huffpost--2020-04-28--I Shouldn't Have To Explain Why 'Chink Virus' Is So Hurtful, But I Will Anyway

Photo credit : Celeste Huang-Menders The author said the U.S. president has fueled racial fears and given tacit approval for cruelty and prejudice by intentionally calling COVID-19 the “ Chinese Virus.
” The last time someone called me a chink to my face was 45 years ago .
I was a 7-year-old chubby little kid with thick glasses and a bowl haircut ( cut by my Dad ) walking in my Queens , New York , neighborhood when two teenage girls whom I ’ d never met before mockingly sang “ Ching chong , chink chong ” as they passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in second grade and there were two of them — what was I supposed to do ?
So I did nothing and kept walking home .
Now , “ chink ” has made a comeback because of the ignorant association of COVID-19 with Chinese people .
“ Chink ” has been used as a slur against Asians going back to the 1900s , possibly derived from the word “ China ” or used to describe narrow eyes or perhaps variations of Asian names .
Regardless of the origin , it ’ s used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person of Chinese birth or descent .
I never thought I ’ d hear the slur ever again , but unfortunately , I was wrong .
The president of the United States has fueled racial fears and given tacit approval for cruelty and prejudice by intentionally calling COVID-19 the “ Chinese Virus.
” This is racist for numerous reasons .
If I were trying to be as tolerant and patient as possible , I might try to forgive people who argue that it ’ s “ geographically accurate ” regardless of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do matter to the people who are directly affected , ” Dr. Keiji Fukuda , the WHO ’ s former assistant director-general for health security , said at the time .
“ We ’ ve seen certain disease names provoke a backlash against members of particular religious or ethnic communities , create unjustified barriers to travel , commerce and trade , and trigger needless slaughtering of food animals .
This can have serious consequences for people ’ s lives and livelihoods.
” Racism exists , I get it .
We ’ re not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns , platitudes or even empathetic op-eds .
These efforts are grains of sand .
But as anyone who has tried to get dressed after going to the beach knows , single grains of sand can linger where you least expect them and can actually make an impact .
In mid-March , in an effort to document the wave of coronavirus-related hate crimes and attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders , the groups Chinese for Affirmative Action and Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council launched an online reporting center and received about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first month alone , adding about 80 new reports each day .
The actual number of incidents nationwide is likely higher than what ’ s been reported on the site .
My eldest daughter , Quincy , is finishing the rest of this college year remotely like so many other students .
She ’ s currently on the West Coast , while my wife , our three other children and I are on the East Coast .
Knowing that Quincy has to leave the house to buy groceries once in a while , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight black hair , wide almond eyes or even the last name on her credit card might make her a target .
She and I have talked about her taking precautions and maintaining a constant circle of awareness while she ’ s outside , and it is sickening to me that we have to have these conversations at all .
With my three teenage children , I explained why some people calling the coronavirus the “ Chinese Virus ” was racist .
I shared my story about 7-year-old me and the slur I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the first time I ever said ” chink ” out loud to them , and as I did , it felt as though I had just torn away a layer of veneer from their innocence .
Was I talking about them ?
Were they ” chinks ” ?
In the eyes of some people today , yes they were .
My children wondered why I was so bothered by what some faceless strangers said on the internet .
I was bothered because I hadn ’ t realized people still thought this way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now feel to attack them/us/me .
In my masculine bluster , I would like to think I could protect myself in an altercation , but by the very nature of bullies , they only attack when they have the upper hand .
Like two teenagers would do against a bowl-cut big-eyeglasses boy walking alone .
Scrolling through the feeds , I once again experienced the sour , unbalanced feeling of being 7 years old again , unprotected and outnumbered by people who hated me for no good reason .
I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hatred are genuinely scared , panicked , ignorant or just angry , but it is stunning and saddening whatever their motivations .
One of the hardest yet most important efforts I can try to make today is to extend an olive branch to one of the people who use # ChinkVirus and – acting against my knee-jerk reaction of virtually wanting to punch him in the face – engage in respectful dialogue to say , “ We are not monsters , neither are you .
”

The author said the U.S. president has fueled racial fears and given tacit approval for cruelty and prejudice by intentionally calling COVID-19 the “Chinese Virus.” Photo credit: Celeste Huang-Menders
Last week, I had to explain to my four children why #ChinkVirus was showing up on Twitter.
The last time someone called me a chink to my face was 45 years ago. I was a 7-year-old chubby little kid with thick glasses and a bowl haircut (cut by my Dad) walking in my Queens, New York, neighborhood when two teenage girls whom I’d never met before mockingly sang “Ching chong, chink chong” as they passed me on the sidewalk. I was in second grade and there were two of them — what was I supposed to do? So I did nothing and kept walking home.
Now, “chink” has made a comeback because of the ignorant association of COVID-19 with Chinese people. “Chink” has been used as a slur against Asians going back to the 1900s, possibly derived from the word “China” or used to describe narrow eyes or perhaps variations of Asian names. Regardless of the origin, it’s used as an insulting and contemptuous term for a person of Chinese birth or descent. I never thought I’d hear the slur ever again, but unfortunately, I was wrong.
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The president of the United States has fueled racial fears and given tacit approval for cruelty and prejudice by intentionally calling COVID-19 the “Chinese Virus.” This is racist for numerous reasons. If I were trying to be as tolerant and patient as possible, I might try to forgive people who argue that it’s “geographically accurate” regardless of the underlying xenophobia.
“Seven-year-old me had learned that sticks and stones do break bones and that names, in fact, can often hurt us.”
In 2015, the World Health Organization issued clear guidance on naming new diseases. To make the world a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone, the WHO stated that disease names should avoid geographic locations (e.g. Middle East respiratory syndrome, Spanish flu, Rift Valley fever), people’s names (e.g. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Chagas’ disease), animal species or foods (e.g. swine flu, bird flu, monkeypox) and cultural, population, industry or occupational references (e.g. legionnaires).
“Disease names really do matter to the people who are directly affected,” Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the WHO’s former assistant director-general for health security, said at the time. “We’ve seen certain disease names provoke a backlash against members of particular religious or ethnic communities, create unjustified barriers to travel, commerce and trade, and trigger needless slaughtering of food animals. This can have serious consequences for people’s lives and livelihoods.”
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In the early stages of COVID-19, CNN reported that several news outlets — including CNN itself — initially referred to the new coronavirus as the “Wuhan Virus” but stopped referring to it as such after receiving guidance from medical experts. Learn, adapt, evolve. At least it’s a start.
But #ChinkVirus is different. It’s intended to hurt, shame, damn and accuse. Seven-year-old me had learned that sticks and stones do break bones and that names, in fact, can often hurt us.
Racism exists, I get it. We’re not going to eradicate it completely with ad campaigns, platitudes or even empathetic op-eds. These efforts are grains of sand. But as anyone who has tried to get dressed after going to the beach knows, single grains of sand can linger where you least expect them and can actually make an impact.
In mid-March, in an effort to document the wave of coronavirus-related hate crimes and attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the groups Chinese for Affirmative Action and Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council launched an online reporting center and received about 1,600 reports of discriminatory incidents in the first month alone, adding about 80 new reports each day. The actual number of incidents nationwide is likely higher than what’s been reported on the site.
These reports indicate that AAPI women are being attacked at twice the rate of men. As a father of two daughters and a husband to a woman smarter than me, that statistic both scares me and pisses me off.
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My eldest daughter, Quincy, is finishing the rest of this college year remotely like so many other students. She’s currently on the West Coast, while my wife, our three other children and I are on the East Coast. Knowing that Quincy has to leave the house to buy groceries once in a while, I cringe at the thought that her straight black hair, wide almond eyes or even the last name on her credit card might make her a target. She and I have talked about her taking precautions and maintaining a constant circle of awareness while she’s outside, and it is sickening to me that we have to have these conversations at all.
“My daughter and I have talked about her taking precautions and maintaining a constant circle of awareness while she's outside, and it is sickening to me that we have to have these conversations at all.”
With my three teenage children, I explained why some people calling the coronavirus the “Chinese Virus” was racist. I shared my story about 7-year-old me and the slur I was called on the sidewalk. That was the first time I ever said ”chink” out loud to them, and as I did, it felt as though I had just torn away a layer of veneer from their innocence.
Was I talking about them? Were they ”chinks”? In the eyes of some people today, yes they were. My children wondered why I was so bothered by what some faceless strangers said on the internet. I was bothered because I hadn’t realized people still thought this way, or how empowered some people may now feel to attack them/us/me.
In my masculine bluster, I would like to think I could protect myself in an altercation, but by the very nature of bullies, they only attack when they have the upper hand. Like two teenagers would do against a bowl-cut big-eyeglasses boy walking alone.
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So in hindsight, it was a bad idea for me to search for the hashtags #Chink, #ChinkVirus and other variations on Twitter.
Scrolling through the feeds, I once again experienced the sour, unbalanced feeling of being 7 years old again, unprotected and outnumbered by people who hated me for no good reason. I don’t know if the people unabashedly spewing online hatred are genuinely scared, panicked, ignorant or just angry, but it is stunning and saddening whatever their motivations.
One of the hardest yet most important efforts I can try to make today is to extend an olive branch to one of the people who use #ChinkVirus and – acting against my knee-jerk reaction of virtually wanting to punch him in the face – engage in respectful dialogue to say, “We are not monsters, neither are you.”
We can’t necessarily control how other people will act, but we certainly can decide how we individually want to conduct ourselves, what to stand up for and whom we choose to support and protect.
Have a compelling first-person story or experience you want to share? Send your story description to pitch@huffpost.com.


huffpost--2020-04-28--It’s OK That We’re On Our Phones More. Here’s How To Be Mindful About It

