huffpost--2020-03-18--How To Keep Your Kids Calm About Coronavirus

But many people have started to panic with all the new , often scary stories and updates surfacing daily .
And with panic comes all kinds of unhelpful ideas , misinformation , and even discrimination .
Take care of yourself You ’ re best able to address your kids ’ needs when you ’ re healthy , well-rested and present , so prioritize self-care , according to tips from the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) for helping kids cope with emergencies .
Eat right , exercise and get enough sleep — all the basics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ find ways to manage your feelings , recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) .
Get it right Before you talk to your kids , make sure you ’ re armed with accurate information from trusted sources , including government health agencies , the World Health Organization , and credible news outlets .
Do your due diligence .
Your kids will likely ask you questions , and the more prepared you are to answer them , the more helpful you can be .
Of course , it depends on your child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that schools and daycares are closed in many parts of the country means kids have at least some sense of what ’ s going on .
You want to make sure they have accurate information , and that they ’ re not hearing rumours or misinformation from their classmates or friends .
You can start with questions they have , according to child psychologist Janine Domingues .
If you provide too much information right off the bat , that can be overwhelming .
Share accurate information with them simply and clearly , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you think they can handle .
That will depend on their age and how they respond to stress and difficult situations , according to the AAP .
...
But make sure older kids understand the severity It might be hard to communicate to older kids why they have to suddenly restructure their lives .
Explaining some of the science might help get through to them , epidemiologist Emily Landon told Market Watch .
The Washington Post ’ s coronavirus simulator provides a really clear and powerful explanation of how quickly the outbreak can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get through to them , try this video of quarantined Italians giving advice to themselves as they were ten days ago , before their country was on lockdown .
It ’ s a real-life glimpse into why these precautions are so important .
Underscore that it ’ s not about race Make it clear to your child that even though the virus originated in China and has had outbreaks in Iran and Italy , anyone can get it , and there ’ s no need to treat anyone differently .
If your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the other nationalities that has been severely affected , make sure they know it ’ s not OK for other kids to single them out or mistreat them , and that they should speak to you or a trusted adult if that happens .
Your job as a parent is to take care of your kid , so make sure your child feels taken care of .
Robin H. Gurwitch of Duke University Medical Center told Deseret News that one effective way to quell a child ’ s fear is to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can to keep your family health .
She suggests saying something along the lines of , “ My job as a caregiver is to make sure we do everything we can to protect you from getting sick , no matter what.
” It ’ s all about hand-washing .
Make sure your kids know how important it is to regularly and thoroughly wash their hands , to sneeze into their elbow rather than their hands , and to not get too close to people who are sick .
Even if you take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach , there ’ s no guarantee other parents will do the same .
Whether it ’ s with your kids or with other parents , here are some of the points you can bring up to combat their paranoia .
Simple precautions can go a long way Though the virus is devastating and it ’ s important to slow its spread , many people have recovered .

PeopleImages via Getty Images "But first, wash your hands!"
Coronavirus is a global pandemic. We can’t pretend that’s not alarming.
But many people have started to panic with all the new, often scary stories and updates surfacing daily. And with panic comes all kinds of unhelpful ideas, misinformation, and even discrimination.
Such reactions don’t help anyone — especially not kids. Here are some ways to help kids understand coronavirus without terrifying them.
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Take care of yourself
You’re best able to address your kids’ needs when you’re healthy, well-rested and present, so prioritize self-care, according to tips from the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for helping kids cope with emergencies. Eat right, exercise and get enough sleep — all the basics. If you’re feeling stressed, find ways to manage your feelings, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Get it right
Before you talk to your kids, make sure you’re armed with accurate information from trusted sources, including government health agencies, the World Health Organization, and credible news outlets. Do your due diligence. Your kids will likely ask you questions, and the more prepared you are to answer them, the more helpful you can be.
Don’t sugarcoat ...
Of course, it depends on your child’s age, but the fact that schools and daycares are closed in many parts of the country means kids have at least some sense of what’s going on. You want to make sure they have accurate information, and that they’re not hearing rumours or misinformation from their classmates or friends.
It’s a good idea to start with what your child has already heard and then correct any misinformation, according to the newspaper Deseret News.
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You can start with questions they have, according to child psychologist Janine Domingues. If you provide too much information right off the bat, that can be overwhelming.
Share accurate information with them simply and clearly, and tailor the amount of detail to what you think they can handle. That will depend on their age and how they respond to stress and difficult situations, according to the AAP.
kali9 via Getty Images Honest, clear conversations are good for clearing up misconceptions.
... But make sure older kids understand the severity
It might be hard to communicate to older kids why they have to suddenly restructure their lives. Explaining some of the science might help get through to them, epidemiologist Emily Landon told Market Watch. The Washington Post’s coronavirus simulator provides a really clear and powerful explanation of how quickly the outbreak can spread.
And if science doesn’t get through to them, try this video of quarantined Italians giving advice to themselves as they were ten days ago, before their country was on lockdown. It’s a real-life glimpse into why these precautions are so important.
Advertisement
Underscore that it’s not about race
Make it clear to your child that even though the virus originated in China and has had outbreaks in Iran and Italy, anyone can get it, and there’s no need to treat anyone differently. If your child is Chinese or Asian or one of the other nationalities that has been severely affected, make sure they know it’s not OK for other kids to single them out or mistreat them, and that they should speak to you or a trusted adult if that happens.
Offer reassurance
Your job as a parent is to take care of your kid, so make sure your child feels taken care of. Robin H. Gurwitch of Duke University Medical Center told Deseret News that one effective way to quell a child’s fear is to offer reassurance that you’re doing everything you can to keep your family health.
She suggests saying something along the lines of, “My job as a caregiver is to make sure we do everything we can to protect you from getting sick, no matter what.”
It can also be easy for kids to get confused about what could happen versus what will happen, so make sure they understand that distinction, Gurwitch added.
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The main goal is to avoid the frightening fantasies children often come up with, according to Domingues. Presenting clear, accurate information is a big part of that.
Remind kids to take precautions
It’s all about hand-washing. Make sure your kids know how important it is to regularly and thoroughly wash their hands, to sneeze into their elbow rather than their hands, and to not get too close to people who are sick.
It’s also a good idea to regularly clean surfaces that are regularly touched, like phones, toys, toilets, door handles, and TV remotes.
Even if you take the calmest, coolest, most rational approach, there’s no guarantee other parents will do the same. Whether it’s with your kids or with other parents, here are some of the points you can bring up to combat their paranoia.
Simple precautions can go a long way
Frequent and thorough hand-washing is one of the simplest and most powerful protections against the virus.
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Also, everyone should be practicing social distancing. The less physical contact we have with each other, the safer we’ll all be.
Watch: What is social distancing? Story continues after video.
Adults are much more likely to contract coronavirus than kids
So far, older adults are contracting the virus at much higher rates than children. That doesn’t mean kids can’t contract it, but the risk is relatively lower. Kids absolutely need to continue to take precautions, but they aren’t the most vulnerable.
Pregnant Canadians need to take precautions, but they shouldn’t panic
It’s true that pregnant women are can be more susceptible to respiratory diseases because they have compromised immune systems. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada urges caution to people who are pregnant.
There’s still a lot we don’t know, but so far, the pregnancy outcomes of reported coronavirus cases have been “largely good,” the organization said.
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Fetuses aren’t likely to get it, per current data
Again, we still don’t have a lot of verified information about how the virus might affect a fetus. But the little data we have shows that pregnant women infected with the virus, so far, have not transmitted it to their babies when they gave birth.
So even if a pregnant woman does get diagnosed with coronavirus, it seems unlikely that their unborn child will be affected.
“There aren’t any respiratory viruses that we know of that cross the fetus,” Dr. Rajeev Fernando, an infectious disease expert in Southampton, N.Y., told pregnancy resource site What To Expect.
During the 2003 SARS outbreak, there were no cases of maternal to fetal transmission, according to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
Though the virus is devastating and it’s important to slow its spread, many people have recovered
As of March 17, according to the live map from John Hopkins University, more than 7,500 people have died from coronavirus. But more than ten times that number — 80,000 — have recovered.
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UPDATE - Mar. 17, 2020: This post has been updated with new information about school closures and more recent stats and considerations for the COVID-19 pandemic.


