huffpost--2020-05-04--'Darth Vader' Enforces Coronavirus Lockdown In Philippines Villages

MANILA ( Reuters ) - Dressed as “ Star Wars ” characters , local officials in the Philippines are out and about to enforce strict quarantine measures while also handing out relief packages .
With Darth Vader and Stormtrooper outfits made from rubber mats and old plastic , the youth leaders catch the attention of villagers on the outskirts of Manila , who are then reminded to stay indoors .
“ We tell off residents who still go outdoors without the proper quarantine passes needed and also those who do not wear face masks .
We make sure the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baldago , an elected official dressed in a Stormtrooper costume , told Reuters .
His get-up is greeted with smiles and offers villagers a little distraction from outbreak , he added .
On May 4 , also known as “ Star Wars ” Day and celebrated worldwide by fans of the franchise , government workers in costume also rode small wooden boats to distribute relief packs containing rice and canned goods in a nearby coastal neighbourhood .
The Philippines , whose capital and main cities are under strict quarantine protocols until mid-May , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 623 deaths and 1,315 recoveries as of Monday , government figures showed .

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MANILA (Reuters) - Dressed as “Star Wars” characters, local officials in the Philippines are out and about to enforce strict quarantine measures while also handing out relief packages.
With Darth Vader and Stormtrooper outfits made from rubber mats and old plastic, the youth leaders catch the attention of villagers on the outskirts of Manila, who are then reminded to stay indoors.
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“We tell off residents who still go outdoors without the proper quarantine passes needed and also those who do not wear face masks. We make sure the government guidelines are properly followed,” Muriel Baldago, an elected official dressed in a Stormtrooper costume, told Reuters.
His get-up is greeted with smiles and offers villagers a little distraction from outbreak, he added.
On May 4, also known as “Star Wars” Day and celebrated worldwide by fans of the franchise, government workers in costume also rode small wooden boats to distribute relief packs containing rice and canned goods in a nearby coastal neighbourhood.


huffpost--2020-04-22--Coronavirus Anxiety Is Seriously Affecting Teens. Here's How To Help.

There is a lot of advice on the internet right now about how to help young kids cope with the many changes in their lives thanks to COVID-19 .
There ’ s also a lot to be found on how adults can take care of their own mental health .
Tweens and teens ?
Not so much .
“ This is all so very new , we don ’ t have data , but we do have stories .
And those stories are telling us a lot about what teenagers are going through , ” Jill Emanuele , senior director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Child Mind Institute in New York City , told HuffPost .
“ It is having an impact — particularly on kids who are perhaps more vulnerable and already have existing mental health issues.
” First , remember : Your teen ’ s whole world has just come apart .
Children , like adults , are dealing with varying levels of disruption and danger from the pandemic .
If , for example , you or another family member are essential workers , your teenager might be extremely concerned about what that means for your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family ’ s financial situation has just changed , they might be more aware of that than you realize .
Or maybe they know someone who is sick with COVID-19 .
Validate how hard all of this is .
Again , really huge events in teens ’ lives are slipping away from them in real time : canceled sports seasons , plays , dances , school concerts , clubs , tests they ’ ve prepped for for months , graduations , internships , jobs — the list goes on .
On top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually understand what is happening in the world around them and to grasp how uncertain things are .
Closely tune in to sustained behavioral changes .
As routines have changed , your kid ’ s behaviors and typical patterns have also likely changed .
Maybe they ’ re staying up much later and sleeping far longer into the day .
Maybe they ’ re eating differently now that they ’ re home all the time .
Perhaps you ’ ve noticed their typical social behaviors have taken on new rhythms now that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Of course , your teen will have bad days ( and nights ) as the pandemic wears on .
Note how long these kinds of changes are lasting , and maybe write it down so you can clearly remember .
If it ’ s been a few weeks , or the behavior seems like it ’ s getting more intense , that ’ s a potential red flag .
If you are concerned , reach out to your child ’ s pediatrician or to a mental health professional .
Now that so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in some ways they ’ re more accessible than ever .
Be honest about your own feelings — to a point .
If you notice that your own teen is struggling a bit , experts say it ’ s OK to be honest with them about your own fears and frustrations .
Tell them when you ’ re feeling anxious , and reassure them that it ’ s an appropriate reaction to a really stressful situation .
If you ’ re having a bad day ( or a bad string of days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the time to get your Fortnite on .

gpointstudio via Getty Images Teenagers may be having a hard time coping with COVID-19 stress.
There is a lot of advice on the internet right now about how to help young kids cope with the many changes in their lives thanks to COVID-19. There’s also a lot to be found on how adults can take care of their own mental health. Tweens and teens? Not so much.
But mental health experts say there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that many adolescents ― like everyone else ― are having a hard time coping right now.
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“This is all so very new, we don’t have data, but we do have stories. And those stories are telling us a lot about what teenagers are going through,” Jill Emanuele, senior director of the Mood Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute in New York City, told HuffPost. “It is having an impact — particularly on kids who are perhaps more vulnerable and already have existing mental health issues.”
Unfortunately, teens aren’t exactly known for being open with their feelings. And prior research shows parents often have no clue their teenage children are struggling, even with the most serious issues like suicidal thoughts.
Wondering whether your tween or teen is struggling to cope with COVID-19? Here are some subtle signs to look out for — and how to help.
First, remember: Your teen’s whole world has just come apart.
Children, like adults, are dealing with varying levels of disruption and danger from the pandemic. If, for example, you or another family member are essential workers, your teenager might be extremely concerned about what that means for your health and their own. If your family’s financial situation has just changed, they might be more aware of that than you realize. Or maybe they know someone who is sick with COVID-19.
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Even if your child is simply dealing with having school canceled and sheltering in place, remember: Those changes are huge. Because teens’ whole lives are social, Emanuele said.
“Their ‘job,’ in a sense, is to individuate from their families,” she said. “Their job is to become more independent and to be able to go out in the world — and they’re being restricted right now. Imagine what that must feel like.”
Validate how hard all of this is.
Again, really huge events in teens’ lives are slipping away from them in real time: canceled sports seasons, plays, dances, school concerts, clubs, tests they’ve prepped for for months, graduations, internships, jobs — the list goes on. On top of that, they are old enough to actually understand what is happening in the world around them and to grasp how uncertain things are.
One of the kindest, most helpful things you can do as a caregiver is simply to validate how crappy all of that might feel. It is not the end of the world if prom is canceled, but it could feel like a very big deal.
“Their world is the here-and-now, the day-to-day relationships they have with peers,” said Nicholas Westers, a pediatric psychologist with Children’s Health and an associate professor at UT Southwestern.
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“Being able to simply validate these disappointments can go a long way with helping our teens manage this,” he added. “Because this is their reality. This is their world.”
“[Teens'] job is to become more independent and to be able to go out in the world — and they’re being restricted right now. Imagine what that must feel like.” - Jill Emanuele, Mood Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute
Closely tune in to sustained behavioral changes.
As routines have changed, your kid’s behaviors and typical patterns have also likely changed. Maybe they’re staying up much later and sleeping far longer into the day. Maybe they’re eating differently now that they’re home all the time. Perhaps you’ve noticed their typical social behaviors have taken on new rhythms now that they are not seeing friends face to face.
All of those changes are common and simply reflect that life has changed. Your job is to pay attention to the nuances within those broader behavioral shifts. Are they sleeping all day? Are they staying up late because they’re chatting with friends or because they can’t quiet their anxious thoughts?
“Do you have a social kid who is not contacting their friends throughout this?” Emanuele said by way of example. “Do you have a kid who is usually pretty active, and suddenly doesn’t want to even go for a walk?”
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Listen to your gut if it seems like things are just ... off.
Of course, your teen will have bad days (and nights) as the pandemic wears on. Note how long these kinds of changes are lasting, and maybe write it down so you can clearly remember. If it’s been a few weeks, or the behavior seems like it’s getting more intense, that’s a potential red flag. If you are concerned, reach out to your child’s pediatrician or to a mental health professional. Now that so many clinicians are offering their services online, in some ways they’re more accessible than ever.
Be honest about your own feelings — to a point.
If you notice that your own teen is struggling a bit, experts say it’s OK to be honest with them about your own fears and frustrations. Tell them when you’re feeling anxious, and reassure them that it’s an appropriate reaction to a really stressful situation. If you’re having a bad day (or a bad string of days), talk about it.
Then try and show them some of the healthy ways you hopefully have up your sleeves to deal with tough emotions when they arise.
“Maybe say, ‘going on a walk helps me,’” said Westers. If you practice meditation or deep breathing, ask them to join you, he said. If physical activity helps, ask them to join in.”
Part of growing up and becoming a developmentally healthy adult is learning to sit with discomfort at times,” Westers added.
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Just remember: Don’t fully unload all of your concerns on your teen.
“The way you’re handling it communicates to them the way they should handle it,” Emanuele said. “Get a hold of your own feelings on it, your own anxiety, so you can help your kids.”
Now is the time to get your Fortnite on.
Everyone is incredibly busy these days trying to balance work, child care, remote learning, staying healthy, staying connected ... all of it. But one simple way to help your teen — and to get a sense of how they are coping — is to simply take part in their hobbies.
“I have been very pleased to see how many families are bonding. How many teens are bonding with their siblings more than before. Parents may be surprised by how much their teens would still love to play board games, do jigsaw puzzles, make a video together,” Westers said.
“Now is the time to play Fortnite with your kids,” he added. “Now is the time to play Call of Duty. Join in their hobbies.”


huffpost--2020-05-04--Germany Expected To Reopen Large Shops, Allow Soccer Matches By May 11

BERLIN , May 4 ( Reuters ) - Germany ’ s state premiers will agree on further measures to ease @ @ @ @ @ call with Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday , two people familiar with the preparations told @ @ @ @ @ state premiers are expected to give the green light for large shops to reopen , @ @ @ @ @ the sources said .
The states will also agree to reopen schools for all grades @ @ @ @ @ will only be allowed to go to class in rotating shifts , not on daily @ @ @ @ @ .

