newsweek--2020-12-03--Pakistan Is Latest Nuclear Power to Condemn Killing of Iranian Scientist As World Remains on Edge

Pakistan is the latest nuclear power to condemn the killing of a top Iranian atomic scientist , deeming the act a destabilizing event in a region already plagued by widespread unrest .
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh , a former Revolutionary Guard officer who led the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research was shot dead last Friday east of the Iranian capital in a yet unclaimed assassination that has fueled suspicions of Israeli involvement .
While Iran has always denied possessing or seeking a nuclear bomb , several nations with such capabilities , such as Pakistan , have spoken out against the slaying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in Tehran , '' the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Thursday in a statement sent to Newsweek .
`` We extend sincere condolences to the family members of Mr. Fakhrizadeh and to the Iranian people . ''
The attack comes about a decade after a series of similar slayings targeted other leading Iranian nuclear scientists and , more recently , in the wake of ongoing tensions between Iran and its top foes Israel , Saudi Arabia and the United States .
Islamabad worried such violence may only further entrench the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acts not only run contrary to all norms of interstate relations and International Law but also threaten the peace and stability of an already fragile region , '' the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said .
`` Pakistan strongly urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation of tensions in the region . ''
Pakistan neighbors Iran and Pakistani officials have previously expressed to Newsweek the importance they place on stability along their country 's border with the fellow Islamic Republic .
Pakistan , one of nine countries believed to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first public nuclear test in 1998 , largely in response to a test conducted just two weeks earlier by rival India .
Pakistan is believed today to hold around 160 nuclear weapons and India 150 , according to the Federation of American Scientists .
While India—which has developed increasingly close ties to Israel and its top ally , the United States—has remained quiet , other world powers with nuclear stockpiles have spoken out .
Days after Fakhrizadeh 's death , Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters on Monday her country was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those responsible to be exposed .
`` China is shocked by the killing of the Iranian scientist and condemns this violent crime , '' Hua said .
`` We hope that the incident will be thoroughly investigated . ''
Like Islamabad , Beijing worried about the potential ramifications in an already restive region .
`` China opposes any act that aggravates regional tensions and undermines regional peace and stability , '' Hua said .
`` As the current situation in the region is highly complex and sensitive , all parties should work together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace and stability . ''
China is believed to possess up to about 320 nuclear weapons , having tested its first atomic weapon in 1961 , just years after an ideological split with the Soviet Union led to tensions between the two communist powers .
Today , however , Beijing and Moscow are perhaps more aligned than ever .
Both see the U.S. as a destabilizing force in the Middle East and support Iran economically despite Washington 's tight sanctions and , after the recent expiration of a U.N. arms embargo , perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which currently holds the world 's largest nuclear arsenal with some 6,370 warheads at its disposal , had particularly harsh words for those behind the killing of Fakhrizadeh .
`` We strongly condemn the murder of researcher Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on November 27 in Iran , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Monday .
`` We express serious concern over the provocative nature of this terrorist act clearly aimed to destabilize the situation and escalate conflict potential in the region .
Whoever is behind the murder , whoever tried to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be held responsible . ''
Fakhrizadeh 's killing came in what 's slated to be the final weeks of President Donald Trump 's administration , which despite officially disputing rival President-elect Joe Biden 's win , has formally begun the transition process set to complete January 20 .
During his tenure , Trump significantly escalated tensions with Iran by leaving a 2015 deal that granted the Islamic Republic sanctions relief in exchange for curbing its nuclear activities .
The deal was signed by Iran along with the U.S. , China , Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and nuclear states of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons ( NPT ) , as well as Germany .
Despite the U.S. unilateral exit in 2018 , the rest of the parties continue to back the accord , even if Europe has struggled to maintain trade ties in the face of tough Trump administration sanctions and Iran has begun enriching uranium at higher levels in response .
After openly claiming the killing of Revolutionary Guard Quds Force Major General Qassem Soleimani earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Fakhrizadeh 's demise and the State Department declined Newsweek 's request for comment on the matter .
Already breaking with the U.S. in backing the Iran nuclear deal , the European Union quickly denounced the killing of Fakhrizadeh , which the EU deemed illegal .
`` This is a criminal act and runs counter to the principle of respect for human rights the EU stands for , '' the EU 's External Action Service said in a statement Saturday , just a day after the act .
The statement expressed condolences on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Josep Borrell , who also wished a recovery to those injured in an attack that exacerbated existing frictions across the Middle East .
`` In these uncertain times , it is more important than ever for all parties to remain calm and exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid escalation which can not be in anyone 's interest , '' the statement said .
The three European signatories to the nuclear deal also separately expressed concern .
The French Foreign Ministry said Monday it has `` taken note with concern '' of Fakhrizadeh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of regional tensions , we are closely monitoring its repercussions in Iran and the region , '' the ministry said .
`` We are calling for restraint in order to keep the channels of dialogue and negotiation open , '' the French Foreign Ministry said .
`` In this context , we reiterate our calls for efforts to avoid an escalation of tensions . ''
Germany also urged cooler heads to prevail as the temperature rose on heated Middle East frictions .
`` We call on all parties to avoid taking any action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the situation '' which `` we absolutely do not need at this moment , '' a German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement that appeared in Agence France-Presse .
The spokesperson noted that the situation was especially complicated by an imminent change of power in Washington , where Biden has vowed to return to the nuclear deal when he takes office next month .
`` Weeks before a new government takes office in the United States , existing dialogue with Iran must be maintained in order to resolve through negotiation the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the spokesperson said .
U.K. Foreign Minister Dominic Raab , for his part , offered a similar sentiment pending a clearer understanding of the situation .
`` We are concerned about the situation in Iran and the wider region .
We do want to see a deescalation of tensions , '' Raab told Sky News on Sunday .
Based on what he 's observed so far , however , he saw a potential criminal element in the killing of a scientist , even if he did have a military background .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full facts of what 's happened in Iran , but I would say that we stick to the rule of international humanitarian law , which is very clear against targeting civilians , '' Raab said .
Two thirds of the E3 possess nuclear weapons , with the French arsenal estimated at 290 and the U.K. 's at around 230 .
As members of the NATO military alliance , they , along with Germany , also operate a collective defense pact led largely by the United States .
An eighth nuclear power , believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to comment on the matter .
North Korea has traditionally been selective in its remarks on foreign affairs , though in the case of Fakhrizadeh , the matter could be somewhat personal .
Fakhrizadeh himself reportedly traveled to North Korea to attend the third nuclear test of the elusive militarized state in 2013 .
The extent to which Pyongyang and Tehran 's weapons programs are linked remains a point of debate among experts and officials but both governments and their supreme leaders are linked in their skepticism and , at times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global interventions .
The ninth country believed to possess nuclear weapons has never openly admitted to having them but deeply opposes efforts by other regional states to acquire them .
Israel considers its qualitative military edge over other powers into the Middle East to be an existential asset due to the ongoing hostility emanating from its original 1948 establishment and war with Arab states that backed Palestinians claiming the same territory .
Today , five Arab states have normalized relations with Israel , three—the United Arab Emirates , Bahrain and Sudan—since August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Israel Defense Forces recently told Newsweek its personnel `` remain vigilant as ever , prepared for various Iranian attacks and they stand ready to defend Israeli civilians . ''
The Israeli military declined to comment further on the subject of Fakhrizadeh 's killing .
Alireza Miryousefi , spokesperson for the Iranian mission to the United Nations , told Newsweek his country too `` is perfectly capable of defending its people and its territory , '' remaining vigilant as ever against potential threats .
As for revenge , he warned Iran would act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Retaliation for Dr. Fakhrizadeh 's assassination will come in due course against the perpetrators of the terrorist action , '' Miryousefi said , `` and at a time and place of our choosing , ''

