newyorkpost--2020-03-21--Coronavirus cases surpass 300,000 globally

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Coronavirus cases rocketed @ @ @ @ @ , with deaths rising to nearly 13,000 as leaders around the world urged their citizens @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the pandemic .
The spike comes the same day that Italy ’ @ @ @ @ @ 793 in a single 24-hour period , two days after the country had surpassed China @ @ @ @ @ more than 81,000 registered cases , China still tops the list , followed by Italy @ @ @ @ @ virus , according to Johns Hopkins University ’ s Coronavirus Resource Center .
US cases @ @ @ @ @ total of 24,162 with much of the jump stemming from a rapid increase in testing @ @ @ @ @ .
New York state registered more than 11,600 cases with more than half of those @ @ @ @ @ Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday that he will be tested after a member of @ @ @ @ @

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Coronavirus cases rocketed to more than 300,000 Saturday, with deaths rising to nearly 13,000 as leaders around the world urged their citizens to stay home to slow the spread of the pandemic.
The spike comes the same day that Italy’s death toll surged by 793 in a single 24-hour period, two days after the country had surpassed China in coronavirus deaths.
At more than 81,000 registered cases, China still tops the list, followed by Italy with 53,578 cases of the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University’s Coronavirus Resource Center.
US cases spiraled by 4,759 for a total of 24,162 with much of the jump stemming from a rapid increase in testing for Covid-19 across the country. New York state registered more than 11,600 cases with more than half of those in New York City.
Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday that he will be tested after a member of his staff tested positive.


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--Inside Michael Strahan’s contentious custody battle

The former NFL star alleges that his ex has been ...

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On the set of “Good Morning America,” hosts Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan are trying to project a sense of calm as they broadcast the latest news to millions of Americans during the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, things are growing more stressful for Strahan behind the scenes of the ABC show, as he deals with an increasingly bitter custody battle over Sophia and Isabella, his teen twin daughters with ex-wife Jean Muggli.
The star is fighting for primary custody of the girls after accusing Muggli, from whom he split in 2006, of physically and verbally abusing them.
In court documents obtained by The Post, Strahan, 48, alleges that Muggli has “subjected the children to verbal and physical abuse” for years.
He also says she should be held in civil or criminal contempt of a court-mandated parenting order, claiming that Muggli has neglected to take the girls to court-ordered therapy sessions and that she has caused them to miss volleyball matches and equestrian events.
Strahan also claimed in court documents that Muggli refused to let the girls have their passports ahead of a European vacation with their father.
Muggli, in turn, claimed in court this month that Strahan is having her watched “around the clock” by private investigators, which his lawyer denied.
Reps for both Strahan and Muggli declined to comment.
A TV production source called out Strahan’s history of questionable “behavior toward women” in the past, including his famously fraught relationship with former co-host Kelly Ripa.
But an insider who knows him told The Post: “I’ve seen Michael with his kids. He’s a great, great dad: He just wants what’s best for his girls.”
Strahan and Muggli met while he was a star NFL defensive end for the New York Giants and she worked at a spa in the city. Muggli has recalled how he turned into a repeat customer after meeting her: “I figured either he was the cleanest man on the planet or he wanted to ask me out.”
They married in 1999, three years after Strahan’s divorce from his first wife, Wanda Hutchins, the mother of his children Michael Jr. and Tanita. The older kids were brought up in Germany, where Strahan played for the Mannheim Redskins.
Sophia and Isabella were born in 2004; Strahan filed for divorce from Muggli a year later. Days before, Muggli had filed a domestic-violence complaint against him, following an argument about cash.
“I would never physically or psychologically harm any of my loved ones, especially my wife. That’s simply not the man I am,” Strahan told The Post at the time.
The complaint was dismissed after Muggli said in court that her husband had not touched her during the incident.
Hutchins, meanwhile, told The Post at the time that Muggli had said of Michael Jr. and Tanita: “I wish they were dead.”
In the divorce settlement, Muggli was awarded $15.3 million as well as $18,000 a month in child support. Following Strahan’s retirement from the NFL in 2008, his child-support payments were reduced to $13,000 a month, TMZ reported at the time.
“I would never physically or psychologically harm any of my loved ones, especially my wife. That’s simply not the man I am.” - Strahan
Muggli, who grew up in North Dakota, took the girls to live on a farm in Wilmington, North Carolina, after the divorce. She told the magazine Carolinas Equestrian that “I was trying to create a childhood like I had, outdoors, but with more of the things I would have liked.”
The publication described Muggli’s Sycamore Bend Plantation as “paradise” for the twins — featuring a beach volleyball court, a tennis court and a horse-riding ring, as well as a half-basketball court with pink out-of-bounds lines.
The heart of the property is its renovated five-stall barn. Both girls have taken home blue ribbons from some of the most prestigious horse shows on the East Coast.
In 2016, Strahan told People magazine: “The twins live a crazy life. One time they flew out to DC and interviewed the first lady for ‘GMA.’ Then the next day their mom was sending me a video of them riding horses and splashing around in a muddy cornfield.”
But that kind of lifestyle is expensive.
Last June, Muggli brought a case against Strahan, claiming he owes annual cost-of-living adjustments to their child-support agreement.
Now she claims that, as a result, Strahan is striking back.
In a hearing at Manhattan Supreme Court this month, Muggli’s lawyer, Shannon Rogers Simpson, claimed: “He had around-the-clock private investigators at her home.
“He battered her financially with lawsuits. That’s how determined he is to not pay child support he agreed to 10 years ago.”
Strahan has argued that the 15-year-old twins should move full-time to Manhattan to live with him for after both won places at the prestigious Sacred Heart Academy for the fall. The school’s alumni include Lady Gaga and Gloria Vanderbilt.
In an odd twist, he has claimed in a North Carolina court that Muggli went behind his back in 2018 to get the girls interviews at New York City schools — and that he was worried about disrupting their lives, which led to Muggli “falsely” telling a judge in 2018 that Strahan did “not want the children closer to him.”
Now, Strahan says, he wants his daughters to live with him and they want that as well. But, court documents state, “[Muggli] refuses to agree to the very change in the children’s education which she proposed one year ago.”
In 2018, Strahan has alleged in court papers, Muggli refused to release the girls’ passports so they could travel to Europe with their father unless he paid. $43,178.50 for horse maintenance.
He launched legal action and a judge ordered Muggli to send the passports on to Strahan, who took the twins to Portugal and Croatia.
Despite the messy goings-on in his personal life, a TV-production source said “Strahan won’t let this affect his work, though, he’s the ultimate professional.”
Perhaps he learned his lesson after 2016, when he reportedly left his daytime show with Ripa for “GMA” without telling her.
The TV-production source told The Post that Strahan has a “pattern,” alleging: “He is consistently condescending toward women. Michael didn’t feel he had to talk to Kelly, which was totally condescending.”
As for his romantic life, sources say Strahan is still dating Kayla Quick, a 31-year-old former strip-club waitress he’s been with since 2015. Quick reportedly has a criminal past that includes arrests for disorderly conduct and grand theft.
So will she become Isabella’s and Sophia’s stepmother?
Strahan has said: “I love marriage, I like companionship . . . would I ever get married again? Never say never.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--Taylor Swift fans call Kanye West a liar after video of 2016 call emerges

A 2016 phone call between the pair that rocked the pop world , igniting a feud as to whether the rapper had gotten the singer ’ s permission to include a controversial lyric about her in one of his tunes , resurfaced Saturday on Twitter .
The phone call commotion first ignited when Swift claimed West never told her he planned to rap the line , “ I made that bitch famous ” – a reference to the moment he stormed the stage during Swift ’ s acceptance speech at MTV ’ s 2009 Video Music Awards .
West ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , later shared a heavily edited video clip of a call between the musicians , which seemed to support her husband and inspired backlash against Swift , whom Kardashian branded a “ snake.
” A # CancelTaylorSwift campaign quickly swelled on Twitter , and many attributed it to Swift ’ s brief hiatus from the spotlight .
The new video of the call tells a different tale , and had many on Twitter branding West as a liar .
The latest clip appears to depict West explaining to Swift he planned to rap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning of the song about you .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s mean , ” he adds .
“ It says , uh… and the funny thing , when I first played it and my wife heard it , she was like , ‘ Huh ?
What , that ’ s too crazy , ’ and then when Ninja from Die Atwoord heard it , he was like , ‘ Oh my god , this is the craziest s**t , this is why I love Kanye… ’ and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s favorite f–king line… I just wanted to give you some premise of that.
” Then he drops the hammer : “ To all my Southside n–as that know me best / I feel like Taylor Swift might owe me sex.
” But the pop star made it clear she wasn ’ t willing to rubber stamp the mention .
“ I need to think about it , ” Swift tells him .
“ When you hear something for the first time you need to think about it , because it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off .
Swift ’ s fans have used the latest version to claim victory in the decade-long fight .
The hashtag # KanyeWestIsOverParty was trending Saturday on Twitter , along with # KimKardashianIsOverParty .