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BERLIN, May 4 (Reuters) - Germany’s state premiers will agree on further measures to ease coronavirus restrictions during a telephone call with Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, two people familiar with the preparations told Reuters on Monday.
The state premiers are expected to give the green light for large shops to reopen, probably from May 11, the sources said.
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The states will also agree to reopen schools for all grades step-by-step, though most children will only be allowed to go to class in rotating shifts, not on daily basis, the sources said.


huffpost--2020-05-04--Disney World Finds Someone Camping In its Abandoned Discovery Island Attraction

An Alabama man was arrested and banned from Walt Disney World in Florida after he was found camped out at its abandoned Discovery Island attraction .
Richard McGuire , 42 , was arrested on Thursday and charged with trespassing after he was discovered living on the island , which he described as a “ tropical paradise.
” He was released on a $ 500 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned June 3 .
McGuire used a Disney boat to reach the island , which has closed gates and “ no trespassing ” signs , The Associated Press reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-March due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , McGuire told police he didn ’ t realize the area was restricted .
He said he arrived on the island ― in Bay Lake near the Magic Kingdom and not far from Disney ’ s Contemporary and Wilderness Lodge resorts ― on Monday or Tuesday and had planned to stay there about a week .
A police report obtained by Variety said officers used helicopters and the Disney PA system to try to reach McGuire , but “ he did not see or hear them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the buildings on the island.
” Discovery Island was once a wildlife park with birds , monkeys and alligators .
It closed in 1999 , less than a year after Disney opened its much larger Animal Kingdom theme park .
Several people have braved alligators and other risks to reach the island in the years since , often to post videos and photos online .
Some have been caught and banned from Disney .
“ This serves as a reminder that trespassing is not permitted at Walt Disney World Resort , ” a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We appreciate our security team and the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office for assisting in this matter .
”

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An Alabama man was arrested and banned from Walt Disney World in Florida after he was found camped out at its abandoned Discovery Island attraction.
Richard McGuire, 42, was arrested on Thursday and charged with trespassing after he was discovered living on the island, which he described as a “tropical paradise.”
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He was released on a $500 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned June 3.
Richard McGuire has been arrested and banned from Walt Disney World in Florida. Orange Country Sheriff's Office
McGuire used a Disney boat to reach the island, which has closed gates and “no trespassing” signs, The Associated Press reported.
Although Disney parks have been closed since mid-March due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, McGuire told police he didn’t realize the area was restricted. He said he arrived on the island ― in Bay Lake near the Magic Kingdom and not far from Disney’s Contemporary and Wilderness Lodge resorts ― on Monday or Tuesday and had planned to stay there about a week.
A police report obtained by Variety said officers used helicopters and the Disney PA system to try to reach McGuire, but “he did not see or hear them due to being asleep in one of the buildings on the island.”
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Discovery Island was once a wildlife park with birds, monkeys and alligators. It closed in 1999, less than a year after Disney opened its much larger Animal Kingdom theme park. Several people have braved alligators and other risks to reach the island in the years since, often to post videos and photos online. Some have been caught and banned from Disney.


huffpost--2020-03-04--How To Talk To Your Kids About Coronavirus

Ask What They Know “ Parents should approach talking to their kids about the coronavirus with their children differently depending on their age and developmental level , ” Thomasian explained .
“ A good rule of thumb is to only use words your child already understands .
Start with what they know about this and/or other illnesses and build on that .
The motive for this conversation should be to give them age-appropriate information to help keep them safe , quell their worries and to answer any questions they might have.
” “ It ’ s helpful for parents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell on the house ?
’ or ‘ Remember when the roads were icy , and we had a hard time getting to school ?
’ ” said Gene Beresin , executive director of The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital .
“ Bring it back to challenging times they can remember .
Say , ‘ We got through it .
We ’ ve gotten through hard times together , and we can do it again now .
Of course we ’ re a little bit worried and don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we didn ’ t have them back then either.
’ That promotes resilience.
” “ Make sure to keep the conversation open , ” Thomasian said , noting that kids may continue to hear things about COVID-19 from peers .
“ Let your kids know that if they have any questions or want to talk about it again , they ’ re welcome to come to you .
I know that it can get frustrating to revisit a topic multiple times .
But not only does having these conversations as many times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build a sense of safety , but it also helps create a secure attachment between you and your child and helps you become their safe base to come back to .
”

