huffpost--2020-06-12--Experts Predict What Disney Parks Will Be Like Amid Coronavirus

“ I do think that Disney may use more virtual queues and more smartphone integration , ” predicted AJ Wolfe , founder of the Disney Food Blog .
“ Virtual queues have been used in Galaxy ’ s Edge on both coasts , and while they could be changed slightly to be more efficient ( right now , the ride opportunities sell out first thing in the morning on both coasts for Rise of the Resistance ) , the model is there .
Also , I think Disney parks notifications and trip planning may become even more a part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disneyland.
” “ I have seen some mention that these virtual services make visits less spontaneous , but I would argue that there are many guests who have been hyper-planning their vacations for decades and that these tools assist them , ” said Baker .
“ It is true that those who did not utilize these tools will now have to , but it was trending that way anyway .
For instance , the only way to ride the new blockbuster attraction Rise of the Resistance was to obtain a boarding group through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New health and safety procedures will be implemented .
“ After seeing and hearing what stores are having to go through just to reopen when it comes to sanitary conditions and post-consumer wipe-downs of merchandise and other products , I am really wondering how they are going to handle guests touching each attraction vehicle or even the queues , ” said Jeff Reitz , an Air Force veteran who had visited Disneyland every day since 2011 until its March closure .
“ I am looking forward to going back ... if just to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything is going to be handled .
I just read in The Hollywood Reporter how movie theaters can start opening this Friday , and they were mentioning using disposable seat covers to help with guest turnover.
” Employees will have to keep their distance .
“ I believe outside of those groups , people will be hesitant to travel do to the difficulties , i.e.
, flying , trying to find a hotel that is operating , ” he continued .
“ There is also a ‘ wait and see ’ mentality that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Disney experience is worth the investment of time and money .
Nobody wants to spend their vacation at the parks if the fun factor is going to be greatly reduced by the restrictions and shortening of hours .
It may take several months for people to feel it is time to book a vacation at Disney.
” “ CEO [ Bob ] Chapek has mentioned that even in current conditions , the ‘ quintessential Disney experience ’ and ‘ memories that last a lifetime ’ will be there , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be exactly the same .
Temporary cancellation of fireworks , for instance , is very unorthodox for the Magic Kingdom .
But I would suspect the marketing will be appealing because people may want to have positive experiences after this period of tragedy and interruption of daily life.
” “ I don ’ t need convincing , ” said Kathleen Wolfe .
“ It ’ s clear to me that in today ’ s world , now more than ever , I need a place to escape to for just a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make-believe .
I ’ m fine with it being an unfamiliar experience in terms of operations , but I have zero doubt that when I arrive on July 16 to all of the familiar sights , sounds and smells , it ’ s going to feel like the warm hug I ’ ve been aching for since they closed in March .
”

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Over the past few weeks, Disney has announced plans to reopen its U.S. theme parks in phases starting this summer. The reopening date for Walt Disney World in Florida is July 11, while California’s Disneyland is due to welcome guests on July 17.
These plans have prompted criticism, with thousands of people even signing a petition urging further delay to protect Disneyland’s workers and guests. But the company says it is taking measures to promote health and safety, including reduced capacity, temperature checks and mask requirements.
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How effective these procedures will be in preventing the spread of the coronavirus has yet to be determined. But what we do know is that the theme park experience will be different in the age of COVID-19.
HuffPost asked hospitality experts and Disney park fanatics to share what they predict visiting Walt Disney World and Disneyland will be like this summer, based on the announced safety measures and their own informed speculation.
“I would guess some of these changes will take some getting used to, but I also suspect most guests will be understanding and have patience as the industry prepares to operate with new conditions,” said Carissa Baker, an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. “For some, though, it will be strange for an essentially social experience to have required distancing and a lack of the smiles synonymous with Disney. ”
What will these changes be like? Read on for the experts’ forecasts.
The parks will feel emptier.
“If I had to pick one thing that guests will notice immediately, it’s the reduced size of the number of people in the parks,” said Scott Smith, an associate professor at the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management. “Disney will be limiting their park capacity to help reduce the crowd effect.”
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Disney has indicated that fewer guests will be admitted to the U.S. parks to allow for social distancing, but has not revealed the specifics. When Shanghai Disneyland reopened in early May, the Chinese government limited the number of visitors to 24,000 per day, less than a third of the park’s capacity prior to the pandemic. Disney Springs ― a retail, dining and entertainment complex at Walt Disney World ― also began a phased reopening on May 20 with capacity limits.
Alex Menendez via Getty Images An aerial photo of Walt Disney World, closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, taken on March 23, 2020.
Individual facilities and attractions will also have lower capacity limits to cut down on crowding. Fireworks, parades and shows, which tend to draw large crowds, have been suspended.
“Truth be told, I am excited about the reduced crowds,” said Kathleen Wolfe, a Disney travel specialist and founder of Get Down to Disness. “I’ve been visiting the theme parks for many years, and each year the ‘slow periods’ have gotten fewer and fewer. So selfishly, I will admit the elbow room walking down Main Street USA is going to feel pretty great.”
Technology will play a bigger role.
The pandemic has prompted many companies to explore new technology to reduce opportunities for disease transmission. Walt Disney World, which already has a robust app and online planning service with My Disney Experience, has announced a new reservation system for entry into the park. Guests won’t be able to buy admission at the gate.
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“I do think that Disney may use more virtual queues and more smartphone integration,” predicted AJ Wolfe, founder of the Disney Food Blog. “Virtual queues have been used in Galaxy’s Edge on both coasts, and while they could be changed slightly to be more efficient (right now, the ride opportunities sell out first thing in the morning on both coasts for Rise of the Resistance), the model is there. Also, I think Disney parks notifications and trip planning may become even more a part of the official apps for Disney World and Disneyland.”
Other ways to cut down on person-to-person contact and high-touch surfaces include mobile menus and contactless payment.
“We hope to see mobile ordering expanded to all quick-service locations with multiple payment methods, along with a bag X-ray process instead of a hands-on bag check,” said the team behind the Tips from the Disney Divas & Devos blog. “The new ability to chat through My Disney Experience should save a lot of time not having to go to the front desk.”
“I have seen some mention that these virtual services make visits less spontaneous, but I would argue that there are many guests who have been hyper-planning their vacations for decades and that these tools assist them.” - Carissa Baker, an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management
On the other hand, the FastPass+ system will no longer be in use, so guests can’t make reservations for individual rides. Kathleen Wolfe noted that Walt Disney World could take the opportunity to overhaul the system, which she believes has a number of issues. She hopes that the park will adopt Disneyland’s paid MaxPass system (and that Disneyland will implement the ticketless MagicBand technology used at Disney World).
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“I have seen some mention that these virtual services make visits less spontaneous, but I would argue that there are many guests who have been hyper-planning their vacations for decades and that these tools assist them,” said Baker. “It is true that those who did not utilize these tools will now have to, but it was trending that way anyway. For instance, the only way to ride the new blockbuster attraction Rise of the Resistance was to obtain a boarding group through the app once inside the park.”
New health and safety procedures will be implemented.
“Some of the most noticeable changes in the U.S. will relate to safety procedures,” said Baker, noting that guests will have to undergo temperature checks upon entry to the parks. She also foresees more frequent cleanings, hand sanitizer stations and plexiglass at points of sale.
“After seeing and hearing what stores are having to go through just to reopen when it comes to sanitary conditions and post-consumer wipe-downs of merchandise and other products, I am really wondering how they are going to handle guests touching each attraction vehicle or even the queues,” said Jeff Reitz, an Air Force veteran who had visited Disneyland every day since 2011 until its March closure. “I am looking forward to going back ... if just to check things out and see just how everything is going to be handled. I just read in The Hollywood Reporter how movie theaters can start opening this Friday, and they were mentioning using disposable seat covers to help with guest turnover.”
Several experts who spoke to HuffPost said they think the Disney parks will keep temperature checks and enhanced cleaning procedures in place until there’s a coronavirus vaccine. A writer for the Tips from the Disney Divas & Devos blog, who goes by Allergy Mom Diva (her children have food allergies), said she’s “very excited” about the increased focus on cleanliness and sanitation.
“I’m constantly worried about any food particles that other guests may have left on tables, railings and attractions,” she said. “I will gladly take a little longer wait time for meals or attractions if it means things are being cleaned more often, which means my kids are safer.”
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Masks will be mandatory.
Disney has announced that face coverings will be mandatory for employees and guests ages 2 and up.
“Disney usually errs on the side of caution, so I see them being required until government officials relax those suggested guidelines,” said Smith, noting that he has heard the parks will strictly enforce this policy.
Hu Chengwei via Getty Images Masked people visit Shanghai Disneyland after its reopening on May 11, 2020.
“I believe Disney will use the need for masks as an opportunity to sell additional themed merchandise as they do with most everything else (i.e., hats, shirts, ice cream bars),” he added. “Guests are always eager to have merchandise that represents their favorite character or attraction. As proof of this, just look at the hundreds of different themed magic bands that are sold on a daily basis.”
Baker noted that Disney is already selling cloth face masks featuring princesses, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Pixar characters, and more.
“I suspect that if the compulsory face coverings continue, they could make park-themed masks as well or expand the character lineup,” she said.
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Employees will have to keep their distance.
Park employees, aka “cast members” in Disney lingo, will see changes as well.
“Disney is requiring (employer-provided) face masks on cast members, physical distancing in ‘backstage’ areas, frequent cleaning of those areas, and both at-home and on-site temperature checks,” Baker said. “I suspect they may also have to train them to ensure guest compliance with the new rules, but that is not much different from the current safety functions of these roles.”
Smith noted that older cast members may not feel comfortable returning to the parks, as seniors appear to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 than younger people.
Additionally, “high-touch” experiences like makeovers and character meet-and-greets are off the table, and character meals have been canceled apart from one modified option at Disney World’s Riviera Resort. Kathleen Wolfe said she feels the lack of character interaction will be the most noticeable change at the reopened parks.
“Nobody wants to spend their vacation at the parks if the fun factor is going to be greatly reduced by the restrictions and shortening of hours.” - Scott Smith, an associate professor at the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management
“Without the Disney Pals, Princesses and Villains roaming around, chatting up guests, waving from parade floats, signing autographs and posing for photos, the ‘Disney experience’ will then be missing so much of what defines it as such,” she said. “How people of all ages identify and assimilate with certain Disney characters is a phenomenon you really can only chalk up to magic.”
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She speculated that the characters could return in a modified way, perhaps standing a certain distance behind guests in photos or even in digital form on large screens. Hugs will probably be off the table for a while.
Attendee demographics will skew local.
Disney fans are famously fervent, but experts predict some limits in that devotion in terms of those who choose to return to the parks at first.
“I believe there will be a rush to return by the local population, who have been without their Disney fix for a couple of months,” Smith said, adding that annual pass holders and local residents will likely make up the bulk of the early visitors. Indeed, the company announced that it would be temporarily pausing new ticket sales to accommodate existing ticket holders, annual pass holders and Disney Vacation Club members.
“I believe outside of those groups, people will be hesitant to travel do to the difficulties, i.e., flying, trying to find a hotel that is operating,” he continued. “There is also a ‘wait and see’ mentality that many travelers may hold to see if the Disney experience is worth the investment of time and money. Nobody wants to spend their vacation at the parks if the fun factor is going to be greatly reduced by the restrictions and shortening of hours. It may take several months for people to feel it is time to book a vacation at Disney.”
Reitz echoed this sentiment. As a local, he said, he’s excited to return because his annual pass has already been paid for and he doesn’t have to spend extra money on lodging to risk an experience that may not live up to expectations.
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That’s not the case for most people. Millions of Americans face uncertain financial and employment situations, making them unlikely to book an expensive vacation. Many are also cautious about risking their health and that of loved ones amid the pandemic. The prospect of wearing a mask all day in the summer heat may make the experience less appealing. Florida requires visitors from Connecticut, New York and New Jersey to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. And it will take quite some time for international visitors to return.
“It’s my belief you’ll see a lot of adult Disney fans return in the first few months of reopening and fewer families,” said Kathleen Wolfe, who has seen many cancellations through her travel agency affiliate. Not only do parents wish to protect their young children’s health, but they also may see less value in a Disney experience without character meet-and-greets.
SOPA Images via Getty Images People flocked to Disney Springs ― the retail, dining and entertainment complex at Walt Disney World ― on the day it began its phased reopening in May. Masks and temperature checks are required there as well.
“Honestly, as a parent who’s taken her daughter every year for the last 16, the ‘character interaction reaction’ factor is what we are paying the high premiums for,” she said. “It’s that endearing and special.”
Kathleen Wolfe recommends that first-time Disney goers, those who haven’t visited in a long time, those with small children and those with health issues hold off on making expensive Disney plans “until there is a better handle on COVID-19 and the experience can either be restored to its former glory or at least enhanced enough in temporary form to tick all the magical boxes.”
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Marketing will emphasize safety and trust.
Many of the experts believe that Disney’s marketing strategy will adapt to pandemic life and focus on reassuring anxious fans.
“Disney will likely emphasize the safety and security aspects they’ve put into place, and remind potential customers that they’ve always trusted the Disney brand with their families and they should continue to do so,” AJ Wolfe said.
In addition to touting distancing and sanitation measures, Baker predicts the company will initially invest in ads targeted to locals, followed by more national campaigns with messages like “We’re ready to welcome you back” and “The magic is still here.”
“CEO [Bob] Chapek has mentioned that even in current conditions, the ‘quintessential Disney experience’ and ‘memories that last a lifetime’ will be there,” she said. “Of course it won’t be exactly the same. Temporary cancellation of fireworks, for instance, is very unorthodox for the Magic Kingdom. But I would suspect the marketing will be appealing because people may want to have positive experiences after this period of tragedy and interruption of daily life.”
Baker added that Disney ranks high in positive perception and brand loyalty, so even just the message of “We’re open again!” will generate interest, at least among its most devoted followers. The key is persuading people that although things will be different for a time, it’s still “The Most Magical Place On Earth.”
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huffpost--2020-06-12--Muslim Women Renew Calls For More Inclusive Programs As Mosques Reopen

