huffpost--2020-03-20--National Spelling Bee Canceled Because Of Coronavirus

The Scripps National Spelling Bee won ’ t be held as scheduled this year because of the coronavirus , meaning years of preparation by some of the country ’ s top spellers could go for naught .
Scripps cited state and federal recommendations against large gatherings Friday as it canceled plans to hold the contest during the week of May 24 .
Scripps said it would try to reschedule for later this year but did not commit to a new date .
It ’ s possible the bee won ’ t be held at all .
“ Canceling the bee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spellers , ” Navneeth Murali , a 14-year-old bee veteran from Edison , New Jersey , told The Associated Press .
“ It would basically be crushing their dreams.
” Navneeth ’ s parents joined with families of other top spellers to send an email to executive director Paige Kimble , urging her to reschedule .
Kimble expressed confidence that the logistics of holding a bee later this year could be worked out .
“ If it is abundantly clear that it is safe to hold an in-person gathering , we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do to have that happen , ” Kimble told AP .
“ And if it isn ’ t possible , we ’ re going to do everything in our power to re-imagine something that would still happen for kids.
” Most nationally competitive spellers devote years of their lives to mastering the dictionary and learning roots and language patterns , hoping for a win before they age out .
Navneeth , who finished fifth in 2018 and 11th last year , is among the eighth-graders preparing for their last shot at the title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many hours and made so many sacrifices in order to see this dream come true , ” he said .
The bee ’ s rules require only that participants not move beyond eighth grade before Aug. 31 , which means if this year ’ s bee were held later than that , the competition could include some ninth-graders for the first time .
The Scripps bee began in 1925 and this year ’ s , if it happens , would be the 93rd .
The contest was not held from 1943-45 because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inevitable as regional bees have been called off .
Kimble said 97 of the 252 spots in the field expected to be filled by the winners of sponsored regional bees are vacant .
Among the spellers who have yet to earn a spot is Simone Kaplan , who finished ninth last year — just behind the eight spellers known as “ octo-champs ” who tied for first place .
Simone , a 14-year-old from Davie , Florida , had her regional bee called off earlier this week .
“ I would be starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a lot more stuff , ” Simone said .
“ There ’ s honors classes that I have to study for , I might be involved in some new extracurricular activities and it might be hard to study as hard for the bee with all that going on.
” Hepzibah Sujoe , a 13-year-old from Fort Worth , Texas , said she was putting her post-spelling summer plans on hold in anticipation of preparing for a later bee .
The eighth-grader ’ s older brother , Ansun Sujoe , was a 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind me , I wanted to make this last year count , ” Hepzibah said .
“ I really hope that Scripps still happens this year.
” “ My heart goes out to all the spellers , ” said Kimble , herself a former champion .
“ I ’ m almost 40 years removed from my speller days , but I can still keenly recall how hard I worked for , dreamed about and anticipated the national finals .
We are going to do our best to make something happen in spite of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all our lives .
”

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The Scripps National Spelling Bee won’t be held as scheduled this year because of the coronavirus, meaning years of preparation by some of the country’s top spellers could go for naught.
Scripps cited state and federal recommendations against large gatherings Friday as it canceled plans to hold the contest during the week of May 24. Scripps said it would try to reschedule for later this year but did not commit to a new date. It’s possible the bee won’t be held at all.
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“Canceling the bee would cause an emotional breakdown for most spellers,” Navneeth Murali, a 14-year-old bee veteran from Edison, New Jersey, told The Associated Press. “It would basically be crushing their dreams.”
Navneeth’s parents joined with families of other top spellers to send an email to executive director Paige Kimble, urging her to reschedule. Kimble expressed confidence that the logistics of holding a bee later this year could be worked out.
“If it is abundantly clear that it is safe to hold an in-person gathering, we’re going to do everything we can possibly do to have that happen,” Kimble told AP. “And if it isn’t possible, we’re going to do everything in our power to re-imagine something that would still happen for kids.”
Most nationally competitive spellers devote years of their lives to mastering the dictionary and learning roots and language patterns, hoping for a win before they age out. Navneeth, who finished fifth in 2018 and 11th last year, is among the eighth-graders preparing for their last shot at the title.
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“I’ve spent so many hours and made so many sacrifices in order to see this dream come true,” he said.
The bee’s rules require only that participants not move beyond eighth grade before Aug. 31, which means if this year’s bee were held later than that, the competition could include some ninth-graders for the first time.
The Scripps bee began in 1925 and this year’s, if it happens, would be the 93rd. The contest was not held from 1943-45 because of World War II.
The postponement became inevitable as regional bees have been called off. Kimble said 97 of the 252 spots in the field expected to be filled by the winners of sponsored regional bees are vacant.
Among the spellers who have yet to earn a spot is Simone Kaplan, who finished ninth last year — just behind the eight spellers known as “octo-champs” who tied for first place. Simone, a 14-year-old from Davie, Florida, had her regional bee called off earlier this week.
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A bee held in the fall would present new challenges for the academically gifted teenager, whose nonstop, year-round bee preparation includes regular private coaching sessions.
“I would be starting high school and I might be involved in a lot more stuff,” Simone said. “There’s honors classes that I have to study for, I might be involved in some new extracurricular activities and it might be hard to study as hard for the bee with all that going on.”
Hepzibah Sujoe, a 13-year-old from Fort Worth, Texas, said she was putting her post-spelling summer plans on hold in anticipation of preparing for a later bee. The eighth-grader’s older brother, Ansun Sujoe, was a 2014 co-champion.
“With my whole family behind me, I wanted to make this last year count,” Hepzibah said. “I really hope that Scripps still happens this year.”
Kimble said both the venue and ESPN are open to the prospect of rescheduling.
“My heart goes out to all the spellers,” said Kimble, herself a former champion. “I’m almost 40 years removed from my speller days, but I can still keenly recall how hard I worked for, dreamed about and anticipated the national finals. We are going to do our best to make something happen in spite of the constraints that COVID-19 is imposing on all our lives.”
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huffpost--2020-03-20--New York State Orders All Nonessential Workers To Stay Home

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) on Friday issued the state ’ s strictest and most grave policy yet to stem the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Cuomo ordered the entire state to “ remain indoors to the greatest extent , ” mandating all workers stay home unless they are performing essential functions , like providing food , utilities and health care .
The order , called NYS on Pause , appears similar to the shelter-in-place and safe-at-home mandates enacted by officials in California earlier this week , though Cuomo said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will go into effect on Sunday evening .
Any “ nonessential gatherings of individuals of any size ” should be canceled or postponed .
Getting exercise outside is permitted , but individuals should socially distance , remaining 6 feet away from others .
Essential businesses , such as grocery stores , pharmacies , banks and the media , must also practice social distancing .
Members of more vulnerable populations , such as seniors over the age of 70 and immuno-compromised individuals , will have even more stringent provisions , under Matilda ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mother .
The order will be enforced with fines and mandatory closures for businesses , Cuomo said , stressing that these are “ not helpful hints.
” All eviction proceedings in New York will be suspended for 90 days as well , he said .
In recent days , Cuomo has been working with the governors of Connecticut , New Jersey and Pennsylvania to implement uniform policies to slow the spread of the coronavirus throughout the region .
On Thursday night , California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ( D ) became the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called a “ safe-at-home ” order , that implements similar restrictions .
Cuomo said he consulted with state , national and international experts to impose the order .
Several countries have essentially locked down in order to slow the spread of the virus .
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio ( D ) has been calling for a shelter-in-place measure all week , after San Francisco became the first major metropolitan area in the U.S. to impose such an order on Monday .
But the order had to come from Cuomo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear that it may cause .
On Friday , Cuomo particularly urged young people to practice social distancing , stressing that they too can contract the virus , and even if they do not show symptoms , they can still transmit it to older and more vulnerable individuals .
“ Even if you ’ re young and strong , and everybody is Superman or Superwoman — ‘ I can deal with it.
’ Oh yeah ?
” Cuomo said .
“ You can give it to your grandparent or your parent .
”

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Friday issued the state’s strictest and most grave policy yet to stem the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Cuomo ordered the entire state to “remain indoors to the greatest extent,” mandating all workers stay home unless they are performing essential functions, like providing food, utilities and health care.
The order, called NYS on Pause, appears similar to the shelter-in-place and safe-at-home mandates enacted by officials in California earlier this week, though Cuomo said it was not a shelter-in-place order. It will go into effect on Sunday evening.
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Any “nonessential gatherings of individuals of any size” should be canceled or postponed. Getting exercise outside is permitted, but individuals should socially distance, remaining 6 feet away from others. Essential businesses, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and the media, must also practice social distancing.
Members of more vulnerable populations, such as seniors over the age of 70 and immuno-compromised individuals, will have even more stringent provisions, under Matilda’s Law, which Cuomo named after his mother.
The order will be enforced with fines and mandatory closures for businesses, Cuomo said, stressing that these are “not helpful hints.”
He said later that individuals would not be fined.
All eviction proceedings in New York will be suspended for 90 days as well, he said.
Cuomo also suggested that neighboring states will soon implement similar orders.
“We’re talking,” he said.
In recent days, Cuomo has been working with the governors of Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to implement uniform policies to slow the spread of the coronavirus throughout the region.
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On Thursday night, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) became the first statewide official to issue what he called a “safe-at-home” order, that implements similar restrictions.
Cuomo said he consulted with state, national and international experts to impose the order. Several countries have essentially locked down in order to slow the spread of the virus.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) has been calling for a shelter-in-place measure all week, after San Francisco became the first major metropolitan area in the U.S. to impose such an order on Monday. But the order had to come from Cuomo, who had initially resisted, citing the fear that it may cause.
On Friday, Cuomo particularly urged young people to practice social distancing, stressing that they too can contract the virus, and even if they do not show symptoms, they can still transmit it to older and more vulnerable individuals.
“Even if you’re young and strong, and everybody is Superman or Superwoman — ‘I can deal with it.’ Oh yeah?” Cuomo said. “You can give it to your grandparent or your parent.”