kupicoo via Getty Images It's important for parents to go into a conversation about the coronavirus outbreak with a sense of nurture and calm.
As the coronavirus outbreak progresses, parents are facing questions from their children, who have picked up bits and pieces of information (and misinformation) from the internet, TV, teachers and classmates.
The topic is a daunting one to tackle with children, as there’s a lot of fear and uncertainty surrounding the illness. But as with any situation of this kind, it’s important to present yourself as a supportive and reliable figure in the midst of kids’ confusion.
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To help guide this conversation, HuffPost asked experts for their advice about talking to kids about COVID-19.
Calm Yourself Down
Before talking to your child about the coronavirus outbreak, take stock of your own feelings of anxiety or fear. If you have a sense of panic, follow whatever steps are necessary to calm yourself down.
“In ambiguous situations, young children often turn to their parents for how to respond and how they should feel,” Mark Reinecke, clinical director and senior clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, told HuffPost. “If you’re calm and reassuring, they will pick up on this. If you’re anxious or frightened, they will respond accordingly.”
Kids don’t have the same power and access to information that their parents do, so if you’re openly stressing out, your children will only know that whatever is happening is so scary that even their parents are worried. And they may let their imaginations take them to a more frightening place.
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In addition to modeling equanimity, managing your own anxiety will also free up the mental space you need to listen to and support your children.
“If you remain calm, your child will be more likely to grasp what’s important: that events can upset our lives, but we can learn from bad experiences and work together to grow stronger,” Reinecke noted.
Initiate The Conversation
Don’t be afraid to bring up this difficult topic. You want to be your child’s trusted source of information.
“If you have a school-aged child, your child will likely have heard about coronavirus, or similarly anything else happening in the news, whether parents want them to or not,” said Rachel Thomasian, licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Playa Vista Counseling. “I always recommend getting ahead of the game and having a conversation about things that might be scary before they hear a scarier version from their classmates.”
Since your kids have likely been hearing about the epidemic from peers and the news, it’s not necessary to make a big production out of this discussion. Make it part of a regular conversation and day-to-day routine as you’re sitting on the sofa or at the dinner table.
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Ask What They Know
“I would start off with asking them if they have heard of the coronavirus and if so, what they’ve heard,” advised Natasha Daniels, a child therapist and creator of AnxiousToddlers.com. “Starting with your child’s perceptions or misperceptions will help guide you on where to take the conversation and what corrective reframing you might already need to do.”
Asking open-ended questions can help you gauge your kids’ knowledge, as well as their emotional state. Encourage them to express their feelings and be sure to tailor the discussion to what you know about them as individuals.
“If you know your child is prone to worry, it can be fine to be generic in being open to the conversation by saying, ‘There has been a lot of news about flu season, and I wonder what you have heard,’” suggested Robin Goodman, a clinical psychologist and art therapist who works with children on stress-related issues. “Continue to hear them out and offer that you are available for questions and to get answers.”
Keep It Age-Appropriate
“Parents should approach talking to their kids about the coronavirus with their children differently depending on their age and developmental level,” Thomasian explained. “A good rule of thumb is to only use words your child already understands. Start with what they know about this and/or other illnesses and build on that. The motive for this conversation should be to give them age-appropriate information to help keep them safe, quell their worries and to answer any questions they might have.”
Under 6
Kids under the age of 6 don’t need much detail like the name of a virus or the global threat of an illness because they’re too young to process it. Be mindful about conversations you have with your partner or older children in front of your little ones and shut off any troubling images on TV or social media.
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Instead, have a conversation about germs, how people get sick and things we can do to stay healthy like hand-washing. If they do come to you with questions about this specific outbreak or something they’ve seen, offer reassurance that your family is safe and healthy.
School-Age
For school-age kids, you can offer information about the outbreak: what it is, how it spreads and ways to prevent it. But stay away from talk of people dying, especially if your child is on the younger end. Emphasize that the grown-ups in their lives are doing everything they can to keep them safe and protected. And highlight the low number of cases in your local area if applicable.
“Beyond 5, keep your messaging simple and with confidence, ‘There is an illness going around right now, so we have to be extra careful about cleanliness and being around people that seem sick,’” recommended clinical psychologist John Mayer. “Kids know sickness and inherently don’t want to be sick, so they will understand the concept of prevention.”
RgStudio via Getty Images Parents should emphasize healthy habits like hand-washing, which are good to practice at all times.
As always, you’ll want to follow your child’s developmental lead when determining the appropriate amount of information to share. Focus on making them feel secure, and limit their TV news and social media exposure, which can create more anxiety.
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“Your child may already be seeing individuals wearing face masks in everyday common places. Don’t make a big deal out of it,” recommended Eirene Heidelberger, a parent coach and CEO of GIT Mom. “If your child asks why they are, answer with a swift, ‘Because they feel it’s their best way to stay healthy, and every family has different strategies. That’s why we are doing a great job washing our hands.’”
You can tell them that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the group of experts handling this situation, doesn’t think healthy people need to wear masks. It’s also helpful to note that there are lots of doctors and scientists around the world who are working hard to protect people and that the U.S. in particular has great hospitals and medicine.
Give kids a frame of reference based on their past experiences with sickness to understand how COVID-19 manifests for most people ― a cold, sniffles, aches, fatigue, etc. You can remind them of times they were sick and then got better.
Preteens And Teens
“From about the age of 10 and up, be factual and don’t hide things from them. Stick to the facts as we know them right now and dispel any rumors or alarmist details they may have heard,” said Mayer. “Keep in mind they will pick up things on social media, so don’t think they are not hearing about this illness.”
With teens, you can also dive into the science and politics around the issue. Offer the data and facts you know and empower them to look up information from reliable sources like the CDC. Seek out answers to questions together.
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There’s a lot of uncertainty around this virus, which can breed anxiety. If your preteen or teen is feeling anxious about the coronavirus outbreak, let them talk it out and be a listening ear. Remind them of past experiences with uncertain challenges and how they coped. It’s a helpful developmental exercise for kids to know that there is danger in the world and learn to handle fears, disappointments and negatives.
“It’s helpful for parents to say, ‘Remember when a tree fell on the house?’ or ‘Remember when the roads were icy, and we had a hard time getting to school?’” said Gene Beresin, executive director of The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Bring it back to challenging times they can remember. Say, ‘We got through it. We’ve gotten through hard times together, and we can do it again now. Of course we’re a little bit worried and don’t have all the answers. But we didn’t have them back then either.’ That promotes resilience.”
On the other hand, your preteens or teens may not be feeling this way at all. Take cues from them.
“If they are unconcerned, respect that indifference and update them as you feel necessary,” said Heidelberger.
Emphasize That You’re There
Ultimately, kids need to know at any age that their parents are there for them to respond to concerns and questions with compassion and understanding.
“Make sure to keep the conversation open,” Thomasian said, noting that kids may continue to hear things about COVID-19 from peers. “Let your kids know that if they have any questions or want to talk about it again, they’re welcome to come to you. I know that it can get frustrating to revisit a topic multiple times. But not only does having these conversations as many times as your child wants to help them build a sense of safety, but it also helps create a secure attachment between you and your child and helps you become their safe base to come back to.”
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Emphasize that keeping them safe and secure is your job as a parent. Respond to their needs, be a consistent support system and show that you care. When it comes to the outbreak, show them the ways you’re keeping the family healthy.
Be Honest And Direct
When your children come to you with questions, answer directly to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.
“I think honesty and transparency are paramount,” Reinecke said. “Anxiety flourishes when there’s a lack of transparency. If you don’t have the answer, say ‘That is an excellent question. Let’s look it up.’ Go to a source you know has useful and valid information.”
Goodman advised focusing on the here and now with kids, even if you’re thinking about the “what ifs.” Don’t make fear-inducing statements like “Everyone is scared” or “There’s nothing we can do.” Instead, offer reassuring truths, such as “We use soap to clean our hands” and “If you don’t feel well, come to me, and I always take care of you.”
gradyreese via Getty Images Be sure to separate fact from fiction with kids.
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Acknowledge their feelings and share things you do when you feel worried, like reading, exercising or playing games.
“Avoid encouraging them to think about worst-case scenarios, catastrophic possibilities and frightening fantasies,” Reinecke noted.
Use Resources
In addition to articles like these, there are other resources to help parents prepare for the coronavirus talk with their kids.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network released a five-page fact sheet for parents and caregivers focused on the infectious disease outbreak. NPR published a comic to explain the news to young people. BrainPop has a helpful animated video and other resources.
Daniels recommended Dawn Huebner’s book “Something Bad Happened: A Kid’s Guide to Coping With Events in the News” as a helpful guide on how to talk to your child about difficult global events.
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Heidelberger encouraged parents to stay up to date with community resources like their kids’ schools as well.
“Reach out to your child’s teachers and administrators to make sure you’re in the know and not taken by surprise news your child receives at school and brings home to you,” she said. “A proactive parent is a calm parent and in control.”
Give Them A Sense Of Control
A great way to empower kids in an outbreak situation is to show them what they can do to keep themselves from getting sick ― and thereby implement healthy habits for the whole household. This helps them feel a sense of control.
“The same prevention tips recommended for the coronavirus are the same as with all other viruses and colds,” Thomasian explained. “Don’t talk about prevention as a way to scare your child into washing their hands. Instead, talk about the steps you’re all going to take to try and prevent all illness, including washing hands regularly, not touching your face, eating healthy food and getting plenty of rest.”
She recommended making a chart when implementing new habits and getting kids involved by having them draw out pictures. You can make hand-washing fun by singing a song like “Happy Birthday” or the ABCs.
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“Play ‘I Spy’ to capture your child’s attention and fully wash her hands before she loses focus,” Heidelberger recommended. “Twenty seconds is all it takes. Then dry them with a clean towel or let them air-dry.”
Multiple experts recommended explaining habits like hand-washing and coughing into your elbow in the context of other things we do to stay safe and healthy, like wearing seat belts, having smoke detectors, taking vitamins, brushing teeth, eating with forks and wearing clean clothes. Be matter-of-fact to normalize it.
Kids may also feel good participating in other disease-prevention measures like helping their parents wipe surfaces with Lysol wipes.


huffpost--2020-03-05--Sweeping Senate Vote Sends Trump $8.3 Billion Bill To Fight Virus

Sarah Silbiger via Getty Images WASHINGTON , DC - MARCH 03 : U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( D-KY ) speaks to the media following the weekly Republican caucus luncheon where Vice President Mike Pence , Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and members of the coronavirus task force briefed senators on March 3 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
( Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images ) WASHINGTON ( AP ) — The Senate passed an $ 8.3 billion measure Thursday to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak in hopes of reassuring a fearful public and accelerating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , whose rapid spread is threatening to upend everyday life in the U.S. and across the globe .
The money would pay for a multifaceted attack on a virus that is spreading more widely every day , sending financial markets spiraling again Thursday , disrupting travel and potentially threatening the U.S. economy ’ s decade-long expansion .
The plan would more than triple the $ 2.5 billion amount outlined by the White House 10 days ago .
The Trump proposal was immediately discarded by members of Congress from both parties .
Instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Senate Appropriations committees negotiated the increased figure and other provisions of the legislation in a burst of bipartisan cooperation that ’ s common on the panel but increasingly rare elsewhere in Washington .
“ In situations like this , I believe no expense should be spared to protect the American people , and in crafting this package none was , ” said Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby , R-Ala. “ It ’ s an aggressive plan , a vigorous plan that has received an overwhelming positive reaction.
” Trump was sure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universal support .
It is intended to project confidence and calm as anxiety builds over the impact of the virus , which has claimed 11 lives in the U.S. “ The American people are looking for leadership and want assurance that their government is up to the task of protecting their health and safety , ” said Sen. Patrick Leahy , D-Vt .
The impact of the outbreak continues to mount .
The British government is considering suspending Parliament for five months in hope of limiting the spread of the virus in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal public health agencies money for vaccines , tests and potential treatments , including $ 300 million to deliver such drugs to those who need it .
More than $ 2 billion would go to help federal , state and local governments prepare for and respond to the coronavirus threat .
An additional $ 1.3 billion would be used to help fight the virus overseas .
There ’ s also funding to subsidize $ 7 billion in small business loans .
Other dollars would be directed to help local officials prepare for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment by community health centers .
Medicare rules would be loosened to enable remote “ telehealth ” consultations whereby sick people could to get treatment without visiting a doctor .
Sen. Maria Cantwell , D-Wash. , whose state is at the center of the crisis , praised the bill because it “ will increase access for public lab testing , help pay for isolation and quarantine , help pay for sanitizing in public areas , better track the virus and those who might come into contact with it , help labs who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit exposure.
” The legislation contains a hard-won compromise that aims to protect against potential price gouging by drug manufacturers for vaccines and other medicines developed with taxpayer funds .
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar would have the power to make sure commercial prices are reasonable .
Azar is a former drug industry lobbyist .
The bill seeks to restore $ 136 million that the Department of Health and Human Services cut from other accounts such as heating subsidies for the poor to battle the virus .
The legislation comes as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the outbreak is quieting down .
Lawmakers in both parties had faulted a shortage of tests for the virus and contrasting messages from Trump and his subordinates .
In an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News on Wednesday , Trump downplayed the lethality of the virus , saying the World Health Organization ’ s updated estimate of a 3.4 % death rate in coronavirus cases is “ a false number.
” “ Now you ’ re starting to see rapid deployment of tests , which makes me feel better , quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D-Calif. , a doctor .
“ I think their communications are a little better .
As long as the president doesn ’ t contradict the experts and the scientists who know what they ’ re doing , things will get better .
”