With the entire country homebound , many Muslims turned to online religious programming , and a silver lining appeared in the quarantine .
It opened a space for Muslim women leaders and scholars to hold virtual programming in what is a traditionally male-dominated space .
Mosques across the country were suddenly in need of more speakers to fill the void of online discussions , and Muslim women , who were often overlooked despite their qualifications , were now being tapped to host virtual meetups and programs .
The success of these virtual programs ― hosted and led by women for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inclusive programs to translate over into the physical spaces .
With Ramadan over and mosques beginning to reopen with the loosening of lockdown measures , Muslim Americans are using the opportunity to rethink how their houses of worship operate and can survive as the COVID-19 crisis eases .
“ It was very sad and a bit lonely praying often by myself or with my mom at home .
But at the same time , what I noticed , not just for me but also for women across the country , was that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was online and that was particularly alluring to women , ” said Hind Makki , a Chicago resident who would regularly go to the mosque during Ramadan to worship and gather with other Muslims .
Outside of Ramadan , Makki considers herself “ unmosqued , ” not regularly attending a specific mosque because the ones near her lack proper accommodations for women , she said .
The inadequate physical spaces , including putting the women ’ s section in the basement and having few programs that cater to women , turned her away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online programs , she said , she may not miss the physical institutions after all .
In 2012 , Makki started Side Entrance , a visual storytelling platform where she collected and posted photos of the women ’ s section of a mosque .
Since the majority of mosques are gender-segregated , oftentimes the women ’ s section was neglected .
In her photos , viewers contrasted the women ’ s spaces with the men ’ s prayer hall , which often served as the main hall and was better lighted and decorated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ My intention was to start a conversation and provide visual evidence of what women ’ s experiences are like .
The reason to do that was to provide a space for catharsis for women and then to show men who typically don ’ t ever go into the women ’ s spaces , or even think about the women ’ s spaces , what women ’ s experiences are like , ” said Makki .
Although it is clear that women do not attend weekly Friday Prayer services at the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the mosque in significant numbers for other activities and events .
The implication is that women might attend Juma ’ ah in greater numbers if their presence was more welcomed in mosques .
Rabata is one of those organizations .
Tamara Gray was on a speaking tour across the U.S. after being out of the country for 20 years when she noticed that professional Muslim women in America were stifled when it came to Islamic programming and scholarship .
Her organization launched in 2012 , and soon Rabata became the leading digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to learn about Islam and find community among other women .
“ We were already building an online community believing and knowing that these communities were saving some women from desperate loneliness , ” said Gray , who holds a doctorate in leadership and spent 20 years studying classical Islamic sciences , the Quran and Arabic in Syria .
Gray said her goal is to cultivate “ a rising tide of Muslim women scholars and leaders and community care activists who are ready and waiting ” for when the American mosques are ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During Ramadan , the organization saw an uptick of Muslim women attending programs , sometimes a few hundred a night .
Gray knows firsthand that Muslim women are hungry for these spaces , an issue that dates back years since her organization ’ s founding but was brought into sharper relief as COVID-19 prompted lockdowns .
If American mosques want to survive and to ensure that Muslim women come back , the leadership needs to address those gaping holes , Gray said .
When mosques closed their doors during their busiest month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stability suddenly was on shaky ground .
Mosques often relied on large congregations during Ramadan to raise money for that year ’ s expenses and to pay their imams , some of whom had been laid off from the mosques .
Soon other expenses needed to be cut .
But with the lockdown in full effect and their halls empty , mosques could no longer afford to pay for the software , despite their need for it .
In normal conditions , about 80 % of the donations came from in-person gatherings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 % that was processed online , posing a challenge for mosques to meet those same numbers solely online .
Through the MOHID app and in-house kiosks , mosques were able to raise millions of dollars .
During Ramadan last year , American mosques raised nearly $ 13 million through MOHID .
So Khwaja ’ s team decided to give away their services and assisted struggling mosques to get up to speed on the technology .
The company also launched a free virtual fundraising feature to help clients raise money for annual expenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of shutting down over their inability to pay the mortgage or keep up with bills because they were unable to engage with the community for donations .
As mosques begin to reopen , some have opened their doors just to men , reasoning that Friday prayers are an obligation for men but not women , until they are able to open fully for everyone .
The move has been criticized by Muslim women who see it as unfair and as a sign that Muslim women ’ s attachment to the mosque is overlooked @