huffpost--2020-03-20--What To Do If You Live With Someone Who May Have Coronavirus

If you live with someone , your immediate concerns about coronavirus double : You worry that you may get the virus , but you also worry about your partner , kids or roommate .
What should you do if they ’ re exhibiting signs of COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus ?
Your goal is to distance as much as possible .
Sleep in separate bedrooms .
( And use different bathrooms , if possible . )
When you do have to come into contact with them , practice good hygiene .
Your on-the-mend family member will need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That means the person who is primarily caring for them will need to bring food in .
If that person is you , wear a mask when you ’ re around the sick person and keep six feet away from them , the CDC advises .
“ Have Tylenol on hand to bring down your fever , ” Deutsch said , adding that supplements like vitamin C and zinc are great immune system boosters , too .
For most people , symptoms last a few days and get better after a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your health care provider about how long the person will need to stay isolated in their room , but Benjamin said it ’ s usually around 14 days .
Caring for someone who ’ s sick is stressful in any situation .
When they may have contract coronavirus , it ’ s even more stressful .
If you start to feel anxious about everything going on around you , it helps to identity what you ’ re worried about : Are you anxious about what ’ s going to happen to your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own health ?
Are you worried about the potential for more spread ?
Are you anxious about the potential economic impact that all of this might have on your family ?
“ We can identify things that we can actually do that would be helpful in this situation and then we can let go of some of the anxiety and really focus on the person that we care about who needs us , because they ’ re probably feeling kind of scared and anxious too , ” Bufka said .

President Donald Trump’s intent to leave the hospital and return to the White House has the country fixated on the safest procedures for COVID-19 patients ― particularly when it comes to looking after someone at home. What should you do if you live with someone who has the coronavirus? How do you keep them, yourself and your household healthy?
The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention says that most people who get mildly sick with COVID-19 should recover at home. Mild symptoms can include fever, cough, new loss of taste or smell, chills, fatigue, headaches, runny nose and diarrhea. If they’re experiencing severe symptoms ― trouble breathing, intense chest pain, new confusion and pneumonia ― seek emergency medical care.
How do you look after someone while ensuring that you stay as healthy as possible? Below, doctors share the advice they’re giving patients.
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Your goal is to distance as much as possible.
First, don’t freak out. Taking care of someone with COVID-19 can be done at home if they have mild symptoms, said Sachin Nagrani, a physician and the East Coast Medical Director for Heal, a telemedicine provider of doctor house calls.
“If someone in your household is diagnosed and has mild symptoms, the goal is self-isolation for the sick person until she or he recovers, to limit the spread of the infection,“ he said.
Maskot via Getty Images Be sure to sleep in separate bedrooms.
Sleep in separate bedrooms. (And use different bathrooms, if possible.)
The CDC recommends having the sick person stay in one room, away from any other people in the house as much as possible. That means sleeping in separate rooms and using separate bathrooms, if possible.
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“Limit the number of places the sick person goes to and separate them from other family members,” Georges C. Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, told HuffPost. “If a separate room isn’t possible, try a separate bed.”
When you do have to come into contact with them, practice good hygiene.
Your on-the-mend housemate will need to take their meals in their own room. That means the person who is primarily caring for them will need to bring food in. If that person is you, wear a mask when you’re around the sick person and keep 6 feet away from them, the CDC advises.
“After they’ve had their food, use extreme care cleaning the dishes,” said Marcus Plescia, the chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, a nonprofit organization that represents public health agencies across the country.
“The dishes should be washed in hot soap and water then rinsed in a bleach solution,” he said. “Or washed in the disinfect cycle of dishwasher, if you have that.”
Whenever you come into contact with the sick person, wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, the CDC says. If soap and water aren’t on hand, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
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And it should go without saying, but avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if you come into contact with them.
Moyo Studio via Getty Images Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
Provide symptom treatment.
Make sure the sick person drinks a lot of fluids, whether it’s water or electrolyte-filled drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte.
“With a fever, you want to make sure you don’t get dehydration, and simple hydration will consistently prevent that side effect while you’re sick,” Jake Deutsch, a physician and founder of Cure Urgent Care told HuffPost recently.
Over-the-counter medicines help reduce minor coronavirus symptoms.
“Have Tylenol on hand to bring down your fever,” Deutsch said, adding that supplements like vitamin C and zinc are great immune system boosters, too. Talk to your health care provider about how long the person will need to stay isolated in their room, but Benjamin said it’s usually around 14 days.
Keep the house sanitized.
Keep high-touch surfaces ― tabletops, counters, doorknobs ― as clean as possible. The CDC says to use household cleaning sprays or wipes as you normally would.
Get extra vigilant about laundry, too. If laundry is soiled, the CDC says to wear disposable gloves and keep the dirty items away from your body while doing the laundry. Once you remove the gloves, wash your hands right away.
Don’t let the sick person feel isolated.
There are still ways to make your sick loved one feel like part of the household, even if they can’t leave their room.
“While a family member is physically isolated, video call them from the living room to interact with the family and keep their spirits up,” Nagrani said. “That’s something that is officially encouraged by this doctor.”
Westend61 via Getty Images Make use of Facetime while your family member is in self-isolation.
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Monitor the person for worsening symptoms.
If the sick person you’re living with seems to be getting worse, call your healthcare provider for advice.
“One should always monitor for symptoms that require you or a family member to see a physician,” Benjamin said. “Those symptoms include persistent fever, shortness of breath and chest pain.”
Manage your own anxiety.
Caring for someone who’s sick is stressful in any situation, but particularly this one. If you start to feel anxious about everything going on around you, it helps to identity what you’re worried about: Are you anxious about what’s going to happen to your loved one’s health? Your own health? Are you worried about the potential for more spread? Are you anxious about the potential economic impact that all of this might have on your family?
Your concerns may be weighty, but you’re probably less powerless than you think. Once you’ve identified some of your worries, you often find there are things you can do alleviate the situation, said Lynn Bufka, the associate executive director for practice research and policy at the American Psychological Association.
“We can identify things that we can actually do that would be helpful in this situation and then we can let go of some of the anxiety and really focus on the person that we care about who needs us, because they’re probably feeling kind of scared and anxious too,” Bufka said.
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Once you’ve addressed your worries as much as you can, you can get back to being more present for your sick family member, Bufka said.


huffpost--2020-03-20--Anything But Coronavirus: 5 Other Things To Obsess Over This Week

Consider this a request ― a plea ― to give your brain a break for a few minutes .
It ’ s important to stay up to date on the news and be aware of the guidelines surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak .
But during this time fraught with anxiety and uncertainty , it ’ s also important for our mental health to think about things that are not the big thing everyone ’ s thinking about all the time .
Take it from me , an anxious person who thought starting “ The Sopranos ” from the beginning was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have since put that endeavor on hold .
In lieu of obsessing over Carmela Soprano ’ s wardrobe , I ’ ve started obsessing over other , less stressful matters .
I ’ m sharing those in the first story of a new series titled Anything But Coronavirus , or ABC as I ’ ve taken to calling it .
I hope they will make you smile , clear your head and help serve as the collective deep breath we all need to be taking every once in a while .
1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two badass women , Katie Sturino and Candice Huffine .
Running solo is , for now , still a great way to preserve mental and physical health .
Katie Sturino , founder of the cult-embraced anti-chafing product line MegaBabe , and Candice Huffine , model and athletic clothing designer , teamed up on a collection of bras , leggings and shirts released earlier this month .
If you ’ re looking for a way to support small , women-fronted businesses working to shatter stereotypes about what fit bodies look like , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
2 .
All of these photos of Lizzo on the cover of Mexican fashion magazine Estilo DF .
I ’ m cryin ’ because I have nowhere to go to replicate this gorgeous blue eye .
Alexx Mayo , who did the makeup for this shoot , used Urban Decay and Lily Lashes .
But really , everything about the spread ― the clothes , the hair , the sheer joy ― is worth a long look .
3 .
The New York Daily News referring to very famous and accomplished actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Idris Elba.
” 4 .
Finding out how penguins walk down steps .
You ’ ve probably heard about the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago allowing its penguins to visit other exhibits while the facility is closed to the public .
But have you seen them walk ― sorry ― hop down the stairs ?
Pure joy .
Are you seriously still not watching “ Schitt ’ s Creek ” ?
There is no excuse anymore .
It ’ s right there on Netflix , bringing us Catherine O ’ Hara and her stellar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moira ’ s wigs are essentially a character on the show and for season six , the final in the series , they ’ ve gone all out .
Co-creator Dan Levy has taken to sharing info about her wigs and headpieces , like this one made of zip ties and purchased on Etsy .