The Kanye West-Taylor Swift drama never ends.
A 2016 phone call between the pair that rocked the pop world, igniting a feud as to whether the rapper had gotten the singer’s permission to include a controversial lyric about her in one of his tunes, resurfaced Saturday on Twitter.
The phone call commotion first ignited when Swift claimed West never told her he planned to rap the line, “I made that bitch famous” – a reference to the moment he stormed the stage during Swift’s acceptance speech at MTV’s 2009 Video Music Awards.
West’s wife, reality star Kim Kardashian, later shared a heavily edited video clip of a call between the musicians, which seemed to support her husband and inspired backlash against Swift, whom Kardashian branded a “snake.”
A #CancelTaylorSwift campaign quickly swelled on Twitter, and many attributed it to Swift’s brief hiatus from the spotlight.
The new video of the call tells a different tale, and had many on Twitter branding West as a liar.
The latest clip appears to depict West explaining to Swift he planned to rap “a very controversial line at the beginning of the song about you.
“I don’t think it’s mean,” he adds. “It says, uh… and the funny thing, when I first played it and my wife heard it, she was like, ‘Huh? What, that’s too crazy,’ and then when Ninja from Die Atwoord heard it, he was like, ‘Oh my god, this is the craziest s**t, this is why I love Kanye…’ and now, it’s like my wife’s favorite f–king line… I just wanted to give you some premise of that.”
Then he drops the hammer: “To all my Southside n–as that know me best / I feel like Taylor Swift might owe me sex.”
Swift laughed: “That’s not mean.”
But the pop star made it clear she wasn’t willing to rubber stamp the mention.
“I need to think about it,” Swift tells him. “When you hear something for the first time you need to think about it, because it is absolutely crazy…”
Then the clip cuts off.
Swift’s fans have used the latest version to claim victory in the decade-long fight.
The hashtag #KanyeWestIsOverParty was trending Saturday on Twitter, along with #KimKardashianIsOverParty.


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--Jay Cutler reveals NFL broadcasting preference with Kristin Cavallari

Jay Cutler would like to take another crack at broadcasting , The former NFL quarterback , who left a first-time TV gig at Fox in 2017 without calling a game to attempt a comeback with the Miami Dolphins , said this week on his reality show that networks have expressed interest in him for the 2020 NFL season .
But his preference is to be a game analyst in the broadcast booth , rather than working in a studio .
“ One wants me to do some studio stuff , but I don ’ t really want to do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his wife Kristin Cavallari on a recent episode of the “ Very Cavallari ” reality show .
Last month , the Big Lead had reported that Cutler had met with CBS and ESPN about potential broadcasting work .
CBS has eight broadcasting teams for NFL games , while ESPN has just one for Monday Night Football .
The 36-year-old Cutler played 11 NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears before retiring and accepting a spot at Fox as part of their No .
2 team with Kevin Burkhardt and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-year deal with the Dolphins , playing 14 games in 2017 before retiring again .

Jay Cutler would like to take another crack at broadcasting,
The former NFL quarterback, who left a first-time TV gig at Fox in 2017 without calling a game to attempt a comeback with the Miami Dolphins, said this week on his reality show that networks have expressed interest in him for the 2020 NFL season. But his preference is to be a game analyst in the broadcast booth, rather than working in a studio.
“One wants me to do some studio stuff, but I don’t really want to do that,” Cutler said during a discussion with his wife Kristin Cavallari on a recent episode of the “Very Cavallari” reality show.
Last month, the Big Lead had reported that Cutler had met with CBS and ESPN about potential broadcasting work. CBS has eight broadcasting teams for NFL games, while ESPN has just one for Monday Night Football.
The 36-year-old Cutler played 11 NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears before retiring and accepting a spot at Fox as part of their No. 2 team with Kevin Burkhardt and Charles Davis. He then signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins, playing 14 games in 2017 before retiring again.


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--Trump sends letter to North Korea offering help amid coronavirus pandemic

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President Trump reached @ @ @ @ @ offering help to its leader to stem the spiraling coronavirus pandemic , according to a @ @ @ @ @ s official state media , KCNA .
Trump “ expressed his intent to render cooperation @ @ @ @ @ in a recent letter to Kim Jong Un , said the news agency on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ not make clear when the letter was sent .
News of the letter came Saturday @ @ @ @ @ two projectiles that appeared to be short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off the country @ @ @ @ @ according to reports from South Korean military .
Last week , the country declared that @ @ @ @ @ did not have a single case despite the country sharing borders with China and South @ @ @ @ @ hit countries in the world .

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President Trump reached out to North Korea, offering help to its leader to stem the spiraling coronavirus pandemic, according to a report by the country’s official state media, KCNA.
Trump “expressed his intent to render cooperation in the anti-epidemic work” in a recent letter to Kim Jong Un, said the news agency on Saturday, although the report did not make clear when the letter was sent.
News of the letter came Saturday after the country had fired two projectiles that appeared to be short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off the country’s east coast, according to reports from South Korean military.
Last week, the country declared that it had conquered coronavirus and did not have a single case despite the country sharing borders with China and South Korea, among the worst hit countries in the world.


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--NFL free agency 2020: Joe Flacco, 4 others Jets may pursue

The Jets still have plenty of roster holes to fill as the second week of free agency gets under way .
General manager Joe Douglas has shown he is a bargain shopper and there should be bargains to be had now that the first wave of free agency is over .
There will be players who expected big paydays ready to settle for short-term deals for less money .
With that in mind , here are five players still on the market who could make sense for the Jets : Douglas was with the Ravens when they drafted Perriman in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is some familiarity there .
Perriman did not develop in Baltimore the way the Ravens had hoped , but he had a decent 2019 season for the Buccaneers .
The 26-year-old had 36 catches for 645 yards and six touchdowns .
He had three 100-yard receiving performances in Tampa Bay ’ s final three games .
The Jets still could bring back Robby Anderson , who remains a free agent , but Perriman may be a good option if they can ’ t .
The Jets were never getting into the big-money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones go to the Dolphins and James Bradberry join the Giants .
The position remains a huge need for them .
Gregg Williams found a way to scheme around their deficiencies last year .
The Jets should give him some better players this year .
Ryan is the best cornerback left on the market .
An NFL Network report said he was willing to play on a one-year deal , but is seeking $ 10 million .
I ’ m not sure if Douglas will go that high , but the price could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
Ryan , 29 , had four interceptions in the regular season for the Titans last year and added a memorable one in the postseason on what was Tom Brady ’ s last pass as a Patriot .
The Rutgers product has been part of winning programs in New England and Tennessee and could help the Jets ’ locker room .
Submit your Jets questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag The longtime Raven remains on the market and his price tag could be low .
The 31-year-old could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , something they need in the secondary .
Smith has had off-field issues in Baltimore , but Douglas and his right-hand man , Chad Alexander , a longtime Ravens scout , both know Smith well .
The Jets debated drafting Smith in 2011 , but went with Muhammad Wilkerson instead .
Maybe now he will become a Jet .
You may be sensing a theme with former Ravens .
Douglas was the scout who pushed for Baltimore to draft Flacco in 2008 .
The Jets need a veteran backup for Sam Darnold and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One thing that has to be cleared up before Flacco goes anywhere is his health .
The 35-year-old suffered a neck injury last year and was released with a failed physical designation by the Broncos last week .
If Flacco is healthy , he might be the perfect backup for Darnold , who has missed six games in his first two years .
We have gone with a lot of players with connections to Douglas , but here is one with a connection to coach Adam Gase .
Wake played three seasons for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only played nine games with the Titans last year as he battled injuries .
He had 2.5 sacks .
He had 10.5 sacks in 2017 , which is not that long ago , and he could provide leadership in the locker room .

The Jets still have plenty of roster holes to fill as the second week of free agency gets under way.
General manager Joe Douglas has shown he is a bargain shopper and there should be bargains to be had now that the first wave of free agency is over. There will be players who expected big paydays ready to settle for short-term deals for less money.
With that in mind, here are five players still on the market who could make sense for the Jets:
Breshad Perriman, WR
Douglas was with the Ravens when they drafted Perriman in the first round in 2015, so there is some familiarity there. Perriman did not develop in Baltimore the way the Ravens had hoped, but he had a decent 2019 season for the Buccaneers. The 26-year-old had 36 catches for 645 yards and six touchdowns. He had three 100-yard receiving performances in Tampa Bay’s final three games.
The Jets still could bring back Robby Anderson, who remains a free agent, but Perriman may be a good option if they can’t.
Logan Ryan, CB
The Jets were never getting into the big-money cornerback market, so they watched Byron Jones go to the Dolphins and James Bradberry join the Giants. The position remains a huge need for them. Gregg Williams found a way to scheme around their deficiencies last year. The Jets should give him some better players this year.
Ryan is the best cornerback left on the market. An NFL Network report said he was willing to play on a one-year deal, but is seeking $10 million. I’m not sure if Douglas will go that high, but the price could come down soon as the days drag on.
Submit your Jets questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag
Ryan, 29, had four interceptions in the regular season for the Titans last year and added a memorable one in the postseason on what was Tom Brady’s last pass as a Patriot. The Rutgers product has been part of winning programs in New England and Tennessee and could help the Jets’ locker room.
Jimmy Smith, CB
The longtime Raven remains on the market and his price tag could be low. The 31-year-old could provide a veteran presence for the Jets, something they need in the secondary. Smith has had off-field issues in Baltimore, but Douglas and his right-hand man, Chad Alexander, a longtime Ravens scout, both know Smith well. The Jets debated drafting Smith in 2011, but went with Muhammad Wilkerson instead. Maybe now he will become a Jet.
Joe Flacco, QB
You may be sensing a theme with former Ravens. Douglas was the scout who pushed for Baltimore to draft Flacco in 2008. The Jets need a veteran backup for Sam Darnold, and Flacco makes a lot of sense. One thing that has to be cleared up before Flacco goes anywhere is his health. The 35-year-old suffered a neck injury last year and was released with a failed physical designation by the Broncos last week. If Flacco is healthy, he might be the perfect backup for Darnold, who has missed six games in his first two years.
Cameron Wake, OLB
We have gone with a lot of players with connections to Douglas, but here is one with a connection to coach Adam Gase. Wake played three seasons for Gase with the Dolphins. The 38-year-old only played nine games with the Titans last year as he battled injuries. He had 2.5 sacks. He had 10.5 sacks in 2017, which is not that long ago, and he could provide leadership in the locker room.