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As the coronavirus outbreak spread, mosques, like many houses of worship, were required to close their doors even during the holy month of Ramadan in compliance with statewide shutdowns. American Muslims across the country were forced to celebrate at home.
With the entire country homebound, many Muslims turned to online religious programming, and a silver lining appeared in the quarantine. It opened a space for Muslim women leaders and scholars to hold virtual programming in what is a traditionally male-dominated space. Mosques across the country were suddenly in need of more speakers to fill the void of online discussions, and Muslim women, who were often overlooked despite their qualifications, were now being tapped to host virtual meetups and programs.
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The success of these virtual programs ― hosted and led by women for women ― has renewed calls for more inclusive programs to translate over into the physical spaces. With Ramadan over and mosques beginning to reopen with the loosening of lockdown measures, Muslim Americans are using the opportunity to rethink how their houses of worship operate and can survive as the COVID-19 crisis eases.
“It was very sad and a bit lonely praying often by myself or with my mom at home. But at the same time, what I noticed, not just for me but also for women across the country, was that there was a plethora of religious programming that was online and that was particularly alluring to women,” said Hind Makki, a Chicago resident who would regularly go to the mosque during Ramadan to worship and gather with other Muslims.
Outside of Ramadan, Makki considers herself “unmosqued,” not regularly attending a specific mosque because the ones near her lack proper accommodations for women, she said. The inadequate physical spaces, including putting the women’s section in the basement and having few programs that cater to women, turned her away. But after participating in several female-focused online programs, she said, she may not miss the physical institutions after all.
Demanding Inclusive Spaces For Women ― Online And Offline
In 2012, Makki started Side Entrance, a visual storytelling platform where she collected and posted photos of the women’s section of a mosque. Since the majority of mosques are gender-segregated, oftentimes the women’s section was neglected. In her photos, viewers contrasted the women’s spaces with the men’s prayer hall, which often served as the main hall and was better lighted and decorated, and was stocked with more resources.
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Women’s spaces were much smaller, despite the fact women frequently attended with their families and children. Sometimes the imam in the main hall could be seen only on a TV, which often broke down. The inadequacies contributed to a sense of it being a spiritually draining space.
“My intention was to start a conversation and provide visual evidence of what women’s experiences are like. The reason to do that was to provide a space for catharsis for women and then to show men who typically don’t ever go into the women’s spaces, or even think about the women’s spaces, what women’s experiences are like,” said Makki.
Although it is clear that women do not attend weekly Friday Prayer services at the same rate as men, women do go to the mosque in significant numbers for other activities and events. The implication is that women might attend Juma’ah in greater numbers if their presence was more welcomed in mosques. Institute for Social Policy and Understanding/Reimagining Muslim Spaces
Makki’s findings have been published in the Reimagining Muslim Spaces study presented by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), which is aimed at supporting mosques and community centers to meet the needs of their congregants, especially women, youth and converts.
Data from the ISPU study showed that women and men attended American mosques in nearly equal rates and helped form a toolkit for mosques to improve their inclusivity. Specific recommendations included ensuring women were on leadership boards, building attractive and comfortable women’s spaces, and matching resources.
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During the coronavirus lockdown, many women like Makki didn’t yearn for the mosque as much as the men did, mostly because they had already chosen to turn away. Many Muslim women had solicited online programs to feel uplifted and connected, even before the pandemic hit.
Rabata is one of those organizations. Tamara Gray was on a speaking tour across the U.S. after being out of the country for 20 years when she noticed that professional Muslim women in America were stifled when it came to Islamic programming and scholarship. Her organization launched in 2012, and soon Rabata became the leading digital educational organization dedicated to women who wanted to learn about Islam and find community among other women.
“We were already building an online community believing and knowing that these communities were saving some women from desperate loneliness,” said Gray, who holds a doctorate in leadership and spent 20 years studying classical Islamic sciences, the Quran and Arabic in Syria. Gray said her goal is to cultivate “a rising tide of Muslim women scholars and leaders and community care activists who are ready and waiting” for when the American mosques are ready to include them in their leadership positions.
The data shows that women older than 40 show signs of alienation. Institute for Social Policy and Understanding/Reimagining Muslim Spaces
During Ramadan, the organization saw an uptick of Muslim women attending programs, sometimes a few hundred a night. Gray knows firsthand that Muslim women are hungry for these spaces, an issue that dates back years since her organization’s founding but was brought into sharper relief as COVID-19 prompted lockdowns. If American mosques want to survive and to ensure that Muslim women come back, the leadership needs to address those gaping holes, Gray said.
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“When we sideline women, one of the things we’re doing is sidelining our faith. It is absolutely connected,” Gray said.
Rethinking The Mosque’s Business Model
When mosques closed their doors during their busiest month of the year, their source of stability suddenly was on shaky ground. Mosques often relied on large congregations during Ramadan to raise money for that year’s expenses and to pay their imams, some of whom had been laid off from the mosques. Soon other expenses needed to be cut.
Faisal Khwaja, the co-founder of DeenTek, an organization founded in 2012 to help mosques manage administrative tasks, started to get panicked phone calls from his clients. For years, his organization had helped more than 500 mosques across the country handle their administrative and financial tasks through its most recent cloud management software, MOHID.
But with the lockdown in full effect and their halls empty, mosques could no longer afford to pay for the software, despite their need for it. In normal conditions, about 80% of the donations came from in-person gatherings, according to Khawja compared with the mere 20% that was processed online, posing a challenge for mosques to meet those same numbers solely online. Through the MOHID app and in-house kiosks, mosques were able to raise millions of dollars. During Ramadan last year, American mosques raised nearly $13 million through MOHID.
So Khwaja’s team decided to give away their services and assisted struggling mosques to get up to speed on the technology. The company also launched a free virtual fundraising feature to help clients raise money for annual expenses. He said mosques were at risk of shutting down over their inability to pay the mortgage or keep up with bills because they were unable to engage with the community for donations.
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The sacrifices paid off, and the company reported that it was able to help raise over $17 million this past Ramadan for mosques across the U.S. through its virtual platform.
But the problem is beyond Ramadan, Khawja said. Mosques need to develop permanent plans and rethink their business models if they want to survive through this pandemic and possible future ones.
“People are realizing now there are so many other ways to engage the community in ways they never utilized before, although we’ve been trying to tell them for a while,” Khawja said.
“If they are not going to accustom themselves with the technology, if they’re not going to adopt this new norm, they’re going to keep suffering, and we really don’t want that. We are here to help.”
Yearning For Tangible Change
As mosques begin to reopen, some have opened their doors just to men, reasoning that Friday prayers are an obligation for men but not women, until they are able to open fully for everyone. The move has been criticized by Muslim women who see it as unfair and as a sign that Muslim women’s attachment to the mosque is overlooked.
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“How are we serving the entire community if we’re reopening only for men, the same people who had always had access to the mosque. We’re not serving the spiritual needs of the rest of the community,” Makki said.
Makki’s suggestion is for the mosques to reopen as first-come, first-served, regardless of gender. Afterall, mosques in America aren’t only for prayers, she pointed out. Many individuals, particularly those who are marginalized or are new to the faith, seek out Islamic centers for myriad reasons, including religious programming, social services, and a sense of community.