Pakistan is the latest nuclear power to condemn the killing of a top Iranian atomic scientist, deeming the act a destabilizing event in a region already plagued by widespread unrest.
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a former Revolutionary Guard officer who led the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research was shot dead last Friday east of the Iranian capital in a yet unclaimed assassination that has fueled suspicions of Israeli involvement. While Iran has always denied possessing or seeking a nuclear bomb, several nations with such capabilities, such as Pakistan, have spoken out against the slaying.
"Pakistan condemns the assassination of Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in Tehran," the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Thursday in a statement sent to Newsweek. "We extend sincere condolences to the family members of Mr. Fakhrizadeh and to the Iranian people."
The attack comes about a decade after a series of similar slayings targeted other leading Iranian nuclear scientists and, more recently, in the wake of ongoing tensions between Iran and its top foes Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Islamabad worried such violence may only further entrench the Middle East in turmoil.
"Such acts not only run contrary to all norms of interstate relations and International Law but also threaten the peace and stability of an already fragile region," the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said. "Pakistan strongly urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation of tensions in the region."
Pakistan neighbors Iran and Pakistani officials have previously expressed to Newsweek the importance they place on stability along their country's border with the fellow Islamic Republic.
Pakistan, one of nine countries believed to be in the nuclear weapons club, conducted its first public nuclear test in 1998, largely in response to a test conducted just two weeks earlier by rival India. Pakistan is believed today to hold around 160 nuclear weapons and India 150, according to the Federation of American Scientists.
While India—which has developed increasingly close ties to Israel and its top ally, the United States—has remained quiet, other world powers with nuclear stockpiles have spoken out.
Pakistani soldiers wearing facemasks patrol near the closed Pakistan-Iran border in Taftan on February 25. In addition to challenges posed by insurgents and drug traffickers in the region, the COVID-19 pandemic tightened security at crucial border crossings in the region. BANARAS KHAN/AFP/Getty Images
Days after Fakhrizadeh's death, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters on Monday her country was appalled by the act and called on those responsible to be exposed.
"China is shocked by the killing of the Iranian scientist and condemns this violent crime," Hua said. "We hope that the incident will be thoroughly investigated."
Like Islamabad, Beijing worried about the potential ramifications in an already restive region.
"China opposes any act that aggravates regional tensions and undermines regional peace and stability," Hua said. "As the current situation in the region is highly complex and sensitive, all parties should work together to ease regional tensions and maintain regional peace and stability."
China is believed to possess up to about 320 nuclear weapons, having tested its first atomic weapon in 1961, just years after an ideological split with the Soviet Union led to tensions between the two communist powers.
Today, however, Beijing and Moscow are perhaps more aligned than ever. Both see the U.S. as a destabilizing force in the Middle East and support Iran economically despite Washington's tight sanctions and, after the recent expiration of a U.N. arms embargo, perhaps soon militarily as well.
Read more Iranian Scientist's Killing Part of Dangerous Game for Supremacy in Mideast Iranian Scientist's Killing Part of Dangerous Game for Supremacy in Mideast
Russia, which currently holds the world's largest nuclear arsenal with some 6,370 warheads at its disposal, had particularly harsh words for those behind the killing of Fakhrizadeh.
"We strongly condemn the murder of researcher Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on November 27 in Iran," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Monday. "We express serious concern over the provocative nature of this terrorist act clearly aimed to destabilize the situation and escalate conflict potential in the region. Whoever is behind the murder, whoever tried to use it to their political gain, must be held responsible."
Fakhrizadeh's killing came in what's slated to be the final weeks of President Donald Trump's administration, which despite officially disputing rival President-elect Joe Biden's win, has formally begun the transition process set to complete January 20. During his tenure, Trump significantly escalated tensions with Iran by leaving a 2015 deal that granted the Islamic Republic sanctions relief in exchange for curbing its nuclear activities.
The deal was signed by Iran along with the U.S., China, Russia, France and the United Kingdom, all permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and nuclear states of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), as well as Germany.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L), Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) and Iran's President Hassan Rouhani attend the Expo Center before the opening ceremony at the Expo Center at the fourth Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) summit in Shanghai on May 21, 2014. Tehran opened up to the West the following year with the nuclear deal but now turns East to Moscow and Beijing for support under crushing U.S. sanctions. ALY SONG/AFP/Getty Images
Despite the U.S. unilateral exit in 2018, the rest of the parties continue to back the accord, even if Europe has struggled to maintain trade ties in the face of tough Trump administration sanctions and Iran has begun enriching uranium at higher levels in response.
After openly claiming the killing of Revolutionary Guard Quds Force Major General Qassem Soleimani earlier this year, the U.S. has stayed silent on Fakhrizadeh's demise and the State Department declined Newsweek's request for comment on the matter.
Already breaking with the U.S. in backing the Iran nuclear deal, the European Union quickly denounced the killing of Fakhrizadeh, which the EU deemed illegal.
"This is a criminal act and runs counter to the principle of respect for human rights the EU stands for," the EU's External Action Service said in a statement Saturday, just a day after the act.
The statement expressed condolences on behalf of EU Foreign Affairs High Representative Josep Borrell, who also wished a recovery to those injured in an attack that exacerbated existing frictions across the Middle East.
"In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever for all parties to remain calm and exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid escalation which cannot be in anyone's interest," the statement said.
Read more Iran Vote to Push Nuclear Deal Limits Won't Hurt Future US Talks: Experts Iran Vote to Push Nuclear Deal Limits Won't Hurt Future US Talks: Experts
The three European signatories to the nuclear deal also separately expressed concern.
The French Foreign Ministry said Monday it has "taken note with concern" of Fakhrizadeh's killing. "In a context of regional tensions, we are closely monitoring its repercussions in Iran and the region," the ministry said.
Paris advised calm on all sides.
"We are calling for restraint in order to keep the channels of dialogue and negotiation open," the French Foreign Ministry said. "In this context, we reiterate our calls for efforts to avoid an escalation of tensions."
Germany also urged cooler heads to prevail as the temperature rose on heated Middle East frictions.
"We call on all parties to avoid taking any action which could lead to a new escalation of the situation" which "we absolutely do not need at this moment," a German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement that appeared in Agence France-Presse.
The spokesperson noted that the situation was especially complicated by an imminent change of power in Washington, where Biden has vowed to return to the nuclear deal when he takes office next month.
"Weeks before a new government takes office in the United States, existing dialogue with Iran must be maintained in order to resolve through negotiation the conflict over Iran's nuclear program," the spokesperson said.
U.K. Foreign Minister Dominic Raab, for his part, offered a similar sentiment pending a clearer understanding of the situation.
"We are concerned about the situation in Iran and the wider region. We do want to see a deescalation of tensions," Raab told Sky News on Sunday.
Based on what he's observed so far, however, he saw a potential criminal element in the killing of a scientist, even if he did have a military background.
"We're still waiting to see the full facts of what's happened in Iran, but I would say that we stick to the rule of international humanitarian law, which is very clear against targeting civilians," Raab said.
Members of Iranian forces pray around the coffin of slain nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh during the burial ceremony at Imamzadeh Saleh shrine in northern Tehran, on November 30. Iran said Israel and an exiled opposition group used new and "complex" methods to assassinate its leading nuclear scientist, as it buried him in a funeral befitting a top "martyr" featuring his face alongside those of Revolutionary Guard Quds Force commander Major General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi Popular Mobilization Force deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, both of whom were killed in a U.S. strike in January. HAMED MALEKPOUR/TASNIM NEWS/AFP/Getty Images
Two thirds of the E3 possess nuclear weapons, with the French arsenal estimated at 290 and the U.K.'s at around 230. As members of the NATO military alliance, they, along with Germany, also operate a collective defense pact led largely by the United States.
An eighth nuclear power, believed to be the most recent, has yet to comment on the matter. North Korea has traditionally been selective in its remarks on foreign affairs, though in the case of Fakhrizadeh, the matter could be somewhat personal.
Fakhrizadeh himself reportedly traveled to North Korea to attend the third nuclear test of the elusive militarized state in 2013. The extent to which Pyongyang and Tehran's weapons programs are linked remains a point of debate among experts and officials but both governments and their supreme leaders are linked in their skepticism and, at times, outright opposition toward the West and its global interventions.
The ninth country believed to possess nuclear weapons has never openly admitted to having them but deeply opposes efforts by other regional states to acquire them.
Israel considers its qualitative military edge over other powers into the Middle East to be an existential asset due to the ongoing hostility emanating from its original 1948 establishment and war with Arab states that backed Palestinians claiming the same territory. Today, five Arab states have normalized relations with Israel, three—the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan—since August, and Iran remains the top priority.
The Israel Defense Forces recently told Newsweek its personnel "remain vigilant as ever, prepared for various Iranian attacks and they stand ready to defend Israeli civilians." The Israeli military declined to comment further on the subject of Fakhrizadeh's killing.
Alireza Miryousefi, spokesperson for the Iranian mission to the United Nations, told Newsweek his country too "is perfectly capable of defending its people and its territory," remaining vigilant as ever against potential threats.
As for revenge, he warned Iran would act at its own pace and place.
"Retaliation for Dr. Fakhrizadeh's assassination will come in due course against the perpetrators of the terrorist action," Miryousefi said, "and at a time and place of our choosing,"


newsweek--2020-12-03--COVID-19 Pushing Many Americans to Raid Their Retirement Accounts, Experts Say

