huffpost--2020-02-24--Northern Italy Authorities Impose Stringent Measures Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

MILAN , Feb 23 ( Reuters ) - Some people fled , some stocked up on essentials , others simply called for calm after authorities imposed stringent measures on swathes of northern Italy to try to halt an outbreak of coronavirus .
Italy is battling the largest flare-up of the disease yet seen in Europe , with four people dying of the illness since Friday and more than 150 cases reported .
The outbreak is centered on clusters of small towns in the wealthy regions of Lombardy and Veneto , but in an effort to contain the virus , officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Italy ’ s financial capital , Milan .
Schools and universities were told to close until the end of the month , museums and cinemas were shuttered , major sporting events were postponed and Milan ’ s famous La Scala opera house was forced to cancel performances .
“ Today is madness .
It feels like we ’ re in Baghdad .
We can ’ t restock shelves quick enough , ” said a shop assistant at Esselunga Solari supermarket in Milan , declining to give her name because she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mara Nobile , a mother of three , decided the best thing to do was leave the city .
“ We ’ re taking the children to the countryside , ” she said , adding she was also canceling a ski trip she had planned for the end of the week .
Some of those already out of town decided to delay their return .
Isabella Palmi , 76 , and her 82-year-old husband were supposed to come back to Milan from Switzerland this coming week , but are now planning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government has imposed a de-facto quarantine on almost a dozen towns some 60 km ( 40 miles ) southwest of the financial hub , with locals urged to stay at home and special permission needed to enter or leave the designated areas .
Police cars patrolled near-deserted streets while groups of shoppers , many wearing masks , queued up outside supermarkets - some of the very few businesses that were allowed to open .
″ ( The closures ) are a good thing to keep the virus at bay .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public places are closed , ” said Piero Forleo , 45 , a resident of one of the isolated towns , Casalpusterlengo .
“ I think it ’ s good the government doesn ’ t seem to be panicking about it but it ’ s worrying just the same because you don ’ t know how many other cases there are , ” she said .
She complained that her department was being asked to carry out a huge quantity of tests on possible coronavirus carriers , and said the alarm had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be madness .
People are confusing an infection which is slightly more serious than the flu to a lethal pandemic .
It is not like that .
Look at the numbers , ” she said on Instagram .
“ This madness will do a lot of damage .
”

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MILAN, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Some people fled, some stocked up on essentials, others simply called for calm after authorities imposed stringent measures on swathes of northern Italy to try to halt an outbreak of coronavirus.
Italy is battling the largest flare-up of the disease yet seen in Europe, with four people dying of the illness since Friday and more than 150 cases reported.
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The outbreak is centered on clusters of small towns in the wealthy regions of Lombardy and Veneto, but in an effort to contain the virus, officials have imposed emergency measures across the area, including Italy’s financial capital, Milan.
Schools and universities were told to close until the end of the month, museums and cinemas were shuttered, major sporting events were postponed and Milan’s famous La Scala opera house was forced to cancel performances.
News of the restrictions sent many people rushing to supermarkets to buy emergency supplies of food.
“Today is madness. It feels like we’re in Baghdad. We can’t restock shelves quick enough,” said a shop assistant at Esselunga Solari supermarket in Milan, declining to give her name because she was not authorized to speak to the media.
Pasta and bottles of tomato sauce flew into peoples’ trolleys, while face masks swiftly sold out.
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Mara Nobile, a mother of three, decided the best thing to do was leave the city. “We’re taking the children to the countryside,” she said, adding she was also canceling a ski trip she had planned for the end of the week.
Some of those already out of town decided to delay their return. Isabella Palmi, 76, and her 82-year-old husband were supposed to come back to Milan from Switzerland this coming week, but are now planning to stay away longer.
“We will not come back to Milan for a while. We feel safer here,” she said.
‘EVERYTHING IS CLOSED’
At least travel in and out of Milan was still permitted.
By contrast, the government has imposed a de-facto quarantine on almost a dozen towns some 60 km (40 miles) southwest of the financial hub, with locals urged to stay at home and special permission needed to enter or leave the designated areas.
Police cars patrolled near-deserted streets while groups of shoppers, many wearing masks, queued up outside supermarkets - some of the very few businesses that were allowed to open.
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″(The closures) are a good thing to keep the virus at bay. In fact everything is closed. All hospitals and public places are closed,” said Piero Forleo, 45, a resident of one of the isolated towns, Casalpusterlengo.
Milan pensioner Anna Mariani said people were worried because they didn’t know what was going to happen next.
“I think it’s good the government doesn’t seem to be panicking about it but it’s worrying just the same because you don’t know how many other cases there are,” she said.
Others were less complimentary about the government action, including Maria Rita Gismondo, head of clinical microbiology, virology and diagnostics at Milan’s Luigi Sacco Hospital.
She complained that her department was being asked to carry out a huge quantity of tests on possible coronavirus carriers, and said the alarm had been blown out of proportion.
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“It seems to be madness. People are confusing an infection which is slightly more serious than the flu to a lethal pandemic. It is not like that. Look at the numbers,” she said on Instagram. “This madness will do a lot of damage.”
According to latest data just two people out of Italy’s total 152 coronavirus cases were being treated in Milan. The three deaths have been elderly people, two of whom had serious underlying conditions.


huffpost--2020-03-30--John Prine In Critical Condition With Coronavirus Symptoms

LOS ANGELES ( Variety.com ) - Singer-songwriter John Prine , who received a Grammy lifetime achievement award this year , is in critical condition with symptoms of coronavirus , his family relayed via his Twitter account Sunday .
“ After a sudden onset of Covid-19 symptoms , John was hospitalized on Thursday ( 3/26 ) , ” the statement from the Prine family said .
“ He was intubated Saturday evening , and continues to receive care , but his situation is critical.
” The tweet continues , “ This is hard news for us to share .
But so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John over the years , we wanted to let you know , and give you the chance to send on more of that love and support now .
And know that we love you , andJohn loves you.
” Members of the music community and celebrities from other media immediately reacted on social media .
“ Sending our love to each of y ’ all .
Hoping for the best , “ tweeted Jason Isbell .
“ Sending every positive thought I have left your way , John , ” wrote Seth Meyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ tweeted Mark Hamill .
Prine ’ s wife and manager , Fiona Whelan Prine , had previously been reported to be diagnosed with coronavirus .
At the time her having contracted the disease was made public , via her Instagram posting March 19 , she said her husband had been tested but results were “ indeterminate.
” The couple was said to be quarantined apart from one another at home at that point .
Prine , 73 , is one of the most celebrated songwriters of the past 50 years , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He fought off cancer in the late ’ 90s and again in the early 2010s .
Prine and his wife are longtime Nashville residents .
The music community there was already reeling Sunday with news of the coronavirus-related death of country star Joe Diffie .

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LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) - Singer-songwriter John Prine, who received a Grammy lifetime achievement award this year, is in critical condition with symptoms of coronavirus, his family relayed via his Twitter account Sunday.
“After a sudden onset of Covid-19 symptoms, John was hospitalized on Thursday (3/26),” the statement from the Prine family said. “He was intubated Saturday evening, and continues to receive care, but his situation is critical.”
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The tweet continues, “This is hard news for us to share. But so many of you have loved and supported John over the years, we wanted to let you know, and give you the chance to send on more of that love and support now. And know that we love you, andJohn loves you.”
Members of the music community and celebrities from other media immediately reacted on social media.
“Sending our love to each of y’all. Hoping for the best,“tweeted Jason Isbell. “Sending every positive thought I have left your way, John,” wrote Seth Meyers. “Get well soon John!“tweeted Mark Hamill.
Prine’s wife and manager, Fiona Whelan Prine, had previously been reported to be diagnosed with coronavirus. At the time her having contracted the disease was made public, via her Instagram posting March 19, she said her husband had been tested but results were “indeterminate.” The couple was said to be quarantined apart from one another at home at that point.
Prine, 73, is one of the most celebrated songwriters of the past 50 years, and has continued to tour and record recently. He fought off cancer in the late ’90s and again in the early 2010s.
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huffpost--2020-03-30--In Move Likely Aimed At Liberty University, On-Campus Teaching Halted In Virginia

The evangelical college in Lynchburg led by President Jerry Falwell Jr. has faced intense criticism over its decision to welcome students back to campus last week after the end of their spring break .
The vast majority of classes have been moved online , but the university has said publicly that in-person instruction was necessary for a few select courses .
“ We are currently reviewing what the governor said but aren ’ t able to make a comment at this moment , ” said Liberty spokesman Scott Lamb .
Lamb said he couldn ’ t immediately say whether any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the university ’ s website specifically mentioned that flight training for aeronautics courses would “ remain in the traditional face to face format.
” Falwell , one of President Donald Trump ’ s earliest and most ardent high-profile supporters , has generally characterized concerns about the virus as overblown .
He has accused the news media of stoking fear and suggesting coverage has been politically motivated to hurt the president .
Still , the university has said it would comply with all applicable governmental directives and guidance concerning COVID-19 , the disease caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and upended daily life around much of the world .
Earlier this month , at a time when a flood of colleges began announcing plans to extend spring breaks or move instruction online , Liberty initially resisted and planned for classes to resume .
That also prompted an outcry and a petition was starte d , asking Liberty to move instruction online .
Two weeks ago , Liberty announced a switch , telling students that most classes would be able to finish out the spring term in an online format .
Certain programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nursing , and certain types of performance classes , like labs , could not be offered online , a statement said .
“ Students in those programs and classes will only be able to take them in person but no classes will involve gatherings of more than 100 people , ” Liberty said .
Eli Best , a sophomore engineering major from Alexandria in northern Virginia , said he went home for spring break and returned because he had class projects that he thought needed to be finished and required the use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Monday that all the shops and equipment he needed have since been shut down , and he ’ s returned home .
City officials and the top local public health official have said they ’ ve been fielding complaints from concerned residents and Liberty parents about the school ’ s response .
The city currently has four confirmed COVID-19 cases , according to the latest information available from the state Department of Health .
Falwell tweeted Sunday night that only one off-campus student who never left Lynchburg had tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the New York Times that said nearly a dozen Liberty students were sick with symptoms that suggested COVID-19 .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .

Liberty University Reuters
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s governor on Monday ordered all higher education institutions to stop any in-person instruction amid the coronavirus pandemic, a move likely directed at Liberty University.
The evangelical college in Lynchburg led by President Jerry Falwell Jr. has faced intense criticism over its decision to welcome students back to campus last week after the end of their spring break. The vast majority of classes have been moved online, but the university has said publicly that in-person instruction was necessary for a few select courses.
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“We are currently reviewing what the governor said but aren’t able to make a comment at this moment,” said Liberty spokesman Scott Lamb.
Lamb said he couldn’t immediately say whether any in-person instruction was continuing Monday, but the university’s website specifically mentioned that flight training for aeronautics courses would “remain in the traditional face to face format.”
Falwell, one of President Donald Trump’s earliest and most ardent high-profile supporters, has generally characterized concerns about the virus as overblown. He has accused the news media of stoking fear and suggesting coverage has been politically motivated to hurt the president.
Still, the university has said it would comply with all applicable governmental directives and guidance concerning COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus that has crippled economies and upended daily life around much of the world.
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Last week, Northam quoted from scripture in urging Falwell to rethink “his message that invites and encourages students to return to campus.”
Earlier this month, at a time when a flood of colleges began announcing plans to extend spring breaks or move instruction online, Liberty initially resisted and planned for classes to resume. That also prompted an outcry and a petition was starte d, asking Liberty to move instruction online.
Two weeks ago, Liberty announced a switch, telling students that most classes would be able to finish out the spring term in an online format.
Certain programs, such as aviation, osteopathic medicine and nursing, and certain types of performance classes, like labs, could not be offered online, a statement said.
“Students in those programs and classes will only be able to take them in person but no classes will involve gatherings of more than 100 people,” Liberty said.
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Eli Best, a sophomore engineering major from Alexandria in northern Virginia, said he went home for spring break and returned because he had class projects that he thought needed to be finished and required the use of the on-campus machine shop.
“I didn’t see any other way to complete them,” he said.
Best said Monday that all the shops and equipment he needed have since been shut down, and he’s returned home.
City officials and the top local public health official have said they’ve been fielding complaints from concerned residents and Liberty parents about the school’s response.
The city currently has four confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the latest information available from the state Department of Health.
Falwell tweeted Sunday night that only one off-campus student who never left Lynchburg had tested positive for the virus — a response to a story in the New York Times that said nearly a dozen Liberty students were sick with symptoms that suggested COVID-19.
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huffpost--2020-03-30--Prince Charles Is Out Of Self-Isolation 1 Week After Positive Coronavirus Test

LONDON ( Reuters ) - British heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles , who had tested positive for coronavirus , is out of @ @ @ @ @ is in good health , his spokesman said on Monday .
Last week , his @ @ @ @ @ Charles , 71 , had been tested after displaying mild symptoms of the virus and @ @ @ @ @ his Birkhall home in Scotland where he had continued to work .
After consultation with @ @ @ @ @ now out of self-isolation , Clarence House said .
He will resume meetings and take @ @ @ @ @ and medical guidelines .
Camilla , Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles attend the Commonwealth @ @ @ @ @ 9 in London .
However , his wife Camilla , who tested negative for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ until the end of the week in case she too develops symptoms .
Buckingham Palace @ @ @ @ @ , who left London for Windsor Castle on March 19 along with her 98-year-old husband @ @ @ @ @ good health .

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LONDON (Reuters) - British heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, who had tested positive for coronavirus, is out of self-isolation after seven days and is in good health, his spokesman said on Monday.
Last week, his Clarence House office revealed that Charles, 71, had been tested after displaying mild symptoms of the virus and had been in self-isolation at his Birkhall home in Scotland where he had continued to work.
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After consultation with his doctor, he is now out of self-isolation, Clarence House said. He will resume meetings and take exercise in accordance with government and medical guidelines.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles attend the Commonwealth Day reception 2020 on March 9 in London. WPA Pool via Getty Images
However, his wife Camilla, who tested negative for coronavirus, will remain in self-isolation until the end of the week in case she too develops symptoms.
Buckingham Palace has previously said Queen Elizabeth, who left London for Windsor Castle on March 19 along with her 98-year-old husband, Philip, is in good health.
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huffpost--2020-06-23--New U.S. COVID-19 Cases Surge 25%

New U.S. COVID-19 Cases Surge 25%

( Reuters ) - The United States saw a 25 % increase in new cases of COVID-19 in the week ended June 21 compared to the previous seven days , with Arizona , Florida and Texas experiencing record surges in new infections , a Reuters analysis found .
Twenty-five U.S. states reported more new cases last week than the previous week , including 10 states that saw weekly new infections rise more than 50 % , and 12 states that posted new records , according to the analysis of data from The COVID Tracking Project , a volunteer-run effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the largest rises in new cases at 24,000 for the week ended June 21 , an increase of 84 % from the previous week .
The number of COVID-19 tests that came back positive in the state rose to 10 % , from 7 % .
New cases in Florida rose 87 % last week to almost 22,000 , with the state ’ s positive test rate nearly doubling to 11 % .
Arizona reported 17,000 new cases , a 90 % increase , with 20 % of tests coming back positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governors of all three states have attributed the increases in new cases to more testing , and to younger residents not following social distancing guidelines .
Some health experts have criticized these states for reopening too quickly without adequate restrictions , for instance not making it mandatory to wear masks in public .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has recommended states wait for new COVID-19 cases to fall for 14 days before easing social distancing restrictions .
Thirteen states and the District of Columbia are in compliance with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down from 17 states the prior week .
New York leads with 10 straight weeks of declines , followed by Rhode Island , Illinois and Washington , D.C .
Nationally , the number of new COVID-19 cases had been falling on a weekly basis through May .
Last week ’ s 25 % jump came after a 1 % rise in the second week of June and a 3 % increase in the first week of June .

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(Reuters) - The United States saw a 25% increase in new cases of COVID-19 in the week ended June 21 compared to the previous seven days, with Arizona, Florida and Texas experiencing record surges in new infections, a Reuters analysis found.
Twenty-five U.S. states reported more new cases last week than the previous week, including 10 states that saw weekly new infections rise more than 50%, and 12 states that posted new records, according to the analysis of data from The COVID Tracking Project, a volunteer-run effort to track the outbreak.
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Texas reported one of the largest rises in new cases at 24,000 for the week ended June 21, an increase of 84% from the previous week. The number of COVID-19 tests that came back positive in the state rose to 10%, from 7%.
New cases in Florida rose 87% last week to almost 22,000, with the state’s positive test rate nearly doubling to 11%.
Arizona reported 17,000 new cases, a 90% increase, with 20% of tests coming back positive, according to the analysis.
(GRAPHIC-Where coronavirus cases are rising in the United States, here)
The governors of all three states have attributed the increases in new cases to more testing, and to younger residents not following social distancing guidelines. Some health experts have criticized these states for reopening too quickly without adequate restrictions, for instance not making it mandatory to wear masks in public.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended states wait for new COVID-19 cases to fall for 14 days before easing social distancing restrictions.
Thirteen states and the District of Columbia are in compliance with that guideline, the analysis showed, down from 17 states the prior week. New York leads with 10 straight weeks of declines, followed by Rhode Island, Illinois and Washington, D.C.
Nationally, the number of new COVID-19 cases had been falling on a weekly basis through May. Last week’s 25% jump came after a 1% rise in the second week of June and a 3% increase in the first week of June.


huffpost--2020-06-23--How To Assess Your Coronavirus Risk Before Doing An Activity

Think about other people ’ s risk in addition to your own “ It ’ s important to think about not only your personal risk , but the risk of your community , and the prevalence of the disease , ” Redlener said .
“ I ’ ve heard people argue that others must judge for themselves the degree of risk they are willing to take , but that ’ s not appropriate in this situation.
” Opt for outside first if you can This means if you have to go out ( or just really , really want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air ― even if restaurants in your area are starting to take indoor diners .
And if you do end up indoors , make sure to wear a mask , Lobelo said .
Know that your risk increases the more places you go or people you ’ re around “ There is a cumulative risk the more time you spend in an indoor environment , and the risk increases if a majority of people ( or yourself ) aren ’ t wearing masks , ” Lobelo said .
“ Even if you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the more people you or your kids interact with is an opportunity for the virus to jump between hosts.
” When in doubt , put social distancing and mask-wearing above all else In an attempt to offset risk , many people are abiding by a two-week grace period after each phase of reopening to see how their community handles it or is affected .
And while this may help calm any personal anxiety , doing this will unfortunately have little effect if you ’ re more susceptible to the virus .