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--MLB Opening Day delay draws sad parallels

TAMPA — Pretty much everything else around them has changed , ...

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This coming Thursday was supposed to deliver Gerrit Cole overpowering a dreadful Orioles lineup at Camden Yards on Opening Day in the free-agent prize’s debut for the Yankees.
Gleyber Torres’ first crack at replacing Didi Gregorius as the Yankees’ shortstop in a game that counted was going to be heavily scrutinized after he exhibited shaky defense under Florida’s palm trees.
For one game, what remains a ballpark jewel in Baltimore was going to buzz on a day a lot of folks believe is much more meaningful than New Year’s.
Because the spread of COVID-19 has forced MLB to delay the start of the season, however, Cole won’t dominate, Torres won’t charge a ball and baseball won’t be featured in the Inner Harbor.
This will be the first time since 1995 when the Opening Day won’t be played as originally scheduled. Then, it was because of a work stoppage that began the previous September and canceled the 1994 World Series. That was in front of us with the players and owners at each other’s throats and highlighted by the owners’ asinine creation of replacement players, who masqueraded as big leaguers until the sides settled at the 11th hour.
This time, it is a virus we can’t see or hear coming.
“Everybody felt that at some point we were going to play [in 1995] because it really hit home first when the postseason was canceled the year before,’’ Tim Naehring, a Red Sox third baseman in 1995 and the current Yankees’ VP of baseball operations, said Saturday from his Ohio home. “There are a lot of similarities because at some point we are going to play. When? Nobody knows.’’
Anybody who says they do is simply guessing.
Former Yankees reliever Mike Stanton was a Brave in the spring of 1995 and was excited about playing the first game of the season, even after the original one was canceled.
The 1995 Yankees’ first game was April 26 at Yankee Stadium. They beat the Rangers, 8-6, in front of 50,425. Jimmy Key was the winner, John Wetteland bagged the save and the Yankees started the season by winning seven of their first nine games.
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In 2001, Stanton was a Yankee when the World Trade Center towers crumbled on Sept. 11.
“I would equate this more to 9/11,’’ Stanton said Saturday from his Texas home. “The question then was: ‘Should we come back? What is the right time?’ ”
Games resumed seven days after 9/11, when the Yankees beat the White Sox, 11-3, in front of 22,785 subdued customers at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. Alfonso Soriano, Jorge Posada and Shane Spencer homered for the visitors.
With the coronavirus pandemic smothering the world and locking down states, the question of “When will the games begin again?’’ is fading.
“I haven’t heard that question in a week,’’ said Stanton, who hosts a pregame television show for the Astros and works for MLB Network Radio SiriusXM radio.
The Yankees have kept Steinbrenner Field in Tampa open for players to work out. Saturday and Sunday it was closed, and there is a chance Florida government leaders will shut it down completely on Monday. That means Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge, who are rehabbing injuries, will have to vacate. So, too, will DJ LeMahieu, Clint Frazier and Tyler Wade, who have been working out at the facility.
Unlike the current situation, in which there is nobody to blame, there was plenty of that in 1995.
“It was something we were going through, and the country was pissed,’’ Stanton recalled.
Most of that wrath was directed toward the players, because fans are more familiar with uniforms than suits.
This time, it’s an invisible enemy that has robbed the baseball universe of Opening Day.


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Mike Pence, second lady test negative for coronavirus

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen have tested negative for the coronavirus , his spokeswoman said Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ Saturday after a member of his staff tested positive for the deadly disease .
Pence @ @ @ @ @ the day that he had no reason to believe he was exposed to the virus @ @ @ @ @ because of the “ unique position that I have as vice president and as the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus task force.
” The staffer , whom Pence did not name , was last @ @ @ @ @ Monday and experienced “ mild cold-like symptoms ” for a day and a half before @ @ @ @ @ negative for the virus last weekend days after coming into close contact with at least @ @ @ @ @ down with COVID-19 .

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen have tested negative for the coronavirus, his spokeswoman said Saturday.
The vice president was tested Saturday after a member of his staff tested positive for the deadly disease.
Pence had told reporters earlier in the day that he had no reason to believe he was exposed to the virus, but took the test because of the “unique position that I have as vice president and as the leader of the White House coronavirus task force.”
The staffer, whom Pence did not name, was last at the White House on Monday and experienced “mild cold-like symptoms” for a day and a half before seeking testing.
Trump tested negative for the virus last weekend, days after coming into close contact with at least two people who later came down with COVID-19.


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--New Giant Carson Fleming set to battle for starting O-line job

It is clear the Giants value what new defensive coordinator ...

If an app existed to objectively calculate the ideal team for an NFL free agent based on his wish list, it would have led Cameron Fleming to the New York Giants.
Fleming sought playing time and familiarity. With the Giants, he finds a hole at right tackle and three familiar leaders — head coach Joe Judge, offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and offensive line coach Marc Colombo.
Without pioneering technology, but with an assist from agent Kyle Strongin, Fleming agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Giants earlier this week. He spent the past two seasons making six starts and appearing in 28 games for the Dallas Cowboys, where Garrett was head coach and Colombo coached the offensive line.
“I saw an opportunity that I could go compete for a position and really have a chance to play,” Fleming told The Post. “I feel comfortable with that playbook after doing it for two years already. I think it increases my chance to play even more.”
The big changes come in learning new personnel, like blocking for lateral runner Saquon Barkley instead of Ezekiel Elliott. Fleming describes Garrett’s philosophy as “predicated on physicality up front,” which suits his skill-set.
Asked to self-scout for Giants fans, Fleming said, “Hopefully, they are getting a smart, tough lineman who can get down and dirty in the trenches and pass-protect his [butt] off.”
Fleming is penciled in as a starter, but the Giants are expected to address the offensive line with one of their first two draft picks. If they select a tackle, Fleming isn’t going to run from the challenge.
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“I don’t know what their plans are for the offensive line beyond what they have now,” Fleming said, “but I know there is an opening there that hasn’t been filled yet, and I’d like to go in there and try to take it.”
Fleming, 27, spent his first four seasons with the New England Patriots, where part of his responsibility included special-teams blocking under Judge as coordinator. He chuckled at the memory of the “energy and enthusiasm” Judge brought to tackling drills and meetings, from which offensive linemen were excused.
As the only Giant with an insider’s viewpoint, how does Fleming foresee a Judge-Garrett hierarchy?
“They are both incredibly hard-working and knowledgeable,” he said. “I think they are going to work well together. It will be a great combination of coaches from two different cultures who come together and make this team special. If you think a coach is knowledgeable about what’s going on in the offense, then he garners a lot of respect.”
The Giants expressed mild interest in Fleming during free agency in 2018, after signing Nate Solder. But they opted (wrongly) to stick with Ereck Flowers at right tackle rather than stealing two Patriots bookends.
“Definitely this time I felt like it was a better spot for me,” Fleming said. “It feels good to have a place to go. Once you become a free agent, everything is left up in the air.”
The Giants seemingly sent out a Stanford alumni reunion letter during free agency, adding Fleming, Blake Martinez and Levine Toilolo to a roster that includes Kaden Smith and, if he re-signs, Michael Thomas. Actually, Fleming was recently training at Stanford, but flew home mid-week to Dallas.
Because of the recommended self-quarantine due to the coronavirus, professional athletes need creative ways to stay fit.
“I’m doing pushups, sit-ups and squats in the house,” Fleming said. “Hopefully, I can find somewhere that’s open and get back to work soon.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--NFL free agency 2020: The first grades are in