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 03: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (D-KY) speaks to the media following the weekly Republican caucus luncheon where Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and members of the coronavirus task force briefed senators on March 3, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images) Sarah Silbiger via Getty Images
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed an $8.3 billion measure Thursday to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak in hopes of reassuring a fearful public and accelerating the government’s response to the virus, whose rapid spread is threatening to upend everyday life in the U.S. and across the globe.
The money would pay for a multifaceted attack on a virus that is spreading more widely every day, sending financial markets spiraling again Thursday, disrupting travel and potentially threatening the U.S. economy’s decade-long expansion.
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Thursday’s sweeping 96-1 vote sends the bill to the White House for President Donald Trump’s signature. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., cast the sole “no” vote. The House passed the bill Wednesday by a 415-2 vote.
The plan would more than triple the $2.5 billion amount outlined by the White House 10 days ago. The Trump proposal was immediately discarded by members of Congress from both parties. Instead, the bipartisan leadership of the House and Senate Appropriations committees negotiated the increased figure and other provisions of the legislation in a burst of bipartisan cooperation that’s common on the panel but increasingly rare elsewhere in Washington.
“In situations like this, I believe no expense should be spared to protect the American people, and in crafting this package none was,” said Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala. “It’s an aggressive plan, a vigorous plan that has received an overwhelming positive reaction.”
Trump was sure to sign the measure, which has almost universal support. It is intended to project confidence and calm as anxiety builds over the impact of the virus, which has claimed 11 lives in the U.S.
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“The American people are looking for leadership and want assurance that their government is up to the task of protecting their health and safety,” said Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.
The impact of the outbreak continues to mount. The British government is considering suspending Parliament for five months in hope of limiting the spread of the virus in the United Kingdom.
The legislation would provide federal public health agencies money for vaccines, tests and potential treatments, including $300 million to deliver such drugs to those who need it. More than $2 billion would go to help federal, state and local governments prepare for and respond to the coronavirus threat. An additional $1.3 billion would be used to help fight the virus overseas. There’s also funding to subsidize $7 billion in small business loans.
Other dollars would be directed to help local officials prepare for the potential worsening of the outbreak and subsidize treatment by community health centers. Medicare rules would be loosened to enable remote “telehealth” consultations whereby sick people could to get treatment without visiting a doctor.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., whose state is at the center of the crisis, praised the bill because it “will increase access for public lab testing, help pay for isolation and quarantine, help pay for sanitizing in public areas, better track the virus and those who might come into contact with it, help labs who are trying to identify hot spots, and limit exposure.”
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The legislation contains a hard-won compromise that aims to protect against potential price gouging by drug manufacturers for vaccines and other medicines developed with taxpayer funds. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar would have the power to make sure commercial prices are reasonable. Azar is a former drug industry lobbyist.
The bill seeks to restore $136 million that the Department of Health and Human Services cut from other accounts such as heating subsidies for the poor to battle the virus.
The legislation comes as carping over the administration’s response to the outbreak is quieting down. Lawmakers in both parties had faulted a shortage of tests for the virus and contrasting messages from Trump and his subordinates. In an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News on Wednesday, Trump downplayed the lethality of the virus, saying the World Health Organization’s updated estimate of a 3.4% death rate in coronavirus cases is “a false number.”
“Now you’re starting to see rapid deployment of tests, which makes me feel better, quite honestly,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., a doctor. “I think their communications are a little better. As long as the president doesn’t contradict the experts and the scientists who know what they’re doing, things will get better.”


huffpost--2020-03-05--What To Know About Coronavirus If You're Pregnant Or Have A Newborn

The coronavirus outbreak is a source of stress for many parents who wonder what it might mean for their kids .
And it can be particularly scary for two groups : Soon-to-be parents and moms and dads who have brand new babies at home .
For good reason .
New babies have new immune systems , and even mild infections can be a big deal .
If a baby under two months old develops a fever of more than 100.4 degrees , it warrants an immediate trip to the ER .
And pregnant women are also known to be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which can have implications for themselves and their little ones on the way .
First , there is a lot we don ’ t know .
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says , we simply don ’ t have much scientific research telling us whether pregnant women are more susceptible to the coronavirus — or whether they ’ re more likely to come down with more serious symptoms .
We don ’ t know if the virus increases risk for preterm birth , miscarriage or possible birth defects .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In general , pregnant women do undergo immune changes that can make them more susceptible to respiratory infections .
Those changes can also mean pregnant women get sicker than they usually would .
“ One small study that compared pregnant women who came down with coronavirus with others who came down with it found that they generally weren ’ t any sicker ... which is slightly reassuring , ” said Dr. Jessica Madden , an Ohio-based pediatrician and medical director of Aeroflow Breastpumps .
She also pointed to a recent case study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during pregnancy whose babies were born healthy and symptom-free — although she stressed again that the available research is just pretty darn thin .
“ It ’ s always important for pregnant women to report any fevers [ or ] respiratory symptoms — cough , shortness of breath , etc .
— to your OB for your further evaluation , ” said Dr. Natali Aziz , an OB-GYN at Stanford Health Care .
“ Most likely , symptoms will be due to other viruses.
” If you ’ re planning on breastfeeding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the official word from the CDC at this point is that we simply don ’ t know if the coronavirus is spread through breastmilk .
However , experts say that is not actually their primary concern right now — probably because in the limited cases they ’ ve looked at so far , there ’ s been no evidence of the virus in the breastmilk of women who have COVID-19 .
Instead , doctors are more focused on the potential risk of a mother who is infected with the virus transferring it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , this could also happen when feeding a baby via bottle .
You get to make the call on visitors and public spaces — no one else .
But while physicians and medical groups aren ’ t necessarily advising parents keep their babies away from visitors and crowds , this is a case of “ you do you.
” Set boundaries that make you comfortable — and don ’ t feel for a second like you have to justify them .
If you ’ re wary of having people over , maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not in a confined space .
Or set some ground rules around kissing .
Or just say no to visitors altogether .

KidStock via Getty Images
The coronavirus outbreak is a source of stress for many parents who wonder what it might mean for their kids. And it can be particularly scary for two groups: Soon-to-be parents and moms and dads who have brand new babies at home.
For good reason. New babies have new immune systems, and even mild infections can be a big deal. If a baby under two months old develops a fever of more than 100.4 degrees, it warrants an immediate trip to the ER. And pregnant women are also known to be more susceptible to certain types of illnesses, which can have implications for themselves and their little ones on the way.
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Pregnant? Have a newborn at home? Here are the basics on COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
First, there is a lot we don’t know.
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, we simply don’t have much scientific research telling us whether pregnant women are more susceptible to the coronavirus — or whether they’re more likely to come down with more serious symptoms. We don’t know if the virus increases risk for preterm birth, miscarriage or possible birth defects.
Of course, this isn’t especially helpful if you’re pregnant and freaking out.
So here’s what we can say. In general, pregnant women do undergo immune changes that can make them more susceptible to respiratory infections. Those changes can also mean pregnant women get sicker than they usually would.
That said, the limited information that has come out of China is potentially heartening.
“One small study that compared pregnant women who came down with coronavirus with others who came down with it found that they generally weren’t any sicker ... which is slightly reassuring,” said Dr. Jessica Madden, an Ohio-based pediatrician and medical director of Aeroflow Breastpumps. She also pointed to a recent case study looking at nine women who had coronavirus during pregnancy whose babies were born healthy and symptom-free — although she stressed again that the available research is just pretty darn thin.
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If you’re not feeling well, you should absolutely talk to your doctor or midwife about it.
“It’s always important for pregnant women to report any fevers [or] respiratory symptoms — cough, shortness of breath, etc. — to your OB for your further evaluation,” said Dr. Natali Aziz, an OB-GYN at Stanford Health Care. “Most likely, symptoms will be due to other viruses.”
However, if you have symptoms and also have other risk factors — like if you’ve traveled to an affected region — you should be tested for COVID-19, Aziz said.
If you’re planning on breastfeeding, go for it.
Yet again, the official word from the CDC at this point is that we simply don’t know if the coronavirus is spread through breastmilk. However, experts say that is not actually their primary concern right now — probably because in the limited cases they’ve looked at so far, there’s been no evidence of the virus in the breastmilk of women who have COVID-19. Instead, doctors are more focused on the potential risk of a mother who is infected with the virus transferring it to her baby via respiratory droplets. Of course, this could also happen when feeding a baby via bottle.
“Ultimately, this is a case of 'you do you.' Set boundaries that make you comfortable — and don’t feel for a second like you have to justify them.”
Basically, there is no reason at this point to change any of your infant feeding plans.
“Knowing what we know about other viral illnesses, I would strongly encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding,” said Madden. In part, that’s because breastfeeding generally helps babies’ immune systems.
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However, experts do now say that women who have the virus should wear a face mask around their babies.
Hand wash, hand wash, hand wash.
Yes, you’ve heard that advice in every single news item you’ve seen or read about coronavirus. Here it is again.
“It is not an exaggeration that most viruses are avoidable with good hand washing,” said Dr. Anita Juvvadi, a pediatrician with Stanford Children’s Health. “How do you think doctors and nurses stay healthy?”
That directive goes for parents and anyone else who even thinks about coming close to a newborn, older siblings included.
“Of course, all visitors must wash hands before picking baby up,” said Juvvadi.
She said that generally speaking, “young visitors” — like lovable, eager toddlers who may not fully grasp the concept of good hand hygiene — should kiss a baby’s feet, but not their hands or face.
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You get to make the call on visitors and public spaces — no one else.
Here’s the good news: “Eliminating visits [from] healthy individuals is not recommended by physicians and the CDC,” Aziz said.
So symptom-free visitors are perfectly OK, as is taking your baby out into the world — with the usual precautions.
“The fresh air would be good for baby and new parents,” Juvvadi said. “Our standard recommendations are to stay away from malls [and] grocery stores with a newborn anyway ... until baby is at least a month old and has built some immunity.”
But while physicians and medical groups aren’t necessarily advising parents keep their babies away from visitors and crowds, this is a case of “you do you.” Set boundaries that make you comfortable — and don’t feel for a second like you have to justify them. If you’re wary of having people over, maybe meet them outside, so you’re not in a confined space. Or set some ground rules around kissing. Or just say no to visitors altogether.
“You have the power. If you know your uncle’s coming to visit and he’s recently been sick, he can’t come visit,” Madden said. “Say there’s a big playdate set for your 3-year-old and a bunch of friends at a bouncy house place and you don’t want to go, don’t go. You might have pressure from family and loved ones to participate, but you don’t have to. That’s one thing you have control over. ”
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huffpost--2020-03-05--Cats And Dogs Can't Give You Coronavirus, Though They Can Test Positive