huffpost--2020-03-17--I'm A Teacher, And It Feels Like My City Doesn’t Care About My Life

Michael Loccisano via Getty Images An empty hallway at Yung Wing School P.S .
124 in the Manhattan borough of New York City .
Public schools in New York City have been shut down until at least until April 1 amid the spread of coronavirus .
As a teacher in New York City for the past 14 years , my colleagues and I have always lived with the sinking feeling that we weren ’ t valued by the powers that be .
After all , our classes are overcrowded , our resources always a fight to attain , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intellectual and physical work we do .
But these past few weeks , it ’ s become even more apparent .
As the coronavirus began to spread throughout NYC , health professionals , scientists and government leaders began warning all of us to stay home ― writing all over the wall for everyone to see .
As we were told to separate , to socially distance ourselves , we hoped that our lack of trust in our leadership was just a feeling , that those in charge would do the right thing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for days to have Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chancellor Richard Carranza do the right thing — take the 1.1 million students and 75,000 teachers out of the incubation centers of the virus — our overcrowded , under-cleaned New York City schools .
Yet day after day , our mayor stood up at a podium in the blue room and told us to continue on ― business as usual .
He cited new safety measures that we all knew were impossible to fulfill — deep cleaning and sanitizing that was beyond the labor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we knew was impossible in gymnasiums packed to the max with kids , classrooms of 34 students , hallways in gridlock .
All of us had been living in this reality for days and knew it would get worse .
We scrambled to find soap , sanitizer , ordered our own mops , taped Lysol wipes to our classroom door handles .
We did everything we could to protect ourselves and our students during a time that our city was ignoring our cries for help .
Our students coughed into their sleeves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air , into their worksheets that they handed into baskets on our desks .
We graded them and comforted them and loved them anyway .
Is it safe to be here ?
They asked us , and we knew they lived with their grandmothers with emphysema or mothers with breast cancer and that they took two trains each morning from Canarsie or Queens .
We looked at their young beautiful eyes , their lashes batting , and we stayed quiet .
Even if we told them : No , this is not safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ― the act of us showing up , of school being in session , told them otherwise .
Our kids look to us like family , they trust us by example .
On Sunday evening , after the mayor announced begrudgingly that schools would close , we thought we had finally convinced him ― all of our scientists and hundreds and thousands of signatures and our teachers union president fighting like crazy ― that our lives matter , that groups of people convening had not been safe for some time .
It pains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the city who have been unable to sleep , filled with anxiety and dread about going into their school buildings for meetings when they have lost trust in the city ’ s regard for our safety .
We are trying to grapple with this new , unprecedented reality that is rolling in like the most unpredictable storm .
We are making plans for our families , making plans to attain enough supplies and food ― our children are not allowed to go on playdates or to see their grandparents , who we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or touch or share a room with for a duration that is still unknown .
So I say this to the mayor of our great city : We are the people who have gotten up every morning for the past decades to give love and instruction to some of the most vulnerable and deserving young people that you are supposed to lead .
You are our mayor , and we are caring for and shaping and educating and inspiring all of your children .
In teaching our students endlessly about self-love and respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our own .
But for now , we will continue to work .
I spent this morning reaching out to all of my advisory students and their parents and checking in to help ease their mind , sending texts to let them know that we will be here , to help them get set up online with internet access , to talk , to walk them through the next set of unknowns .
They thanked me , told me “ God Bless You , ” told me , “ Stay safe.
” I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Each of my daughter ’ s teachers reached out to me , too , and when I reminded them to worry first about their own health and well-being , they chuckled , understanding that the love we have for our students and ourselves overlaps , sometimes muddies the waters in a beautiful way .
I could feel the humanity on the other end of my phone today , reminding me that all of us teachers have created our circle , virtually holding hands in the face of one of the biggest scares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we do best : leading with love .

An empty hallway at Yung Wing School P.S. 124 in the Manhattan borough of New York City. Public schools in New York City have been shut down until at least until April 1 amid the spread of coronavirus. Michael Loccisano via Getty Images
As a teacher in New York City for the past 14 years, my colleagues and I have always lived with the sinking feeling that we weren’t valued by the powers that be. After all, our classes are overcrowded, our resources always a fight to attain, and we are grossly underpaid for the emotional, intellectual and physical work we do. But these past few weeks, it’s become even more apparent.
As the coronavirus began to spread throughout NYC, health professionals, scientists and government leaders began warning all of us to stay home ― writing all over the wall for everyone to see. As we were told to separate, to socially distance ourselves, we hoped that our lack of trust in our leadership was just a feeling, that those in charge would do the right thing.
Advertisement
They didn’t.
Our union engaged in a vicious battle for days to have Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chancellor Richard Carranza do the right thing — take the 1.1 million students and 75,000 teachers out of the incubation centers of the virus — our overcrowded, under-cleaned New York City schools. Yet day after day, our mayor stood up at a podium in the blue room and told us to continue on ― business as usual.
Our schools are important, he said. Here’s what we heard: Our lives are not.
He cited new safety measures that we all knew were impossible to fulfill — deep cleaning and sanitizing that was beyond the labor capacity of our custodians. Social distancing that we knew was impossible in gymnasiums packed to the max with kids, classrooms of 34 students, hallways in gridlock.
“Our schools are important, he said. Here’s what we heard: Our lives are not.”
All of us had been living in this reality for days and knew it would get worse. We scrambled to find soap, sanitizer, ordered our own mops, taped Lysol wipes to our classroom door handles. We did everything we could to protect ourselves and our students during a time that our city was ignoring our cries for help.
Advertisement
Many of our teachers got sick. We got fevers and sore throats and were unable to be tested.
The rest of us kept teaching.
Our students coughed into their sleeves or in their hands or in the air, into their worksheets that they handed into baskets on our desks. We graded them and comforted them and loved them anyway.
Is it safe to be here? They asked us, and we knew they lived with their grandmothers with emphysema or mothers with breast cancer and that they took two trains each morning from Canarsie or Queens. We looked at their young beautiful eyes, their lashes batting, and we stayed quiet.
Even if we told them: No, this is not safe, we are not safe right now ― the act of us showing up, of school being in session, told them otherwise. Our kids look to us like family, they trust us by example.
NYC teachers won’t forget this.
On Sunday evening, after the mayor announced begrudgingly that schools would close, we thought we had finally convinced him ― all of our scientists and hundreds and thousands of signatures and our teachers union president fighting like crazy ― that our lives matter, that groups of people convening had not been safe for some time.
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Both of my daughters, whom I’d pulled out of school the week before — began to cheer. Mommy could stay home, she could stay safe.
Then the mayor followed his announcement with a second directive: Teachers should still report to school during the next week.
Don’t go, my oldest told me.
Stay home, my youngest begged.
On Monday, a New York Times headline read “The World Is Closed.” Pictures circulated online of a barren Times Square, a sight only seen in post-apocalyptic movies. Crosswalks empty, massive Jumbotrons flashing for no one. The federal government announced that the CDC urged against gatherings of 10 people or more.
Yet NYC teachers were still told to report to work. They sat in their classrooms with face masks and gloves, learning about online platforms, making phone calls, wondering “Wouldn’t it make sense for us to do this at home?”
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We are not first-responders or doctors.
It pains me to read messages from teachers all over the city who have been unable to sleep, filled with anxiety and dread about going into their school buildings for meetings when they have lost trust in the city’s regard for our safety. We are trying to grapple with this new, unprecedented reality that is rolling in like the most unpredictable storm. We are making plans for our families, making plans to attain enough supplies and food ― our children are not allowed to go on playdates or to see their grandparents, who we won’t be able to see or touch or share a room with for a duration that is still unknown.
This training could have happened virtually. Let the teachers stay home. We will work. We always do.
So I say this to the mayor of our great city: We are the people who have gotten up every morning for the past decades to give love and instruction to some of the most vulnerable and deserving young people that you are supposed to lead. You are our mayor, and we are caring for and shaping and educating and inspiring all of your children. In teaching our students endlessly about self-love and respect, we have learned some lessons on our own.
“Let the teachers stay home. We will work. We always do.”
But for now, we will continue to work. I spent this morning reaching out to all of my advisory students and their parents and checking in to help ease their mind, sending texts to let them know that we will be here, to help them get set up online with internet access, to talk, to walk them through the next set of unknowns. They thanked me, told me “God Bless You,” told me, “Stay safe.” I smiled because I knew they meant it.
Each of my daughter’s teachers reached out to me, too, and when I reminded them to worry first about their own health and well-being, they chuckled, understanding that the love we have for our students and ourselves overlaps, sometimes muddies the waters in a beautiful way. I could feel the humanity on the other end of my phone today, reminding me that all of us teachers have created our circle, virtually holding hands in the face of one of the biggest scares and the biggest letdowns, still doing what we do best: leading with love.
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huffpost--2020-03-18--Barack Obama Thanks Health Care Workers For 'Giving Everything' Amid Coronavirus

