lift the market, which had turned to losses, but neither Pence nor Trump said anything during the brief televised remarks about a potential cut to payroll taxes. The index shuffled along with modest gains until after Trump made his pitch for economic aid on Capitol Hill.
“I would expect the authorities to pull out all the stops to reduce uncertainty,” said Alec Young, managing director of global markets research at FTSE Russell. “This may be their one opportunity to do that.”
Perhaps the most notable move in markets Tuesday was that Treasury yields pushed higher. The bond market rang warning bells about the virus long before the stock market, and a rise in yields is a sign that fear has receded a bit.
The 10-year Treasury yield rose to 0.77% from 0.49% late Monday. A week ago, it had never been below 1%.
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The S&P 500 was up 3.2%, as of 3:15 p.m. Eastern time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 780 points, or 3.3%, to 24,631, and the Nasdaq composite was up 3.5%.
The recovery is pulling the stock market a bit further from the edge of a bear market, signified by a drop of 20% from a record. The S&P 500 is down 16% from its high. If it can rally back to that point, it would extend the longest-ever bull market, which began its climb after the market hit bottom on March 9, 2009.
Brent crude, the international standard, rose $2.86, or 8.3%, to settle at $37.22 a barrel, while benchmark U.S. crude rose $3.23, or 10.4%, to $34.36 a barrel. Oil prices plunged 25% on Monday amid a price war between producers, who are pulling more oil out of the ground even though demand is falling due to the virus.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. In mainland China, where the virus first exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered.
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But because the virus is new, experts can’t say for sure how far it will ultimately spread. That has investors worried about the worst-case scenario for corporate profits and the economy, where factories and supply chains are shut around the world due to quarantines and people stay huddled at home instead of working or spending.
Investors expect central banks around the world, which have done some of the heaviest lifting to prop up markets the last decade, to do more to cushion the blow.
Traders expect the Fed to cut rates again at its meeting next week. They’re also expecting some kind of action from the European Central Bank, which meets on Thursday.
But central banks have limited firepower, and some have already cut rates blow zero. That adds pressure on governments to do what they can as well. Investors are asking for quick, coordinated aid to provide support to companies and households who are going to be out income because of the virus.
For strategists at BlackRock Investment Institute, that could include generous sick-pay programs or even direct payments to households. For businesses, governments could suspend collecting tax revenue to give them some temporary relief and hold on to cash as the world waits for the outbreak to be contained.
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“That would prevent these temporary disruptions from turning into a full-blown global recession,” strategists at BlackRock Investment Institute wrote in a report.
Until then, many investors have had a “sell-first, ask questions later” reaction to the uncertainty, said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com.
Still, he urges investors to avoid changing their long-term investment strategies, which can play out over years or decades, because of short-term volatility.
“Markets fall quickly, but they can rebound rapidly,” McBride said. “Investing is a marathon, not a sprint.”
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AP Business Writer Damian J. Troise contributed to this report.
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huffpost--2020-03-10--The Psychology Behind Panic-Buying – And How To Avoid It

One mom said she was struggling to access medicine for her disabled child ’ s pain management , and there are also fears the hysteria will impact the most vulnerable members of society : people on low incomes , retirees , and those with disabilities or chronic illnesses .
So why is it happening ?
Anxiety about coronavirus is totally normal and the impulse to stockpile may seem a reasonable reaction to the situation .
But it ’ s important to know panic-buying makes a bad situation worse .
Not just because stocks run low and other people can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but for anyone stockpiling themselves .
Then there ’ s the added anxiety of being criticized or hearing snarky comments by others for doing it – in the supermarket or all over social media .
“ That ’ s not the way to make fearful people feel better , ” Blackburn points out .
When people panic-buy it ’ s a “ gesture ” , she explained ― they ’ re doing something to help themselves in an otherwise helpless situation .
When we have no control over the bigger picture , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” our home and daily routines .
And in this case , people are doing it by buying up supplies .
There ’ s also the fear element , understandable when some people have died from Covid-19 , although only a small number in the U.K. On top of that , people are scared of running out of food or supplies , says Pankhania , so there ’ s the basic survival instinct of : “ If I don ’ t have food , I ’ ll die.
” “ The news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill , ” she says .
“ Listening to that kind of news , day in day out , is going to trigger our survival instinct even more .
Generally human beings aren ’ t very good at dealing with uncertainty , this is their way of having some certainty.