The coronavirus pandemic has heightened the split in the U.S. economy .
Some with hefty retirement accounts dipped into the money and rode out a choppy economy , while those who lived paycheck to paycheck cut back and scraped by as best they could .
`` There were two different experiences during the pandemic , '' Dan Egan , vice president of Behavioral Finance and Investing at Betterment Financial in New York , told Newsweek .
`` Those who had a white-collar job and a healthy nest egg sailed through easily , and many contributed more to their retirement account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you had a service-industry job , the pandemic knocked you off the ladder . ''
Many people with stable jobs deposited the first government stimulus checks in retirement or savings accounts , while those struggling at the lower end of the economic scale used the money to meet routine expenses , he said .
In April , the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 % .
It was 3.5 % before the economic shutdown that was imposed as part of the effort to curb spread of the coronavirus .
A total of 20.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring .
The current unemployment rate is 6.9 % , the Labor Department reported – twice what it was at the outset of the pandemic .
The U.S. Commerce Department said consumer spending , which represents about two-thirds of the nation 's economic activity , fell 13.6 % in April , the sharpest decline since the government started tracking consumer spending in 1959 .
It surpassed the previous record-high decrease of 6.9 % in March .
Against this backdrop , some people had no choice but to dip into their retirement accounts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by automatic withdrawals from an employee 's paycheck , are at the center of private-sector retirement plans in the U.S. Vanguard , a provider of mutual and exchange traded funds , said about 100 million workers participate in such programs , with assets totaling an estimated $ 8.8 trillion .
The Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security Act ( CARES ) , signed into law in March , provides penalty relief and greater flexibility in withdrawals from retirement accounts by those hit by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The CARES Act allows those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ k ) plans to withdraw as much as $ 100,000 from a retirement account without a 10 % penalty for those under age 59.5 years .
In general , one-third of the money withdrawn will be considered as taxable income for the next three years .
Money withdrawn can be repaid to the retirement account .
The Investment Company Institute ( ICI ) , a Washington-based trade association for U.S. and international investment companies , reported that withdrawals from defined-contribution retirement plans were slightly higher in the first three quarters of 2020 than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , In the first three quarters of this year , 3.4 % of plan participants withdrew money from their account , compared with 3.3 % for the same period in 2019 .
During the economic turmoil in 2009 caused by the collapse of the subprime mortgage market , such withdrawals equaled 2.6 % of all accounts .
The trade group said 1.2 % of plan participants took hardship withdrawals through September 30 of this year , compared with 1.6 % for the same period a year ago and 1.3 % in 2009 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market led to the Great Recession .
Hardship withdrawals since 2019 `` may reflect '' financial problems stemming from the coronavirus pandemic , ICI said .
A preliminary review of the data shows that 2.2 % of participants stopped contributions to their retirement plan in the first three quarters of 2020 , compared with 1.9 % in the same period a year ago and 5.0 & % in the first three quarters of 2009 , the trade group said .
At T. Rowe Price , a global investment management firm based in Baltimore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retirement reduced their monthly contributions during the worst of COVID-19 pandemic , but only 2.5 % stopped saving .
`` Employment is the hinge , '' Joshua Dietch , head of Retirement Thought Leadership at T. Rowe Price , told Newsweek .
`` People who were employed by-and-large stayed the course , '' he said .
`` Many people who took distributions have solidified their finances and are saving again – and even saving more .
In effect , they 're trying to catch up . ''
Most people who automatically enrolled in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't budge .
But some were forced to dip into their retirement fund during the worst of the pandemic , and that underscores the need to have an emergency fund separate from the retirement account , he said .
`` It 's a mistake to lose that balance , '' he said .
Among retirement plan participants with assets greater than $ 25 million , 84 % had access to distributions under the CARES Act .
But of that group , only 7 % took coronavirus-related distributions .
But 17 % of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lesser of 100 % of their vested account balance or $ 100,000 , T. Rowe Price said in a report .
However , an online survey conducted by Edelman Financial Engines from August 27 to September 1 of 2,000 U.S. adults aged 40 to 65 with annual household incomes of $ 100,000 or more found that 26 % have withdrawn money from their retirement or savings accounts during the COVID-19 pandemic to help a family member or a friend , and 51 % tapped reserves to pay bills .
Those who withdrew money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replenish their savings .
Persons who depend entirely , or heavily , on Social Security for retirement income represent the other end of the scale .
In 2020 , about 65 million people received an estimated $ 1 trillion in Social Security benefits , including retired and disabled workers as well as dependents , the Social Security Administration ( SSA ) reported .
That means that about 20 % of the American population of about 328 million depend on Social Security benefits either directly or indirectly .
There are about 45.8 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 % received Social Security benefits totaling $ 69.4 billion this year .
The average monthly benefit for retired workers is $ 1,514 .
For many recipients , including about 21 % of married couples and 45 % of single persons , Social Security provided 90 % or more of their monthly income , the SSA said .
Next year , Social Security recipients will receive a 1.3 % cost-of-living adjustment – the smallest since 2017 .
For those receiving the average payment of $ 1,514 in December , the benefit will increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current rebound and the prospect of an effective COVID-19 vaccine allowing things to return to normal , market turbulence is likely to continue .
The S & P 500 declined about 20 % in the first quarter , but the index recovered , and in the third quarter was up 5.6 % from year-end 2019 , plumping up many retirement accounts .
But the ups and downs of the market are not necessarily a bad thing for investors .
`` When everyone is scared is not when the market is riskiest , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's when people are ebullient . ''

The coronavirus pandemic has heightened the split in the U.S. economy. Some with hefty retirement accounts dipped into the money and rode out a choppy economy, while those who lived paycheck to paycheck cut back and scraped by as best they could.
"There were two different experiences during the pandemic," Dan Egan, vice president of Behavioral Finance and Investing at Betterment Financial in New York, told Newsweek.
"Those who had a white-collar job and a healthy nest egg sailed through easily, and many contributed more to their retirement account," he said. "But if you had a service-industry job, the pandemic knocked you off the ladder."
Retirement illustrated with figurine sitting on paper currency, studio London, October 2020 (Photo by Peter Dazeley/Getty Images) Peter Dazeley/Getty Images/Getty
Many people with stable jobs deposited the first government stimulus checks in retirement or savings accounts, while those struggling at the lower end of the economic scale used the money to meet routine expenses, he said.
In April, the unemployment rate rose to 14.7%. It was 3.5% before the economic shutdown that was imposed as part of the effort to curb spread of the coronavirus. A total of 20.5 million people were out of work last spring. The current unemployment rate is 6.9%, the Labor Department reported – twice what it was at the outset of the pandemic.
The U.S. Commerce Department said consumer spending, which represents about two-thirds of the nation's economic activity, fell 13.6% in April, the sharpest decline since the government started tracking consumer spending in 1959. It surpassed the previous record-high decrease of 6.9% in March.
Against this backdrop, some people had no choice but to dip into their retirement accounts.
Defined contribution retirement plans, typically funded by automatic withdrawals from an employee's paycheck, are at the center of private-sector retirement plans in the U.S. Vanguard, a provider of mutual and exchange traded funds, said about 100 million workers participate in such programs, with assets totaling an estimated $8.8 trillion.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), signed into law in March, provides penalty relief and greater flexibility in withdrawals from retirement accounts by those hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CARES Act allows those with traditional IRAs and employer-provided 401(k) plans to withdraw as much as $100,000 from a retirement account without a 10% penalty for those under age 59.5 years. In general, one-third of the money withdrawn will be considered as taxable income for the next three years. Money withdrawn can be repaid to the retirement account.
The Investment Company Institute (ICI), a Washington-based trade association for U.S. and international investment companies, reported that withdrawals from defined-contribution retirement plans were slightly higher in the first three quarters of 2020 than in previous years, but remained low,
In the first three quarters of this year, 3.4% of plan participants withdrew money from their account, compared with 3.3% for the same period in 2019. During the economic turmoil in 2009 caused by the collapse of the subprime mortgage market, such withdrawals equaled 2.6% of all accounts.
The trade group said 1.2% of plan participants took hardship withdrawals through September 30 of this year, compared with 1.6% for the same period a year ago and 1.3% in 2009, when the collapse of the subprime housing market led to the Great Recession. Hardship withdrawals since 2019 "may reflect" financial problems stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, ICI said.
A preliminary review of the data shows that 2.2% of participants stopped contributions to their retirement plan in the first three quarters of 2020, compared with 1.9% in the same period a year ago and 5.0&% in the first three quarters of 2009, the trade group said.
At T. Rowe Price, a global investment management firm based in Baltimore, 5.7% of those saving for retirement reduced their monthly contributions during the worst of COVID-19 pandemic, but only 2.5% stopped saving.
"Employment is the hinge," Joshua Dietch, head of Retirement Thought Leadership at T. Rowe Price, told Newsweek.
"People who were employed by-and-large stayed the course," he said. "Many people who took distributions have solidified their finances and are saving again – and even saving more. In effect, they're trying to catch up."
Most people who automatically enrolled in a retirement plan through their employer didn't budge. But some were forced to dip into their retirement fund during the worst of the pandemic, and that underscores the need to have an emergency fund separate from the retirement account, he said.
"It's a mistake to lose that balance," he said.
Among retirement plan participants with assets greater than $25 million, 84% had access to distributions under the CARES Act. But of that group, only 7% took coronavirus-related distributions. But 17% of those took the maximum allowed, or the lesser of 100% of their vested account balance or $100,000, T. Rowe Price said in a report.
However, an online survey conducted by Edelman Financial Engines from August 27 to September 1 of 2,000 U.S. adults aged 40 to 65 with annual household incomes of $100,000 or more found that 26% have withdrawn money from their retirement or savings accounts during the COVID-19 pandemic to help a family member or a friend, and 51% tapped reserves to pay bills.
Those who withdrew money said it will take about six years to replenish their savings.
Persons who depend entirely, or heavily, on Social Security for retirement income represent the other end of the scale.
In 2020, about 65 million people received an estimated $1 trillion in Social Security benefits, including retired and disabled workers as well as dependents, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reported. That means that about 20% of the American population of about 328 million depend on Social Security benefits either directly or indirectly.
There are about 45.8 million retired workers in the U.S. An estimated 90% received Social Security benefits totaling $69.4 billion this year. The average monthly benefit for retired workers is $1,514. For many recipients, including about 21% of married couples and 45% of single persons, Social Security provided 90% or more of their monthly income, the SSA said.
Next year, Social Security recipients will receive a 1.3% cost-of-living adjustment – the smallest since 2017. For those receiving the average payment of $1,514 in December, the benefit will increase $19.68 a month.
Despite the current rebound and the prospect of an effective COVID-19 vaccine allowing things to return to normal, market turbulence is likely to continue. The S&P 500 declined about 20% in the first quarter, but the index recovered, and in the third quarter was up 5.6% from year-end 2019, plumping up many retirement accounts.
But the ups and downs of the market are not necessarily a bad thing for investors.
"When everyone is scared is not when the market is riskiest," Betterment Financial's Egan said. "It's when people are ebullient."