Former President Barack Obama took the time to say thank you to health care professionals on the “ front lines ” treating patients with the coronavirus .
The 58-year-old quote-tweeted epidemiologist Rachel Patzer ’ s story about isolating her husband , an emergency department doctor , from his family and noted how people working in health care are “ giving everything.
” “ We owe a profound debt of gratitude to all our health professionals and everybody who ’ ll be on the front lines of this pandemic for a long while , ” he said .
“ They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model our own behavior on their selflessness and sacrifice as we help each other through this.
” We owe a profound debt of gratitude to all our health professionals and everybody who ’ ll be on the front lines of this pandemic for a long while .
They ’ re giving everything .
May we all model our own behavior on their selflessness and sacrifice as we help each other through this .
https : //t.co/F3tsJTqd4c — Barack Obama ( @ BarackObama ) March 17 , 2020 In her tweet thread shared on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband treats coronavirus patients , they decided it was best for him to separate himself from his family and “ move into our garage apartment for the foreseeable future as he continues to treat patients.
” “ It pains me to wonder how many weeks will go by that he won ’ t get to hold our new baby or see our older kids .
This is one example of the sacrifice that healthcare workers are making for our communities , ” she writes in one tweet .
Patzer implored people to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is “ to see pictures of all the people at bars and restaurants , socializing , making play dates , and ignoring social distancing recommendations when I know my husband and many other healthcare workers are risking their lives to treat more sick patients.
” “ I hope the projections of infections and serious cases are incorrect .
If not , our healthcare system will be overloaded .
And already we are seeing the strain .
Please thank a healthcare worker for what they are doing and sacrificing , ” she concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by the new coronavirus , was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization earlier this month .
Killing more than 7,000 people worldwide , the disease continues to spread as state and local governments in the United States shut down schools , restaurants , bars and more in an effort to contain it .
Keep up with the latest updates on the coronavirus at our live blog .

Former President Barack Obama took the time to say thank you to health care professionals on the “front lines” treating patients with the coronavirus.
The 58-year-old quote-tweeted epidemiologist Rachel Patzer’s story about isolating her husband, an emergency department doctor, from his family and noted how people working in health care are “giving everything.”
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“We owe a profound debt of gratitude to all our health professionals and everybody who’ll be on the front lines of this pandemic for a long while,” he said. “They’re giving everything. May we all model our own behavior on their selflessness and sacrifice as we help each other through this.”
We owe a profound debt of gratitude to all our health professionals and everybody who’ll be on the front lines of this pandemic for a long while. They’re giving everything. May we all model our own behavior on their selflessness and sacrifice as we help each other through this. https://t.co/F3tsJTqd4c — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 17, 2020
In her tweet thread shared on Monday, Patzer explains that because her husband treats coronavirus patients, they decided it was best for him to separate himself from his family and “move into our garage apartment for the foreseeable future as he continues to treat patients.”
The couple has a 3-week-old newborn and two other young children and “just can’t risk it.”
“It pains me to wonder how many weeks will go by that he won’t get to hold our new baby or see our older kids. This is one example of the sacrifice that healthcare workers are making for our communities,” she writes in one tweet.
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Patzer implored people to take the virus seriously and expressed how difficult it is “to see pictures of all the people at bars and restaurants, socializing, making play dates, and ignoring social distancing recommendations when I know my husband and many other healthcare workers are risking their lives to treat more sick patients.”
“I hope the projections of infections and serious cases are incorrect. If not, our healthcare system will be overloaded. And already we are seeing the strain. Please thank a healthcare worker for what they are doing and sacrificing,” she concluded her thread.
Her plea was clearly heard by Obama, who helped amplify Patzer’s message to his 114 million followers.
COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization earlier this month. Killing more than 7,000 people worldwide, the disease continues to spread as state and local governments in the United States shut down schools, restaurants, bars and more in an effort to contain it.
Keep up with the latest updates on the coronavirus at our live blog.


huffpost--2020-03-18--U.S. Limits Mexico Guest Worker Visas, Sends Farmers Scrambling

CHICAGO , March 17 ( Reuters ) - U.S. fruit and vegetable producers are bracing for dramatic disruptions to their labor force after the U.S. government said it was suspending visa interviews in Mexico to reduce the spread of the coronavirus .
Starting on Wednesday , new applications will not be processed for the H2A guest worker program and only returning seasonal workers will be allowed to enter the United States , growers said .
The U.S. State Department has limited visa processing in many countries as governments try to curtail contact and curb the spread of the highly contagious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States announced restrictions in Mexico .
While the harvesting of grains like wheat and corn is mostly automated in the United States , fruit and vegetable farmers rely on seasonal guest workers to pick their crops .
“ When the process is stopped midstream , it likely means those crews won ’ t be there exactly when they ’ re needed , if they get there at all .
That means lost crops .
That means lost food , ” said Dave Puglia , president of the Western Growers Association , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states including California and Arizona .
“ Increasingly ... we just don ’ t have the labor force domestically .
We ’ re turning more and more to H2A workers because there ’ s no other way to get our crops harvested and packed and off to consumers , ” he said .
In 2019 , more than 77,000 H2A visas were certified in March and April - nearly 28 % of all H2A visas that year , according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor .
Puglia participated in a call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. growers on Tuesday .
Perdue said Mexicans consulates would continue to process applicants for returning guest workers , who make up 40 % of growers ’ guest workers needs according to Puglia .
Foods likely to be impacted in the near term include leafy greens , celery , broccoli , cauliflower , radishes and melons , he said .
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in a statement said “ USDA is directly engaged with the State Department and working diligently to ensure minimal disruption in H2A visa applications during these uncertain times.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading U.S. farmer lobbying organization , said in a statement that under the new restrictions “ American farmers will not have access to all of the skilled immigrant labor needed at a critical time in the planting season .
This threatens our ability to put food on Americans ’ tables.
” ( Additional reporting by P.J .
Huffstutter in Chicago and Ted Hesson in Washington ; Writing by Caroline Stauffer ; Editing by Bill Berkrot )