huffpost--2020-03-17--A Quarantine Movie For Every Mood

A Quarantine Movie For Every Mood

Illustration : Damon Dahlen/HuffPost ; Photos : Getty Stuck inside during the COVID-19 outbreak ?
We 're here to help .
The streaming revolution has never been handier .
Now that we ’ re all stuck indoors riding out the coronavirus-induced quarantine , those apps that eat into your monthly paycheck are probably looking like a pretty swell investment .
As movie theaters close and releases are delayed indefinitely , people will have to look beyond algorithms and marketing campaigns to find the entertainment that ’ s right for them .
For anyone who wants family-friendly escapism , Disney dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new streaming service , Disney+ , three months ahead of schedule .
For more adult fare , Universal Pictures ’ current titles — “ The Hunt , ” “ The Invisible Man ” and “ Emma.
” — will be available to rent for $ 19.99 via on-demand platforms as early as Friday .
Similarly , Warner Bros. will make “ Birds of Prey ” and the Matthew McConaughey action caper “ The Gentlemen ” available a few weeks ahead of schedule .
These unprecedented moves might help soften the predicted $ 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of the virus .
Meanwhile , some at home are turning to pandemic fiction to make sense of what ’ s going on .
“ Contagion , ” Steven Soderbergh ’ s grim 2011 thriller starring Kate Winslet and Matt Damon , has surged in popularity on iTunes and Amazon Prime Video , as has its 1995 predecessor “ Outbreak , ” which is also available on Netflix .
I rewatched “ Contagion ” this weekend , and here ’ s a word to the wise : If you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help .
Often forgotten in the annals of great horror movies , “ Wait Until Dark ” is simple in the best sense .
Most of it takes place in one location : a blind housewife ’ s West Village apartment , where she is conned and stalked by three creeps ( Richard Crenna , Jack Weston and oh-so-evil Alan Arkin ) while her husband ( Efrem Zimbalist Jr. ) is away on business .
Director Terence Young , best known for the first two “ James Bond ” movies , uses the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience .
As the resourceful victim , Audrey Hepburn has to feel her way through the panic , leading to a climactic tug-of-war in pitch blackness .
If you ’ re fond of Phoebe Waller-Bridge ’ s wry asides in “ Fleabag , ” you ’ ll have a ball with “ Orlando , ” in which Tilda Swinton winkingly peers at the camera to announce her bliss and vent her anger .
Don ’ t let the movie ’ s period trappings dissuade you .
Almost three decades after it was released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and modern .
Spanning the Elizabethan era to early- ’ 90s Britain , Swinton ’ s title character — based on Virginia Woolf ’ s novel of the same name — is an immortal poet who could be described as a proto-trans woman challenging gender modes as the centuries creep by .
The surrounding film , directed by Sally Potter , is a feast of wit .
An Eddie Murphy gem that doesn ’ t get enough love I saw “ Bowfinger ” for the first time last year , and it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a movie in ages .
It ’ s technically a Steve Martin vehicle , but Eddie Murphy upstages him with two different roles : a pompous Hollywood actor named Kit Ramsey and his dopey look-alike .
Martin plays a third-rate producer who goes to desperate lengths to cast Kit in his dream movie , first by invading the real Kit ’ s whereabouts and then by recruiting Kit ’ s doppelgänger as a stand-in .
“ Bowfinger ” did decent business in 1999 , but it deserves more prestige .
The plotting is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly one in which Murphy runs screaming through busy freeway traffic .
In these neurotic times , any Albert Brooks movie will do .
But the deepest of the bunch is “ Defending Your Life , ” the high-concept fantasy masterpiece about an advertising executive ( Brooks ) who dies and goes to heaven , where he must vouch for his life choices in court .
There , he launches a courtship with an idyllic woman ( Meryl Streep ) whose virtues greatly outweigh his .
What starts as a profile of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives way to one of the best romantic-comedy endings in history .
( After you ’ re done , try “ Heaven Can Wait , ” which taps into similar ideas . )
“ Burning ” should have been a bigger Oscar contender , and in a post- “ Parasite ” world , maybe it would be .
The menacing but gentle Korean thriller from 2018 focuses on a cursed love triangle involving an aimless young writer ( Yoo Ah-in ) , his former classmate ( Jeon Jong-seo ) and an enigmatic interloper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not be up to no good .
It ’ s a film about perception , charting the tortured dynamics between a lower-class striver and the wealthy playboy he envies .
This 1988 romp is my go-to recommendation when anyone asks for a guaranteed pick-me-up .
Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin do double duty , both playing a pair of identical twins .
The sisters have no idea they were switched at birth until a chance encounter — and a lot of confusion — reunites them 40 years later .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ Comedy of Errors ” for a faster-paced world defined by glamour , capitalism and familial resentments .
A documentary that goes deep on a Hollywood classic It ’ s hard to believe there ’ s anything left to say about Alfred Hitchcock ’ s catalog , especially his signature movie , “ Psycho.
” Then along came “ 78/52.
” Alexandre O. Philippe , who also directed “ The People vs. George Lucas , ” examines the shower scene , in which Norman Bates ( Anthony Perkins ) kills Marion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every conceivable angle .
Never thought of the scene as a statement on motherhood ?
How about the art history that inspired Hitchcock ?
And how was the sound of a knife plunging into Marion ’ s body achieved ?
Even if you ’ re not a movie buff , there ’ s something her for you .
A version of the apocalypse that ’ s scarier than our current one An indie darling from 2011 , “ Take Shelter ” filters the apocalypse through the unreliable eyes of a small-town man ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be going crazy .
His wife ( Jessica Chastain ) and daughter ( Trova Stewart ) are growing alienated by his paranoia .
Meanwhile , he ’ s obsessing over a fallout shelter in the backyard and enduring ominous visions of the end times .
Director Jeff Nichols ( “ Loving , ” a very different but equally worthy recommendation ) peppers the film with a creeping dread that ’ s as electrifying as it is paralyzing .
On the surface , “ Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice ” is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s a bear-poking examination of the mores that supposedly undergirded the 1960s and beyond .
Natalie Wood and Robert Culp play a newly enlightened married couple experimenting in sexual openness , while Dyan Cannon and Elliott Gould are their dubious pals trying to come around to the idea .
Through rollicking debates and a potential foursome , the friends unpack the roles that gender and lust play in long-term relationships .
Confirming the movie ’ s charm , a musical adaptation scored by Duncan Sheik opened on Broadway last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a fairly standard millennial rom-com , but it ’ s funnier than a lot of the other fairly standard millennial rom-coms that Netflix has released since acquiring this one at Sundance in 2017 .
Ever-beguiling “ Daily Show ” alum Jessica Williams headlines , playing a Brooklyn children ’ s-theater teacher who agrees to a blind date with a jovial app developer ( Chris O ’ Dowd ) and finds herself smitten .