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Hey! What’s up? Anything new? How many minutes has it been since you washed your hands? How many times have you googled “anxiety symptoms versus coronavirus symptoms” today?
Consider this a request ― a plea ― to give your brain a break for a few minutes. It’s important to stay up to date on the news and be aware of the guidelines surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. But during this time fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, it’s also important for our mental health to think about things that are not the big thing everyone’s thinking about all the time.
Advertisement
Take it from me, an anxious person who thought starting “The Sopranos” from the beginning was a good idea in already trying times. I have since put that endeavor on hold. In lieu of obsessing over Carmela Soprano’s wardrobe, I’ve started obsessing over other, less stressful matters.
I’m sharing those in the first story of a new series titled Anything But Coronavirus, or ABC as I’ve taken to calling it. I hope they will make you smile, clear your head and help serve as the collective deep breath we all need to be taking every once in a while.
In no particular order, they are:
1. This adorable athletic wear collaboration from two badass women, Katie Sturino and Candice Huffine.
Running solo is, for now, still a great way to preserve mental and physical health. Katie Sturino, founder of the cult-embraced anti-chafing product line MegaBabe, and Candice Huffine, model and athletic clothing designer, teamed up on a collection of bras, leggings and shirts released earlier this month. If you’re looking for a way to support small, women-fronted businesses working to shatter stereotypes about what fit bodies look like, this is your chance. Plus, how CUTE!
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2. All of these photos of Lizzo on the cover of Mexican fashion magazine Estilo DF.
I’m cryin’ because I have nowhere to go to replicate this gorgeous blue eye. Alexx Mayo, who did the makeup for this shoot, used Urban Decay and Lily Lashes. But really, everything about the spread ― the clothes, the hair, the sheer joy ― is worth a long look.
3. The New York Daily News referring to very famous and accomplished actor Idris Elba as “Cats’ Actor Idris Elba.”
“Cats” actor Idris Elba assured fans that despite testing positive for coronavirus, he’s doing all right.https://t.co/sB9tnbAgxU — New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) March 18, 2020
Pretty self-explanatory. Just a big LOL.
4. Finding out how penguins walk down steps.
close your eyes. imagine how you think a penguin walks down stairs. wrong. it’s better than thatpic.twitter.com/fYzoiin5vb — your best friend (@SortaBad) March 17, 2020
You’ve probably heard about the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago allowing its penguins to visit other exhibits while the facility is closed to the public. But have you seen them walk ― sorry ― hop down the stairs? Pure joy.
5. Moira Rose’s wigs on “Schitt’s Creek.”
This headpiece is made of zip ties. Another Etsy find! 👼🏼 https://t.co/7MmKkhvF57 — dan levy (@danjlevy) February 5, 2020
Are you seriously still not watching “Schitt’s Creek”? There is no excuse anymore. It’s right there on Netflix, bringing us Catherine O’Hara and her stellar performance as medicated matriarch Moira Rose. Moira’s wigs are essentially a character on the show and for season six, the final in the series, they’ve gone all out. Co-creator Dan Levy has taken to sharing info about her wigs and headpieces, like this one made of zip ties and purchased on Etsy.
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huffpost--2020-03-20--Here's How Some Rich New Yorkers Got Coronavirus Tests So Quickly

NEW YORK ( Reuters ) ― As U.S. authorities scrambled to ramp up the nation ’ s capacity to test for coronavirus last week , at least 100 executives and other New Yorkers of means had easy access to testing , according to two sources familiar with the activities of a little-known medical service catering to the affluent .
These people paid a $ 5,000-a-year membership fee for a medical concierge service in New York City called Sollis Health , which worked with Enzo Clinical Labs Inc to test its members for COVID-19 , according to the sources .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in finance , entertainment , advertising and media industries , access to the tests at home at a time New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the state had the capacity to test just a few hundred patients a day .
The two sources declined to provide the identities of the people the company tested for coronavirus and Reuters could not establish them .
The demand for the coronavirus testing services provided by Sollis underscores the lack of preparedness of public health institutions .
The access it provided its members is the latest example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time of scarcity .
Sollis is part of a lucrative cottage industry , where membership costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars a year for services such as special access to doctors and private emergency rooms .
These companies have found a niche in wealthy cities like New York and San Francisco as the rich seek access to better healthcare .
Reuters was unable to ascertain if other medical concierge services also were offering coronavirus tests .
In the past few days questions have swirled on Twitter about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to get the tests when they were hard to come by .
“ Clearly there is access beyond what most Americans are seeing is available , ” said Dr. Jake Deutsch , a clinical director of New York-based Cure Urgent Care , commenting on the broader lack of testing .
“ Hopefully we will get mass testing soon , it shouldn ’ t be based on your class or any other factor other than symptoms.
” One of those tested by Deutsch ’ s practice was social media influencer Arielle Charnas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deutsch said Charnas , a friend , was sick and did not get special treatment .
Charnas did not respond to a request for a comment .
So far , at least 10,990 cases of the novel coronavirus have been reported in the United States and 95 people have died from the COVID-19 disease , according to a Reuters tally of state and local government websites on Tuesday afternoon .
Sollis Health has locations in the Upper East Side andTribeca neighborhoods of Manhattan .
“ At the ER , you ’ ll wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most medical issues immediately , ” it says on its website .
“ It can take weeks to see the best specialists .
We get you in right away.
” The company started to get inquiries about testing for coronavirus around the end of February , as cases began to spread in Italy , the person familiar with the matter said .
Some of its members had traveled to areas affected and wanted to get tested , the person said .
Its physicians contacted the New York Department of Health for coronavirus tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but found the availability of tests was limited , the person said.They also used swabs to run tests for other types of respiratory diseases , which if diagnosed , could help reduce the likelihood of the member also having COVID-19 , this person said .
On March 6 , Enzo Biochem Inc said it will begin accepting specimens for COVID-19 testing at its lab from the following week .
Enzo , which already does work for Sollis Health , told the company it could do the tests for its members , the @ @ @

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NEW YORK (Reuters) ― As U.S. authorities scrambled to ramp up the nation’s capacity to test for coronavirus last week, at least 100 executives and other New Yorkers of means had easy access to testing, according to two sources familiar with the activities of a little-known medical service catering to the affluent.
These people paid a $5,000-a-year membership fee for a medical concierge service in New York City called Sollis Health, which worked with Enzo Clinical Labs Inc to test its members for COVID-19, according to the sources.
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The arrangement gave members, which include people in finance, entertainment, advertising and media industries, access to the tests at home at a time New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the state had the capacity to test just a few hundred patients a day. The two sources declined to provide the identities of the people the company tested for coronavirus and Reuters could not establish them.
The demand for the coronavirus testing services provided by Sollis underscores the lack of preparedness of public health institutions. The access it provided its members is the latest example of how well-to-do people got coronavirus tests at a time of scarcity.
Sollis is part of a lucrative cottage industry, where membership costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars a year for services such as special access to doctors and private emergency rooms. These companies have found a niche in wealthy cities like New York and San Francisco as the rich seek access to better healthcare. Reuters was unable to ascertain if other medical concierge services also were offering coronavirus tests.
The company triaged requests and only tested patients who showed symptoms that warranted further inquiry, in line with NewYork health department guidelines, one source said.
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In the past few days questions have swirled on Twitter about how some celebrities, sports teams and bankers managed to get the tests when they were hard to come by.
“Clearly there is access beyond what most Americans are seeing is available,” said Dr. Jake Deutsch, a clinical director of New York-based Cure Urgent Care, commenting on the broader lack of testing. “Hopefully we will get mass testing soon, it shouldn’t be based on your class or any other factor other than symptoms.”
Deutsch’s New York-based practice started testing patients on Saturday and offers walk-ins for people of different socioeconomic backgrounds, including individuals with Medicare, he said.
One of those tested by Deutsch’s practice was social media influencer Arielle Charnas, who posted about her results onInstagram. Deutsch said Charnas, a friend, was sick and did not get special treatment. Charnas did not respond to a request for a comment.
So far, at least 10,990 cases of the novel coronavirus have been reported in the United States and 95 people have died from the COVID-19 disease, according to a Reuters tally of state and local government websites on Tuesday afternoon.
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HEALTHCARE FOR THE ELITE
Sollis Health has locations in the Upper East Side andTribeca neighborhoods of Manhattan. “At the ER, you’ll wait 5 hours. Our doctors can handle most medical issues immediately,” it says on its website. “It can take weeks to see the best specialists. We get you in right away.”
The company started to get inquiries about testing for coronavirus around the end of February, as cases began to spread in Italy, the person familiar with the matter said. Some of its members had traveled to areas affected and wanted to get tested, the person said.
Its physicians contacted the New York Department of Health for coronavirus tests. They were able to perform several, but found the availability of tests was limited, the person said.They also used swabs to run tests for other types of respiratory diseases, which if diagnosed, could help reduce the likelihood of the member also having COVID-19, this person said.
The New York health department did not respond to a request for comment on its dealings with Sollis.
On March 6, Enzo Biochem Inc said it will begin accepting specimens for COVID-19 testing at its lab from the following week. Enzo, which already does work for Sollis Health, told the company it could do the tests for its members, the source said.