At first , seeing these big increases on Moment — the app I use to track my phone usage — was disheartening .
I know that , under normal circumstances , I tend to feel more on edge and anxious when I spend too much time on my phone .
So shouldn ’ t I be even more disciplined about cutting back during this especially anxiety-provoking period ?
But beating ourselves up about extra screen time is of little use right now .
We ’ re living through a global pandemic , which has brought very real fears to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our loved ones ’ health , our jobs , the overall economic fallout , loneliness , among others .
We could be doing far worse things to cope than spending more time on our phones .
Try to focus less on the number of minutes you ’ ve logged on your phone and more on how you ’ re spending that time .
Larry Rosen , professor emeritus and past chair of the psychology department at California State University-Dominguez Hills , has been working on a research project looking at both millennials ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and during quarantine .
“ In both cases , screen time has risen but when you look more granularly , you see that a lot of the increase , if not all , is the use of communication tools , ” Rosen said .
“ Social media , in particular , is increasing for many teens and millennials as a way to stay in contact and connect with family and friends.
” Clinical psychologist Aarti Gupta , founder and clinical director of TherapyNest , said the increased phone usage may be a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to connect with others when we ’ re lonely .
“ I would actually be more concerned about a person ’ s psychological health if they were to turn completely inward and isolate themselves from society , ” she said .
Getting regular updates is important — we need to continue to educate ourselves .
But obsessively consuming coronavirus coverage may stoke our fear and anxiety .
If the constant barrage of news is affecting your mental state , try cutting back on your media exposure , both on and off your phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I recognized that I was looking to digital connection to help me find my footing during this destabilizing time , but some social media made me feel even more helpless and uncertain than I already did , ” he said .
“ Alternatively , when I ’ m texting with friends , video chatting , or scrolling through Instagram , I find it very comforting to see that we ’ re all still sharing similar experiences.
” How To Use Your Phone More Mindfully Then take note of which websites or apps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re experiencing loneliness , then reading seven different projections about how long social distancing could last will probably make you feel worse , whereas DMing a friend might make you feel better .
“ If the sites you are using are connecting you with others , that is good , ” Rosen said .
“ If they are making you anxious , as they present somewhat scary news 24/7 , perhaps that is not a good use of your time.
” Taking a beat to check in with yourself before and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help bring some awareness to what you really need in that moment .
Watching a bunch of TikToks may be a great way to to decompress after a demanding day of work ; other times , mindless scrolling may be a way to avoid or dull unpleasant emotions that deserve your attention .
“ Even before the pandemic , I adjusted my smartphone ’ s settings so that only text messages ping , vibrate or chime , ” Shapiro said .
“ Of course , I still log in to social media and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clicked ‘ like.
’ But that doesn ’ t show up on my lock screen , which means I do it on my schedule and on my own terms.
” “ Make a list of all the non-digital activities that make you feel good and commit to giving them focused attention , ” Shapiro said .
“ For me , books are one thing that ’ s important , so I determine how much time I want to spend reading at any given moment — how many pages or chapters .
And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m done.
” Get an alarm clock so that your phone isn ’ t the first thing you look at in the morning ( or check in the middle of the night ) .
Plus , having your devices in another room will help you resist the urge to check them right before bed , which can mess with your sleep .
“ If the content you are reading or the person you are talking to brings joy to your day , then go for it — no matter how long you spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Since social distancing measures were put in place mid-March, I’ve noticed a considerable uptick in both the number of times I check my phone each day and how many hours I spend staring at that little screen — and I’m not the only one.
At first, seeing these big increases on Moment — the app I use to track my phone usage — was disheartening. I know that, under normal circumstances, I tend to feel more on edge and anxious when I spend too much time on my phone. So shouldn’t I be even more disciplined about cutting back during this especially anxiety-provoking period?
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Anyone else feel personally attacked when they receive their #ScreenTimeReport ? 😳 #CoronaLockdown pic.twitter.com/JNkGm7reTr — Carla Grimaldi (@CarlaCroninG) March 29, 2020
But beating ourselves up about extra screen time is of little use right now. We’re living through a global pandemic, which has brought very real fears to the forefront: concerns about our health, our loved ones’ health, our jobs, the overall economic fallout, loneliness, among others. We could be doing far worse things to cope than spending more time on our phones.
Plus, our smartphones are our main lifeline to the outside world while we’re physically isolated from many of our family and friends in quarantine.
“These handheld devices are one of our only means of social connection right now, the only way to maintain a sense of community,” Jordan Shapiro, author of The New Childhood: Raising Kids to Thrive in a Connected World, told HuffPost.
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So yes, we’re using our phones more but it may largely be because of all the texting, calling, FaceTiming and direct messaging we’re doing to stay in touch with loved ones we’d otherwise see in person.
Try to focus less on the number of minutes you’ve logged on your phone and more on how you’re spending that time. Larry Rosen, professor emeritus and past chair of the psychology department at California State University-Dominguez Hills, has been working on a research project looking at both millennials’ and teenagers’ screen time use before and during quarantine.
“In both cases, screen time has risen but when you look more granularly, you see that a lot of the increase, if not all, is the use of communication tools,” Rosen said. “Social media, in particular, is increasing for many teens and millennials as a way to stay in contact and connect with family and friends.”
“If we just looked at it as an increase in screen time, we would think it was a bad thing,” he added. “But in fact, it is a good thing satisfying the human need to connect.”
Clinical psychologist Aarti Gupta, founder and clinical director of TherapyNest, said the increased phone usage may be a result of our normal, healthy biological drive to connect with others when we’re lonely. “I would actually be more concerned about a person’s psychological health if they were to turn completely inward and isolate themselves from society,” she said.
Brogues Cozens-Mcneelance / EyeEm via Getty Images If your screen time is affecting your mental health, these mindfulness tips should help.
Our phones also help us stay informed about the virus and public health guidelines. They’re our “primary touchpoint for news and information,” Shapiro said.
Getting regular updates is important — we need to continue to educate ourselves. But obsessively consuming coronavirus coverage may stoke our fear and anxiety. If the constant barrage of news is affecting your mental state, try cutting back on your media exposure, both on and off your phone, and stick to trusted sources.
For Shapiro, that means limiting the time he spends on Twitter. When sheltering in place began, he found that his feed would often send him into “a dreadful spiral of apocalyptic speculation.”
“I recognized that I was looking to digital connection to help me find my footing during this destabilizing time, but some social media made me feel even more helpless and uncertain than I already did,” he said. “Alternatively, when I’m texting with friends, video chatting, or scrolling through Instagram, I find it very comforting to see that we’re all still sharing similar experiences.”
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How To Use Your Phone More Mindfully
If the amount of time you’re spending on your phone doesn’t bother you, then you shouldn’t feel pressured to change your habits. However, if excessive screen time is affecting you in negative ways, these tips will help you minimize distress and utilize your devices in a more mindful manner.
When you reach for your phone, pay attention to what you’re thinking or feeling.
Then take note of which websites or apps you gravitate to and why. If you’re experiencing loneliness, then reading seven different projections about how long social distancing could last will probably make you feel worse, whereas DMing a friend might make you feel better.
“If the sites you are using are connecting you with others, that is good,” Rosen said. “If they are making you anxious, as they present somewhat scary news 24/7, perhaps that is not a good use of your time.”
Taking a beat to check in with yourself before and after you pick up your phone will help bring some awareness to what you really need in that moment. Watching a bunch of TikToks may be a great way to to decompress after a demanding day of work; other times, mindless scrolling may be a way to avoid or dull unpleasant emotions that deserve your attention.
Hide or delete addictive apps.
I regularly delete Instagram off my phone and then re-download it the next time I want to log in. It only takes an extra 30 seconds, but it’s a small hurdle that stops me from just reflexively opening the app every time I check my phone.
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Alternatively, you can put tempting apps in folders so they won’t catch your eye every time you check your phone, or sign out of them after each use.
“Entering your password at each login attempt might be a reminder to be more mindful about your phone usage, rather than engaging in knee-jerk refreshing,” Gupta said. “Basically, the more hurdles, the better.”
Turn off non-essential notifications.
“Even before the pandemic, I adjusted my smartphone’s settings so that only text messages ping, vibrate or chime,” Shapiro said. “Of course, I still log in to social media and swipe to see who left comments or clicked ‘like.’ But that doesn’t show up on my lock screen, which means I do it on my schedule and on my own terms.”
Set aside time for your favorite technology-free activities.
“Make a list of all the non-digital activities that make you feel good and commit to giving them focused attention,” Shapiro said. “For me, books are one thing that’s important, so I determine how much time I want to spend reading at any given moment — how many pages or chapters. And I put my phone aside until I’m done.”
Charge your phone somewhere other than the bedroom at night.
“You might consider charging your phone in your bathroom or a separate room to create physical distance from your device,” Gupta said.
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Get an alarm clock so that your phone isn’t the first thing you look at in the morning (or check in the middle of the night). Plus, having your devices in another room will help you resist the urge to check them right before bed, which can mess with your sleep.
Remember that it’s OK to take a break from your phone.
It may feel like you have to check texts and emails ASAP, but that’s just not the case most of the time. Relieve yourself of the pressure to be available 24/7.
“I promise you won’t miss out on anything if you wait an hour or two before checking your phone,” Shapiro said. “The notifications will still be there when you want them. Remember, these are tools. And tools don’t use us, we use them.”
The bottom line? Be aware of how time spent on your phone is making you feel these days without worrying so much about the duration.
“If the content you are reading or the person you are talking to brings joy to your day, then go for it — no matter how long you spend doing it,” Gupta said.
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huffpost--2020-04-28--Farmers Resort To Euthanizing And Aborting Piglets Under Pandemic Pressure