” Can panic-buying , or stockpiling , ever be the sensible approach ?
Ratula Chakraborty , a professor of business management at the University of East Anglia , told HuffPost UK that stocking up on supplies is probably wise for elderly people or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions .
“ However , what we have noticed in this country is that people are ... just taking whatever they can lay their hands on – that ’ s not a very sensible reaction at all , ” she said .
“ In the process , they ’ re making other people anxious that they won ’ t find their stuff , so it leads to a domino effect.
” Helen Dickinson , chief executive of the British Retail Consortium , said retailers are currently facing a rise in demand for certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Christmas period.
” This has largely been limited to hygiene and longer shelf-life food products so far .
The BRC is now working with the government to find ways to mitigate the impact of coronavirus on the supermarket sector .
It has given the government a list of regulations – such as extending drivers ’ hours and giving flexibility on delivery times to stores – that would ease pressure in the supply chain .
If panic-buying isn ’ t the answer , what is ?
Secondly , try to limit your exposure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how worried they are is not information or news , ” he said .
It ’ s likely to fuel your own anxiety even more .
That said , it ’ s important to stay connected with friends or family members to share how you feel and check they are okay , too .
“ A lot of people just want to talk about the fact they ’ re frightened and that will lessen [ the anxiety ] , ” he added .
Lastly , do actually plan ahead .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panic-buying then it isn ’ t panic-buying , ” said Blackburn .
“ It might not be possible to plan as far ahead as we might like to , but try to focus on what ’ s practical to get now.
” Having a plan already lessens the anxiety , he suggested .
Buy stuff , by all means , but do so sensibly .
The latest advice is that people may have to self-isolate for a couple of weeks if they ’ re at risk of contracting Covid-19 .
The common sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about two to three weeks ’ worth of supplies in the house .
That ’ s a big pack ( or two ) of toilet paper , a few canned goods , and maybe a pack of pasta and rice .
If you run out , you could get an online shop delivered or get takeaway .
Those with underlying health conditions might be required to stay indoors a little longer .
If this is the case , make sure family members and friends can be on hand to provide regular deliveries if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family member to set up a form of rota system , so you know you ’ ve got supplies coming each week .

Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng confirmed a “very narrow” list of sectors whose workers will be exempt from isolation rules will be published on Thursday afternoon. He would not confirm if this list will include the food sector, but he also urged the public not to panic buy.
Why panic buying doesn’t help the situation
While panic-buying is an understandable reaction to an uncertain situation, it could have a profound impact on supply chains – and people’s lives.
HuffPost UK previously spoke to therapists about how to resist the urge to panic buy and the message was clear: focus on alleviating your anxiety, not filling your shopping basket. Panic buying only perpetuates further shortages, leaving some of the most vulnerable people without.
Ratula Chakraborty, professor of business management at the University of East Anglia, told HuffPost UK that stocking up on supplies is really only advised for elderly people or families with members who have underlying health conditions.
Amid the panic buying of the pandemic lockdowns, she said: “People are just taking whatever they can lay their hands on – that’s not a very sensible reaction at all. In the process, they’re making other people anxious that they won’t find their stuff, so it leads to a domino effect.”
Why actually makes us panic buy?
Psychotherapist Nick Blackburn said people are trying to “solve” their anxiety by buying supplies, but when they get to the shops, they’re likely to experience more anxiety because items are running low.
Then there’s the added stress of being criticised or hearing snarky comments by others for doing it – in the supermarket or all over social media. “That’s not the way to make fearful people feel better,” Blackburn told HuffPost UK.
Hansa Pankhania, a therapist of 25 years and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), believes panic buying is also driven by helplessness, fear and loss of control. When people panic-buy it’s a “gesture”, she said – they’re doing something to help themselves in an otherwise helpless situation. When we have no control over the bigger picture, we crave control in our “micro world” – our home and daily routines. And in this case, people are doing it by buying up supplies. That’s not to say you shouldn’t plan ahead. “I suppose if you’ve planned the panic-buying then it isn’t panic-buying,” Blackburn told HuffPost UK. “It might not be possible to plan as far ahead as we might like to, but try to focus on what’s practical to get now.” Having a plan already lessens the anxiety.
So, the message: avoid panic buying but try not to scroll or share scaremongering posts on social media either. And remember, if your local supermarket is out of a certain item, you can always try independent corner shops which are often well-stocked with goods, as well as local suppliers, farms and wholesalers, many of whom will deliver to your door.