huffpost--2020-04-16--Elizabeth Warren Says She Would Be Joe Biden’s Vice President

Warren and Biden have clashed ideologically in the past and battled each other for the Democratic nomination for much of the last year , with Warren ultimately finishing third in the delegate count , well behind the victorious Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) .
But Warren endorsed Biden for president earlier in the day Wednesday , not long after Biden adopted a number of Warren ’ s progressive priorities into his own platform .
“ We both want the same thing : We want this country to work , and we want it to work for everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So I ’ m in this fight to help in any way I can : to help on the policy front , to help by getting out there and talking about it.
” Warren ’ s answer indicates the former Harvard Law professor believes she can accomplish more of her agenda , which is focused on fighting corruption and reducing income inequality , as a top official in Biden ’ s administration than as a member of the Senate pressuring the administration from the outside .
“ At a moment of crisis for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas will be more important than ever as we chart a path forward , ” Biden said in a statement earlier Wednesday after her endorsement .
“ We know how much work it will take to come through this crisis , and I am proud to have Senator Warren in my corner for the fight ahead — not just as we work to defeat Donald Trump in November , but in the years to come , as we push through a bold and progressive policy agenda for the American people.
” Sen. Elizabeth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vice President Joe Biden appeared in many debates against each other during the Democratic presidential primaries .
Now , Warren says she ’ d be willing to be Biden ’ s running mate .
Biden ’ s public declaration that he would select a woman as his running mate as he challenges Trump and Vice President Mike Pence has helped narrow the list of potential picks .
Besides Warren , two other female senators who ran for president ― Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Kamala Harris of California ― are also considered top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , and their respective staffs , have been in regular contact since she dropped out of the race in March .
Not long after her exit , Biden adopted her proposal to reverse a bankruptcy law the former vice president had long championed and a plan she helped author to forgive up to $ 10,000 of student debt per person as part of the government ’ s response to the coronavirus recession .
Warren originally offered her endorsement to Biden last week after Sanders officially dropped out of the race , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out after endorsements from Sanders and Obama .
Warren also allowed Biden to send a fundraising message on Wednesday to her extensive email list and made a pitch for small-dollar donations to Biden during her Maddow appearance .
“ It ’ s time our government worked harder for the middle class , but to do that we can demand nothing less than ‘ big , structural change , ’ ” Biden wrote in the e-mail , echoing Warren ’ s campaign slogan .
“ I know , for some of you , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my campaign .
I understand that .
But I intend to earn your votes .
And I intend to earn your trust.
” The 77-year-old Biden has often said he wants to serve as a bridge to a younger generation of leaders , and Warren is also a septuagenarian .
And Biden has often said he would prefer a vice president whom he was ideologically aligned with , at one point saying it would be difficult to pick one who , like Warren , supports “ Medicare for All .
”

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said on Wednesday night that she would accept an offer from presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to serve as his vice president.
Asked directly by MSNBC host Rachel Maddow if she’d accept the position if Biden offered, Warren gave a one-word answer: “Yes.”
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Warren and Biden have clashed ideologically in the past and battled each other for the Democratic nomination for much of the last year, with Warren ultimately finishing third in the delegate count, well behind the victorious Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). But Warren endorsed Biden for president earlier in the day Wednesday, not long after Biden adopted a number of Warren’s progressive priorities into his own platform.
“We both want the same thing: We want this country to work, and we want it to work for everyone,” Warren told Maddow. “So I’m in this fight to help in any way I can: to help on the policy front, to help by getting out there and talking about it.”
Warren’s answer indicates the former Harvard Law professor believes she can accomplish more of her agenda, which is focused on fighting corruption and reducing income inequality, as a top official in Biden’s administration than as a member of the Senate pressuring the administration from the outside.
As vice president, Warren ― who was not afraid to criticize the administration of President Barack Obama ― would be sharply limited in her ability to publicly criticize Biden’s decisions.
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“At a moment of crisis for our nation, Senator Warren’s ideas will be more important than ever as we chart a path forward,” Biden said in a statement earlier Wednesday after her endorsement. “We know how much work it will take to come through this crisis, and I am proud to have Senator Warren in my corner for the fight ahead — not just as we work to defeat Donald Trump in November, but in the years to come, as we push through a bold and progressive policy agenda for the American people.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and former Vice President Joe Biden appeared in many debates against each other during the Democratic presidential primaries. Now, Warren says she’d be willing to be Biden’s running mate. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
Biden’s public declaration that he would select a woman as his running mate as he challenges Trump and Vice President Mike Pence has helped narrow the list of potential picks. Besides Warren, two other female senators who ran for president ― Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Kamala Harris of California ― are also considered top contenders for the ticket.
But the list of potential picks also includes several Democrats with slightly lower profiles, including Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.
Warren and Biden, and their respective staffs, have been in regular contact since she dropped out of the race in March. Not long after her exit, Biden adopted her proposal to reverse a bankruptcy law the former vice president had long championed and a plan she helped author to forgive up to $10,000 of student debt per person as part of the government’s response to the coronavirus recession.
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Warren originally offered her endorsement to Biden last week after Sanders officially dropped out of the race, with the Biden campaign opting to roll it out after endorsements from Sanders and Obama. Warren also allowed Biden to send a fundraising message on Wednesday to her extensive email list and made a pitch for small-dollar donations to Biden during her Maddow appearance.
“It’s time our government worked harder for the middle class, but to do that we can demand nothing less than ‘big, structural change,’” Biden wrote in the e-mail, echoing Warren’s campaign slogan. “I know, for some of you, that you might be skeptical of me or my campaign. I understand that. But I intend to earn your votes. And I intend to earn your trust.”
Warren does offer a potential bridge to two groups of voters skeptical of Biden: progressives and young voters. But there are significant factors working against her.


huffpost--2020-04-16--Seth Meyers Rips CNN For Criticizing Trump's 'Propaganda' While Still Airing It

“ You know what else turned that into a propaganda session ?
” he said .
“ Pointing your camera @ @ @ @ @ showed up , it was just , ‘ Crazy lawn man does his thing.
’ @ @ @ @ @ the idea that “ you can ’ t air a propaganda session and criticize it.
@ @ @ @ @ like if MTV had aired ‘ Jersey Shore ’ with the disclaimer , ‘ Change @ @ @ @ @ sucks , ’ ” he added .
Even MTV might give fist pumps for that @ @

“You know what else turned that into a propaganda session?” he said. “Pointing your camera at it. Before you showed up, it was just, ‘Crazy lawn man does his thing.’”
Meyers doubled down on the idea that “you can’t air a propaganda session and criticize it.”
“It’s like if MTV had aired ‘Jersey Shore’ with the disclaimer, ‘Change the channel. This show sucks,’” he added.
Even MTV might give fist pumps for that one.


huffpost--2020-04-16--Cameron Diaz Describes Her Experience As New Mom During A Pandemic

Cameron Diaz has been private about her new baby girl for the last three months , but in a rare interview , she opened up about her little one and motherhood during the coronavirus pandemic .
Diaz and her husband , Benji Madden , surprised fans in early January with an announcement that they had welcomed their first child , daughter Raddix Madden .
During an Instagram Live chat on Tuesday with her friend Katherine Power , CEO of Who What Wear , Diaz said she adores motherhood .
“ I love being a mother .
It ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my life , ” the 47-year-old actor said Tuesday , according to Entertainment Tonight .
“ I ’ m so grateful and so happy and it ’ s the best thing ever and I ’ m so lucky to do it with Benj and we ’ re having the best time .
I ’ m thrilled .
I can ’ t believe it.
” The new mom said she ’ s spending her time at home cooking , cleaning , tending to the garden and taking care of Raddix .
“ All I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things alive , ” she quipped .
As far as being in quarantine goes , Diaz admitted it hasn ’ t actually affected her life with a newborn too much .
She said she tries her best to “ stay in the present ” and avoid overthinking to combat sadness about the pandemic .
“ I ’ ve kinda been living a quarantine life anyhow because I have a three-month-old , three-and-a-half month , ” she said .
“ So my life has been completely quiet and still for the last few months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my friends over all the time .
And now I just don ’ t see anybody.
” Diaz said she and Madden do Raddix ’ s bath and bedtime routine before settling down for a wine .
It ’ s Madden ’ s job to put Raddix to bed , she said .
“ He ’ s so good .
He ’ s such an amazing father .
I ’ m so lucky he ’ s my baby ’ s father .
He ’ s incredible .
He puts her down and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself a nice glass of red wine .
I start my cooking , I put on my show , whatever it is.
” In January , when the couple made their big announcement , they said they felt “ so happy , blessed and grateful to begin this new decade ” with little Raddix .
They said that in the interest of privacy , they would not be sharing any pictures or more details about her , except for “ the fact that she is really really cute !
!
”