The latest economic disaster to befall the farm sector comes after years of extreme weather , sagging commodity prices and the Trump administration ’ s trade war with China and other key export markets .
But it ’ s more than lost income .
The pandemic barreling through farm towns has mired rural communities in despair , a potent mix of shame and grief .
Farmers take pride in the fact that their crops and animals are meant to feed people , especially in a crisis that has idled millions of workers and forced many to rely on food banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crops and killing animals for no purpose .
Farmers flinch when talking about killing off animals early or plowing crops into the ground , for fear of public wrath .
Two Wisconsin dairy farmers , forced to dump milk by their buyers , told Reuters they recently received anonymous death threats .
“ They say , ‘ How dare you throw away food when so many people are hungry ?
’ , ” said one farmer , speaking on condition of anonymity .
“ They don ’ t know how farming works .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even as livestock and crop prices plummet , prices for meat and eggs at grocery stores are up .
The average retail price of eggs was up nearly 40 % for the week ended April 18 , compared to a year earlier , according to Nielsen data .
Average retail fresh chicken prices were up 5.4 % , while beef was up 5.8 % and pork up 6.6 % .
On Van Beek ’ s farm in Rock Valley , Iowa , one hog broke a leg because it grew too heavy while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered pigs to facilities that are still operating , but they are too full to take all of his animals .
Van Beek paid $ 2,000 to truck pigs about seven hours to a Smithfield plant in Illinois , more than quadruple the usual cost to haul them to a Sioux Falls , South Dakota , slaughterhouse that the company has closed indefinitely .
He said Smithfield is supposed to pay the extra transportation costs under his contract .
But the company is refusing to do so , claiming “ force majeure ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevents it from fulfilling its agreement .
Smithfield , the world ’ s largest pork processor , declined to comment on whether it has refused to make contracted payments .
It said the company is working with suppliers “ to navigate these challenging and unprecedented times.
” Hog farmers nationwide will lose an estimated $ 5 billion , or $ 37 per head , for the rest of the year due to pandemic disruptions , according to the industry group National Pork Producers Council .
A recently announced $ 19 billion U.S. government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for livestock that are culled , according to the American Farm Bureau Federation , the nation ’ s largest farmer trade group .
The USDA said in a statement the payment program is still being developed and the agency has received more requests for assistance than it has money to handle .
Minnesota farmer Mike Patterson started feeding his pigs more soybean hulls – which fill animals ’ stomachs but offer negligible nutritional value – to keep them from getting too large for their barns .
He ’ s considering euthanizing them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Smithfield indefinitely shut its massive Sioux Falls plant .
“ They have to be housed humanely , ” Patterson said .
“ If there ’ s not enough room , we have to have less hogs somehow .
One way or another , we ’ ve got to have less hogs .
”

The latest economic disaster to befall the farm sector comes after years of extreme weather, sagging commodity prices and the Trump administration’s trade war with China and other key export markets. But it’s more than lost income. The pandemic barreling through farm towns has mired rural communities in despair, a potent mix of shame and grief.
Farmers take pride in the fact that their crops and animals are meant to feed people, especially in a crisis that has idled millions of workers and forced many to rely on food banks. Now, they’re destroying crops and killing animals for no purpose.
Farmers flinch when talking about killing off animals early or plowing crops into the ground, for fear of public wrath. Two Wisconsin dairy farmers, forced to dump milk by their buyers, told Reuters they recently received anonymous death threats.
“They say, ‘How dare you throw away food when so many people are hungry?’,” said one farmer, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They don’t know how farming works. This makes me sick, too.”
Even as livestock and crop prices plummet, prices for meat and eggs at grocery stores are up. The average retail price of eggs was up nearly 40% for the week ended April 18, compared to a year earlier, according to Nielsen data. Average retail fresh chicken prices were up 5.4%, while beef was up 5.8% and pork up 6.6%.
On Van Beek’s farm in Rock Valley, Iowa, one hog broke a leg because it grew too heavy while waiting to be slaughtered. He has delivered pigs to facilities that are still operating, but they are too full to take all of his animals.
Van Beek paid $2,000 to truck pigs about seven hours to a Smithfield plant in Illinois, more than quadruple the usual cost to haul them to a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, slaughterhouse that the company has closed indefinitely. He said Smithfield is supposed to pay the extra transportation costs under his contract. But the company is refusing to do so, claiming “force majeure” – that an extraordinary and unforeseeable event prevents it from fulfilling its agreement.
Smithfield, the world’s largest pork processor, declined to comment on whether it has refused to make contracted payments. It said the company is working with suppliers “to navigate these challenging and unprecedented times.”
Hog farmers nationwide will lose an estimated $5 billion, or $37 per head, for the rest of the year due to pandemic disruptions, according to the industry group National Pork Producers Council.
A recently announced $19 billion U.S. government coronavirus aid package for farmers will not pay for livestock that are culled, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the nation’s largest farmer trade group. The USDA said in a statement the payment program is still being developed and the agency has received more requests for assistance than it has money to handle.
Minnesota farmer Mike Patterson started feeding his pigs more soybean hulls – which fill animals’ stomachs but offer negligible nutritional value – to keep them from getting too large for their barns. He’s considering euthanizing them because he cannot find enough buyers after Smithfield indefinitely shut its massive Sioux Falls plant.
“They have to be housed humanely,” Patterson said. “If there’s not enough room, we have to have less hogs somehow. One way or another, we’ve got to have less hogs.”


huffpost--2020-04-28--Phoebe Waller-Bridge Shares Hilariously Awkward Story About Raunchy 'Fleabag' Prop

Phoebe Waller-Bridge shared a hilariously awkward real-life story that could truly be a scene straight out of her show “ Fleabag.
” During an interview on “ The Graham Norton Show , ” Waller-Bridge , who wrote , created and starred in the multiple award-winning British comedy series “ Fleabag , ” revealed she ’ s stuck with the show ’ s infamous “ wall of penises ” prop while isolating at home in England during the pandemic .
As fans may recall , the sculpture formed a part of the “ Sexhibition ” hosted by her godmother ( played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of season one .
“ They ’ re all here , keeping me company , ” Waller-Bridge laughed in her interview last week .
“ They ’ re actually stored here ...
I ’ m meant to be moving into my office whenever lockdown is over , and I ’ m hoping it will eventually become a hat stand or something adorable like that.
” Currently , she said , the piece sits in the entryway to her home .
Waller-Bridge said she felt the sculpture was a little too “ intense ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether it could work as a towel rack in the bathroom .
“ You know when you just put something down at your house , and then you don ’ t think about it for ages ?
” she said .
“ It just becomes invisible to you , and you forget that you have 12 massive penises at your front door.
” She said she was suddenly reminded of their presence when faced with a delivery man .
“ I suddenly saw them again , for the first time in ages , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , god , I ’ m so sorry !
’ And he looked me dead in the eye and just said : ‘ It ’ s art , never apologize for art.
’ ” Waller-Bridge appeared on Norton ’ s program to promote the stage version of her show , which , following a sold-out stint on Broadway and West End , is now available to rent online on Amazon Prime Video for a $ 5 donation .
Proceeds will be donated to a number of U.K. charities combating the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sculpture , Waller-Bridge shows it off in the video below .

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Phoebe Waller-Bridge shared a hilariously awkward real-life story that could truly be a scene straight out of her show “Fleabag.”
During an interview on “The Graham Norton Show,” Waller-Bridge, who wrote, created and starred in the multiple award-winning British comedy series “Fleabag,” revealed she’s stuck with the show’s infamous “wall of penises” prop while isolating at home in England during the pandemic.
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As fans may recall, the sculpture formed a part of the “Sexhibition” hosted by her godmother (played by Olivia Colman) in the finale of season one.
“They’re all here, keeping me company,” Waller-Bridge laughed in her interview last week. “They’re actually stored here ... I’m meant to be moving into my office whenever lockdown is over, and I’m hoping it will eventually become a hat stand or something adorable like that.”
Currently, she said, the piece sits in the entryway to her home. Waller-Bridge said she felt the sculpture was a little too “intense” for the kitchen and bedroom but pondered whether it could work as a towel rack in the bathroom.
“You know when you just put something down at your house, and then you don’t think about it for ages?” she said. “It just becomes invisible to you, and you forget that you have 12 massive penises at your front door.”
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She said she was suddenly reminded of their presence when faced with a delivery man.
“I suddenly saw them again, for the first time in ages, and I was like, ‘Oh, god, I’m so sorry!’ And he looked me dead in the eye and just said: ‘It’s art, never apologize for art.’”
Waller-Bridge appeared on Norton’s program to promote the stage version of her show, which, following a sold-out stint on Broadway and West End, is now available to rent online on Amazon Prime Video for a $5 donation. Proceeds will be donated to a number of U.K. charities combating the coronavirus pandemic.


huffpost--2020-04-27--Secretary DeVos Recommends Maintaining Core Parts Of Disability Law Amid Pandemic