CHICAGO, March 17 (Reuters) - U.S. fruit and vegetable producers are bracing for dramatic disruptions to their labor force after the U.S. government said it was suspending visa interviews in Mexico to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
The expected restrictions on migrant workers come as Americans strip grocery stores bare in preparation for potential orders to quarantine.
Starting on Wednesday, new applications will not be processed for the H2A guest worker program and only returning seasonal workers will be allowed to enter the United States, growers said.
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The U.S. State Department has limited visa processing in many countries as governments try to curtail contact and curb the spread of the highly contagious respiratory illness. Late on Monday, the United States announced restrictions in Mexico.
While the harvesting of grains like wheat and corn is mostly automated in the United States, fruit and vegetable farmers rely on seasonal guest workers to pick their crops.
“When the process is stopped midstream, it likely means those crews won’t be there exactly when they’re needed, if they get there at all. That means lost crops. That means lost food,” said Dave Puglia, president of the Western Growers Association, which represents fruit and vegetable growers in states including California and Arizona.
“Increasingly... we just don’t have the labor force domestically. We’re turning more and more to H2A workers because there’s no other way to get our crops harvested and packed and off to consumers,” he said.
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In 2019, more than 77,000 H2A visas were certified in March and April - nearly 28% of all H2A visas that year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Puglia participated in a call U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue held with U.S. growers on Tuesday. Perdue said Mexicans consulates would continue to process applicants for returning guest workers, who make up 40% of growers’ guest workers needs according to Puglia.
Puglia said 50% to 60% of guest workers are considered new applicants.
Foods likely to be impacted in the near term include leafy greens, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes and melons, he said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in a statement said “USDA is directly engaged with the State Department and working diligently to ensure minimal disruption in H2A visa applications during these uncertain times.”
Farmworker visas and other seasonal guest worker visas are still being processed in smaller countries including El Salvador and Guatemala.
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huffpost--2020-03-18--An Easy Way To Help Fight Coronavirus: Fill Out Your Census Form Now

This year ’ s decennial census ― a constitutionally required count of the American populace that ’ s vital to determine congressional districts and allocate $ 1.5 trillion in funding ― just so happens to come at the same time the country is in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic .
You ’ ve likely already received mail from the U.S. Census Bureau providing you with a code to use online to fill out the census now .
Eleven million households had filled out their census forms as of Wednesday , according to the Census Bureau .
The Census Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all field operations until April 1 .
It already announced a delay for its counts of people living in student housing and the homeless .
But eventually , field operations are expected to start up again ― which means sending field workers door to door to ask questions in person .
That could be unsafe , and it can definitely be minimized .
You can help .
The best way to reduce future in-person contacts by Census Bureau field workers ― and , thus , prevent the unnecessary spread of the coronavirus ― @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online , on the phone or by mail now .
The Census Bureau still anticipates deploying about 500,000 field workers beginning in late May to knock on the doors of people who did not respond to their forms , but there may be future disruptions related to the pandemic .
Blake Nissen for The Boston Globe via Getty Images The U.S. Census Bureau still plans on sending workers to collect information from non-responders beginning in late May .
“ The public is strongly encouraged to respond to the 2020 Census online using a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or tablet , and can also respond by phone or mail , ” Steven Dillingham , director of the Census Bureau , said in a statement on Wednesday .
“ Everyone should respond to the 2020 Census as soon as they receive their invitation — and when they ’ re finished , they can make sure their friends , families and social networks know about the importance of responding.
” Not everyone is going to be able to respond now .
Many people lack a fixed address , have limited internet access , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But those of us who can should fill out our census forms now to enable the bureau ’ s field workers to focus only on people with the most difficulty responding to the census — and not on people who could have , but failed , to fill out their forms .
The more people who fill out their forms now means fewer doors to knock and , thus , less potential exposure to the virus for field workers .
It ’ s just one small thing to do to make life easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and fulfill the Constitution ’ s call for a full count of the American people .

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This year’s decennial census ― a constitutionally required count of the American populace that’s vital to determine congressional districts and allocate $1.5 trillion in funding ― just so happens to come at the same time the country is in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
You’ve likely already received mail from the U.S. Census Bureau providing you with a code to use online to fill out the census now. Eleven million households had filled out their census forms as of Wednesday, according to the Census Bureau.
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The Census Bureau announced on Wednesday that it is suspending all field operations until April 1. It already announced a delay for its counts of people living in student housing and the homeless.
But eventually, field operations are expected to start up again ― which means sending field workers door to door to ask questions in person.
That could be unsafe, and it can definitely be minimized. You can help. The best way to reduce future in-person contacts by Census Bureau field workers ― and, thus, prevent the unnecessary spread of the coronavirus ― is to fill out your census form online, on the phone or by mail now.
The Census Bureau still anticipates deploying about 500,000 field workers beginning in late May to knock on the doors of people who did not respond to their forms, but there may be future disruptions related to the pandemic.
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The U.S. Census Bureau still plans on sending workers to collect information from non-responders beginning in late May. Blake Nissen for The Boston Globe via Getty Images
“The public is strongly encouraged to respond to the 2020 Census online using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and can also respond by phone or mail,” Steven Dillingham, director of the Census Bureau, said in a statement on Wednesday. “Everyone should respond to the 2020 Census as soon as they receive their invitation — and when they’re finished, they can make sure their friends, families and social networks know about the importance of responding.”
Not everyone is going to be able to respond now. Many people lack a fixed address, have limited internet access, move regularly or lack English proficiency.
But those of us who can should fill out our census forms now to enable the bureau’s field workers to focus only on people with the most difficulty responding to the census — and not on people who could have, but failed, to fill out their forms. The more people who fill out their forms now means fewer doors to knock and, thus, less potential exposure to the virus for field workers.
It’s just one small thing to do to make life easier for those who will have to go out and fulfill the Constitution’s call for a full count of the American people.


huffpost--2020-03-18--Conservative Site Posts Damning Supercut Of Trump's Lies About Coronavirus

The Bulwark ― a conservative news and opinion website ― released a supercut on Tuesday chronicling President Donald Trump ’ s reckless slew of misleading or false statements since the early days of the coronavirus outbreak , leading up to his recent pivot .
The video dropped the same day Trump declared at a news conference that he had “ always ” known the threat was real , and that he “ felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic.
” The first clip is dated Jan. 22 , when the U.S. had recorded only one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the novel coronavirus .
The president was asked during a CNBC interview if there were concerns about the novel coronavirus in China becoming a pandemic .
“ No , not at all , and we have it totally under control , ” Trump replied .
The Bulwark was created last year by several Republican opinion leaders who , though their conservative ideology remains unchanged , are staunch “ Never Trumpers.
” The outlet ’ s montage continues along the timeline for the crisis to show the president repeatedly offering misinformation about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process , he squandered valuable time which could have been used to mitigate and prepare for the pandemic in the U.S. ― his claim on Monday that he would rate his response a “ 10 ” notwithstanding .
Clips show Trump claiming the disease ’ s spread from China had been shut down , that the virus could go away in April come rising temperatures , that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. was dropping and would soon reach zero , and that a vaccine might be available in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this despite consistently contradictory information from medical professionals .
Over the course of these claims , the number of U.S. cases soared from 1 to more than 4,200 on Tuesday , with a total of 75 deaths so far recorded and cases now reported in every state .
Trump declared a national emergency last Friday , allocating $ 50 billion in disaster relief funding , but as he did that shirked responsibility for the lack of testing availability and other failures .

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The Bulwark ― a conservative news and opinion website ― released a supercut on Tuesday chronicling President Donald Trump’s reckless slew of misleading or false statements since the early days of the coronavirus outbreak, leading up to his recent pivot.
The video dropped the same day Trump declared at a news conference that he had “always” known the threat was real, and that he “felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic.”
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The first clip is dated Jan. 22, when the U.S. had recorded only one case of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. The president was asked during a CNBC interview if there were concerns about the novel coronavirus in China becoming a pandemic.
“No, not at all, and we have it totally under control,” Trump replied.
We've added quotes made by the President today, as well as the numbers for the largest jump in confirmed cases to date in America. Watch and follow @barubin https://t.co/WSha8szotd pic.twitter.com/Vrt2u1WDa6 — The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) March 17, 2020
The Bulwark was created last year by several Republican opinion leaders who, though their conservative ideology remains unchanged, are staunch “Never Trumpers.”
The outlet’s montage continues along the timeline for the crisis to show the president repeatedly offering misinformation about the outbreak and downplaying its severity. In the process, he squandered valuable time which could have been used to mitigate and prepare for the pandemic in the U.S. ― his claim on Monday that he would rate his response a “10” notwithstanding.
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Clips show Trump claiming the disease’s spread from China had been shut down, that the virus could go away in April come rising temperatures, that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. was dropping and would soon reach zero, and that a vaccine might be available in a matter of months ― all of this despite consistently contradictory information from medical professionals.