HONG KONG ( AP ) — Pet cats and dogs can not pass the new coronavirus on to humans , but they can test positive for low levels of the pathogen if they catch it from their owners .
That ’ s the conclusion of Hong Kong ’ s Agriculture , Fisheries and Conservation Department after a dog in quarantine tested weakly positive for the virus Feb. 27 , Feb. 28 and March 2 , using the canine ’ s nasal and oral cavity samples .
A unidentified spokesman for the department was quoted in a news release as saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that pet animals can be a source of infection of COVID-19 or that they become sick.
” A pet dog wearing face mask walks with owner on snow amid novel coronavirus outbreak on March 4 , 2020 in Changchun , Jilin Province of China .
Scientists suspect the virus known as SARS-CoV-2 that causes the disease originated in bats before passing it on to another species , possibly a small wild mammal , that passed it on to humans .
However , experts from the School of Public Health of The University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicine and Life Sciences of the City University of Hong Kong and the World Organisation for Animal Health ( OIE ) have unanimously agreed that the dog has a low-level of infection and it is “ likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission.
” The dog , and another also in quarantine which has tested negative for the virus , will be tested again before being released .
The department suggested any pets , including dogs and cats , from households where someone has tested positive for the virus should be put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners should maintain good hygiene , including washing hands before and after handling animals , their food and supplies and no kissing them .
People who are sick should avoid contact with pets and a veterinarian ’ s advice should be sought if changes in a pet ’ s health conditions are detected .
“ Apart from maintaining good hygiene practices , pet owners need not be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets , ” the spokesman said .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

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HONG KONG (AP) — Pet cats and dogs cannot pass the new coronavirus on to humans, but they can test positive for low levels of the pathogen if they catch it from their owners.
That’s the conclusion of Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department after a dog in quarantine tested weakly positive for the virus Feb. 27, Feb. 28 and March 2, using the canine’s nasal and oral cavity samples.
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A unidentified spokesman for the department was quoted in a news release as saying. “There is currently no evidence that pet animals can be a source of infection of COVID-19 or that they become sick.”
A pet dog wearing face mask walks with owner on snow amid novel coronavirus outbreak on March 4, 2020 in Changchun, Jilin Province of China. Zhang Yao/China News Service via Getty Images
Scientists suspect the virus known as SARS-CoV-2 that causes the disease originated in bats before passing it on to another species, possibly a small wild mammal, that passed it on to humans. However, experts from the School of Public Health of The University of Hong Kong, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences of the City University of Hong Kong and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) have unanimously agreed that the dog has a low-level of infection and it is “likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission.”
The dog, and another also in quarantine which has tested negative for the virus, will be tested again before being released. The department suggested any pets, including dogs and cats, from households where someone has tested positive for the virus should be put into quarantine.
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In general, pet owners should maintain good hygiene, including washing hands before and after handling animals, their food and supplies and no kissing them. People who are sick should avoid contact with pets and a veterinarian’s advice should be sought if changes in a pet’s health conditions are detected.
“Apart from maintaining good hygiene practices, pet owners need not be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets,” the spokesman said.
___


huffpost--2020-03-05--Prince William Shows Off A Hidden Talent During Royal Visit To Ireland

“ I bet everyone ’ s like , ‘ I ’ ve got coronavirus , I ’ m dying , ’ and you ’ re like , ‘ No , you ’ ve just got a cough , ’ ” the Duke of Cambridge said on camera speaking to first responder Joe Mooney .
In a separate video , the prince quipped , “ By the way , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are spreading coronavirus , sorry .
We ’ re keeping an eye on that , so do tell us if we need to stop.
” According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 115 confirmed cases of the virus , which originated in Wuhan , China , and has since spread to every continent except Antarctica .
Queen Elizabeth II donned gloves at the investiture ceremony on Tuesday at Buckingham Palace , which some speculated was because of growing COVID-19 concerns in the U.K. and around the world .
Much like William , Camilla , Duchess of Cornwall , also joked about the pandemic , saying that she was “ self-isolating ” while heading into a one-person air raid shelter at the London Transport Museum .

“I bet everyone’s like, ‘I’ve got coronavirus, I’m dying,’ and you’re like, ‘No, you’ve just got a cough,’” the Duke of Cambridge said on camera speaking to first responder Joe Mooney.
In a separate video, the prince quipped, “By the way, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are spreading coronavirus, sorry. We’re keeping an eye on that, so do tell us if we need to stop.” According to the BBC, the U.K. has 115 confirmed cases of the virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to every continent except Antarctica.
Queen Elizabeth II donned gloves at the investiture ceremony on Tuesday at Buckingham Palace, which some speculated was because of growing COVID-19 concerns in the U.K. and around the world.
Much like William, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, also joked about the pandemic, saying that she was “self-isolating” while heading into a one-person air raid shelter at the London Transport Museum.


huffpost--2020-03-05--Trump Claims Thousands Could Still Go To Work With Coronavirus And Get Better

President Donald Trump suggested during an interview on Fox News Wednesday that many people with mild coronavirus symptoms could still go to work and get better .
This goes against advice from medical professionals around the world who say that infected individuals should remain in isolation .
“ A lot of people will have this and it ’ s very mild .
They ’ ll get better very rapidly .
They don ’ t even see a doctor , they don ’ t even call a doctor .
You never hear about those people , ” Trump told Fox News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t put them down in the category of the overall population in terms of this corona flu and or virus .
So you just can ’ t do that .
So , if you know , we have thousands or hundreds of thousands of people that get better just by , you know , sitting around and even going to work .
Some of them go to work , but they get better.
” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance states that people with COVID-19 who do not need hospitalization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excluding seeking medical care .
“ Do not go to work , school or public areas .
Avoid using public transportation , ride-sharing or taxis , ” the CDC advises .
Trump on Thursday responded to reports about his comments by lashing out on Twitter : I NEVER said people that are feeling sick should go to work .
This is just more Fake News and disinformation put out by the Democrats , in particular MSDNC .
Comcast covers the CoronaVirus situation horribly , only looking to do harm to the incredible & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) March 5 , 2020 A growing number of businesses , including Twitter , Amazon and Microsoft , have asked employees to work from home in a bid to limit the spread of the disease .
The World Health Organization , as well as dozens of governments and health organizations around the world , have also asked infected people to isolate themselves .
While most people who contract the illness have mild symptoms , 1 in 5 people with a COVID-19 infection will need hospital care , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and those with preexisting medical conditions are more susceptible to contracting the SARS-CoV-2 infection ( the virus that causes COVID-19 ) , and may suffer a severe or fatal case .
It is therefore important for those infected to take extra precautions not to transmit the disease to others .