NFL free agency is not only about doling out massive contracts .
There are trades , salary-cap casualties , bargains and scheme fits to consider .
The interesting thing about the first week of free agency in 2020 is the winners are an unusual crop of starved franchises .
On the flip side , perennial playoff teams of the past decade are striking out or staying quiet .
The Post graded all 32 teams thus far , and the top seven as a group have one combined Super Bowl win in the past 45 years .
Four have not won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Here is the report card : Buccaneers : Tom Brady is the biggest signing in franchise history .
Especially if others take a discount to play with him , as LT Joe Haeg did Friday .
DEs Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul stayed put .
Grade : A Bills : Traded a first-round pick for Stefon Diggs to build one of the NFL ’ s most vertical offenses .
Mario Addison , Quinton Jefferson and Vernon Butler improved the defensive line .
Is there a renaissance in CB Josh Norman ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeAndre Hopkins ( without giving up a first-rounder ) and dumped David Johnson ’ s contract in an all-time heist .
Devon Kennard and Jordan Phillips bolstered the defense .
Grade : A Browns : Annual offseason champions strike again !
This time trading for TE Austin Hooper , stealing the best LT available , Jack Conklin , and adding DBs Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo .
Grade : A- Dolphins : The tanking wasn ’ t as bad as expected in 2019 , but still left the Dolphins with $ 90 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( some overspending ) resulted in a much better man-to-man defense led by Byron Jones , Kyle Van Noy and Shaq Lawson Grade : A- Chargers : The next QB ( not Brady ) will benefit from new OLs Bryan Bulaga and Trai Turner , and tagged TE Hunter Henry .
CB Chris Harris was a steal .
End of the Philip Rivers and Melvin Gordon era .
Grade : B+ Falcons : Traded a second-rounder for TE Hayden Hurst in a quick response to losing Hooper .
Cutting RB Devonta Feeman freed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fowler and RB Todd Gurley .
Grade : B+ Broncos : Stole DL Jurrell Casey for a seventh-rounder , swapped in C Graham Glasgow for Connor McGovern and tagged All-Pro FS Justin Simmons .
Then landed top free-agent RB Melvin Gordon .
Grade : B Ravens : Do the Ravens ever stop improving their defense ?
No .
Traded a fifth-rounder for Calais Campbell and signed Michael Brockers .
Traded from a position of strength to get a second-rounder for Hurst .
Grade : B Colts : A one-year , $ 25 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially when protected by re-signed LT Anthony Costanzo .
Traded first-rounder for DT DeForest Buckner and signed him to a $ 21 million per deal .
Grade : B Raiders : Never emerged in the Brady sweepstakes , settling for Marcus Mariota .
Cory Littleton , Nick Kwiatkowski and Maliek Collins in the defensive front seven .
Still thin at cornerback .
Why Jason Witten ?
Grade : B Jets : No big fish .
Building the offensive line was the priority .
These aren ’ t the expected names , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a start without any bad contracts .
Much more work to do , including keeping WR Robby Anderson .
Grade : B- Submit your Giants and Jets questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag Giants : Surprisingly did not spend to address biggest needs — edge rusher and offensive line — but found three new defensive starters , led by CB James Bradbery and ILB Blake Martinez .
Tagging DT Leonard Williams cost $ 16.1 million .
New philosophy of front-loading contracts is a welcome change .
Grade : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cornerbacks signed elsewhere , a GM who likes to trade shrewdly acquired and extended Darius Slay .
The rich get richer with DT Javon Hargrave .
Is losing S Malcom Jenkins taking away the heart and soul ?
Grade : B- 49ers : Decided to extend Arik Armstead over keeping Buckner ( traded to Colts for first-rounder ) on a crowded defensive line .
Re-signing injury-prone S Jimmie Ward is a risk .
Grade : B- Saints : Re-signing Drew Brees never was in doubt .
Faith in Taysom Hill as Brees ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Righted a wrong by bringing back S Malcolm Jenkins , but at the cost of Vonn Bell .
Found a late-week bargain in WR Emmanuel Sanders .
Grade : B- Titans : QB Ryan Tannehill ’ s big extension opened the franchise tag for RB Derrick Henry , who isn ’ t happy about it .
Vic Beasley has untapped pass-rush potential .
Losing Conklin hurts .
CB Logan Ryan still is available .
Grade : B- Jaguars : Traded Campbell , Nick Foles and A.J .
Bouye to continue stockpiling of draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go .
Overpaid Joe Schobert to lead a bad team in 2020 , but there is a clear strategy here .
Grade : C+ Lions : Coach and general manager on the hot seat , so they went with what they know : ex-Patriots Duron Harmon , Jamie Collins and Danny Shelton .
Big gamble taken on tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai .
Grade : C+ Bengals : D.J .
Reader next to Geno Atkins in the trenches ?
Trouble for running backs .
CB Trae Waynes ’ contract ( three years , $ 42 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ C Cowboys : Kept Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper , but there wasn ’ t enough cap room for Jason Witten , Maliek Collins , Byron Jones , Robert Quinn and Randall Cobb .
Even with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Gerald McCoy , defense took step back .
Grade : C Seahawks : Grade subject to change if the strategy of waiting out Jadeveon Clowney ’ s market and convincing him to return pays off .
Also on the defensive line : Bruce Irvin and Jarran Reed in , Jefferson out .
Grade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overpaying yet .
Well , maybe a slight one for CB Kendall Fuller .
Tagging G Brandon Scherff was smart .
LB Thomas Davis should improve the culture .
What to do with disgruntled LT Trent Williams ?
Grade : C Packers : Lost two linebackers ( Kyler Fackrell and Blake Martinez ) to the Giants , but upgraded pass coverage at the position with Christian Kirksey .
Signing LT Rick Wagner to replace Bryan Bulaga is a downgrade .
Grade : C- Panthers : Very risky move replacing QB Cam Newton ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wild card Bridgewater .
Losing defensive starters James Bradberry , Addison , Butler and Eric Reid signals rebuild .
Grade : C- Steelers : Very little cap space , so they moved slowly , losing Hargrave before a rare trade with Ravens for Chris Wormley and filling big need with TE Eric Ebron .
Grade : C- Vikings : Doubling down on mediocre QB Kirk Cousins — extension and trading away the disgruntled Diggs — is a set up for disaster .
The entire secondary could be overhauled if tagged Anthony Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diggs is important .
Grade : C- Chiefs : Tagged DT Chris Jones when an extension couldn ’ t be reached .
Keeping WR Sammy Watkins for now .
Fuller is biggest loss .
Special teams gunner Antonio Hamilton and T Mike Remmers are only adds to Super Bowl champs .
Grade : C- Bears : Filled needs by stretching for TE Jimmy Graham and DE Robert Quinn .
Foles is here to light a fire under Mitch Trubisky , but the quarterback salaries throw the salary cap out of whack .
Grade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team lost four defensive starters and Brady , there would be a sanity check .
Bill Belichick had better do his usual damage on the third-tier market .
Grade : D Texans : Bill O ’ Brien got 50 cents on the dollar for trading Hopkins .
Randall Cobb still has ability , but can ’ t fill those shoes .
The Texans also lost the rising star Reader .
Grade : F Rams : Championship window is closed .
Five defensive starters gone , either to retirement or other teams .
Adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gurley ’ s release feeds the “ don ’ t pay a running back ” crowd .
Grade : F

NFL free agency is not only about doling out massive contracts. There are trades, salary-cap casualties, bargains and scheme fits to consider.
The interesting thing about the first week of free agency in 2020 is the winners are an unusual crop of starved franchises. On the flip side, perennial playoff teams of the past decade are striking out or staying quiet.
The Post graded all 32 teams thus far, and the top seven as a group have one combined Super Bowl win in the past 45 years. Four have not won a playoff game in at least 17 years. Here is the report card:
Buccaneers: Tom Brady is the biggest signing in franchise history. Especially if others take a discount to play with him, as LT Joe Haeg did Friday. DEs Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul stayed put. Grade: A
Bills: Traded a first-round pick for Stefon Diggs to build one of the NFL’s most vertical offenses. Mario Addison, Quinton Jefferson and Vernon Butler improved the defensive line. Is there a renaissance in CB Josh Norman? Grade: A.
Cardinals: Stole WR DeAndre Hopkins (without giving up a first-rounder) and dumped David Johnson’s contract in an all-time heist. Devon Kennard and Jordan Phillips bolstered the defense. Grade: A
Browns: Annual offseason champions strike again! This time acting fast to sign TE Austin Hooper, stealing the best OT available, Jack Conklin, and adding DBs Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo. Grade: A-
Dolphins: The tanking wasn’t as bad as expected in 2019, but still left the Dolphins with $90 million in cap space. A shopping spree (some overspending) resulted in a much better man-to-man defense led by Byron Jones, Kyle Van Noy and Shaq Lawson Grade: A-
Chargers: The next QB (not Brady) will benefit from new OLs Bryan Bulaga and Trai Turner, and tagged TE Hunter Henry. CB Chris Harris was a steal. End of the Philip Rivers and Melvin Gordon era. Grade: B+
Falcons: Traded a second-rounder for TE Hayden Hurst in a quick response to losing Hooper. Cutting RB Devonta Feeman freed up the cap space for OLB Dante Fowler and RB Todd Gurley. Grade: B+
Broncos: Stole DL Jurrell Casey for a seventh-rounder, swapped in C Graham Glasgow for Connor McGovern and tagged All-Pro FS Justin Simmons. Then landed top free-agent RB Melvin Gordon. Grade: B
Ravens: Do the Ravens ever stop improving their defense? No. Traded a fifth-rounder for Calais Campbell and signed Michael Brockers. Traded from a position of strength to get a second-rounder for Hurst. Grade: B
Colts: A one-year, $25 million flier on QB Philip Rivers is low-risk, especially when protected by re-signed LT Anthony Costanzo. Traded first-rounder for DT DeForest Buckner and signed him to a $21 million per deal. Grade: B
Raiders: Never emerged in the Brady sweepstakes, settling for Marcus Mariota. Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkowski and Maliek Collins in the defensive front seven. Still thin at cornerback. Why Jason Witten? Grade: B
Jets: No big fish. Building the offensive line was the priority. These aren’t the expected names, but McGovern, George Fant and Alex Lewis is a start without any bad contracts. Much more work to do, including keeping WR Robby Anderson. Grade: B-
Submit your Giants and Jets questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag
Giants: Surprisingly did not spend to address biggest needs — edge rusher and offensive line — but found three new defensive starters, led by CB James Bradbery and ILB Blake Martinez. Tagging DT Leonard Williams cost $16.1 million. New philosophy of front-loading contracts is a welcome change. Grade: B-
Eagles: When the top three cornerbacks signed elsewhere, a GM who likes to trade shrewdly acquired and extended Darius Slay. The rich get richer with DT Javon Hargrave. Is losing S Malcom Jenkins taking away the heart and soul? Grade: B-
49ers: Decided to extend Arik Armstead over keeping Buckner (traded to Colts for first-rounder) on a crowded defensive line. Re-signing injury-prone S Jimmie Ward is a risk. Grade: B-
Saints: Re-signing Drew Brees never was in doubt. Faith in Taysom Hill as Brees’ backup allowed Teddy Bridgewater to walk. Righted a wrong by bringing back S Malcolm Jenkins, but at the cost of Vonn Bell. Found a late-week bargain in WR Emmanuel Sanders. Grade: B-
Titans: QB Ryan Tannehill’s big extension opened the franchise tag for RB Derrick Henry, who isn’t happy about it. Vic Beasley has untapped pass-rush potential. Losing Conklin hurts. CB Logan Ryan still is available. Grade: B-
Jaguars: Traded Campbell, Nick Foles and A.J. Bouye to continue stockpiling of draft picks. Yannick Ngakoue is next to go. Overpaid Joe Schobert to lead a bad team in 2020, but there is a clear strategy here. Grade: C+
Lions: Coach and general manager on the hot seat, so they went with what they know: ex-Patriots Duron Harmon, Jamie Collins and Danny Shelton. Big gamble taken on tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai. Grade: C+
Bengals: D.J. Reader next to Geno Atkins in the trenches? Trouble for running backs. CB Trae Waynes’ contract (three years, $42 million) is questionable. Grade: C
Cowboys: Kept Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper, but there wasn’t enough cap room for Jason Witten, Maliek Collins, Byron Jones, Robert Quinn and Randall Cobb. Even with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Gerald McCoy, defense took step back. Grade: C
Seahawks: Grade subject to change if the strategy of waiting out Jadeveon Clowney’s market and convincing him to return pays off. Also on the defensive line: Bruce Irvin and Jarran Reed in, Jefferson out. Grade: C
Redskins: No typical crazy overpaying yet. Well, maybe a slight one for CB Kendall Fuller. Tagging G Brandon Scherff was smart. LB Thomas Davis should improve the culture. What to do with disgruntled LT Trent Williams? Grade: C
Packers: Lost two linebackers (Kyler Fackrell and Blake Martinez) to the Giants, but upgraded pass coverage at the position with Christian Kirksey. Signing LT Rick Wagner to replace Bryan Bulaga is a downgrade. Grade: C-
Panthers: Very risky move replacing QB Cam Newton (will be traded or cut) with the wild card Bridgewater. Losing defensive starters James Bradberry, Addison, Butler and Eric Reid signals rebuild. Grade: C-
Steelers: Very little cap space, so they moved slowly, losing Hargrave before a rare trade with Ravens for Chris Wormley and filling big need with TE Eric Ebron. Grade: C-
Vikings: Doubling down on mediocre QB Kirk Cousins — extension and trading away the disgruntled Diggs — is a set up for disaster. The entire secondary could be overhauled if tagged Anthony Harris gets traded. First-round pick to replace Diggs is important. Grade: C-
Chiefs: Tagged DT Chris Jones when an extension couldn’t be reached. Keeping WR Sammy Watkins for now. Fuller is biggest loss. Special teams gunner Antonio Hamilton and T Mike Remmers are only adds to Super Bowl champs. Grade: C-
Bears: Filled needs by stretching for TE Jimmy Graham and DE Robert Quinn. Foles is here to light a fire under Mitch Trubisky, but the quarterback salaries throw the salary cap out of whack. Grade: D
Patriots: If any other team lost four defensive starters and Brady, there would be a sanity check. Bill Belichick had better do his usual damage on the third-tier market. Grade: D
Texans: Bill O’Brien got 50 cents on the dollar for trading Hopkins. Randall Cobb still has ability, but can’t fill those shoes. The Texans also lost the rising star Reader. Grade: F
Rams: Championship window is closed. Five defensive starters gone, either to retirement or other teams. Adding Leonard Floyd doesn’t atone. Gurley’s release feeds the “don’t pay a running back” crowd. Grade: F