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States have started lifting stay-at-home orders imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic ― but with these reopenings have come mixed results. Areas like Alabama, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Florida have all seen significant increases in coronavirus cases in recent weeks, while places like New York and Massachusetts have seen a decline.
And while it may be tempting to venture out, particularly after months of isolating yourself from friends and family, is it really safe? Here, experts share how you can assess your personal risk of contracting the coronavirus in certain situations so you can navigate your state’s reopening plans safely.
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Check coronavirus stats in your state
“There’s a wide misinterpretation of what it means it to be reopening businesses, even in phases,” said Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness and professor of public health at Columbia University in New York. “People equate the word ‘reopening’ to getting back to normal, and that’s a very big and dangerous mistake.”
It’s important to listen to the caveats of each reopening phase so that you know what is expected of you as a customer, worker or business owner to help your community prevent the virus from spreading rapidly, Redlener said.
“Reopening has a very localized meaning,” said Felipe Lobelo, an epidemiologist and senior physician consultant in population health research for Kaiser Permanente of Georgia. “People need to be aware of how much virus transmission is in their ZIP codes or counties. The more local information you’re able to get, the better.”
This means that while it’s important to know what’s going on in your state, dig a little deeper and look into that stats in your town, along with the recommendations of area health officials.
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LeoPatrizi via Getty Images
Think about other people’s risk in addition to your own
Determining your individual risk is fairly easy, Redlener said. But in a pandemic, community risk is a larger concern.
“It’s important to think about not only your personal risk, but the risk of your community, and the prevalence of the disease,” Redlener said. “I’ve heard people argue that others must judge for themselves the degree of risk they are willing to take, but that’s not appropriate in this situation.”
Older adults (typically 55 to 65 years and up), especially those with preexisting health conditions, and individuals who are immunocompromised are often the most at risk for contracting and having complications from the coronavirus.
“You have to adopt these reopenings not only to your own personal health status, but the health status of your family, in addition to what the virus transmission is like in your community,” Lobelo said.
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When you’re deciding to do an activity, take your family and community members into consideration if you know you’ll be near them after you go out.
“If you’re a single person living alone in an apartment, how you act will be very different to someone living in a multigenerational family home or in close quarters with older relatives who may have chronic illnesses,” Redlener said.
Opt for outside first if you can
“I personally try to avoid closed environments as much as possible,” Lobelo said. “We know that whether it’s an office or a restaurant, these types of indoor settings are much better for transmission of the virus.”
This means if you have to go out (or just really, really want to) try to do it in open air ― even if restaurants in your area are starting to take indoor diners. And if you do end up indoors, make sure to wear a mask, Lobelo said.
Other steps you should be taking are to make sure you continue to social-distance outside and inside, and don’t go out at all if you feel ill.
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“These are the best stopgap measures we have until a vaccine is approved and ready,” Redlener said.
Dmitry Travnikov / 500px via Getty Images
Know that your risk increases the more places you go or people you’re around
Don’t go wild the second you’re able to start going to reopened stores, salons, restaurants, camps or day cares.
“There is a cumulative risk the more time you spend in an indoor environment, and the risk increases if a majority of people (or yourself) aren’t wearing masks,” Lobelo said. “Even if you’re trying to keep your distance, the more people you or your kids interact with is an opportunity for the virus to jump between hosts.”
Be strategic about where you choose to go, and limit the number of places and visits. Also consider the collective risk of your family when you put yourself and others in these types of settings.
When in doubt, put social distancing and mask-wearing above all else
In an attempt to offset risk, many people are abiding by a two-week grace period after each phase of reopening to see how their community handles it or is affected. And while this may help calm any personal anxiety, doing this will unfortunately have little effect if you’re more susceptible to the virus.
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“No matter what date you decide to start going out, we won’t know how virus transmission was for about 10 days after,” Lobelo said. “Instead, the best thing you can do is to limit your time in indoor places and wear a mask.”
However, both Lobelo and Redlener say that if you find your mental health is suffering due to isolation and you’re a low-risk individual, you should go out as long as you do so safely.
“If there’s someone you want to meet up with and you’re able to have a picnic at the park and stay 6 to 8 feet away, that’s OK,” Redlener said. “Inviting all of your friends over to your apartment and not wearing a mask is not. It’s all about how you apply the principles set by health experts.”
And, once again, remember that this isn’t just about you. These measures are for your friends, your family, your city and the country.
“Every time you take a risk [like not wearing a mask] you’re taking a risk on someone else’s behalf. It’s not just about personal health, it’s about public health,” Redlener said.
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Experts are still learning about the novel coronavirus. The information in this story is what was known or available as of press time, but it’s possible guidance around COVID-19 could change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.


huffpost--2020-06-23--Fauci To Testify At A Fraught Time For U.S. Coronavirus Pandemic Response

The government ’ s top infectious disease expert will testify before a House committee , along with the heads of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the Food and Drug Administration , and a top official at the Department of Health and Human Services .
In prepared testimony submitted for all four witnesses , HHS told lawmakers that “ the rigorous clinical testing required to establish vaccine safety and efficacy means that it might take some time for a licensed ( coronavirus ) vaccine to be available to the general public.
” The statement added that , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proven public health practices of containment and mitigation.
” Translation : keeping outbreaks under control is the best tool in the public health arsenal for now .
Fauci remains optimistic that a vaccine will be found , noting that patients develop antibodies to the virus — a sign that the human immune system is able to battle back .
However , he shies away from promising results by the end of the year , as President Donald Trump has done .
Since Fauci ’ s last appearance at a high-profile hearing more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been emerging from weeks of stay-at-home orders and business shutdowns .
But it ’ s being done in an uneven way , with some states far less cautious than others .
A trio of states with Republican governors who are bullish on reopening — Arizona , Florida and Texas — are among those seeing worrisome increases in cases .
Then Trump said at his weekend rally in Tulsa that he had asked administration officials to slow down testing , because too many positive cases are turning up .
Many rally goers did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was an act of defiance against what they see as government intrusion .
White House officials later tried to walk back Trump ’ s comment on testing , suggesting it wasn ’ t meant to be taken literally .
Fauci has recently warned that the U.S. is still in the first wave of the pandemic and has continued to urge the American public to practice social distancing .
And , in a recent ABC News interview , he said political demonstrations such as protests against racial injustice are “ risky ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Trump rallies , he said it did .
Fauci continues to recognize widespread testing as critical for catching clusters of COVID-19 cases before they turn into full outbreaks in a given community .
Giroir was tapped by the White House to oversee the expansion of coronavirus testing .
But he gained notoriety after a whistleblower complaint flagged him for trying to push a malaria drug touted by Trump to treat COVID-19 without conclusive scientific evidence .
The FDA has since withdrawn its emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine .
“ There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration ’ s response to the COVID-19 pandemic , ” said Rep. Frank Pallone , D-N.J. , who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee .
“ As communities across the country ease social distancing guidance and reopen their economies , it is critically important that both the administration and Congress remain focused on containing the spread of the coronavirus and providing the resources and support Americans need during this time of crisis.
” There is still no vaccine for COVID-19 , and there are no treatments specifically developed for the disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown to help some patients , as well as a steroid called dexamethasone , and plasma from patients who have recovered .
Since Fauci last testified , hospital physicians have become more skilled in treating coronavirus patients with the techniques and medications at their disposal .
The U.S. continues to ramp up testing , with some 27.5 million Americans , or more than 8 % of the population , tested thus far .
But most communities still lack enough health workers trained in doing contact tracing , the work of identifying people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That could make it more difficult to tamp down emerging outbreaks .
The Energy and Commerce Committee has oversight over drugs and vaccines , among other facets of the U.S. health care system .
Committee Democrats have been harshly critical of the administration .
However , not all Republicans have lined up to defend the White House .
Some GOP members were growing concerned early in the year that the administration wasn ’ t doing enough to prepare .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — With coronavirus cases rising in about half the states and political polarization competing for attention with public health recommendations, Dr. Anthony Fauci returns to Capitol Hill on Tuesday at a fraught moment in the nation’s pandemic response.
The government’s top infectious disease expert will testify before a House committee, along with the heads of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and a top official at the Department of Health and Human Services.
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In prepared testimony submitted for all four witnesses, HHS told lawmakers that “the rigorous clinical testing required to establish vaccine safety and efficacy means that it might take some time for a licensed (coronavirus) vaccine to be available to the general public.”
The statement added that, “the COVID-19 response currently is focused on the proven public health practices of containment and mitigation.” Translation: keeping outbreaks under control is the best tool in the public health arsenal for now.
Fauci remains optimistic that a vaccine will be found, noting that patients develop antibodies to the virus — a sign that the human immune system is able to battle back. However, he shies away from promising results by the end of the year, as President Donald Trump has done.
Since Fauci’s last appearance at a high-profile hearing more than a month ago, the U.S. has been emerging from weeks of stay-at-home orders and business shutdowns. But it’s being done in an uneven way, with some states far less cautious than others. A trio of states with Republican governors who are bullish on reopening — Arizona, Florida and Texas — are among those seeing worrisome increases in cases.
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Last week, Vice President Mike Pence published an opinion article in The Wall Street Journal saying the administration’s efforts have strengthened the nation’s ability to counter the virus and should be “a cause for celebration.”
Then Trump said at his weekend rally in Tulsa that he had asked administration officials to slow down testing, because too many positive cases are turning up. Many rally goers did not wear masks, and for some that was an act of defiance against what they see as government intrusion. White House officials later tried to walk back Trump’s comment on testing, suggesting it wasn’t meant to be taken literally.
On Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to visit Arizona, a coronavirus hotspot where the rate of positive COVID tests is about 20%, well above the threshold for widespread transmission. His plans include addressing a “Students for Trump” rally.
Fauci has recently warned that the U.S. is still in the first wave of the pandemic and has continued to urge the American public to practice social distancing. And, in a recent ABC News interview, he said political demonstrations such as protests against racial injustice are “risky” to all involved. Asked if that applied to Trump rallies, he said it did. Fauci continues to recognize widespread testing as critical for catching clusters of COVID-19 cases before they turn into full outbreaks in a given community.
About 2.3 million Americans have been sickened in the pandemic, and some 120,000 have died, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
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Fauci, who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will be joined by CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield, FDA chief Dr. Stephen Hahn and the head of the U.S. Public Health Service, Adm. Brett Giroir.
Giroir was tapped by the White House to oversee the expansion of coronavirus testing. But he gained notoriety after a whistleblower complaint flagged him for trying to push a malaria drug touted by Trump to treat COVID-19 without conclusive scientific evidence. The FDA has since withdrawn its emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine.
“There have been a lot of unfortunate missteps in the Trump administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee. “As communities across the country ease social distancing guidance and reopen their economies, it is critically important that both the administration and Congress remain focused on containing the spread of the coronavirus and providing the resources and support Americans need during this time of crisis.”
There is still no vaccine for COVID-19, and there are no treatments specifically developed for the disease, although the antiviral drug remdesivir has been shown to help some patients, as well as a steroid called dexamethasone, and plasma from patients who have recovered.
Since Fauci last testified, hospital physicians have become more skilled in treating coronavirus patients with the techniques and medications at their disposal. The U.S. continues to ramp up testing, with some 27.5 million Americans, or more than 8% of the population, tested thus far. But most communities still lack enough health workers trained in doing contact tracing, the work of identifying people who have had interactions with an infected person. That could make it more difficult to tamp down emerging outbreaks.
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huffpost--2020-06-23--Trump Says He Wasn't Joking About Slowing COVID-19 Testing: 'I Don't Kid'