Stuck inside during the COVID-19 outbreak? We're here to help. Illustration: Damon Dahlen/HuffPost; Photos: Getty
The streaming revolution has never been handier. Now that we’re all stuck indoors riding out the coronavirus-induced quarantine, those apps that eat into your monthly paycheck are probably looking like a pretty swell investment. As movie theaters close and releases are delayed indefinitely, people will have to look beyond algorithms and marketing campaigns to find the entertainment that’s right for them.
For anyone who wants family-friendly escapism, Disney dropped “Frozen II” on its relatively new streaming service, Disney+, three months ahead of schedule. For more adult fare, Universal Pictures’ current titles — “The Hunt,” “The Invisible Man” and “Emma.” — will be available to rent for $19.99 via on-demand platforms as early as Friday. Similarly, Warner Bros. will make “Birds of Prey” and the Matthew McConaughey action caper “The Gentlemen” available a few weeks ahead of schedule. These unprecedented moves might help soften the predicted $20 billion blow that Hollywood will suffer as a result of the virus.
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Meanwhile, some at home are turning to pandemic fiction to make sense of what’s going on. “Contagion,” Steven Soderbergh’s grim 2011 thriller starring Kate Winslet and Matt Damon, has surged in popularity on iTunes and Amazon Prime Video, as has its 1995 predecessor “Outbreak,” which is also available on Netflix. I rewatched “Contagion” this weekend, and here’s a word to the wise: If you’re feeling anxious, it won’t help.
Whether you’re looking for gritty reality, high-concept fantasy or cheerful escapism, here are 11 recommendations.
A tense home-invasion thriller
“Wait Until Dark,” starring Audrey Hepburn as a blind woman alone in her Manhattan apartment.
Often forgotten in the annals of great horror movies, “Wait Until Dark” is simple in the best sense. Most of it takes place in one location: a blind housewife’s West Village apartment, where she is conned and stalked by three creeps (Richard Crenna, Jack Weston and oh-so-evil Alan Arkin) while her husband (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) is away on business. Director Terence Young, best known for the first two “James Bond” movies, uses the angular interiors to create a terrifying sensory experience. As the resourceful victim, Audrey Hepburn has to feel her way through the panic, leading to a climactic tug-of-war in pitch blackness.
Available on iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube.
Audrey Hepburn in "Wait Until Dark." Photoshot via Getty Images
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A queer “Fleabag”
“Orlando,” starring Tilda Swinton as an androgynous poet who travels through time.
If you’re fond of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s wry asides in “Fleabag,” you’ll have a ball with “Orlando,” in which Tilda Swinton winkingly peers at the camera to announce her bliss and vent her anger. Don’t let the movie’s period trappings dissuade you. Almost three decades after it was released, “Orlando” still feels subversive and modern. Spanning the Elizabethan era to early-’90s Britain, Swinton’s title character — based on Virginia Woolf’s novel of the same name — is an immortal poet who could be described as a proto-trans woman challenging gender modes as the centuries creep by. The surrounding film, directed by Sally Potter, is a feast of wit.
Available on Criterion Channel, iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube.
An Eddie Murphy gem that doesn’t get enough love
“Bowfinger,” a riotous comedy that ranks among Murphy’s best.
I saw “Bowfinger” for the first time last year, and it was the hardest I’ve laughed at a movie in ages. It’s technically a Steve Martin vehicle, but Eddie Murphy upstages him with two different roles: a pompous Hollywood actor named Kit Ramsey and his dopey look-alike. Martin plays a third-rate producer who goes to desperate lengths to cast Kit in his dream movie, first by invading the real Kit’s whereabouts and then by recruiting Kit’s doppelgänger as a stand-in. “Bowfinger” did decent business in 1999, but it deserves more prestige. The plotting is clever and the sight gags uproarious, particularly one in which Murphy runs screaming through busy freeway traffic.
Available on iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube.
Eddie Murphy and Steve Martin in "Bowfinger." Archive Photos via Getty Images
A fun existential lark about death
“Defending Your Life,” starring Albert Brooks (who also wrote and directed the film) and Meryl Streep in the afterlife.
In these neurotic times, any Albert Brooks movie will do. But the deepest of the bunch is “Defending Your Life,” the high-concept fantasy masterpiece about an advertising executive (Brooks) who dies and goes to heaven, where he must vouch for his life choices in court. There, he launches a courtship with an idyllic woman (Meryl Streep) whose virtues greatly outweigh his. What starts as a profile of a hierarchical afterlife defined by judges and juries gives way to one of the best romantic-comedy endings in history. (After you’re done, try “Heaven Can Wait,” which taps into similar ideas.)
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Available on HBO Go, iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube.
Meryl Streep in "Defending Your Life." Archive Photos via Getty Images
A slow-burning mystery
“Burning,” starring Steven Yeun in a haunting Korean chiller.
“Burning” should have been a bigger Oscar contender, and in a post-“Parasite” world, maybe it would be. The menacing but gentle Korean thriller from 2018 focuses on a cursed love triangle involving an aimless young writer (Yoo Ah-in), his former classmate (Jeon Jong-seo) and an enigmatic interloper (Steven Yeun) who may or may not be up to no good. It’s a film about perception, charting the tortured dynamics between a lower-class striver and the wealthy playboy he envies.
Available on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube.
Steven Yeun in "Burning." Well Go USA Entertainment
A wingding with funny women
“Big Business,” starring Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin as twins switched at birth.
This 1988 romp is my go-to recommendation when anyone asks for a guaranteed pick-me-up. Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin do double duty, both playing a pair of identical twins. The sisters have no idea they were switched at birth until a chance encounter — and a lot of confusion — reunites them 40 years later. It’s a breezy screwball farce that updates Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors” for a faster-paced world defined by glamour, capitalism and familial resentments.
Available on Disney+, iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube.
A documentary that goes deep on a Hollywood classic
“78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene,” an investigation into that famous “Psycho” moment.
It’s hard to believe there’s anything left to say about Alfred Hitchcock’s catalog, especially his signature movie, “Psycho.” Then along came “78/52.” Alexandre O. Philippe, who also directed “The People vs. George Lucas,” examines the shower scene, in which Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) kills Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), from every conceivable angle. Never thought of the scene as a statement on motherhood? How about the art history that inspired Hitchcock? And how was the sound of a knife plunging into Marion’s body achieved? Even if you’re not a movie buff, there’s something her for you.
Advertisement
Available on Hulu, iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube.
Alfred Hitchcock and Janet Leigh on the set of "Psycho." Sunset Boulevard via Getty Images
A version of the apocalypse that’s scarier than our current one
“Take Shelter,” starring Michael Shannon as a doomsday obsessive experiencing strange visions.
An indie darling from 2011, “Take Shelter” filters the apocalypse through the unreliable eyes of a small-town man (Michael Shannon) who may or may not be going crazy. His wife (Jessica Chastain) and daughter (Trova Stewart) are growing alienated by his paranoia. Meanwhile, he’s obsessing over a fallout shelter in the backyard and enduring ominous visions of the end times. Director Jeff Nichols (“Loving,” a very different but equally worthy recommendation) peppers the film with a creeping dread that’s as electrifying as it is paralyzing.
Available on Crackle, iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube.
A tender gay romance
“God’s Own Country,” starring Josh O’Connor as a hard-drinking farmhand who finds companionship.
Might I suggest a marathon of quiet LGBT love stories? Try “Weekend,” “Moonlight,” “Carol,” “Maurice,” “Desert Hearts,” “Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss” and “God’s Own Country,” the latter of which didn’t get nearly enough attention when it opened in 2017. John O’Connor, more recently seen playing Prince Charles in “The Crown,” plays a lonely, reckless British farmhand whose tough facade softens when a migrant worker (Alec Secăreanu) arrives for the busy season. They engage in hot (muddy!) sex, sweet romance and pastoral companionship ― the holy trinity.
Available on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube.
Josh O’Connor and Alec Secăreanu in "God's Own Country." Samuel Goldwyn Films
A sex comedy from the ’60s
“Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice,” a talky treatise on free love.
On the surface, “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice” is a movie about swinging. In practice, it’s a bear-poking examination of the mores that supposedly undergirded the 1960s and beyond. Natalie Wood and Robert Culp play a newly enlightened married couple experimenting in sexual openness, while Dyan Cannon and Elliott Gould are their dubious pals trying to come around to the idea. Through rollicking debates and a potential foursome, the friends unpack the roles that gender and lust play in long-term relationships. Confirming the movie’s charm, a musical adaptation scored by Duncan Sheik opened on Broadway last month.
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Available on Crackle, Criterion Channel, iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube.
A sweet rom-com that doesn’t require much thought
“The Incredible Jessica James,” starring Jessica Williams as a Brooklyn teacher weathering a new connection.
“The Incredible Jessica James” is a fairly standard millennial rom-com, but it’s funnier than a lot of the other fairly standard millennial rom-coms that Netflix has released since acquiring this one at Sundance in 2017. Ever-beguiling “Daily Show” alum Jessica Williams headlines, playing a Brooklyn children’s-theater teacher who agrees to a blind date with a jovial app developer (Chris O’Dowd) and finds herself smitten.


huffpost--2020-03-17--How We're Staying Fit Through A Quarantine

Physical fitness is an important coping mechanism for those of us trying to keep anxiety at bay and maintain a sense of normalcy and well-being .
At the same time , it ’ s important to prioritize safety and social distancing .
As many of us settle in to work from home for the foreseeable future , we called on our very own editors to share how they ’ re making time for mental and physical health .
“ I ’ m obsessed with Obé Fitness , a workout app that allows you to stream live and archived workouts from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the workouts can be done with a mat and your own body weight , with the option to level up with hand or ankle weights , resistance bands or sliders .
They offer classes like HIIT , dance , Pilates , strength training and yoga all under 30 minutes , which is great when you don ’ t have the time to schlep to the gym .
I love it because I can do the workouts first thing in the morning , without worrying about having a cute gym outfit or getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can jump right in the shower and start my day .
I usually bounce it onto my TV at home , but sometimes in the summer I ’ ll stream it from my phone so I can exercise outside.
” ― Danielle Gonzalez , Associate Commerce Editor “ Dana Landgren does the best low-impact at-home workouts I ’ ve ever done , and they don ’ t require any equipment .
Don ’ t be scared by her title , ‘ Pelvic Floor Princess ’ ( which , admittedly , scared me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pelvic floor is her specialty , her free at-home workout videos ( which she posts regularly to her Instagram feed ) will get every part of your body sore .
And I mean sore ...
Though the workouts may not feel difficult in the moment , you ’ ll be feeling it the next day .
She ’ s also just insanely cheerful and a great source of positive energy.
” ― Kristen Aiken , Senior Editor of Food and Style “ Core Rhythm Fitness is my be-all , end-all when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the studio through ClassPass initially , and loved it so much I ended up canceling my membership to go there full time .
Now that I ’ m not commuting into Manhattan for the time being , I ’ ve been missing founder Rodrick Covington ’ s killer Pilates warmup and the impactful HIIT exercises that usually kick my butt every morning .
The Neou app hosts a wide range of live and on-demand classes , but trust me , if you want to sweat and get strong in your living room , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ― Jamie Feldman , Life and Personal Reporter “ We all had a good laugh there a few months ago when we wondered whether the ‘ Peloton lady ’ in the digital studio ’ s holiday ad was ‘ OK. ’ Well , now that we ’ re all actually confined to our homes for the foreseeable future , the old bike is looking pretty good , isn ’ t she !
As much as I love making time for a tough bike ride , though , I ’ m loving their app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strength training , boot camps , outdoor running classes , and so on .
There ’ s a 90-day free trial right now for the entire app ’ s library and live classes , so hopefully that will cover the amount of time it will take before you ’ ll want to go back to the gym .
Or you might just get as hooked as I have on this !
My 5-year-old and I have been doing the yoga ones and really love the time together.
” ― Kate Palmer , Editorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently shared a 14-day workout routine on her Instagram that is super easy to follow and a great way to get in a quick bit of movement .
Each day has a different focus , and she is demonstrating each of the moves on her Instagram page , too .
It ’ s a great checklist to print out and reference not just now but whenever you need a quick boost !
” ― Feldman “ Helen is an amazing instructor who ’ s very body-positive and energy-oriented .
I ’ ve taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wake of COVID-19 I signed up for her online classes and they ’ ve really kept me afloat while working from home !
She ’ s created multiple types of classes at different session lengths so that she can fit in with your schedule .
She offers Pilates and cardio classes that are super affordable ( $ 5- $ 25 ) .
She also offers distance reiki , health coaching and prenatal and postpartum workouts.
” ― Alanna Vagianos , Women ’ s Reporter “ If you have a ClassPass membership , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and they don ’ t require any credits ) .
They have both audio and video , and you can search by type of activity ― yoga , barre , cardio , etc .
They also vary in length , which is great if you ’ re trying to squeeze something in but are crunched for time .
I did a 25-minute mat Pilates-type class this weekend and it was great !
It required no equipment but you could use light weights if you had them .
You can also Chromecast the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on your phone .
I ’ d recommend it !
” ― Ashley Rockman , Executive Relationships Editor “ Yoga with Adrienne is one of my favorite fitness YouTube channels and has been especially great now when I can ’ t make it to my gym .
I love her channel because she has videos for everything you might be looking for , from a long , strength-oriented flow to a stretching routine for sore muscles , and goes at a pace that ’ s easy to follow along with for beginners .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel so you won ’ t get bored !
Plus her cute dog frequently makes an appearance ― an added joy trigger !
” ― Anna McGrady , Senior Editor , Growth and Analytics “ FitOn is a free app that gives you workouts based on the equipment you have ( even no equipment ! )
.
They even have a ‘ WFH workout challenge ’ you can join with your friends , so it ’ s another way to be social during social distancing .
I find the classes to be really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also have a questionnaire you can fill out , which creates a custom workout plan for you .
The app also sends you notifications to remind you to do workouts , and is super user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
” ― Lindsay Holmes , Senior Wellness Editor “ If you want to go for a run outdoors but don ’ t really have the motivation , I love the ‘ guided runs ’ on the Nike Run Club app ( which is free ! )
.
While your phone ( or watch ) keeps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve gone , a coach will guide you through the run on your headphones , helping you with pacing and giving positive reinforcement.
” ― Aiken “ I ’ ve been following the gym guides from Mari Llewellyn for almost exactly a year now ( I know her page looks like it could be [ a ] shady Insta ‘ influencer ’ scam but she is really down to earth and legit ! )
.
I ’ ve made a lot of progress on my fitness and it was disheartening to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now that going to the gym just isn ’ t an option .
Fortunately , she also has home guides for people who don ’ t/can ’ t work out at a gym and they ’ re only $ 10 on her site right now .
I plan to follow those until it ’ s safe to hit the gym again.
” ― Casey Bond , Money Reporter

