huffpost--2020-03-12--They're Coming For Your Paper Coffee Cups

Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski opened their Los Angeles coffee pop-up G & B in 2012 .
It was a haven for java nerds — the kind of place that weighed every shot of espresso and served drip coffee in glass carafes with a small ceramic cup on the side .
It was also pushing a climate-conscious approach : If you wanted your coffee to go , you could take that cupholder-compatible carafe with you — for a dollar deposit .
There were no paper cups at G & B .
But if patrons were raving about the precisely pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the lack of cups .
“ It was like showing up to work to fight your customers every day , ” Glanville said of the experience , “ which is not the thing that we set out to do.
” They held out during the pop-up ’ s run , but when their permanent G & B cafe opened in 2013 , they relented and started stocking paper cups .
Glanville ’ s experience shows just how entrenched the culture of grabbing coffee to go is , and how difficult it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cups — held for the few minutes it takes for someone to get their caffeine fix , and then chucked in the trash — represent a significant waste stream .
Every year , more than 260 billion paper cups are used around the globe for both hot and cold beverages ; most can not be recycled because of the coating used to keep them waterproof .
Now , many in the beverage industry — from indie coffee shops all the way up to McDonald ’ s — are finally trying to innovate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the waste problem .
In addition to investigating new materials for single-use cups that can be recycled , companies are designing durable , reusable to-go cups and scalable systems for lending them out to customers ( and getting them back ) .
A handful of startups are trying to make it easy for businesses to ditch disposables .
Vessel describes itself as being like “ bike sharing or a library book but for to-go mugs.
” The service provides stainless steel cups to cafes ( currently it ’ s in 18 locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Colorado ) , which customers can check out with an app and return later at streetside kiosks or any participating shop .
It ’ s free unless you lose ( or steal ) your mug ; then Vessel charges your credit card $ 15 ( or $ 2 for just the lid ) .
Last month , Eileen Rinaldi , the founder and CEO of Ritual Coffee , started serving coffee to go in double-walled stainless-steel cups from a company called Muuse in one of her six Bay Area shops .
Customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ QR code on the side of their cup to check it out for a five-day period .
Using the cup earns them a 25-cent discount on their coffee , but if the cup isn ’ t returned , the customer is charged $ 15 through the app .
Ritual is trying out the system as part of a larger pilot program supported by NextGen .
Rinaldi said that Ritual customers seem primed to change their behavior when it comes to single-use cups , in contrast to the reaction Glanville ’ s customers had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re finding that people just need the slightest prompt — ‘ Would you like to try this new reusable cup ?
’ — and that ’ s all it takes , ” she said .
“ In terms of the history of the coffee industry , getting coffee in a to-go cup is relatively new , ” said Rinaldi .
“ It ’ s still not done in many countries ( except by American tourists ) , so I think we ’ re capable of shifting to either taking the few minutes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or figuring out how to get a reusable travel cup built into our routines.
” In Portland , Maine , Will Pratt said customers at Tandem Coffee , the cafe-bakery he co-owns with Kathleen Pratt , have been receptive to the “ scrappy , ” gently confrontational solution the pair introduced at their two locations last year .
Instead of offering a discount to people who bring in a reusable cup , Tandem employees ask customers if they need a paper cup to go , and charge an extra quarter if they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Tandem for a time sold the travel mugs stocked at its cafes at cost , foregoing profit with the hopes of getting more customers onboard .
It seems to have worked : Tandem has gone from serving around 70 % of its drinks in single-use cups in 2018 down to 43 % .
Pratt wants to push things further , and is currently conducting a waste audit to see where else Tandem can cut out more of single-use paper and plastic .
In the last eight years , Glanville has expanded G @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight shops across L.A .
The glass carafes may be a thing of the past , but he ’ s remained concerned with waste and has kept on the lookout for a better reusable cup solution .
Recently he landed on a new cup made of reclaimed bamboo fiber that he will soon make available as a paper alternative .
But Glanville ultimately believes the best means of limiting waste will be to encourage people to order their coffee to stay .
“ If we want people to leave out single-use , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting people to drink out of ceramic , ” he said .
“ You have to do everything that you can to make your space , your service , the comfort levels , the music , the temperature — you have to make everything add up to making the most enjoyable experience for them.
” At some of Glanville ’ s shops , 40 % of orders are to stay , which is very high for the industry , he said .
Riding the wave of his pay-less , stay-more success , Pratt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entirely for Earth Day this year , to show customers that not being able to get your coffee on the go isn ’ t the end of the world .
“ We won ’ t use any single-use cups that day , ” he said , “ and hopefully the sun will rise the next day .
”

Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski opened their Los Angeles coffee pop-up G&B in 2012. It was a haven for java nerds — the kind of place that weighed every shot of espresso and served drip coffee in glass carafes with a small ceramic cup on the side. It was also pushing a climate-conscious approach: If you wanted your coffee to go, you could take that cupholder-compatible carafe with you — for a dollar deposit. There were no paper cups at G&B.
Between the huge amount of waste that single-use cups generate, and the negative effect they have on the taste of coffee, it was easy for Glanville and Babinski to say no to paper. They wanted to create a high-end coffee experience with a completely redefined approach to waste.
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But if patrons were raving about the precisely pulled espresso, they were less than thrilled about the lack of cups. “It was like showing up to work to fight your customers every day,” Glanville said of the experience, “which is not the thing that we set out to do.” They held out during the pop-up’s run, but when their permanent G&B cafe opened in 2013, they relented and started stocking paper cups.
Glanville’s experience shows just how entrenched the culture of grabbing coffee to go is, and how difficult it is to shift mindsets. But these single-use cups — held for the few minutes it takes for someone to get their caffeine fix, and then chucked in the trash — represent a significant waste stream.
Every year, more than 260 billion paper cups are used around the globe for both hot and cold beverages; most cannot be recycled because of the coating used to keep them waterproof. Now, many in the beverage industry — from indie coffee shops all the way up to McDonald’s — are finally trying to innovate, charge, or shame our way out of the waste problem. In addition to investigating new materials for single-use cups that can be recycled, companies are designing durable, reusable to-go cups and scalable systems for lending them out to customers (and getting them back).
“We are at a tipping point today, with increasing demand for sustainable products from consumers, mounting regulatory pressures and clear business risks tied to being slow to adapt to the consequences of climate change and resource scarcity,” said Bridget Croke, vice president of external affairs at NextGen Consortium, an industry-wide partnership aimed at reducing food-packaging waste that includes massive chains such as Starbucks and McDonald’s.
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A handful of startups are trying to make it easy for businesses to ditch disposables. Vessel describes itself as being like “bike sharing or a library book but for to-go mugs.” The service provides stainless steel cups to cafes (currently it’s in 18 locations in Berkeley, California, and Boulder, Colorado), which customers can check out with an app and return later at streetside kiosks or any participating shop. It’s free unless you lose (or steal) your mug; then Vessel charges your credit card $15 (or $2 for just the lid).
Left top: Ritual manager Jeremy Stone demonstrates how to check out a Muuse cup with the app. Right top: A Muuse pickup station at Le Boulangerie in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. Bottom left: Scanning a cup's QR code. Bottom right: The Muuse cup return station at Ritual Coffee. Muuse takes care of cleaning and sanitizing the cups between uses. Gabriela Hasbun for HuffPost
Last month, Eileen Rinaldi, the founder and CEO of Ritual Coffee, started serving coffee to go in double-walled stainless-steel cups from a company called Muuse in one of her six Bay Area shops. Customers download the Muuse app and scan the QR code on the side of their cup to check it out for a five-day period. Using the cup earns them a 25-cent discount on their coffee, but if the cup isn’t returned, the customer is charged $15 through the app. Ritual is trying out the system as part of a larger pilot program supported by NextGen.
Rinaldi said that Ritual customers seem primed to change their behavior when it comes to single-use cups, in contrast to the reaction Glanville’s customers had to the carafes. “We’re finding that people just need the slightest prompt — ‘Would you like to try this new reusable cup?’ — and that’s all it takes,” she said.
“In terms of the history of the coffee industry, getting coffee in a to-go cup is relatively new,” said Rinaldi. “It’s still not done in many countries (except by American tourists), so I think we’re capable of shifting to either taking the few minutes it takes to drink coffee at the cafe or figuring out how to get a reusable travel cup built into our routines.”
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(It remains to be seen whether the shift will be interrupted by coronavirus, as major chains including Starbucks and Dunkin’ have put a hold on accepting customers’ reusable mugs amid mounting fears about the spread of the virus. For the time being, Rinaldi is keeping the Muuse cups behind the counter, so only employees handle them before they’re filled. The other two coffee shops HuffPost spoke to for this article are pausing their reusable cup schemes.)
In Portland, Maine, Will Pratt said customers at Tandem Coffee, the cafe-bakery he co-owns with Kathleen Pratt, have been receptive to the “scrappy,” gently confrontational solution the pair introduced at their two locations last year. Instead of offering a discount to people who bring in a reusable cup, Tandem employees ask customers if they need a paper cup to go, and charge an extra quarter if they do.
A barista at Ritual Coffee makes a latte in a reusable Muuse coffee cup. Ritual has been pilot testing the cups in its Hayes Valley location. Gabriela Hasbun for HuffPost
Their new pricing model has changed the culture in their cafes, Pratt said. Customers will sometimes decide to stay instead of paying the extra quarter. “The new normal is to use a reusable cup; the abnormal thing to do is to use a single-use cup,” he explained.
When they debuted the new approach, Tandem for a time sold the travel mugs stocked at its cafes at cost, foregoing profit with the hopes of getting more customers onboard. It seems to have worked: Tandem has gone from serving around 70% of its drinks in single-use cups in 2018 down to 43%. Pratt wants to push things further, and is currently conducting a waste audit to see where else Tandem can cut out more of single-use paper and plastic.
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In the last eight years, Glanville has expanded G&B to a small empire of eight shops across L.A. The glass carafes may be a thing of the past, but he’s remained concerned with waste and has kept on the lookout for a better reusable cup solution. Recently he landed on a new cup made of reclaimed bamboo fiber that he will soon make available as a paper alternative. But Glanville ultimately believes the best means of limiting waste will be to encourage people to order their coffee to stay.
“If we want people to leave out single-use, the way that we see that happening is getting people to drink out of ceramic,” he said. “You have to do everything that you can to make your space, your service, the comfort levels, the music, the temperature — you have to make everything add up to making the most enjoyable experience for them.” At some of Glanville’s shops, 40% of orders are to stay, which is very high for the industry, he said.
Riding the wave of his pay-less, stay-more success, Pratt is going to cut out single-use cups entirely for Earth Day this year, to show customers that not being able to get your coffee on the go isn’t the end of the world. “We won’t use any single-use cups that day,” he said, “and hopefully the sun will rise the next day.”