huffpost--2020-03-20--What Nurses And Doctors Wear On The Frontlines Of COVID-19

Staying home can be hard , but it ’ s not even an option for the health care workers and scientists on the frontlines of our global effort to thwart the COVID-19 pandemic .
They have to arm themselves to face potentially infected patients and deadly viruses every day .
One of those important people on the frontlines , Nebraska Biocontainment Unit nurse manager Kathleen Boulter , told HuffPost that caring for suffering people — no matter how contagious the cause of their suffering might be — is just “ what we do.
” “ I think all of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best we can to help contain COVID-19 .
We do it for our fellow humans and our friends and our families , ” she said .
But for Boulter and all of her colleagues to do their work successfully , they have to be incredibly careful not to contaminate themselves or others on the job .
What Health Care Workers Should Be Wearing At Hospitals According to Saskia Popescu , a senior infection preventionist at Phoenix ’ s HonorHealth , tackling this disease requires “ a lot of PPE , ” or personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of necessary protective gear that health care providers at her hospital wear around PUIs , or patients under investigation for carrying the coronavirus : a surgical gown , gloves , respiratory protection , eye protection or a face shield , to start .
“ If you have a patient that is more critically ill and is requiring what we call ‘ aerosol-generating procedures , ’ ” Popescu added , “ then you want to increase the respiratory protection to what ’ s called an N95 respirator ” ― a mask for the nose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 95 % of airborne particles , ” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
If a patient has been brought to Boulter ’ s specialized biocontainment unit in Nebraska , careful precautions are taken to avoid contaminating others .
“ If we suspect somebody has COVID-19 , ” Boulter explained , nurses wear the same protective gear around that patient as they would if the patient had already tested positive .
In Boulter ’ s unit , the fluid-resistant isolation gowns are yellow and cover nearly every inch that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Your arms , your whole body pretty much .
It goes down to just below your knees , it goes up as high as your neck and then it covers your clothing.
” For diseases that can be “ transmitted by respiratory droplets , ” like COVID-19 , Rasmussen said either an N95 mask or a PAPR — a powered air-purifying respirator that shields the entire face — is appropriate in the lab setting .
A PAPR is “ basically an automatic mask that has a filter and a motor on it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re breathing is cleared of infectious particles , she explained .
If a virologist opts to wear an N95 respirator instead of the full headgear of a PAPR inside a BSL 3 , they ’ ll also wear a face shield “ to prevent any kind of exposure or splash risk.
” Like health care workers , Rasmussen said , virologists need a surgical gown , or a gown that has a plastic liner on it , to prevent contamination of their clothing .
For hand protection , Rasmussen said she relies on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue or purple gloves that you see sometimes.
” Nitrile is preferable , she noted , because it ’ s a “ little less stretchy ” and even less permeable than standard latex gloves .
For health care workers and researchers alike , protective gear is costly but life-saving — and supplies are running low .
Popescu said that America ’ s health system was “ already very stressed ” by the flu season before COVID-19 hit and that the added supply chain issues caused by the pandemic have further strained resources .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by an anxious public further exacerbates the current scarcity .
“ Don ’ t be purchasing these masks when health care providers who really need them can ’ t get them , ” Boulter said .
Buying up medical masks may be giving the public “ a false sense of security , ” Boulter pointed out .
“ If they ’ re worried about getting sick , and they ’ re so worried about getting sick that they ’ re willing to wear PPE out in the community , what they really need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

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Staying home can be hard, but it’s not even an option for the health care workers and scientists on the frontlines of our global effort to thwart the COVID-19 pandemic. They have to arm themselves to face potentially infected patients and deadly viruses every day.
One of those important people on the frontlines, Nebraska Biocontainment Unit nurse manager Kathleen Boulter, told HuffPost that caring for suffering people — no matter how contagious the cause of their suffering might be — is just “what we do.”
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“I think all of us feel like we want to do the best we can to help contain COVID-19. We do it for our fellow humans and our friends and our families,” she said. But for Boulter and all of her colleagues to do their work successfully, they have to be incredibly careful not to contaminate themselves or others on the job.
What Health Care Workers Should Be Wearing At Hospitals
According to Saskia Popescu, a senior infection preventionist at Phoenix’s HonorHealth, tackling this disease requires “a lot of PPE,” or personal protection equipment. Popescu listed several pieces of necessary protective gear that health care providers at her hospital wear around PUIs, or patients under investigation for carrying the coronavirus: a surgical gown, gloves, respiratory protection, eye protection or a face shield, to start.
“If you have a patient that is more critically ill and is requiring what we call ‘aerosol-generating procedures,’” Popescu added, “then you want to increase the respiratory protection to what’s called an N95 respirator” ― a mask for the nose and mouth that filters out “at least 95% of airborne particles,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Courtesy of Andrew Gomez Andrew Gomez, a registered nurse at the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit, wears the personal protection equipment used when treating potential coronavirus patients.
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If a patient has been brought to Boulter’s specialized biocontainment unit in Nebraska, careful precautions are taken to avoid contaminating others. “If we suspect somebody has COVID-19,” Boulter explained, nurses wear the same protective gear around that patient as they would if the patient had already tested positive.
“We don’t take any chances,” she said, so nurses don an N95 respirator mask, as well as “a face shield, an isolation gown and gloves.”
In Boulter’s unit, the fluid-resistant isolation gowns are yellow and cover nearly every inch that might be exposed to infectious diseases: “Your arms, your whole body pretty much. It goes down to just below your knees, it goes up as high as your neck and then it covers your clothing.”
What Virologists Wear In Research Labs
Columbia University virologist Angela Rasmussen researches emerging viruses, including Ebola. She told HuffPost that studying COVID-19 requires what’s known as a biosafety level three lab — and plenty of specific gear to match the risk.
“As long as the virus is infectious ― meaning that it is capable of infecting cells, it’s capable of infecting a person or an animal ― it has to stay inside BSL-3,” Rasmussen said.
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Sylvain Lefevre via Getty Images A virologist and a researcher working in a high-level biosafety security laboratory research COVID-19 at the Pasteur Institute of Lille in France on Feb. 20, 2020.
For diseases that can be “transmitted by respiratory droplets,” like COVID-19, Rasmussen said either an N95 mask or a PAPR — a powered air-purifying respirator that shields the entire face — is appropriate in the lab setting. A PAPR is “basically an automatic mask that has a filter and a motor on it,” ensuring the air you’re breathing is cleared of infectious particles, she explained. If a virologist opts to wear an N95 respirator instead of the full headgear of a PAPR inside a BSL 3, they’ll also wear a face shield “to prevent any kind of exposure or splash risk.”
Like health care workers, Rasmussen said, virologists need a surgical gown, or a gown that has a plastic liner on it, to prevent contamination of their clothing. For hand protection, Rasmussen said she relies on specialized nitrile rubber gloves ― “those blue or purple gloves that you see sometimes.” Nitrile is preferable, she noted, because it’s a “little less stretchy” and even less permeable than standard latex gloves.
Resources Are Limited
For health care workers and researchers alike, protective gear is costly but life-saving — and supplies are running low. Popescu said that America’s health system was “already very stressed” by the flu season before COVID-19 hit and that the added supply chain issues caused by the pandemic have further strained resources.
“It’s stressful. There’s a lot of concern about PPE supplies,” she said.
The stockpiling of face masks and gloves by an anxious public further exacerbates the current scarcity. “Don’t be purchasing these masks when health care providers who really need them can’t get them,” Boulter said.
Advertisement
Buying up medical masks may be giving the public “a false sense of security,” Boulter pointed out. “If they’re worried about getting sick, and they’re so worried about getting sick that they’re willing to wear PPE out in the community, what they really need to be doing is proper hand hygiene.”


huffpost--2020-03-20--Florida Man Beat Pregnant Woman He Claimed Had The Coronavirus: Police

A Florida man is facing battery charges after he allegedly beat a pregnant woman he accused of having been infected by the coronavirus .
Joseph Newell , 24 , was arrested on Monday after a Cape Coral police officer responding to a call allegedly saw him “ straddling ” the victim with his hands around her neck , according to a police report obtained by People.com .
The responding officer ordered Newell to stop , but he allegedly continued his attack .
Newell was taken into custody after officers applied a “ pain compliance ” technique to his neck .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to local NBC affiliate WBBH .
Officers also said Newell bashed his head into concrete while handcuffs were placed on him and also ranted about the coronavirus , which he accused his victim of having .
The victim , who police said is six months pregnant , was taken to a local hospital .
It is unknown whether she and Newell knew each other .
Newell has been charged with one count of aggravated battery and remains in the Lee County Jail on $ 15,000 bail .
Joseph Newell is accused of beating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
Keep up with the latest updates on the coronavirus at our live blog .