It’s hard to keep up with ― and keep calm about ― the ever-changing restrictions and policies surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. Along with school closures, there are restrictions on public gathering places like bars, restaurants and gyms, to name a few.
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut issued joint guidelines on Monday closing gyms in the tri-state area until further notice. The same day, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that area gyms would be required to close through March 31.
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Physical fitness is an important coping mechanism for those of us trying to keep anxiety at bay and maintain a sense of normalcy and well-being. At the same time, it’s important to prioritize safety and social distancing. As many of us settle in to work from home for the foreseeable future, we called on our very own editors to share how they’re making time for mental and physical health.
Between streaming services, online resources and fitness apps, HuffPost editors have narrowed down their favorite stay-at-home services, many of which offer free trials normally and are offering even more lenient and affordable subscriptions for the time being.
Below, some of our hand-picked fitness favorites:
Obé Fitness: Free 7-day trial, $27/month or $199/annually after that
“I’m obsessed with Obé Fitness, a workout app that allows you to stream live and archived workouts from anywhere, at any time. All of the workouts can be done with a mat and your own body weight, with the option to level up with hand or ankle weights, resistance bands or sliders. They offer classes like HIIT, dance, Pilates, strength training and yoga all under 30 minutes, which is great when you don’t have the time to schlep to the gym.
I love it because I can do the workouts first thing in the morning, without worrying about having a cute gym outfit or getting to class exactly on time, then I can jump right in the shower and start my day. I usually bounce it onto my TV at home, but sometimes in the summer I’ll stream it from my phone so I can exercise outside.” ― Danielle Gonzalez, Associate Commerce Editor
Advertisement
“Dana Landgren does the best low-impact at-home workouts I’ve ever done, and they don’t require any equipment. Don’t be scared by her title, ‘Pelvic Floor Princess’ (which, admittedly, scared me off at first). While strengthening the pelvic floor is her specialty, her free at-home workout videos (which she posts regularly to her Instagram feed) will get every part of your body sore. And I mean sore ... Though the workouts may not feel difficult in the moment, you’ll be feeling it the next day. She’s also just insanely cheerful and a great source of positive energy.” ― Kristen Aiken, Senior Editor of Food and Style
Core Rhythm Fitness via Neou App: $14.99/month or $49.99 annually
“Core Rhythm Fitness is my be-all, end-all when it comes to working out. I found the studio through ClassPass initially, and loved it so much I ended up canceling my membership to go there full time. Now that I’m not commuting into Manhattan for the time being, I’ve been missing founder Rodrick Covington’s killer Pilates warmup and the impactful HIIT exercises that usually kick my butt every morning. The Neou app hosts a wide range of live and on-demand classes, but trust me, if you want to sweat and get strong in your living room, CRF is the way to go.” ― Jamie Feldman, Life and Personal Reporter
Advertisement
Peloton: Free 90-day trial, $12.99/month after that
“We all had a good laugh there a few months ago when we wondered whether the ‘Peloton lady’ in the digital studio’s holiday ad was ‘OK.’ Well, now that we’re all actually confined to our homes for the foreseeable future, the old bike is looking pretty good, isn’t she! As much as I love making time for a tough bike ride, though, I’m loving their app’s other offerings: yoga, strength training, boot camps, outdoor running classes, and so on. There’s a 90-day free trial right now for the entire app’s library and live classes, so hopefully that will cover the amount of time it will take before you’ll want to go back to the gym. Or you might just get as hooked as I have on this! My 5-year-old and I have been doing the yoga ones and really love the time together.” ― Kate Palmer, Editorial Director, HuffPost Life
If you’re in need of a supportive community and a way to clear your mind, we invite new users to try the Peloton App free for the next 90 days. Click here to get yoga, meditation, strength, stretching, and bodyweight training in your own home: https://t.co/LQ5G5Aeic8 pic.twitter.com/e6pS22yvn0 — Peloton (@onepeloton) March 16, 2020
“Cassey Ho recently shared a 14-day workout routine on her Instagram that is super easy to follow and a great way to get in a quick bit of movement. Each day has a different focus, and she is demonstrating each of the moves on her Instagram page, too. It’s a great checklist to print out and reference not just now but whenever you need a quick boost!” ― Feldman
Advertisement
Helen Phelan: $5-25/monthly subscription
“Helen is an amazing instructor who’s very body-positive and energy-oriented. I’ve taken her classes in person, but in the wake of COVID-19 I signed up for her online classes and they’ve really kept me afloat while working from home! She’s created multiple types of classes at different session lengths so that she can fit in with your schedule. She offers Pilates and cardio classes that are super affordable ($5-$25). She also offers distance reiki, health coaching and prenatal and postpartum workouts.” ― Alanna Vagianos, Women’s Reporter
“If you have a ClassPass membership, you have access to their digital workouts (and they don’t require any credits). They have both audio and video, and you can search by type of activity ― yoga, barre, cardio, etc. They also vary in length, which is great if you’re trying to squeeze something in but are crunched for time. I did a 25-minute mat Pilates-type class this weekend and it was great! It required no equipment but you could use light weights if you had them. You can also Chromecast the videos to a TV instead of watching on your phone. I’d recommend it!” ― Ashley Rockman, Executive Relationships Editor
“Yoga with Adrienne is one of my favorite fitness YouTube channels and has been especially great now when I can’t make it to my gym. I love her channel because she has videos for everything you might be looking for, from a long, strength-oriented flow to a stretching routine for sore muscles, and goes at a pace that’s easy to follow along with for beginners. There are tons of videos on her channel so you won’t get bored! Plus her cute dog frequently makes an appearance ― an added joy trigger!” ― Anna McGrady, Senior Editor, Growth and Analytics
Advertisement
“FitOn is a free app that gives you workouts based on the equipment you have (even no equipment!). They even have a ‘WFH workout challenge’ you can join with your friends, so it’s another way to be social during social distancing. I find the classes to be really engaging and easy to follow. They also have a questionnaire you can fill out, which creates a custom workout plan for you. The app also sends you notifications to remind you to do workouts, and is super user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.” ― Lindsay Holmes, Senior Wellness Editor
Running: FREE!
“I decided that there was probably no better time than now to start running outside again. It breaks up the day and gives me a reason to be outside. I figure by the end of the month, I’ll be in a real groove again.” ― Erin Evans, Senior Enterprise Editor, Culture
“If you want to go for a run outdoors but don’t really have the motivation, I love the ‘guided runs’ on the Nike Run Club app (which is free!). While your phone (or watch) keeps track of how far and fast you’ve gone, a coach will guide you through the run on your headphones, helping you with pacing and giving positive reinforcement.” ― Aiken
“I’ve been following the gym guides from Mari Llewellyn for almost exactly a year now (I know her page looks like it could be [a] shady Insta ‘influencer’ scam but she is really down to earth and legit!). I’ve made a lot of progress on my fitness and it was disheartening to think that I might lose some of it now that going to the gym just isn’t an option. Fortunately, she also has home guides for people who don’t/can’t work out at a gym and they’re only $10 on her site right now. I plan to follow those until it’s safe to hit the gym again.” ― Casey Bond, Money Reporter
Advertisement