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President Donald Trump suggested during an interview on Fox News Wednesday that many people with mild coronavirus symptoms could still go to work and get better. This goes against advice from medical professionals around the world who say that infected individuals should remain in isolation.
“A lot of people will have this and it’s very mild. They’ll get better very rapidly. They don’t even see a doctor, they don’t even call a doctor. You never hear about those people,” Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity. “So you can’t put them down in the category of the overall population in terms of this corona flu and or virus. So you just can’t do that. So, if you know, we have thousands or hundreds of thousands of people that get better just by, you know, sitting around and even going to work. Some of them go to work, but they get better.”
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In this clip, Trump:
1. Denies WHO's coronavirus death rate based on “hunch"
2. Calls coronavirus "corona flu"
3. Suggests it's fine for people w/ Covid-19 to go to work
4. Compares coronavirus to "the regular flu," indicating he doesn't get the difference pic.twitter.com/uC9c03zX31 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 5, 2020
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance states that people with COVID-19 who do not need hospitalization should restrict all activities outside the home excluding seeking medical care.
“Do not go to work, school or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis,” the CDC advises.
Trump on Thursday responded to reports about his comments by lashing out on Twitter:
I NEVER said people that are feeling sick should go to work. This is just more Fake News and disinformation put out by the Democrats, in particular MSDNC. Comcast covers the CoronaVirus situation horribly, only looking to do harm to the incredible & successful effort being made! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2020
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A growing number of businesses, including Twitter, Amazon and Microsoft, have asked employees to work from home in a bid to limit the spread of the disease. The World Health Organization, as well as dozens of governments and health organizations around the world, have also asked infected people to isolate themselves.


huffpost--2020-04-04--How Children With Disabilities Are Getting Left Behind

A vast majority of the nation ’ s schools ― over 120,000 in all ― have closed in an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus .
For students with disabilities , the stakes of these school closures are especially high .
These students often rely on a litany of services at school , from speech therapy , to physical therapy , to occupational therapy , that parents simply aren ’ t trained to do on their own .
Parents and educators worry that fragile gains made this year could disappear with so much time off .
An eventual transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Schools have struggled to educate the 7 million students who receive special education services in the absence of physical classrooms .
In mid-March , the U.S. Department of Education fueled confusion when it suggested that schools that cut off academic services for all students would not be required to serve students with disabilities .
Some schools ended academic services amid concerns they would run afoul of federal law if they could not serve disabled students with the same rigor as everyone else .
Later in March , the department clarified schools “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide distance instruction ” to address equity concerns .
Still , in recent weeks , parents of students with disabilities report receiving only a fraction of the services to which they ’ re entitled .
Schools have canceled meetings to devise or update individualized education programs ― or IEPs , the legal document that outlines necessary services for each disabled student .
Classwork isn ’ t tailored to students ’ disabilities .
And in some cases , the adults who work most closely with students with disabilities , like paraprofessionals , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial line to these kids .
Stuart ’ s son has Rett syndrome , a neurological disorder that impacts a person ’ s ability to speak , move , eat and breathe .
Lately , the school ’ s speech language pathologist has been teaching him how to use an eye gaze device , a piece of technology that tracks people ’ s eye movements , eventually allowing them to communicate through a computer screen .
Stuart dreams of the day her son will be able to tell her if he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if he hurts .
Many of these parents say they don ’ t even know if they can blame their schools , recognizing the uphill battle all educators are fighting , while school leaders have said they ’ re terrified of facing potential lawsuits over lack of services .
Organizations that work with district leaders say that after a rocky start , schools have gradually been improving the quality of virtual services offered to these students .
“ What we all need to do right now is we need to extend some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
“ It ’ s going to take a minute and it ’ s going to take some collaboration.
” By day , Lizzy Sebring works as a paraprofessional at Everett School District in Washington .
By night , she has been working at the local Safeway , in an effort to save up cash in case she is furloughed from her day job .
She has worked every day and night for the past three weeks , until 6:30 a.m. She sleeps in fits .
Three hours of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sons — in pre-K and second grade — usually see speech therapists up to three times a week in school .
The therapist has put up a website with activities and tricks for parents , but without the training , and without much time , Sebring has been struggling to compensate .
Sebring was supposed to have parent-teacher conferences this week for her older son , where she planned to ask for more math support for him .
When again will she get the opportunity to advocate for her child ?
Her son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relies on the routine of school .
Lately , he panics when pushed to do his schoolwork at home ― overwhelmed by the sudden shift in structure .
As a single mother , who is working nearly constantly , the added responsibility of homeschool teaching can feel crushing .

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Adrienne Stuart’s 5-year-old son, Jack, has never told her “hello.” It’s a milestone she was hoping to reach within the next year.
But in mid-March, his school was closed, at least until May. Now, she’s coming to terms with the fact that she’ll likely have to wait longer to hear from her son.
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A vast majority of the nation’s schools ― over 120,000 in all ― have closed in an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus. For students with disabilities, the stakes of these school closures are especially high. These students often rely on a litany of services at school, from speech therapy, to physical therapy, to occupational therapy, that parents simply aren’t trained to do on their own. Parents and educators worry that fragile gains made this year could disappear with so much time off. An eventual transition back to school could prove especially difficult.
“I know a lot of people are, but we are especially reliant on the school system,” says Stuart, who lives in Tacoma, Washington.
Schools have struggled to educate the 7 million students who receive special education services in the absence of physical classrooms. In mid-March, the U.S. Department of Education fueled confusion when it suggested that schools that cut off academic services for all students would not be required to serve students with disabilities. Some schools ended academic services amid concerns they would run afoul of federal law if they could not serve disabled students with the same rigor as everyone else. Later in March, the department clarified schools “should not opt to close or decline to provide distance instruction” to address equity concerns.
Still, in recent weeks, parents of students with disabilities report receiving only a fraction of the services to which they’re entitled. Schools have canceled meetings to devise or update individualized education programs ― or IEPs, the legal document that outlines necessary services for each disabled student. Classwork isn’t tailored to students’ disabilities. And in some cases, the adults who work most closely with students with disabilities, like paraprofessionals, are losing their jobs, cutting off a crucial line to these kids.
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What’s more, within Congress’ recent $2 trillion coronavirus bill is a provision that could allow Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to waive portions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the federal law that governs special education and calls for disabled students to get an equal education to their non-disabled peers.
“We’re just feeling rudderless at the moment,” said Stuart, director of public policy at the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council.
Stuart’s son has Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder that impacts a person’s ability to speak, move, eat and breathe. Lately, the school’s speech language pathologist has been teaching him how to use an eye gaze device, a piece of technology that tracks people’s eye movements, eventually allowing them to communicate through a computer screen. Stuart dreams of the day her son will be able to tell her if he’s hungry, if he’s frustrated, if he hurts.
But ever since school closed, she hasn’t received any instructions or supports in this area. Without the help, it will prolong the process. It’s a complicated device ― Stuart feels like she’s utterly unprepared as she tries to direct him.
“That’s a huge void, not being able to get him the support he needs to communicate, it’s devastating,” Stuart said, noting an IEP meeting for her son was canceled with no apparent makeup in sight.
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Jack, Adrienne Stuart's son, is 5 years old. He is going to miss months of school as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Photo courtesy of Adrienne Stuart
Many of these parents say they don’t even know if they can blame their schools, recognizing the uphill battle all educators are fighting, while school leaders have said they’re terrified of facing potential lawsuits over lack of services. Organizations that work with district leaders say that after a rocky start, schools have gradually been improving the quality of virtual services offered to these students.
“It’s a big shift and happening literally with no time to really plan,” said Valerie Williams, director of government relations for the National Association of State Directors of Special Education.
“What we all need to do right now is we need to extend some grace to ourselves, and everyone else,” she said. “It’s going to take a minute and it’s going to take some collaboration.”
Still, for working parents, the process of educating their students from home, especially when their child has specific learning needs, can prove daunting.
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By day, Lizzy Sebring works as a paraprofessional at Everett School District in Washington. By night, she has been working at the local Safeway, in an effort to save up cash in case she is furloughed from her day job. She has worked every day and night for the past three weeks, until 6:30 a.m. She sleeps in fits. Three hours of rest represents a good day.
Her two children have autism, and rely on services like speech therapy and reading intervention. The district has recognized that children like hers will likely miss out on necessary services while school is out.
Her sons — in pre-K and second grade — usually see speech therapists up to three times a week in school. The therapist has put up a website with activities and tricks for parents, but without the training, and without much time, Sebring has been struggling to compensate. Sebring was supposed to have parent-teacher conferences this week for her older son, where she planned to ask for more math support for him. When again will she get the opportunity to advocate for her child?
Her son is two grade levels behind academically and relies on the routine of school. Lately, he panics when pushed to do his schoolwork at home ― overwhelmed by the sudden shift in structure. As a single mother, who is working nearly constantly, the added responsibility of homeschool teaching can feel crushing.
“It’s pick and choose your battles. Some days we don’t do anything. It’s just too hard and he gets too overwhelmed,” said Sebring. “When I do my work ... admittedly they’re watching shows and movies.”
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But for as difficult as the past month has been, Sebring and other parents worry that going back to school will prove to be the biggest challenge of all for their children.
“For a kid who is already struggling and is behind academically, this six-week break or longer does not do him any favors,” said Sebring. “I can only do so much as a parent.”
A HuffPost Guide To Coronavirus


huffpost--2020-04-03--DOJ: Fears Of COVID-19 In Prisons Are ‘Unsubstantiated and Unwarranted’