newsweek--2020-12-03--Former Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Inmate and Covering It Up, Faces Up to 35 Yea

Former Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Inmate and Covering It Up, Faces Up to 35 Years

Jordan DeMattos , a former correctional officer at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo , pleaded guilty on Wednesday to helping three other correctional officers physically assault an inmate and creating a false narrative for the circumstances of the attack .
According to a Thursday release from the U.S. Department of Justice , DeMattos and the other officers held an inmate down on the ground .
While the inmate was pinned , the officers `` punched , kneed , and kicked the inmate in the face , head , and body dozens of times . ''
The inmate offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault .
DeMattos said during his plea hearing that such excessive force was unwarranted .
Following the assault , the four officers concocted a cover story in an attempt to falsely justify their use of excessive force .
`` Correctional officers are given great power to enforce rules , keep order , and protect the inmates within their facilities , '' said Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda in a Thursday statement .
`` When Jordan DeMattos exploited these powers and violated the civil rights of an inmate he was charged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation of all the officers who perform their duties lawfully and with dignity . ''
DeMattos faces up to 10 years in prison for the assault itself , 20 years in prison for the false report and five years in prison for engaging in a conspiracy to cover up the attack .
Jason Tagaloa , Jonathan Taum and Craig Pinckney , who are the other officers allegedly involved in the assault , are expected to face trial in March 2021 .
All three officers have entered pleas of not guilty to three counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and conspiracy to obstruct justice .
According to the June indictment against the officers , the unnamed inmate was assaulted in the recreational yard of the correctional facility in June 2015 .
Tagaloa also allegedly assaulted the same inmate in a holding cell .
Newsweek reached out to the Hawaii Department of Public Safety for comment .
In September , inmates at the facility destroyed facilities and set fires to mattresses after police searched the housing unit for contraband .
According to a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers suffered smoke inhalation and respiratory issues from the incidents . ''
One employee of the correctional facility was treated and released from a local medical facility for minor injuries .
Some inmates were returned to the facility after being examined for signs of smoke inhalation .
No video of the incident was available for examination .
Department of Public Safety spokesperson Toni Schwartz told Honolulu Civil Beat in October that an overhaul of the video surveillance system at the facility was underway .
However , upgrades to the video and electronics systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' during the time of the incident .

Jordan DeMattos, a former correctional officer at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to helping three other correctional officers physically assault an inmate and creating a false narrative for the circumstances of the attack.
According to a Thursday release from the U.S. Department of Justice, DeMattos and the other officers held an inmate down on the ground. While the inmate was pinned, the officers "punched, kneed, and kicked the inmate in the face, head, and body dozens of times." The inmate offered no resistance during a majority of the assault. DeMattos said during his plea hearing that such excessive force was unwarranted. Following the assault, the four officers concocted a cover story in an attempt to falsely justify their use of excessive force.
"Correctional officers are given great power to enforce rules, keep order, and protect the inmates within their facilities," said Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda in a Thursday statement. "When Jordan DeMattos exploited these powers and violated the civil rights of an inmate he was charged to protect, he undermined the respect and reputation of all the officers who perform their duties lawfully and with dignity."
DeMattos faces up to 10 years in prison for the assault itself, 20 years in prison for the false report and five years in prison for engaging in a conspiracy to cover up the attack.
Jason Tagaloa, Jonathan Taum and Craig Pinckney, who are the other officers allegedly involved in the assault, are expected to face trial in March 2021. All three officers have entered pleas of not guilty to three counts of obstruction by false report, two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and conspiracy to obstruct justice.
A former Hawaii correctional officer pleaded guilty on Wednesday to assaulting an inmate with three other officers, and then conspiring to cover up the attack. iStock/Getty
According to the June indictment against the officers, the unnamed inmate was assaulted in the recreational yard of the correctional facility in June 2015. Tagaloa also allegedly assaulted the same inmate in a holding cell.
Newsweek reached out to the Hawaii Department of Public Safety for comment.
In September, inmates at the facility destroyed facilities and set fires to mattresses after police searched the housing unit for contraband. According to a statement from Hawaii County police, "corrections officers suffered smoke inhalation and respiratory issues from the incidents."
One employee of the correctional facility was treated and released from a local medical facility for minor injuries. Some inmates were returned to the facility after being examined for signs of smoke inhalation. No video of the incident was available for examination.
Department of Public Safety spokesperson Toni Schwartz told Honolulu Civil Beat in October that an overhaul of the video surveillance system at the facility was underway. However, upgrades to the video and electronics systems at the jail were "not operable" during the time of the incident.


newsweek--2020-12-03--Court Denies Effort to Drop Charges of Firearm Possession, Reckless Endangerment Against Kyle Ritten

Court Denies Effort to Drop Charges of Firearm Possession, Reckless Endangerment Against Kyle Rittenhouse

On Thursday , the lawyer of Kyle Rittenhouse , the 17-year-old militia member charged with killing two men and injuring a third during a late August uprising in Kenosha , Wisconsin failed to get two of six charges facing his client dropped .
Kenosha County Court Commissioner Loren Keating dismissed attempts by Rittenhouse 's lawyer , Mark Richards , to drop the charges of underage firearm possession and a charge of reckless endangerment .
Richards argued that an exemption in Wisconsin law allowed his client to carry a firearm despite the state law forbidding minor possession of a dangerous weapon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endangerment charge filed against Rittenhouse did n't specify how he had endangered nearby journalist Richard McGinnis , despite allegedly firing rounds towards him , the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports .
`` We do n't allow teens to run around with guns .
It 's that simple .
The statute is clear , '' Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger said , according to the Journal Sentinel .
`` This is exactly why we have this law , because teens should n't be allowed to run around with dangerous weapons , because bad things happen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first-degree intentional homicide of 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum , the first-degree reckless homicide of 26-year-old Anthony Huber , the attempted first-degree intentional homicide of Gaige Grosskreutz and reckless endangerment for shots fired at another protester .
Rittenhouse said he had driven into Kenosha to stand guard with other armed men and protect a gas station not far from the courthouse where civil unrest broke out following a protest against the August 23 police shooting of Jacob Blake , an unarmed Black man .
He has claimed that he murdered the two men and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time of the shooting , Rittenhouse was openly carrying a military-style semi-automatic rifle .
Video captured the alleged shooting and footage of Rittenhouse walking calmly past police afterward .
Police arrested Rittenhouse in his Antioch , Illinois home the following day .
Rittenhouse 's $ 2 million bail was paid in part by conservative My Pillow CEO Michael Lindell and former child actor Ricky Schroder of the 1980s sitcom Silver Spoons .
Rittenhouse faces up to 6 years in prison per count , according to NBC News .
The third man injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries .
After the shooting , the human rights organization Amnesty International called for a national repeal of all `` open carry '' laws that allow gun owners to openly carry firearms , such as rifles or pistols , in public .
Wisconsin law allows people ages 18 and older to carry loaded firearms even if they do n't have a gun permit .

On Thursday, the lawyer of Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old militia member charged with killing two men and injuring a third during a late August uprising in Kenosha, Wisconsin failed to get two of six charges facing his client dropped.
Kenosha County Court Commissioner Loren Keating dismissed attempts by Rittenhouse's lawyer, Mark Richards, to drop the charges of underage firearm possession and a charge of reckless endangerment.
Richards argued that an exemption in Wisconsin law allowed his client to carry a firearm despite the state law forbidding minor possession of a dangerous weapon. He also argued that the reckless endangerment charge filed against Rittenhouse didn't specify how he had endangered nearby journalist Richard McGinnis, despite allegedly firing rounds towards him, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.
"We don't allow teens to run around with guns. It's that simple. The statute is clear," Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger said, according to the Journal Sentinel. "This is exactly why we have this law, because teens shouldn't be allowed to run around with dangerous weapons, because bad things happen."
On Thursday, the lawyer of Kyle Rittenhouse, a militia member who killed two protesters during an uprising in Kenosha, Wisconsin, failed in his bid to drop two of the six legal charges facing his client. In this September 18, 2020 photo, a man at a rally for President Donald Trump wears a shirt that says "Free Kyle." Stephen Maturen/Getty
The other charges facing Rittenhouse are the first-degree intentional homicide of 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum, the first-degree reckless homicide of 26-year-old Anthony Huber, the attempted first-degree intentional homicide of Gaige Grosskreutz and reckless endangerment for shots fired at another protester.
Rittenhouse said he had driven into Kenosha to stand guard with other armed men and protect a gas station not far from the courthouse where civil unrest broke out following a protest against the August 23 police shooting of Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man. He has claimed that he murdered the two men and injured the third in self-defense.
At the time of the shooting, Rittenhouse was openly carrying a military-style semi-automatic rifle. Video captured the alleged shooting and footage of Rittenhouse walking calmly past police afterward. Police arrested Rittenhouse in his Antioch, Illinois home the following day.
Rittenhouse's $2 million bail was paid in part by conservative My Pillow CEO Michael Lindell and former child actor Ricky Schroder of the 1980s sitcom Silver Spoons. Rittenhouse faces up to 6 years in prison per count, according to NBC News.
The third man injured by the gunfire was transported to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
After the shooting, the human rights organization Amnesty International called for a national repeal of all "open carry" laws that allow gun owners to openly carry firearms, such as rifles or pistols, in public.
Wisconsin law allows people ages 18 and older to carry loaded firearms even if they don't have a gun permit.
Newsweek contacted Richards' office for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-03--New Defense Bill Would Reestablish Cybersecurity Position Previously Nixed by Trump Administration