JIM WATSON via Getty Images US Secretary of Education Betsy Devos speaks during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus , COVID-19 , in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House on March 27 , 2020 , in Washington , DC .
( Photo by JIM WATSON / AFP ) ( Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images ) U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recommended Monday that Congress waive narrow provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act , while recommending that essential principles of the sprawling law remain intact , in a move at least one disability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am shocked and amazed and really , really pleased … about the report from Secretary DeVos not undermining the wonderful protections with students with disabilities , ” said Miriam Rollin , director of the Education Civil Rights Alliance at the National Center for Youth Law .
DeVos made her recommendations in a report to congressional committees .
The report comes after Congress ’ late March coronavirus relief package granted DeVos 30 days to make recommendations on whether sections of IDEA should be waived amid widespread school closures .
Now , it is up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her recommendations into policy .
IDEA is a sprawling education law that includes hundreds of mandates for schools and educators .
The law scrupulously details everything from how schools should interact with parents of students with disabilities to how to pay for students ’ services .
However , as school districts shift to virtual learning during the coronavirus pandemic , teachers and school administration groups have complained that many of these mandates are no longer tenable .
DeVos , however , is only recommending limited waivers on three sections of the law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools evaluating toddlers for potential services .
She did not recommend any waivers for section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ― which bans discrimination based on disability — and says she is rejecting waivers that impede on the core tenants of IDEA , which is designed to provide students with disabilities with an education that is analogous to their peers .
“ While the Department has provided extensive flexibility to help schools transition , there is no reason for Congress to waive any provision designed to keep students learning , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With ingenuity , innovation , and grit , I know this nation ’ s educators and schools can continue to faithfully educate every one of its students.
” Disability rights groups and parents urged the Department of Education to keep the law fully intact , saying waivers are unnecessary and could lead to an eventual chipping away of the signature education law .
Groups like the School Superintendents Association and National Association of State Directors of Special Education , though , have lobbied for temporary flexibility from some of these directives .
School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially concerned with getting sued , especially as they ’ re likely about to face huge budget cuts amid big state revenue shortfalls .
Schools could be held accountable , they say , for failing to live up to a student ’ s individualized education program ― the legal document that outlines necessary services for a disabled student ― even as barriers to successful implementation mount ever higher .
“ Federal laws were not written anticipating a global pandemic that has closed a large majority of schools across the country , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State Directors of Special Education and the Council of Administrators of Special Education to the Department of Education .
The School Superintendents Association told HuffPost it was not commenting on the matter .
The National Association of State Directors of Special Education did not immediately respond to request for comment .

US Secretary of Education Betsy Devos speaks during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House on March 27, 2020, in Washington, DC. (Photo by JIM WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) JIM WATSON via Getty Images
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recommended Monday that Congress waive narrow provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, while recommending that essential principles of the sprawling law remain intact, in a move at least one disability rights group is cheering.
“I am shocked and amazed and really, really pleased … about the report from Secretary DeVos not undermining the wonderful protections with students with disabilities,” said Miriam Rollin, director of the Education Civil Rights Alliance at the National Center for Youth Law.
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DeVos made her recommendations in a report to congressional committees. The report comes after Congress’ late March coronavirus relief package granted DeVos 30 days to make recommendations on whether sections of IDEA should be waived amid widespread school closures. Now, it is up to Congress to decide whether to vote her recommendations into policy.
IDEA is a sprawling education law that includes hundreds of mandates for schools and educators. The law scrupulously details everything from how schools should interact with parents of students with disabilities to how to pay for students’ services. However, as school districts shift to virtual learning during the coronavirus pandemic, teachers and school administration groups have complained that many of these mandates are no longer tenable.
DeVos, however, is only recommending limited waivers on three sections of the law, including one that grants timeline flexibility to schools evaluating toddlers for potential services. She did not recommend any waivers for section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ― which bans discrimination based on disability — and says she is rejecting waivers that impede on the core tenants of IDEA, which is designed to provide students with disabilities with an education that is analogous to their peers.
“While the Department has provided extensive flexibility to help schools transition, there is no reason for Congress to waive any provision designed to keep students learning,” DeVos said in a statement. “With ingenuity, innovation, and grit, I know this nation’s educators and schools can continue to faithfully educate every one of its students.”
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Disability rights groups and parents urged the Department of Education to keep the law fully intact, saying waivers are unnecessary and could lead to an eventual chipping away of the signature education law. Groups like the School Superintendents Association and National Association of State Directors of Special Education, though, have lobbied for temporary flexibility from some of these directives.
School districts have also said they’re especially concerned with getting sued, especially as they’re likely about to face huge budget cuts amid big state revenue shortfalls. Schools could be held accountable, they say, for failing to live up to a student’s individualized education program ― the legal document that outlines necessary services for a disabled student ― even as barriers to successful implementation mount ever higher.
“Federal laws were not written anticipating a global pandemic that has closed a large majority of schools across the country,” said a March letter from the National Association of State Directors of Special Education and the Council of Administrators of Special Education to the Department of Education.
The School Superintendents Association told HuffPost it was not commenting on the matter. The National Association of State Directors of Special Education did not immediately respond to request for comment.
The ball is now in Congress’ court.
“This is not over,” said Rollin. “But we are very, very relieved.”


huffpost--2020-04-28--Man Wins $1 Million Lottery Jackpot Twice On Same Day

PUEBLO , Colo. ( AP ) — With a little bit of luck and persistence , a Colorado man has @ @ @ @ @ playing the same numbers for 30 years .
Colorado Lottery officials identified “ Joe B.
@ @ @ @ @ two $ 1 million Powerball jackpots on March 25 .
He claimed the winnings on @ @ @ @ @ The winning tickets were sold on Lake Avenue in Pueblo at two different stores , @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
“ Joe B.
” bought one ticket in the morning and the @ @ @ @ @ communications director Meghan Dougherty said .
The Colorado Lottery received approval earlier this month to @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 or more at a touch-free , drive-thru claims office amid the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ to claim their prize , or do so through the mail .

PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) — With a little bit of luck and persistence, a Colorado man has hit the jackpot twice after playing the same numbers for 30 years.
Colorado Lottery officials identified “Joe B.” as the winner of two $1 million Powerball jackpots on March 25. He claimed the winnings on Friday, KUSA-TV reported.
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The winning tickets were sold on Lake Avenue in Pueblo at two different stores, about a mile apart, officials said.
“Joe B.” bought one ticket in the morning and the other in the evening, communications director Meghan Dougherty said.
The Colorado Lottery received approval earlier this month to process winning tickets worth $10,000 or more at a touch-free, drive-thru claims office amid the coronavirus pandemic.


huffpost--2020-05-07--How To Cope With Mother's Day Grief When You're In Lockdown

Mother ’ s Day is not a fun and joyous holiday for everyone .
For people who have experienced trauma like the loss of a mother or child , the occasion can spur painful emotions that require coping mechanisms to get through .
But this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic , many of those strategies may not be an option .
“ Because we are living in a time of physical distancing , many will not be able to be around others to help get them through the day as they normally do on Mother ’ s Day , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert and executive director of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education .
“ This Mother ’ s Day could also be very painful for some because they are literally alone due to the COVID-19 restrictions , and grieving in isolation hurts.
” Not only are social gatherings off the table , but coping tactics like engaging in group exercise or going out to certain public locations are similarly unavailable .
Mother ’ s Day may also be particularly difficult for those who have recently lost loved ones ― especially mothers ― to the deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease the effects of those Mother ’ s Day triggers while social distancing .
HuffPost spoke to Dry , Reidenberg and other experts to learn how to deal with the grief surrounding this holiday in lockdown .
While the focus is on people who ’ ve lost their mothers , much of their advice can apply to those who ’ ve lost a child or experienced other kinds of trauma .
Reach Out To Loved Ones “ It is important for you to find ways to stay connected and maintain at least some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Reidenberg said .
“ This means ensuring that you call , text or go online and see family members that you can ’ t be physically with but can still talk to .
For those who have recently lost their moms , this will be particularly important.
” “ Developing new routines during social distancing is essential to mental health and ideas that may be effective should include concrete actions to help the person take control of their grief , ” Dry said .
“ This can be accomplished by creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can still do to engage with others .
The coping plan could include specific activities like scheduling phone calls and listing the people you can call and what you would like to discuss.
” “ When we lose our mother , each Mother ’ s Day can be hard because we relive past Mother ’ s Days , we are reminded of things that we did for them or bought/made for them when they were alive , but we tend to do this with others , ” Reidenberg said .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the grief process , even years after the loss has happened .
When we can ’ t be together and don ’ t relive these memories with others people may feel like they are fading away or not being passed onto the next generation , and this is a form of loss as well.
” Carry On Traditions Or Create New Ones “ It would be helpful to find at least one tradition that you had with your mom that you can carry on that day , ” Reidenberg advised .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liked to eat on that day ― make it .
Maybe she enjoyed doing something in her garden ― try and do that .
Or maybe she always enjoyed calling a distant relative to say hello ― find a way to do that.
” It doesn ’ t have to be a perfect rendering of an old tradition .
You can make it your own or adapt it to the constraints of social distancing .
Or , you may consider creating your own traditions to honor this day that makes it special for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or drawing or doodling as a physical outlet for emotions .
“ Rather than curling up and saying you just are going to avoid the day altogether , find ways to make the day important for you , and in a way that you think would make your mom proud of you , ” Reidenberg said .
“ Whether that is carrying on a tradition that she had or creating a new one , the idea is for you to carry on her legacy on Mother ’ s Day.
” Take Stock Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , angry , distress , tearful , alone , afraid , etc.
, ” Reidenberg said .
“ You might want to avoid the day and the feelings you are having , or you may want to do something entirely new and different ― and worry about what others might think about how you are grieving.
” “ Once you are able to accept that your feelings are based in your grief , find things that are important to you and do them , whether they were important to your mom or not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be engulfed by your sadness and loss.
” Reidenberg said .

