newyorkpost--2020-03-23--White supremacists reportedly urge members to infect cops, Jews with coronavirus

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Racist groups including Neo-Nazis and other white supremacists are urging people in their ranks to contract the coronavirus in order to infect Jews and police officers , according to a report .
ABC News obtained an alert from the FBI ’ s New York office to local police agencies saying that “ members of extremist groups are encouraging one another to spread the virus , if contracted , through bodily fluids and personal interactions.
” The alert , which was issued Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members to spread their bodily fluids on cops using spray bottles , according to the network .
The followers also were told to spread the deadly illness to Jews by going “ any place they may be congregated , to include markets , political offices , businesses and places of worship.
” “ Anti-government folks in America love to target law enforcement as a symbol of America ’ s authority , ” said Don Mihalek , executive vice president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Foundation .
“ It ’ s just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time of crisis in the nation , ” the ABC News contributor added .
Organizations that keep tabs online for white supremacist postings have noticed that Jews and Jewish leaders have been blamed for the novel virus .
“ From pushing the idea that Jews created the coronavirus virus to sell vaccines to encouraging infected followers to try to spread the illness to the Jewish community and law enforcement , as the coronavirus has spread , we have observed how white-supremacists , neo-Nazis and others have used this to drive their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incite violence on their online platforms , ” said Michael Masters , the chief of Secure Communities Network , a group that coordinates security for Jewish organizations and synagogues nationwide .
“ While the world faces a deadly pandemic , it ’ s a stark reminder that certain groups – notably the Jewish community and law enforcement – must also continue the battle against those who wish to hurt or kill them , ” Masters told ABC .
“ As the economic situation remains fragile and civil society disrupted , the potential for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely … and more deadly .
”

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Racist groups including neo-Nazis and other white supremacists are urging people in their ranks to contract the coronavirus in order to infect Jews and police officers, according to a report.
ABC News obtained an alert from the FBI’s New York office to local police agencies saying that “members of extremist groups are encouraging one another to spread the virus, if contracted, through bodily fluids and personal interactions.”
The alert, which was issued Thursday, warned that the extremist groups instructed their members to spread their bodily fluids on cops using spray bottles, according to the network.
The followers also were told to spread the deadly illness to Jews by going “any place they may be congregated, to include markets, political offices, businesses and places of worship.”
“Anti-government folks in America love to target law enforcement as a symbol of America’s authority,” said Don Mihalek, executive vice president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Foundation.
“It’s just sad that that’s their focus at a time of crisis in the nation,” the ABC News contributor added.
Organizations that keep tabs on online white supremacist postings have noticed that Jews and Jewish leaders have been blamed for the novel virus.
“From pushing the idea that Jews created the coronavirus virus to sell vaccines to encouraging infected followers to try to spread the illness to the Jewish community and law enforcement, as the coronavirus has spread, we have observed how white-supremacists, neo-Nazis and others have used this to drive their own conspiracy theories, spread disinformation and incite violence on their online platforms,” said Michael Masters, the chief of Secure Communities Network, a group that coordinates security for Jewish organizations and synagogues nationwide.
“While the world faces a deadly pandemic, it’s a stark reminder that certain groups — notably the Jewish community and law enforcement — must also continue the battle against those who wish to hurt or kill them,” Masters told ABC. “As the economic situation remains fragile and civil society disrupted, the potential for the followers of hate to act becomes more likely … and more deadly.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--Holocaust survivor becomes Israel’s first coronavirus fatality

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An 88-year-old Holocaust survivor suffering from coronavirus reportedly became the first person in Israel to die from the illness .
Arie Even , who immigrated to Israel from Hungary in 1949 , contracted the virus while staying in an assisted living facility where several of the residents have tested positive for COVID-19 , according to Haaretz .
“ He was a beloved and dear man , lived a full life , was dedicated to his family , and showed strength until his very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement to the newspaper .
“ We lament that he had to spend his last moment without his family by his side .
We would like to thank the medical staff at Jerusalem ’ s Shaare Zedek Medical Center for their devoted treatment and the empathy they demonstrated.
” Even died after going into cardiac arrest at Shaare Zedek Medical Center on Saturday .
He had been transported there in critical condition about a week earlier .
More than 1,200 people have contracted the virus in Israel , with about two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness has infected 329,000 people worldwide .
At least 14,500 people have died .