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A Florida man is facing battery charges after he allegedly beat a pregnant woman he accused of having been infected by the coronavirus.
Joseph Newell, 24, was arrested on Monday after a Cape Coral police officer responding to a call allegedly saw him “straddling” the victim with his hands around her neck, according to a police report obtained by People.com.
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The responding officer ordered Newell to stop, but he allegedly continued his attack.
Newell was taken into custody after officers applied a “pain compliance” technique to his neck. Officers said he appeared intoxicated, according to local NBC affiliate WBBH.
Officers also said Newell bashed his head into concrete while handcuffs were placed on him and also ranted about the coronavirus, which he accused his victim of having.
The victim, who police said is six months pregnant, was taken to a local hospital. It is unknown whether she and Newell knew each other.
Newell has been charged with one count of aggravated battery and remains in the Lee County Jail on $15,000 bail.
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Joseph Newell is accused of beating a pregnant woman he accused of having the coronavirus. Lee County Sheriff's Office


huffpost--2020-03-20--The Trump Administration To Cancel Standardized Tests For Closed Schools

The action will likely provide relief to school leaders around the country .
Schools are held accountable for their standardized test scores based on state systems designed through the federal education law , the Every Student Succeeds Act .
However , in recent days , leaders have sounded the alarm on whether or not they would be able to accurately assess students after weeks , or even months , of school closures .
Indeed , some schools have closed for the rest of the year , raising questions about how these tests would even be delivered .
“ Students need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing to learn .
Teachers need to be able to focus on remote learning and other adaptations .
Neither students nor teachers need to be focused on high-stakes tests during this difficult time , ” said a statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos .
“ Students are simply too unlikely to be able to perform their best in this environment.
” The action represents a step forward , after last week , the Department released guidance indicating that it would consider granting states waivers from standardized tests , while noting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the latest statement , the Department said states still had to apply for such a one-year waiver , but it had “ dramatically streamlined ” the application process .
Education leaders have applauded the move .
Many states had already applied for the waivers , and some states had already announced that they would not be testing regardless .
“ In these unprecedented times , states need flexibility as they prioritize the health and safety of all students , teachers , staff and families , ” said a statement from Carissa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Chief State School Officers .
“ State chiefs strongly believe in the importance of assessments and accountability but now is the time to focus first on the safety and well-being of all students as educators assist them in weathering and recovering from this national emergency.
” “ With more than three-quarters of our states issuing statewide school closures — closures that are increasingly likely to last the remainder of the school year — it is clear there will be an impact on our ability to comply with assessment and accountability requirements , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers from the organization .
“ I think probably a lot of the students will be extremely happy , ” President Trump said .
“ Some probably not .
The ones who work hard , probably not.
” The move comes after education leaders have expressed confusion over federal guidance on school closures .
The Center for Disease Control advised against gatherings of more than 50 people , but said such guidance did not apply to schools .
Trump has warned against groups of more than 10 .
“ School system leaders are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers different , why do the numbers not apply to schools , and what does this really mean for schools ?
’ ” read a statement from executive director of The School Superintendents Association , Daniel A. Domenech , released earlier this week .
Meanwhile , without clear guidance , a vast majority of schools have shut down .
As of Friday , at least 114,000 U.S. public and private schools had shuttered in an effort to combat coronavirus , impacting over 52 million students , according to EdWeek .

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The Trump administration announced Friday that it would provide waivers excusing states from performing standardized testing if they’re unable to assess students amid widespread school closures.
The action will likely provide relief to school leaders around the country. Schools are held accountable for their standardized test scores based on state systems designed through the federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act. However, in recent days, leaders have sounded the alarm on whether or not they would be able to accurately assess students after weeks, or even months, of school closures. Indeed, some schools have closed for the rest of the year, raising questions about how these tests would even be delivered.
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“Students need to be focused on staying healthy and continuing to learn. Teachers need to be able to focus on remote learning and other adaptations. Neither students nor teachers need to be focused on high-stakes tests during this difficult time,” said a statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. “Students are simply too unlikely to be able to perform their best in this environment.”
The action represents a step forward, after last week, the Department released guidance indicating that it would consider granting states waivers from standardized tests, while noting that standardized tests could still provide useful information. In the latest statement, the Department said states still had to apply for such a one-year waiver, but it had “dramatically streamlined” the application process.
Education leaders have applauded the move. Many states had already applied for the waivers, and some states had already announced that they would not be testing regardless.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos in February 2020. Caroline Brehman via Getty Images
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“In these unprecedented times, states need flexibility as they prioritize the health and safety of all students, teachers, staff and families,” said a statement from Carissa Moffat Miller, executive director The Council of Chief State School Officers. “State chiefs strongly believe in the importance of assessments and accountability but now is the time to focus first on the safety and well-being of all students as educators assist them in weathering and recovering from this national emergency.”
Yesterday, The School Superintendents Association called on Congress to support such waivers.
“With more than three-quarters of our states issuing statewide school closures — closures that are increasingly likely to last the remainder of the school year — it is clear there will be an impact on our ability to comply with assessment and accountability requirements,” said a letter sent to key lawmakers from the organization.
Trump addressed the issue at a press conference on Friday.
“I think probably a lot of the students will be extremely happy,” President Trump said. “Some probably not. The ones who work hard, probably not.”
The move comes after education leaders have expressed confusion over federal guidance on school closures. The Center for Disease Control advised against gatherings of more than 50 people, but said such guidance did not apply to schools. Trump has warned against groups of more than 10.
“School system leaders are rightfully asking, ‘Why are the numbers different, why do the numbers not apply to schools, and what does this really mean for schools?’” read a statement from executive director of The School Superintendents Association, Daniel A. Domenech, released earlier this week.
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Meanwhile, without clear guidance, a vast majority of schools have shut down. As of Friday, at least 114,000 U.S. public and private schools had shuttered in an effort to combat coronavirus, impacting over 52 million students, according to EdWeek.


huffpost--2020-03-19--Republicans Unveil Massive Stimulus Bill To Aid Economy Slammed By Coronavirus

The bill would be the third and largest of the government ’ s response to the crisis .
On Wednesday , lawmakers passed and President Donald Trump signed into law Democratic legislation that makes coronavirus testing free , expands unemployment insurance benefits and provides paid leave to some displaced workers .
What the new legislation ultimately will look like hinges on high-stakes negotiations between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) ― whose track record on cooperation is hardly stellar .
Democrats have leverage over the final shape of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for passage and Republicans number 53 in the 100-seat Senate .
“ We need to take bold and swift action as soon as possible .
The Senate is not going anywhere until we take action , ” McConnell said Thursday , indicating that talks with Democrats over the funding package will soon begin .
The measure also would provide a direct payment to the majority of Americans , many of whom are struggling to make ends meet as a wide span of business and services have been forced to cease .
Taxpayers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjusted income would receive a maximum of $ 1,200 from the government ( couples earning less than $ 150,000 would get $ 2,400 ) .
Those amounts increase $ 500 for every child .
The “ recovery checks , ” as the proposal calls them , would scale down for taxpayers earning above $ 75,000 to a maximum of $ 99,000 in gross adjusted income , with those above that figure deemed ineligible for the government checks .
The bill also does not build on and expand the paid leave provisions in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , despite assurances that it would .
Millions of workers at large companies still are not eligible for sick leave or family leave under the Senate ’ s proposed bill .
The idea of sending Americans money to soften the blow of the economic downturn gained traction among both political parties over the last week and has been endorsed by Trump .
But some issues still must be resolved ― such as how soon the money can get into the pockets of Americans and whether the payments will give people enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan also includes $ 50 billion in loans for the badly struggling airline industry , as well as $ 150 billion in lending to other “ severely distressed sectors ” of the economy .
The fund would be controlled by the Treasury Department and could include bailouts to hotels , casinos , cruise lines , and the oil and gas industry .
We occasionally have these great crises and when they occur we are able to rise above our normal partisanship and , in many times , our normal positions because there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any taxpayer bailout to major industries include restrictions on corporate bonuses and stock buybacks .
Some are urging the administration to go even further by setting specific conditions ― like a $ 15 minimum wage ― to benefit workers that will apply beyond the coronavirus crisis .
The burden imposed by student debt “ has been going on for a long time .
It ’ s exacerbated by the crisis , ” Schumer said in a floor speech Thursday .
” We ’ ve got to help the students and those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP ’ s embrace of trillion-dollar spending and government bailouts has struck many as a wonder to behold , given their years-long opposition to such measures as former President Barack Obama took office in early 2009 facing similar economic fallout and millions of job losses because of the Great Recession .
Many GOP lawmakers who came to Washington on the back of the 2010 anti-spending Tea Party wave are now fully in support of direct stimulus .
“ We occasionally have these great crises and when they occur we are able to rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many times , our normal positions because there are not normal times , ” McConnell said this week when asked about the Republican reversal on spending .