A provision to establish a national cybersecurity director at the White House has been included in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act ( NDAA ) , which outlines the budget for national defense spending .
In 2018 , the administration of President Donald Trump eliminated a similar position .
Rhode Island Democrat Congressman Jim Langevin , a senior member of the House Armed Servies Committee , co-introduced separate legislation in June to create the position .
The provision included in the 2021 NDAA is based on that legislation , known as the National Cyber Director Act .
`` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cybersecurity for more than a decade , and it is abundantly clear the country needs someone in charge of cybersecurity at the highest levels of government , '' Langevin said in a statement sent to Newsweek on Thursday .
`` The inclusion of the National Cyber Director Act in this year 's National Defense Authorization Act brings us closer to establishing an overarching and more effective cyber strategy to protect the nation , '' Langevin continued .
`` With increased reliance on information technology infrastructure for communication , commerce and personal use , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is more critical than ever that there is an expert bringing all the elements of government together and ensuring that we are pulling oars in the same direction to protect Americans . ''
According to the statement , the National Cyber Director would wield both budgetary and policy authority to `` oversee development and implementation of the national cyber strategy and to coordinate national cyber incident response efforts . ''
After the House of Representatives takes up the NDAA in December , it will be sent to the Senate .
If it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left to President Donald Trump to sign the NDAA into law .
Trump has threatened to veto the NDAA unless Section 230 , a law that protects social media platforms from litigation over the posting of some illegal matter by third-parties , is removed .
If the NDAA is approved , the choice of who will become the U.S. Cyber Director could potentially be left to President-elect Joe Biden .
Whoever is nominated to the position would face confirmation hearings before the U.S. Senate .
In 2009 , the administration of former President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Cybersecurity Coordinator .
Obama chose Howard Schmidt as his first cyber czar .
Schmidt was responsible for integrating governmental cyber policies , ensuring that government agencies had the proper funding to handle cybersecurity issues and coordinate responses to computer attacks .
During Trump 's administration , the position was left vacant in 2018 by then-White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Rob Joyce , who took a position within the National Security Agency .
In May of that year , the White House got rid of the position entirely .
Democrats criticized the elimination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time , Democrat California Representative Ted Lieu called the White House 's decision `` outrageous , especially given that we 're facing more hostile threats from foreign adversaries than ever before . ''
In a 2019 executive order , Trump called for the creation of programs designed to highlight the importance of cybersecurity within the government , including a `` rotational program where Federal employees can expand their cybersecurity expertise through temporary reassignments to other agencies . ''
`` America built the internet and shared it with the world , '' Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our part to secure and preserve cyberspace for future generations . ''

A provision to establish a national cybersecurity director at the White House has been included in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines the budget for national defense spending. In 2018, the administration of President Donald Trump eliminated a similar position.
Rhode Island Democrat Congressman Jim Langevin, a senior member of the House Armed Servies Committee, co-introduced separate legislation in June to create the position. The provision included in the 2021 NDAA is based on that legislation, known as the National Cyber Director Act.
"I've been working on bolstering our nation's cybersecurity for more than a decade, and it is abundantly clear the country needs someone in charge of cybersecurity at the highest levels of government," Langevin said in a statement sent to Newsweek on Thursday.
"The inclusion of the National Cyber Director Act in this year's National Defense Authorization Act brings us closer to establishing an overarching and more effective cyber strategy to protect the nation," Langevin continued. "With increased reliance on information technology infrastructure for communication, commerce and personal use, as well as national security purposes, it is more critical than ever that there is an expert bringing all the elements of government together and ensuring that we are pulling oars in the same direction to protect Americans."
According to the statement, the National Cyber Director would wield both budgetary and policy authority to "oversee development and implementation of the national cyber strategy and to coordinate national cyber incident response efforts."
After the House of Representatives takes up the NDAA in December, it will be sent to the Senate. If it passes the Senate, it will be left to President Donald Trump to sign the NDAA into law. Trump has threatened to veto the NDAA unless Section 230, a law that protects social media platforms from litigation over the posting of some illegal matter by third-parties, is removed.
If the NDAA is approved, the choice of who will become the U.S. Cyber Director could potentially be left to President-elect Joe Biden. Whoever is nominated to the position would face confirmation hearings before the U.S. Senate.
The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act could provide for a new national director of cybersecurity, according to Rhode Island Congressman Jim Langevin. Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis/Getty
In 2009, the administration of former President Barack Obama created the position of White House Cybersecurity Coordinator. Obama chose Howard Schmidt as his first cyber czar. Schmidt was responsible for integrating governmental cyber policies, ensuring that government agencies had the proper funding to handle cybersecurity issues and coordinate responses to computer attacks.
During Trump's administration, the position was left vacant in 2018 by then-White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Rob Joyce, who took a position within the National Security Agency. In May of that year, the White House got rid of the position entirely.
Democrats criticized the elimination of the role. In a statement at the time, Democrat California Representative Ted Lieu called the White House's decision "outrageous, especially given that we're facing more hostile threats from foreign adversaries than ever before."
In a 2019 executive order, Trump called for the creation of programs designed to highlight the importance of cybersecurity within the government, including a "rotational program where Federal employees can expand their cybersecurity expertise through temporary reassignments to other agencies."
"America built the internet and shared it with the world," Trump wrote. "Now we will do our part to secure and preserve cyberspace for future generations."


newsweek--2020-12-03--Trump Campaign Witness Can't Back Up Claims in Georgia Election Fraud Hearings

A star witness for the Trump campaign was unable to back up claims that fraudulent ballots were `` injected '' into the vote count in Georgia when questioned during a hearing on Thursday .
Retired Army Col. Phil Waldron , who was called to testify at the Georgia state Senate hearing by President Donald Trump 's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani , could not confirm allegations that a video showing bags being `` pulled from a table '' by election workers contained fraudulent ballots when questioned by Democratic Senator Jen Jordan .
`` Are you trying to say that , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots that were somehow not lawful , that were n't real , that were n't actually cast by registered voters in the state of Georgia ? ''
Jordan asked Waldron during the hearing .
`` We do have affidavits of people who trucked in ballots from out of state into other states , '' Waldron replied .
Jordan then asked Waldron to clarify if he was claiming that truckloads of ballots had been moved into Georgia .
Waldron agreed when Jordan pointed out that election laws and vote counting processes differ from state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waldron on whether he was claiming that illegal ballots had been trucked into Georgia based on claims from other states .
`` So , your opinion is based on the fact that there are affidavits of other people from other states who have alleged that they trucked in ballots to other states ? ''
Jordan asked .
`` Your testimony is saying that , ergo , these ballots in this video must have been trucked in from other states and are unlawful ? ''
Waldron replied that a `` full forensic audit '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots had been trucked in , while refusing to say whether there was any reason to believe they had been .
`` If these were extras that were just trucked in , somebody just brought them in ... you would expect then that the number of ballots would exceed the number of registered voters who had requested ballots and/or who had voted in person , correct ? ''
asked Jordan .
`` Underneath the , you know , within the margin of error , '' Waldron replied .
`` I have n't seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testify to that , but we 've seen in other places where ballots were segregated , separated and discarded , or not counted .
And then other ballots were injected , and those were by affidavits that have been acquired by the , uh , all the legal teams . ''
Waldron has appeared at multiple events with Giuliani boosting voter fraud conspiracy theories , including a staged `` hearing '' that took place at a Phoenix , Arizona hotel on Monday as President-elect Joe Biden 's victory in the state was certified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` cybersecurity expert , '' although his background and credentials in the field are unclear .
One month after Election Day , Trump has continued to maintain , without any credible evidence , that massive voter fraud `` rigged '' the election .
Biden won 306 Electoral College votes to Trump 's 232 , the same margin of victory that Trump had over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
The president-elect also won over 7 million more votes than Trump nationally , with a total of over 81.2 million .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .

A star witness for the Trump campaign was unable to back up claims that fraudulent ballots were "injected" into the vote count in Georgia when questioned during a hearing on Thursday.
Retired Army Col. Phil Waldron, who was called to testify at the Georgia state Senate hearing by President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, could not confirm allegations that a video showing bags being "pulled from a table" by election workers contained fraudulent ballots when questioned by Democratic Senator Jen Jordan.
"Are you trying to say that, in the video, what you saw were ballots that were somehow not lawful, that weren't real, that weren't actually cast by registered voters in the state of Georgia?" Jordan asked Waldron during the hearing.
"We do have affidavits of people who trucked in ballots from out of state into other states," Waldron replied.
Jordan then asked Waldron to clarify if he was claiming that truckloads of ballots had been moved into Georgia.
"Not into Georgia," Waldron admitted.
Waldron agreed when Jordan pointed out that election laws and vote counting processes differ from state to state. The senator then pressed Waldron on whether he was claiming that illegal ballots had been trucked into Georgia based on claims from other states.
Retired Army Col. Phil Waldron was unable to back up claims that fraudulent ballots were "injected" into the vote count in Georgia. iStock/Getty
"So, your opinion is based on the fact that there are affidavits of other people from other states who have alleged that they trucked in ballots to other states?" Jordan asked. "Your testimony is saying that, ergo, these ballots in this video must have been trucked in from other states and are unlawful?"
Waldron replied that a "full forensic audit" could be used to verify if fraudulent ballots had been trucked in, while refusing to say whether there was any reason to believe they had been.
"If these were extras that were just trucked in, somebody just brought them in... you would expect then that the number of ballots would exceed the number of registered voters who had requested ballots and/or who had voted in person, correct?" asked Jordan.
"Underneath the, you know, within the margin of error," Waldron replied. "I haven't seen in Georgia, so I can't testify to that, but we've seen in other places where ballots were segregated, separated and discarded, or not counted. And then other ballots were injected, and those were by affidavits that have been acquired by the, uh, all the legal teams."
Waldron has appeared at multiple events with Giuliani boosting voter fraud conspiracy theories, including a staged "hearing" that took place at a Phoenix, Arizona hotel on Monday as President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the state was certified. He has been presented as a "cybersecurity expert," although his background and credentials in the field are unclear.
One month after Election Day, Trump has continued to maintain, without any credible evidence, that massive voter fraud "rigged" the election. Biden won 306 Electoral College votes to Trump's 232, the same margin of victory that Trump had over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. The president-elect also won over 7 million more votes than Trump nationally, with a total of over 81.2 million.
Newsweek reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-03--All of Calif. Projected to Fall Under New Stay-at-Home Order By End of December

The entire state of California is projected to fall under new stay-at-home orders by the end of December due to falling intensive care unit capacities as the state continues its battle with the novel coronavirus .
Rising COVID-19 cases , hospitalizations and deaths in California and across the U.S. are expected to get even worse in the coming weeks following the Thanksgiving holiday .
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday encouraged Californians to comply with one more stay-at-home order as they await access to a COVID-19 vaccine , the distribution of which could begin before the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FDA ) approves one for emergency use by mid-December .
In the meantime , Newsom said each of the state 's five regions—Northern California , Greater Sacramento , Bay Area , San Joaquin Valley and Southern California—is expected to soon begin reporting ICU capacities below 15 percent , the threshold at which the new stay-at-home order will be triggered .
`` The ICU capacity in all of these regions by the end of this month will drop , based on our current projections , below 15 percent in total capacity , '' Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No region qualifies for the stay-at-home order yet , but the Bay Area region could fall beneath that 15 percent threshold by the middle or end of the month , Newsom said .
The other four regions could reach that marker within a week or as soon as the next couple of days , he said .
Once the new stay-at-home order is triggered , it will be in effect for at least three weeks , Newsom said .
The business sectors that will be required to temporarily close include bars , wineries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barbershops .
Restaurants will be allowed to remain open for delivery and take-out , and retail shops can remain open so long as they observe 20 percent customer capacity limits , the governor said .
Critical infrastructure and schools that have secured waivers to open can also remain operational , he added .
California was the first state to announce a stay-at-home order in response to the pandemic in mid-March .
Though the state appeared to be flattening the curve of the virus ' spread by the end of the summer , new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health experts have predicted that the U.S. is heading into its worst bout with the virus and warned that its rapid spread could overwhelm hospitals already under strain due to the resurgence of winter respiratory illnesses .
More than 1.2 million people in California tested positive for the virus in total and more than 19,000 people have died as of December 2 according to state data .
Newsom said Thursday that California 's seven-day average of new daily infections was above 15,000 , the highest reported since the start of the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last two weeks , and ICU admissions have also increased by 67 percent in that same time period , according to the governor .
As Newsom ran through the numbers of cases , hospitalizations and deaths , a slide popped up on the screen beside him that read , `` If we do n't act now , California 's hospital system will be overwhelmed and our death rate will continue to climb . ''
Newsom said California is `` pulling an emergency brake '' with its new stay-at-home order .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is what many had projected , we had predicted : the final surge in this pandemic , '' Newsom said .
`` We do not anticipate having to do this once again , but we really all need to step up .
We need to meet this moment head-on , and we need to do everything we can to stem the tide , to bend the curve and to give us the time necessary by bending that curve to get those vaccines in the hands of all Californians all across this state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office for further comment but did not receive a response in time for publication .

The entire state of California is projected to fall under new stay-at-home orders by the end of December due to falling intensive care unit capacities as the state continues its battle with the novel coronavirus.
Rising COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in California and across the U.S. are expected to get even worse in the coming weeks following the Thanksgiving holiday. California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday encouraged Californians to comply with one more stay-at-home order as they await access to a COVID-19 vaccine, the distribution of which could begin before the end of the year if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves one for emergency use by mid-December.
In the meantime, Newsom said each of the state's five regions—Northern California, Greater Sacramento, Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley and Southern California—is expected to soon begin reporting ICU capacities below 15 percent, the threshold at which the new stay-at-home order will be triggered.
"The ICU capacity in all of these regions by the end of this month will drop, based on our current projections, below 15 percent in total capacity," Newsom said during a Thursday news conference. No region qualifies for the stay-at-home order yet, but the Bay Area region could fall beneath that 15 percent threshold by the middle or end of the month, Newsom said. The other four regions could reach that marker within a week or as soon as the next couple of days, he said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Thursday that all of California is expected to fall under a new stay-at-home order by the end of December due to falling COVID-19 ICU capacities. In the photograph above, cars line up at a COVID-19 testing site in Los Angeles, California on November 30, 2020. ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images
Once the new stay-at-home order is triggered, it will be in effect for at least three weeks, Newsom said. The business sectors that will be required to temporarily close include bars, wineries, personal services, hair salons and barbershops. Restaurants will be allowed to remain open for delivery and take-out, and retail shops can remain open so long as they observe 20 percent customer capacity limits, the governor said. Critical infrastructure and schools that have secured waivers to open can also remain operational, he added.
California was the first state to announce a stay-at-home order in response to the pandemic in mid-March. Though the state appeared to be flattening the curve of the virus' spread by the end of the summer, new daily infections spiked in recent weeks. Health experts have predicted that the U.S. is heading into its worst bout with the virus and warned that its rapid spread could overwhelm hospitals already under strain due to the resurgence of winter respiratory illnesses.
More than 1.2 million people in California tested positive for the virus in total and more than 19,000 people have died as of December 2 according to state data. Newsom said Thursday that California's seven-day average of new daily infections was above 15,000, the highest reported since the start of the pandemic. Hospitalization numbers have increased by 86 percent in the last two weeks, and ICU admissions have also increased by 67 percent in that same time period, according to the governor.
As Newsom ran through the numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths, a slide popped up on the screen beside him that read, "If we don't act now, California's hospital system will be overwhelmed and our death rate will continue to climb."
Newsom said California is "pulling an emergency brake" with its new stay-at-home order.
"This is not a permanent state. This is what many had projected, we had predicted: the final surge in this pandemic," Newsom said. "We do not anticipate having to do this once again, but we really all need to step up. We need to meet this moment head-on, and we need to do everything we can to stem the tide, to bend the curve and to give us the time necessary by bending that curve to get those vaccines in the hands of all Californians all across this state."
Newsweek reached out to Newsom's office for further comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-03--Newsom Issues Stricter COVID Measures After Supreme Court Tells Judges to Review California Limits o

Newsom Issues Stricter COVID Measures After Supreme Court Tells Judges to Review California Limits on Places of Worship