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An 88-year-old Holocaust survivor suffering from coronavirus reportedly became the first person in Israel to die from the illness.
Arie Even, who immigrated to Israel from Hungary in 1949, contracted the virus while staying in an assisted living facility where several of the residents have tested positive for COVID-19, according to Haaretz.
“He was a beloved and dear man, lived a full life, was dedicated to his family, and showed strength until his very last moments,” his son said in a statement to the newspaper.
“We lament that he had to spend his last moment without his family by his side. We would like to thank the medical staff at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center for their devoted treatment and the empathy they demonstrated.”
Even died after going into cardiac arrest at Shaare Zedek Medical Center on Saturday. He had been transported there in critical condition about a week earlier.
More than 1,200 people have contracted the virus in Israel, with about two dozen listed in critical condition.
The illness has infected 329,000 people worldwide. At least 14,500 people have died.


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--Trump says US will make decision on further coronavirus action after 15 days

President Trump on Sunday night said that the US will decide as soon as next week on what the next move will be in the country ’ s fight against the coronavirus .
“ WE CAN NOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF , ” Trump tweeted .
“ AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD , WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO !
” The president last Monday issued new guidance urging a 15-day period of collective action from Americans to help curb the spread of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work at home , if possible , postpone unnecessary travel , and limit social gatherings to no more than 10 people , ” Trump had said a press briefing last Tuesday describing some of the guidelines .
“ If we do this right , our country — and the world , frankly — but our country can be rolling again pretty quickly , ” Trump said .
On Sunday , Trump also said that major disaster declarations were in process for New York , California and Washington .
In New York City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached 99 on Sunday night , with the number of infected topping 10,000 .

President Trump said Sunday night the US will decide as soon as next week on what the next move will be in the country’s fight against the coronavirus.
“WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF,” Trump tweeted.
“AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO!”
The president last Monday issued new guidance urging a 15-day period of collective action by Americans to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The 15-day period concludes next Tuesday.
“We’re asking everyone to work at home, if possible, postpone unnecessary travel, and limit social gatherings to no more than 10 people,” Trump had said at a press briefing last Tuesday describing some of the guidelines.
“If we do this right, our country — and the world, frankly — but our country can be rolling again pretty quickly,” Trump said.
On Sunday, Trump also said that major disaster declarations were in process for New York, California and Washington state.
In New York City, the death toll from the virus reached 99 on Sunday night, with the number of infected topping 10,000.


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--Secret Service employee tests positive for coronavirus

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A U.S. Secret @ @ @ @ @ had any contact with any other employee or “ protectee ” for nearly three weeks @ @ @ @ @ .
The agency released a statement that the employee is in quarantine and “ will @ @ @ @ @ ’ s condition .
The employee was not identified .
The diagnosis comes as the @ @ @ @ @ pass the $ 1.4 trillion “ Phase Three ” stimulus package intended to help businesses @ @ @ @ @ downturn over the coronavirus outbreak .
The vote came while at least five GOP senators @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , who became the first U.S. senator to announce he @ @ @ @ @ .
Senators were asked to practice social distancing and were given a list of health @ @ @ @ @ the chamber .

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A U.S. Secret Service employee who has not had any contact with any other employee or “protectee” for nearly three weeks was diagnosed with the coronavirus.
The agency released a statement that the employee is in quarantine and “will continue to monitor the employee’s condition. The employee was not identified.
The diagnosis comes as the U.S. Senate failed Sunday to pass the $1.4 trillion “Phase Three” stimulus package intended to help businesses and families devastated by the downturn over the coronavirus outbreak.
The vote came while at least five GOP senators were in self-quarantine, including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who became the first U.S. senator to announce he tested positive for the virus. Senators were asked to practice social distancing and were given a list of health guidelines to follow while entering the chamber.


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--IOC considers postponing 2020 Olympics for a year after Australia, Canada drop out