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WASHINGTON ― Senate Republicans on Thursday outlined a massive emergency stimulus package totaling at least $1 trillion to prop up an economy paralyzed by the growing coronavirus outbreak and give a one-time check of financial relief to millions of Americans.
The bill would be the third and largest of the government’s response to the crisis. On Wednesday, lawmakers passed and President Donald Trump signed into law Democratic legislation that makes coronavirus testing free, expands unemployment insurance benefits and provides paid leave to some displaced workers.
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What the new legislation ultimately will look like hinges on high-stakes negotiations between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) ― whose track record on cooperation is hardly stellar. Democrats have leverage over the final shape of the bill because it will require 60 votes for passage and Republicans number 53 in the 100-seat Senate.
“We need to take bold and swift action as soon as possible. The Senate is not going anywhere until we take action,” McConnell said Thursday, indicating that talks with Democrats over the funding package will soon begin.
The GOP proposal includes hundreds of billions in loans for small businesses, many of which were forced to close in recent weeks to fight the spread of the highly contagious disease.
The measure also would provide a direct payment to the majority of Americans, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet as a wide span of business and services have been forced to cease. Taxpayers who earn less than $75,000 in gross adjusted income would receive a maximum of $1,200 from the government (couples earning less than $150,000 would get $2,400). Those amounts increase $500 for every child. The “recovery checks,” as the proposal calls them, would scale down for taxpayers earning above $75,000 to a maximum of $99,000 in gross adjusted income, with those above that figure deemed ineligible for the government checks.
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Notably, McConnell’s proposal would provide much less ― only $600 ― to millions of low-income Americans who pay little or no taxes, but who still had $2,500 in qualifying income.
The bill also does not build on and expand the paid leave provisions in the second coronavirus emergency bill that Trump signed on Wednesday, despite assurances that it would. Millions of workers at large companies still are not eligible for sick leave or family leave under the Senate’s proposed bill.
“Despite the president saying earlier this week that he wanted to expand the sick leave provision to workers in larger companies, there’s nothing here that would do that,” said Vicki Shabo, a senior fellow at the Washington-based New America think tank who specializes in paid leave policy.
The idea of sending Americans money to soften the blow of the economic downturn gained traction among both political parties over the last week and has been endorsed by Trump. But some issues still must be resolved ― such as how soon the money can get into the pockets of Americans and whether the payments will give people enough of a financial cushion.
The Republican plan also includes $50 billion in loans for the badly struggling airline industry, as well as $150 billion in lending to other “severely distressed sectors” of the economy. The fund would be controlled by the Treasury Department and could include bailouts to hotels, casinos, cruise lines, and the oil and gas industry.
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“We will be helping the airline industry. We will be helping ... the cruise ship industry,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday. “You don’t want to lose industries like this.”
“We occasionally have these great crises and when they occur we are able to rise above our normal partisanship and, in many times, our normal positions because there are not normal times.” - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Democrats are demanding that any taxpayer bailout to major industries include restrictions on corporate bonuses and stock buybacks. Some are urging the administration to go even further by setting specific conditions ― like a $15 minimum wage ― to benefit workers that will apply beyond the coronavirus crisis.
“Funds must come with strings attached to ensure that the money goes to maintain payroll, not to enrich shareholders or pay executive bonuses,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote in an op-ed this week.
Democrats on Tuesday unveiled their own opening bid for the fiscal package, calling for at least $750 billion to boost hospital capacity, unemployment insurance, small business assistance, child care, remote learning and food delivery, and to offer forbearance of all federal loans.
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On Wednesday, they released a plan to cancel student loan payments for the duration of the coronavirus emergency and provide a minimum $10,000 payoff for all federal student loan borrowers.
The burden imposed by student debt “has been going on for a long time. It’s exacerbated by the crisis,” Schumer said in a floor speech Thursday. ” We’ve got to help the students and those with big loans on their backs.”
The GOP’s embrace of trillion-dollar spending and government bailouts has struck many as a wonder to behold, given their years-long opposition to such measures as former President Barack Obama took office in early 2009 facing similar economic fallout and millions of job losses because of the Great Recession. Many GOP lawmakers who came to Washington on the back of the 2010 anti-spending Tea Party wave are now fully in support of direct stimulus.
“We occasionally have these great crises and when they occur we are able to rise above our normal partisanship and, in many times, our normal positions because there are not normal times,” McConnell said this week when asked about the Republican reversal on spending.
Emily Peck contributed reporting.
Keep up with the latest updates on the coronavirus at our live blog.


huffpost--2020-03-20--Trump’s Most Faithful Don’t Really Care If He Botched The Coronavirus Response

To his most avid supporters , the president has done all these things , and they ’ re not about to let his handling of the coronavirus — and potentially the thousands of extra deaths it could cause — change their minds .
She and her husband , a Vietnam War veteran , are retired and travel the country in their RV , hitting as many Trump rallies as they can .
They attended the July 4 event Trump staged on the National Mall last year , a rally in Minneapolis in October and one in Phoenix last month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how contagious this thing is .
It does seem like we ’ ve overreacted to a point , ” said Stephen Moreno , 69 , adding that they nevertheless returned to their Chino , California , home and are abiding by the guidelines to stay away from others .
“ I ’ m in that high-risk category .
And it ’ s driving me nuts .
I ’ d rather be out.
” Trump downplayed the seriousness of the virus for six weeks after its rapid spread started raising concerns globally .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the seasonal flu , predicted without any scientific basis that it would disappear on its own come April and accused Democrats and the news media of trying to tank the stock market to hurt his reelection chances .
All this came two years after Trump dismantled the pandemic response team that his predecessor Barack Obama had created within the White House .
Trump justified that move three weeks ago as a desire to save money — “ Some of the people we cut , they haven ’ t been used for many , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could hire them all back quickly if needed .
“ If the coronavirus spread is as bad as it ’ s been in Italy , the election will only be about the competence of the federal response , which to date Trump has completely bungled , ” Tyler said .
“ He lacks the knowledge and leadership to offer any useful information .
His mostly irrelevant or non-factual statements have only added to confusion , panic and destabilization .
Trump should not attend press briefings , tweet or issue statements about coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their work keeping Americans healthy and safe.
” John Weaver , who worked for former Ohio Gov .
John Kasich ’ s campaign in those primaries , said Trump won the benefit of the doubt in 2016 from some voters who heard the arguments that he was not qualified to deal with serious crises but supported him anyway because of their dislike of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton .
“ In 2016 , for all intents and purposes , Secretary Clinton was treated as the incumbent and Trump was the theory .
Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Weaver said .
Trump ’ s defenders , though , argue that as sitting president , he can project “ big , bold , strong leadership ” that voters will like , even if he is not as detail-oriented as previous presidents .
“ You need some of that unconventional leadership , ” said Jason Miller , a top official in Trump ’ s 2016 campaign and an outside adviser now .
“ If President Trump can continue leading us through this crisis , voters are going to reward him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” For many voters who backed Trump in 2016 and continue to back him now , that “ unconventional ” style is still attractive , even if it might lead to some poor decisions .
They believe Trump is doing the best he can , and they doubt anyone else would have done much better — even Republican governors who had run against Trump in 2016 like Florida ’ s Jeb Bush or New Jersey ’ s Chris Christie , both of whom had experience guiding their states through natural disasters .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is glad Trump is in charge .
“ Considering we ’ re in uncharted territory , given the choice between having him or some of the other options , I ’ d rather have him .
...
I don ’ t think necessarily that anyone would have handled it differently.
” Barbara Guzman , who owns a label business in Cape Coral , Florida , and who saw Trump at a 2018 rally in nearby Naples , said Trump would be better off keeping his mouth shut and letting the experts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of misleading or false statements that wind up needing to be corrected , thereby confusing the public .
“ Sometimes he shouldn ’ t say anything , ” she said , but then added that such a wish was not likely to come true .
“ It ’ s almost like a child .
You tell him not to do something , but he does it anyway .
...
He ’ s 70-something .
He ’ s not going to change .
”

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WASHINGTON — They wanted Donald Trump to come to Washington to break things. Turn over tables. Shake up the system.
To his most avid supporters, the president has done all these things, and they’re not about to let his handling of the coronavirus — and potentially the thousands of extra deaths it could cause — change their minds.
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“It sounds callous, but maybe that’s population control,” said Linda Moreno, 66, pointing out that the disease is most deadly to the elderly, such as herself.
She and her husband, a Vietnam War veteran, are retired and travel the country in their RV, hitting as many Trump rallies as they can. They attended the July 4 event Trump staged on the National Mall last year, a rally in Minneapolis in October and one in Phoenix last month.
Like many of his supporters, they believe that concerns about COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, are overblown, despite Trump’s recent 180-degree shift on the subject.
“I really don’t know how contagious this thing is. It does seem like we’ve overreacted to a point,” said Stephen Moreno, 69, adding that they nevertheless returned to their Chino, California, home and are abiding by the guidelines to stay away from others. “I’m in that high-risk category. And it’s driving me nuts. I’d rather be out.”
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Trump downplayed the seriousness of the virus for six weeks after its rapid spread started raising concerns globally. He falsely claimed it was no worse than the seasonal flu, predicted without any scientific basis that it would disappear on its own come April and accused Democrats and the news media of trying to tank the stock market to hurt his reelection chances.
That unwillingness to prepare for its inevitable spread in the United States cost the country precious weeks that it could have spent aggressively ramping up the production of coronavirus tests and increasing intensive care capacity at the nation’s hospitals, pandemic experts said.
All this came two years after Trump dismantled the pandemic response team that his predecessor Barack Obama had created within the White House. Trump justified that move three weeks ago as a desire to save money — “Some of the people we cut, they haven’t been used for many, many years” — and falsely claimed he could hire them all back quickly if needed.
“I believe in an outsider. Career politicians are nothing but trouble,” said one 58-year-old Trump supporter. AP Photo/Mike McCarn
Rick Tyler, a political consultant who worked for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s bid for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, said Trump’s performance in this crisis will have consequences this November.
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“If the coronavirus spread is as bad as it’s been in Italy, the election will only be about the competence of the federal response, which to date Trump has completely bungled,” Tyler said. “He lacks the knowledge and leadership to offer any useful information. His mostly irrelevant or non-factual statements have only added to confusion, panic and destabilization. Trump should not attend press briefings, tweet or issue statements about coronavirus. He should let the professionals do their work keeping Americans healthy and safe.”
John Weaver, who worked for former Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s campaign in those primaries, said Trump won the benefit of the doubt in 2016 from some voters who heard the arguments that he was not qualified to deal with serious crises but supported him anyway because of their dislike of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. “In 2016, for all intents and purposes, Secretary Clinton was treated as the incumbent and Trump was the theory. Well, the madness theory is now a fact,” Weaver said.
Trump’s defenders, though, argue that as sitting president, he can project “big, bold, strong leadership” that voters will like, even if he is not as detail-oriented as previous presidents. “You need some of that unconventional leadership,” said Jason Miller, a top official in Trump’s 2016 campaign and an outside adviser now. “If President Trump can continue leading us through this crisis, voters are going to reward him and he’s going to be reelected.”
For many voters who backed Trump in 2016 and continue to back him now, that “unconventional” style is still attractive, even if it might lead to some poor decisions. They believe Trump is doing the best he can, and they doubt anyone else would have done much better — even Republican governors who had run against Trump in 2016 like Florida’s Jeb Bush or New Jersey’s Chris Christie, both of whom had experience guiding their states through natural disasters.
“I believe in an outsider. Career politicians are nothing but trouble,” said Norris Vivier, a 58-year-old owner of a real estate business in Manchester, New Hampshire, who has already had to lay off workers because of the pandemic.
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He, like many Trump supporters, also wonders if the experts are not overreacting: “Destroy our economy and way of life over a virus?”
He added that, in any event, he is glad Trump is in charge. “Considering we’re in uncharted territory, given the choice between having him or some of the other options, I’d rather have him. ... I don’t think necessarily that anyone would have handled it differently.”
Even those who see some of Trump’s habits as counterproductive nevertheless said they will continue to support him.
Barbara Guzman, who owns a label business in Cape Coral, Florida, and who saw Trump at a 2018 rally in nearby Naples, said Trump would be better off keeping his mouth shut and letting the experts in the government speak, rather than make a series of misleading or false statements that wind up needing to be corrected, thereby confusing the public.
“Sometimes he shouldn’t say anything,” she said, but then added that such a wish was not likely to come true. “It’s almost like a child. You tell him not to do something, but he does it anyway. ... He’s 70-something. He’s not going to change.”
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huffpost--2020-03-20--The Hucksters Pushing A Coronavirus ‘Cure’ With The Help Of Fox News And Elon Musk