huffpost--2020-03-12--Trump Administration Refuses To Postpone Food Benefit Cut

Since last week Democrats have called on President Donald Trump ’ s administration to delay a planned food benefit cut because of the rapidly expanding coronavirus outbreak , but administration officials have said no .
Starting next month , the U.S. Department of Agriculture will tighten rules for unemployed adults who don ’ t have minor children or disabilities , a policy that will shrink food benefit enrollment by 700,000 , or about 2 % annually .
Democrats are planning to vote Thursday on an economic stimulus bill that includes a provision suspending so-called “ work requirements ” in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not clear if the legislation can clear the Senate , however , given Republican opposition to other parts of the bill .
At a Tuesday hearing , Rep. Sanford Bishop ( D-Ga. ) called the impending food benefit cut “ particularly cruel ” in light of the coronavirus outbreak that will likely cause large numbers of Americans to lose their jobs or deliberately avoid work to limit the contagion .
In response to Bishop , Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue declined to postpone the rule , and on Thursday , USDA spokespeople referred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment .
Perdue said states would have flexibility to waive limits on benefits for “ good cause ” for people affected by the coronavirus outbreak .
“ Obviously if your job says you can ’ t come to work or you ’ re sick in that way , that good cause would eliminate need for work requirements under this rule , ” Perdue said .
“ That will be under the discretion of the states to determine that good cause.
” Unemployed adults who aren ’ t senior citizens and who don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 7 % of the 35 million Americans who receive SNAP benefits , which can be used for food at grocery stores .
The Trump rule targeting unemployed adults is one of several cuts to social programs the administration is pursuing through via regulation , without input from Congress .
It ’ s possible that a federal judge hearing a lawsuit over the policy might stop it with an injunction .
In response to the coronavirus pandemic , the USDA announced this week that it would allow schools to continue serving meals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Since last week Democrats have called on President Donald Trump’s administration to delay a planned food benefit cut because of the rapidly expanding coronavirus outbreak, but administration officials have said no.
Starting next month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will tighten rules for unemployed adults who don’t have minor children or disabilities, a policy that will shrink food benefit enrollment by 700,000, or about 2% annually.
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Democrats are planning to vote Thursday on an economic stimulus bill that includes a provision suspending so-called “work requirements” in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s not clear if the legislation can clear the Senate, however, given Republican opposition to other parts of the bill.
At a Tuesday hearing, Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) called the impending food benefit cut “particularly cruel” in light of the coronavirus outbreak that will likely cause large numbers of Americans to lose their jobs or deliberately avoid work to limit the contagion.
In response to Bishop, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue declined to postpone the rule, and on Thursday, USDA spokespeople referred HuffPost back to Perdue’s Tuesday comment.
Perdue said states would have flexibility to waive limits on benefits for “good cause” for people affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
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“Obviously if your job says you can’t come to work or you’re sick in that way, that good cause would eliminate need for work requirements under this rule,” Perdue said. “That will be under the discretion of the states to determine that good cause.”
Unemployed adults who aren’t senior citizens and who don’t have dependents or disabilities represent only about 7% of the 35 million Americans who receive SNAP benefits, which can be used for food at grocery stores.
The Trump rule targeting unemployed adults is one of several cuts to social programs the administration is pursuing through via regulation, without input from Congress. It’s possible that a federal judge hearing a lawsuit over the policy might stop it with an injunction.


huffpost--2020-03-12--Jewelry And Coronavirus: What To Know About Washing And Safety

They ’ re the questions on everyone ’ s mind at any given moment right now : When did I last wash my hands ?
Is it time to wash my hands again ?
Am I washing my hands for long enough ?
Am I using the right kind of soap ?
If wearing jewelry is part of your everyday routine , you might be wondering if you should wear it , what effect excessive hand sanitizing has ( if any ) and best practices for keeping yourself ― and others around you ― healthy .
Lucy Wilson , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services at the University of Maryland Baltimore County , told HuffPost that while there is still little known about this novel coronavirus , based on information about viruses in general , it would be “ reasonable to assume that it could be on any type of jewelry.
” Hand-washing , then , continues to be the best line of defense .
“ The overriding advice is keeping the hands washed , keeping your hands to yourself and not touching your face , ” she said .
“ If you ’ re washing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can get irritation .
So it ’ s not a bad idea to cut back on them if you ’ re trying to be really careful.
” But don ’ t just take off your rings without washing them .
There are some pieces you might want to consider not wearing altogether .
And what about the maintenance of the jewelry itself ?
Jewelry historian Elizabeth Doyle , who co-owns antique jewelry boutique Doyle and Doyle in New York City , shared some insight about which materials just can ’ t weather all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all ( hopefully ) doing at the moment .
“ Hand sanitizer should not be used on any organic gems , like coral or pearls , ” Doyle said .
“ The alcohol in the sanitizer can dry out the gems and lead to surface damage or cracking .
Hand sanitizer is also not safe on porous stones like opals or turquoise .
When in doubt , it is always better to take your jewelry off before washing your hands.
” Be careful about moisturizing , too .
“ Rings set with gems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stones , ” Doyle said .
“ It is important to keep this area clean for many reasons .
That buildup can be a prime place for bacteria or irritants to collect , which can lead to skin irritations .
Also , decreased airflow behind the stone can trap moisture against the finger , which is also a common cause of irritation .
And buildup of debris in a jewel can lead to unnecessary wear , and even loosening of prongs , which can result in lost stones.
” When in doubt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best , safest way to keep your jewelry clean and looking its best is to wash it using a mild dish soap , ” Doyle said .
“ If you notice any change in your jewelry from hand sanitizer , wash the piece immediately with warm , mild dish-soapy water .
This will remove any residual chemicals left from the sanitizer .
Bring the piece to an experienced jeweler as soon as you can to asses the damage and discuss repairs .
”