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TOKYO — The Tokyo Olympics are going to happen — but almost surely in 2021 rather than in four months as planned .
This became clear after the IOC on Sunday announced it was considering a postponement .
Major Olympic nations like Canada and Australia have added pressure by saying they will not go if the games are staged this year .
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach sent a letter to athletes explaining the decision and why it might take so long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not be popular .
“ I know that this unprecedented situation leaves many of your questions open , ” he wrote .
“ I also know that this rational approach may not be in line with the emotions many of you have to go through.
” The IOC ’ s move seemed inevitable for a week with pressure mounting from all quarters — athletes , sponsors , broadcasters and more than 200 national Olympic committees , and international sports federations .
Shortly after Bach ’ s statement , the Canadian Olympic Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Olympics unless the games are postponed by a year .
Australia issued a statement saying it was advising its athletes to prepare for an Olympics in 2021 .
The Australian committee ’ s executive board agreed unanimously that “ an Australian Team could not be assembled in the changing circumstances at home and abroad.
” World Athletics President Seb Coe sent a letter to Bach saying that holding the Olympics in July “ is neither feasible nor desirable.
” He outlined a number of reasons , including competitive fairness , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compressed schedule and the uncertainty caused by orders in many countries barring people from gyms and other workout venues .
National Olympic committees in Brazil and Slovenia had also called for postponement until 2021 .
Norway ’ s Olympic body said it did not want athletes going to Tokyo until the global health crisis is under control .
The United States governing bodies of swimming and track — two of the three top-tier Summer Games sports — had called on their national Olympic officials to push for a postponement .
Japan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they awakened to Bach ’ s move .
Japan ’ s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe , speaking at a parliamentary session , said a postponement of the Tokyo Olympics would be unavoidable if the games can not be held in a complete way because of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ If it is difficult to hold ( the Games ) in a complete way , a decision of postponement would be unavoidable , ” he said .
Abe said he hoped the IOC would make a decision early if it is postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of work and should start as soon as possible .
“ The IOC will fully examine what to do over the next four weeks , and in that process that word ( postponement ) may be included , ” she said .
The IOC holds most of the cards in any rescheduling , spelled out in a Host City Contract signed in 2013 between the IOC , the Japanese Olympic Committee and the city of Tokyo .
Japan is officially spending $ 12.6 billion to organize the Olympics , but a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice that much .
The bill is sure to increase with any postponement , and the vast majority of the spending if from the public treasury .
The IOC has a reserve fund of about $ 2 billion to tide itself over , and also has insurance against postponement or cancellation .
“ The public is expecting and supports postponement , so it won ’ t be a big deal , ” Jeff Kingston , who studies Japanese politics at Temple University in Tokyo , said in an email to Associated Press .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economic consequences and their jobs and if the number of cases ramps.
” Former IOC marketing director Michael Payne said the delay might work to the advantage of the IOC and Japan .
“ What better platform is there going to be than the Olympic Games when the world has pulled through the virus , ” Payne told AP in an interview Sunday , just before the IOC announcement .
“ You ’ ve got a dynamic that will be even more powerful for Japan and the rest of the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough road getting there.
” The Olympic torch arrived Friday in northern Japan .
The torch relay it set to begin on Thursday from that area but is in doubt .
On Sunday , thousands crowed one northern city to view the flame .
Organizers have asked spectators to show restraint , threatening to delay the relay or change plans .
As of Sunday , Japan had 1,719 confirmed cases of the virus , including 712 from a cruise ship , with 43 deaths .
While Japan has so far managed to slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they have found a growing number of clusters in urban areas with untraceable infections .