Gregory Rigano has been everywhere lately .
The night before President Donald Trump promoted a potential treatment for the coronavirus , the anti-malarial drug chloroquine , Rigano was on Tucker Carlson ’ s prime-time Fox News show heralding the supposed breakthrough involving the drug : “ What we ’ re here to announce is the second cure to a virus of all time.
” He was identified as an adviser to Stanford University School of Medicine .
Rigano also appeared on Glenn Beck ’ s radio program this week , and Tesla founder Elon Musk tweeted out Rigano ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of Alabama , Birmingham , School of Medicine told HuffPost that no one from their institutions was directly involved in Rigano and Todaro ’ s paper .
The National Academy of Sciences was also not aware of any connection between Rigano or Todaro and the organization , according to a spokesperson .
One UAB researcher requested that his name be removed from the paper after he was initially listed as an author and denied he had any knowledge of it or any part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Thursday profile of Rigano and Todaro .
Rigano ’ s description of chloroquine ’ s effects is largely based on a single study from France that tested its use on a group of only 20 people .
Six additional patients were also given the treatment but dropped out of the study before its completion : Three were transferred to intensive care , one died , one left the hospital and another stopped treatment because of nausea .
The study has been peer-reviewed and accepted to the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next day or so .
The study ’ s corresponding author , Dr. Didier Raoult , did not return HuffPost ’ s requests for an interview and comment on whether he has been in communication with Rigano and Todaro .
Any drug requires extensive testing and clinical trials before it can be said to be effective , let alone that it is a “ cure.
” Initially promising drugs can also fail upon further testing .
Although chloroquine could indeed be beneficial against COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into its potential , medical experts also say there is no decisive proof yet that it can effectively treat the coronavirus .
One of the first people to note that Rigano and Todaro ’ s paper didn ’ t add up was Joan Donovan , director of the Technology and Social Change project at Harvard ’ s Shorenstein Center .
She wrote on Twitter that there was a lack of original research and that the authors appeared to have more experience with blockchain and cryptocurrency than running clinical medical trials .
Even the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it trying to distance the authors from any liability and damages it may cause , and stating “ the authors and or its affiliates does not guarantee the accuracy of or the conclusions reached in this white paper , and this white paper is provided ‘ as is ’ .
” Despite their questionable paper and lack of credentials , Rigano and Todaro have quickly become right-wing media darlings and had their claims amplified to millions .
Their paper has been touted in Breitbart , the Washington Examiner and The Daily Wire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s and Beck ’ s shows .
Their promise of a breakthrough flatters the agreed-upon storyline in conservative media that Trump has the outbreak under control .
“ It ’ s our job to be skeptical of all and any claims .
However , I very much want to believe this and I think we need obviously immediately to run it down .
The federal government needs to find out if this is true , because if it is , that ’ s the biggest news of this moment , ” Carlson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in the coronavirus crisis , and was one of the only Fox News hosts not to downplay the severity of the disease .
He instead embraced a nativist , anti-China message that has become the narrative of the White House and other right-wing media pundits forced to acknowledge the global pandemic .
Carlson effectively has a direct audience with Trump through his program , and according to Vanity Fair even privately talked with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in recent weeks to emphasize the seriousness of the outbreak .
Carlson ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reportedly a turning point for Trump to finally address the crisis .
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also picked up on Rigano and Todaro ’ s paper , on Tuesday tweeting it out to his over 32 million followers and then engaging in a back-and-forth with Rigano .
Major venture capitalists including Bill Gurley and David Sacks also shared the document , with Sacks tweeting “ if true , all other conversations are moot .
Flattening curve irrelevant.
” Musk ’ s apparent endorsement drew the attention of Beck , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show Thursday .
Rigano told Beck that he and Todaro were in “ active discussions with Elon Musk on Twitter.
” He also claimed to have a “ direct line ” to the White House and said “ we know that President Trump received our white paper within 24 hours after it being published.
” Rigano asked for the government ’ s support “ both financially and scientifically.
” The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Rigano ’ s claims .