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Apple updates Siri for coronavirus questioning

Siri is now taking cues from the CDC .
Apple updated its voice assistant to respond to anxious users who @ @ @ @ @ , do I have the coronavirus ?
” or questions along those lines , reports @ @ @ @ @ a series of questions and advice approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ Service .
Inquirers will be asked if they ’ re exhibiting symptoms like fever , @ @ @ @ @ breath ; those with mild signs will be advised to stay home and avoid others @ @ @ @ @ will be advised to consider dialing 911 .
Siri will also offer a link to @ @ @ @ @ health services that could provide over-the-phone consultation .
The update appeared Saturday , according to @ @ @ @ @ are working on their own COVID-19 projects during the global pandemic .
Google has promised @ @ @ @ @ that includes information about COVID-19 symptoms , risk and testing information .
”

Siri is now taking cues from the CDC.
Apple updated its voice assistant to respond to anxious users who ask it “Hey Siri, do I have the coronavirus?” or questions along those lines, reports CNBC.
Siri responds with a series of questions and advice approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Public Health Service.
Inquirers will be asked if they’re exhibiting symptoms like fever, dry cough or shortness of breath; those with mild signs will be advised to stay home and avoid others.
Anyone experiencing severe symptoms will be advised to consider dialing 911. Siri will also offer a link to the App Store for remote health services that could provide over-the-phone consultation.
The update appeared Saturday, according to CNBC.
Other tech giants are working on their own COVID-19 projects during the global pandemic.
Google has promised, “a nationwide website that includes information about COVID-19 symptoms, risk and testing information.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--FDA issues emergency approval for faster, on-site coronavirus tests

Faster coronavirus tests are on the way .
The diagnostics company Cepheid has received emergency federal approval for the use of its tests — which can detect the virus causing COVID-19 in just 45 minutes , the US Food and Drug Administration announced Saturday .
The tests can be administered on-site at a hospital or doctor ’ s office while the worried patient waits , and without needing to be sent to a separate lab .
Currently , coronavirus testing typically takes several days , with samples sent to central labs for analyses .
It is the first so-called “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Cepheid planning to make the tech available starting Monday , March 30 .
“ We are moving into a new phase of testing , where tests will be much more easily accessible to Americans who need them , ” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement .
Health experts have said faster and expanded testing can help reduce the spread of the virus by ensuring those sickened are informed of their diagnoses and take proper quarantine measures .
The tests do require a specific machine called the GeneXpert , Cepheid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 23,000 GeneXpert systems around the world , including almost 5,000 in the U.S. , the company said .
“ Today marks an important step in expanding the availability of testing and , importantly , rapid results , ” said FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn in a statement to the outlet .
“ Point-of-care testing means that results are delivered to patients in the patient care settings , like hospitals , urgent care centers and emergency rooms , ” he added , “ instead of samples being sent to a laboratory .
”

Faster coronavirus tests are on the way.
The diagnostics company Cepheid has received emergency federal approval for the use of its tests — which can detect the virus causing COVID-19 in just 45 minutes, the US Food and Drug Administration announced Saturday.
The tests can be administered on-site at a hospital or doctor’s office while the worried patient waits, and without needing to be sent to a separate lab.
Currently, coronavirus testing typically takes several days, with samples sent to central labs for analyses.
It is the first so-called “point-of-care” test approved by the FDA, with Cepheid planning to make the tech available starting Monday, March 30.
“We are moving into a new phase of testing, where tests will be much more easily accessible to Americans who need them,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement.
Health experts have said faster and expanded testing can help reduce the spread of the virus by ensuring those sickened are informed of their diagnoses and take proper quarantine measures.
The tests do require a specific machine called the GeneXpert, Cepheid told CNBC. There are currently more than 23,000 GeneXpert systems around the world, including almost 5,000 in the U.S., the company said.
“Today marks an important step in expanding the availability of testing and, importantly, rapid results,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn in a statement to the outlet.
“Point-of-care testing means that results are delivered to patients in the patient care settings, like hospitals, urgent care centers and emergency rooms,” he added, “instead of samples being sent to a laboratory.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Man robbed at gunpoint after coronavirus-related release from Rikers

He was safer at Rikers .
A man was robbed at gunpoint in Greenwich Village early Saturday — just hours after he was released from the notorious jail complex due to coronavirus concerns , according to law enforcement sources .
The hapless victim , 36 , was walking on West 4th Street near the intersection of Jones Street at around 2 a.m. when two men wearing face masks and hoodies drew a gun and robbed him of his wallet and cellphone , sources said .
No injuries were reported and the suspects remain at large , police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an October assault case and told police he was among the incarcerated who was sprung from Rikers on Friday , sources said .
Corrections officials approved the release of a handful of people incarcerated at Rikers Island while awaiting court dates in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus in the facility .
At least four correction officers and one inmate at Rikers have tested positive for the coronavirus , with the head doctor at the complex warning earlier this week that a “ storm is coming ” in that the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As New York has become the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic , citywide crime has taken a downturn as New Yorkers seek shelter indoors .

He was safer at Rikers.
A man was robbed at gunpoint in Greenwich Village early Saturday — just hours after he was released from the notorious jail complex due to coronavirus concerns, according to law enforcement sources.
The hapless victim, 36, was walking on West 4th Street near the intersection of Jones Street at around 2 a.m. when two men wearing face masks and hoodies drew a gun and robbed him of his wallet and cellphone, sources said.
No injuries were reported and the suspects remain at large, police said.
The victim is a defendant awaiting trial for an October assault case and told police he was among the incarcerated who was sprung from Rikers on Friday, sources said.
Corrections officials approved the release of a handful of people incarcerated at Rikers Island while awaiting court dates in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus in the facility.
At least four correction officers and one inmate at Rikers have tested positive for the coronavirus, with the head doctor at the complex warning earlier this week that a “storm is coming” in that the coronavirus would inevitably spread through the complex.
As New York has become the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, citywide crime has taken a downturn as New Yorkers seek shelter indoors.


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Hidden point-guard gem Killian Hayes may be answer for Knicks

Anthony Edwards , the freshman bull of a shooting guard out ...