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They’re the questions on everyone’s mind at any given moment right now: When did I last wash my hands? Is it time to wash my hands again? Am I washing my hands for long enough? Am I using the right kind of soap?
As we’re (hopefully) spending more time in front of the sink, there are a couple of things to consider beyond just maintaining good hygiene.
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If wearing jewelry is part of your everyday routine, you might be wondering if you should wear it, what effect excessive hand sanitizing has (if any) and best practices for keeping yourself ― and others around you ― healthy.
Use common sense.
Lucy Wilson, a professor in the department of emergency health services at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, told HuffPost that while there is still little known about this novel coronavirus, based on information about viruses in general, it would be “reasonable to assume that it could be on any type of jewelry.” Hand-washing, then, continues to be the best line of defense.
“The overriding advice is keeping the hands washed, keeping your hands to yourself and not touching your face,” she said. “If you’re washing a lot more and wear rings, you can get irritation. So it’s not a bad idea to cut back on them if you’re trying to be really careful.”
But don’t just take off your rings without washing them.
If you’re worried about missing a spot on the hand that could be covered by a ring, it’s not a bad idea to remove it. But simply removing it is not enough.
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“If rings are contaminated and you pop them back on after washing your hands, you’ve recontaminated your hands,” Wilson said. “If you’re not going to disinfect your rings, you shouldn’t be taking them off and putting them back on.”
Wilson pointed out that studies show health care workers who remove their rings and scrub them are able to get bacteria off. “That’s bacteria though, not viruses,” she clarified.
There are some pieces you might want to consider not wearing altogether.
And what about the maintenance of the jewelry itself? Jewelry historian Elizabeth Doyle, who co-owns antique jewelry boutique Doyle and Doyle in New York City, shared some insight about which materials just can’t weather all the hand-washing and sanitizing we’re all (hopefully) doing at the moment.
“Hand sanitizer should not be used on any organic gems, like coral or pearls,” Doyle said. “The alcohol in the sanitizer can dry out the gems and lead to surface damage or cracking. Hand sanitizer is also not safe on porous stones like opals or turquoise. When in doubt, it is always better to take your jewelry off before washing your hands.”
Be careful about moisturizing, too.
Moisturizing plays a crucial part in keeping hands germ-free. Hands that are cracked or dry lose their safety barrier, which could make the hand unable to absorb the antibacterial benefits of sanitizer and soap. But lotion can be problematic for items like engagement rings and other stones.
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“Rings set with gems can collect lotion or debris behind the stones,” Doyle said. “It is important to keep this area clean for many reasons. That buildup can be a prime place for bacteria or irritants to collect, which can lead to skin irritations. Also, decreased airflow behind the stone can trap moisture against the finger, which is also a common cause of irritation. And buildup of debris in a jewel can lead to unnecessary wear, and even loosening of prongs, which can result in lost stones.”
When in doubt, head to the sink.


huffpost--2020-03-12--NBA Suspends Season After Player Tests Positive For Coronavirus

The NBA ’ s suspension comes after a Utah Jazz player tested positive at a game Wednesday evening .
The @ @ @ @ @ Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert .
Players from both the Jazz and the Oklahoma City Thunder @ @ @ @ @ before the game began .
Fans were then asked to leave the arena .
“ @ @ @ @ @ shortly prior to the tip-off of tonight ’ s game between the Jazz and Oklahoma @ @ @ @ @ Arena , ” the NBA said in its Wednesday statement .
“ At that time @ @ @ @ @ was canceled .
The affected player was not in the arena.
” Earlier in the @ @ @ @ @ tweeted that players Emmanuel Mudiay and Gobert were both ill. Gobert is the only player @ @ @ @ @ for the virus .

The NBA’s suspension comes after a Utah Jazz player tested positive at a game Wednesday evening. The affected player is reportedly Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert.
Players from both the Jazz and the Oklahoma City Thunder walked off the court right before the game began. Fans were then asked to leave the arena.
“The test result was reported shortly prior to the tip-off of tonight’s game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena,” the NBA said in its Wednesday statement. “At that time, tonight’s game was canceled. The affected player was not in the arena.”
Earlier in the day, the Utah Jazz tweeted that players Emmanuel Mudiay and Gobert were both ill. Gobert is the only player who has reportedly tested positive for the virus.


huffpost--2020-03-12--House Democrats Set Up Paid Coronavirus Leave Standoff With Senate

Win McNamee via Getty Images House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) and House Democrats proposed a paid leave program to deal with the fallout from coronavirus .
Late Wednesday , House Democrats unveiled a big legislative package to address the public health and economic threats posed by COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
The bill includes a government-funded program that would reimburse eligible workers who lost wages because they were unable to work during the crisis .
Democrats and Republicans have been unable to agree on a federal paid leave program for years , but some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of passing due to the damage the virus is doing to the economy .
Many Republicans who ’ ve opposed such programs in the past agree something must be done to keep money flowing into workers ’ pockets as business slows .
The bill includes provisions for 14 days of emergency leave for workers who are either diagnosed with COVID-19 or quarantined because of the virus .
Crucially , workers would also qualify if they must care for others who are sick or stuck at home , including because of school closures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly to workers by the Social Security Administration , and capped at two-thirds of a person ’ s monthly earnings , not to exceed $ 4,000 .
If a worker already receives sick leave benefits from their job or state government , they would still be eligible for the new federal benefit minus what they ’ re already receiving .
Workers can apply for the reimbursement retroactively , meaning people who are already quarantined or missing work to take care of someone would be able to receive a later payment for their time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to let workers gradually accrue up to seven paid sick days per year .
Those days could also be used to care for family members who are sick , or deal with domestic violence-related issues .
Employers would also be required to provide 14 days of sick leave immediately in the event of a public health emergency like the current one .
Large employers would have to pay for those 14 emergency days , while smaller employers ( defined as 50 or fewer workers ) would be reimbursed by the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already drawing real pushback from Republicans , who generally hate employer mandates .
Democrats proposed an emergency sick leave plan last week that included those provisions , and Sen. Lamar Alexander ( R-Tenn. ) spoke out against it on the Senate floor Wednesday and prevented it from being fast-tracked .
Alexander said he was open to a paid sick leave program to deal with coronavirus and thought it was a “ good idea.
” But he said the government should have to foot the bill , not employers .
“ Employees are struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s not a cure for the coronavirus to put a big new expensive federal mandate on employers , ” he said .
It ’ s possible Republicans like Alexander would support an emergency fund but demand that the permanent mandate be dropped from the House package .
A spokesperson for the senator said Thursday that he had nothing to add beyond his comments on the Senate floor .
“ This is an extremely substantial step toward addressing the very real and immediate needs of this emergency and setting up a system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so people won ’ t face this risk again , ” said Vicki Shabo , a senior fellow at The New America Foundation and paid leave expert .
Some economists worried that the funding provisions for the plan would prove too complicated to enact quickly .
“ It might take a while to get set up , ” said Jay Shambaugh , director of the Hamilton Project .
He suggested giving companies a tax break to offset the cost .
It ’ s not clear if the bill can get through the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) said Thursday morning that the Democratic bill is “ an ideological wish list that was not tailored closely to the circumstances.
” “ To ensure that working Americans impacted by the virus can stay home without fear of financial hardship , I will soon be taking emergency action , which is unprecedented , to provide financial relief , ” he said .
“ This will be targeted for workers who are ill , quarantined , or caring for others due to coronavirus .
”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Democrats proposed a paid leave program to deal with the fallout from coronavirus. Win McNamee via Getty Images
Workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak may soon be able to take advantage of the first nationwide paid leave program in the U.S. if Congress can agree on the plan.
Late Wednesday, House Democrats unveiled a big legislative package to address the public health and economic threats posed by COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The bill includes a government-funded program that would reimburse eligible workers who lost wages because they were unable to work during the crisis.
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The bill also includes a provision that would establish a future nationwide paid sick leave program ― prompting howls of protest from Republicans.
Democrats and Republicans have been unable to agree on a federal paid leave program for years, but some form of the bill stands a chance of passing due to the damage the virus is doing to the economy. Many Republicans who’ve opposed such programs in the past agree something must be done to keep money flowing into workers’ pockets as business slows.
How the plan would work:
The bill includes provisions for 14 days of emergency leave for workers who are either diagnosed with COVID-19 or quarantined because of the virus. Crucially, workers would also qualify if they must care for others who are sick or stuck at home, including because of school closures.
The benefits would be administered and paid directly to workers by the Social Security Administration, and capped at two-thirds of a person’s monthly earnings, not to exceed $4,000. If a worker already receives sick leave benefits from their job or state government, they would still be eligible for the new federal benefit minus what they’re already receiving.
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Workers can apply for the reimbursement retroactively, meaning people who are already quarantined or missing work to take care of someone would be able to receive a later payment for their time off.
The plan differs from earlier proposals in that it creates temporary, emergency funding specifically to deal with the coronavirus. It also includes a permanent mandate that employers provide sick leave in the future.
Under the bill, employers would have to let workers gradually accrue up to seven paid sick days per year. Those days could also be used to care for family members who are sick, or deal with domestic violence-related issues.
Employers would also be required to provide 14 days of sick leave immediately in the event of a public health emergency like the current one. Large employers would have to pay for those 14 emergency days, while smaller employers (defined as 50 or fewer workers) would be reimbursed by the government.
“The fact that the U.S. has no national paid sick leave policy has become a huge issue during the coronavirus crisis.”
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The potential problem with including permanent paid sick leave in the package is that it could hinder the bill’s passage and “gum up the works,” said Claudia Sahm, director of macroeconomic policy at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth. “I have concerns it’ll slow down the process and more people will get hurt than need to get hurt,” Sahm said.
Those parts of the plan are already drawing real pushback from Republicans, who generally hate employer mandates. Democrats proposed an emergency sick leave plan last week that included those provisions, and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) spoke out against it on the Senate floor Wednesday and prevented it from being fast-tracked.
Alexander said he was open to a paid sick leave program to deal with coronavirus and thought it was a “good idea.” But he said the government should have to foot the bill, not employers. “Employees are struggling, our employers are struggling, and it’s not a cure for the coronavirus to put a big new expensive federal mandate on employers,” he said.
It’s possible Republicans like Alexander would support an emergency fund but demand that the permanent mandate be dropped from the House package. A spokesperson for the senator said Thursday that he had nothing to add beyond his comments on the Senate floor.
Proponents of paid leave programs were happy to see a potential deal coming together, even if the final details weren’t clear.
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“This is an extremely substantial step toward addressing the very real and immediate needs of this emergency and setting up a system for paid sick days for the future so people won’t face this risk again,” said Vicki Shabo, a senior fellow at The New America Foundation and paid leave expert.
Some economists worried that the funding provisions for the plan would prove too complicated to enact quickly. “It might take a while to get set up,” said Jay Shambaugh, director of the Hamilton Project. He suggested giving companies a tax break to offset the cost.
The bill does say that small businesses would be compensated for the costs of providing 14 days of emergency leave.
President Donald Trump hinted Wednesday that the White House would support some kind of paid leave program. Samuel Corum via Getty Images
The House is scheduled to vote on the bill on Thursday, which will likely pass with mostly Democratic support. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called the legislation “completely partisan” and “unworkable.”
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It’s not clear if the bill can get through the Senate. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Thursday morning that the Democratic bill is “an ideological wish list that was not tailored closely to the circumstances.”
Regarding the paid leave provision, McConnell said “the proposal appears to impose permanent unfunded mandates on businesses that could cause massive job losses and put thousands of small businesses at risk.”
Thursday could be the last day to pass legislation before lawmakers leave Washington for a planned recess next week.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, seemed to hint that the White House would support emergency paid sick and family leave in his Oval Office address Wednesday night.
“To ensure that working Americans impacted by the virus can stay home without fear of financial hardship, I will soon be taking emergency action, which is unprecedented, to provide financial relief,” he said. “This will be targeted for workers who are ill, quarantined, or caring for others due to coronavirus.”
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The administration, however, hasn’t offered any detail. A White House spokesman could not provide any as of Thursday morning.
The fact that the U.S. has no national paid sick leave policy has become a huge issue during the coronavirus crisis, shining a light on a safety net gap long highlighted by Democrats and progressives.