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Gregory Rigano has been everywhere lately. The night before President Donald Trump promoted a potential treatment for the coronavirus, the anti-malarial drug chloroquine, Rigano was on Tucker Carlson’s prime-time Fox News show heralding the supposed breakthrough involving the drug: “What we’re here to announce is the second cure to a virus of all time.” He was identified as an adviser to Stanford University School of Medicine. Rigano also appeared on Glenn Beck’s radio program this week, and Tesla founder Elon Musk tweeted out Rigano’s self-published paper about the effects of chloroquine.
But Rigano is not a doctor. Nor is he affiliated with Stanford’s medical school — it is actively trying to get him to stop saying he is an adviser. And his claims about chloroquine are unproven, often overstated and potentially harmful.
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Rigano and his associate James Todaro have rapidly gained attention for their paper on chloroquine, self-published on Google Docs, which they claim to have written “in consultation with Stanford University School of Medicine, UAB School of Medicine and National Academy of Sciences researchers.”
Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of Alabama, Birmingham, School of Medicine told HuffPost that no one from their institutions was directly involved in Rigano and Todaro’s paper. The National Academy of Sciences was also not aware of any connection between Rigano or Todaro and the organization, according to a spokesperson. One UAB researcher requested that his name be removed from the paper after he was initially listed as an author and denied he had any knowledge of it or any part in its creation, he told Wired magazine in a Thursday profile of Rigano and Todaro.
Both Stanford Medicine and its SPARK Program in Translational Research, a drug development partnership with industry, also explicitly told HuffPost that Rigano is making a false claim about his affiliation with the university and have contacted LinkedIn to demand the company remove the university from his profile.
“Mr Rigano is not an advisor to the SPARK program and Stanford was not involved in his paper. We previously asked him to remove any reference to Stanford in his publication,” Daria Mochly-Rosen, the founder and co-director of SPARK at Stanford, told HuffPost.
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Rigano and Todaro did not respond to multiple requests for interviews and comment for this article.
Rigano was interviewed on Glenn Beck's radio program. He claimed to have a "direct line" to the White House. Youtube Tumblr
Rigano’s description of chloroquine’s effects is largely based on a single study from France that tested its use on a group of only 20 people. Six additional patients were also given the treatment but dropped out of the study before its completion: Three were transferred to intensive care, one died, one left the hospital and another stopped treatment because of nausea.
The study has been peer-reviewed and accepted to the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, which plans to publish it in the next day or so. The study’s corresponding author, Dr. Didier Raoult, did not return HuffPost’s requests for an interview and comment on whether he has been in communication with Rigano and Todaro.
Any drug requires extensive testing and clinical trials before it can be said to be effective, let alone that it is a “cure.” Initially promising drugs can also fail upon further testing. Although chloroquine could indeed be beneficial against COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus and prominent scientists have advocated for more research into its potential, medical experts also say there is no decisive proof yet that it can effectively treat the coronavirus.
“We certainly hope that chloroquine or hydroxy-chloroquine will be proven effective against COVID-19, but definitive evidence showing clinical benefit is lacking thus far and clinical trials are in progress,” Mochly-Rosen said.
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One of the first people to note that Rigano and Todaro’s paper didn’t add up was Joan Donovan, director of the Technology and Social Change project at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center. She wrote on Twitter that there was a lack of original research and that the authors appeared to have more experience with blockchain and cryptocurrency than running clinical medical trials.
Even the paper itself has a massive disclaimer in it trying to distance the authors from any liability and damages it may cause, and stating “the authors and or its affiliates does not guarantee the accuracy of or the conclusions reached in this white paper, and this white paper is provided ‘as is’.”
Rigano’s LinkedIn profile lists him as “currently on leave” from a master’s program in bioinformatics at Johns Hopkins, while Todaro’s profile says he has a medical degree from Columbia University and is a “cryptocurrency investor and entrepreneur.”
Right-Wing Media And Elon Musk Spread The Claim
Despite their questionable paper and lack of credentials, Rigano and Todaro have quickly become right-wing media darlings and had their claims amplified to millions. Their paper has been touted in Breitbart, the Washington Examiner and The Daily Wire, in addition to their appearances on Carlson’s and Beck’s shows. Their promise of a breakthrough flatters the agreed-upon storyline in conservative media that Trump has the outbreak under control.
Fox News gave Rigano and Todaro’s paper its most powerful platform when host Tucker Carlson aired a bizarre segment with Rigano on Wednesday night. Rigano praised Trump for cutting “red tape” and said the president could authorize chloroquine’s use for the coronavirus immediately. Carlson, who looked somewhat uncomfortable with Rigano’s robotic cadence, couched his praise but didn’t question Rigano on his explosive claims.
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“It’s our job to be skeptical of all and any claims. However, I very much want to believe this and I think we need obviously immediately to run it down. The federal government needs to find out if this is true, because if it is, that’s the biggest news of this moment,” Carlson said.
“I’m so grateful that you announced that on this show, and I hope we’re hearing more about it very soon,” Carlson continued. “Thank you so much for coming on.”
Rigano on Tucker Carlon's prime-time Fox News show. He claimed he could announce a "cure" for the virus. Youtube Tumblr
Carlson has played a unique role in the coronavirus crisis, and was one of the only Fox News hosts not to downplay the severity of the disease. He instead embraced a nativist, anti-China message that has become the narrative of the White House and other right-wing media pundits forced to acknowledge the global pandemic. Carlson effectively has a direct audience with Trump through his program, and according to Vanity Fair even privately talked with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in recent weeks to emphasize the seriousness of the outbreak. Carlson’s March 9 on-air monologue about the outbreak was reportedly a turning point for Trump to finally address the crisis.
A day after Rigano appeared on Carlson’s show, Trump repeatedly touted chloroquine as a potential wonder treatment for coronavirus. Trump falsely suggested that the Food and Drug Administration had approved it to treat the virus, and FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said the president had directed him to take a closer look at its uses.
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Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also picked up on Rigano and Todaro’s paper, on Tuesday tweeting it out to his over 32 million followers and then engaging in a back-and-forth with Rigano. Major venture capitalists including Bill Gurley and David Sacks also shared the document, with Sacks tweeting “if true, all other conversations are moot. Flattening curve irrelevant.” Musk’s apparent endorsement drew the attention of Beck, who interviewed Rigano on his popular right-wing radio show Thursday.
“One of the things that caught my eye is that Elon Musk is all over this, and it’s gonna be guys like that that really change things,” Beck said on the show.
Rigano told Beck that he and Todaro were in “active discussions with Elon Musk on Twitter.” He also claimed to have a “direct line” to the White House and said “we know that President Trump received our white paper within 24 hours after it being published.” Rigano asked for the government’s support “both financially and scientifically.” The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Rigano’s claims.
Mainstream media outlets, many of them tech-related publications that cover Musk’s activities, have also run stories on Rigano and Todaro’s paper ― although some have been more critical and noted that it lacks clinical trials.
At a White House press conference on Friday, the use of chloroquine came up once again when a reporter asked Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, whether there was any evidence to suggest it could be used as a prophylaxis against COVID-19.
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“The answer is no, and the evidence you’re talking about is anecdotal evidence,” Fauci said.
But Trump was more optimistic, again suggesting chloroquine could have impressive effects.
“I’m probably more of a fan of that than, maybe than anybody, but I’m a big fan,” Trump said of the drug.


huffpost--2020-03-20--Great-Great-Grandmother Gives 'Middle Finger' To Coronavirus, Is Winning Her Battle

A great-great-grandmother in Seattle had just finished recovering from a stroke when she tested positive for coronavirus , but , staying true to her reputation as a fighter , she ’ s on her way to recovery despite the odds .
Knowing the statistics for elderly people and those who are immunocompromised , Geneva Wood ’ s family was devastated by the 90-year-old ’ s March 6 diagnosis and prepared for the worst .
But now , two weeks since she fell ill , she ’ s made remarkable improvement and is close to being asymptomatic .
“ First and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loved one or find themselves with a different story , we are beyond sorry for your loss .
It ’ s truly awful and there are no words , ” wrote Kate Neidigh , who is married to Wood ’ s grandson .
But to the families currently battling a coronavirus diagnosis who are hoping and praying for a positive outcome , Neidigh said , “ we want to introduce you to Geneva Wood , a 90-year-old great-great-grandmother who her family describes as a ‘ bat out of hell.
’ ” Characterizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a “ firecracker Texas woman full of grit , ” Neidigh told HuffPost the family had been crushed when Wood first started experiencing a fever and was taken to Harborview Medical Center .
She had been two days from being discharged from the Life Care Center in Kirkland after making a remarkable recovery from a stroke in January , which had rendered her unable to speak , walk or move her right arm .
Her four children spent days comforting her through a glass window , and on March 9 they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ― wearing full protective suits .
Two days later , doctors noted she was resting well and they felt “ cautiously optimistic , ” Neidigh said , and she ’ s been getting better ever since .
“ Who are we to question the fighting spirit of a tough ol ’ Texas coot !
” said daughter Cami Neidigh , according to Seattle Refined .
“ If anyone ’ s going to give the middle finger to a killer virus , it ’ s her.
” In the article for Seattle Refined , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family was told Wood , who wanted something to a drink while in her hospital bed , had been seen “ waving her hands in the air yelling , ‘ I ain ’ t dead yet !
I ’ m gon na die of thirst before I die of this Coronavirus !
’ ” On Thursday , doctors told the family that “ everything ’ s looking really great , ” but they still weren ’ t ready to run a final test , and Wood remained in isolation .
She needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when she ’ ll be tested again for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
She may be tested Friday , Neidigh said .
Neidigh said her husband is beside himself , as is the rest of the family , and Wood is so “ inspired by all the messages of support and hope that are just encouraging her to fight even more and even harder and even stronger.
” “ She feels like if she can provide anybody with hope right now she really wants to be that , @ @ @ @

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A great-great-grandmother in Seattle had just finished recovering from a stroke when she tested positive for coronavirus, but, staying true to her reputation as a fighter, she’s on her way to recovery despite the odds.
Knowing the statistics for elderly people and those who are immunocompromised, Geneva Wood’s family was devastated by the 90-year-old’s March 6 diagnosis and prepared for the worst. But now, two weeks since she fell ill, she’s made remarkable improvement and is close to being asymptomatic.
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“First and foremost, to families that have lost a loved one or find themselves with a different story, we are beyond sorry for your loss. It’s truly awful and there are no words,” wrote Kate Neidigh, who is married to Wood’s grandson.
But to the families currently battling a coronavirus diagnosis who are hoping and praying for a positive outcome, Neidigh said, “we want to introduce you to Geneva Wood, a 90-year-old great-great-grandmother who her family describes as a ‘bat out of hell.’”
“While not technically my blood, she’s been my honorary grandma for 17 years and counting. We love her, everyone loves her.”
Geneva Wood's family had already said their goodbyes, wearing full protective gear, when her condition began to improve. The family of Geneva Wood
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Characterizing Wood as the matriarch of the family and a “firecracker Texas woman full of grit,” Neidigh told HuffPost the family had been crushed when Wood first started experiencing a fever and was taken to Harborview Medical Center.
She had been two days from being discharged from the Life Care Center in Kirkland after making a remarkable recovery from a stroke in January, which had rendered her unable to speak, walk or move her right arm.
Then her nursing center became America’s first epicenter of the pandemic.
Her four children spent days comforting her through a glass window, and on March 9 they were told to come and say their goodbyes ― wearing full protective suits.
Two days later, doctors noted she was resting well and they felt “cautiously optimistic,” Neidigh said, and she’s been getting better ever since.
“Who are we to question the fighting spirit of a tough ol’ Texas coot!” said daughter Cami Neidigh, according to Seattle Refined. “If anyone’s going to give the middle finger to a killer virus, it’s her.”
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In the article for Seattle Refined, Kate Neidigh added that at one point the family was told Wood, who wanted something to a drink while in her hospital bed, had been seen “waving her hands in the air yelling, ‘I ain’t dead yet! I’m gonna die of thirst before I die of this Coronavirus!’”
On Thursday, doctors told the family that “everything’s looking really great,” but they still weren’t ready to run a final test, and Wood remained in isolation.
She needs to be totally symptom-free for 72 hours, when she’ll be tested again for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. She may be tested Friday, Neidigh said.
Geneva Wood's family say this picture, taken in Texas the 1990s, is "essentially her personality in a nutshell." The family of Geneva Wood
Neidigh said her husband is beside himself, as is the rest of the family, and Wood is so “inspired by all the messages of support and hope that are just encouraging her to fight even more and even harder and even stronger.”
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“She feels like if she can provide anybody with hope right now she really wants to be that,” Neidigh said.
Their advice to other families is to stay positive, keep on fighting and thank caregivers.