huffpost--2020-03-18--Prince William Speaks Out About Coronavirus, Days After Joking About It

“ I bet everyone ’ s like ‘ I ’ ve got coronavirus , I ’ m dying , ’ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ No , you ’ ve just got a cough , ’ ” the @ @ @ @ @ with first responder Joe Mooney at a reception at the Guinness Storehouse on March 3 @ @ @ @ @ if the crisis had been “ a little bit hyped up ” by the media @ @ @ @ @ , William was observed saying , “ By the way , the Duke and Duchess @ @ @ @ @ , sorry .
We ’ re keeping an eye on that , so do tell @ @ @ @ @ stop .
”

“I bet everyone’s like ‘I’ve got coronavirus, I’m dying,’ and you’re like, ‘No, you’ve just got a cough,’” the royal said during a conversation with first responder Joe Mooney at a reception at the Guinness Storehouse on March 3.
William also asked Mooney if the crisis had been “a little bit hyped up” by the media.
In a separate video, William was observed saying, “By the way, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are spreading coronavirus, sorry. We’re keeping an eye on that, so do tell us if we need to stop.”


huffpost--2020-03-18--Panic Attacks And Night Terrors: The Mental Health Toll Of Coronavirus

March was supposed to be a time of relief for Karin Barbee .
The 47-year-old English professor hoped her divorce would be finalized , her house would be on the market and that she ’ d be finding somewhere new to live in Adrian , Michigan , with her two kids , 13 and 9 .
Instead , since the coronavirus outbreak has reshaped her life over the past few weeks , she regularly wakes up in the middle of the night and has a panic attack .
Barbee stands at her sink feeling short of breath while her heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Will the house even sell in this market ?
Will she be able to pay off her credit card debt ?
Will she still have a job next semester ?
Will her kids be OK ?
The coronavirus outbreak has forced every American to radically change the way they live .
Many service workers are out of jobs , with no idea when they will have a paycheck again , while others are working from home indefinitely .
Almost everyone is more isolated , limiting social contact and hunkering down indoors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The upheaval of people ’ s routines , social lives and in some cases , livelihoods , is enough to make anyone feel stressed and overwhelmed ― especially when there ’ s no end date .
But it creates even more serious challenges for those with mental health conditions such as anxiety , depression or post-traumatic stress disorder .
The negative effects of isolation have been well documented by doctors .
Loneliness is linked to premature death , heart disease , mental health and addiction issues .
Of course , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives will make us lonely ― in 2020 , we can sit in our living rooms and video chat with family and friends anywhere in the world .
But this doesn ’ t replace spending time together in person , and those with mental illnesses are more susceptible to bouts of anxiety and depression the more isolated they feel , according to psychologists .
Since last Friday , 15 % of people messaging the Crisis Text Line , which connects people to counselors , have mentioned the coronavirus , and 80 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to company data .
On social media , there are many threads about people ’ s mental health struggles .
“ Anyone else been waking up in the middle of the night to have a nice big panic attack ?
” tweeted feminist writer Jessica Valenti .
“ I had my first Coronavirus cry on Thursday , ” a woman responded .
Being isolated exacerbates mental health issues .
Instead of reading during a commute or blowing off steam at a bar , people are spending more time in their own heads , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with depression or anxiety tend to have negative thought patterns , which can snowball if they don ’ t get perspective from others , said Dr. Margot Levin , a New York-based psychologist .
If someone is worried about a paycheck , their concerns can easily turn into a full-blown panic about the future without someone around to calm them down .
It ’ s also easy to become depressed when the usual markers of a successful day , such as going to work and feeling productive , don ’ t exist anymore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and can easily slip into fatalistic thinking .
A recent study from Chinese psychologists found that one month into the coronavirus outbreak , those who stopped working suffered from the worst health conditions and mental distress .
But since her employer asked people to start working from home last week , which Hoffman can ’ t do because she doesn ’ t own a laptop , she ’ s been stuck in her one-bedroom apartment with her 9- and 7-year-old children .
She spends time worrying that all the progress she ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finding a shelter to live in , and getting a job to support her family is starting to unravel .
Without going into the office and seeing his colleagues in person , Nick Hennen has been on edge .
The 49-year-old media relations adviser has developed some paranoid behavior , such as triple-locking his door or wondering if the virus can get through his windows ( he also has respiratory issues that could be life-threatening if he gets the virus , and describes himself as a “ germophobe ” ) .
His PTSD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , has been triggered .
Hennen is now having more regular night terrors about the time he was attacked and sexually assaulted as a kid , and only slept a few hours each night last week .
“ I suppose it ’ s sort of just the unknown and being alone with my thoughts for that long ― what ’ s going to happen ?
” he said , adding that he lives by himself but has been FaceTiming with friends to stave off loneliness and stay optimistic .
David Thuo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disorder , said being around people helps regulate his mood swings .
One night in 2017 , he became convinced that he was going to die , but his friends helped to “ neutralize the anxiety and paranoia.
” Now that his classes are online and his internship has been put on hold , Thuo worries he might become depressed or manic and be unable to see people if he needs help .
But physical isolation doesn ’ t need to mean social isolation , according to Dr. Heidi Kar , a psychologist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says phone calls and video chats can still make people feel connected and that many doctors are doing telehealth appointments .
A support system is crucial for people ’ s mental health , says Kanter , citing studies about how those with family support are less likely to develop PTSD after natural disasters .