When ESPN’s college basketball maven Seth Greenberg gave his draft recommendation for the Knicks to select Iowa State point guard Tyrese Haliburton, it came with a caveat.
The former Virginia Tech coach hadn’t seen enough of 6-foot-5 point guard Killian Hayes, who skipped college ball to play professionally in Germany.
Greenberg said he’d have to check in with his brother, Brad Greenberg, the former 76ers GM who has been coaching in Europe the past several years, most recently as head coach of the Israeli League’s Maccabi Ashdod.
As it turned out, Brad Greenberg flew back from Israel late Friday night after the Israeli League suspended play because of the coronavirus pandemic and offered his assessment to The Post.
One of Israel’s clubs, Rishon LeZion, faced Hayes’ Ratiopharm Ulm in the EuroLeague.
“He’s got good size for a young point guard, close to 6-5, and he’s got a feel for the game,’’ Brad Greenberg told The Post. “He’s used to having the ball in his hands and playing in a ball-screen offense. A very nice feel.’’
Though Hayes, 18, was born in Lakeland, Fla., the southpaw has spent much of his life living in France, where his father, DeRon, became a professional player after graduating Penn State.
The younger Hayes reportedly wanted to move back to the U.S. to play for a high school basketball academy, then move on to play college ball. His father thought his NBA prospects would be better served turning pro at 16 and competing for the local French team, Cholet.
“I feel like I’m from both places,” Killian told Bleacher Report in August. “I try to bring the best of America and the best of France with me when I’m on the court.”
The Knicks already have a French-bred lottery-pick point guard in Frank Ntilikina. He hasn’t yet proven he is suited to being a starter, despite showing slight progress as a penetrator before last week’s suspension of the NBA season.
Submit your Knicks questions here to be answered in an upcoming mailbag
Hayes, who will turn 19 in July, seems to have the smarts and smoothness but not the outside shot, according to Brad Greenberg.
“[Hayes] really has a great touch on the pass to rollers,’’ said Brad, a native of Plainview, Long Island. “He has some range, but really has to improve his 3-point shooting. It’s not reliable right now — not a really good shooter yet.”
In 33 games, Hayes averaged 11.6 points and 5.4 assists in 23 minutes. He shot 48.2 percent from the field — just 29.4 percent on 3-pointers.
Brad says Hayes is more pure point guard than one with a scoring mentality.
“That’s not his first instinct to use ball screen to create for himself,’’ Greenberg said. “He wants to get more defenders involved in stopping a play. He doesn’t want to be a volume 3-point shooter.
“When you defend him, you’re not thinking about fighting through that screen, but he’s not going to automatically shoot it when you lay off.”
Indeed, Hayes sounds a little like Haliburton, whom Seth Greenberg considers the best pure point guard in college. Some in the Knicks organization believe the first priority is to find their starting point guard of the future in the draft. Neither Ntilikina nor Elfrid Payton nor Dennis Smith Jr. has seized the moment to its fullest.
The draft process, meanwhile, will be challenging now that the coronavirus pandemic has wiped out the conference and NCAA tournaments. There’s a strong chance, as first reported by The Post, the draft combine won’t come off as scheduled May 21-24 in Chicago.
The most important aspect of the combine in evaluating lottery picks is the sit-down interview in the Chicago hotels. Under the current lottery standings, the Knicks can pick anywhere from first through 10th.
According to an NBA memo distributed to teams Thursday and obtained by The Post, the suspension of the season should not be used as impetus to start sitting down with draft prospects. The recommendation, the memo stated, is employing virtual interviews.
“We recognize that recruiting season is upon us,” the league said in the memo, “but to the extent there is still any question, you are strongly encouraged not to engage in any face-to-face recruiting sessions, and to conduct all such activities in an alternative manner.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Coronavirus supply shortage vexes Forest Hills clinic owner

The novel coronavirus pandemic has been tough on small businesses , many of which , being nonessential , have had to close .
But Dr. Nabil Salib ’ s small business — which is an essential one — is facing a special set of pandemic woes .
Salib , who owns the myDoc urgent care facility in Forest Hills , is seeing his business increase but feels inadequately supplied to face the onslaught of patients that ’ s sure to come .
“ I consider myself a soldier in this war .
I am charging into the battle with my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is worried about the virus overwhelming his clinic — and the entire system .
“ We have been waiting for the regular surgical masks for the last three weeks , ” he said .
“ We are also very short on coronavirus testing kits.
” Salib is particularly worried that , because his is a small business , that he will be last in line to receive the kits .
His facility , which is open 12 hours a day , has seen its number of patients roughly double over the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 patients in a day a good day .
Now we ’ re past 50 a day , ” he said .
“ There ’ s definitely a lot more respiratory patients , ” he added .
“ People coming in with cold symptoms and cough congestion .
There ’ s a lot of anxiety.
” Salib said he is “ Lysoling ” his office every hour , including every doorknob , chair or surface , preparing for an attack that could fell his patients and colleagues .
Luckily , so far none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his staff of about a dozen , have tested positive for the coronavirus .
“ But it is inevitable ; it is only a matter of time that someone will get it , ” he says .
Salib , who began his urgent facility some three years ago , is also concerned about how this virus will affect him .
“ I am thinking of isolating myself ; that it might be best for my family if I go to live in a hotel , ” he said .

The novel coronavirus pandemic has been tough on small businesses, many of which, being nonessential, have had to close. But Dr. Nabil Salib’s small business — which is an essential one — is facing a special set of pandemic woes.
Salib, who owns the myDoc urgent care facility in Forest Hills, is seeing his business increase but feels inadequately supplied to face the onslaught of patients that’s sure to come.
“I consider myself a soldier in this war. I am charging into the battle with my staff,” Salib said. But he is worried about the virus overwhelming his clinic — and the entire system.
“We have been waiting for the regular surgical masks for the last three weeks,” he said. “We are also very short on coronavirus testing kits.”
Salib is particularly worried that, because his is a small business, that he will be last in line to receive the kits.
His facility, which is open 12 hours a day, has seen its number of patients roughly double over the past week.
“I used to consider 30 patients in a day a good day. Now we’re past 50 a day,” he said.
“There’s definitely a lot more respiratory patients,” he added. “People coming in with cold symptoms and cough congestion. There’s a lot of anxiety.”
Salib said he is “Lysoling” his office every hour, including every doorknob, chair or surface, preparing for an attack that could fell his patients and colleagues. Luckily, so far none of Salib’s patients, nor his staff of about a dozen, have tested positive for the coronavirus.
“But it is inevitable; it is only a matter of time that someone will get it,” he says.
Salib, who began his urgent facility some three years ago, is also concerned about how this virus will affect him. “I am thinking of isolating myself; that it might be best for my family if I go to live in a hotel,” he said.


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Tips for if you’re let go because of coronavirus

Workers fired or dislocated by the coronavirus have big questions about everything from health care and unemployment benefits to fears of termination and coronavirus exposure .
Employment attorneys and other experts are being flooded with queries from people lacking immediate answers on their most basic rights in these unprecedented times , with many folks nervous about personal finances .
“ Many employers are doing the right thing for employees because it is right and makes it safer for them , ” said New York-based attorney Vincent White .
“ Other employers have demanded employees come into work , threatening to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I think everyone is expecting quite a bit of litigation when this is over.
” Here are some of the most pressing questions from workers , according to attorneys and other advisers : What ’ s the first step for employees let go or furloughed ?
They should look into applying for unemployment benefits , advises White .
“ Every business is handling this differently , ” he added .
“ But for bars and restaurants , many staff are tipped employees .
Even if hospitality businesses continuing paying their employees their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what they might hope to earn in tips.
” How much information can my employer demand if I call out sick ?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that employers not require a note from employees sick with acute respiratory illness to verify their illness .
The thinking is that health care providers may be stretched to capacity responding to other health calls , according to Workplace Fairness .
Does the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) allow employers to check employees for a fever ?
Right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to Courtney Blanchard at Minneapolis law firm Nilan Johnson Lewis .
Do you qualify for sick leave if quarantined or in isolation ?
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo signed a law that provides some employees sick leave and job protection if quarantined or in isolation by order of a public health official .
“ The new law also expands protections to certain employees under the New York Paid Family Leave and the New York disability benefits law to provide some measure of salary continuation during a quarantine or isolation order period , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memo .
Can employers terminate workers who don ’ t come to work because they are answering calls as part-time first responders ?
No , not if they are engaged in civil preparedness planning or work , White said .

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Workers fired or dislocated by the coronavirus have big questions about everything from health care and unemployment benefits to fears of termination and coronavirus exposure.
Employment attorneys and other experts are being flooded with queries from people lacking immediate answers on their most basic rights in these unprecedented times, with many folks nervous about personal finances.
“Many employers are doing the right thing for employees because it is right and makes it safer for them,” said New York-based attorney Vincent White. “Other employers have demanded employees come into work, threatening to fire them if they don’t. I think everyone is expecting quite a bit of litigation when this is over.”
Here are some of the most pressing questions from workers, according to attorneys and other advisers:
What’s the first step for employees let go or furloughed?
They should look into applying for unemployment benefits, advises White. “Every business is handling this differently,” he added. “But for bars and restaurants, many staff are tipped employees. Even if hospitality businesses continuing paying their employees their base pay, that is a fraction of what they might hope to earn in tips.”
How much information can my employer demand if I call out sick?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that employers not require a note from employees sick with acute respiratory illness to verify their illness. The thinking is that health care providers may be stretched to capacity responding to other health calls, according to Workplace Fairness.
Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allow employers to check employees for a fever?
Right now, the answer is “yes,” according to Courtney Blanchard at Minneapolis law firm Nilan Johnson Lewis.
Do you qualify for sick leave if quarantined or in isolation?
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a law that provides some employees sick leave and job protection if quarantined or in isolation by order of a public health official.
“The new law also expands protections to certain employees under the New York Paid Family Leave and the New York disability benefits law to provide some measure of salary continuation during a quarantine or isolation order period,” according to a Nilan Johnson Lewis memo.
Can employers terminate workers who don’t come to work because they are answering calls as part-time first responders?
No, not if they are engaged in civil preparedness planning or work, White said.