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his comment over the weekend about asking staff to “ slow the testing down ” for COVID-19 wasn ’ t a joke .
“ I don ’ t kid .
Let me just tell you .
Let me make it clear , ” the president told reporters before insisting the U.S. had the greatest testing program of anywhere .
In a separate interview with religious-oriented news website CBN.com published Tuesday , Trump said the comment about cutting back on testing was “ semi tongue-in-cheek.
” “ I say it all the time , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people thought it was tongue-in-cheek.
” He also repeated his claim that testing is “ a double-edged sword.
” When CBN News pressed him on whether he had ordered a testing shutdown , the president said , “ No .
But I think we put ourselves at a disadvantage.
” The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday .
At a campaign rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , on Saturday night , Trump told the crowd that he had told his “ people ” to “ slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because more tests would mean more cases of the coronavirus .
About 120,000 people in the U.S. have died due to COVID-19 , and Trump ’ s remarks came under fire from politicians and public health experts .
Trump allies , including White House trade adviser Peter Navarro , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh , subsequently attempted to do damage control , saying the president ’ s comment about testing was “ tongue-in-cheek , ” “ made in jest ” and “ ironic humor.
” On Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about whether he had ordered a testing shutdown .
But he suggested , once again , that less testing for COVID-19 would mean fewer cases .
“ If it did slow down , frankly I think we ’ re way ahead of ourselves , if you want to know the truth .
We ’ ve done too good a job , ” Trump said .
“ Because every time we go up , with 25 million tests , you ’ re gon na find more people — so then they say , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States.
’ ” Dr. Anthony Fauci , the country ’ s leading infectious disease expert and a member of the White House ’ s coronavirus task force , reportedly told a House committee on Tuesday that he was unaware of any orders to slow down testing and said there would be more testing in the future .

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President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his comment over the weekend about asking staff to “slow the testing down” for COVID-19 wasn’t a joke.
“I don’t kid. Let me just tell you. Let me make it clear,” the president told reporters before insisting the U.S. had the greatest testing program of anywhere.
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In a separate interview with religious-oriented news website CBN.com published Tuesday, Trump said the comment about cutting back on testing was “semi tongue-in-cheek.”
“I say it all the time,” he said. “I know some people thought it was tongue-in-cheek.”
He also repeated his claim that testing is “a double-edged sword.” When CBN News pressed him on whether he had ordered a testing shutdown, the president said, “No. But I think we put ourselves at a disadvantage.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.
At a campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday night, Trump told the crowd that he had told his “people” to “slow the testing down, please,” because more tests would mean more cases of the coronavirus.
About 120,000 people in the U.S. have died due to COVID-19, and Trump’s remarks came under fire from politicians and public health experts.
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Trump allies, including White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh, subsequently attempted to do damage control, saying the president’s comment about testing was “tongue-in-cheek,” “made in jest” and “ironic humor.”
On Monday, the president avoided answering a question about whether he had ordered a testing shutdown. But he suggested, once again, that less testing for COVID-19 would mean fewer cases.


huffpost--2020-06-23--Brazilian Judge Orders President Jair Bolsonaro To Wear Mask Due To COVID-19

BRASILIA/SAO PAULO ( Reuters ) - A Brazilian judge ordered President Jair Bolsonaro to wear a mask in public after the right-wing populist attended political rallies without one in the middle of the world ’ s second-worst coronavirus outbreak .
Federal Judge Renato Borelli ruled in a decision made public on Tuesday that Bolsonaro was subject to a fine of 2,000 reais ( $ 387 ) a day if he continued to disobey a local ordinance in the federal district meant to slow the pandemic .
Brazil ’ s solicitor general , which argues the government ’ s legal interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was studying ways to reverse the decision .
Brazil has more confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths than anywhere outside the United States .
The virus has killed more than 51,000 people in Brazil and infected more than 1.1 million , according to the Health Ministry .
That has made the country a prime location for vaccine trials , which began over the weekend for a candidate developed by Oxford University .
Brazil ’ s interim health minister said on Tuesday that the government would likely sign a deal this week to produce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On other fronts , Bolsonaro has openly defied the consensus among public health experts for slowing the outbreak .
The president has criticized lockdown and social-distancing orders issued by governors and mayors , saying their economic damage is worse than the disease .
Echoing U.S. President Donald Trump , Bolsonaro has also pushed unproven anti-malarial drugs to treat the novel coronavirus .
But his most visible defiance has been going mask-less at a string of demonstrations in Brasilia , holding babies for photos and shaking hands with supporters .
Other officials have run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The country ’ s former education minister , who resigned last week , was fined 2,000 reais for not wearing a mask on the capital ’ s central boulevard earlier this month .

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BRASILIA/SAO PAULO (Reuters) - A Brazilian judge ordered President Jair Bolsonaro to wear a mask in public after the right-wing populist attended political rallies without one in the middle of the world’s second-worst coronavirus outbreak.
Federal Judge Renato Borelli ruled in a decision made public on Tuesday that Bolsonaro was subject to a fine of 2,000 reais ($387) a day if he continued to disobey a local ordinance in the federal district meant to slow the pandemic.
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Brazil’s solicitor general, which argues the government’s legal interests, said in a statement that it was studying ways to reverse the decision.
Brazil has more confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths than anywhere outside the United States. The virus has killed more than 51,000 people in Brazil and infected more than 1.1 million, according to the Health Ministry.
That has made the country a prime location for vaccine trials, which began over the weekend for a candidate developed by Oxford University. Brazil’s interim health minister said on Tuesday that the government would likely sign a deal this week to produce the university’s trial vaccine locally.
On other fronts, Bolsonaro has openly defied the consensus among public health experts for slowing the outbreak.
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The president has criticized lockdown and social-distancing orders issued by governors and mayors, saying their economic damage is worse than the disease. Echoing U.S. President Donald Trump, Bolsonaro has also pushed unproven anti-malarial drugs to treat the novel coronavirus.
But his most visible defiance has been going mask-less at a string of demonstrations in Brasilia, holding babies for photos and shaking hands with supporters.


huffpost--2020-06-23--U.S. coronavirus task force members: Trump hasn't asked us to slow testing

NEW YORK ( Reuters ) - Four top U.S. public health officials and members of Donald Trump ’ s coronavirus task force said on Tuesday that he has not asked them to slow down testing for the virus after the president suggested at a rally that it was a “ double-edged sword.
” Testifying before the House Energy & Commerce Committee , National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci , FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield , and the Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Brett Giroir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked them to slow down the testing .
Trump has repeatedly said that better U.S. testing has led to a higher number of identified coronavirus cases across the country , and at a political rally on Saturday he said he had asked for a slowdown in testing .
The White House made clear on Monday that no such request was made .
Fauci also said on Tuesday the U.S. was currently seeing a disturbing surge of infections in a number of states like Texas , Florida and Arizona .
He said one reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increase in community spread .
“ Right now the next couple of weeks are going to be critical in our ability to address those surges we are seeing in Florida , Texas , Arizona , and other states , ” he said .
U.S. health officials last week warned that states seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases may need to reimpose strict restrictions similar to what was implemented in March .
Giroir said the country would be able to produce 180 million N95 respirators per month by fall .
N95 masks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus and are in short supply in many places , leading the Trump administration to invoke the Defense Production Act to boost supply .