March was supposed to be a time of relief for Karin Barbee. The 47-year-old English professor hoped her divorce would be finalized, her house would be on the market and that she’d be finding somewhere new to live in Adrian, Michigan, with her two kids, 13 and 9.
Instead, since the coronavirus outbreak has reshaped her life over the past few weeks, she regularly wakes up in the middle of the night and has a panic attack. Barbee stands at her sink feeling short of breath while her heart races. Her thoughts fall like dominoes: Will the house even sell in this market? Will she be able to pay off her credit card debt? Will she still have a job next semester? Will her kids be OK?
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“It just feels like this constant level of anxiety that’s just kind of buzzing in me all the time,” she said. “I’m feeling like it’s never-ending, you know, like it’s just going to go on forever.”
The coronavirus outbreak has forced every American to radically change the way they live. Many service workers are out of jobs, with no idea when they will have a paycheck again, while others are working from home indefinitely. Almost everyone is more isolated, limiting social contact and hunkering down indoors to slow the virus’s spread. The upheaval of people’s routines, social lives and in some cases, livelihoods, is enough to make anyone feel stressed and overwhelmed ― especially when there’s no end date. But it creates even more serious challenges for those with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mental health experts worry that as weeks at home turn into months, more Americans could begin to have issues ranging from depressive episodes and panic attacks to suicidal thoughts.
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“My concern is how this will accumulate over time and how people will cope,” said Jonathan Kanter, the director of the University of Washington’s Center for the Science of Social Connection. “Social isolation and loneliness increases the risk of suicidality.”
The negative effects of isolation have been well documented by doctors. Loneliness is linked to premature death, heart disease, mental health and addiction issues. Of course, it’s not a given that living more secluded lives will make us lonely ― in 2020, we can sit in our living rooms and video chat with family and friends anywhere in the world. But this doesn’t replace spending time together in person, and those with mental illnesses are more susceptible to bouts of anxiety and depression the more isolated they feel, according to psychologists.
Since last Friday, 15% of people messaging the Crisis Text Line, which connects people to counselors, have mentioned the coronavirus, and 80% of their texts describe feeling anxious, according to company data. On social media, there are many threads about people’s mental health struggles. “Anyone else been waking up in the middle of the night to have a nice big panic attack?” tweeted feminist writer Jessica Valenti. “I had my first Coronavirus cry on Thursday,” a woman responded.
Being isolated exacerbates mental health issues. Instead of reading during a commute or blowing off steam at a bar, people are spending more time in their own heads, especially if they live alone. Those with depression or anxiety tend to have negative thought patterns, which can snowball if they don’t get perspective from others, said Dr. Margot Levin, a New York-based psychologist. If someone is worried about a paycheck, their concerns can easily turn into a full-blown panic about the future without someone around to calm them down.
Advertisement
It’s also easy to become depressed when the usual markers of a successful day, such as going to work and feeling productive, don’t exist anymore, said Kanter. People feel untethered, and can easily slip into fatalistic thinking. A recent study from Chinese psychologists found that one month into the coronavirus outbreak, those who stopped working suffered from the worst health conditions and mental distress.
That’s been the case for Jekyra Hoffman, 27, who felt so depressed on Monday that she spent hours on her couch, unable to get up. The single mother of two relies on her job doing customer service for a medical device company to stay busy and distracted from traumatic thoughts.
But since her employer asked people to start working from home last week, which Hoffman can’t do because she doesn’t own a laptop, she’s been stuck in her one-bedroom apartment with her 9- and 7-year-old children. She spends time worrying that all the progress she’s made escaping an abusive relationship, finding a shelter to live in, and getting a job to support her family is starting to unravel.
Hoffman says being in the house “gives me too much time to think.”
“If I keep myself busy, I don’t allow the thoughts to really take over and get depressed,” she said. “Sitting here, it’s like a cloud.”
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Community provides a sense of safety, according to Kanter. He says socializing helps to “regulate our bodies and stay calm.”
Without going into the office and seeing his colleagues in person, Nick Hennen has been on edge. The 49-year-old media relations adviser has developed some paranoid behavior, such as triple-locking his door or wondering if the virus can get through his windows (he also has respiratory issues that could be life-threatening if he gets the virus, and describes himself as a “germophobe”). His PTSD, which normally doesn’t act up, has been triggered. Hennen is now having more regular night terrors about the time he was attacked and sexually assaulted as a kid, and only slept a few hours each night last week.
“I suppose it’s sort of just the unknown and being alone with my thoughts for that long ― what’s going to happen?” he said, adding that he lives by himself but has been FaceTiming with friends to stave off loneliness and stay optimistic.
David Thuo, a 24-year-old student in Kenya with bipolar disorder, said being around people helps regulate his mood swings. One night in 2017, he became convinced that he was going to die, but his friends helped to “neutralize the anxiety and paranoia.” Now that his classes are online and his internship has been put on hold, Thuo worries he might become depressed or manic and be unable to see people if he needs help.
But physical isolation doesn’t need to mean social isolation, according to Dr. Heidi Kar, a psychologist at the Education Development Center. She says phone calls and video chats can still make people feel connected and that many doctors are doing telehealth appointments. A support system is crucial for people’s mental health, says Kanter, citing studies about how those with family support are less likely to develop PTSD after natural disasters.
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In addition to sleeping, eating well and creating a routine, Kanter said it’s important for people to limit their news intake, which affects their mental state.
Barbee, the professor in the midst of a divorce, says she’s constantly opening new tabs about the coronavirus, which make her feel even more anxious. “I’m just worrying about stuff that I can’t even control,” she said. “Wall Street, I cannot control. You know, whether there’s toilet paper in the grocery ― I can’t control any of this.”
Instead of scrolling through endless articles, Kanter suggests logging off and helping people, like an elderly neighbor who can’t get groceries or an overworked parent who needs their dog walked. He’s worried that if people don’t start developing healthy habits early on, the prolonged isolation will start to fray their mental health.
“I’m concerned about someone living alone who has just lost their primary source of social interaction at work,” he said. “I’m also concerned about people who were already marginalized in our society. They are feeling more of a hit right now than others.”


huffpost--2020-03-18--Hospitality Workers Union Estimates 80% To 90% Of Members Will Lose Jobs During Coronavirus

The leading labor union for hospitality workers said Wednesday that it expects 80 % to 90 % of its 300,000 members to be out of work due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The estimates from Unite Here illustrate the staggering economic damage inflicted on the service sector by the pandemic .
The union ’ s members , a majority of whom are women , tend to work in hotels , airports and casinos ― all businesses that have been hammered by closures and a precipitous drop in demand .
On a call with reporters Wednesday , union officials said employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented crisis and that members of Congress and the White House need to put workers at the center of any rescue packages .
D. Taylor , the union ’ s president , panned the emergency paid leave bill passed Saturday by the Democratic-controlled House as “ completely ridiculous , ” saying it had huge carve-outs and did not go far enough in helping workers .
He also said the plan being floated to cut Americans up to two $ 1,000 checks would be insufficient , given that each such payment wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most cities .
“ They ’ ve met with the titans of industry and that ’ s great .
But we all know what we face right now , ” Taylor said , referring to members of Congress and the White House .
“ I ’ m very worried that the American worker is not at the table , just American industry.
” Companies in the airline , hotel and gaming industries have been asking federal officials for help , and the White House has reportedly been considering aid such as low- or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said any bailouts would need to be done in tandem with increased unemployment insurance , paid sick leave , money for food stamps and housing , and guarantees on continued health care for workers who lose their jobs .
Union officials highlighted some of the stunning declines in business affecting their members , particularly on the West Coast , where some of the first known outbreaks began .
In San Francisco , many of the hotels where members work have seen occupancy rates tumble to just 10 percent .
In Seattle and Portland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union ’ s 5,500 members are already out of work .
“ All workers are left with at this moment is an unemployment system that ’ s overloaded , a sick leave system that may provide checks someday , and rent that ’ s due on April 1 , ” said Erik Van Rossum , president of Unite Here Local 8 in Seattle .
The union applauded some of the companies where it represents workers , such as Wynn Resorts and Disney , which are paying employees during the time they are out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for employers like Marriott , which is furloughing workers but not making similar guarantees on pay .
HuffPost readers : Is your paycheck or safety at work impacted by the coronavirus outbreak ?
Tell us about it .
Please include a phone number if you ’ re willing to be interviewed .

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The leading labor union for hospitality workers said Wednesday that it expects 80% to 90% of its 300,000 members to be out of work due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The estimates from Unite Here illustrate the staggering economic damage inflicted on the service sector by the pandemic. The union’s members, a majority of whom are women, tend to work in hotels, airports and casinos ― all businesses that have been hammered by closures and a precipitous drop in demand.
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On a call with reporters Wednesday, union officials said employees in the hospitality industry are facing an unprecedented crisis and that members of Congress and the White House need to put workers at the center of any rescue packages.
D. Taylor, the union’s president, panned the emergency paid leave bill passed Saturday by the Democratic-controlled House as “completely ridiculous,” saying it had huge carve-outs and did not go far enough in helping workers. He also said the plan being floated to cut Americans up to two $1,000 checks would be insufficient, given that each such payment wouldn’t cover a month’s rent in most cities.
“They’ve met with the titans of industry and that’s great. But we all know what we face right now,” Taylor said, referring to members of Congress and the White House. “I’m very worried that the American worker is not at the table, just American industry.”
Companies in the airline, hotel and gaming industries have been asking federal officials for help, and the White House has reportedly been considering aid such as low- or zero-interest loans or tax deferrals. Taylor said any bailouts would need to be done in tandem with increased unemployment insurance, paid sick leave, money for food stamps and housing, and guarantees on continued health care for workers who lose their jobs.
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“We need to get workers bailed out and secure,” he said.
Union officials highlighted some of the stunning declines in business affecting their members, particularly on the West Coast, where some of the first known outbreaks began. In San Francisco, many of the hotels where members work have seen occupancy rates tumble to just 10 percent. In Seattle and Portland, between 4,000 and 4,500 of the union’s 5,500 members are already out of work.
“I’m very worried that the American worker is not at the table, just American industry.” - D. Taylor, president of Unite Here
The union represents 60,000 workers in Las Vegas, where the entire gaming industry has been shut down.
The numbers get worse every day, union leaders said.
“All workers are left with at this moment is an unemployment system that’s overloaded, a sick leave system that may provide checks someday, and rent that’s due on April 1,” said Erik Van Rossum, president of Unite Here Local 8 in Seattle.
The union applauded some of the companies where it represents workers, such as Wynn Resorts and Disney, which are paying employees during the time they are out of work. It had harsher words for employers like Marriott, which is furloughing workers but not making similar guarantees on pay.
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Taylor said hotel operators need to “step up” and help workers who have bills coming due.
“The social safety net is no net,” he said. “The holes are so big that people are falling through.”
HuffPost readers: Is your paycheck or safety at work impacted by the coronavirus outbreak? Tell us about it. Please include a phone number if you’re willing to be interviewed.