Aitor Diago/Getty Images DOJ prosecutors call concerns about contracting COVID-19 in prison `` unsubstantiated and unwarranted , ” despite overwhelming evidence that people who are incarcerated are at an exceptionally high risk of contracting the virus .
It is impossible for most incarcerated people to follow guidelines on social distancing , hand-washing and disinfecting surfaces .
People incarcerated at San Diego ’ s Metropolitan Correctional Center and the Western Region Detention Facility ( a private prison run by the GEO Group ) have told defense lawyers they sleep in shared cells , often on bunk beds .
They report inconsistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and having access to neither .
They don ’ t have reliable access to soap and are sometimes forced to buy their own from the commissary , which isn ’ t always well-stocked .
They have observed other prisoners with severe coughs and fevers who have been unable to get timely medical care or are reluctant to report symptoms out of fear of losing their jobs .
But DOJ attorneys in the Southern District of California have continued fighting the release of even low-level , nonviolent offenders .
A defendant ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost entirely on the speculative prospect of a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility where he is being detained pending trial , ” U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer Jr. wrote in a court filing last week , using similar language in at least two other cases .
“ Defendant ’ s speculation is both unsubstantiated and unwarranted , ” Brewer continued .
One of these defendants is a man who has been imprisoned longer than the six-month maximum sentence for the charge he is facing .
He was arrested in August and is currently facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge former Democratic presidential candidates Julián Castro and Elizabeth Warren have supported repealing .
The man has been told that because of the coronavirus crisis , normal court calendars will not resume until April 16 — a date that is likely to get extended .
“ Because the Court can not provide [ him ] with a bench trial in the near future , he is in a situation where he must either remain in custody for several months or plead guilty involuntarily to this misdemeanor charge because that is the only way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Diego federal defender Eric Fish wrote in a court filing .
Even if the man loses his misdemeanor bench trial , there is no way to give him additional time in custody since he has already served more time than the maximum sentence .
“ To keep him in custody longer without releasing him on bond would be a miscarriage of justice , ” Fish wrote .
DOJ is also fighting for the continued imprisonment of a 56-year-old woman charged with attempting to illegally enter the country after being deported .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shortness of breath , was kidnapped when she was 14 years old and “ held as a sex slave by a vicious drug kingpin for many decades , ” federal defender Sean McGuire wrote in a court filing earlier this month .
Her association with the drug kingpin , McGuire wrote , led to her convictions for conspiring to distribute cocaine .
To be sure , the Bail Reform Act instructs the Court to consider a defendant ’ s own ‘ physical and mental health ' ... but the general existence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that assessment .
Robert Brewer Jr. , U.S. Attorneyfor the Southern District of California .
Another defendant whose “ speculation ” about COVID-19 is , according to the government , “ both unsubstantiated and unwarranted ” is a 64-year-old man who has diabetes and high blood pressure .
He had a heart procedure shortly before he was arrested in February on a felony charge of importing methamphetamine across the border .
He can ’ t afford his $ 25,000 bond so he has remained in custody , even after a visit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart condition .
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit is currently considering an appeal from a 73-year-old man who is being held in pretrial detention solely because he does not have a family member in the U.S. to stay with as he awaits trial .
The man , a U.S. citizen , was arrested in February after Customs and Border Protection discovered methamphetamine in the gas tank of his car when he crossed into the U.S. from Mexico .
He was initially denied pretrial release .
But in mid-March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of emergency , the government agreed he should be released on a $ 10,000 bond secured by his own signature .
A magistrate judge granted the order but required him to live with a family member as he awaited trial .
The man , who has no close familial relationships , asked a district judge for permission to live in a halfway house instead — he even found a facility that was accepting new residents .
According to the bond motion filed in the 9th Circuit , Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Pettit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that although she understood his age put him at high-risk of COVID-19 complications , she believed he was safer in jail than if he were released , especially to a halfway house .
The district judge rejected the man ’ s request and he remains in prison .

DOJ prosecutors call concerns about contracting COVID-19 in prison "unsubstantiated and unwarranted,” despite overwhelming evidence that people who are incarcerated are at an exceptionally high risk of contracting the virus. Aitor Diago/Getty Images
Prosecutors at the Department of Justice have repeatedly argued in recent weeks that being incarcerated does not put individuals at a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus — despite overwhelming evidence that detention facilities are among the most dangerous places to be during the current public health crisis.
The federal prosecutors’ arguments came in response to motions from federal public defenders in San Diego, California, on behalf of several of their clients requesting modified bail conditions in response to COVID-19, which is spreading rapidly through the country’s crowded jails and prisons.
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The defendants seeking modified bail have not been convicted of a crime in connection to their current imprisonment and are currently facing nonviolent immigration or drug charges. Most are at high risk of becoming severely ill or dying if infected with COVID-19 because of their age or health conditions.
It is impossible for most incarcerated people to follow guidelines on social distancing, hand-washing and disinfecting surfaces. People incarcerated at San Diego’s Metropolitan Correctional Center and the Western Region Detention Facility (a private prison run by the GEO Group) have told defense lawyers they sleep in shared cells, often on bunk beds. They report inconsistent use of gloves and masks by guards and having access to neither. They don’t have reliable access to soap and are sometimes forced to buy their own from the commissary, which isn’t always well-stocked. They have observed other prisoners with severe coughs and fevers who have been unable to get timely medical care or are reluctant to report symptoms out of fear of losing their jobs.
“I feel like I’m going to die here,” one GEO detainee told federal public defender Joshua Jones.
When COVID-19 enters jails and prisons, it has spread much faster than in even the hardest-hit cities. At Rikers Island, New York City’s main jail complex, the rate of infection is nearly nine times higher than the city’s, according to data analysis by the Legal Aid Society.
As of Friday, there are at least 91 prisoners and 50 staffers in Bureau of Prisons facilities who have tested positive for the disease — a number that is probably an undercount due to extremely limited testing. Four people incarcerated at a federal prison in Louisiana and one in Ohio have died from COVID-19.
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But DOJ attorneys in the Southern District of California have continued fighting the release of even low-level, nonviolent offenders. A defendant’s “request for release from custody is based almost entirely on the speculative prospect of a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility where he is being detained pending trial,” U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer Jr. wrote in a court filing last week, using similar language in at least two other cases. “Defendant’s speculation is both unsubstantiated and unwarranted,” Brewer continued.
One of these defendants is a man who has been imprisoned longer than the six-month maximum sentence for the charge he is facing. He was arrested in August and is currently facing an illegal entry misdemeanor — a criminal charge former Democratic presidential candidates Julián Castro and Elizabeth Warren have supported repealing. The man has been told that because of the coronavirus crisis, normal court calendars will not resume until April 16 — a date that is likely to get extended.
He was granted pretrial release on a $30,000 bond, secured by “two financially responsible adults with a $3,000 cash deposit.” Unable to meet those requirements, however, he asked to be released on a $10,000 bond secured by his signature.
“Because the Court cannot provide [him] with a bench trial in the near future, he is in a situation where he must either remain in custody for several months or plead guilty involuntarily to this misdemeanor charge because that is the only way for him to be released,” San Diego federal defender Eric Fish wrote in a court filing. Even if the man loses his misdemeanor bench trial, there is no way to give him additional time in custody since he has already served more time than the maximum sentence. “To keep him in custody longer without releasing him on bond would be a miscarriage of justice,” Fish wrote.
DOJ is also fighting for the continued imprisonment of a 56-year-old woman charged with attempting to illegally enter the country after being deported. The woman, who experiences high blood pressure and shortness of breath, was kidnapped when she was 14 years old and “held as a sex slave by a vicious drug kingpin for many decades,” federal defender Sean McGuire wrote in a court filing earlier this month. Her association with the drug kingpin, McGuire wrote, led to her convictions for conspiring to distribute cocaine.
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She “recognizes that remaining out of custody is a matter of life and death, providing significant incentive for [her] to comply with any conditions of release set by the court and not risk a bench warrant and further detention,” her lawyer continued.
The woman was denied pretrial release at her initial court appearance in December. She asked the court on March 18 to reconsider her pretrial detention in light of the COVID-19 public health crisis. The government opposed her request, but she was granted pretrial release last week with a $20,000 bond.
“To be sure, the Bail Reform Act instructs the Court to consider a defendant’s own ‘physical and mental health' ... but the general existence of a pandemic does not have significant bearing on that assessment.” - Robert Brewer Jr., U.S. Attorneyfor the Southern District of California.
Another defendant whose “speculation” about COVID-19 is, according to the government, “both unsubstantiated and unwarranted” is a 64-year-old man who has diabetes and high blood pressure. He had a heart procedure shortly before he was arrested in February on a felony charge of importing methamphetamine across the border. He can’t afford his $25,000 bond so he has remained in custody, even after a visit to a local medical facility because of his heart condition.
Earlier this month, he asked to be released on his own recognizance, citing the increased risk of severe illness or death from the coronavirus for people of his age and health condition. The government fought the request.
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“To be sure, the Bail Reform Act instructs the Court to consider a defendant’s own ‘physical and mental health,’” Brewer conceded, referring to a 1984 law that established new conditions for pretrial detention or release, “but the general existence of a pandemic does not have significant bearing on that assessment.”
At the time, March 18, Brewer cited the fact that there were no reported COVID-19 cases at any facility operated by the Bureau of Prisons. But that’s no longer true. As of Friday, at least five federal prisoners have died after contracting COVID-19.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit is currently considering an appeal from a 73-year-old man who is being held in pretrial detention solely because he does not have a family member in the U.S. to stay with as he awaits trial. The man, a U.S. citizen, was arrested in February after Customs and Border Protection discovered methamphetamine in the gas tank of his car when he crossed into the U.S. from Mexico. He was initially denied pretrial release.
But in mid-March, after California’s governor declared a state of emergency, the government agreed he should be released on a $10,000 bond secured by his own signature. A magistrate judge granted the order but required him to live with a family member as he awaited trial. The man, who has no close familial relationships, asked a district judge for permission to live in a halfway house instead — he even found a facility that was accepting new residents.
According to the bond motion filed in the 9th Circuit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Pettit told the man’s defense lawyer that although she understood his age put him at high-risk of COVID-19 complications, she believed he was safer in jail than if he were released, especially to a halfway house. The district judge rejected the man’s request and he remains in prison.
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Pettit was nominated last year by President Donald Trump to serve as a federal judge in San Diego; her nomination is currently pending before the Senate.
The Federal Defenders of San Diego summarized their efforts to get modified bail for their clients in a letter sent to Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) on Tuesday.
“The dramatic spread of COVID-19 on Rikers Island is an instructive lesson that we must learn from. In the Southern District of California, it is not too late,” Kathryn Nester, the group’s executive director warned. The U.S. attorney’s office “is uniquely positioned to save many lives in California, and we urge you to investigate whether they wield this power wisely and, if not, to take legislative action that will speed up the immediate release of as many inmates as possible.”
One possible fix, Nester proposed, would be amending the Bail Reform Act to include COVID-19 as an acceptable factor to consider when making decisions about pretrial release.
Read the San Diego Federal Defenders letter to Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.)