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Four top U.S. public health officials and members of Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force said on Tuesday that he has not asked them to slow down testing for the virus after the president suggested at a rally that it was a “double-edged sword.”
Testifying before the House Energy & Commerce Committee, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield, and the Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Brett Giroir all said that the president had not asked them to slow down the testing.
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Trump has repeatedly said that better U.S. testing has led to a higher number of identified coronavirus cases across the country, and at a political rally on Saturday he said he had asked for a slowdown in testing. The White House made clear on Monday that no such request was made.
Fauci also said on Tuesday the U.S. was currently seeing a disturbing surge of infections in a number of states like Texas, Florida and Arizona. He said one reason infections were rising in those states was an increase in community spread.
“Right now the next couple of weeks are going to be critical in our ability to address those surges we are seeing in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and other states,” he said.
U.S. health officials last week warned that states seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases may need to reimpose strict restrictions similar to what was implemented in March.
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Giroir said the country would be able to produce 180 million N95 respirators per month by fall.


huffpost--2020-06-23--The South Has Some Of The Nation’s Dirtiest Electricity. Now It’s Seeing A Coronavirus Uptick.

Yet the region remains far behind the rest of the country on even the most basic policies to lower climate-changing emissions , according to research published Tuesday by the Southern Economic Advancement Project , a nonprofit founded by Stacey Abrams , a former Democratic candidate for Georgia governor .
“ We have to understand that climate change is here , that it represents a serious threat to the economy , to our ecosystems and to our people , ” Abrams said by phone Tuesday .
“ The South has untapped potential for economic growth and climate leadership , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a public conversation.
” The report ― co-authored by the University of California , Santa Barbara ’ s Leah Stokes and the Roosevelt Institute ’ s Mark Paul , two heavyweights in the climate policy sphere ― tracked a range of climate issues from wetlands restoration and forest conservation to public transit and electric vehicles , and identified vast potential across the region for economic gains and improvements in quality of life through such policies .
“ The human mind has a difficult time wrapping itself around an existential crisis , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk to a farmer about low crop yield .
You can talk to homeowners and renters about having to evacuate when we have stronger hurricanes.
” The most jarring finding was the degree to which the sun-soaked Southeast has struggled to modernize its electricity system , at great cost to ratepayers and public health .
Of the 13 U.S. states that still lack renewable electricity standards and clean energy targets , nine of them ― including Alabama , Florida and Georgia ― are in the South .
Coal plants have rapidly declined over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s campaign pledge to revive the troubled industry , more coal plants were retired over the past three years than during former President Barack Obama ’ s second term , when the environmental rules that coal producers have blamed for suffocating the sector were enacted .
Yet coal remained the dominant fuel for electricity in the Southeast , making the utility sector the region ’ s top source of emissions , with 40 % of the pollution share .
Replacing 74 of the 77 coal-fired power stations throughout the Southeast with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2025 than keeping the existing plants open , according to the report .
For example , Tom Fanning , the chief executive of the utility giant Southern Co. , espoused the widely debunked position that carbon dioxide is not responsible for warming the planet as he appeared on national television as recently as 2017 .
Last year , the company ’ s board of directors linked Fanning ’ s pay to lowering emissions .
But Southern and other major utilities have focused their efforts on building fracked gas plants instead , which saddle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , emissions and costly infrastructure with a dubious lifespan .
`` I believe access to energy is a human right .
We have to treat the ability to survive as a human right , and , in the South , this is one of those moments . ''
“ It ’ s terrible from a climate perspective , ” said Stokes , who has a new book out on utilities .
“ It ’ s terrible from an air quality perspective , putting people at higher risk of dying from COVID-19 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective in a region where there ’ s already pretty high energy insecurity.
” Southern states also have some of the fewest protections for ratepayers who fall behind on their bills .
During months when temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees , few if any municipalities in the South bar utilities from cutting off service to households that can not pay , forcing many to go without potentially lifesaving air conditioning .
“ I believe access to energy is a human right , ” Abrams said .
“ We have to treat the ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , in the South , this is one of those moments .
”

Duke Energy's Marshall Power Plant in Sherrills Ford, North Carolina. CHRIS KEANE/Reuters
The Southeastern United States faces deadly heatwaves, catastrophic hurricanes and rising seas that have already sent entire communities fleeing for higher ground.
Yet the region remains far behind the rest of the country on even the most basic policies to lower climate-changing emissions, according to research published Tuesday by the Southern Economic Advancement Project, a nonprofit founded by Stacey Abrams, a former Democratic candidate for Georgia governor.
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Now, as coronavirus cases are charting a record surge in Southern states, the region’s reliance on aging coal plants risks inflaming infections with air pollution.
This, Abrams told HuffPost in an interview, could help “connect the dots” for Southerners and stop having “esoteric arguments about climate change.”
“We have to understand that climate change is here, that it represents a serious threat to the economy, to our ecosystems and to our people,” Abrams said by phone Tuesday. “The South has untapped potential for economic growth and climate leadership, but we have to be willing to have this as a public conversation.”
The report ― co-authored by the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Leah Stokes and the Roosevelt Institute’s Mark Paul, two heavyweights in the climate policy sphere ― tracked a range of climate issues from wetlands restoration and forest conservation to public transit and electric vehicles, and identified vast potential across the region for economic gains and improvements in quality of life through such policies.
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“The human mind has a difficult time wrapping itself around an existential crisis,” Abrams said. “But you can talk to a farmer about low crop yield. You can talk to homeowners and renters about having to evacuate when we have stronger hurricanes.”
The most jarring finding was the degree to which the sun-soaked Southeast has struggled to modernize its electricity system, at great cost to ratepayers and public health. Of the 13 U.S. states that still lack renewable electricity standards and clean energy targets, nine of them ― including Alabama, Florida and Georgia ― are in the South.
Such policies are overwhelmingly successful. Nearly half of all renewable energy growth in the United States since 2000, according to a federal study published last year.
Coal plants have rapidly declined over the past decade. Despite President Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to revive the troubled industry, more coal plants were retired over the past three years than during former President Barack Obama’s second term, when the environmental rules that coal producers have blamed for suffocating the sector were enacted.
The climate report marks the debut research from Democrat Stacey Abrams' new group, the Southern Economic Advancement Project. Portland Press Herald via Getty Images
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Yet coal remained the dominant fuel for electricity in the Southeast, making the utility sector the region’s top source of emissions, with 40% of the pollution share. Replacing 74 of the 77 coal-fired power stations throughout the Southeast with wind or solar would be cheaper by 2025 than keeping the existing plants open, according to the report.
“That means people across the South are paying more for their energy bills than if utilities had requirements to clean up their electricity systems,” Stokes said.
Rather than converting to low-carbon renewables, Southern utilities have largely funded and promoted misinformation on climate change.
For example, Tom Fanning, the chief executive of the utility giant Southern Co., espoused the widely debunked position that carbon dioxide is not responsible for warming the planet as he appeared on national television as recently as 2017. Last year, the company’s board of directors linked Fanning’s pay to lowering emissions. But Southern and other major utilities have focused their efforts on building fracked gas plants instead, which saddle ratepayers with more, if slightly different, emissions and costly infrastructure with a dubious lifespan.
“"I believe access to energy is a human right. We have to treat the ability to survive as a human right, and, in the South, this is one of those moments."” - Stacey Abrams
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“It’s terrible from a climate perspective,” said Stokes, who has a new book out on utilities. “It’s terrible from an air quality perspective, putting people at higher risk of dying from COVID-19, and it’s terrible from a bottom-line perspective in a region where there’s already pretty high energy insecurity.”
Higher levels of the tiny air pollution particles known as PM2.5 were linked to higher death tolls from COVID-19, according to a nationwide analysis of 3,080 U.S. counties that Harvard University researchers published in April.
Southern states also have some of the fewest protections for ratepayers who fall behind on their bills. During months when temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees, few if any municipalities in the South bar utilities from cutting off service to households that cannot pay, forcing many to go without potentially lifesaving air conditioning.
“I believe access to energy is a human right,” Abrams said. “We have to treat the ability to survive as a human right, and, in the South, this is one of those moments.”
Cooling centers, meanwhile, may carry their own risks as research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests air-conditioned restaurants helped spread the coronavirus in China.
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huffpost--2020-06-23--My 5 Year Old Wears A Mask. Why Can't You?