huffpost--2020-03-18--Amid Virus, Congressional Leaders Resist Call For Remote Voting

Advocates of the voting change cite the health perils of air travel at a time when health experts want people to avoid crowds .
They argue that as infections spread , it may become all but impossible for many lawmakers to journey to the Capitol because of the growing risk of getting the virus .
“ There was a time when physical presence was the only way to make sure that a person was present and voting , ” No .
2 Senate Democratic leader Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , said Tuesday .
“ I think that technology gives us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ We ’ ll not be doing that , ” McConnell told reporters in a Capitol TV studio in which the number of reporters was limited to reduce the risk of spreading the virus .
He suggested his chamber might extend roll call votes beyond the traditional 15 minutes and allow senators to vote in small groups , rather than all at once .
The dispute comes amid a confusing jumble of government decrees aimed at halting the coronavirus ’ spread , edicts that often grow stricter by the day and vary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been closed in many states but not all , and people are being ordered to stay home for two weeks or more in some communities but not others .
That inconsistency was on clear display Tuesday , the day Senate Republicans and Democrats typically hold separate party lunches .
GOP senators moved their meal to a larger room in a Senate office building — an ornate chamber where major hearings on topics ranging from the sinking of the Titanic to Watergate have been held .
Democrats chose to simply have a lunchtime conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while not new , would present hurdles , such as assuring that the system is secure .
Lawmakers would also have to overcome a reluctance to be seen as shirking their jobs if they ’ re not present for votes .
Supporters say remote voting would reduce infections that members might incur and spread to their families and coworkers ; help lawmakers understand the coronavirus ’ impact on their communities ; and let them show they are practicing the behavior the nation ’ s leaders want the public to adopt .
Porter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resistance from Pelosi when she raised the idea with her last week on the House floor .
Porter is circulating a letter calling for a rules change to allow remote voting during the emergency , along with Reps. Eric Swalwell , D-Calif. , and Van Taylor , R-Texas .
“ While Congress is an institution with a proud history , we can not stand on tradition if it puts lives — and our ability to be the voice of our constituents — at risk , ” the letter says .
Porter said Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the proposal , Pelosi “ took it , folded it in half.
” Porter said that as of Tuesday evening , the letter had 45 cosponsors , including at least two Republicans .
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 .
In the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 110 have died .
Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois , top Republican on the House Administration Committee , said lawmakers have met daily with Congress ’ doctors and other officials to discuss how the House should function during the crisis .
Davis said they ’ ve discussed ideas like frequently cleaning the buttons on the electronic devices members use to record their votes .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders are resisting calls to let lawmakers vote remotely, a dispute pitting the scourge of the coronavirus against two centuries of tradition that underscores Washington’s struggle to adapt to recommendations that evolve daily about how to handle the pandemic.
Advocates of the voting change cite the health perils of air travel at a time when health experts want people to avoid crowds. They argue that as infections spread, it may become all but impossible for many lawmakers to journey to the Capitol because of the growing risk of getting the virus.
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“There was a time when physical presence was the only way to make sure that a person was present and voting,” No. 2 Senate Democratic leader Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Tuesday. “I think that technology gives us other options and we better exercise them.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., put his foot down firmly against letting senators vote electronically from wherever they might be.
“We’ll not be doing that,” McConnell told reporters in a Capitol TV studio in which the number of reporters was limited to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. He suggested his chamber might extend roll call votes beyond the traditional 15 minutes and allow senators to vote in small groups, rather than all at once.
“We will deal with the social distancing issue without fundamentally changing Senate rules,” McConnell said.
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., whose hometown of San Francisco is among many Bay Area communities whose residents have been ordered to stay home, has also opposed the idea, according to lawmakers who’ve spoken to her.
The dispute comes amid a confusing jumble of government decrees aimed at halting the coronavirus’ spread, edicts that often grow stricter by the day and vary by jurisdiction. Schools and restaurants have been closed in many states but not all, and people are being ordered to stay home for two weeks or more in some communities but not others.
That inconsistency was on clear display Tuesday, the day Senate Republicans and Democrats typically hold separate party lunches. GOP senators moved their meal to a larger room in a Senate office building — an ornate chamber where major hearings on topics ranging from the sinking of the Titanic to Watergate have been held. Democrats chose to simply have a lunchtime conference call.
The idea of remote voting, while not new, would present hurdles, such as assuring that the system is secure. Lawmakers would also have to overcome a reluctance to be seen as shirking their jobs if they’re not present for votes.
It would also be a sharp break from history. Currently members must cast votes during roll calls in person on the House and Senate floors.
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For example, the Senate not only requires that each member “declare his assent or dissent to the question” but even forbids any effort to suspend that rule.
Supporters say remote voting would reduce infections that members might incur and spread to their families and coworkers; help lawmakers understand the coronavirus’ impact on their communities; and let them show they are practicing the behavior the nation’s leaders want the public to adopt.
“There’s no reason not to model for our country what we’re asking our fellow Americans to do right now,” said Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif.
Last week, Pelosi rebuffed House Democrats at a closed-door meeting who’d suggested letting lawmakers leave the Capitol and vote electronically from their home districts, participants in the session said.
“We are the captains of the ship. We are the last to leave,” Pelosi said, according to a person who described the private meeting on condition of anonymity.
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Porter, a freshman, said she encountered resistance from Pelosi when she raised the idea with her last week on the House floor. Porter is circulating a letter calling for a rules change to allow remote voting during the emergency, along with Reps. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and Van Taylor, R-Texas.
“While Congress is an institution with a proud history, we cannot stand on tradition if it puts lives — and our ability to be the voice of our constituents — at risk,” the letter says.
Porter said Tuesday that when she handed Pelosi a copy of the proposal, Pelosi “took it, folded it in half.” Porter said that as of Tuesday evening, the letter had 45 cosponsors, including at least two Republicans.
“I respectfully think that the goal is to evacuate the ship, to get everybody off safely,” Porter said in an interview.
Nationwide, restrictions are tightening as the number of reported infections and deaths mount daily. While some officials initially advised against events with crowds exceeding 1,000, that number has gradually dropped. President Donald Trump on Monday suggested avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people.
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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. In the United States, about 6,500 people have been diagnosed and more than 110 have died.
Because ideas about responding to the outbreak change so swiftly, no one is certain whether the opposition Pelosi and McConnell have voiced will hold as the virus spreads.
“What seems unrealistic today may not seem so unrealistic tomorrow,” said Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va.
Lawmakers have discussed having fewer committee hearings or holding them remotely. Many members of Congress have already curtailed face-to-face meetings with visitors, and many of their staffs are already working from home.
Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois, top Republican on the House Administration Committee, said lawmakers have met daily with Congress’ doctors and other officials to discuss how the House should function during the crisis. Davis said they’ve discussed ideas like frequently cleaning the buttons on the electronic devices members use to record their votes.
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But others say even with such steps, it’s travel to Washington that’s the toughest problem to overcome.
“The harder part is getting people there, getting folks that have to fly from all over the country, or just getting folks in their 70s, 80s or 90s driving from New York or driving from Florida,” said Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va.
According to a 2018 report by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, the average age of the House the previous year was nearly 58. It was almost 62 in the Senate, which the study said made that chamber among the oldest in its history.
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Associated Press writer Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.
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The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


huffpost--2020-03-18--Steven Mnuchin Reportedly Warned Senators Of 20% U.S. Unemployment Without Coronavirus Rescue

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned Republican senators on Tuesday that the country ’ s unemployment rate could hit 20 % if they failed to act on a proposed coronavirus rescue package and there was lasting economic damage , a person familiar with the closed-door meeting said .
Mnuchin met with senators to persuade them to pass a $ 1 trillion stimulus package that would send cash to Americans within two weeks and backstop airlines and other companies .
The Senate is majority-controlled by President Donald Trump ’ s fellow Republicans .
A Treasury official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but trying to illustrate the potential risks of inaction .
“ During the meeting with Senate Republicans today , Secretary Mnuchin used several mathematical examples for illustrative purposes , but he never implied this would be the case , ” Treasury spokeswoman Monica Crowley said in an emailed statement .
Mnuchin ’ s comments to the senators were first reported by Bloomberg .
The warning was similar to one issued to U.S. lawmakers at the depths of the 2008 financial crisis , when Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a $ 700 billion plan to buy toxic mortgage assets .
They told lawmakers here that inaction could devastate an already weak economy , sending the jobless rate soaring .
Congress ultimately passed the plan and later stimulus measures to tackle the crisis .
Unemployment peaked at 10.2 % in October 2009 .