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TOKYO — The Tokyo Olympics are going to happen — but almost surely in 2021 rather than in four months as planned.
This became clear after the IOC on Sunday announced it was considering a postponement. Major Olympic nations like Canada and Australia have added pressure by saying they will not go if the games are staged this year.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach sent a letter to athletes explaining the decision and why it might take so long, while also acknowledging the extended timeline might not be popular.
“I know that this unprecedented situation leaves many of your questions open,” he wrote. “I also know that this rational approach may not be in line with the emotions many of you have to go through.”
The IOC’s move seemed inevitable for a week with pressure mounting from all quarters — athletes, sponsors, broadcasters and more than 200 national Olympic committees, and international sports federations.
Shortly after Bach’s statement, the Canadian Olympic Committee said it won’t send teams to the Olympics unless the games are postponed by a year. Australia issued a statement saying it was advising its athletes to prepare for an Olympics in 2021.
The Australian committee’s executive board agreed unanimously that “an Australian Team could not be assembled in the changing circumstances at home and abroad.”
World Athletics President Seb Coe sent a letter to Bach saying that holding the Olympics in July “is neither feasible nor desirable.” He outlined a number of reasons, including competitive fairness, the likelihood athletes would overtrain if given a compressed schedule and the uncertainty caused by orders in many countries barring people from gyms and other workout venues.
National Olympic committees in Brazil and Slovenia had also called for postponement until 2021. Norway’s Olympic body said it did not want athletes going to Tokyo until the global health crisis is under control.
The United States governing bodies of swimming and track — two of the three top-tier Summer Games sports — had called on their national Olympic officials to push for a postponement.
Japan’s politicians fell in line quickly on Monday as they awakened to Bach’s move.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, speaking at a parliamentary session, said a postponement of the Tokyo Olympics would be unavoidable if the games cannot be held in a complete way because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“If it is difficult to hold (the Games) in a complete way, a decision of postponement would be unavoidable,” he said.
Abe said he hoped the IOC would make a decision early if it is postponed, because the process would involve a lot of work and should start as soon as possible.
Tokyo Governor Yurko Koike echoed Abe.
“The IOC will fully examine what to do over the next four weeks, and in that process that word (postponement) may be included,” she said.
The IOC holds most of the cards in any rescheduling, spelled out in a Host City Contract signed in 2013 between the IOC, the Japanese Olympic Committee and the city of Tokyo.
Japan is officially spending $12.6 billion to organize the Olympics, but a national audit put the figure at more than twice that much. The bill is sure to increase with any postponement, and the vast majority of the spending if from the public treasury.
The IOC has a reserve fund of about $2 billion to tide itself over, and also has insurance against postponement or cancellation.
“The public is expecting and supports postponement, so it won’t be a big deal,” Jeff Kingston, who studies Japanese politics at Temple University in Tokyo, said in an email to Associated Press. “People are way more worried about the economic consequences and their jobs and if the number of cases ramps.”
Former IOC marketing director Michael Payne said the delay might work to the advantage of the IOC and Japan.
“What better platform is there going to be than the Olympic Games when the world has pulled through the virus,” Payne told AP in an interview Sunday, just before the IOC announcement. “You’ve got a dynamic that will be even more powerful for Japan and the rest of the world. But you are going to have a tough road getting there.”
The Olympic torch arrived Friday in northern Japan. The torch relay it set to begin on Thursday from that area but is in doubt. On Sunday, thousands crowed one northern city to view the flame. Organizers have asked spectators to show restraint, threatening to delay the relay or change plans.
As of Sunday, Japan had 1,719 confirmed cases of the virus, including 712 from a cruise ship, with 43 deaths. While Japan has so far managed to slow the acceleration of the outbreak, experts say they have found a growing number of clusters in urban areas with untraceable infections.


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--Spring breakers from University of Tampa test positive for coronavirus

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Four spring breakers from the University of Tampa who traveled together on a trip have tested positive for the coronavirus , the school revealed Saturday .
Three of the four students returned to campus after their vacation — and while none of the students have been hospitalized , all are self-isolating , the university wrote in a message to the campus community .
It ’ s unclear where the students traveled to for spring break , which was from March 8 to March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health is following its protocol to identify , notify and quarantine any individuals that have had contact with these individuals , ” the university said .
The University of Tampa last Monday switched to an online-class format for the remainder of the semester .
But campus residence halls will remain open for students who lack alternative housing options , the school said .
News that Florida college students were infected with the bug came after the state ’ s governor , Ron DeSantis , urged beachgoers to abide by the federal social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
DeSantis issued the directive after spring breakers were captured last Monday packing Clearwater Beach , despite guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people .
Clearwater Beach , and all other in Pinellas County , were subsequently closed last Friday .

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Four spring breakers from the University of Tampa who traveled together on a trip have tested positive for the coronavirus, the school revealed Saturday.
Three of the four students returned to campus after their vacation — and while none of the students have been hospitalized, all are self-isolating, the university wrote in a message to the campus community.
It’s unclear where the students traveled to for spring break, which was from March 8 to March 15.
“The Florida Department of Health is following its protocol to identify, notify and quarantine any individuals that have had contact with these individuals,” the university said.
The University of Tampa last Monday switched to an online-class format for the remainder of the semester.
Related Video Video shows spring breakers partying in Florida before beaches closed
But campus residence halls will remain open for students who lack alternative housing options, the school said.
News that Florida college students were infected with the bug came after the state’s governor, Ron DeSantis, urged beachgoers to abide by the federal social distancing recommendations to help curb the spread of coronavirus.
DeSantis issued the directive after spring breakers were captured last Monday packing Clearwater Beach, despite guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.
Clearwater Beach, and all others in Pinellas County, were subsequently closed last Friday.


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--Rick Pitino’s NCAA return only part of next season’s intrigue

The Post offers an early look at the 2020-21 college ...