A few days ago , I was visiting an animal farm with my 5-year-old and my toddler .
We haven ’ t been out much since March , so these early outings feel new and a bit nerve-wracking .
Before we left , I reminded my elder son that he would need to keep his mask on the whole time , and that we ’ d try and keep a bit of friendly distance from anyone else who was there .
We walked around , happily checking out the goats and chickens , deep in a discussion about what donkeys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , “ Mama , don ’ t grownups have to wear masks , too ?
” To our left and right were several small groups of adults , some with no masks at all , others with theirs dangling from their necks .
Not wanting to get into a thing , I shrugged and scooted my boys over to the alpacas — but not before my 5-year-old turned toward one of those who were maskless and said pointedly , “ It ’ s not that hard.
” My elder son is smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is not .
The list of things he refuses to do is long — like , eat a vegetable !
Or wear a sweater .
But when my husband and I explained a few months back that we would all need to start wearing masks anytime we leave our home , he accepted it remarkably well .
He asked why , and we said it was to help keep ourselves and others safe .
He asked if it would help stop “ the virus ” so he could go back to school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that we hoped it might .
He asked , as he has several times , if the coronavirus is serious .
We told him it is , but that the good news is that most people who get it recover .
Then we bought him a pack of reusable cloth masks , which he has dutifully worn anytime we ’ ve been in a public setting .
Aside from us nudging him to keep his nose covered , too , it has basically been a nonissue .
And that ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults without a mask — and why it is maddening to read headlines about the increasingly politicized “ mask debate.
” What debate ?
More and more research shows that masks help curb the spread of the coronavirus .
Even epidemiologists who are wary of overselling mask-wearing based on the data available right now call the practice of wearing them “ a good one.
” To be clear , I ’ m not faulting parents who are struggling to get their kids to keep a mask on .
I , myself , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to it , and he ’ ll keep it on for about 3 1/2 minutes before gleefully ripping it off his face .
I ’ m also not talking about people with health conditions that prevent them from being able to wear masks .
But to the rest of the maskless grownups : As we stare down another surge in cases nationwide , I say come on .
My 5-year-old can not read or tie his shoes .
When my husband and I ask him to tidy up his Legos , he behaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical and emotional trial .
Yet , he has managed to consistently make this teeny , tiniest of personal sacrifices with ease and grace .

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Anchalee Yates/EyeEm via Getty Images Grownups: If kids can manage wearing masks, you can too!
A few days ago, I was visiting an animal farm with my 5-year-old and my toddler. We haven’t been out much since March, so these early outings feel new and a bit nerve-wracking.
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Before we left, I reminded my elder son that he would need to keep his mask on the whole time, and that we’d try and keep a bit of friendly distance from anyone else who was there. We walked around, happily checking out the goats and chickens, deep in a discussion about what donkeys eat, when he turned and asked me, “Mama, don’t grownups have to wear masks, too?”
To our left and right were several small groups of adults, some with no masks at all, others with theirs dangling from their necks.
Not wanting to get into a thing, I shrugged and scooted my boys over to the alpacas — but not before my 5-year-old turned toward one of those who were maskless and said pointedly, “It’s not that hard.”
To which I say, damn right, kid.
It’s not that hard.
My elder son is smart, funny and loyal, but easygoing he is not. The list of things he refuses to do is long — like, eat a vegetable! Or wear a sweater. But when my husband and I explained a few months back that we would all need to start wearing masks anytime we leave our home, he accepted it remarkably well.
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He asked why, and we said it was to help keep ourselves and others safe.
He asked if it would help stop “the virus” so he could go back to school and finally see his friends. We said that we hoped it might.
He asked, as he has several times, if the coronavirus is serious. We told him it is, but that the good news is that most people who get it recover.
Then we bought him a pack of reusable cloth masks, which he has dutifully worn anytime we’ve been in a public setting. Aside from us nudging him to keep his nose covered, too, it has basically been a nonissue.
And that’s why it feels absurd to see so many adults without a mask — and why it is maddening to read headlines about the increasingly politicized “mask debate.” What debate? More and more research shows that masks help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Even epidemiologists who are wary of overselling mask-wearing based on the data available right now call the practice of wearing them “a good one.”
To be clear, I’m not faulting parents who are struggling to get their kids to keep a mask on. I, myself, have been trying to get my toddler used to it, and he’ll keep it on for about 3 1/2 minutes before gleefully ripping it off his face. I’m also not talking about people with health conditions that prevent them from being able to wear masks.
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But to the rest of the maskless grownups: As we stare down another surge in cases nationwide, I say come on.
My 5-year-old cannot read or tie his shoes. When my husband and I ask him to tidy up his Legos, he behaves as though he is facing a tremendous physical and emotional trial. Yet, he has managed to consistently make this teeny, tiniest of personal sacrifices with ease and grace.
Take it from him. It’s not that hard.


huffpost--2020-06-23--What You Should Know About Going To The Beach This Summer

“ Every activity outside your home these days carries some level of risk , ” said Angela Fusaro , an emergency medicine physician and co-founder of the telemedicine provider Physician 360 .
“ The good news is we believe that outside spaces like beaches are generally safer than indoors , where air lingers and can ’ t circulate .
And you can be smart and take steps to minimize the risk for you and your family.
” Public health experts continue to advise against nonessential travel , as the threat of coronavirus has hardly disappeared .
So if you want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s best to keep it local .
Deciding whether to make the drive to your local beach should depend on the COVID-19 situation in your community and the number of people flocking to the shore .
“ Based on what we know today about the transmission of the virus in the air between people , any close contact carries some level of risk , ” Fusaro explained .
“ So the guidelines for keeping yourself safe at the beach are the same as other public places , including maintaining at least 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from anyone not in your isolation group .
This includes when you ’ re in the water !
” “ If you use the picnic tables , you are asked to use your own wipes to wipe down the tables before use and to bring your own table covering to be mindful of those around you , ” she said .
“ Also at Second Beach , you must ‘ carry in and carry out ’ your own trash.
” “ A reservation tells me I can come , ” she explained .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-come , first-served basis , we don ’ t need the disappointment of arriving at the beach with my kids only to be told it ’ s full .
If no reservations are available , I would most likely choose to do something else .
I see a lot of playing with the hose at home in my future for this summer !
” “ It will be important to know how that resort is implementing the rules so that their guests have fun but can also stay safe , ” Brown said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alike , even in the same state .
After all , there are city beaches , state beaches , even beaches at national parks .
Each category of beach has its own rules , so it ’ s imperative to check their websites for the most up-to-date restrictions.
” “ Some people are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic , so it ’ s important to isolate people who test positive to reduce the spread , even if they don ’ t have symptoms , ” Fusaro noted .
“ Once you have been out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , consider getting a COVID-19 test three to seven days later , just to make sure you have not contracted the virus and are asymptomatic .
This is an easy way to protect those you love , finding out early if you should isolate yourself.
” “ If we all stay safe and follow regulations , we can all enjoy the beaches for the summer , ” Myers said .
“ The beach always brings some fun with family and friends .
We are all in this together , and let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our lives .
We can all be a collective unit and have some fun at the beach.
” Experts are still learning about the novel coronavirus .
The information in this story is what was known or available as of press time , but it ’ s possible guidance around COVID-19 could change as scientists discover more about the virus .
Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations .

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Felix Cesare via Getty Images Social distancing is key everywhere, including at the beach.
Summer has officially begun, bringing sunshine, seasonal cuisine and a hankering to get to the beach.
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Perhaps this year more than ever, people are craving some time by the water. After being cooped up inside for months due to COVID-19 lockdowns, many are seeking the freedom and fresh air of the outdoors.
“Beaches will have the same travel boom that campsites and national parks will experience from coronavirus,” Konrad Waliszewski, co-founder and CEO of the travel app TripScout, told HuffPost. “Travelers are getting increasingly anxious for outdoor activities that are socially distant by nature, and we’re already seeing people flock to drivable beach destinations.”
But beach days require more consideration in these pandemic times.
“Every activity outside your home these days carries some level of risk,” said Angela Fusaro, an emergency medicine physician and co-founder of the telemedicine provider Physician 360. “The good news is we believe that outside spaces like beaches are generally safer than indoors, where air lingers and can’t circulate. And you can be smart and take steps to minimize the risk for you and your family.”
So what are those steps? Read on for advice from health and travel experts.
Consider The Location
Public health experts continue to advise against nonessential travel, as the threat of coronavirus has hardly disappeared. So if you want to go to the beach, it’s best to keep it local. Deciding whether to make the drive to your local beach should depend on the COVID-19 situation in your community and the number of people flocking to the shore.
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“Understanding local risk is important,” Fusaro said. “There are many states where beaches are crowded with people from all over the country, or where infection rates are rapidly accelerating. These would be beaches to avoid.”
Everyone plays a part in protecting the heath of their communities, and this applies to beaches as well.
“How the beaches of our COVID-19 summer will look depends largely on the public’s perception of how safe the beach is, and, of course, their commitment to keeping the beach ― and each other ― safe,” said travel host Anthony Melchiorri. “It’s a new kind of social contract that really requires willing compliance from everyone.”
Assess Your Personal Risk
As with other activities outside the home, your own health status should be a major factor in deciding whether to go to the beach. Consider how likely it is that you or those in your household would require hospitalization if exposed to the coronavirus.
“You should understand your personal risk factors if you become infected and the risk factors of people you interact with regularly,” Fusaro noted. “This could include family members or co-workers with asthma, obesity or those who are over the age of 50. With each of these decisions, it is important to consider personal and societal responsibility.”
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“The guidelines for keeping yourself safe at the beach are the same as other public places, including maintaining at least 6 feet of distance ― ideally more ― from anyone not in your isolation group.” - Angela Fusaro, emergency medicine physician
Keep Your Distance
“Many beaches that are fairly wide and offer ample room are naturally set up for socially distancing practices,” said budget travel expert Lindsay Myers. “This makes the beach an enticing place to stay safe and enjoy being outdoors. There is enough room on the beach for a family to sit, lay out and enjoy without coming into direct contact with other beach dwellers.”
If you decide to go to the beach, limit your group to the people you already interact with on a daily basis, and try to keep your distance from others. Try to go at a less busy time of day or to a less crowded area.
“Based on what we know today about the transmission of the virus in the air between people, any close contact carries some level of risk,” Fusaro explained. “So the guidelines for keeping yourself safe at the beach are the same as other public places, including maintaining at least 6 feet of distance ― ideally more ― from anyone not in your isolation group. This includes when you’re in the water!”
She also suggested beachgoers avoid sitting directly downwind from other groups because evidence suggests moving air can carry virus-laden droplets.
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“I see people staying farther away from others while on the beach. People are going to walk those extra few minutes to be a bit more secluded,” Myers said.
“I think most people will self-enforce the 6-foot rule, and hotels and resorts will definitely be ensuring that guests are not comingling,” said Frank Cavella, the director of sales and marketing at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale in Florida. “At our beach, we are setting up chairs with at least 6 feet in between (from other groups of guests).”
It’s best to avoid closely confined areas, like public bathrooms and eateries, or at least keep your distance as much as possible in those spaces. And as always, wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
Saowakhon Brown via Getty Images Bring your own mask, snacks and sanitizer when visiting beaches.
Wear A Mask
Face masks play a significant role in curbing the transmission of the coronavirus, so it’s important to wear one in places where you can’t maintain at least 6 feet of distance from people outside your group.
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There are already mask mandates in place at some beaches, at least in areas with shops and restaurants.
“Visitors will also be required to wear a face-covering while walking to and from their vehicle, at snack bars and restrooms,” said Kathryn Farrington, vice president of marketing at Rhode Island’s Discover Newport.
“We are encouraging masks, although it’s not a requirement if sunbathing or exercising on the beach,” Cavella said.
Bring Your Own Food
The number of people who can dine at beachside restaurants will likely be restricted, and many people may feel safer avoiding those spaces.
“Bring your own snacks and drinks,” Fusaro advised. “And even take all your own toys, chairs and supplies, if possible.”
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Farrington noted that Newport will be imposing restrictions on beachgoers
“If you use the picnic tables, you are asked to use your own wipes to wipe down the tables before use and to bring your own table covering to be mindful of those around you,” she said. “Also at Second Beach, you must ‘carry in and carry out’ your own trash.”
Pay Attention To Capacity Limits
Some beaches are imposing capacity limits as a way to prevent crowding and enforce social distancing.
“Our most popular public beaches are open in Newport and Middletown while other, smaller beaches are limiting access to only residents and, again, with a limited capacity,” Farrington noted for example. She added that beach parking lots have strict hours and have reduced the number of cars permitted to 33% capacity for now.
Some beaches have explored using reservation systems. Travel host Samantha Brown said she applauds this idea.
“A reservation tells me I can come,” she explained. “If a beach is on a first-come, first-served basis, we don’t need the disappointment of arriving at the beach with my kids only to be told it’s full. If no reservations are available, I would most likely choose to do something else. I see a lot of playing with the hose at home in my future for this summer!”
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“Each category of beach has its own rules, so it’s imperative to check their websites for the most up-to-date restrictions.” - Samantha Brown, travel host
It may be difficult to enforce reservations or capacity limits at certain beaches, but those are likely the ones where such restrictions may not be necessary.
“In the Caribbean, we have so much beach in relation to the number of people using them, so that ratio means people will never overpopulate the beach,” said Rich Cortese, Aimbridge Hospitality senior vice president of development and operations for Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico.
Compare Your Options
It’s important to assess the risk factors of your options when choosing a beach to visit.
“Private beaches or state park beaches with significantly fewer people could be much safer,” Fusaro said.
Myers echoed that, noting private beaches are better able to control numbers than many public beaches. Still, that doesn’t mean private beaches at resorts, for instance, are inherently safer than public sites.
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“It will be important to know how that resort is implementing the rules so that their guests have fun but can also stay safe,” Brown said. “No two beaches will be alike, even in the same state. After all, there are city beaches, state beaches, even beaches at national parks. Each category of beach has its own rules, so it’s imperative to check their websites for the most up-to-date restrictions.”
It may also be helpful to read recent reviews or social media posts for different locations to get a sense of safety.
Practice General Beach Safety
“I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention that all the beach risks that existed before COVID-19 are still present now,” Fusaro said. “Don’t get so caught up with protecting yourself against coronavirus that you overlook general water and sun safety.”
Avoidable injuries or illnesses are not ideal in the age of the pandemic, as unnecessary hospital visits can increase your chance of exposure to the virus.
Take A Test
If you believe you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, it’s important to get tested. Fortunately, COVID-19 testing is becoming more widely available.
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“Some people are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic, so it’s important to isolate people who test positive to reduce the spread, even if they don’t have symptoms,” Fusaro noted. “Once you have been out in a group setting or around lots of people, consider getting a COVID-19 test three to seven days later, just to make sure you have not contracted the virus and are asymptomatic. This is an easy way to protect those you love, finding out early if you should isolate yourself.”
Ultimately, it’s up to everyone to do their part to keep beaches as safe as possible for visitors.
“If we all stay safe and follow regulations, we can all enjoy the beaches for the summer,” Myers said. “The beach always brings some fun with family and friends. We are all in this together, and let’s bring some summer fun back in our lives. We can all be a collective unit and have some fun at the beach.”


huffpost--2020-06-23--Saudi Arabia Says Hajj Will See At Most 'Thousands' Of Pilgrims Due To Virus

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates ( AP ) — A Saudi official said Tuesday that the hajj pilgrimage , which usually draws millions of Muslims from all over the world , will only see at the most “ thousands ” of pilgrims next month due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus .
The kingdom ’ s Hajj Minister Muhammad Benten said a “ small and very limited ” number of people already residing in the kingdom will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage to ensure social distancing and crowd control amid the virus outbreak globally .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the thousands .
We are in the process of reviewing so it could be 1,000 or less , or a little more , ” Benten said in a virtual press conference .
During the press conference , Saudi officials said that no one over the age of 65 will be allowed to perform the hajj and that all pilgrims and those serving pilgrims this year will be quarantined both before and after the pilgrimage .
Muslims around the world hoping for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mecca to perform the hajj are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , after Saudi Arabia drastically curtailed the pilgrimage due to the pandemic .
The kingdom said late on Monday that only a very limited number of pilgrims would be allowed to perform the hajj in Mecca from among residents of various nationalities already inside the country .
While the decision to drastically curb this year ’ s hajj was largely expected , it remains unprecedented in Saudi Arabia ’ s nearly 90-year history and effectively bars all Muslims from outside the kingdom from travelling there to performing the pilgrimage .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve waited and saved money for years to afford the journey .
The hajj is not only a requirement for all Muslims to preform once in a lifetime , but it is also a chance to wipe away past sins and connect with Muslims from all walks of life .
The hajj typically draws 2.5 million people from inside Saudi Arabia and around the world .
It ’ s a profound experience , with the faithful standing should-to-shoulder in prayer , often weeping , their palms stretched toward the sky for five intense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country is allocated a specific quota of hajj visas according to its population of Muslims , with Indonesia having the largest contingency at close to 221,000 .
In countries like Egypt , Pakistan and India , securing a slot can require hefty fees , a connection to a local official or simply years of patience .
Pakistani officials said Saudi authorities had been in touch to inform them about the decision to limit this year ’ s hajj .
Pakistan usually sends around 180,000 pilgrims to the hajj each year .
Saudi Arabia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreigners since late February as the kingdom tries to slow down the spread of the virus .
The government suspended the smaller year-round umrah pilgrimage earlier this year , imposed a nearly three-month-long 24-hour curfew in Mecca , shuttered mosques during the holy month of Ramadan and restricted businesses .
The virus causes mild to moderate symptoms in most people , who recover within a few weeks .
But it is highly contagious and can cause severe illness or death , particularly in older patients or those with underlying health problems .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable Muslim pilgrims to perform the hajj safely and securely .
It defended its decision on religious grounds , as well , saying that the teachings of Islam require the preservation of human life .
There have been major disruptions during the hajj in past years , including a deadly stampede and a crane collapse in 2015 that killed more than 2,500 people .
In 1987 , Saudi security forces killed more than 400 people , mostly Shiite Muslims , in a clash sparked by Iranian pilgrims protesting during the hajj .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Mecca , however , took place in 1979 when religious extremists stormed Islam ’ s holiest site , which houses the cube-shaped Kaaba that Muslims pray toward and circulate during pilgrimage .
Thousands of worshippers were trapped inside and hundreds were killed in a siege that lasted two weeks .