huffpost--2020-03-12--Charles Barkley Encourages Broadcasters To 'Close Down' March Madness

Basketball analyst Charles Barkley , who covers the NCAA tournament for CBS and Turner , urged the broadcasters to “ close down ” March Madness on Thursday as the coronavirus spread .
The NCAA announced the previous day it would stage the tournament without most spectators , but Barkley said officials needed to go a step further .
( See the audio below . )
“ I ’ m going to say this and I ’ m probably going to get in trouble , because I work for Turner and March Madness and CBS , ” he said on ESPN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think Turner Sports and CBS got to close down March Madness , man.
” Earlier in the week , before the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the new virus a pandemic , the former NBA great said on “ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ” that the tournament should continue and not having fans in the stands would be a “ travesty.
” But by Thursday , he had changed his mind .
“ You can ’ t have these players – even if there ’ s no fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have these players breathing on each other for two weeks .
Even if they ’ re at a hotel , they ’ re going to be in different cities around the country .
I hate to say it ― like I said I probably shouldn ’ t say it because I work for CBS ― I think we ’ re going to have to shut down March Madness until we know more.
” The NBA has suspended its season until further notice .
Barkley suggested that NCAA tournament officials could reassess what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ but right now we need to take a pause.
” Keep up with the latest updates on the coronavirus at our live blog .

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Basketball analyst Charles Barkley, who covers the NCAA tournament for CBS and Turner, urged the broadcasters to “close down” March Madness on Thursday as the coronavirus spread. The NCAA announced the previous day it would stage the tournament without most spectators, but Barkley said officials needed to go a step further. (See the audio below.)
"I think we're going to have to shut down March Madness until we know more." —Charles Barkley pic.twitter.com/hfogDJlYNl — Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 12, 2020
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“I’m going to say this and I’m probably going to get in trouble, because I work for Turner and March Madness and CBS,” he said on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “I think Turner Sports and CBS got to close down March Madness, man.”
Earlier in the week, before the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the new virus a pandemic, the former NBA great said on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” that the tournament should continue and not having fans in the stands would be a “travesty.” But by Thursday, he had changed his mind.
“You can’t have these players – even if there’s no fans in the stadium – you can’t have these players breathing on each other for two weeks. Even if they’re at a hotel, they’re going to be in different cities around the country. I hate to say it ― like I said I probably shouldn’t say it because I work for CBS ― I think we’re going to have to shut down March Madness until we know more.”
The NBA has suspended its season until further notice. Barkley suggested that NCAA tournament officials could reassess what to do in a few weeks, “but right now we need to take a pause.”
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huffpost--2020-03-12--Trading Halted On Wall Street After Market Plunges 7% In First Minutes

NEW YORK ( AP ) — The sell-off bludgeoning financial markets around the world got even worse Thursday as the economic pain caused by the coronavirus became more painfully clear .
Worries are rising that the White House and other authorities around the world can ’ t or won ’ t do what ’ s needed to help soon .
After the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed in a bear market for the first time in more than a decade , President Donald Trump said late Wednesday he would restrict travel to Europe in hopes of containing the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an airline industry already battered by frightened travelers cancelling plans , and market losses accelerated around the world as Trump spoke while giving few details about a big stimulus program that could help .
The S & P 500 dropped about 7 % within the first few minutes of Thursday ’ s trading , steep enough to trigger an automatic halt to trading on the New York Stock Exchange .
The index is set to join the Dow in entering a bear market after losing more than 20 % from its record set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatest eras in Wall Street ’ s history is crumbling .
The damage was worldwide and eye-popping .
European stocks tumbled 8 % , even after the European Central Bank pledged to buy more bonds and offer more help for the economy .
In Thailand and the Philippines , stocks fell so fast that trading was temporarily halted .
Japan ’ s Nikkei 225 sank to its lowest close in four years .
Not only has the degree of the market ’ s drop in recent weeks been breathtaking , so has its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 remains under 2,708.92 , which looks very likely , it would be the fastest that the index has fallen from a record to a bear market since World War II , according to CFRA .
It was just two days ago that the S & P 500 soared nearly 5 % amid hopes that big stimulus from the U.S. government could arrive soon to help cushion the economic blow from the virus .
Trump ’ s pitch for a cut in payroll taxes has hit resistance on Capitol Hill , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday remarks from the Oval Office , where he blamed the “ foreign virus.
” “ The market judgement on that announcement is that it ’ s too little too late , ” said Michael McCarthy of CMC Markets .
“ And while travel restrictions on people coming from Europe are good from a health point of view , from the point of view of the economy , it ’ s very , very bad news.
” Investors know that stimulus from governments and central banks around the world won ’ t solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities declared a pandemic Wednesday .
Only the containment of the virus can do that .
But those measures could help support to the economy in the meantime , and investors fear things would be much worse without them .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could drag the global economy into a recession as quarantines and other measures force companies to close shop and worries about the virus scare customers away .
Many analysts say markets will continue to swing sharply until the number of new infections stops accelerating .
More than 126,000 people in more than 110 countries have been infected .
Treasury yields , which were one of the first markets to sound the alarm on the economic risks of the virus , fell in morning trading .
The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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NEW YORK (AP) — The sell-off bludgeoning financial markets around the world got even worse Thursday as the economic pain caused by the coronavirus became more painfully clear. Worries are rising that the White House and other authorities around the world can’t or won’t do what’s needed to help soon.
After the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed in a bear market for the first time in more than a decade, President Donald Trump said late Wednesday he would restrict travel to Europe in hopes of containing the virus. It’s the latest hit for an airline industry already battered by frightened travelers cancelling plans, and market losses accelerated around the world as Trump spoke while giving few details about a big stimulus program that could help.
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The S&P 500 dropped about 7% within the first few minutes of Thursday’s trading, steep enough to trigger an automatic halt to trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The index is set to join the Dow in entering a bear market after losing more than 20% from its record set last month, and one of the greatest eras in Wall Street’s history is crumbling.
The damage was worldwide and eye-popping. European stocks tumbled 8%, even after the European Central Bank pledged to buy more bonds and offer more help for the economy. In Thailand and the Philippines, stocks fell so fast that trading was temporarily halted. Japan’s Nikkei 225 sank to its lowest close in four years.
Not only has the degree of the market’s drop in recent weeks been breathtaking, so has its speed. If the S&P 500 remains under 2,708.92, which looks very likely, it would be the fastest that the index has fallen from a record to a bear market since World War II, according to CFRA.
It was just two days ago that the S&P 500 soared nearly 5% amid hopes that big stimulus from the U.S. government could arrive soon to help cushion the economic blow from the virus. Trump’s pitch for a cut in payroll taxes has hit resistance on Capitol Hill, though, and hopes dissipated after Trump’s Wednesday remarks from the Oval Office, where he blamed the “foreign virus.”
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“The market judgement on that announcement is that it’s too little too late,” said Michael McCarthy of CMC Markets. “And while travel restrictions on people coming from Europe are good from a health point of view, from the point of view of the economy, it’s very, very bad news.”
Investors know that stimulus from governments and central banks around the world won’t solve the COVID-19 crisis, which global health authorities declared a pandemic Wednesday. Only the containment of the virus can do that. But those measures could help support to the economy in the meantime, and investors fear things would be much worse without them.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus, but the fear is that COVID-19 could drag the global economy into a recession as quarantines and other measures force companies to close shop and worries about the virus scare customers away.
Many analysts say markets will continue to swing sharply until the number of new infections stops accelerating. More than 126,000 people in more than 110 countries have been infected.
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huffpost--2020-03-12--Hospitality Workers Pay The Price As Coronavirus Disrupts SXSW, Coachella