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a regional stay-at-home order on Thursday as the state reported an additional 18,591 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , according to the state 's department of health .
The governor 's new plan goes into effect for California regions where ICU capacity falls below 15 percent .
Residents in those areas will be expected to remain home for three weeks as bars and personal care services close .
Restaurants will move to takeout only and retail will operate at 20 percent capacity .
Although no areas in the state currently face such a serious hospital conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the threshold as soon as this week .
As of December 3 , California has reported more than 1 million coronavirus cases and over 19,000 deaths .
During a Thursday news conference , Newsom said that a thousand Californians have lost their lives to the virus in the last 14 days .
`` We are pulling that emergency brake , '' Newsom said .
`` If we do n't act now , our hospital system will be overwhelmed , '' he added .
Los Angeles is already under a strict lockdown from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private gatherings of people from more than one household on Tuesday .
Residents have been ordered to refrain from participating in all nonessential activities .
Despite Supreme Court rulings in the past week against statewide limits , Newsom does not seem to plan on easing up on his coronavirus restrictions .
Hours before he announced the introduction of his regional stay-at-home plan , the Supreme Court ordered federal judges in California to reexamine the governor 's capacity limits on indoor worship services .
Pasadena-based Harvest Rock Church had asked the court to overturn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguing it unconstitutionally impaired religious liberty .
A week ago , Justice Amy Coney Barrett played her first decisive role since her confirmation to the Supreme Court , joining the majority in a 5–4 decision that lifted restrictions on churches and synagogues in New York City ordered by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo .
In a brief , unsigned order , the court told California judges on Thursday to reconsider Newsom 's limits on worship services , which are even tighter than Cuomo 's .
The order comes at odds with earlier decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In late May , with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg still on the bench , the high court rejected a similar religious liberties challenge .
Chief Justice John Roberts cast the deciding vote allowing state officials to issue capacity limits to restrain the coronavirus pandemic .
Under Newsom 's new lockdown announcement , religious institutions would be limited to outdoor services only .
The governor said he would divide California into five geographic regions—the Bay Area , Southern California , Greater Sacramento , Joaquin Valley and Northern California .
Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court moved in and that he supported the decision of Newsom and other state health officials .
He said the city met with religious groups early on in the pandemic to inform them about how COVID-19 may impact churches and other houses of worship .
`` Early on , we met with the ministers and we talked with them about the realities of this virus and the dangers that it represented for their congregants .
We 've had terrific cooperation from the vast majority of the churches , large and small , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They have really gone out of their way to educate their parishioners in terms of what this is about , but we have a few exceptions , '' he added , referring to Harvest Rock Church .
The mayor said although the governor 's regulations may become stricter , he is hopeful that many worshipers will still take extra precaution when it comes to practicing their faith .
`` I think frankly , most churches , regardless off what the courts have to say , will continue to observe the guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tornek said .
`` Beyond that , I think most of the public will be leery of going back inside in numbers in the way that 's been suggested . ''
Newsweek reached out to Newsom 's office for comment but did not hear back before publication .

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a regional stay-at-home order on Thursday as the state reported an additional 18,591 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to the state's department of health.
The governor's new plan goes into effect for California regions where ICU capacity falls below 15 percent. Residents in those areas will be expected to remain home for three weeks as bars and personal care services close. Restaurants will move to takeout only and retail will operate at 20 percent capacity.
Although no areas in the state currently face such a serious hospital conditions, health officials said some regions could hit the threshold as soon as this week.
As of December 3, California has reported more than 1 million coronavirus cases and over 19,000 deaths.
During a Thursday news conference, Newsom said that a thousand Californians have lost their lives to the virus in the last 14 days.
"We are pulling that emergency brake," Newsom said.
"If we don't act now, our hospital system will be overwhelmed," he added.
Los Angeles is already under a strict lockdown from Mayor Eric Garcetti who prohibited public and private gatherings of people from more than one household on Tuesday. Residents have been ordered to refrain from participating in all nonessential activities.
Despite Supreme Court rulings in the past week against statewide limits, Newsom does not seem to plan on easing up on his coronavirus restrictions.
Hours before he announced the introduction of his regional stay-at-home plan, the Supreme Court ordered federal judges in California to reexamine the governor's capacity limits on indoor worship services.
Pasadena-based Harvest Rock Church had asked the court to overturn Newsom's prohibition on indoor worship, arguing it unconstitutionally impaired religious liberty.
Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference at the California State Capitol on March 13, 2019 in Sacramento. Newsom announced on Thursday that he would be rolling out a regional stay-at-home order for areas in the state where hospital bed capacity is shrinking drastically. Justin Sullivan/Getty
A week ago, Justice Amy Coney Barrett played her first decisive role since her confirmation to the Supreme Court, joining the majority in a 5–4 decision that lifted restrictions on churches and synagogues in New York City ordered by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
In a brief, unsigned order, the court told California judges on Thursday to reconsider Newsom's limits on worship services, which are even tighter than Cuomo's.
The order comes at odds with earlier decisions made concerning churches in the state. In late May, with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg still on the bench, the high court rejected a similar religious liberties challenge. Chief Justice John Roberts cast the deciding vote allowing state officials to issue capacity limits to restrain the coronavirus pandemic.
Under Newsom's new lockdown announcement, religious institutions would be limited to outdoor services only.
The governor said he would divide California into five geographic regions—the Bay Area, Southern California, Greater Sacramento, Joaquin Valley and Northern California.
Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek told Newsweek he was disappointed by the direction the court moved in and that he supported the decision of Newsom and other state health officials.
He said the city met with religious groups early on in the pandemic to inform them about how COVID-19 may impact churches and other houses of worship.
"Early on, we met with the ministers and we talked with them about the realities of this virus and the dangers that it represented for their congregants. We've had terrific cooperation from the vast majority of the churches, large and small, in the city," Tornek said.
"They have really gone out of their way to educate their parishioners in terms of what this is about, but we have a few exceptions," he added, referring to Harvest Rock Church.
The mayor said although the governor's regulations may become stricter, he is hopeful that many worshipers will still take extra precaution when it comes to practicing their faith.
"I think frankly, most churches, regardless off what the courts have to say, will continue to observe the guidelines that we've laid out," Tornek said. "Beyond that, I think most of the public will be leery of going back inside in numbers in the way that's been suggested."
Newsweek reached out to Newsom's office for comment but did not hear back before publication.


newsweek--2020-12-03--State Department Planning at Least 3 Holiday Parties That Violate D.C.'s COVID Guidelines

As the United States record a continued surge in coronavirus cases , the State Department reportedly planned at least three holiday parties in the upcoming weeks .
With guest lists of more than a hundred people , the parties would violate Washington D.C. coronavirus restrictions on indoor gatherings .
The first party , scheduled for December 15 , will be hosted by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife , Susan Pompeo , according to a copy of the invitation reported on Thursday by The Washington Post .
The party , called `` Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Franklin Room , a 4,700-square-foot reception space at the State Department .
The invitations have reportedly been sent to over 900 people .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) recommends guests stand at least six feet away from others while outside the household , especially at indoor gatherings .
Approximately 23 people can properly socially distance in space that size , according to the social distancing calculator powered by Calconic .
`` We plan to fully enforce social distancing measures at this reception , and face coverings are mandatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson told the Post .
`` All proper food and beverage safety precautions will be taken by catering services and staff–all will wear gloves and masks and any food or beverage will be served individually , '' the spokesperson continued .
The attendees will be required to have their temperature checked upon arrival .
The State Department also plan to distribute hand sanitizer towers throughout the space .
It remained unclear how the State Department intend to enforce mask-wearing among guests while they were eating and drinking .
The second gathering , scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reception for the Washington Diplomatic Corps.
, also hosted by Pompeo .
Nearly 180 foreign ambassadors , who are allowed to bring spouses to the event , have reportedly received invitations .
`` Attendance is optional based on the comfort of each chief of mission , '' a State Department spokesperson told the Post .
The spokesperson also noted that the event will be `` broken into two separate receptions to minimize the number of guests in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at one time .
`` We 're going to continue hosting guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have serious conversations about American foreign policy benefitting the people of the United States of America , '' Pompeo said during a September interview with Fox News .
The secretary of state also dismissed the lack of masks at events held on government property .
`` We will comply with every instruction from the State Department medical team , '' Pompeo continued .
`` We 'll be safe and we 'll have a great set of meetings and conversations . ''
The third event , hosted by the department 's chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Diplomatic Corps , their spouses and children .
The gathering is scheduled to include a tour of the White House and Blair House , the president 's guesthouse managed by the State Department .
In years ' past , the tours were followed by a reception , but the spokesperson told the Post `` there is no reception planned '' this year .
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser announced a ban on indoor gatherings of more than 10 people on November 23 .
The State Department 's parties would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directive .
President Donald Trump has reportedly scheduled a series of holiday parties as well .
However , the Post said that those events have a smaller guest list .
The State Department did n't respond to Newsweek 's request for comment in time for publication .