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Cameron Diaz has been private about her new baby girl for the last three months, but in a rare interview, she opened up about her little one and motherhood during the coronavirus pandemic.
Diaz and her husband, Benji Madden, surprised fans in early January with an announcement that they had welcomed their first child, daughter Raddix Madden. During an Instagram Live chat on Tuesday with her friend Katherine Power, CEO of Who What Wear, Diaz said she adores motherhood.
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“I love being a mother. It’s the best, best, best part of my life,” the 47-year-old actor said Tuesday, according to Entertainment Tonight.
“I’m so grateful and so happy and it’s the best thing ever and I’m so lucky to do it with Benj and we’re having the best time. I’m thrilled. I can’t believe it.”
The new mom said she’s spending her time at home cooking, cleaning, tending to the garden and taking care of Raddix. “All I’m doing over here is keeping things alive,” she quipped.
As far as being in quarantine goes, Diaz admitted it hasn’t actually affected her life with a newborn too much. She said she tries her best to “stay in the present” and avoid overthinking to combat sadness about the pandemic.
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“I’ve kinda been living a quarantine life anyhow because I have a three-month-old, three-and-a-half month,” she said. “So my life has been completely quiet and still for the last few months. But I was able to have my friends over all the time. And now I just don’t see anybody.”
Diaz said she and Madden do Raddix’s bath and bedtime routine before settling down for a wine. It’s Madden’s job to put Raddix to bed, she said.
“He’s so good. He’s such an amazing father. I’m so lucky he’s my baby’s father. He’s incredible. He puts her down and I go into the kitchen and I pour myself a nice glass of red wine. I start my cooking, I put on my show, whatever it is.”
In January, when the couple made their big announcement, they said they felt “so happy, blessed and grateful to begin this new decade” with little Raddix.
They said that in the interest of privacy, they would not be sharing any pictures or more details about her, except for “the fact that she is really really cute!!”


huffpost--2020-04-06--Triathlete's Bid In Virtual Race Foiled By 'Idiot' Husband Tripping Over Cord

Although coronavirus-era precautions have moved triathlons online , it turns out that working from home poses unexpected hazards for athletes .
Australian triathlete Mirinda Carfrae recently lost her chance at victory in the inaugural Ironman VR Pro Challenge women ’ s race , which she was competing in from her home in Colorado when her husband and fellow triathlete , Tim O ’ Donnell , accidentally tripped over the power cord to her smart bike .
Carfrae was in second place on the leaderboard before her husband ’ s clumsy intervention , which disconnected her from the race .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 56-mile bike leg that was streamed live to Facebook .
Another typical work-from-home disturbance was spotted throughout her race : her boisterous toddler Izzy rampaging in the background .
Mirinda Carfrae 's toddler amused herself while mom cycled against international champs in the Ironman VR Pro Challenge race .
Despite continuing to pedal and finishing the race , her results could only be recorded as “ unofficial.
” In an Instagram story , the three-time world Ironman champ did her best to find the funny side , explaining that her husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entered the room .
“ He decided to bring my trophies in here as motivation , and when he walked around the back , he kicked out the plug , ” she said , laughing on her Instagram story .
“ What an idiot !
” Carfrae said it might take her a little while to get over it , but she ’ s trying to be a good sport .
For her husband ’ s race next weekend , she vowed not to seek revenge .
“ Tim is racing next weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his cord out , ” she said .
American Jocelyn McCauley ended up winning the race , Canada ’ s Angela Naeth was runner up and Jeanni Seymour of South Africa came in third .

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Although coronavirus-era precautions have moved triathlons online, it turns out that working from home poses unexpected hazards for athletes.
Australian triathlete Mirinda Carfrae recently lost her chance at victory in the inaugural Ironman VR Pro Challenge women’s race, which she was competing in from her home in Colorado when her husband and fellow triathlete, Tim O’Donnell, accidentally tripped over the power cord to her smart bike.
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Carfrae was in second place on the leaderboard before her husband’s clumsy intervention, which disconnected her from the race. She was competing against three other international stars in the 56-mile bike leg that was streamed live to Facebook.
Another typical work-from-home disturbance was spotted throughout her race: her boisterous toddler Izzy rampaging in the background.
Mirinda Carfrae's toddler amused herself while mom cycled against international champs in the Ironman VR Pro Challenge race. Ironman VC
Despite continuing to pedal and finishing the race, her results could only be recorded as “unofficial.”
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In an Instagram story, the three-time world Ironman champ did her best to find the funny side, explaining that her husband had tripped on the plug when he entered the room.
“He decided to bring my trophies in here as motivation, and when he walked around the back, he kicked out the plug,” she said, laughing on her Instagram story. “What an idiot!”
Carfrae said it might take her a little while to get over it, but she’s trying to be a good sport. For her husband’s race next weekend, she vowed not to seek revenge.
“Tim is racing next weekend, and I won’t pull his cord out,” she said. American Jocelyn McCauley ended up winning the race, Canada’s Angela Naeth was runner up and Jeanni Seymour of South Africa came in third.


huffpost--2020-04-06--'Walking Dead' Spoils Major Character Return In Sneak Peek

Who needs to wait until Easter for a resurrection ?
“ The Walking Dead ” star Lauren Cohan ’ s character , Maggie Rhee , was apparently scheduled to make her return to the show in the Season 10 finale on Easter Sunday , April 12 .
But with the coronavirus pandemic delaying the finale until later this year as a special episode , that return is obviously not happening on schedule .
So rather than wait , the show spoiled the character ’ s comeback in a sneak peek .
In the first look at Maggie ’ s return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Carol ( Melissa McBride ) , that basically fills her in on everything that ’ s happened since she left in Season 9 , including the Whisperers and all the character deaths .
So sorry , Netflix .
Maggie doesn ’ t need a subscription to catch up .
“ Walking Dead ” showrunner Angela Kang only vaguely teased a bit of Cohan ’ s comeback to Entertainment Weekly , saying , “ We ’ ll know what ’ s happened with her and what that means for our group.
” But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lingering : How is Maggie going to interact with Negan ( Jeffrey Dean Morgan ) , aka the guy who killed her husband Glenn ( Steven Yeun ) ?
What will she think about all the deaths , especially Enid ’ s ( Katelyn Nacon ) ?
Also , is Carol typing up letters in Microsoft Word or something ?
If not , her incredibly on-point spacing is truly the scariest thing in the zombie apocalypse .

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Who needs to wait until Easter for a resurrection?
“The Walking Dead” star Lauren Cohan’s character, Maggie Rhee, was apparently scheduled to make her return to the show in the Season 10 finale on Easter Sunday, April 12. But with the coronavirus pandemic delaying the finale until later this year as a special episode, that return is obviously not happening on schedule.
So rather than wait, the show spoiled the character’s comeback in a sneak peek.
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In the first look at Maggie’s return, she reads a letter, presumably from Carol (Melissa McBride), that basically fills her in on everything that’s happened since she left in Season 9, including the Whisperers and all the character deaths. So sorry, Netflix. Maggie doesn’t need a subscription to catch up.
“Walking Dead” showrunner Angela Kang only vaguely teased a bit of Cohan’s comeback to Entertainment Weekly, saying, “We’ll know what’s happened with her and what that means for our group.”
But there are so many more questions still lingering: How is Maggie going to interact with Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), aka the guy who killed her husband Glenn (Steven Yeun)? What will she think about all the deaths, especially Enid’s (Katelyn Nacon)?
Also, is Carol typing up letters in Microsoft Word or something? If not, her incredibly on-point spacing is truly the scariest thing in the zombie apocalypse.


huffpost--2020-04-06--Illinois Gov: Trump Doesn't Understand The Word 'Federal' Or His Role In Pandemic

Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ( D ) slammed Donald Trump ’ s inadequate action in the battle against the COVID-19 crisis , saying the president doesn ’ t understand the meaning of the word “ federal ” or the role he is supposed to fulfill .
On “ State of the Union ” Sunday morning , Pritzker told host Jake Tapper that the White House knew about the coming pandemic in January and early February and didn ’ t prepare .
“ If [ the Trump administration ] had started in February building ventilators , getting ready for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems that we have today and frankly , very many fewer people would die , ” Pritzker said .
Trump has insisted that states obtain their own supplies , including protective gear like masks and gowns for health-care workers and ventilators for patients , rather than rely on the federal stockpile .
Jared Kushner , the president ’ s son-in-law and adviser , said last week that supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile were “ our ” stockpile and not intended for states .
This statement was contradicted by the Strategic National Stockpile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Stockpile is the nation ’ s largest supply of life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for use in a public health emergency severe enough to cause local supplies to run out , ” the website read .
“ When state , local , tribal and territorial responders request federal assistance to support their response efforts , ” it continued , “ the stockpile ensures that the right medicines and supplies get to those who need them most during an emergency .
Organized for scalable response to a variety of public health threats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to multiple large-scale emergencies simultaneously.
” ″We have a state Emergency Management Agency , but if [ Trump ] were right , why would we ever need a Federal Emergency Management Agency ?
” Pritzker asked .
“ It ’ s because individual states can ’ t possibly do what the federal government can do.
” Pritzker also noted that states lack the power the federal government has to invoke the Defense Production Act and are unable to demand the production of needed supplies the way the Trump administration is able to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said that in “ Illinois , the governor couldn ’ t do his job , so we had to help him.
” Trump attacks @ GovPritzker , who criticized federal coronavirus response efforts on TV today : `` There is a governor , I hear him complaining all the time , Pritzker .
He is always complaining ...
He has not performed well . ''
pic.twitter.com/9rysI88qjp — Aaron Rupar ( @ atrupar ) April 5 , 2020 Last week , the Trump administration sent 300,000 surgical masks to Illinois , but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health-care workers to deal with coronavirus , Illinois officials said .