As the coronavirus continues to spread across the U.S. , organizations are taking the extraordinary step of canceling major events to mitigate contagion .
The disruptions , though necessary from a public health perspective , are having life-changing consequences on workers who depend on the influx of cash to pay the bills .
Heeding recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the city of Austin announced last week that it was pulling the plug on SXSW , which was scheduled for March 13 to 22 .
The cancellation doesn ’ t just mean the event won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of workers and business owners will see a sudden and unexpected drop in revenue ― fewer restaurant patrons , hotel guests , cab riders .
Canceling large events and self-quarantining are important to stem the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by this coronavirus , but they also mean workers will take a huge financial hit .
Nathan Lipson , who owns a pedicab business in Austin , said he makes about 70 % of his annual income during SXSW .
He was relying on a big financial boost from this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered a costly electrical fire a year ago .
He lost 80 pedicabs in the blaze , he said .
Fewer visitors and less business means that those impacted will in turn spend less , further propelling the economic downturn caused by the cancellation of massive events like SXSW , said Dean Baker , an economist with the progressive Center for Economic and Policy Research .
Tara , who is being identified with a pseudonym to avoid possible retribution , was one of the employees cut loose on Monday .
She had worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacities .
Most recently , she managed programming for the conference .
Tara said she agrees with the city ’ s decision to cancel SXSW , but that she wishes the event ’ s management team had prepared ahead of time after seeing coronavirus outbreaks pop up in other parts of the world .
Indian Wells , which was to be held March 9 to 22 , attracts roughly 500,000 spectators each year .
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was slated for two consecutive weekends in April , and the Stagecoach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last weekend of the month .
Coachella alone draws nearly 100,000 people each day of the festival and brings in over $ 105 million for Indio , the city where it ’ s held .
Both festivals were postponed until October , but workers are struggling to make ends meet in the interim .
Kellie Nicole , 29 , grew up in Coachella Valley and has been working off-and-on in the hospitality industry there since she was 16 .
She ’ s a full-time server at Cork & Fork , a stylish wine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as though the rug has been ripped out from under her during this year ’ s festival season .
“ I make probably three times as much money in the span of that time than the rest of the year , ” Nicole said .
“ Even though we potentially could make more money in the fall , that ’ s not going to help us survive throughout the summer , pay the rent and day-to-day expenses now.
” She knows a lot of other servers who earn most of their money through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as small business owners in the area , who are very concerned about making ends meet .
“ If you live in the Coachella Valley and you ’ re still going out , eat at local restaurants , ” she added .
“ Support local business , because those are going to be the people who are struggling the most .
”

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As the coronavirus continues to spread across the U.S., organizations are taking the extraordinary step of canceling major events to mitigate contagion. The disruptions, though necessary from a public health perspective, are having life-changing consequences on workers who depend on the influx of cash to pay the bills.
SXSW, an annual series of conferences and festivals focused on art, music and film, drew more than 250,000 people to Austin, Texas, last year and injected about $355 million into the local economy.
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Heeding recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the city of Austin announced last week that it was pulling the plug on SXSW, which was scheduled for March 13 to 22.
The cancellation doesn’t just mean the event won’t go on. It means thousands of workers and business owners will see a sudden and unexpected drop in revenue ― fewer restaurant patrons, hotel guests, cab riders. Canceling large events and self-quarantining are important to stem the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by this coronavirus, but they also mean workers will take a huge financial hit.
Nathan Lipson, who owns a pedicab business in Austin, said he makes about 70% of his annual income during SXSW. He was relying on a big financial boost from this year’s festival after his shop suffered a costly electrical fire a year ago. He lost 80 pedicabs in the blaze, he said.
Lipson also rents out his house on Airbnb during SXSW. But this year’s renters, who were going to pay $9,000 for the place, have pulled out.
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“I’m concerned and stressed out,” said Lipson, 43. “But also, I just can’t help but wonder whether [canceling SXSW] was an extreme.”
“It has repercussions that continue for the year ― not just two weeks,” he added. “We will all feel this for months to come.”
A general view of the atmosphere in the entertainment district of downtown Austin, Texas, this week. Gary Miller via Getty Images
Fewer visitors and less business means that those impacted will in turn spend less, further propelling the economic downturn caused by the cancellation of massive events like SXSW, said Dean Baker, an economist with the progressive Center for Economic and Policy Research.
“There’s no easy way to recover from that,” Baker said.
SXSW employees also lost their jobs. Three days after canceling the conferences, SXSW laid off about 50 people, or one-third of its staff.
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Tara, who is being identified with a pseudonym to avoid possible retribution, was one of the employees cut loose on Monday. She had worked full-time for SXSW since 2013 in various capacities. Most recently, she managed programming for the conference.
“It was completely stunning,” she told HuffPost on Wednesday. “The only other time I know of a mass layoff like this was after 9/11.”
Tara said employees laid off by SXSW previously received severance pay equivalent to a full annual salary. This time around, she said, those terminated were offered pay for only two weeks.
SXSW did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
As Tara prepares to file for unemployment and begin the search for a new job, she and her husband worry about losing health insurance for their household.
Tara said she agrees with the city’s decision to cancel SXSW, but that she wishes the event’s management team had prepared ahead of time after seeing coronavirus outbreaks pop up in other parts of the world.
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“It’s all very fucked up,” she said. “The city is getting hit really hard.”
The second weekend of the 2019 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival in Indio, California. Presley Ann via Getty Images
In southern California’s Coachella Valley, workers are feeling a similar collective gut-punch. The BNP Paribas Open, a two-week tennis tournament known as “Indian Wells,” has been canceled, and two major festivals have been postponed.
Indian Wells, which was to be held March 9 to 22, attracts roughly 500,000 spectators each year. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was slated for two consecutive weekends in April, and the Stagecoach country music festival was set for the last weekend of the month.
Coachella alone draws nearly 100,000 people each day of the festival and brings in over $105 million for Indio, the city where it’s held. Both festivals were postponed until October, but workers are struggling to make ends meet in the interim.
Kellie Nicole, 29, grew up in Coachella Valley and has been working off-and-on in the hospitality industry there since she was 16. She’s a full-time server at Cork & Fork, a stylish wine bar in La Quinta, and feels as though the rug has been ripped out from under her during this year’s festival season.
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“I make probably three times as much money in the span of that time than the rest of the year,” Nicole said. “Even though we potentially could make more money in the fall, that’s not going to help us survive throughout the summer, pay the rent and day-to-day expenses now.”
She knows a lot of other servers who earn most of their money through tips like she does, as well as small business owners in the area, who are very concerned about making ends meet.
“It’s going to have a pretty dramatic effect on our little city in the desert,” Nicole said. “It’s a problem that doesn’t really have an answer.”
INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 09: A "Tennis Is Cancelled" sign flashes outside the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 09, 2020 in Indian Wells, California. Al Bello via Getty Images
Despite the major financial losses they’ve suffered, some workers are hopeful that their local communities will have their back.
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Informal events are being organized in Austin to attract locals to spend money at bars and restaurants in the area, though these activities could also be postponed pending the CDC guidance as the virus continues to spread. Vendors are creating pop-up shops to sell the products they created for SXSW.
“There’s a big move in the service industry to help each other out,” Lipson said. “There’s always unofficial South By shows and those are probably still going to continue. A lot of the music shows will still continue.”
A GoFundMe page for service workers impacted by SXSW’s cancellation had raised over $7,000 as of Thursday.
“There’s no person to be blamed for what’s happening so it’s not like someone that we can all be angry at for this loss of income,” Nicole said. “But it’s going to be extremely difficult on local businesses.”
“If you live in the Coachella Valley and you’re still going out, eat at local restaurants,” she added. “Support local business, because those are going to be the people who are struggling the most.”