Westend61 via Getty Images Many people deal with painful emotions on Mother's Day.
Mother’s Day is not a fun and joyous holiday for everyone. For people who have experienced trauma like the loss of a mother or child, the occasion can spur painful emotions that require coping mechanisms to get through. But this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many of those strategies may not be an option.
“Because we are living in a time of physical distancing, many will not be able to be around others to help get them through the day as they normally do on Mother’s Day,” said Dan Reidenberg, a mental health expert and executive director of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. “This Mother’s Day could also be very painful for some because they are literally alone due to the COVID-19 restrictions, and grieving in isolation hurts.”
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Not only are social gatherings off the table, but coping tactics like engaging in group exercise or going out to certain public locations are similarly unavailable. Mother’s Day may also be particularly difficult for those who have recently lost loved ones ― especially mothers ― to the deadly disease.
“Along with that, people are experiencing grief and feelings of loss on a day-to-day basis due to the ongoing isolation from COVID-19, and may have their feelings intensified when holidays trigger difficult memories,” said Shelli Dry, a pediatric therapist and director of clinical relations at Enable My Child.
But there are ways to ease the effects of those Mother’s Day triggers while social distancing. HuffPost spoke to Dry, Reidenberg and other experts to learn how to deal with the grief surrounding this holiday in lockdown. While the focus is on people who’ve lost their mothers, much of their advice can apply to those who’ve lost a child or experienced other kinds of trauma.
Reach Out To Loved Ones
If you’re feeling alone at home and unable to physically be with others, it may seem tempting to isolate yourself further by shutting down the lines of communication. But connection is a powerful tool that can help with grief.
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“It is important for you to find ways to stay connected and maintain at least some traditions that you have for the day,” Reidenberg said. “This means ensuring that you call, text or go online and see family members that you can’t be physically with but can still talk to. For those who have recently lost their moms, this will be particularly important.”
Even if you can’t be with loved ones the way you normally would on that day, you can enjoy their company virtually with video calls or communication on social media. You can proactively prepare for the difficult day by establishing contact plans in advance.
“Developing new routines during social distancing is essential to mental health and ideas that may be effective should include concrete actions to help the person take control of their grief,” Dry said. “This can be accomplished by creating a plan for coping by identifying what you can still do to engage with others. The coping plan could include specific activities like scheduling phone calls and listing the people you can call and what you would like to discuss.”
Share Memories
“When we lose our mother, each Mother’s Day can be hard because we relive past Mother’s Days, we are reminded of things that we did for them or bought/made for them when they were alive, but we tend to do this with others,” Reidenberg said. “That sharing of memories can be very helpful in the grief process, even years after the loss has happened. When we can’t be together and don’t relive these memories with others people may feel like they are fading away or not being passed onto the next generation, and this is a form of loss as well.”
If you lost your mother, talking with loved ones on Mother’s Day offers the opportunity to share memories and reflect on your time with her.
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“Sharing the funny stories and memories with loved ones to celebrate your mother can bring joy,” said Saniyyah Mayo, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles. “So if you are struggling with Mother’s Day grief, remember and discuss the good times. Tell the stories that you want your mother to be remembered by.”
Dry suggested creating a memory book from pictures or stories about the person you lost and then sharing it with others through social media. She said online support groups can also provide a helpful forum for talking about them.
Carry On Traditions Or Create New Ones
“It would be helpful to find at least one tradition that you had with your mom that you can carry on that day,” Reidenberg advised. “Maybe she had a favorite food she liked to eat on that day ― make it. Maybe she enjoyed doing something in her garden ― try and do that. Or maybe she always enjoyed calling a distant relative to say hello ― find a way to do that.”
It doesn’t have to be a perfect rendering of an old tradition. You can make it your own or adapt it to the constraints of social distancing. Or, you may consider creating your own traditions to honor this day that makes it special for you ― like writing in a journal or drawing or doodling as a physical outlet for emotions.
“Rather than curling up and saying you just are going to avoid the day altogether, find ways to make the day important for you, and in a way that you think would make your mom proud of you,” Reidenberg said. “Whether that is carrying on a tradition that she had or creating a new one, the idea is for you to carry on her legacy on Mother’s Day.”
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Take Stock Of Your Feelings
Taking action to cope with your grief is important, but it’s also necessary to acknowledge and honor those feelings of grief, whatever form they may take.
“You may feel sad, angry, distress, tearful, alone, afraid, etc.,” Reidenberg said. “You might want to avoid the day and the feelings you are having, or you may want to do something entirely new and different ― and worry about what others might think about how you are grieving.”
Still, he emphasized that whatever you feel is OK and normal, as everyone grieves differently. The important thing is recognizing your own grief and how it’s affecting you ― and then walking through it rather than avoiding or denying it.
“Once you are able to accept that your feelings are based in your grief, find things that are important to you and do them, whether they were important to your mom or not, just do something that helps you not be engulfed by your sadness and loss.” Reidenberg said.
Licensed psychologist Tracy Thomas believes difficult experiences like grieving on Mother’s Day amid a pandemic push people to develop emotional strength. She recommended a strength-building exercise.
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“If you’re in a reaction and feeling something stressful, painful, or difficult, then it’s important to shift yourself to an intentional state of being,” she explained. “This can be done by learning to redirect your focus from your reactions to your intentions and the outcomes you want to create.”
Shifting away from that state of reaction may involve setting intentions for how you want to spend the day or pursuing an artistic project to turn the holiday into a source of creative inspiration or exciting new memories.
Have A Therapy Session
“Those who struggle with Mother’s Day grief can utilize talk therapy as a powerful tool to help them cope,” Mayo said. “Most people correlate talk therapy with being in a room with a therapist. However, talk therapy is simply talking about what’s bothering you to help clarify things to bring peace.”
Virtual group therapy can be similarly helpful, as can online support groups. While therapists offer expert advice, fellow mourners may be able to offer another form of comfort and consolation.
Reidenberg said, “It can be a relief to know that you are not going through something alone and that others might be struggling in a different way, but they too are finding ways through this holiday.”


huffpost--2020-05-08--The Coronavirus Is Halting Conservation Programs And The Impact Could Be Devastating