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--‘Dear John’ reader gets lemonade for a GM lemon

Dear John : I would like to fax to you 21 pages of correspondence in dealing with General Motors on one of their defective vehicles .
My vehicle , a 2019 Chevy Camaro , has been in the shop eight times and has been towed three times to the dealership .
I have sent one letter and two emails to Mary Barra , GM ’ s chief executive .
I have also written GM President Mark Reuss and to Executive VP Barry Engle , who is responsible for Chevrolet globally .
No response .
I have owned 16 GM vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They want me to swap my vehicle for another 2019 Camaro , which is the only choice , according to customer service .
I would rather get a check and apply it to a leftover 2019 Corvette .
Thanks .
T.V .
Dear T.V .
: I contacted GM on your behalf and you got a new car — but it ’ s a Camaro , not the Corvette .
But you said that you were satisfied .
“ They said it would be easier for them to trade for an equal car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work a deal with a credit , ” you told me .
You got the new Camaro two weeks ago .
You said it took eight weeks .
GM also paid the sales tax and any fees involved .
“ No money out of my pocket .
Thanks for your help , ” you wrote .

Dear John: I would like to fax to you 21 pages of correspondence in dealing with General Motors on one of their defective vehicles.
My vehicle, a 2019 Chevy Camaro, has been in the shop eight times and has been towed three times to the dealership. I have sent one letter and two emails to Mary Barra, GM’s chief executive. I have also written GM President Mark Reuss and to Executive VP Barry Engle, who is responsible for Chevrolet globally. No response.
I have owned 16 GM vehicles and I am also a stockholder. They want me to swap my vehicle for another 2019 Camaro, which is the only choice, according to customer service. I would rather get a check and apply it to a leftover 2019 Corvette. Thanks. T.V.
Dear T.V.: I contacted GM on your behalf and you got a new car — but it’s a Camaro, not the Corvette.
But you said that you were satisfied.
“They said it would be easier for them to trade for an equal car. It would be too difficult to work a deal with a credit,” you told me.
You got the new Camaro two weeks ago. You said it took eight weeks. GM also paid the sales tax and any fees involved. “No money out of my pocket. Thanks for your help,” you wrote.


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--Despite coronavirus lockdowns, blooming cherry blossoms draw crowds in DC, Tokyo

The annual flowering of cherry trees is bringing joy — but some danger — to large crowds of tourists in Tokyo and Washington , D.C. , in defiance of coronavirus concerns .
People traveled from all over to see the capitol ’ s blooms , the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported .
Baltimore schoolteacher Amanda Maurer , 24 , said the trip to D.C. was a needed break .
“ I wanted to see the blossoms , but I was also going crazy , ” she told the Review-Journal .
“ I needed something to do.
” In 1912 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of the “ exalted ” Yoshino cherry trees , planted by the wife of Chinese ambassador with First Lady Helen Herron Taft , according to the National Parks Service .
In the ensuing century , the craze only , well , blossomed .
Each spring , the pink and white flowers bloom for just a few days in the Tidal Basin area of the US capital — drawing large crowds with events and watch-parties despite the canceling of the National Cherry Blossom Festival , which had been set for March 20 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pullback from previous years , ” said Mike Toner , 45 , of Arlington , Virginia .
Many people were out walking , jogging or riding their bikes — but some chose to enjoy the flowers from the safety of their cars , the outlet reported .
Luckily , you can still get a glimpse of the trees at the National Mall ’ s “ BloomCam.
” The capital has 77 confirmed cases of the coronavirus , according to Johns Hopkins data .
One person has died from the disease .
Vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested for the coronavirus after one of his aides tested positive .
The beautiful flowers also drew crowds in Tokyo — where authorities asked visitors not to hold parties to limit the spread of the coronavirus .
Japan has logged 1,007 cases , with 35 deaths and 232 recovered , data shows .

The annual flowering of cherry trees is bringing joy — but some danger — to large crowds of tourists in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., in defiance of coronavirus concerns.
People traveled from all over to see the capitol’s blooms, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
Baltimore schoolteacher Amanda Maurer, 24, said the trip to D.C. was a needed break.
“I wanted to see the blossoms, but I was also going crazy,” she told the Review-Journal. “I needed something to do.”
In 1912, the people of Japan gifted the United States two of the “exalted” Yoshino cherry trees, planted by the wife of Chinese ambassador with First Lady Helen Herron Taft, according to the National Parks Service.
In the ensuing century, the craze only, well, blossomed.
Each spring, the pink and white flowers bloom for just a few days in the Tidal Basin area of the US capital — drawing large crowds with events and watch-parties despite the canceling of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which had been set for March 20 to April 12.
“This is definitely a pullback from previous years,” said Mike Toner, 45, of Arlington, Virginia.
Many people were out walking, jogging or riding their bikes — but some chose to enjoy the flowers from the safety of their cars, the outlet reported.
Luckily, you can still get a glimpse of the trees at the National Mall’s “BloomCam.”
The capital has 77 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins data. One person has died from the disease.
Vice President Mike Pence announced he will be tested for the coronavirus after one of his aides tested positive.
The beautiful flowers also drew crowds in Tokyo — where authorities asked visitors not to hold parties to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Japan has logged 1,007 cases, with 35 deaths and 232 recovered, data shows.


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--‘Naturally antibacterial:’ Sex doll companies trying to cash in on coronavirus

Sex doll companies have an important public service message : Self-isolating can be fun and safe at the same time .
Abyss , the maker of sex robots RealDolls , assured potential buyers that its dolls are free of COVID-19 in an Instagram post .
“ Self-isolating doesn ’ t have to be the worst !
All RealDolls are made from Platinum Grade Silicone and are naturally antibacterial and nonporous !
Want one ?
” The company ’ s caption reads .
An online publication that reviews sex dolls also posted a blog post trying to combat myths regarding sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doll industries have been greatly affected as most of these products were made and delivered from China , ” according to the post at realsexdollreviews.com .
“ But to break the existing perception toward China-made sex dolls , is there really a high-risk of product-to-human viral transmission ?
One firm answer : No !
” the post continues .
“ There is no medical proof that upholds this claim .
Sex dolls assembled or imported from China have no harm to the people.
” Sex doll maker Silicon Wives has also tried capitalizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contest for free sex dolls “ to help with the coronavirus quarantine , ” according to its website .
“ Are you stuck inside with nothing to do for the Corona virus ( sic ) quarantine ?
We ’ re giving away free sex dolls to ease your ‘ social distancing , ’ ” the website reads .
Local municipal and state governments across the country have started creating and enforcing strict rules to keep residents inside in order to “ flatten the curve ” and slow the spread of the pandemic — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people globally .
In September , The Post reported that sales of male sex dolls were already on the rise .

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Sex doll companies have an important public service message: Self-isolating can be fun and safe at the same time.
Abyss, the maker of sex robots RealDolls, assured potential buyers that its dolls are free of COVID-19 in an Instagram post.
“Self-isolating doesn’t have to be the worst! All RealDolls are made from Platinum Grade Silicone and are naturally antibacterial and nonporous! Want one?” the company’s caption reads.
An online publication that reviews sex dolls also offered a blog post trying to combat myths regarding sex dolls and the coronavirus.
“Sex doll industries have been greatly affected as most of these products were made and delivered from China,” according to the post at realsexdollreviews.com.
“But to break the existing perception toward China-made sex dolls, is there really a high-risk of product-to-human viral transmission? One firm answer: No!” the post continues. “There is no medical proof that upholds this claim. Sex dolls assembled or imported from China have no harm to the people.”
Sex doll maker Silicon Wives has also tried capitalizing on the pandemic, with a giveaway contest for free sex dolls “to help with the coronavirus quarantine,” according to its website.
“Are you stuck inside with nothing to do for the Corona virus [sic] quarantine? We’re giving away free sex dolls to ease your ‘social distancing,’” the website reads.
Municipal and state governments across the country have started creating and enforcing strict rules to keep residents inside in order to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the pandemic — which has now infected more than 300,000 people globally.
In September, The Post reported that sales of male sex dolls were already on the rise.


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--Jets’ Joe Douglas reaches deal with two offensive linemen

The Jets added another offensive lineman on Saturday .
The team ...