huffpost--2020-03-17--NYC Mayor Considers A Shelter-In-Place Order

NEW YORK ( AP ) – New York City residents should be prepared for the possibility of a shelter-in-place order within days , Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday .
De Blasio said no decision had been made yet , but he wants city and state officials to make a decision within 48 hours , given the fast spread of the coronavirus .
“ New Yorkers should be prepared right now for the possibility of a shelter in place order , ” de Blasio said at a news briefing .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said earlier Tuesday he had no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he stopped short of ruling it out .
Cuomo said that more restrictions on business would come first and that a quarantine would have to be at least statewide .
Cuomo said Tuesday that citywide quarantines would only encourage people to stay with friends or relatives outside the zone , making transmission problems worse .
Officials in six San Francisco Bay-area counties issued a “ shelter-in-place ” order that went into effect Tuesday , requiring nearly 7 million residents to stay inside and venture out only for food , medicine or exercise for @ @ @

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NEW YORK (AP) – New York City residents should be prepared for the possibility of a shelter-in-place order within days, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday.
De Blasio said no decision had been made yet, but he wants city and state officials to make a decision within 48 hours, given the fast spread of the coronavirus.
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“New Yorkers should be prepared right now for the possibility of a shelter in place order,” de Blasio said at a news briefing.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said earlier Tuesday he had no interest in imposing local quarantines, but he stopped short of ruling it out. Cuomo said that more restrictions on business would come first and that a quarantine would have to be at least statewide.
Cuomo said Tuesday that citywide quarantines would only encourage people to stay with friends or relatives outside the zone, making transmission problems worse.


huffpost--2020-03-17--Abortion Access Is Under Threat As Coronavirus Spreads

Last week , Joe Nelson , a physician who provides abortions in Texas , felt a tickle in his throat .
Then he started coughing .
His temperature soared .
On Monday , at his doctor ’ s office , he tested negative for the flu .
Unable to obtain a coronavirus test there , he is now self-quarantining for 14 days .
In a phone call with HuffPost as he left the doctor ’ s office , Nelson said he was mostly worried about how his unplanned absence might affect women ’ s ability to get abortions in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a huge impact , ” he said .
“ There are not that many doctors who provide abortion care in Texas .
A lot of the doctors that do come in from out of state .
In a situation where doctors are less likely to want to travel , if there ’ s no one to cover me , patients will have to wait.
” Reproductive rights groups warn that the spread of coronavirus could cripple abortion services , especially in places where access is already tenuous .
Six states have only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rural areas , clinics are staffed by travel doctors who fly to multiple locations to see patients .
Nelson , for example , provides abortions at three clinics across the state of Texas .
According to a Guttmacher Institute analysis released earlier this month , the outbreak may result in “ a shortage of clinicians who can provide sexual and reproductive health services , ” as well as increased wait times for patients in need .
In places with a limited number of providers , this will put “ an extreme strain ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If a provider gets sick , that ’ s one fewer person to provide care , ” said the Very Rev .
Katherine Hancock Ragsdale , president of the National Abortion Federation .
“ One or two people unable to show up can make the difference between a clinic being able to function or not.
” Clinics across the country are preparing for the worst and taking extra steps to protect their clients from coronavirus exposure .
Clinic staff are asking women to do as much paperwork as possible online and over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend in the office .
Some clinics have adjusted their patient schedules and are spacing appointments further apart so there is less overlap .
Ragsdale is concerned about how physicians will get to their clinics as travel becomes more fraught .
The same goes for patients , she said , who may not want to take public transportation at this time .
Patients may also struggle to come up with the money for an abortion if they are out of work due to the coronavirus , and school closures may make it harder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We worry that all health care resources are being channeled to non-elective procedures , and abortion tends to be classified as an elective procedure , ” Ragsdale said .
“ We understand that abortion isn ’ t a stroke or a heart attack , and it can be scheduled out .
But it can ’ t be scheduled out indefinitely.
” Denying or deferring an abortion puts an immense burden on patients and their families , she said .
They need timely access to abortions ― even in the midst of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time period where we should be focusing on moving all health care to telemedicine , minimizing the number of patient contacts within a clinic , ” she said .
“ We could be moving all our patients in the first trimester to telemedicine for medication abortion so they don ’ t have to come in at all.
” Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott ( R ) has asked state agencies to take any action necessary to facilitate telemedicine during the pandemic ― but abortion services are excluded , Moayedi said .
That means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from hundreds of miles away , must see her in person just to get a pill .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Last week, Joe Nelson, a physician who provides abortions in Texas, felt a tickle in his throat. Then he started coughing. His temperature soared. On Monday, at his doctor’s office, he tested negative for the flu. Unable to obtain a coronavirus test there, he is now self-quarantining for 14 days.
In a phone call with HuffPost as he left the doctor’s office, Nelson said he was mostly worried about how his unplanned absence might affect women’s ability to get abortions in the state.
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“Potentially, it could have a huge impact,” he said. “There are not that many doctors who provide abortion care in Texas. A lot of the doctors that do come in from out of state. In a situation where doctors are less likely to want to travel, if there’s no one to cover me, patients will have to wait.”
Reproductive rights groups warn that the spread of coronavirus could cripple abortion services, especially in places where access is already tenuous. Six states have only one remaining clinic apiece. In many rural areas, clinics are staffed by travel doctors who fly to multiple locations to see patients. Nelson, for example, provides abortions at three clinics across the state of Texas.
According to a Guttmacher Institute analysis released earlier this month, the outbreak may result in “a shortage of clinicians who can provide sexual and reproductive health services,” as well as increased wait times for patients in need. In places with a limited number of providers, this will put “an extreme strain” on the capacity to serve patients.
“If a provider gets sick, that’s one fewer person to provide care,” said the Very Rev. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale, president of the National Abortion Federation. “One or two people unable to show up can make the difference between a clinic being able to function or not.”
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Clinics across the country are preparing for the worst and taking extra steps to protect their clients from coronavirus exposure. Clinic staff are asking women to do as much paperwork as possible online and over the phone to reduce the time they spend in the office. Some clinics have adjusted their patient schedules and are spacing appointments further apart so there is less overlap.
Ragsdale is concerned about how physicians will get to their clinics as travel becomes more fraught. The same goes for patients, she said, who may not want to take public transportation at this time. Patients may also struggle to come up with the money for an abortion if they are out of work due to the coronavirus, and school closures may make it harder for them to secure reliable child care.
Another big concern, Ragsdale said, is a possible shortage of medical supplies like gloves and masks.
“We worry that all health care resources are being channeled to non-elective procedures, and abortion tends to be classified as an elective procedure,” Ragsdale said. “We understand that abortion isn’t a stroke or a heart attack, and it can be scheduled out. But it can’t be scheduled out indefinitely.”
Denying or deferring an abortion puts an immense burden on patients and their families, she said. They need timely access to abortions ― even in the midst of a pandemic.
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Ghazaleh Moayedi, an abortion provider and board member with Physicians for Reproductive Health, noted that TRAP laws, which stands for “targeted regulation of abortion providers,” are actually making patients less safe during the coronavirus outbreak.
In Texas, patients are forced to make multiple trips to the clinic for unnecessary counseling and ultrasounds, she said. Every visit creates another opportunity for the virus to spread.
Medication abortion, where a patient takes pills at home to end a pregnancy, can be safely and effectively administered by telemedicine, Moayedi explained. But in Texas, patients seeking a medication abortion are required to make three in-person trips to a clinic.
“This is a time period where we should be focusing on moving all health care to telemedicine, minimizing the number of patient contacts within a clinic,” she said. “We could be moving all our patients in the first trimester to telemedicine for medication abortion so they don’t have to come in at all.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has asked state agencies to take any action necessary to facilitate telemedicine during the pandemic ― but abortion services are excluded, Moayedi said. That means her patients, some of whom come from hundreds of miles away, must see her in person just to get a pill.
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huffpost--2020-03-17--How COVID-19 Is Driving Sex Workers Like Me Into Crisis