“ In California , when you get rain , that ’ s when all the plants start growing , so the weeds are really germinating heavily , ” said Dudley , who leads restoration projects under the Marine Science Institute at the University of California , Santa Barbara .
“ Once you get these nonnatives in there , and they establish , then it can be a whole process of a couple of years trying to get them knocked back before you can plant the native stuff.
” Inaction gives nonnative species more freedom to encroach upon areas where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant and animal species .
The pandemic could set research and control work back years .
Lost data can impact scientists ’ understanding of ecosystems and how to protect them , while an inability to keep invasive species at bay puts protected species at risk .
This is happening at a time when invasions have been on the rise partly due to globalization and a changing climate , which can weaken a natural habitat ’ s ability to fend off invaders .
“ It highlights how fragile everything really is .
That , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge number of species across the spectrum that have now become dependent on regular human intervention to keep them hanging on , ” said Francesca Cunninghame , an ornithologist and leader of a Charles Darwin Foundation project to protect the critically endangered mangrove finch in the Galápagos .
“ [ The COVID-19 ] situation , I think , really highlights that and the consequences if the humans doing that work are unable to get to those sites.
” A lack of work on these projects doesn ’ t just throw off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reed work , for example , there are other critical implications , like water conservation and wildfire prevention .
The giant reed , or arundo , is a thirsty plant , so it ’ s in the surrounding communities ’ best interests to keep the weed out to help conserve the precious commodity in the drought-prone region .
It also lights up like a Christmas tree .
With the summer fast approaching , California has the unenviable task of simultaneously managing both wildfires and a pandemic.The Santa Clara River restoration work — funded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million from the California Natural Resources Agency — has been going for the past 10 years .
They currently work in a 600-acre area and have restored about 400 acres so far , with help from The Nature Conservancy and Friends of the Santa Clara River .
“ If this continues through the summer … then it actually becomes more problematic , ” he said .
“ Because then you have weeds coming into stature , where they are two meters tall or so , and you have to essentially start from scratch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll be able to move on this before we get into the summer.
” She has been waiting to find out if her project with the black petrel — a seabird classified as a vulnerable species — on Great Barrier Island can go forward when New Zealand eases its lockdown from current level three to a less strict level two .
If approved by the government , the team would be allowed to work with social distancing measures in place .
For the last 24 years , Bell and her team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island ― which lies 62 miles northeast of the city of Auckland ― to survey and monitor the birds .
A team contracted by New Zealand ’ s Department of Conservation set traps to capture feral cats , the birds ’ predator , before the breeding season last year to protect adult petrels .
But new chicks — which start fledging the first or second week of May — sit vulnerable because traps aren ’ t being maintained .
After four weeks on Isabela Island in the Galápagos , Cunninghame and her team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March .
That meant the finch chicks — also fledging around this time — would be left defenseless against the black rat and parasitic larvae from a fly known as Philornis downsi .
With teams gone , trappings won ’ t be maintained and an insecticide to kill the larvae won ’ t be injected into the nests perched high up on top of the mangroves .
Fewer than 20 breeding pairs remain .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
As the clouds dumped rain across Southern California’s Santa Clara River region, research biologist Tom Dudley watched from his house and worried.
Before COVID-19 hit, he and his team would be out working along a stretch of the Santa Clara River in Ventura County to control the spread of the invasive giant reed and make way for native cottonwood or willow trees. The bamboo-like weed pushes out endangered birds and acts like fuel for wildfires raging across the landscape.
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But for the last six weeks, with invasive management efforts sidelined or downsized because of stay-at-home mandates, the work has stalled, giving unwanted species like the fast-growing reed an opportunity to invade.
And they’re taking it.
“In California, when you get rain, that’s when all the plants start growing, so the weeds are really germinating heavily,” said Dudley, who leads restoration projects under the Marine Science Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara. “Once you get these nonnatives in there, and they establish, then it can be a whole process of a couple of years trying to get them knocked back before you can plant the native stuff.”
Before COVID-19 stay-at-home mandates in early 2020, a field team clears the invasive weed known as the giant reed along the Santa Clara River. It’s among the fastest-growing plants in the world. Adam Lambert, Marine Science Institute.
Around the world, many conservation, eradication and control efforts have been affected by the coronavirus. While people in the field understand the importance of flattening the curve and keeping people safe, they also share a deep concern about what hitting the pause button means for their projects and the environment.
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Inaction gives nonnative species more freedom to encroach upon areas where they’re not wanted and devour native plant and animal species. The pandemic could set research and control work back years. Lost data can impact scientists’ understanding of ecosystems and how to protect them, while an inability to keep invasive species at bay puts protected species at risk. This is happening at a time when invasions have been on the rise partly due to globalization and a changing climate, which can weaken a natural habitat’s ability to fend off invaders.
“It highlights how fragile everything really is. That, at a global scale, there is a huge number of species across the spectrum that have now become dependent on regular human intervention to keep them hanging on,” said Francesca Cunninghame, an ornithologist and leader of a Charles Darwin Foundation project to protect the critically endangered mangrove finch in the Galápagos. “[The COVID-19] situation, I think, really highlights that and the consequences if the humans doing that work are unable to get to those sites.”
A mangrove finch, a critically endangered species that lives on Isabela Island, Galápagos. Charles Darwin Foundation
A lack of work on these projects doesn’t just throw off the balance of wildlife. For the giant reed work, for example, there are other critical implications, like water conservation and wildfire prevention. The giant reed, or arundo, is a thirsty plant, so it’s in the surrounding communities’ best interests to keep the weed out to help conserve the precious commodity in the drought-prone region. It also lights up like a Christmas tree.
“It turns river bottoms essentially into wicks for fire to spread across,” Dudley said. “So, it turns from barriers for fire movement into pathways for fire movement.”
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With the summer fast approaching, California has the unenviable task of simultaneously managing both wildfires and a pandemic.The Santa Clara River restoration work — funded in part with more than $4 million from the California Natural Resources Agency — has been going for the past 10 years. They currently work in a 600-acre area and have restored about 400 acres so far, with help from The Nature Conservancy and Friends of the Santa Clara River.
Field work restrictions have recently been eased by the university. However, only one person at a time, instead of four or five, can go out to spray herbicide, Dudley said, and contractors that help remove large sections of the weed haven’t been given a greenlight.
“If this continues through the summer … then it actually becomes more problematic,” he said. “Because then you have weeds coming into stature, where they are two meters tall or so, and you have to essentially start from scratch. We are just crossing our fingers we’ll be able to move on this before we get into the summer.”
Time is sensitive, too, for Elizabeth “Biz” Bell. The senior ecologist with Wildlife Management International Limited, a New Zealand-based consultancy and research firm, manages conservation and invasive control efforts around the world. Several of her projects have been cancelled or pushed back a year due to travel and government restrictions.
She has been waiting to find out if her project with the black petrel — a seabird classified as a vulnerable species — on Great Barrier Island can go forward when New Zealand eases its lockdown from current level three to a less strict level two. If approved by the government, the team would be allowed to work with social distancing measures in place.
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A black petrel, a vulnerable species with fewer than 1,000 breeding pairs that nest on the Great Barrier Island in New Zealand. COVID-19 has kept research teams from the island. Ed Marshall
For the last 24 years, Bell and her team have made the annual trip to the island ― which lies 62 miles northeast of the city of Auckland ― to survey and monitor the birds. A team contracted by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation set traps to capture feral cats, the birds’ predator, before the breeding season last year to protect adult petrels. But new chicks — which start fledging the first or second week of May — sit vulnerable because traps aren’t being maintained.
Missing the chicks before they leave the island would also leave a hole in her research. “If you miss that, your data gets a bit shaky, even after 24 years,” Bell said. “It’s frustrating. We are frantically trying to get back up there so we can check this year off.”
After four weeks on Isabela Island in the Galápagos, Cunninghame and her team were called back by the Ecuadorian government in March. That meant the finch chicks — also fledging around this time — would be left defenseless against the black rat and parasitic larvae from a fly known as Philornis downsi. With teams gone, trappings won’t be maintained and an insecticide to kill the larvae won’t be injected into the nests perched high up on top of the mangroves. Fewer than 20 breeding pairs remain.
“[COVID-19] has probably resulted in close to or zero breeding success,” said Cunninghame, who is quarantined in an Auckland, New Zealand, hotel with her husband and 3-year-old son after arriving from Ecuador. “It’s disastrous,” she added.
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Losing a species like the finch doesn’t just rob the planet of its natural beauty. The unprecedented loss of plants and animals is threatening its biodiversity, which is crucial to maintaining everything from food security to clean water to health.
An inability to maintain certain projects may also increase the risk of zoonotic diseases, which some invasive species carry, research has shown. Extended breaks in monitoring could allow a disease to go unnoticed. And disrupting projects that keep disease-ridden invasives away from other species could add to the risk.
Francesca Cunninghame, an ornithologist with the Charles Darwin Foundation, in a mangrove tree, where the critically endangered mangrove finch nests. Fewer than 20 breeding pairs exist today. GEORG HOCHMUTH
Not all work has been affected, as some governments consider projects essential. Guam and Hawaii, for example, continue with control efforts of the brown tree snake and eradication of the fungus Rapid Ohia Death, which kills ohia trees.
Dudley said control and other work in the future will need to be more flexible and factor in setbacks to better plan for the unforeseen — a prediction shared by other researchers. Funding may become an issue, too, as budget-conscious governments prioritize other areas in the wake of COVID-19.
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“Every time there are some financial difficulties in the state of Colorado, the legislators will go through and look at possible line items to erase, and the biocontrol program always shows up,” said Dan Bean, director of Biological Pest Control for Colorado’s Department of Agriculture. “And it’s worrisome.”
Bean partners with Dudley on a water-saving effort that releases a beetle on the invasive tamarisk tree – another thirsty plant sucking up water from the Colorado River ― to stop its spread. They couldn’t get to Arizona in March or April to track the tamarisk beetle’s movements after the insects first emerged for the season.
“In order to really think about the impact that beetles have on the tamarisk, you have to know how many times they defoliated during the season and how widespread the defoliation is,” Bean said. “This year ... we are blinded to what is going on.”
It’s not all dark clouds.
Scientists say the pandemic will highlight to more people just how important ecosystems really are and perhaps inform the response to another global problem conservationists know intimately: climate change.
“I think, even though our national government is going in the opposite direction, a lot of the world sees that international cooperation is not just a good idea, but that it’s essential,” Dudley said. “And that’s what it’s going to take with climate change: for everyone to back away and kind of say, ‘What’s good for other people is good for all of us.’”
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CORRECTION: This article previously misstated the acreage of the Santa Clara River project. It also misidentified a primary source of funding as the state Department of Water Resources.
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huffpost--2020-05-08--These Skin Conditions Could Mean You're Carrying The Coronavirus

Hives , bumps , blotches and toe discoloration ― as doctors learn more about the coronavirus , reports are beginning to emerge that COVID-19-positive patients sometimes experience different kinds of rashes on their bodies .
It turns out that “ COVID toes ” are indeed a thing , but they ’ re not the only skin symptom you may experience if you ’ re carrying the virus , and rashes may appear even after your infection has cleared .
“ We have seen almost a hive-like rash on the trunk , and I did see one 6-year-old who had it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ It ’ s pinkish , raised and itchy .
I ’ ve seen other patients that it ’ s more like an eruption of small red bumps , which we ’ ve seen mostly in patients who are admitted with more serious infections going on .
It ’ s hard for us to know if this is a viral manifestation or an immune response.
” “ Skin findings in patients with COVID-19 can be extraordinarily diverse , ” he told HuffPost .
“ Hive-like rashes , itchy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Blotchy , red , migrating spots have also been noted along with areas that look like inflamed eczema , seborrheic dermatitis or perioral dermatitis.
” Doctors think COVID toes — when there are red blotches on or even a hypothermia-like appearance of the toes — may be a result of the virus causing inflammation of blood vessels .
Fingers and toes have the tiniest vessels , and are therefore more at risk .
“ A lot of the skin manifestations we see are representative of what ’ s going on internally with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relate to thrombosis and the damage to the inside of blood vessels , ” Bradley said .
“ When you get blueish and reddish toes , it ’ s either thrombosis or damage to the vessels.
” Of course , COVID-19 is not the first virus to cause a rash — think chickenpox , measles , and hand , foot and mouth disease .
But unlike these viral illnesses , not every person who is infected with COVID-19 will develop a telltale sign on their skin .
“ In the skin , inflammation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excessive pink-red coloration all the way down to a paler , blanched look , ” Lancer said of the COVID-related symptoms doctors have seen in children lately .
“ Nonetheless , it is a blood vessel inflammation and perhaps nerve inflammation .
It is unknown if children are more likely to experience skin rashes than adults.
” Although all of these observations require further research , doctors agree that a COVID-related rash could pop up on someone who isn ’ t having any other symptoms .
Whether that means their body wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or whether it means it has already passed through , depends on the individual .
“ There was a paper out of Spain published with over 300 patients , and in patients with lesions on the fingers or toes , less than half of them actually tested positive for COVID , whereas some of the other rashes I mentioned , a lot of those were testing positive , ” Cataldi said .
“ What we ’ re wondering is for the toe findings , is that something that happens after the body has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is responding ?
Especially with COVID toes , those seem to happen in people who may not have many other symptoms at all.
” If you see a rash or skin change developing that is unusual for you , Cataldi said it ’ s worth calling your doctor .
A medical professional can advise on the best over-the-counter treatment or determine if you should make time to get tested for the coronavirus .
“ If it ’ s new , different or something you haven ’ t experienced before , you should absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think , ” she said .
“ A lot of doctors are doing telehealth right now and should be able to take a look at it .
Think back , are there any new medicines you ’ ve been taking , or any new lotions or things you ’ ve been putting on you skin lately ?
You can call your doctor and have them look at that rash , and the best way to figure out if it ’ s COVID is to get tested.
” Experts are still learning about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story is what was known or available as of press time , but it ’ s possible guidance around COVID-19 could change as scientists discover more about the virus .
Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations .