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) slammed Donald Trump’s inadequate action in the battle against the COVID-19 crisis, saying the president doesn’t understand the meaning of the word “federal” or the role he is supposed to fulfill.
Trump responded during his Sunday press briefing, saying Pritzker is “always complaining.”
On “State of the Union” Sunday morning, Pritzker told host Jake Tapper that the White House knew about the coming pandemic in January and early February and didn’t prepare.
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“If [the Trump administration] had started in February building ventilators, getting ready for this pandemic, we would not have the problems that we have today and frankly, very many fewer people would die,” Pritzker said.
Trump has insisted that states obtain their own supplies, including protective gear like masks and gowns for health-care workers and ventilators for patients, rather than rely on the federal stockpile.
Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and adviser, said last week that supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile were “our” stockpile and not intended for states. This statement was contradicted by the Strategic National Stockpile’s website:
“The Strategic National Stockpile is the nation’s largest supply of life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for use in a public health emergency severe enough to cause local supplies to run out,” the website read.
“When state, local, tribal and territorial responders request federal assistance to support their response efforts,” it continued, “the stockpile ensures that the right medicines and supplies get to those who need them most during an emergency. Organized for scalable response to a variety of public health threats, this repository contains enough supplies to respond to multiple large-scale emergencies simultaneously.”
The website was later changed to conform to Kushner’s inaccurate claims.
Pritzker said Trump just does not understand the word “federal.”
″We have a state Emergency Management Agency, but if [Trump] were right, why would we ever need a Federal Emergency Management Agency?” Pritzker asked. “It’s because individual states can’t possibly do what the federal government can do.”
Pritzker also noted that states lack the power the federal government has to invoke the Defense Production Act and are unable to demand the production of needed supplies the way the Trump administration is able to do.
During his briefing on Sunday, Trump said that in “Illinois, the governor couldn’t do his job, so we had to help him.”
Trump attacks @GovPritzker, who criticized federal coronavirus response efforts on TV today: "There is a governor, I hear him complaining all the time, Pritzker. He is always complaining ... He has not performed well." pic.twitter.com/9rysI88qjp — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 5, 2020
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Last week, the Trump administration sent 300,000 surgical masks to Illinois, but they were not the N95 masks needed by health-care workers to deal with coronavirus, Illinois officials said.


huffpost--2020-04-06--'The Walking Dead' De Facto Season Finale Is A Cat-Astrophe

Due to a halt in production on “ The Walking Dead ” caused by the coronavirus pandemic , the actual Season 10 finale will air as a special later this year .
So , on Sunday , the season wrapped up with its de facto last episode , and it was kind of cat-aclysmic .
The episode , titled “ The Tower , ” was clearly never intended to be the actual season finale ; it ’ s mostly just exposition .
The survivors are hiding out in a hospital , and the Whisperers , now led by former country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , do a lot of walking around looking for them .
In fact , the main villain of the episode turns out to be ... cats .
Cats seem to be the primary residents of the hospital in which everyone ’ s taken refuge ; the cat pee smell is so bad that it ’ s part of the reason Judith ( Cailey Fleming ) eventually leaves to hang around outside with Daryl ( Norman Reedus ) .
The cats ’ biggest power move comes when they inadvertently lead the Whisperers to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their path , the Whisperers abruptly change their course ― because after the upcoming war , the cats will inherit the Earth .
Not much happens with new character Princess ( Paola Lazaro ) , either : After scaring away their horses , she searches for new rides for Eugene ( Josh McDermitt ) , Ezekiel ( Khary Payton ) and Yumiko ( Eleanor Matsuura ) .
In the process , she ends up leading them through a minefield , where they get stuck for a while .
But by the time the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all friends .
Negan ( Jeffrey Dean Morgan ) and Lydia ( Cassady McClincy ) clash about him killing her mom Alpha ( Samantha Morton ) — which , yeah , makes sense .
But by the end , they also hug it out , again indicating that the most interesting thing going on in this episode is cats .
Perhaps the cats are just mad that Michonne ( Danai Gurira ) is off the show now , since she was such a fan of feline art ?
Maybe someone on the production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more attention on “ Tiger King ” and wants to make a point ?
Regardless , the kitty overlords are rising up , and the results are cat-astrophic .

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Due to a halt in production on “The Walking Dead” caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the actual Season 10 finale will air as a special later this year. So, on Sunday, the season wrapped up with its de facto last episode, and it was kind of cat-aclysmic.
The episode, titled “The Tower,” was clearly never intended to be the actual season finale; it’s mostly just exposition. The survivors are hiding out in a hospital, and the Whisperers, now led by former country music star Beta (Ryan Hurst), do a lot of walking around looking for them.
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In fact, the main villain of the episode turns out to be ... cats.
Lydia (Cassady McClincy) and Judith Grimes (Cailey Fleming). Jace Downs/AMC
We’re not kitten.
Cats seem to be the primary residents of the hospital in which everyone’s taken refuge; the cat pee smell is so bad that it’s part of the reason Judith (Cailey Fleming) eventually leaves to hang around outside with Daryl (Norman Reedus).
The cats’ biggest power move comes when they inadvertently lead the Whisperers to the hospital. After seeing a cat cross their path, the Whisperers abruptly change their course ― because after the upcoming war, the cats will inherit the Earth.
Not much happens with new character Princess (Paola Lazaro), either: After scaring away their horses, she searches for new rides for Eugene (Josh McDermitt), Ezekiel (Khary Payton) and Yumiko (Eleanor Matsuura). In the process, she ends up leading them through a minefield, where they get stuck for a while. But by the time the episode wraps up, they’re all friends.
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Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Lydia (Cassady McClincy) clash about him killing her mom Alpha (Samantha Morton) — which, yeah, makes sense. But by the end, they also hug it out, again indicating that the most interesting thing going on in this episode is cats.


huffpost--2020-04-06--UN Chief Condemns 'Horrifying Global Surge' In Domestic Violence

As countries around the world try to slow the spread of COVID-19 with lockdowns , quarantines and stay-at-home orders , forcing most people into prolonged home confinement , those with abusive partners and family members face a greater danger of domestic abuse .
“ Violence is not confined to the battlefield .
For many women and girls , the threat looms largest where they should be safest : in their own homes , ” António Guterres said in a video .
“ I urge all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peace is not just the absence of war .
Many women under lockdown for # COVID19 face violence where they should be safest : in their own homes .
Today I appeal for peace in homes around the world .
I urge all governments to put women ’ s safety first as they respond to the pandemic .
pic.twitter.com/PjDUTrMb9v — António Guterres ( @ antonioguterres ) April 6 , 2020 As HuffPost ’ s Melissa Jeltsen has reported , lockdowns and other restrictions create prime conditions for domestic violence because victims are stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut off from family , friends , co-workers and support services .
“ Perpetrators of domestic violence commonly try to isolate victims and cut off their relationships with co-workers or friends or family , ” Allison Randall , the National Network to End Domestic Violence ’ s vice president for policy and emerging issues , said last month .
“ Not being able to go to work and connect with your colleagues , it can certainly increase your vulnerability.
” In New York state , the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have gone up by as much as 15 % to 20 % in recent weeks , Melissa De Rosa , top aide to Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) , said Friday at the state ’ s daily news briefing on the pandemic .
She added that the state would work to provide safe shelter for abuse survivors .
Other countries have reported similar spikes in domestic violence during COVID-19 lockdowns .
Calls to domestic violence helplines have doubled in Lebanon and Malaysia , and tripled in China , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an uptick in domestic abuse cases in January and February , the peak of the country ’ s lockdown , and the hashtag # AntiDomesticViolenceDuringEpidemic was widely used on Weibo , the country ’ s main social media platform .
“ During a time of extreme lockdown with the coronavirus , when people are not allowed to move around , it makes it exponentially more difficult for a victim of domestic violence in the home to go somewhere else , ” Leta Hong Fincher , author of “ Betraying Big Brother : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HuffPost last month .
In the U.K. , calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline surged 25 % since the start of the country ’ s lockdown .
Last week , visits to the helpline ’ s website were 150 % higher than during the last week in February , the BBC reported Monday .
As the pandemic has peaked in France and Spain , women have been going to pharmacies , which remain open as essential businesses , to report domestic violence by saying a code word to the pharmacist behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition to the prolonged isolation , domestic violence has increased because “ health care providers and police are overwhelmed and overstaffed , local support groups are paralyzed or short of funds , some domestic violence shelters are closed , and others are full , ” Guterres said .
The U.N. leader recommended that countries prioritize domestic violence by making sure law enforcement officials continue to prosecute abuse cases during the pandemic , strengthening online support , keeping shelters open by declaring them essential services , providing ways for people to report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using pharmacies , grocery stores and other essential businesses as places where victims can make an abuse complaint .
In the U.S. , the $ 2.2 trillion coronavirus economic relief package passed by Congress last month includes $ 45 million for family violence shelters and $ 2 million for the National Domestic Violence Hotline .
On March 25 , a group of two dozen senators wrote a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services to grant anti-domestic violence and anti-sexual violence organizations the “ flexiblity , resources and information needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , ” as more states began to impose stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders .
“ When people are required to stay home , abusive situations can become even worse , ” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand ( D-N.Y. ) , a signatory of the letter , said in a statement .
“ We have an obligation to ensure that providers of services to domestic abuse and sexual violence survivors have the preparation , resources , and funding to address the unique challenges that these victims face during a public health emergency .
”