As soon as my alarm clock rings , I roll over to check the notifications on my phone .
Two new emails .
Amazing .
I open the mail app , hoping for a new client inquiry .
It ’ s been too slow ― the dead space of tax season has extended into March and I ’ m down to my last $ 200 , needing a client to come in fast .
I open the first email .
A huge sigh .
This has been the theme for going on three months now , with no foreseeable end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drops more and for workers in New York , that ’ s a pretty big fucking deal .
Coupled with the growing concerns of contracting COVID-19 , the client base for workers like myself is shrinking to almost nothing .
I text my dancer friends only to hear the same ― the clubs are empty .
I already know this email won ’ t lead to anything but I respond to it anyway , unable to turn down even the slightest possible chance of work .
Unless you ’ re lucky enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the types of clients coming in now are the kind you wished you didn ’ t have to take .
For 8 years I ’ ve been in the industry as a full-service sex worker , and you get used to the ebbs and flows of the business .
There are always times when work is scarce and you have to scrimp until the busy season returns .
With the rise of COVID-19 , however , we ’ re being pushed into a state of scarcity that goes far beyond the usual slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seattle and New York , it could potentially rival the post SESTA/FOSTA work losses .
COVID-19 and its surrounding panic are a real and present danger for sex workers in New York .
Workers and clients are both at risk for contraction , and knowing this has driven down the demand for our services an astronomical amount .
The failure of our city to provide us access to social services , and our government ’ s unwillingness to recognize sex work as a non-criminal venue of employment means that many workers are quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desperation .
In an ideal world , both clients and workers could take time off and pre-emptively self-quarantine until the threat of contracting coronavirus is under control .
We could all put our health first , and seek out health care if we need it .
For sex workers who work outside , are Queer and Trans People of Color or are unhoused or undocumented , the threat of destitution looms even closer .
For workers who are disabled or immuno-compromised , choosing to see clients could mean they risk death ... but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security .
Drops in demand brought on by COVID-19 don ’ t just mean less work ― it means less safe work .
Often when workers have fewer clients and no savings to rely on , we get pushed into situations that compromise our boundaries .
We are forced to book with clients who do not have our safety or our best interests in mind .
Clients will try to haggle with us , push down the price of our services , and sometimes we can ’ t refuse .
Workers will feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all , to accept clients they know aren ’ t safe and risk an assault or rape because they need to feed themselves or their children or keep the electricity on .
In times such as these , we rely hugely on mutual aid and grassroots organizing to act as a stopgap between us and financial ruin , but even these groups are rarely funded enough to be more than a Band-Aid for people who are affected .
I and the others of SWOP Brooklyn ( Sex Worker ’ s Outreach Project ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crisis relief fund , so we launched a GoFundMe to supplement the donations we had raised at a previous fundraiser .
In just 24 hours , we ’ ve crowdsourced over $ 20,000 in individual donations ― an amazing amount , but still just a drop in the bucket given the people reaching out and asking for assistance with rent , bills , childcare , food and medication .
Limiting direct contact with as many people as possible is the surest way to avoid contracting the coronavirus .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time off , self-isolate and pump up on vitamin C and supportive herbs .
We all know this .
Still , many of us will continue to gamble with our lungs and lives on the line as we try to pay our rent and make connections with our fellow human beings .
We often say that our work is a luxury service .
Sex is a luxury service , but intimacy is not .
The most impactful parts of our work ― empathy , intimacy , connection ― are also at risk as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another human being .
Intimacy is still a basic human need .
People will still seek the services of professional sex workers , even now amid a viral outbreak when we all have that much more to lose .
Love in the time of COVID-19 means redefining how we can be intimate with and support one another .
Whether this involves donating to crowdfunds , buying digital content or doing sexy quarantine play ― there are ways to engage with and lift up sex workers in a time of crisis , while benefiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all of us to survive is if we continue to rely on one another and foster meaningful connections , regardless of whether it ’ s in person or not .

Motortion via Getty Images
As soon as my alarm clock rings, I roll over to check the notifications on my phone. Two new emails. Amazing. I open the mail app, hoping for a new client inquiry. It’s been too slow ― the dead space of tax season has extended into March and I’m down to my last $200, needing a client to come in fast. I open the first email.
Hi, my name is Jeff and I’m an experienced web developer looking to help you with –
Delete delete delete.
I open the second email.
hey :)
A huge sigh. This has been the theme for going on three months now, with no foreseeable end in sight. Every day the Dow drops more and for workers in New York, that’s a pretty big fucking deal. Coupled with the growing concerns of contracting COVID-19, the client base for workers like myself is shrinking to almost nothing. I text my dancer friends only to hear the same ― the clubs are empty.
Advertisement
I already know this email won’t lead to anything but I respond to it anyway, unable to turn down even the slightest possible chance of work. Unless you’re lucky enough to have some healthy and generous regulars, the types of clients coming in now are the kind you wished you didn’t have to take.
For 8 years I’ve been in the industry as a full-service sex worker, and you get used to the ebbs and flows of the business. There are always times when work is scarce and you have to scrimp until the busy season returns. With the rise of COVID-19, however, we’re being pushed into a state of scarcity that goes far beyond the usual slow season ― and for disease epicenters like Seattle and New York, it could potentially rival the post SESTA/FOSTA work losses.
COVID-19 and its surrounding panic are a real and present danger for sex workers in New York. Workers and clients are both at risk for contraction, and knowing this has driven down the demand for our services an astronomical amount. The failure of our city to provide us access to social services, and our government’s unwillingness to recognize sex work as a non-criminal venue of employment means that many workers are quickly being pushed into a state of financial desperation.
In an ideal world, both clients and workers could take time off and pre-emptively self-quarantine until the threat of contracting coronavirus is under control. We could all put our health first, and seek out health care if we need it.
Advertisement
The reality is that most sex workers have little to no savings to fall back on and little access to services that would at best only partially relieve the stress of not having work.
For sex workers who work outside, are Queer and Trans People of Color or are unhoused or undocumented, the threat of destitution looms even closer. For workers who are disabled or immuno-compromised, choosing to see clients could mean they risk death ... but not seeing clients means risking all financial security.
Drops in demand brought on by COVID-19 don’t just mean less work ― it means less safe work. Often when workers have fewer clients and no savings to rely on, we get pushed into situations that compromise our boundaries. We are forced to book with clients who do not have our safety or our best interests in mind. Clients will try to haggle with us, push down the price of our services, and sometimes we can’t refuse.
Workers will feel pressure to screen less or not at all, to accept clients they know aren’t safe and risk an assault or rape because they need to feed themselves or their children or keep the electricity on.
We are being pushed into desperate financial situations and to ignore symptoms because we don’t have the financial means to afford health care. Some of us will be forced to return to abusive partners rather than risk homelessness.
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The precarious situations of sex workers in the time of COVID-19 underscore the failings of our systems and our government’s inability to care for its most marginalized citizens.
In times such as these, we rely hugely on mutual aid and grassroots organizing to act as a stopgap between us and financial ruin, but even these groups are rarely funded enough to be more than a Band-Aid for people who are affected.
I and the others of SWOP Brooklyn (Sex Worker’s Outreach Project) recognized an immediate and increasing need for a crisis relief fund, so we launched a GoFundMe to supplement the donations we had raised at a previous fundraiser. In just 24 hours, we’ve crowdsourced over $20,000 in individual donations ― an amazing amount, but still just a drop in the bucket given the people reaching out and asking for assistance with rent, bills, childcare, food and medication.
So, what of love in the time of COVID-19? What of sex?
Limiting direct contact with as many people as possible is the surest way to avoid contracting the coronavirus. It’s a time to stay at home, takeg time off, self-isolate and pump up on vitamin C and supportive herbs. We all know this. Still, many of us will continue to gamble with our lungs and lives on the line as we try to pay our rent and make connections with our fellow human beings.
We often say that our work is a luxury service. Sex is a luxury service, but intimacy is not. The most impactful parts of our work ― empathy, intimacy, connection ― are also at risk as we begin to fear the touch of another human being. Intimacy is still a basic human need. People will still seek the services of professional sex workers, even now amid a viral outbreak when we all have that much more to lose.
Advertisement
Love in the time of COVID-19 means redefining how we can be intimate with and support one another. Whether this involves donating to crowdfunds, buying digital content or doing sexy quarantine play ― there are ways to engage with and lift up sex workers in a time of crisis, while benefiting from our services. The only way for all of us to survive is if we continue to rely on one another and foster meaningful connections, regardless of whether it’s in person or not.
I am grateful for the community that has stepped up so far, and I know that our solidarity efforts will only continue to grow as we weather this pandemic together.
How long will we be able to keep up such efforts? We’ve already been doing it for generations, in times of both abundance and scarcity, and I have no doubt we’ll be doing it for years to come.
Molly Simmons is a full-service sex worker and sex-worker activist in Brooklyn. She is a chapter representative for SWOP Brooklyn, fighting for the decriminalization of sex work and providing mutual aid to sex workers in the New York area.
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