huffpost--2020-03-12--Rep. Katie Porter Gets CDC Head To Commit To Making COVID-19 Testing Free

The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agreed to make testing for the new coronavirus free to any American , regardless of whether they have health insurance , following pressure by Rep. Katie Porter ( D-Calif. ) .
At a congressional hearing on Thursday , CDC Director Robert Redfield agreed to invoke his legal authority to authorize the use of federal funds to pay coronavirus testing fees .
Prior to the agreement , Porter tallied up before Redfield the high costs that someone might face for coronavirus testing , which involves tests for Flu A , Flu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room .
“ This all totals up to $ 1,331 , ” Porter said , noting that the total didn ’ t include the cost of someone being kept in isolation , which she said could nearly quadruple that estimated cost .
I did the math : a full battery of coronavirus testing costs at minimum $ 1,331 .
I also did the legal research : the Administration has the authority to make testing free for every American TODAY .
I secured a commitment from a high-level Trump official that they ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Katie Porter ( @ RepKatiePorter ) March 12 , 2020 “ Will you commit to invoking your existing authority under 42 CFR 71.30 to provide for coronavirus testing for every American regardless of insurance coverage ?
” Porter asked Redfield .
Under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations , 42 CFR 71.30 states that “ The Director may authorize payment for the care and treatment of individuals subject to medical examination , quarantine , isolation , and conditional release.
” The rule adds that the payment for care and treatment is “ subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it will be paid only after all third-party payers , such as private insurance carriers , “ have made payment in satisfaction of their obligations.
” U.S. health insurance companies have agreed to waive copays for testing for the virus as well as cover the cost of its treatment , Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday .
Medicare and Medicaid will also cover costs without copays .
But those without insurance could be stuck paying whatever rate the doctor or hospital chooses .
“ Fear of these costs are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting the care they need , and from keeping their community safe , ” Porter told Redfield , who after repeatedly dodging a direct answer , eventually agreed to invoke his authority .
“ Excellent !
” Porter exclaimed .
“ Everybody in America , hear that : You are eligible to get tested for coronavirus and have that covered , regardless of insurance .
”

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The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agreed to make testing for the new coronavirus free to any American, regardless of whether they have health insurance, following pressure by Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.).
At a congressional hearing on Thursday, CDC Director Robert Redfield agreed to invoke his legal authority to authorize the use of federal funds to pay coronavirus testing fees.
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Prior to the agreement, Porter tallied up before Redfield the high costs that someone might face for coronavirus testing, which involves tests for Flu A, Flu B and a trip to the emergency room.
“This all totals up to $1,331,” Porter said, noting that the total didn’t include the cost of someone being kept in isolation, which she said could nearly quadruple that estimated cost.
I did the math: a full battery of coronavirus testing costs at minimum $1,331.
I also did the legal research: the Administration has the authority to make testing free for every American TODAY.
I secured a commitment from a high-level Trump official that they’d actually do it. pic.twitter.com/RmolCtmNbG — Rep. Katie Porter (@RepKatiePorter) March 12, 2020
“Will you commit to invoking your existing authority under 42 CFR 71.30 to provide for coronavirus testing for every American regardless of insurance coverage?” Porter asked Redfield.
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Under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 42 CFR 71.30 states that “The Director may authorize payment for the care and treatment of individuals subject to medical examination, quarantine, isolation, and conditional release.”
The rule adds that the payment for care and treatment is “subject to the availability of appropriations” and that it will be paid only after all third-party payers, such as private insurance carriers, “have made payment in satisfaction of their obligations.”
U.S. health insurance companies have agreed to waive copays for testing for the virus as well as cover the cost of its treatment, Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday.
Medicare and Medicaid will also cover costs without copays. But those without insurance could be stuck paying whatever rate the doctor or hospital chooses.
“Fear of these costs are going to keep people from being tested, from getting the care they need, and from keeping their community safe,” Porter told Redfield, who after repeatedly dodging a direct answer, eventually agreed to invoke his authority.
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“I think you’re an excellent questioner,” Redfield told her, “so my answer is yes.”


huffpost--2020-03-12--NBA's Donovan Mitchell Is 2nd Jazz Player To Test Positive For Coronavirus

In addition , several reporters are being tested after Gobert purposely touched their equipment on Monday in an apparent attempt @ @ @ @ @ distancing ” rules that had been put in place by the NBA to curb the @ @ @ @ @

In addition, several reporters are being tested after Gobert purposely touched their equipment on Monday in an apparent attempt to mock new “social distancing” rules that had been put in place by the NBA to curb the spread of the virus.


huffpost--2020-03-12--The Best Ways To Clean And Disinfect Your Phone During The Coronavirus Outbreak

Think about how often you check your phone .
Every hour ?
Every few minutes ?
We all touch our smartphones nonstop .
And as we cope with the COVID-19 pandemic , it ’ s important to think about what might be lurking on your device .
In studies , everything from e.coli to Staphylococcus aureus ― also known as MRSA ― has been lifted from the surface of smartphones .
Research from the United Kingdom suggests 1 in 6 phones have feces on it , since plenty of people browse apps in the bathroom , and set their phones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In other words , your beloved device is a hotbed for germs .
It stands to reason , then , that the surface of your phone could host the coronavirus if you come in contact with it , said Jagdish Khubchandani , a professor of health science at Ball State University .
“ We spend at least two hours daily touching the phone , ” he said .
Some statistics suggest it might even be more .
“ It clearly becomes a vehicle of transmission , especially when people share phones.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash your phone is probably akin to how frequently you use it , ” she explained .
“ If you are taking it in a place that is germ-y , it is likely you want to wash it.
” Do certain types of UV lights work to kill germs ?
Yes .
Could these devices work in theory ?
Yes .
But do they actually ?
That ’ s the question , according to Khubchandani .
If online reviews are an indicator , the answer is maybe not .
In general , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice to prevent virus spread .
They are not as convenient , not as cheap and not as widely available as other disinfectants .
“ Wipes seem to be the best right now for cost , portability and proven efficiency , ” Khubchandani said .
First , to keep yourself safe , wash your hands frequently ― then think about your phone .
Current research on COVID-19 shows it ’ s most likely to be spread person-to-person through droplets , mucus or saliva .
“ Soap and water are still the best , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be done regularly for everyone .
For the phone , you can ’ t really use [ soap and water ] , but something like a Clorox wipe would work .
Look for a wipe with at least 70 % alcohol.
” Vyas suggested a wipe that doesn ’ t have bleach in it , so it doesn ’ t ruin your phone surface .
Ethanol wipes can typically disinfect a surface with the coronavirus .
Whatever cleaner you use , just make sure it has time to sit and work its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You can lightly wipe the surface of the phone , and then make sure you dry it with a microfiber cloth , ” in order to get rid of germs completely , she said .
Just make sure the cloth is only used once , then wash it before you use it again .
But of course , a lot of cleaning products like disinfectant wipes are selling out at the moment .
If you encounter this issue , Khubchandani suggested filling a spray bottle with simple rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a single-use cloth .
( It ’ s not the preferred method of disinfecting a surface , but fine in a pinch . )
“ Those are the two cheapest if you don ’ t find the wipes , ” he said .
“ Just keep it in the restroom .
Wipe your phone with it after you touch it.
” And make sure you ’ re sanitizing regularly : “ Practice cleaning the phone , ” Khubchandani said .
“ Make it a four-or-five-times-a-day ritual .
And clean your personal spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your computer , your phone .
Everyone ’ s scared , but they need to pay attention to their own practices [ to prevent spread ] .
Sometimes , we miss the most obvious things ― like cleaning our own desk , washing hands ― when we ’ re overly anxious.
” So , to recap : Use wipes on your phone , and follow up with a microfiber cloth if you really want the best results .
And most importantly , continue to wash your hands when you interact with others and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your personal spaces and office space , too .
Practicing good hygiene is one of the best defenses against most illnesses like coronavirus .