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As countries around the world try to slow the spread of COVID-19 with lockdowns, quarantines and stay-at-home orders, forcing most people into prolonged home confinement, those with abusive partners and family members face a greater danger of domestic abuse.
The United Nations secretary-general on Sunday warned that “we have seen a horrifying global surge in domestic violence,” and urged world leaders to include protective measures in their pandemic plans.
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“Violence is not confined to the battlefield. For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest: in their own homes,” António Guterres said in a video. “I urge all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plans for COVID-19.”
Peace is not just the absence of war. Many women under lockdown for #COVID19 face violence where they should be safest: in their own homes.
Today I appeal for peace in homes around the world.
I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/PjDUTrMb9v — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 6, 2020
As HuffPost’s Melissa Jeltsen has reported, lockdowns and other restrictions create prime conditions for domestic violence because victims are stuck at home with their abusers and are cut off from family, friends, co-workers and support services.
“Perpetrators of domestic violence commonly try to isolate victims and cut off their relationships with co-workers or friends or family,” Allison Randall, the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s vice president for policy and emerging issues, said last month. “Not being able to go to work and connect with your colleagues, it can certainly increase your vulnerability.”
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In New York state, the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S., domestic violence calls to the police have gone up by as much as 15% to 20% in recent weeks, Melissa De Rosa, top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), said Friday at the state’s daily news briefing on the pandemic. She added that the state would work to provide safe shelter for abuse survivors.
Other countries have reported similar spikes in domestic violence during COVID-19 lockdowns. Calls to domestic violence helplines have doubled in Lebanon and Malaysia, and tripled in China, according to the U.N. In China, activists reported an uptick in domestic abuse cases in January and February, the peak of the country’s lockdown, and the hashtag #AntiDomesticViolenceDuringEpidemic was widely used on Weibo, the country’s main social media platform.
“During a time of extreme lockdown with the coronavirus, when people are not allowed to move around, it makes it exponentially more difficult for a victim of domestic violence in the home to go somewhere else,” Leta Hong Fincher, author of “Betraying Big Brother: The Feminist Awakening in China,” told HuffPost last month.
In the U.K., calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline surged 25% since the start of the country’s lockdown. Last week, visits to the helpline’s website were 150% higher than during the last week in February, the BBC reported Monday.
In Australia, Google searches for domestic violence support have increased by 75%.
As the pandemic has peaked in France and Spain, women have been going to pharmacies, which remain open as essential businesses, to report domestic violence by saying a code word to the pharmacist behind the counter, who then calls the police.
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In addition to the prolonged isolation, domestic violence has increased because “health care providers and police are overwhelmed and overstaffed, local support groups are paralyzed or short of funds, some domestic violence shelters are closed, and others are full,” Guterres said.
The U.N. leader recommended that countries prioritize domestic violence by making sure law enforcement officials continue to prosecute abuse cases during the pandemic, strengthening online support, keeping shelters open by declaring them essential services, providing ways for people to report abuse without notifying their abusers, and using pharmacies, grocery stores and other essential businesses as places where victims can make an abuse complaint.
In the U.S., the $2.2 trillion coronavirus economic relief package passed by Congress last month includes $45 million for family violence shelters and $2 million for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. On March 25, a group of two dozen senators wrote a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services to grant anti-domestic violence and anti-sexual violence organizations the “flexiblity, resources and information needed to continue to provide these critical services during the pandemic,” as more states began to impose stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders.
“When people are required to stay home, abusive situations can become even worse,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), a signatory of the letter, said in a statement. “We have an obligation to ensure that providers of services to domestic abuse and sexual violence survivors have the preparation, resources, and funding to address the unique challenges that these victims face during a public health emergency.”


huffpost--2020-04-06--The Pen Pineapple Apple Pen Guy Gives His 'PPAP' Song A Coronavirus Update

Japanese comic Daimaou Kosaka , better known as Pikotaro , has given his 2016 music sensation a makeover for the @ @ @ @ @ a hurry , I made a new version of PPAP , ” he wrote on @ @ @ @ @ want to tell the whole world is ... Wash !
Laugh !
Pray !
The @ @ @ @ @ pens , pineapples , apples and pens , but clean hands and overcoming the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ something else : For old time ’ s sake , here ’ s the original @ @ @ @ @ recognized as the shortest song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 .

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“PPAP” is back ― with a twist.
Japanese comic Daimaou Kosaka, better known as Pikotaro, has given his 2016 music sensation a makeover for the coronavirus era.
“In a hurry, I made a new version of PPAP,” he wrote on Twitter. “What I want to tell the whole world is ... Wash! Laugh! Pray!
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The song is no longer about pens, pineapples, apples and pens, but clean hands and overcoming the pandemic. Even PPAP stands for something else:
For old time’s sake, here’s the original, which Guinness World Records recognized as the shortest song to enter the Billboard Hot 100.


huffpost--2020-04-06--Wisconsin Governor Orders Tuesday Election Postponed Due To Coronavirus

“ Hundreds of thousands of workers are going to their jobs every day , serving in essential roles in our society .
There ’ s no question that an election is just as important as getting take-out food , ” Fitzgerald and Vos said in a statement .
Wisconsin has reported more than 2,300 positive cases of the coronavirus , and more than 70 related deaths ― more than double the number of cases the state reported last week .
Evers imposed a stay-at-home order on March 25 , shuttering all nonessential businesses and forbidding people who don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But even Evers seemed resigned to the April 7 election date as of last week .
Friday was the first time the governor said he wanted to postpone the date , but he said he was legally unable to do so without the approval of the state legislature .
Changing the election date in Wisconsin is particularly complicated because the ballot also includes local and state races for seats with term limits , some as soon as this month .
There ’ s also a contentious race for the state Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incumbent candidate , Justice Dan Kelly , has been endorsed by President Donald Trump .
Wisconsin Democrats have raised concerns that Republican are attempting to suppress voter turnout to give Kelly an easier path to a 10-year term on the court over liberal Dane County Circuit Judge Jill Karofsky .
Republican officials , however , say changing the date for Election Day , or moving to a mail-in only election , would create too much confusion The prospect of holding an in-person election during the pandemic has been causing chaos in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll staff shortages and a backlog of absentee ballots .
As of Monday , 1.3 million absentee ballots had been requested in the state .
State election officials reported 111 jurisdictions did not have enough people to staff a single polling place .
As of a week ago , 60 % of all Wisconsin towns and cities were reporting staffing shortages .
On Friday , the Milwaukee Election Commission announced the city was consolidating its usual 180 polling stations to just five .
The state was preparing to deploy 5,000 members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , a federal judge extended the absentee voting deadline from April 7 to April 13 — an extension that was upheld in an appeals court .
Republican leaders have been fighting to restrict that extension to ballots postmarked by April 7 .
With Evers ’ new order , they will have an even bigger fight on their hands .

“Hundreds of thousands of workers are going to their jobs every day, serving in essential roles in our society. There’s no question that an election is just as important as getting take-out food,” Fitzgerald and Vos said in a statement.
Wisconsin has reported more than 2,300 positive cases of the coronavirus, and more than 70 related deaths ― more than double the number of cases the state reported last week. Evers imposed a stay-at-home order on March 25, shuttering all nonessential businesses and forbidding people who don’t live in the same household from gathering.
But even Evers seemed resigned to the April 7 election date as of last week. Friday was the first time the governor said he wanted to postpone the date, but he said he was legally unable to do so without the approval of the state legislature.
Changing the election date in Wisconsin is particularly complicated because the ballot also includes local and state races for seats with term limits, some as soon as this month.
There’s also a contentious race for the state Supreme Court. Technically a nonpartisan race, the incumbent candidate, Justice Dan Kelly, has been endorsed by President Donald Trump. Wisconsin Democrats have raised concerns that Republican are attempting to suppress voter turnout to give Kelly an easier path to a 10-year term on the court over liberal Dane County Circuit Judge Jill Karofsky.
Republican officials, however, say changing the date for Election Day, or moving to a mail-in only election, would create too much confusion


huffpost--2020-04-06--‘Master of None’ Co-Creator Alan Yang’s Latest Project Is His Most Personal One Yet