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Hives, bumps, blotches and toe discoloration ― as doctors learn more about the coronavirus, reports are beginning to emerge that COVID-19-positive patients sometimes experience different kinds of rashes on their bodies. It turns out that “COVID toes” are indeed a thing, but they’re not the only skin symptom you may experience if you’re carrying the virus, and rashes may appear even after your infection has cleared.
James Bradley, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Northwell Health, has been working directly with hospitalized COVID-positive patients. He has seen a wide range of skin symptoms firsthand, usually in one area of the body.
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“We have seen almost a hive-like rash on the trunk, and I did see one 6-year-old who had it around the belly button and back areas,” he said. “It’s pinkish, raised and itchy. I’ve seen other patients that it’s more like an eruption of small red bumps, which we’ve seen mostly in patients who are admitted with more serious infections going on. It’s hard for us to know if this is a viral manifestation or an immune response.”
Harold Lancer, a board-certified dermatologist, said there are a variety of potential skin issues to look out for.
“Skin findings in patients with COVID-19 can be extraordinarily diverse,” he told HuffPost. “Hive-like rashes, itchy or not, are the most common. Blotchy, red, migrating spots have also been noted along with areas that look like inflamed eczema, seborrheic dermatitis or perioral dermatitis.”
Doctors think COVID toes — when there are red blotches on or even a hypothermia-like appearance of the toes — may be a result of the virus causing inflammation of blood vessels. Fingers and toes have the tiniest vessels, and are therefore more at risk.
Advertisement
“A lot of the skin manifestations we see are representative of what’s going on internally with the organs, and fingers and toes relate to thrombosis and the damage to the inside of blood vessels,” Bradley said. “When you get blueish and reddish toes, it’s either thrombosis or damage to the vessels.”
Of course, COVID-19 is not the first virus to cause a rash — think chickenpox, measles, and hand, foot and mouth disease. But unlike these viral illnesses, not every person who is infected with COVID-19 will develop a telltale sign on their skin.
“There are papers coming out of Italy and China suggesting 2% to 20% have skin symptoms,” said Jessica Cataldi, a board-certified infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “It’s not the primary symptom for most people; the majority of people with COVID won’t have a rash.”
Reports in early May stated that children were experiencing rashes too, part of a new issue facing medical professionals: children seemingly developing Kawasaki disease, which causes inflammation in the blood vessels and a rash, during or after a COVID infection.
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“In the skin, inflammation of the blood vessels can appear as excessive pink-red coloration all the way down to a paler, blanched look,” Lancer said of the COVID-related symptoms doctors have seen in children lately. “Nonetheless, it is a blood vessel inflammation and perhaps nerve inflammation. It is unknown if children are more likely to experience skin rashes than adults.”
Although all of these observations require further research, doctors agree that a COVID-related rash could pop up on someone who isn’t having any other symptoms. Whether that means their body wasn’t very affected by the virus, or whether it means it has already passed through, depends on the individual.
Vershinin via Getty Images Doctors say COVID-related skin conditions may look like psoriasis or hives.
“There was a paper out of Spain published with over 300 patients, and in patients with lesions on the fingers or toes, less than half of them actually tested positive for COVID, whereas some of the other rashes I mentioned, a lot of those were testing positive,” Cataldi said. “What we’re wondering is for the toe findings, is that something that happens after the body has helped clear the virus and your body is responding? Especially with COVID toes, those seem to happen in people who may not have many other symptoms at all.”
“We have seen patients with just a rash and malaise who test positive for COVID. It could be one of the symptoms when you don’t have others,” Bradley explained.
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If you see a rash or skin change developing that is unusual for you, Cataldi said it’s worth calling your doctor. A medical professional can advise on the best over-the-counter treatment or determine if you should make time to get tested for the coronavirus.
“If it’s new, different or something you haven’t experienced before, you should absolutely call your doctor and ask what they think,” she said. “A lot of doctors are doing telehealth right now and should be able to take a look at it. Think back, are there any new medicines you’ve been taking, or any new lotions or things you’ve been putting on you skin lately? You can call your doctor and have them look at that rash, and the best way to figure out if it’s COVID is to get tested.”
Experts are still learning about the novel coronavirus. The information in this story is what was known or available as of press time, but it’s possible guidance around COVID-19 could change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.


huffpost--2020-05-08--Singapore Officials Using 'Robodogs' To Enforce Social Distancing In Parks

SINGAPORE , May 8 ( Reuters ) - Far from barking its orders , a robot dog enlisted by Singapore authorities to help curb coronavirus infections in the city-state politely asks joggers and cyclists to stay apart .
The remote-controlled , four-legged machine built by Boston Dynamics was first deployed in a central park on Friday as part of a two-week trial that could see it join other robots policing Singapore ’ s green spaces during a nationwide lockdown .
“ Let ’ s keep Singapore healthy , ” the yellow and black robodog named SPOT said in English as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own safety and for those around you , please stand at least one meter apart .
Thank you , ” it added , in a softly-spoken female voice .
Despite the niceties , breaches of Singapore ’ s strict lockdown rules can result in hefty fines and even jail .
The city-state of 5.7 million people has more than 21,000 cases , one of the highest tallies in Asia , largely due to mass infections among migrant workers living in cramped dormitories in areas little visited by tourists .
Under rules to enforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , residents can only leave their homes for essential trips like grocery shopping and must wear a mask at all times in public .
Exercise outdoors is permissible but must be done alone .
Another robot , in the shape of a small car , has been deployed at a nearby reservoir to warn visitors “ not to loiter ” and that “ gatherings are not allowed .
“ The authorities behind the latest trial - the government technology and cybersecurity agencies - said in a statement that SPOT could better cross rough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as broadcasting messages reminding visitors of social distancing measures , SPOT is fitted with cameras and analytics tools to estimate thenumber of people in the park .
Authorities said the cameras would not be able to track individuals or record personal data .
SPOT has also recently been trialed for use at a temporary hospital delivering medicines to patients .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
SINGAPORE, May 8 (Reuters) - Far from barking its orders, a robot dog enlisted by Singapore authorities to help curb coronavirus infections in the city-state politely asks joggers and cyclists to stay apart.
The remote-controlled, four-legged machine built by Boston Dynamics was first deployed in a central park on Friday as part of a two-week trial that could see it join other robots policing Singapore’s green spaces during a nationwide lockdown.
Advertisement
“Let’s keep Singapore healthy,” the yellow and black robodog named SPOT said in English as it roamed around. “For your own safety and for those around you, please stand at least one meter apart. Thank you,” it added, in a softly-spoken female voice.
Despite the niceties, breaches of Singapore’s strict lockdown rules can result in hefty fines and even jail.
The city-state of 5.7 million people has more than 21,000 cases, one of the highest tallies in Asia, largely due to mass infections among migrant workers living in cramped dormitories in areas little visited by tourists.
Under rules to enforce the lockdown in place until June 1, residents can only leave their homes for essential trips like grocery shopping and must wear a mask at all times in public.
Advertisement
Exercise outdoors is permissible but must be done alone. Another robot, in the shape of a small car, has been deployed at a nearby reservoir to warn visitors “not to loiter” and that “gatherings are not allowed.
“The authorities behind the latest trial - the government technology and cybersecurity agencies - said in a statement that SPOT could better cross rough terrain in parks and gardens.
As well as broadcasting messages reminding visitors of social distancing measures, SPOT is fitted with cameras and analytics tools to estimate thenumber of people in the park.
Authorities said the cameras would not be able to track individuals or record personal data.
SPOT has also recently been trialed for use at a temporary hospital delivering medicines to patients.


huffpost--2020-05-08--Coronavirus Live Updates: Read The Latest About The COVID-19 Outbreak