Tim Robberts via Getty Images COVID-19 likely can exist on the surface of your phone.
Think about how often you check your phone. Every hour? Every few minutes? We all touch our smartphones nonstop. And as we cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to think about what might be lurking on your device.
In studies, everything from e.coli to Staphylococcus aureus ― also known as MRSA ― has been lifted from the surface of smartphones. Research from the United Kingdom suggests 1 in 6 phones have feces on it, since plenty of people browse apps in the bathroom, and set their phones down while in there, as well. In other words, your beloved device is a hotbed for germs.
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It stands to reason, then, that the surface of your phone could host the coronavirus if you come in contact with it, said Jagdish Khubchandani, a professor of health science at Ball State University.
“We spend at least two hours daily touching the phone,” he said. Some statistics suggest it might even be more. “It clearly becomes a vehicle of transmission, especially when people share phones.”
Dr. Neha Vyas, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, agreed.
“The frequency with which you should wash your phone is probably akin to how frequently you use it,” she explained. “If you are taking it in a place that is germ-y, it is likely you want to wash it.”
If you’ve heard about UV light devices that eliminate germs from the phone, these can possibly work to kill microbes ― but only with ideal conditions.
Advertisement
Do certain types of UV lights work to kill germs? Yes. Could these devices work in theory? Yes. But do they actually? That’s the question, according to Khubchandani. If online reviews are an indicator, the answer is maybe not.
“The challenge is, are these products tested for efficacy?” Khubchandani said.
In general, the lights are probably not the best standalone practice to prevent virus spread. They are not as convenient, not as cheap and not as widely available as other disinfectants. “Wipes seem to be the best right now for cost, portability and proven efficiency,” Khubchandani said.
First, to keep yourself safe, wash your hands frequently ― then think about your phone. Current research on COVID-19 shows it’s most likely to be spread person-to-person through droplets, mucus or saliva.
After that, the virus is more likely to spread via hard surfaces like your phone or a door knob than soft surfaces like carpet.
“Soap and water are still the best,” Khubchandani said. “Hand washing should be done regularly for everyone. For the phone, you can’t really use [soap and water], but something like a Clorox wipe would work. Look for a wipe with at least 70% alcohol.”
Advertisement
Vyas suggested a wipe that doesn’t have bleach in it, so it doesn’t ruin your phone surface. Ethanol wipes can typically disinfect a surface with the coronavirus. Whatever cleaner you use, just make sure it has time to sit and work its magic before you wipe it off.
“You can lightly wipe the surface of the phone, and then make sure you dry it with a microfiber cloth,” in order to get rid of germs completely, she said. Just make sure the cloth is only used once, then wash it before you use it again.
But of course, a lot of cleaning products like disinfectant wipes are selling out at the moment. If you encounter this issue, Khubchandani suggested filling a spray bottle with simple rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which you could then wipe away with a single-use cloth. (It’s not the preferred method of disinfecting a surface, but fine in a pinch.)
“Those are the two cheapest if you don’t find the wipes,” he said. “Just keep it in the restroom. Wipe your phone with it after you touch it.”
And make sure you’re sanitizing regularly: “Practice cleaning the phone,” Khubchandani said. “Make it a four-or-five-times-a-day ritual. And clean your personal spaces with disinfectants. Clean your desk, your computer, your phone. Everyone’s scared, but they need to pay attention to their own practices [to prevent spread]. Sometimes, we miss the most obvious things ― like cleaning our own desk, washing hands ― when we’re overly anxious.”
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huffpost--2020-03-12--Low-Income College Kids Are Walking A Knife’s Edge In The Wake Of School Closures

A growing number of colleges and universities have canceled in-person classes this semester to combat the spread of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus that ’ s now a pandemic .
For the tens of thousands of students who rely on their schools for housing and food , this disruption is going to be particularly painful .
A survey that Goldrick-Rab and other researchers conducted with 86,000 students matriculated at 123 colleges in 2019 found that 45 % reported being food insecure in the past month , while 56 % were housing insecure and 17 % were homeless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a hidden crisis on campuses across the country , Goldrick-Rab said .
Many of these students rely on their university for housing , jobs and food .
While some universities have said that students can stay in their dorms and receive access to dining and facilities , guidance has often been inconsistent and unclear .
In some cases , students have been told that while they ’ ll be allowed to stay on campus in extenuating circumstances , their access to dining will be severely limited .
“ These students are on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to afford college or falling into poverty at any moment , ” she said .
“ They ’ re telling me things like all the food is gone , they paid for their campus meal plan , and they ’ re not going to get it.
” These students are on the knife ’ s edge of being able to afford college or falling into poverty at any moment .
They ’ re telling me things like all the food is gone , they paid for their campus meal plan , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Sara Goldrick-Rab , professor of higher education policy and sociology at Temple University .
“ It really saved my life and my parents ’ life as well , ” Mack , whose family members recently got back on their feet and are living in their own place , told HuffPost .
“ If we had this epidemic during that time , I don ’ t know where I would be right now.
” On Wednesday , the SUNY system announced it would extend spring break and then transition to online learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mack and his peers are currently in midterms .
Between studying and all-nighters , they ’ re figuring out if they ’ re going home , where they ’ ll be going home to , and what the rest of their semester will look like .
Mona Sinha , a 1988 Smith College alum , says her college ’ s spreadsheet is filled with offers like “ rides to the airport , gift cards for GrubHub or car services , a quiet place to study with free wifi , cold brew and snacks.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ York City , offered financial support to students .
She received about five emails within four minutes of posting , she said , all from students in high-need situations who requested money to get home .
But Goldrick-Rab is quick to note that private universities with large endowments are the ones that should be leading on these issues .
While these universities do serve clusters of low-income students , poorer students are most heavily concentrated in institutions like community colleges .
She worries , too , about the financial repercussions community colleges will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly when it comes to re-enrollment .
Goldrick-Rab has been working for years to try and change the public perception of what the average college student currently looks like .
She believes the public still thinks of college kids as people with two employed parents who can come pick them up when they need to go home or provide financial support as needed .

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A growing number of colleges and universities have canceled in-person classes this semester to combat the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus that’s now a pandemic. For the tens of thousands of students who rely on their schools for housing and food, this disruption is going to be particularly painful.
“It’s going to be so financially stressful … some of these students are not going to return to college,” said Sara Goldrick-Rab, professor of higher education policy and sociology at Temple University.
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A survey that Goldrick-Rab and other researchers conducted with 86,000 students matriculated at 123 colleges in 2019 found that 45% reported being food insecure in the past month, while 56% were housing insecure and 17% were homeless in the past year. These issues are a hidden crisis on campuses across the country, Goldrick-Rab said.
Many of these students rely on their university for housing, jobs and food. While some universities have said that students can stay in their dorms and receive access to dining and facilities, guidance has often been inconsistent and unclear. In some cases, students have been told that while they’ll be allowed to stay on campus in extenuating circumstances, their access to dining will be severely limited.
For students who may not have access to their own computer or the internet when their classes go online, the situation is even more dire.
Goldrick-Rab, who has already heard from “tons” of “absolutely terrified” housing- and food-insecure students, said this semester could change the trajectory of these students’ lives.
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“These students are on the knife’s edge of being able to afford college or falling into poverty at any moment,” she said. “They’re telling me things like all the food is gone, they paid for their campus meal plan, and they’re not going to get it.”
“These students are on the knife’s edge of being able to afford college or falling into poverty at any moment. They’re telling me things like all the food is gone, they paid for their campus meal plan, and they’re not going to get it.” - Sara Goldrick-Rab, professor of higher education policy and sociology at Temple University.
Until recently, SUNY New Paltz junior Bryce Mack identified as one of those students. Last year, Mack attended Nassau Community College. His family was homeless and living in a hotel. He relied on the school’s food bank to feed him and his family.
“It really saved my life and my parents’ life as well,” Mack, whose family members recently got back on their feet and are living in their own place, told HuffPost. “If we had this epidemic during that time, I don’t know where I would be right now.”
On Wednesday, the SUNY system announced it would extend spring break and then transition to online learning for the rest of the semester. Mack and his peers are currently in midterms. Between studying and all-nighters, they’re figuring out if they’re going home, where they’ll be going home to, and what the rest of their semester will look like.
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“I don’t know how you achieve in the classroom if you’re worried about where you’re going to get your food,” Mack said.
A number of alumni at schools have set up spreadsheets to pool resources for students who may need help paying for a plane ticket home or need somewhere to stay.
Mona Sinha, a 1988 Smith College alum, says her college’s spreadsheet is filled with offers like “rides to the airport, gift cards for GrubHub or car services, a quiet place to study with free wifi, cold brew and snacks.” Sinha, who lives in New York City, offered financial support to students. She received about five emails within four minutes of posting, she said, all from students in high-need situations who requested money to get home.
The students have sent her messages saying “you’re truly a godsend,” and “I didn’t know what I was going to do.”
But Goldrick-Rab is quick to note that private universities with large endowments are the ones that should be leading on these issues. While these universities do serve clusters of low-income students, poorer students are most heavily concentrated in institutions like community colleges. She worries, too, about the financial repercussions community colleges will face as a result of these disruptions, particularly when it comes to re-enrollment.
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“I am worried they can’t handle it,” she said.
Goldrick-Rab has been working for years to try and change the public perception of what the average college student currently looks like. She believes the public still thinks of college kids as people with two employed parents who can come pick them up when they need to go home or provide financial support as needed.