Those words are echoed throughout “ Tigertail , ” a love story told across multiple decades and countries ― from 1950s Taiwan to present-day New York ― that is written and directed by “ Master of None ” co-creator Alan Yang .
The film follows Pin-Jui ( portrayed by Hong-Chi Lee , when the character is young , and Tzi Ma ) a poor factory worker who dreams of a better life for himself and his mother .
He believes that life can be achieved by going to America to pursue opportunities out of reach for him in Taiwan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : leaving the woman he loves behind .
In a phone interview with HuffPost , Yang said he wanted to show the complexity of family relationships and what happens when you add layers of love , loss and immigration to the story .
This film is especially personal for Yang , 36 , who was inspired by his own family ’ s stories — particularly the stories that hadn ’ t been easily passed down between generations .
And it is his latest attempt to push forward conversations about Asian representation in Hollywood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotional , but not in a frenetic , incredibly disturbing way , ” Yang said .
“ I think the movie is quiet but passionate , and makes you want to call your parents .
It makes you want to reach out and tell the people you care about that you care about them.
” And humanity really needs that kind of storytelling now , he said .
On top of the coronavirus crisis , concerns have escalated about growing anti-Asian sentiments because of China being blamed for the pandemic .
Ma , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” recently shared a story of being verbally assaulted by a stranger in a Whole Foods parking lot .
He added that his friends who are Asian have expressed fear about such incidents .
“ You feel like you live in a world that is making progress every day , and that ’ s how I felt growing up in America [ in the 1980s ] , ” Yang said .
“ [ Racism ] is always bubbling underneath the surface , and we always have to be vigilant and we always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educate people and make sure that they understand the truth of what ’ s going on.
” “ I think sometimes it takes you maturing and aging and becoming an adult yourself to start appreciating everything that your parents have done for you and how incredible their lives are , ” Yang said .
“ Think about your parents .
You know them as well you know them : as your parents .
It sounds insane , but you don ’ t necessarily think of them as human beings .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have regrets .
And they ’ ve had lots of love .
They ’ ve had all of these multitudes contained inside their lives.
” Although “ Tigertail ” isn ’ t a direct biography of his family ’ s story , Yang said writing the film helped him get to know his parents and his own heritage better .
His father is even in the film as the voice of an “ omniscient narrator ” heard briefly throughout the film .
“ I wanted this sort of haunting , almost detached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea to let my dad try to do it because I knew he had the right kind of voice , ” Yang said .
He added that the way his father read the lines , with “ emotion conveyed through a lack of emotion , ” brought to life those themes of loss and reconnecting with the past seen throughout “ Tigertail.
” The film also connected Yang with Taiwan , his parents ’ home country which he hadn ’ t visited since he was 7 years old .
While shooting in Taiwan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where his father worked when he was younger for the film ’ s factory scenes .
While Yang ’ s personal life crosses into “ Tigertail ” in those small ways , he said that ’ s only one facet of the film and other work he ’ s produced .
He often finds inspiration in current events , as well .
His 2020 Apple TV+ series “ Little America ” provides vignettes of the lives of immigrants in America , and “ Master of None ” tackled topics such as diversity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is passionate about .
“ It had been 25 years since ‘ The Joy Luck Club ’ and it was before ‘ Crazy Rich Asians ’ and before ‘ The Farewell , ’ ” Yang said .
“ It was before even an Asian movie like ‘ Parasite ’ won all the Oscars .
The idea of an entirely Asian and Asian American cast seemed like lunacy.
” But since Yang started on “ Tigertail , the conversation about diversity and representation ― both in front of and behind the scenes ― became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such major studio projects as “ Crazy Rich Asians.
” Yang was part of that movement , too , with his Netflix series “ Master of None , ” which he co-created with comedian Aziz Ansari and which received an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in 2016 .
“ We ’ re talking about three or four movies , and if you look at the history of American cinema , that ’ s tens of thousands of movies , ” he said .
“ We have a lot of ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me is a range of roles and a range of Asian American lead characters that we haven ’ t seen before .
You know , we haven ’ t seen an Asian American Indiana Jones , we haven ’ t seen an Asian American Furiosa , we haven ’ t seen an Asian American Ron Burgundy .
It ’ s going to take a lot of work , but we ’ re going to get there and I can ’ t wait .
”

A young boy stands in a field with his head bowed, tears ready to fall as his grandmother scolds him for missing his parents.
“Crying never solves anything,” the grandmother says sternly in Taiwanese. “Be strong. Never let anyone see you cry.”
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Those words are echoed throughout “Tigertail,” a love story told across multiple decades and countries ― from 1950s Taiwan to present-day New York ― that is written and directed by “Master of None” co-creator Alan Yang. The film follows Pin-Jui (portrayed by Hong-Chi Lee, when the character is young, and Tzi Ma) a poor factory worker who dreams of a better life for himself and his mother. He believes that life can be achieved by going to America to pursue opportunities out of reach for him in Taiwan. But that decision comes with a sacrifice: leaving the woman he loves behind.
In a phone interview with HuffPost, Yang said he wanted to show the complexity of family relationships and what happens when you add layers of love, loss and immigration to the story. This film is especially personal for Yang, 36, who was inspired by his own family’s stories — particularly the stories that hadn’t been easily passed down between generations. And it is his latest attempt to push forward conversations about Asian representation in Hollywood.
Netflix's "Tigertail." Chen Hsiang Liu
“The world could use something emotional, but not in a frenetic, incredibly disturbing way,” Yang said. “I think the movie is quiet but passionate, and makes you want to call your parents. It makes you want to reach out and tell the people you care about that you care about them.”
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And humanity really needs that kind of storytelling now, he said. On top of the coronavirus crisis, concerns have escalated about growing anti-Asian sentiments because of China being blamed for the pandemic. Ma, one of the stars of “Tigertail,” recently shared a story of being verbally assaulted by a stranger in a Whole Foods parking lot. He added that his friends who are Asian have expressed fear about such incidents.
“You feel like you live in a world that is making progress every day, and that’s how I felt growing up in America [in the 1980s],” Yang said. “[Racism] is always bubbling underneath the surface, and we always have to be vigilant and we always have to be taking active strides to educate people and make sure that they understand the truth of what’s going on.”
In “Tigertail,” the present-day timeline finds an older Pin-Jui struggling to empathize with his daughter Angela (Christine Ko), who spent her life feeling as if she couldn’t talk to her father.
“I think sometimes it takes you maturing and aging and becoming an adult yourself to start appreciating everything that your parents have done for you and how incredible their lives are,” Yang said. “Think about your parents. You know them as well you know them: as your parents. It sounds insane, but you don’t necessarily think of them as human beings. They’re flawed and they’re passionate and they have regrets. And they’ve had lots of love. They’ve had all of these multitudes contained inside their lives.”
Christine Ko and Tzi Ma in "Tigertail." Chen Hsiang Liu
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Although “Tigertail” isn’t a direct biography of his family’s story, Yang said writing the film helped him get to know his parents and his own heritage better. His father is even in the film as the voice of an “omniscient narrator” heard briefly throughout the film.
“I wanted this sort of haunting, almost detached, narrator … and I had the idea to let my dad try to do it because I knew he had the right kind of voice,” Yang said. He added that the way his father read the lines, with “emotion conveyed through a lack of emotion,” brought to life those themes of loss and reconnecting with the past seen throughout “Tigertail.”
The film also connected Yang with Taiwan, his parents’ home country which he hadn’t visited since he was 7 years old. While shooting in Taiwan, Yang used the actual sugar factory where his father worked when he was younger for the film’s factory scenes.
While Yang’s personal life crosses into “Tigertail” in those small ways, he said that’s only one facet of the film and other work he’s produced. He often finds inspiration in current events, as well. His 2020 Apple TV+ series “Little America” provides vignettes of the lives of immigrants in America, and “Master of None” tackled topics such as diversity and representation in Hollywood — a subject Yang is passionate about.
When he began writing “Tigertail” four years ago, he said no clear example existed of what a Hollywood film with an all-Asian or Asian American cast looked like.
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“It had been 25 years since ‘The Joy Luck Club’ and it was before ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and before ‘The Farewell,’” Yang said. “It was before even an Asian movie like ‘Parasite’ won all the Oscars. The idea of an entirely Asian and Asian American cast seemed like lunacy.”
Director Bong Joon-ho (sixth from the right) and cast and crew members of the film "Parasite" at this year's Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 9. The movie made history as the first foreign-language film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images
But since Yang started on “Tigertail, the conversation about diversity and representation ― both in front of and behind the scenes ― became more and more visible, underscored by such major studio projects as “Crazy Rich Asians.” Yang was part of that movement, too, with his Netflix series “Master of None,” which he co-created with comedian Aziz Ansari and which received an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in 2016.
Still, Yang said, it’s not enough.
“We’re talking about three or four movies, and if you look at the history of American cinema, that’s tens of thousands of movies,” he said. “We have a lot of ground to make up and the next step for me is a range of roles and a range of Asian American lead characters that we haven’t seen before. You know, we haven’t seen an Asian American Indiana Jones, we haven’t seen an Asian American Furiosa, we haven’t seen an Asian American Ron Burgundy. It’s going to take a lot of work, but we’re going to get there and I can’t wait.”
So can fans expect “Asian American Ron Burgundy” to pop up in one of Yang’s future projects?
“Maybe not that specific,” he laughed. “But there are definitely going to be plenty of Asian American people in projects I work on going forward, trust me!”
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huffpost--2020-03-20--Pot Shops Thriving Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Popular dispensary MedMen , which operates 33 stores in nine states including 12 in California , says it is operating with modified hours , but all stores remain open ( except for one in Monterey Bay , Calif. which is closed due to local jurisdiction ) .
“ As of now , we have been deemed an essential business in the markets that have established protocol , ” Christian Langbein , the company ’ s spokesperson says .
“ We are closely following recent guidelines released by each state and local jurisdiction , plus that of the CDC and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers and employees and have adopted the recommended safety protocol.
” Over half of America has closed all non-essential businesses , recreational activities — from festivals and theme parks to cruise ships — have come to a screeching halt , sports teams have hit pause on their seasons and the financial market may be on the verge of a crash .
But amid the colossal shifts , the cannabis industry seems poised to stay afloat.Denver-based Medicine Man , one of the first and largest dispensaries in the U.S. , tells Yahoo Lifestyle that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading rapidly , its sales have actually escalated .
“ Our numbers are significantly higher than they would normally be this time of year , ” says Sally Vander Veer , the dispensary ’ s CEO .
“ For the most part , we ’ re seeing customers who are grateful that were open because they can get their medicine.
” “ We ’ re encouraging online orders .
So customers can go to our website site , place an order and it will be ready for them to pick up at our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in 30 seconds , ” says Van der Veer .
“ On the floor of our dispensaries , we have tape that to ensure that we ’ re maintaining six feet of distance between every customer .
All of our budtenders are wearing gloves and using hand sanitizer or washing their hands in between each transaction.
” “ Luckily we ’ re considered essential businesses so far in Colorado , ” says Van der Veer , referencing a mandate from Colorado Governor Jared Polis requiring all non-essential businesses to close .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the importance of marijuana as medicine —especially in times when people are anxious , [ depressed ] or they can ’ t sleep.
” “ [ GovernorPolis ] has been a strong supporter of our industry because I think he realizes what we contribute to the economy , ” she says .
“ And he ’ s smart enough to know that like liquor stores , you can ’ t take these things away from people in times of stress.
” Ian Eisenberg , owner of the popular Seattle-based dispensary Uncle Ikes says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cluster of cases in the state .
But like Medicine Man , he is working to ensure customers and budtenders ( the moniker for marijuana dispensary workers ) are as safe as possible .
“ We ’ re limiting the number of people in our stores at a time , we ’ re encouraging pre-orders .
If you want to talk to a budtender you ’ re going to wait in line outside for a long time and there are chalk marks on the sidewalk showing you where to go.
” Eisenberg tells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re making people stand six feet apart and I think we only have , depending on which store it is , a handful of people in the stores at a time versus 20 or 50 before .
”