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A Saudi official said Tuesday that the hajj pilgrimage, which usually draws millions of Muslims from all over the world, will only see at the most “thousands” of pilgrims next month due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus.
The kingdom’s Hajj Minister Muhammad Benten said a “small and very limited” number of people already residing in the kingdom will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage to ensure social distancing and crowd control amid the virus outbreak globally.
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“The number, God willing, may be in the thousands. We are in the process of reviewing so it could be 1,000 or less, or a little more,” Benten said in a virtual press conference.
During the press conference, Saudi officials said that no one over the age of 65 will be allowed to perform the hajj and that all pilgrims and those serving pilgrims this year will be quarantined both before and after the pilgrimage.
“This is a very sensitive operation and we are working with experts at the Health Ministry,” Benten said, stressing the importance of protecting the lives and health of pilgrims.
Muslims around the world hoping for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mecca to perform the hajj are now going to have to wait until next year, after Saudi Arabia drastically curtailed the pilgrimage due to the pandemic.
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The kingdom said late on Monday that only a very limited number of pilgrims would be allowed to perform the hajj in Mecca from among residents of various nationalities already inside the country.
While the decision to drastically curb this year’s hajj was largely expected, it remains unprecedented in Saudi Arabia’s nearly 90-year history and effectively bars all Muslims from outside the kingdom from travelling there to performing the pilgrimage.
It’s a blow to those who’ve waited and saved money for years to afford the journey. The hajj is not only a requirement for all Muslims to preform once in a lifetime, but it is also a chance to wipe away past sins and connect with Muslims from all walks of life.
The hajj typically draws 2.5 million people from inside Saudi Arabia and around the world. It’s a profound experience, with the faithful standing should-to-shoulder in prayer, often weeping, their palms stretched toward the sky for five intense days of worship around Mecca.
Each country is allocated a specific quota of hajj visas according to its population of Muslims, with Indonesia having the largest contingency at close to 221,000. In countries like Egypt, Pakistan and India, securing a slot can require hefty fees, a connection to a local official or simply years of patience.
Advertisement
Pakistani officials said Saudi authorities had been in touch to inform them about the decision to limit this year’s hajj. Pakistan usually sends around 180,000 pilgrims to the hajj each year.
Instead, Pakistan said its diplomats already in Saudi Arabia will represent the country during the pilgrimage this year, which begins at the end of July.
Saudi Arabia’s borders have been shut to foreigners since late February as the kingdom tries to slow down the spread of the virus. The government suspended the smaller year-round umrah pilgrimage earlier this year, imposed a nearly three-month-long 24-hour curfew in Mecca, shuttered mosques during the holy month of Ramadan and restricted businesses.
Still, Saudi Arabia has one of the highest rates of infection in the Middle East, with more than 161,000 confirmed cases so far, including 1,307 deaths.
The virus causes mild to moderate symptoms in most people, who recover within a few weeks. But it is highly contagious and can cause severe illness or death, particularly in older patients or those with underlying health problems.
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The Saudi Ministry of Hajj said the decision to curtail the hajj was aimed at preserving global public health because of the risks associated with large gatherings.
The government said its top priority is to enable Muslim pilgrims to perform the hajj safely and securely. It defended its decision on religious grounds, as well, saying that the teachings of Islam require the preservation of human life.
The kingdom has faced smaller epidemics like the MERS virus and had taken precautions by barring pilgrims from African countries striken by the Ebola virus in recent years.
There have been major disruptions during the hajj in past years, including a deadly stampede and a crane collapse in 2015 that killed more than 2,500 people. In 1987, Saudi security forces killed more than 400 people, mostly Shiite Muslims, in a clash sparked by Iranian pilgrims protesting during the hajj.
The most dramatic closure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, however, took place in 1979 when religious extremists stormed Islam’s holiest site, which houses the cube-shaped Kaaba that Muslims pray toward and circulate during pilgrimage. Thousands of worshippers were trapped inside and hundreds were killed in a siege that lasted two weeks.
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huffpost--2020-06-23--Powerful Earthquake Shakes Southern, Central Mexico

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) — A powerful earthquake centered near the southern Mexico resort of Huatulco killed at least two people , swayed buildings in Mexico City and sent thousands fleeing into the streets .
Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said one person was killed and another injured in a building collapse in Huatulco , Oaxaca .
Otherwise he said reports were of minor damage such as broken windows and collapsed walls .
Oaxaca Gov .
Alejandro Murat later said a second person was killed in an apparent house collapse in the tiny mountain village of San Juan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Pemex said the quake caused a fire at its refinery in the Pacific coast city of Salina Cruz , relatively near the epicenter .
It said one worker was injured and the flames were quickly extinguished .
Groups of people still milled around in close proximity on streets and sidewalks in some neighborhoods of the capital about an hour after the quake .
Many were not wearing masks despite past appeals from municipal officials for them to do so as a way to curb the spread of the new coronavirus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quake hit at 10:29 a.m. ( 11:29 a.m. Eastern ) along Mexico ’ s southern Pacific coast at a depth of 16 miles ( 26 km ) .
The epicenter was 7 miles ( 12 km ) south-southwest of Santa Maria Zapotitlan in Oaxaca state Mari González of the Princess Mayev hotel in Huatulco said staff and guests were able to evacuate the building before the quake , but that 45 minutes after the initial quake they were still outside as strong aftershocks continued .
González said there was some visible broken glass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The staff was waiting for the aftershocks to dissipate before fully evaluating the property .
The earthquake hit a quake-prone region where four underground tectonic plates come together .
In the past 35 years , there have been at least seven magnitude 7 or greater earthquakes , killing around 10,000 people — most of them in a 1985 8.0 quake .
“ This has the potential to be a deadly earthquake and cause significant damage , ” U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Paul Earle said .
“ This area is capable of and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ There will be aftershocks , ” Earle said .
“ It is not unexpected to see a magnitude 6 at this point and a number of smaller ones.
” This quake happened when the Cocos plate , which is to the southwest of the area , slipped under the North American plate , Earle said .

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MEXICO CITY (AP) — A powerful earthquake centered near the southern Mexico resort of Huatulco killed at least two people, swayed buildings in Mexico City and sent thousands fleeing into the streets.
Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said one person was killed and another injured in a building collapse in Huatulco, Oaxaca. Otherwise he said reports were of minor damage such as broken windows and collapsed walls. Oaxaca Gov. Alejandro Murat later said a second person was killed in an apparent house collapse in the tiny mountain village of San Juan Ozolotepec.
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The state-run oil company known as Pemex said the quake caused a fire at its refinery in the Pacific coast city of Salina Cruz, relatively near the epicenter. It said one worker was injured and the flames were quickly extinguished.
López Obrador said there had been more than 140 aftershocks, most of them small.
Seismic alarms sounded midmorning with enough warning for residents to exit buildings. Power was knocked out to some areas.
Helicopters flew over downtown Mexico City and police patrols sounded their sirens.
Groups of people still milled around in close proximity on streets and sidewalks in some neighborhoods of the capital about an hour after the quake. Many were not wearing masks despite past appeals from municipal officials for them to do so as a way to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
The U.S. Geologic Survey said the magnitude 7.4 quake hit at 10:29 a.m. (11:29 a.m. Eastern) along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast at a depth of 16 miles (26 km). The epicenter was 7 miles (12 km) south-southwest of Santa Maria Zapotitlan in Oaxaca state
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It was felt in Guatemala and throughout south and central Mexico.
People react during an earthquake in Mexico City, Mexico on June 23, 2020. Tomas Bravo / Reuters
In Huatulco, a laid-back beach destination known for surfing and small protected coves, the earthquake knocked goods off shelves and some rubble from buildings.
Mari González of the Princess Mayev hotel in Huatulco said staff and guests were able to evacuate the building before the quake, but that 45 minutes after the initial quake they were still outside as strong aftershocks continued.
“It was strong, very strong,” she said.
González said there was some visible broken glass and mirrors, but no major damage. The staff was waiting for the aftershocks to dissipate before fully evaluating the property.
Local news media reported damage to some buildings in the state capital, Oaxaca city. State officials said they were looking for damage.
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The USGS estimated that some 2 million people felt strong or moderate shaking and another 49 million felt weak or light shaking.
The earthquake hit a quake-prone region where four underground tectonic plates come together. In the past 35 years, there have been at least seven magnitude 7 or greater earthquakes, killing around 10,000 people — most of them in a 1985 8.0 quake.
“This has the potential to be a deadly earthquake and cause significant damage,” U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Paul Earle said. “This area is capable of and has had larger earthquakes in the past.”
“There will be aftershocks,” Earle said. “It is not unexpected to see a magnitude 6 at this point and a number of smaller ones.”
This quake happened when the Cocos plate, which is to the southwest of the area, slipped under the North American plate, Earle said.
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“You’ve got all sorts of plates and they’re moving quickly,” Earle said. “The important thing is how fast the plates are moving relative to each other.”
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast a tsunami threat with waves three to 10 feet above tide levels along parts of the coasts of Mexico. Smaller waves were expected through Central America, Peru and Ecuador.
Guatemala’s national disaster agency issued a tsunami alert for its southern Pacific coast forecasting the arrival of waves up to a meter high. It advised people to move away from the sea.
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