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned Republican senators on Tuesday that the country’s unemployment rate could hit 20% if they failed to act on a proposed coronavirus rescue package and there was lasting economic damage, a person familiar with the closed-door meeting said.
Mnuchin met with senators to persuade them to pass a $1 trillion stimulus package that would send cash to Americans within two weeks and backstop airlines and other companies. The Senate is majority-controlled by President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans.
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A Treasury official said Mnuchin was not providing a forecast but trying to illustrate the potential risks of inaction.
“During the meeting with Senate Republicans today, Secretary Mnuchin used several mathematical examples for illustrative purposes, but he never implied this would be the case,” Treasury spokeswoman Monica Crowley said in an emailed statement.
Mnuchin’s comments to the senators were first reported by Bloomberg.
The warning was similar to one issued to U.S. lawmakers at the depths of the 2008 financial crisis, when Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke went to Capitol Hill to urge passage of a $700 billion plan to buy toxic mortgage assets.
They told lawmakers here that inaction could devastate an already weak economy, sending the jobless rate soaring. Congress ultimately passed the plan and later stimulus measures to tackle the crisis. Unemployment peaked at 10.2% in October 2009.
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huffpost--2020-03-18--Chrissy Teigen Defends Vanessa Hudgens After 'Really Dumb' Coronavirus Video

The “ High School Musical ” alum came under fire earlier this week for her flippant response to the pandemic that has swept across at least 150 countries in recent weeks and killed more than 8,000 people globally .
“ Even if everybody gets it , like yeah , people are going to die , which is terrible ... but inevitable ?
” Hudgens said on Instagram Live on Monday , sparking a major backlash on social media .
After the “ Rent : Live ” star issued an apology for her “ not at all appropriate ” response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the actor by calling off a Twitter pile-on .
“ Sometimes people , especially famous people , are gon na say really stupid shit .
& so are you , ” the cookbook author tweeted on Tuesday .
“ And they , and u , will learn from it & hopefully their history says they ’ re good .
It ’ s ok. And at the same time , wow they really had a dumb fuckin moment .
But u don ’ t have [ to ] ruin their lives.
” sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gon na say really stupid shit .
& so are you .
and they , and u , will learn from it & hopefully their history says they ’ re good .
it ’ s ok. and at the same time , wow they really had a dumb fuckin moment .
but u don ’ t have ruin their lives — christine teigen ( @ chrissyteigen ) March 18 , 2020 The former supermodel went onto remind her followers that “ this isn ’ t about me this time ” but “ it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll be you.
” “ But yeah today it ’ s Vanessa lol , ” she continued , adding in a separate tweet , “ and no , life is rarely ruined for anyone .
But you are damn well trying your best .
Just stop.
” When Teigen started to get pushback from her own followers over the controversy , she doubled down on her empathy for Hudgens , while also acknowledging that the actor ’ s comments were “ really dumb.
” Teigen agreed , but still called for compassion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stupid moments and some people ( like me ) have a lot of passion and things don ’ t come out the way we mean it.
” “ It sucks and she for sure feels terrible and just stop watching her stuff but the knives got ta go , ” she wrote , later adding , “ I promise promise promise I learned and she is learning now and that ’ s all you can ask for.
” “ Hey guys .
I ’ m so sorry for the way I have offended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clip from my Instagram Live yesterday , ” Hudgens wrote in a note on Twitter .
“ I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now .
This has been a huge wake up call about the significance my words have , now more than ever .
I ’ m sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time.
” Teigen went onto warn her followers about the toll dragging someone for sport on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Writing them over and over , the onslaught , it can drive a sane person insane and an unstable person to ... worse.
” The mother of two said she was speaking from her own experiences as an internet presence who has weathered her fair share of controversy .

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Chrissy Teigen is calling for kindness in the age of coronavirus, especially in regards to the internet’s current punching bag, Vanessa Hudgens.
The “High School Musical” alum came under fire earlier this week for her flippant response to the pandemic that has swept across at least 150 countries in recent weeks and killed more than 8,000 people globally.
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“Even if everybody gets it, like yeah, people are going to die, which is terrible... but inevitable?” Hudgens said on Instagram Live on Monday, sparking a major backlash on social media.
After the “Rent: Live” star issued an apology for her “not at all appropriate” response to the crisis, Teigen is sticking up for the actor by calling off a Twitter pile-on.
“Sometimes people, especially famous people, are gonna say really stupid shit. & so are you,” the cookbook author tweeted on Tuesday. “And they, and u, will learn from it & hopefully their history says they’re good. It’s ok. And at the same time, wow they really had a dumb fuckin moment. But u don’t have [to] ruin their lives.”
sometimes people, especially famous people, are gonna say really stupid shit. & so are you. and they, and u, will learn from it & hopefully their history says they’re good. it’s ok. and at the same time, wow they really had a dumb fuckin moment. but u don’t have ruin their lives — christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 18, 2020
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The former supermodel went onto remind her followers that “this isn’t about me this time” but “it will be one day, or it’ll be you.”
“But yeah today it’s Vanessa lol,” she continued, adding in a separate tweet, “and no, life is rarely ruined for anyone. But you are damn well trying your best. Just stop.”
this isn’t about me this time. but it will be one day, or it’ll be you. but yeah today it’s Vanessa lol — christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 18, 2020
and no, life is rarely ruined for anyone. but you are damn well trying your best. just stop. — christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 18, 2020
When Teigen started to get pushback from her own followers over the controversy, she doubled down on her empathy for Hudgens, while also acknowledging that the actor’s comments were “really dumb.”
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One fan told the “Lip Sync Battle” host that celebrities should “think about the impact their words can have” given their massive followings.
Teigen agreed, but still called for compassion, writing, “We all have stupid moments and some people (like me) have a lot of passion and things don’t come out the way we mean it.”
“It sucks and she for sure feels terrible and just stop watching her stuff but the knives gotta go,” she wrote, later adding, “I promise promise promise I learned and she is learning now and that’s all you can ask for.”
Chrissy Teigen is coming to Vanessa Hudgens' defense over her coronavirus controversy. Getty Images
It’s unclear whether Teigen has been in communication with Hudgens, who’s gone silent on social media since apologizing for her comments.
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“Hey guys. I’m so sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram Live yesterday,” Hudgens wrote in a note on Twitter. “I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now. This has been a huge wake up call about the significance my words have, now more than ever. I’m sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time.”
Teigen went onto warn her followers about the toll dragging someone for sport on social media can take, noting, “Writing them over and over, the onslaught, it can drive a sane person insane and an unstable person to ... worse.”
The mother of two said she was speaking from her own experiences as an internet presence who has weathered her fair share of controversy.
“Kids and online torture have made me a much more empathetic person,” she added. “May you never be on the end of everyone hating you.”
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Teigen, meanwhile, is staying busy while social distancing by stealing the show during husband John Legend’s Instagram Live concerts.


huffpost--2020-03-21--FAA Halts Flights To New York City Airports

In an alert posted online , the agency advised air traffic controllers to “ stop all departures ” to Kennedy @ @ @ @ @ other airports in the region .

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