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California Governor Gavin Newsom sent shockwaves through the West Coast on Thursday when he officially ordered all 40 million of the state’s residents essentially shelter in place (meaning stay home unless buying basic necessities or seeking medical care).
But among the “essential services” that he deemed will remain open — on top of pharmacies and food stores — was, perhaps surprisingly, marijuana dispensaries.
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Popular dispensary MedMen, which operates 33 stores in nine states including 12 in California, says it is operating with modified hours, but all stores remain open (except for one in Monterey Bay, Calif. which is closed due to local jurisdiction).
“As of now, we have been deemed an essential business in the markets that have established protocol,” Christian Langbein, the company’s spokesperson says. “We are closely following recent guidelines released by each state and local jurisdiction, plus that of the CDC and the WHO in the best interest of our customers and employees and have adopted the recommended safety protocol.”
As a company seemingly unscathed by the coronavirus outbreak thus far, MedMenis in the minority.
In the two months since the first case of COVID-19 landed in the U.S., the nation’s private sector is a changed place.
Over half of America has closed all non-essential businesses, recreational activities — from festivals and theme parks to cruise ships — have come to a screeching halt, sports teams have hit pause on their seasons and the financial market may be on the verge of a crash.
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But amid the colossal shifts, the cannabis industry seems poised to stay afloat.Denver-based Medicine Man, one of the first and largest dispensaries in the U.S., tells Yahoo Lifestyle that in the weeks since the coronavirus began spreading rapidly, its sales have actually escalated.
“Our numbers are significantly higher than they would normally be this time of year,” says Sally Vander Veer, the dispensary’s CEO. “For the most part, we’re seeing customers who are grateful that were open because they can get their medicine.”
Although Vander Veer wouldn’t describe the influx as panic buying, she has definitely noticed a shift among customers — and has begun shifting how her company operates as well.
“We’re encouraging online orders. So customers can go to our website site, place an order and it will be ready for them to pick up at our store. They can be in and out in 30 seconds,” says Van der Veer. “On the floor of our dispensaries, we have tape that to ensure that we’re maintaining six feet of distance between every customer. All of our budtenders are wearing gloves and using hand sanitizer or washing their hands in between each transaction.”
Medicine Man, which employs 90 people, is preparing for the possibility of moving all sales online — but Van der Veer feels confident that the company’s four locations will remain open.
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“Luckily we’re considered essential businesses so far in Colorado,” says Van der Veer, referencing a mandate from Colorado Governor Jared Polis requiring all non-essential businesses to close. “I think it speaks a lot to the importance of marijuana as medicine —especially in times when people are anxious, [depressed] or they can’t sleep.”
Van der Veer says the distinction of “essential services” in the time of the coronavirus makes sense both for citizens and the state as a whole.
“[GovernorPolis] has been a strong supporter of our industry because I think he realizes what we contribute to the economy,” she says. “And he’s smart enough to know that like liquor stores, you can’t take these things away from people in times of stress.”
Cannabis is indeed big business in Colorado, garnering nearly $1.3 billion insales in 2018 alone. But it’s far from the only state turning a major profiton legalization, or bringing in a plethora of jobs.
According to Leafly’s 2019 Cannabis Jobs Report, there are an estimated 243,700 full-time employees working in the marijuana industry today, a 110 percent increase from 2016, when only a handful of states had recreational laws.
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Now, with marijuana legal recreationally in 11 states, experts predict it will continue to be a major driver of job growth.
Or at least ahead of this outbreak, they did.
But even in places where COVID-19 is spreading, such as in Washington, dispensaries show no signs of slowing down.
Ian Eisenberg, owner of the popular Seattle-based dispensary Uncle Ikes says his company is remaining open amid a cluster of cases in the state. But like Medicine Man, he is working to ensure customers and budtenders (the moniker for marijuana dispensary workers) are as safe as possible.
“We’re limiting the number of people in our stores at a time, we’re encouraging pre-orders. If you want to talk to a budtender you’re going to wait in line outside for a long time and there are chalk marks on the sidewalk showing you where to go.” Eisenberg tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “Inside we’re making people stand six feet apart and I think we only have, depending on which store it is, a handful of people in the stores at a time versus 20 or 50 before.”
In a post on Uncle Ike’s Facebook page from Wednesday, the dispensary shared an aerial view of customers waiting in line to get in, each diligently appearing behind a white line drawn in chalk. Eisenberg realizes how strange the situation is, but says that allowing cannabis to flow freely is in everyone’s best interest.
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“The pharmacies, the grocery stores are going to be allowed to stay open so I don’t know why they wouldn’t allow pot stores,” says Eisenberg. “Most of our customers self-identify as one form or another a medical user.”


huffpost--2020-03-20--Colleges Leave Sexual Assault Survivors In Limbo As Coronavirus Spreads

When Rachel found out her school was moving all students off campus to begin remote learning during the coronavirus outbreak , she started making plans to relocate .
She emailed her school ’ s residential office , and it got back to her within an hour .
She reached out to financial aid , and two hours later someone returned her call .
She also emailed the Title IX office to see what this meant for her pending sexual assault case and , days later , she hasn ’ t heard anything .
“ I ’ m feeling very left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Rachel , a student at Salem State University in Massachusetts .
( Rachel is not her real name ; HuffPost does not disclose the identity of potential sexual assault victims . )
“ With everything going on , I feel like they ’ re just sweeping my Title IX case under the rug.
” Rachel , and several other students who spoke with HuffPost , described the confusion and uncertainty around their ongoing Title IX cases in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak , which has shut down schools and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjudication has long been a problematic process , especially under the Trump administration .
Sexual assault survivors and experts tell HuffPost the pandemic is making a flawed system worse ― and that delayed cases could mean no justice served at all , since some alleged abusers may graduate before they ever face a consequence .
Sage Carson , manager of the anti-sexual violence organization Know Your IX , has heard from at least 15 students whose schools have given little to no guidances on how their pending Title IX cases will continue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Carson told HuffPost that many survivors have seen other pending disciplinary cases still move forward , such as plagiarism accusations or roommate disputes .
Title IX complaints , however , seem to be stuck in the mud .
“ We know that schools don ’ t always think of survivors first ― or even second , ” Carson said .
“ So , knowing that it may take a long time for administrators to address this issue during the coronavirus can be very scary.
” Rachel said she ’ s worried that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the semester ends , the man under investigation , a senior , may graduate and avoid any punishment .
She ’ s also dealing with the isolation of being home , where only one person knows she was assaulted .
Her parents and other close friends have no idea what she was going through on campus .
Delaying Title IX processes can also affect people who are accused in complaints .
Some pending Title IX complaints may be affected differently depending on school rules .
Unlike in Rachel ’ s case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanction is expulsion , then the school may withhold the accused person ’ s diploma until the case is decided .
If the accused can ’ t graduate , they also can ’ t apply for higher education programs or jobs .
Alex , a queer recent college graduate , said her delayed Title IX case has “ been a really re-traumatizing experience ” and has caused her anxiety .
Alex ( also not her real name ) filed a Title IX complaint at the Illinois Institute of Technology in November , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a student there .
Last week , nearly five months after her initial filing , the school notified her they would hold an in-person campus judicial board hearing .
This week , she ’ s wondering what an in-person hearing even looks like during a pandemic .
When she reached out to her Title IX office , staffers were wondering the same thing .
“ I ’ m not even asking for fluency .
I ’ m asking for competency , ” Alex said .
“ I ’ m asking for them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I just want at least a skeleton plan .
I want them to say , ‘ Since we ’ re not doing anything on campus right now , this is what we ’ re going to do .
These are the options that you have .
There are your rights in this process.
’ ” While these are unprecedented times , schools need to be transparent and need to prioritize giving survivors as much autonomy in the Title IX process as possible , said Carson , from Know Your IX .
Title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can continue their education safely during an investigation process and gives students continued access to mental health services offered by the school .
“ Sexual violence takes away control from someone , ” Carson said .
“ So making sure that survivors have choices and those choices are in their hands is one of the most important things that advocates and schools can do .
When schools go silent , it can bring a lot of fear for survivors who have been really grappling with trying to gain back some control in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name ) , a senior at a college in Florida , is going through her second Title IX investigation after she filed her first against a male student she had accused of stalking her last year .
She filed her second complaint earlier this year , she said , when the stalking escalated and the student raped her .
“ There ’ s a lack of communication because the school doesn ’ t have the resources that we need .
We only have one person in the Title IX office .
Everything is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school refuses to help out at all , ” Sabrina , who said she ’ s been given no updates on her pending case , told HuffPost .