huffpost--2020-03-12--Chet Hanks Says Parents Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson 'Are Fine' After Coronavirus Diagnosis

Soon after the video was posted , his older brother Colin Hanks shared a note on Instagram thanking everyone for @ @ @ @ @ ” “ My parents are receiving excellent care in Australia and are doing well ( @ @ @ @ @ given the circumstances , ” Colin Hanks wrote .

Soon after the video was posted, his older brother Colin Hanks shared a note on Instagram thanking everyone for the “outpouring of support.”
“My parents are receiving excellent care in Australia and are doing well (and in good spirits) given the circumstances,” Colin Hanks wrote.


huffpost--2020-03-12--State Department Advises Americans To 'Reconsider' Travel Abroad Due To Coronavirus

WASHINGTON , March 11 ( Reuters ) - The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory on its website on @ @ @ @ @ reconsider travel abroad due to the global impact of the coronavirus outbreak and countries ’ @ @ @ @ @ The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to the global @ @ @ @ @ areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit @ @ @ @ @ and border restrictions , ” the notice said .
( Reporting by Makini Brice ; @ @ @ @ @

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huffpost--2020-03-31--Macy's, Kohl's And Gap To Furlough Most Of Their Employees Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

NEW YORK ( AP ) — Macy ’ s , Kohl ’ s and Gap Inc. all said Monday they will stop paying tens of thousands of employees who were thrown out of work when the chains temporarily closed their stores and sales collapsed as a result of the pandemic .
Macy ’ s said the majority of its 125,000 employees will be furloughed this week and that it is transitioning to an “ absolute minimum workforce ” needed to maintain basic operations .
Macy ’ s said it has lost the bulk of its sales due to the temporarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 18 .
Kohl ’ s , based in Menomonee Falls , Wisconsin , said that the furloughs will apply to 85,000 of its 120,000 employees at stores and distribution centers .
It will continue to ship products and do curbside pickup from most stores with a limited number of staff .
The moves are bad news for an economy in which the retail industry supports one out of four workers .
It is also perhaps the most dramatic sign that even big name retailers are seeing their business evaporate and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress and signed by President Donald Trump last week may have limited impact .
More than 190,000 stores , including J.C. Penney and Neiman Marcus , have temporarily closed , accounting for nearly 50 % of the U.S. retail square footage , according to Saunders .
Discounters , grocers and wholesale clubs that sell essential items like groceries remain open , although they have their own challenges of keeping up with shoppers who continue to stockpile canned goods , paper towels and other staples .
According to a recent report by Cowen & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make it to about five to eight months with their stores temporarily closed .
Macy ’ s and Kohl ’ s , however , have enough for five months , Cowen said .
J.C. Penney and Nordstrom are better positioned at eight months of available liquidity , according to Cowen .
When announcing the temporary closures , most retailers said they would keep paying their workers but they were looking at a two-week timetable .
That moment has now passed and the furloughs have become increasingly necessary as the coronavirus rapidly spreads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these furloughs will lead to permanent layoffs .
Rent the Runway , a pioneer in fashion rental , confirmed earlier Monday , that it was laying off its retail store staff and said it may not be able to reopen its stores that temporarily shuttered earlier this month .
Its online subscription service still continues to operate .
Coresight Research ’ s Deborah Weinswig now forecasts a new record high of 15,000 stores will close this year , up from her original prediction of 8,000 — all because of the viral outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with heavy debt loads may have to dramatically close more stores or be pushed closer to bankruptcy .
Even before the pandemic , traditional retailers , particularly department stores and mall-based clothing stores , had been struggling to reinvent themselves as shoppers shift more of their purchases online and embrace experiences like cooking classes and subscription services .
Now , the pandemic has forced people to stay home and clamp down on spending for non-essential items like clothing .
Macy ’ s said that there won ’ t be as many furloughs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operate .
Employees who are enrolled in health benefits will continue to receive coverage with the company covering 100 % of the premium .

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NEW YORK (AP) — Macy’s, Kohl’s and Gap Inc. all said Monday they will stop paying tens of thousands of employees who were thrown out of work when the chains temporarily closed their stores and sales collapsed as a result of the pandemic.
Macy’s said the majority of its 125,000 employees will be furloughed this week and that it is transitioning to an “absolute minimum workforce” needed to maintain basic operations. Macy’s said it has lost the bulk of its sales due to the temporarily closing of more than 600 stores starting March 18.
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Kohl’s, based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, said that the furloughs will apply to 85,000 of its 120,000 employees at stores and distribution centers. It will continue to ship products and do curbside pickup from most stores with a limited number of staff.
Gap’s spokesman Sandy Goldberg said the furloughs affect nearly 80,000 out of 129,000 employees across all brands, including Banana Republic and Old Navy.
The furloughed workers will continue to collect health benefits.
The moves are bad news for an economy in which the retail industry supports one out of four workers. It is also perhaps the most dramatic sign that even big name retailers are seeing their business evaporate and that the $2 trillion rescue package passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump last week may have limited impact.
Nordstrom said last week it was furloughing a portion of its corporate staff. And shoe company Designer Brands Inc., which operates DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, furloughed 80% of its workers, effective this past weekend.
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Analysts expect more furloughs to come as retailers scramble to pay their employees from fast-dwindling cash reserves. Labor is the single biggest monthly fixed cost for retailers, according to investment research firm Cowen & Co.
The furlough of workers will have negative consequences for an economy in which the retail industry supports one out of four workers.
“This could push us further into a damaging recession that will last longer than the duration of the crisis,” said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail.
More than 190,000 stores, including J.C. Penney and Neiman Marcus, have temporarily closed, accounting for nearly 50% of the U.S. retail square footage, according to Saunders. Discounters, grocers and wholesale clubs that sell essential items like groceries remain open, although they have their own challenges of keeping up with shoppers who continue to stockpile canned goods, paper towels and other staples.
According to a recent report by Cowen & Co, department stores have enough cash to make it to about five to eight months with their stores temporarily closed. Macy’s and Kohl’s, however, have enough for five months, Cowen said. J.C. Penney and Nordstrom are better positioned at eight months of available liquidity, according to Cowen.
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When announcing the temporary closures, most retailers said they would keep paying their workers but they were looking at a two-week timetable. That moment has now passed and the furloughs have become increasingly necessary as the coronavirus rapidly spreads.
The big question is how much of these furloughs will lead to permanent layoffs. Rent the Runway, a pioneer in fashion rental, confirmed earlier Monday, that it was laying off its retail store staff and said it may not be able to reopen its stores that temporarily shuttered earlier this month. Its online subscription service still continues to operate.
Swedish retailer H&M said earlier this month that it may be forced to permanently layoff some its employees after temporarily shuttering 3,441 of its 5,062 stores globally.
Coresight Research’s Deborah Weinswig now forecasts a new record high of 15,000 stores will close this year, up from her original prediction of 8,000 — all because of the viral outbreak. Analysts believe that already ailing stores with heavy debt loads may have to dramatically close more stores or be pushed closer to bankruptcy.
Even before the pandemic, traditional retailers, particularly department stores and mall-based clothing stores, had been struggling to reinvent themselves as shoppers shift more of their purchases online and embrace experiences like cooking classes and subscription services. Now, the pandemic has forced people to stay home and clamp down on spending for non-essential items like clothing.
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Macy’s said that there won’t be as many furloughs in its online operations, which continue to operate. Employees who are enrolled in health benefits will continue to receive coverage with the company covering 100% of the premium.
“We expect to bring colleagues back on a staggered basis as business resumes,” Macy’s said.