As the United States record a continued surge in coronavirus cases, the State Department reportedly planned at least three holiday parties in the upcoming weeks.
With guest lists of more than a hundred people, the parties would violate Washington D.C. coronavirus restrictions on indoor gatherings.
The first party, scheduled for December 15, will be hosted by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife, Susan Pompeo, according to a copy of the invitation reported on Thursday by The Washington Post.
The party, called "Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays" will be held in the Benjamin Franklin Room, a 4,700-square-foot reception space at the State Department. The invitations have reportedly been sent to over 900 people.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends guests stand at least six feet away from others while outside the household, especially at indoor gatherings. Approximately 23 people can properly socially distance in space that size, according to the social distancing calculator powered by Calconic.
"We plan to fully enforce social distancing measures at this reception, and face coverings are mandatory for admittance," a State Department spokesperson told the Post.
"All proper food and beverage safety precautions will be taken by catering services and staff–all will wear gloves and masks and any food or beverage will be served individually," the spokesperson continued.
The White House Previews Decor For The Holiday Season The State Department reportedly has at least three holiday parties planned this year. Christmas decorations shown above are in the East Room at the White House December 2, 2019 in Washington, DC. Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images/Getty
The attendees will be required to have their temperature checked upon arrival. The State Department also plan to distribute hand sanitizer towers throughout the space.
It remained unclear how the State Department intend to enforce mask-wearing among guests while they were eating and drinking.
The second gathering, scheduled for December 16, will be a reception for the Washington Diplomatic Corps., also hosted by Pompeo. Nearly 180 foreign ambassadors, who are allowed to bring spouses to the event, have reportedly received invitations.
"Attendance is optional based on the comfort of each chief of mission," a State Department spokesperson told the Post.
The spokesperson also noted that the event will be "broken into two separate receptions to minimize the number of guests in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at one time.
"We're going to continue hosting guests here at the State Department to have people have serious conversations about American foreign policy benefitting the people of the United States of America," Pompeo said during a September interview with Fox News.
The secretary of state also dismissed the lack of masks at events held on government property.
"We will comply with every instruction from the State Department medical team," Pompeo continued. "We'll be safe and we'll have a great set of meetings and conversations."
The third event, hosted by the department's chief of protocol Cam Henderson, is also for the Washington Diplomatic Corps, their spouses and children. The gathering is scheduled to include a tour of the White House and Blair House, the president's guesthouse managed by the State Department.
In years' past, the tours were followed by a reception, but the spokesperson told the Post "there is no reception planned" this year.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser announced a ban on indoor gatherings of more than 10 people on November 23. The State Department's parties would be a direct violation of the mayor's directive.
President Donald Trump has reportedly scheduled a series of holiday parties as well. However, the Post said that those events have a smaller guest list.
The State Department didn't respond to Newsweek's request for comment in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-03--Fact Check: Do You Need a COVID-19 Vaccine If You Already Have Had the Virus?

COVID-19 cases continue to hit daily records in the U.S. , and vaccines are on the horizon .
Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna are the leaders in creating FDA-approved vaccines , with Pfizer 's showing a 95 percent efficacy rate and Moderna 's at 94.1 percent .
No vaccine has been approved in the U.S. as of December 1 , but both developers applied for emergency use authorizations through the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) in late November .
Both companies said their vaccines will require an initial dose and a booster a few weeks later .
Now that vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being vaccinated is needed if they already have been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Since the initial coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. earlier this year , approximately 13.6 million cases have been reported across the nation , according to the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) .
But are coronavirus antibodies strong enough to give an individual previously diagnosed with COVID-19 immunity from the virus ?
The CDC 's website suggests that early evidence proposes the idea that the antibodies of the coronavirus `` may not last very long . ''
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until a vaccine is provided and they are given recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices ( ACIP ) .
On December 2 , Operation Warp Speed ( OWS ) , which is a government public-private partnership put together to facilitate development , manufacturing and distribution of 300 million safe doses of COVID-19 vaccine by January , held a briefing regarding the coronavirus pandemic .
Dr. Moncef Slaoui , scientific head of OWS , referred to the current vaccine trials and how they have affected those participating .
`` Here are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were recruited on the basis of not having had COVID , clinical COVID disease , so symptoms , etc.
, '' Slaoui said .
`` On that basis they were recruited , it turns out anywhere between 5 and 10 percent of the subjects recruited were zero positive to COVID-19 .
In other words , they most likely had asymptomatic or very mildly symptomatic disease and did n't notice it .
`` So what we know is that the vaccines are safe in these populations , and quite significant numbers of zero positives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being analyzed . ''
Dr. Mark Siedner , an infectious disease clinician and clinical epidemiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital , agreed that there is not enough evidence to know if the vaccination benefits those with prior infection .
`` On one hand , we know that some people , and particularly those with poor immune systems , appear to remain at risk for re-infection , '' Siedner told Newsweek .
`` But on the other hand , re-infection appears to be an incredibly rare phenomenon .
There are only a handful of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first batch of coronavirus vaccines , once approved , are expected to be enough for 20 million people , less than the amount of frontline and high-risk individuals in the country .
`` The decision whether or not to vaccinate those previously infected has completely different implications for the top two groups on the vaccination priority list : older individuals in long-term care facilities and healthcare workers , '' Siedner said .
`` For the former , vaccination primarily serves the purpose of preventing severe disease .
But for the latter , vaccination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to others . ''
That is a major reason why the uncertainty of the effect the COVID-19 vaccines might have on those who have previously contracted the virus is a crucial question that needs to be answered , Siedner said .
`` We need to remember that many of those infected previously are those who have been in the trenches , at the front line of the epidemic as healthcare workers , grocery workers , first responders , other essential workers , and under-represented minorities in geographic locations without sufficient healthcare access , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclude these individuals from a beneficial public health response program should not be taken lightly or it might only exacerbate many of the healthcare inequities that the COVID-19 epidemic has only illuminated . ''
The lifespan of the coronavirus antibodies has not yet been identified , but how long a vaccine is effective also is unknown , experts said .
The vaccine might protect people for weeks , months or years , but no one knows how long it will fight the virus , said Dr. James Yoon , an infectious disease specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine is approved and distributed , experts recommend that everyone is vaccinated , beginning with high-risk individuals and front-line workers .

COVID-19 cases continue to hit daily records in the U.S., and vaccines are on the horizon.
Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna are the leaders in creating FDA-approved vaccines, with Pfizer's showing a 95 percent efficacy rate and Moderna's at 94.1 percent. No vaccine has been approved in the U.S. as of December 1, but both developers applied for emergency use authorizations through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late November. Both companies said their vaccines will require an initial dose and a booster a few weeks later.
The Question
Now that vaccines appear imminent, people are asking if being vaccinated is needed if they already have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Since the initial coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. earlier this year, approximately 13.6 million cases have been reported across the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). But are coronavirus antibodies strong enough to give an individual previously diagnosed with COVID-19 immunity from the virus?
The CDC's website suggests that early evidence proposes the idea that the antibodies of the coronavirus "may not last very long." However, they cannot comment on the issue until a vaccine is provided and they are given recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
STATISTA
The Facts
On December 2, Operation Warp Speed (OWS), which is a government public-private partnership put together to facilitate development, manufacturing and distribution of 300 million safe doses of COVID-19 vaccine by January, held a briefing regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr. Moncef Slaoui, scientific head of OWS, referred to the current vaccine trials and how they have affected those participating.
"Here are the facts. In the trials, people were recruited on the basis of not having had COVID, clinical COVID disease, so symptoms, etc.," Slaoui said. "On that basis they were recruited, it turns out anywhere between 5 and 10 percent of the subjects recruited were zero positive to COVID-19. In other words, they most likely had asymptomatic or very mildly symptomatic disease and didn't notice it.
"So what we know is that the vaccines are safe in these populations, and quite significant numbers of zero positives have been immunized and their immune responses are being analyzed."
#OperationWarpSpeed is working to accelerate the timeline for producing a #COVID19 vaccine while adhering to essential standards for safety and efficacy. Stay up to date on the latest news: https://t.co/XOIyj4IL6g #OWS pic.twitter.com/k6GMGab1Sv — HHS.gov (@HHSGov) December 3, 2020
Dr. Mark Siedner, an infectious disease clinician and clinical epidemiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, agreed that there is not enough evidence to know if the vaccination benefits those with prior infection.
"On one hand, we know that some people, and particularly those with poor immune systems, appear to remain at risk for re-infection," Siedner told Newsweek. "But on the other hand, re-infection appears to be an incredibly rare phenomenon. There are only a handful of cases in the literature."
The first batch of coronavirus vaccines, once approved, are expected to be enough for 20 million people, less than the amount of frontline and high-risk individuals in the country.
"The decision whether or not to vaccinate those previously infected has completely different implications for the top two groups on the vaccination priority list: older individuals in long-term care facilities and healthcare workers," Siedner said. "For the former, vaccination primarily serves the purpose of preventing severe disease. But for the latter, vaccination is most important for prevention of transmission to others."
That is a major reason why the uncertainty of the effect the COVID-19 vaccines might have on those who have previously contracted the virus is a crucial question that needs to be answered, Siedner said.
"We need to remember that many of those infected previously are those who have been in the trenches, at the front line of the epidemic as healthcare workers, grocery workers, first responders, other essential workers, and under-represented minorities in geographic locations without sufficient healthcare access," he said.
"Deciding to exclude these individuals from a beneficial public health response program should not be taken lightly or it might only exacerbate many of the healthcare inequities that the COVID-19 epidemic has only illuminated."
The Answer
Unknown.
The lifespan of the coronavirus antibodies has not yet been identified, but how long a vaccine is effective also is unknown, experts said. The vaccine might protect people for weeks, months or years, but no one knows how long it will fight the virus, said Dr. James Yoon, an infectious disease specialist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
Once a vaccine is approved and distributed, experts recommend that everyone is vaccinated, beginning with high-risk individuals and front-line workers.