Illustration: Damon Dahlen/HuffPost; Photos: Getty Images
When Rachel found out her school was moving all students off campus to begin remote learning during the coronavirus outbreak, she started making plans to relocate. She emailed her school’s residential office, and it got back to her within an hour. She reached out to financial aid, and two hours later someone returned her call. She also emailed the Title IX office to see what this meant for her pending sexual assault case and, days later, she hasn’t heard anything.
“I’m feeling very left in the dark about the whole process,” said Rachel, a student at Salem State University in Massachusetts. (Rachel is not her real name; HuffPost does not disclose the identity of potential sexual assault victims.) “With everything going on, I feel like they’re just sweeping my Title IX case under the rug.”
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Title IX is the federal civil rights law used in part to adjudicate sexual harassment and assault complaints on college campuses.
Rachel, and several other students who spoke with HuffPost, described the confusion and uncertainty around their ongoing Title IX cases in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, which has shut down schools and workplaces across the country. Title IX adjudication has long been a problematic process, especially under the Trump administration. Sexual assault survivors and experts tell HuffPost the pandemic is making a flawed system worse ― and that delayed cases could mean no justice served at all, since some alleged abusers may graduate before they ever face a consequence.
Sage Carson, manager of the anti-sexual violence organization Know Your IX, has heard from at least 15 students whose schools have given little to no guidances on how their pending Title IX cases will continue, if at all, amid the outbreak. Carson told HuffPost that many survivors have seen other pending disciplinary cases still move forward, such as plagiarism accusations or roommate disputes. Title IX complaints, however, seem to be stuck in the mud.
“We know that schools don’t always think of survivors first ― or even second,” Carson said. “So, knowing that it may take a long time for administrators to address this issue during the coronavirus can be very scary.”
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Rachel said she’s worried that if her case isn’t resolved before the semester ends, the man under investigation, a senior, may graduate and avoid any punishment. She’s also dealing with the isolation of being home, where only one person knows she was assaulted. Her parents and other close friends have no idea what she was going through on campus.
“With everything going on, I feel like they’re just sweeping my Title IX case under the rug.” - Rachel, sexual assault survivor
Delaying Title IX processes can also affect people who are accused in complaints. Some pending Title IX complaints may be affected differently depending on school rules. Unlike in Rachel’s case, if the possibility of a Title IX sanction is expulsion, then the school may withhold the accused person’s diploma until the case is decided. If the accused can’t graduate, they also can’t apply for higher education programs or jobs.
Alex, a queer recent college graduate, said her delayed Title IX case has “been a really re-traumatizing experience” and has caused her anxiety. Alex (also not her real name) filed a Title IX complaint at the Illinois Institute of Technology in November, she said, after she was raped by a student there. Last week, nearly five months after her initial filing, the school notified her they would hold an in-person campus judicial board hearing. This week, she’s wondering what an in-person hearing even looks like during a pandemic. When she reached out to her Title IX office, staffers were wondering the same thing.
She’s fought to get answers about her case long before the coronavirus pandemic was declared, Alex said. Now she’s angry and exhausted from being “stuck in this weird limbo,” and she’s even contemplating dropping her complaint.
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“I’m not even asking for fluency. I’m asking for competency,” Alex said. “I’m asking for them to show up and be transparent with me. I just want at least a skeleton plan. I want them to say, ‘Since we’re not doing anything on campus right now, this is what we’re going to do. These are the options that you have. These are your rights in this process.’”
“I’m not even asking for fluency. I’m asking for competency. I’m asking for them to show up and be transparent with me.” - Alex, sexual assault survivor
While these are unprecedented times, schools need to be transparent and need to prioritize giving survivors as much autonomy in the Title IX process as possible, said Carson, from Know Your IX. Title IX ensures that victims of sexual violence can continue their education safely during an investigation process and gives students continued access to mental health services offered by the school.
“Sexual violence takes away control from someone,” Carson said. “So making sure that survivors have choices and those choices are in their hands is one of the most important things that advocates and schools can do. When schools go silent, it can bring a lot of fear for survivors who have been really grappling with trying to gain back some control in their lives.”
Sabrina (not her real name), a senior at a college in Florida, is going through her second Title IX investigation after she filed her first against a male student she had accused of stalking her last year. She filed her second complaint earlier this year, she said, when the stalking escalated and the student raped her.
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She’s been surprised at the office’s lack of response, given that it’s closed in the past for emergencies, such as hurricanes.
“There’s a lack of communication because the school doesn’t have the resources that we need. We only have one person in the Title IX office. Everything is on her right now, and the school refuses to help out at all,” Sabrina, who said she’s been given no updates on her pending case, told HuffPost.
All three survivors who spoke to HuffPost said they were exasperated by the idea that the coronavirus outbreak could prolong their Title IX cases even more. None of them had much confidence in their schools’ ability to prioritize justice for survivors.
“Universities love to pretend that sexual assault on campus doesn’t happen,” Rachel said. “And I feel like this is giving them an excuse to ignore it more than usual.”


huffpost--2020-03-19--Childcare And Coronavirus: Should I Still Pay My Kids' Babysitter? And Other Questions

Earlier this week , my husband and I got a heartbreaking email from our younger son ’ s daycare .
It ’ s still open , for now , even as cases of the new coronavirus in our hometown of New York City continue to climb .
But city officials are contemplating closing daycares for the foreseeable future .
And many parents — us included — aren ’ t sending our little ones in .
The daycare was basically pleading with us to keep paying our usual rate for as long as we can , no matter what happens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone .
Families , like mine , struggle to pay for childcare under the best of circumstances .
And paying for months of childcare you ’ re not actually using — at the same time that many families are getting crushed financially — is no small ask .
But I love the women who watch my toddler , and I want to make sure they keep getting paid .
The same applies for daycare families .
Now is the time to dig up the contract you signed way back when and re-read it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are required to pay when the daycare is closed due to a public health emergency .
( If it doesn ’ t , you probably don ’ t have to . )
If you don ’ t have a contract , keep in mind there may be a difference between what is legally required and what ’ s fair .
That said , certain states do require employers to offer some level of paid sick leave .
And Congress just passed a coronavirus aid bill that requires employers to provide some level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , employers with fewer than 50 employees can apply for an exemption , so it ’ s not really clear what impact , if any , it might have on families and their caregivers .
There are many reasons why your caregiver might need to take some time off right now : He or she gets sick , has a family member who gets sick , or needs to self-isolate .
Maybe your own work situation has changed , so you simply don ’ t need care while you ’ re home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfortable having someone else come into your home while social distancing .
Industry experts say you should continue to pay them what you can .
If you can ’ t pay your full rate , ask yourself : What can we do ?
LaRowe suggested that , at a minimum , families should offer to pay regular caregivers the equivalent of what ’ s in the new coronavirus bill : 10 days ’ sick leave if they have to miss work for any reason .
If they need to be off for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 % ?
If you ’ re continuing with your current care situation , then now — like , right now — is the time to check in about expectations .
If your kid is going to daycare , what ’ s being done to promote social distancing ( given , of course , that it ’ s almost impossible to keep little kids apart ) ?
How often are they hand-washing ?
If your caregiver is still coming in , how is he or she getting there ?
What specific social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ?
If you ’ re suddenly working from home , have your expectations for how the days should go changed in any way ?
Now is also an important time to sit down and hammer out a family-nanny agreement if you don ’ t already have one .

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Earlier this week, my husband and I got a heartbreaking email from our younger son’s daycare. It’s still open, for now, even as cases of the new coronavirus in our hometown of New York City continue to climb. But city officials are contemplating closing daycares for the foreseeable future. And many parents — us included — aren’t sending our little ones in. The daycare was basically pleading with us to keep paying our usual rate for as long as we can, no matter what happens.
It’s a hard situation for everyone. Families, like mine, struggle to pay for childcare under the best of circumstances. And paying for months of childcare you’re not actually using — at the same time that many families are getting crushed financially — is no small ask. But I love the women who watch my toddler, and I want to make sure they keep getting paid.
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We’re obviously not alone. As COVID-19 has obliterated so many families’ routines, parents and care providers are being forced to wrestle with some pretty big, thorny issues. Like how to socially distance, together. Or how to equitably handle pay for a care provider when that care provider isn’t working.
So HuffPost parents spoke to two industry experts to find out what to keep in mind if you find yourself in this position.
First, check your contract.
“It’s best practice, in the industry, to have a written nanny and family agreement,” Michelle LaRowe, an International Nanny Association credentialed nanny, told HuffPost.
In an ideal world, you and your child’s care provider have already addressed questions like whether they get paid time off (and for how long) and whether they’re entitled to a guaranteed number of paid hours per week.
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“Look at the agreement you have, and make sure you are following it,” LaRowe said.
The same applies for daycare families. Now is the time to dig up the contract you signed way back when and re-read it — closely. It could specify that you are required to pay when the daycare is closed due to a public health emergency. (If it doesn’t, you probably don’t have to.)
It will also very likely to say whether you are expected to pay if your child is staying home because they’re sick or at-risk of illness.
In general, “if a daycare is still open for business, [families] are most likely going to continue paying the same fees,” Eva MacCleery, director of client services for Care.com HomePay, told HuffPost. But there are reports of daycares making the decision to charge parents who aren’t sending their kids in 50% of their usual fees.
If you don’t have a contract, keep in mind there may be a difference between what is legally required and what’s fair.
“The Fair Labor Standards act does not require an employer to pay a non-exempt employee for time not worked,” said LaRowe. “Nannies are non-exempt employees.”
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That said, certain states do require employers to offer some level of paid sick leave. And Congress just passed a coronavirus aid bill that requires employers to provide some level of paid and family leave. However, employers with fewer than 50 employees can apply for an exemption, so it’s not really clear what impact, if any, it might have on families and their caregivers.
And there is, of course, an important ethical element to all of this.
“Families should be considering what they are legally required to do, but also what the right thing is for their family and their caregiver,” said MacCleery.
There are many reasons why your caregiver might need to take some time off right now: He or she gets sick, has a family member who gets sick, or needs to self-isolate. Maybe your own work situation has changed, so you simply don’t need care while you’re home, or maybe you’re just not comfortable having someone else come into your home while social distancing. Industry experts say you should continue to pay them what you can.
“I think families who can afford to are paying their nannies regardless,” said LaRowe. “But this is hard for a lot of people.”
If you can’t pay your full rate, ask yourself: What can we do?
LaRowe suggested that, at a minimum, families should offer to pay regular caregivers the equivalent of what’s in the new coronavirus bill: 10 days’ sick leave if they have to miss work for any reason. If they need to be off for more time, could you consider paying them 50%?
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Another possibility? If your child’s babysitter is struggling with how to watch his or her own kid, maybe consider doubling up.
“We are seeing families whose caregivers are now watching their own children at the same time,” said MacCleery — although of course, that limits social distancing. Again, this is a hard, unprecedented situation with no clear-cut answers.
If you’re continuing with your current care situation, then now — like, right now — is the time to check in about expectations. If your kid is going to daycare, what’s being done to promote social distancing (given, of course, that it’s almost impossible to keep little kids apart)? How often are they hand-washing? If your caregiver is still coming in, how is he or she getting there? What specific social distancing measures have you all agreed to stick to? If you’re suddenly working from home, have your expectations for how the days should go changed in any way? Now is also an important time to sit down and hammer out a family-nanny agreement if you don’t already have one.
“It all comes down to open and honest communication,” LaRowe said.