Joe Douglas continued to rebuild the Jets’ offensive line on Saturday.
The general manager reached an agreement on a three-year deal with free agent guard Greg Van Roten, according to a source. Van Roten started 11 games at left guard for the Panthers last year and 27 over the past two years.
This continues Douglas’ mission to revamp one of the Jets’ weakest units in 2019. He also reached an agreement with guard/center Josh Andrews on Saturday, according to his agent, Brett Tessler. Andrews has played 25 games in five seasons with the Eagles and Colts. He never has started a game.
Douglas has made offensive line a priority in free agency. He signed tackle George Fant and center Connor McGovern earlier in the week and also re-signed guard Alex Lewis. Andrews is more of a depth signing after backups Brent Qvale and Tom Compton were lost in free agency this week.
Van Roten could replace Brian Winters at right guard. Winters remains on the team, but his roster spot has been tenuous at best. The Jets would save $7.3 million in salary cap space by releasing Winters, who has no more guaranteed money in his contract.
Van Roten, 30, is from Rockville Centre and played at Chaminade High School on Long Island. He fits the mold that Douglas has brought in this week. He is versatile, can play several positions and has just one penalty in five seasons. Van Roten has also played for the Packers and spent time in the Canadian Football League.
It is possible the Jets will have four new starters on the offensive line this season.
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The Jets may be thin at cornerback, but that did not stop them from releasing Darryl Roberts, who started 10 games for them last season, clearing $6 million in salary cap space. The timing of the move makes sense with $2 million of Roberts’ 2020 salary scheduled to become guaranteed on Sunday.
Roberts, who signed a three-year, $18 million contract last year, played in 56 games for the Jets over four seasons, starting 26. He played both cornerback and safety.
His release means the Jets have cut both of their 2019 Week 1 starters at cornerback in the past week. Trumaine Johnson, who started opposite Roberts, was released Wednesday.
While the Jets’ biggest need in the secondary remains cornerback, they added a safety Saturday, when Marqui Christian agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.25 million that could reach $2 million. Christian spent the past four seasons with the Rams after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 draft by the Cardinals.
Christian only made one start with the Rams. With the Jets, he likely will be a special-teams contributor and serve as the third safety behind Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye. Rontez Miles, who has filled that role in recent years, is a free agent.


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--Coronavirus crisis: Feds should use banks to help small biz, homeowners

The US is now in the throes of the novel ...

Further to my ideas to help stabilize the economy in last week’s column — some of which came to be implemented, and are now in the proposed bill — I have a few more suggestions.
I propose that the Treasury and the Federal Reserve use banks — at little-to-no profit — as conduits to expedite small business loans and mortgage refinances nationwide, since roughly half the country works for small businesses and roughly half the country owns a home.
So businesses with under, say 50 people, should all be able to get direct debt or equity injections via their existing local banks, where they already have a relationship. The funding should be provided by the Federal Reserve and/or the Treasury (they must partner on this).
The businesses should receive two months’ worth of traditional deposits, based on an average of their deposits over the past year. The equity injection would mandate that the business rehire the same employees and gig workers it had prior to the coronavirus outbreak — in the event it does not, the money becomes a loan due to the Federal government.
Also, let’s have all of the banks offer to re-strike mortgages at today’s lower rates if no payments have been missed in last six to 12 months. No lengthy paperwork, no lawyers, no expenses for the consumer.
The banks are just the pass- through here — all banks or mortgage investors will be kept whole by the government, which would reimburse the mortgage servicer or bank for funds lost due to the rate reduction. Nothing changes except the interest rate. Yes, people could refinance on their own, but it’s a cumbersome and very costly process.
Additionally, let’s retrofit empty hotels into hospital overflow treatment centers. That will help hotels and their workers, who can be employed there in support capacities. And the retrofitted buildings will be a valuable long-term asset in the event of another national emergency.
Each of these can be done quickly and directly, precisely where needed.
Washington, vote your country today. Vote politics in November.
View it as economic triage.


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--Restaurateur gives tips on helping coronavirus-hit industry

Dear John : I ’ m a restaurateur .
As you know one of the biggest business areas affected by this coronavirus crisis is the hospitality industry .
We have no way of knowing how any planned bailout is going to work — whether it ’ ll be fair and equitable or how long it will take to receive funding , if there is any at all .
Here ’ s what I ’ m suggesting as the most equitable and expedient remedy : All businesses within the industry at large must have insurance .
Part of that insurance coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” which compensates for loss of revenue due to a variety of reasons .
Viruses are generally not covered , but an argument could be that businesses were closed by government mandate .
Premiums are based on restaurant revenues .
So most operations will have coverage commensurate to those revenues now lost .
Bailout funds should be directed to the insurance industry with the explicit mandate that no business interruption claims can be denied — and also with the mandate that all such claims be handled in a very expedient manner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry in the fastest way possible .
Our industry can then continue to make essential payments such as payroll , rent , bank loans and mortgages .
This too could be mandated as a condition of receiving the funds .
So we would not need to lay off workers , thereby sparing the already overwhelmed unemployment benefits program .
Payroll taxes will help alleviate state and municipal costs , and other taxes generated from the payment of rents , loans and mortgages will also play their part in alleviating state and local costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s trickle-down or -up economics that is simple to apply and will provide much greater relief than any of the other programs I see being offered now .
D.O .
Dear D.O .
: I think that ’ s a great idea .
And if it works half as well as you propose , it ’ ll help restaurants , hotels and any other businesses that were forced to close .
There will , of course , be cheaters .
And insurance companies are notoriously slow in making payments .
But maybe they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course , some businesses probably scrimped on the insurance .
Those places would have to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis .
I like it .
Thanks for writing .

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Dear John: I’m a restaurateur. As you know one of the biggest business areas affected by this coronavirus crisis is the hospitality industry.
We have no way of knowing how any planned bailout is going to work — whether it’ll be fair and equitable or how long it will take to receive funding, if there is any at all.
Here’s what I’m suggesting as the most equitable and expedient remedy: All businesses within the industry at large must have insurance. Part of that insurance coverage is a thing called “business interruption,” which compensates for loss of revenue due to a variety of reasons. Viruses are generally not covered, but an argument could be that businesses were closed by government mandate.
Premiums are based on restaurant revenues. So most operations will have coverage commensurate to those revenues now lost.
Bailout funds should be directed to the insurance industry with the explicit mandate that no business interruption claims can be denied — and also with the mandate that all such claims be handled in a very expedient manner.
This will get the funds to the industry in the fastest way possible. Our industry can then continue to make essential payments such as payroll, rent, bank loans and mortgages. This too could be mandated as a condition of receiving the funds. So we would not need to lay off workers, thereby sparing the already overwhelmed unemployment benefits program.
Payroll taxes will help alleviate state and municipal costs, and other taxes generated from the payment of rents, loans and mortgages will also play their part in alleviating state and local costs.
Put another way, it’s trickle-down or -up economics that is simple to apply and will provide much greater relief than any of the other programs I see being offered now. D.O.
Dear D.O.: I think that’s a great idea. And if it works half as well as you propose, it’ll help restaurants, hotels and any other businesses that were forced to close.
There will, of course, be cheaters. And insurance companies are notoriously slow in making payments. But maybe they will surprise us this time.
And, of course, some businesses probably scrimped on the insurance. Those places would have to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
I like it. Thanks for writing.


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--Can’t we dip into our retirement money at a reduced tax rate?

Dear John : I have been following you for over 25 years .
Is there any chance the proposal that @ @ @ @ @ dipping into retirement money at a reduced tax rate could now be passed ?
It @ @ @ @ @ generate tax revenue .
In my humble opinion , we could be heading into a @ @ @ @ @ could help big time .
L.S .
Dear L.S .
: I believe it would @ @ @ @ @ And it not only wouldn ’ t hurt the budget deficit , it would help @ @ @ @ @ withdraw money from their retirement accounts would actually pay taxes at — as you said @ @ @ @ @ However , I don ’ t think the timing of this would be good right @ @ @ @ @ market going down , my proposal would cause people to liquidate stock positions held in @ @ @ @ @ time when there is already too much selling .
Once the market settles down , @ @ @ @ @ favor of this again .

Dear John: I have been following you for over 25 years.
Is there any chance the proposal that you wrote in 2004 about dipping into retirement money at a reduced tax rate could now be passed?
It would stimulate the economy and generate tax revenue. In my humble opinion, we could be heading into a nasty recession and this suggestion could help big time. L.S.
Dear L.S.: I believe it would help during a recession. And it not only wouldn’t hurt the budget deficit, it would help it, since people who withdraw money from their retirement accounts would actually pay taxes at — as you said — a reduced rate.
However, I don’t think the timing of this would be good right now. With the stock market going down, my proposal would cause people to liquidate stock positions held in their retirement plans at a time when there is already too much selling.
Once the market settles down, I’m all in favor of this again.


newyorkpost--2020-03-21--Man busted for coronavirus-inspired robbery of Asian woman in Brooklyn

A man was busted for allegedly robbing an Asian woman inside a Brooklyn train station and telling her to “ @ @ @ @ @ in a coronavirus-inspired attack , police sources told The Post .
The 26-year-old woman was @ @ @ @ @ D station in Borough Park at about 11 p.m. Thursday when Oswald Jones , 60 @ @ @ @ @ yelling , telling her to , “ Get off the train .
You Chinese.
” @ @ @ @ @ .
Get your temperature checked .
You need to leave , ” Jones told the @ @ @ @ @ cellphone from her hand , sources said .
Cops busted Jones shortly after the incident @ @ @ @ @ wave of suspected racist crimes amid the spread of COVID-19 .
He was charged with @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
The woman was not injured during the robbery .

A man was busted for allegedly robbing an Asian woman inside a Brooklyn train station and telling her to “go back to China” in a coronavirus-inspired attack, police sources told The Post.
The 26-year-old woman was inside the Fort Hamilton Parkway D station in Borough Park at about 11 p.m. Thursday when Oswald Jones, 60, approached her and began yelling, telling her to, “Get off the train. You Chinese.”
“Go back to China. Get your temperature checked. You need to leave,” Jones told the woman, then snatched her cellphone from her hand, sources said.
Cops busted Jones shortly after the incident — the latest in a wave of suspected racist crimes amid the spread of COVID-19.
He was charged with grand larceny and aggravated harassment, police said.
The woman was not injured during the robbery.