HuffPost reporters around the world are tracking the pandemic and the measures being taken to flatten the curve of transmission .
Read the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic below .
( To see the latest updates , you may need to refresh the page .
All times are Eastern .
For earlier updates on the pandemic , go here . )
South Korea Donates 2 Million Face Masks To U.S. — 5/11/2020 , 3:58 a.m .
ET South Korea ’ s foreign ministry said Sunday that it had donated 2 million face masks to the United States , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ally.
” The masks were set to arrive in America on Monday aboard a U.S. cargo flight , the ministry said , per South Korea ’ s Yonhap News Agency .
Harry Harris , the U.S. ambassador to South Korea , thanked the country on Twitter for the shipment .
“ Our alliance and friendship are as vital and ironclad today as it was 70 years ago , ” Harris wrote .
Boris Johnson Sets Out ‘ 5 Alert ’ Plan For Britain To Ease Lockdown — 5/10/20 , 2:30 p.m. U.K. prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s first changes to the coronavirus lockdown , which will come into force on Wednesday , but warned it would be “ madness ” to remove restrictions entirely this week .
Johnson said people will be permitted to do “ unlimited ” outdoor exercise , sunbathe , play sports with members of their household , and “ drive to other destinations.
” He added that from Monday people who can not work from home will be “ actively encouraged ” to return to their jobs .
But in the pre-recorded speech to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister said that while some rules will be relaxed , fines for people who break the lockdown guidelines will be increased .
Johnson said some primary-age children could return to school by June 1 “ at the earliest.
” The “ phased ” reopening of shops could also be allowed at the start of next month .
Under the P.M. ’ s plan , some of the hospitality industry and other public places could be allowed to reopen at the beginning of July .
A new alert system , similar to that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being established to monitor the threat posed by the virus .
The U.K. is currently at level four of the five-tier system , just below the “ most critical ” threat .
The number of registered deaths from COVID-19 currently stands at 33,021 across the country .
The Labor Department reported this week that the unemployment rate has hit a record 14.7 % , but Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that the actual rate could be closer to 25 % .
The latter figure would match the joblessness rate during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have peaked at 24.9 % in 1933 .
On “ Fox News Sunday , ” Mnuchin said the reported unemployment numbers would probably “ get worse before they get better.
” “ That ’ s why we ’ re very focused on rebuilding this economy and getting back to where it was , ” he said .
“ This is no fault of American business .
This no fault of American workers .
This is the result of a virus.
” White House Officials Killed Report On Reopening Country , Not The CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was high-ranking White House officials who made the decision to shelf detailed reopening guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , The Associated Press reported Friday .
AP ’ s findings conflict with claims by White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany , who said Friday that CDC Director Robert Redfield did not approve the documents .
Emails obtained by the AP show that he did .
AP also found that CDC officials repeatedly inquired why the White House hadn ’ t posted their guidance , which included “ decision trees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would establish benchmarks for when communities can resume business as usual .
But the White House killed the documents for good on April 30 .
U.S. Unemployment Rate Shoots Up To 14.7 % in April — 5/8/20 , 8:40 a.m .
ET Unemployment in the United States has reached its highest levels since the Great Depression , a horrifying milestone that may take the country years to recover from .
Some 20.5 million jobs disappeared in the worst monthly loss on record , meaning that nearly all of the job growth since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one month .
The new coronavirus has wrought economic devastation with stunning speed , considering the unemployment rate was just 3.5 % in February .
During the Great Depression , that figure reached nearly 25 % .
In New York , the epicenter of the public health crisis , a statewide pause on eviction proceedings was enacted so families struggling the most do not have to pay rent during the crisis .
Across the country , Americans have turned to food banks as they go weeks without paychecks .
New York Extends Ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1:19 p.m .
ET New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) announced some extra protections for renters in his state on Thursday .
They include a moratorium on evictions due to nonpayment of rent until Aug. 20 , which extends the ban 60 days past its original end date in June .
It applies to both residential and commercial tenants .
“ People literally are worried about being able to pay rent .
You don ’ t work for two months and that rent bill keeps coming in , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo added that he is banning any fees on late rent payments .
Additionally , landlords must continue to let tenants dip into their security deposits to pay rent .
“ I hope it gives families a deep breath .
Nothing can happen until Aug. 20 , ” he said , noting they will continue to assess the situation between now and then .
Nearly 3.2 Million More Americans Filed For Unemployment Last Week — 5/7/20 , 9:02 a.m .
ET Nearly 3.2 million laid-off workers in the U.S. applied for unemployment aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans who have filed unemployment claims since the coronavirus pandemic forced widespread business shutdowns to 33.5 million , The Associated Press reports .
One in five Americans who had been in the workforce as of February have now been laid off .
The pandemic has caused the country ’ s worst economic downturn in decades .
The Department of Labor ’ s April jobs report , which will be issued Friday , is expected to be the worst one in 60 years .
Economists predict the U.S. unemployment rate will reach at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Great Depression .
In February , the unemployment rate had dropped to 3.5 % , a 50-year low .
UN Asks For More Money To Help Poor Countries Fight Virus — 5/7/2020 , 6:20 a.m .
ET The U.N. has increased the amount of money it ’ s asking for to fight the pandemic in poorer countries , from $ 2 billion to $ 6.7 billion .
Humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock said that while the peak of the pandemic isn ’ t expected to hit the world ’ s poorest countries for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is already evidence of job losses and disruption to food supply .
“ Unless we take action now , we should be prepared for a significant rise in conflict , hunger and poverty , ” he warned .
“ The specter of multiple famines looms.
” Since March 25 , the U.N. has raised $ 1 billion to support efforts across 37 fragile countries , The Associated Press reports .
— Liza Hearon For earlier updates on the pandemic , go here .

HuffPost reporters around the world are tracking the pandemic and the measures being taken to flatten the curve of transmission.
Read the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic below. (To see the latest updates, you may need to refresh the page. All times are Eastern. For earlier updates on the pandemic, go here.)
South Korea Donates 2 Million Face Masks To U.S. — 5/11/2020, 3:58 a.m. ET
South Korea’s foreign ministry said Sunday that it had donated 2 million face masks to the United States, in a show of “support for our ally.” The masks were set to arrive in America on Monday aboard a U.S. cargo flight, the ministry said, per South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.
Harry Harris, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, thanked the country on Twitter for the shipment.
“Our alliance and friendship are as vital and ironclad today as it was 70 years ago,” Harris wrote.
— Dominique Mosbergen
Boris Johnson Sets Out ‘5 Alert’ Plan For Britain To Ease Lockdown — 5/10/20, 2:30 p.m.
U.K. prime minister Boris Johnson has announced the country’s first changes to the coronavirus lockdown, which will come into force on Wednesday, but warned it would be “madness” to remove restrictions entirely this week.
Johnson said people will be permitted to do “unlimited” outdoor exercise, sunbathe, play sports with members of their household, and “drive to other destinations.” He added that from Monday people who cannot work from home will be “actively encouraged” to return to their jobs.
But in the pre-recorded speech to the nation on Sunday evening, the prime minister said that while some rules will be relaxed, fines for people who break the lockdown guidelines will be increased.
Johnson said some primary-age children could return to school by June 1 “at the earliest.” The “phased” reopening of shops could also be allowed at the start of next month. Under the P.M.’s plan, some of the hospitality industry and other public places could be allowed to reopen at the beginning of July.
A new alert system, similar to that used to monitor active terrorist threats, is being established to monitor the threat posed by the virus. The U.K. is currently at level four of the five-tier system, just below the “most critical” threat.
The number of registered deaths from COVID-19 currently stands at 33,021 across the country.
Read more here.
— Ned Simons
Mnuchin: Actual U.S. Employment Rate ‘Could Be’ Close To 25% — 5/10/20, 12:15 p.m.
The Labor Department reported this week that the unemployment rate has hit a record 14.7%, but Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that the actual rate could be closer to 25%.
The latter figure would match the joblessness rate during the Great Depression, which is estimated to have peaked at 24.9% in 1933.
On “Fox News Sunday,” Mnuchin said the reported unemployment numbers would probably “get worse before they get better.”
“That’s why we’re very focused on rebuilding this economy and getting back to where it was,” he said. “This is no fault of American business. This no fault of American workers. This is the result of a virus.”
— Hayley Miller
White House Officials Killed Report On Reopening Country, Not The CDC ― 5/8/20, 7:07 p.m. ET
It was high-ranking White House officials who made the decision to shelf detailed reopening guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Associated Press reported Friday.
AP’s findings conflict with claims by White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who said Friday that CDC Director Robert Redfield did not approve the documents. Emails obtained by the AP show that he did.
AP also found that CDC officials repeatedly inquired why the White House hadn’t posted their guidance, which included “decision trees,” a type of flow chart that would establish benchmarks for when communities can resume business as usual. But the White House killed the documents for good on April 30.
― Lydia O’Connor
U.S. Unemployment Rate Shoots Up To 14.7% in April — 5/8/20, 8:40 a.m. ET
Unemployment in the United States has reached its highest levels since the Great Depression, a horrifying milestone that may take the country years to recover from.
Some 20.5 million jobs disappeared in the worst monthly loss on record, meaning that nearly all of the job growth since the 2008 recession has been lost in one month.
The new coronavirus has wrought economic devastation with stunning speed, considering the unemployment rate was just 3.5% in February. During the Great Depression, that figure reached nearly 25%.
In New York, the epicenter of the public health crisis, a statewide pause on eviction proceedings was enacted so families struggling the most do not have to pay rent during the crisis. Across the country, Americans have turned to food banks as they go weeks without paychecks.
— Sara Boboltz
New York Extends Ban On Evictions Through August — 5/7/2020, 1:19 p.m. ET
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced some extra protections for renters in his state on Thursday. They include a moratorium on evictions due to nonpayment of rent until Aug. 20, which extends the ban 60 days past its original end date in June. It applies to both residential and commercial tenants.
“People literally are worried about being able to pay rent. You don’t work for two months and that rent bill keeps coming in,” he said at a press conference Thursday.
Cuomo added that he is banning any fees on late rent payments. Additionally, landlords must continue to let tenants dip into their security deposits to pay rent.
“I hope it gives families a deep breath. Nothing can happen until Aug. 20,” he said, noting they will continue to assess the situation between now and then.
― Lydia O’Connor
Nearly 3.2 Million More Americans Filed For Unemployment Last Week — 5/7/20, 9:02 a.m. ET
Nearly 3.2 million laid-off workers in the U.S. applied for unemployment aid last week, bringing the total number of Americans who have filed unemployment claims since the coronavirus pandemic forced widespread business shutdowns to 33.5 million, The Associated Press reports.
One in five Americans who had been in the workforce as of February have now been laid off.
The pandemic has caused the country’s worst economic downturn in decades. The Department of Labor’s April jobs report, which will be issued Friday, is expected to be the worst one in 60 years. Economists predict the U.S. unemployment rate will reach at least 16%, the highest since the Great Depression.
In February, the unemployment rate had dropped to 3.5%, a 50-year low.
Read more here.
— Marina Fang
UN Asks For More Money To Help Poor Countries Fight Virus — 5/7/2020, 6:20 a.m. ET
The U.N. has increased the amount of money it’s asking for to fight the pandemic in poorer countries, from $2 billion to $6.7 billion. Humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock said that while the peak of the pandemic isn’t expected to hit the world’s poorest countries for another three to six months, there is already evidence of job losses and disruption to food supply.
“Unless we take action now, we should be prepared for a significant rise in conflict, hunger and poverty,” he warned. “The specter of multiple famines looms.”
Since March 25, the U.N. has raised $1 billion to support efforts across 37 fragile countries, The Associated Press reports.
— Liza Hearon
For earlier updates on the pandemic, go here.