huffpost--2020-03-20--A Quick Guide On What To Do About Your Doctors' Appointments

Do not go to any routine appointment in the next month , like physicals and dental cleanings .
Elective procedures @ @ @ @ @ Trips to the pharmacy should also be taken with caution .
If you have regular @ @ @ @ @ , you may be able to go — but adjustments will likely be made .
@ @ @ @ @ at risk .
What you should do if you still want to get in touch @ @ @ @ @ you have to be seen in person , ask your doctor ’ s office what @ @ @ @ @ .

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Even though we’re used to the COVID-19 pandemic by now, we still need to exercise caution when it comes to outings. Especially during a time when cases are climbing higher by the day.
So, where do doctors appointments come into play? What should you postpone and what should you do about vital screenings or exams for health conditions?
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We spoke with some experts to bring you this guide on what checkups or appointments you should keep, which you should cancel, and how to safely go to the necessary ones during the pandemic.
Routine visits should be evaluated based on your health history or issues, along with COVID-19 risk in your area.
It’s generally recommended that you continue your routine doctor appointments right now, like your yearly physical or gynecological exam. Experts are worried many health issues are going undiagnosed during the pandemic. By now, your doctors have likely established COVID-19 protocols to make sure you’ll be as safe as possible during your visit.
“I wouldn’t recommend cancelling right now unless your doctor’s office tells you that you need to,” said Abisola Olulade, a board-certified family medicine physician affiliated with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group in San Diego.
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“Physicals and other routine appointments are important because we often detect things patients didn’t know they had such as high blood pressure or an abnormal skin mole,” Olulade continued. “We also refer patients for screening colonoscopies and mammograms and perform pap smears, all of which are an important part of your health maintenance.”
However, you should make alternate plans for regular checkups if your area has a high COVID positivity rate (anything above 5% is usually cause for concern or at least pause) or if your city or state is under stay-at-home orders.
“Routine physicals are important but would not be the priority in a situation where the number of COVID cases are really high,” Olulade said. “And in cases when COVID case counts are high, if you are someone who is otherwise healthy, then you can reschedule ― better than canceling if possible ― your physicals and nonurgent concerns.”
The same consideration may be applied to routine dental appointments, according to Kavita Patel, HuffPost’s medical contributor and an internal medicine physician in Washington, D.C.
“If you are in an area with a high number of cases, I would consider delaying it,” Patel told HuffPost in July. “If you are in an area that has had declines, I would schedule and ask on the phone what precautions your dentist and the hygienist are taking. If you do go, I would bring hand sanitizer and a mask to your appointment, just to have if you end up waiting in a waiting area. If you can wait in your car/outside and they can text you to come in, even better.”
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Appointments for manicures, pedicures and hair also can wait if you’re worried about disease transmission, said Adam Rosh, an emergency room physician in Detroit and the founder and CEO of Rosh Review. If you have a pet, you should also consider calling veterinarians to see if they advise bringing your animal in for a checkup or if that can wait as well.
Why all the fuss? Rosh said appointments typically come with having to sit in a waiting room ― potentially with people who are sick ― and that increases your risk for exposure, especially indoors.
Inna Chern, a dentist in New York City, noted that while health care offices tend to be cleaner than average public spaces, the risk could arise from other areas of the building. Wearing a face covering and washing your hands can help mitigate some of that risk.
Call your doctors and discuss your specific case and whether they think you can wait to have a particular exam. Your health history, any specific factors that may increase your likelihood of disease, your health status and your chances of contracting a severe case of COVID-19 all factor into determining if you should follow through with a routine appointment.
eggeeggjiew via Getty Images
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Chat with your doctor if your ‘elective’ procedure is becoming more urgent. If it’s not vital, it may have to wait.
Many states canceled elective surgeries early in the pandemic. This was done mainly to make sure health care workers had enough medical supplies like masks, gloves and tests to use. This could become an issue again as coronavirus infections rise, Olulade said.
If your procedure isn’t considered an emergency, then it likely should be postponed, according to experts. This includes cases related to sports medicine and cosmetic surgeries.
“Anything that can be delayed should be delayed,” Miles Varn, the CEO of health advisory firm PinnacleCare, told the “Today” show in July. “There’s no reason to put yourself at risk if the surgery isn’t essential at this time.” Some procedures that are considered “elective,” however, can be vital to your health, Olulade said. (Hernias, for example, can become a major issue.) If this is the case for you, chat with your doctor about your options ― especially if it’s an issue that’s really bothering you. “Delayed care unfortunately often leads to bad outcomes,” Olulade said. You should also feel free to consult with hospitals about their COVID-19 precautions and procedures. Your risk of exposure may increase, but hospital officials should be able to tell you what they’re doing to protect patients (which likely includes sanitization practices, wearing protective equipment, spacing out visits by patients and limiting or banning visitors).
If you have regular appointments for cancer or addiction treatment, you should go.
Recovery centers are working hard to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, so those that are currently in live-in treatment centers should stay unless otherwise advised by the treatment center, explained Sarah Johnson, chief medical officer at Landmark Recovery.
“Many outpatient programs have found ways to deliver care via telehealth or other modalities aligned with social distancing,” she said, noting that hundreds of AA and other types of recovery meetings around the world should be available online. “And many sponsors are able to meet in-person with their sponsees who need extra support as long as everyone is well and practicing preventive measures.”
Patients who are undergoing cancer treatments should discuss their follow-up options with their physicians, said Joshua Mansour, a hematologist and oncologist in Los Angeles. Each case is specific to that particular patient.
“A few situations where a patient should be seen in the clinic is if they are currently on active treatment receiving chemotherapy, have lab abnormalities that need to be followed, or are symptomatic in any way,” Mansour said.
Courtney Hale via Getty Images
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Don’t put off health assessments. If you aren’t going in person, you should do virtual check-ins.
According to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation in May, almost half of adults say they or someone in their household has skipped or postponed medical care because of COVID-19. This can lead to dangerous health outcomes, including ones associated with the coronavirus ― especially if you have an underlying condition. Keep in touch with your doctor, even if you have to do it virtually.
“Appointments for uncontrolled chronic conditions are important,” Olulade said. “We know that keeping your chronic conditions ― diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. ― controlled is one of the best ways to protect yourself from getting a severe case of COVID.”
Therapists are doing appointments with patients via virtual platforms, Skype or FaceTime. Even dentists and doctors are offering virtual consultations. If you have a question for your general practitioner, you can also call their office and ask if they have telehealth options or ask to speak with them on the phone.
If your physician’s office is closed and isn’t picking up the phone, or if they don’t provide a telehealth service, you can take other steps to connect. Rodney Rohde, a professor and chair with the clinical laboratory science program at Texas State College of Health Professions, said to check if your doctor has an online portal and ask questions through the site.
“Also check with your doctor’s office to see if you can email ― this is an extremely helpful tool for consulting with your medical provider as well and even sending photos,” Olulade said.
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Some companies, like Small Door Veterinary, are providing a 24/7 open line of communication with vets through an app, which allows pet parents to contact and receive a response from a member of the medical team, access medical information, refill prescriptions and schedule a virtual consultation.
The bottom line is we need to take precautions to control the spread of the virus while still taking care of ourselves. Protect yourself if you do go to the doctor or the pharmacy in person, including wearing a face mask, distancing and washing your hands. And if you haven’t yet already, get your flu shot.
Whatever you do, “don’t delay your care,” Olulade said.
This article has been updated to reflect newer information about COVID-19, state reopenings and safety measures.
Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available as of its posting, but guidance could change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.