huffpost--2020-04-04--Wisconsin Republicans Block Governor's Last Minute Plea to Change Tuesday Election

Evers called a special session of Wisconsin ’ s Republican-controlled legislature on Saturday in an attempt to change the state ’ s Election Day into an extended mail-in ballot only election .
He had proposed mandating that all registered voters receive an absentee ballot by May 19 and extending the deadline to turn them in to May 26 .
“ Hundreds of thousands of workers are going to their jobs every day , serving in essential roles in our society .
There ’ s no question that an election is just as important as getting take-out food , ” Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robin Vos , both Republicans , said in a statement .
Wisconsin has reported 2,112 positive cases of the coronavirus , and 56 related deaths , as of Saturday afternoon — more than double what the state was reporting last week .
Residents have been under strict stay-at-home orders since March 25 : All nonessential businesses have been shut down , and people who don ’ t live in the same household are not allowed to gather .
Breaking the rules comes with jail time or fines .
Already , election officials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of absentee ballots .
The majority of municipalities in Wisconsin have already reported a lack of poll workers .
State election officials reported 111 jurisdictions that do not have enough people to staff a single polling place , and 60 % of all Wisconsin towns and cities were reporting staffing shortages as of Monday .
On Friday , the Milwaukee Election Commission announced the city was consolidating its usual 180 polling stations to just five .
“ We have grave concerns about holding an election as we ’ re just ramping up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , let alone other areas in the state that may not have cases yet , ” Milwaukee Health Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik told reporters Friday .
Evers has tried to pin the blame on his Republican colleagues , though he himself appeared resigned to the April 7 election date last week ; Friday was the first time he called for the primary to be moved .
Previously , Evers had been calling for an expanded absentee ballot system — mailing ballots to all registered voters and loosening guidelines for absentee voting .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , ” Evers , who unseated the state ’ s former Republican governor Scott Walker in 2018 , said in a video posted to his social media accounts Friday .
“ Folks , I can ’ t change this election or change the rules on my own .
My hands are tied .
And that ’ s why I spoke to legislative leaders about this weeks ago .
I even publicly called on them to act .
They made it clear they were unwilling to make changes.
” Fitzgerald , the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absentee ballots to all registered voters in the state was “ not logistically feasible ” and called it a “ fantasy ” and “ ridiculous ” last week .
Other states — like Ohio , Wyoming and Alaska — have switched primary voting to mail-in ballots only .
Republicans are also fighting election changes in the courts .
A federal judge censured Evers and Republicans last week for failing to address the election during a public health crisis and granted an extension for absentee ballots .
Ballots now need to be received by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counted .
A federal appeals court upheld the April 13 deadline , but undid another provision that would have allowed voters to submit mail-in ballots without a witness signature .
“ We still have grave concerns about election security by allowing votes to be postmarked or submitted after Election Day , and plan to appeal that issue to the United States Supreme Court , ” Fitzgerald and Vos said in a joint statement .
Wisconsin Democrats have already raised concerns about the political implications of low voter turnout in this election .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a seat on the state Supreme Court .
While technically a nonpartisan contest , incumbent Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and has the support of Republicans .
Kelly is looking to sew up a 10-year appointment , while his opponent , Dane County Circuit Judge Jill Karofsky , is hoping to weaken conservatives ’ 5-2 majority on the court .

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Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) made a last minute push to stop in-person voting scheduled for Tuesday, as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in the state, but Republicans aren’t interested.
Evers called a special session of Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled legislature on Saturday in an attempt to change the state’s Election Day into an extended mail-in ballot only election. He had proposed mandating that all registered voters receive an absentee ballot by May 19 and extending the deadline to turn them in to May 26.
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But the legislative session lasted only a couple seconds Saturday afternoon; the state’s Republican leaders gaveled in and out, adjourning until Monday and leaving the in-person Election Day plans for Tuesday intact.
“Hundreds of thousands of workers are going to their jobs every day, serving in essential roles in our society. There’s no question that an election is just as important as getting take-out food,” Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, both Republicans, said in a statement.
Wisconsin has reported 2,112 positive cases of the coronavirus, and 56 related deaths, as of Saturday afternoon — more than double what the state was reporting last week. Residents have been under strict stay-at-home orders since March 25: All nonessential businesses have been shut down, and people who don’t live in the same household are not allowed to gather. Breaking the rules comes with jail time or fines.
Already, election officials are facing poll staff shortages and a backlog of absentee ballots. The majority of municipalities in Wisconsin have already reported a lack of poll workers. State election officials reported 111 jurisdictions that do not have enough people to staff a single polling place, and 60% of all Wisconsin towns and cities were reporting staffing shortages as of Monday. On Friday, the Milwaukee Election Commission announced the city was consolidating its usual 180 polling stations to just five.
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For now, voters will have to choose between voting without proper social distance, or not showing up.
“We have grave concerns about holding an election as we’re just ramping up in dealing with 1,000 cases in Milwaukee County, let alone other areas in the state that may not have cases yet,” Milwaukee Health Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik told reporters Friday.
Vos, the state assembly speaker, tweeted, “Milwaukee could easily use city staff to open polling places.” Evers has also offered using the national guard to staff polling stations.
Milwaukee could easily use city staff to open polling places like many other municipalities are doing in addition to their poll workers. Gov Evers has also offered the National Guard. It appears they want problems instead of an actual solution. https://t.co/twpGSY1ydr — Robin Vos (@repvos) April 4, 2020
Evers has tried to pin the blame on his Republican colleagues, though he himself appeared resigned to the April 7 election date last week; Friday was the first time he called for the primary to be moved. Previously, Evers had been calling for an expanded absentee ballot system — mailing ballots to all registered voters and loosening guidelines for absentee voting.
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“There’s no real good answer to this,” Evers, who unseated the state’s former Republican governor Scott Walker in 2018, said in a video posted to his social media accounts Friday. “Folks, I can’t change this election or change the rules on my own. My hands are tied. And that’s why I spoke to legislative leaders about this weeks ago. I even publicly called on them to act. They made it clear they were unwilling to make changes.”
Republican officials seemed unfazed by the governor’s demand, criticizing him for attempting changes at the last minute.
Fitzgerald, the Senate majority leader, previously said that sending absentee ballots to all registered voters in the state was “not logistically feasible” and called it a “fantasy” and “ridiculous” last week. Other states — like Ohio, Wyoming and Alaska — have switched primary voting to mail-in ballots only.
Republicans are also fighting election changes in the courts. A federal judge censured Evers and Republicans last week for failing to address the election during a public health crisis and granted an extension for absentee ballots. Ballots now need to be received by 4 p.m. on April 13 to be counted. A federal appeals court upheld the April 13 deadline, but undid another provision that would have allowed voters to submit mail-in ballots without a witness signature.
Republican leaders in the state have already indicated they would like to fight the absentee ballot extension in state courts.
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“We still have grave concerns about election security by allowing votes to be postmarked or submitted after Election Day, and plan to appeal that issue to the United States Supreme Court,” Fitzgerald and Vos said in a joint statement.
Wisconsin Democrats have already raised concerns about the political implications of low voter turnout in this election. On the ballot is a contentious race for a seat on the state Supreme Court. While technically a nonpartisan contest, incumbent Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and has the support of Republicans. Kelly is looking to sew up a 10-year appointment, while his opponent, Dane County Circuit Judge Jill Karofsky, is hoping to weaken conservatives’ 5-2 majority on the court.