It should be too early to look ahead to next season. The Sweet 16 should be tipping off this week. But it can’t be too early to discuss one of the most anticipated seasons of all time. It isn’t too early because it won’t be taken for granted. Next year’s NCAA Tournament can’t come soon enough.
With the need for something to look forward to, here’s a glance at the top college basketball storylines entering next season:
The unlikely return
Three years ago, Rick Pitino was the highest-paid coach in the country, having led three schools (Providence, Kentucky, Louisville) to a total of seven Final Four appearances, while becoming the only coach in history with national championship rings from two different programs. Then, the Hall of Famer was ousted after 16 seasons with the Cardinals, who were caught by the FBI in a pay-for-play scheme just two years after Louisville was embroiled in a scandal in which an assistant coach provided prostitutes for recruits.
Stateside, Pitino’s career appeared over. He spent the past two seasons coaching professionally in Greece, with multiple schools refusing to consider hiring one of the best basketball minds of all time. Then, Iona came calling — following Tim Cluess’ health-related resignation — with multiple influential friends at the school willing to look past Pitino’s off-court issues in exchange for elevating the profile of the mid-major program.
The ride won’t last very long. Pitino, 67, says it will be his final job as a coach. But it will provide one of the most intriguing and unusual tenures the sport has ever seen.
The season after
We will never know what would have happened in the NCAA Tournament, but even worst-case scenarios would have provided closure for seniors like Seton Hall’s Myles Powell and programs like Rutgers, which hasn’t made the Dance since 1991. Some teams, like the Scarlet Knights, return enough of their core to use it as motivation for another run. Some teams, like Hofstra, may struggle to earn another long-awaited berth without the star seniors who had punched its ticket.
Looming sanctions
This season, Kansas became the favorite to win its first national championship since 2008, knowing it could be Bill Self’s final run before the fallout of the FBI’s investigation into college basketball. Now, the Jayhawks may not be in position to win another title for some time. With NCAA-imposed penalties likely to be levied in the summer or fall, Kansas and several prominent programs — including Arizona, Louisville, Auburn, LSU and Creighton — could face postseason bans, while multiple coaches could be fired, suspended or slapped with show-cause penalties.
The coronavirus impact
The coaching carousel will likely be limited. Coaches who could have been canned, such as Texas’ Shaka Smart, could earn the benefit of the doubt after being robbed of the chance to clinch an NCAA Tournament bid. Coaches potentially in line for bigger jobs, like Seton Hall’s Kevin Willard, are more likely to remain in place after being robbed of their best chance to make a deep run.
Rosters may look entirely different, too. Players looking to turn pro may return to campus without an NBA draft combine or workouts. The NCAA has instituted a dead period for in-person recruiting through at least April 15. Potential transfers can’t meet with coaches. High school prospects may not be able to take the SAT or ACT, while schools are shuttered and social distancing is encouraged.
A new champion?
Even with traditional powers among the nation’s best this past season, a new crop of contenders looked as likely as ever to capture a national championship for the first time. Prior to Virginia’s 2019 title, a first-time champion hadn’t been crowned in 13 years. Next season could see it happen again. Gonzaga will again have the talent to finally reign supreme. Baylor, which likely would have been a No. 1 seed this year, brings back most of its core. So does co-Big East champion Creighton, co-Big Ten champion Wisconsin and ACC champion Florida State. National Player of the Year favorite Luke Garza will put Iowa in the mix, too, the lone First Team All-American eligible — and expected — to return to school.


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--NYC restaurants stop offering takeout due to coronavirus crisis

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New York ’ s once-thriving restaurant scene is fast becoming a graveyard .
Less than a week after being ordered to close all dining room service and focus solely on takeout , eateries are pulling the plug on that business , too .
Takeout and delivery orders in the face of crescendoing coronavirus contamination fears just aren ’ t pulling in enough dough to keep the lights on .
Plus , it ’ s not safe , restaurateurs say .
Cristina Castaneda on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Mexican restaurant El Mitote and Mediterranean eatery Ella Social , after deciding she couldn ’ t continue to sell food without endangering her and her staff ’ s health .
“ I worked there all day and just couldn ’ t find a safe way to continue operating , ” she said late Saturday night .
“ We are going home.
” The economics also weren ’ t working , Castaneda , said .
“ We are really left with nothing , and I ’ m talking nothing : two bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the last payroll.
” New York ’ s restaurant industry has been suffering for months as fear of the coronavirus has sent people scurrying for cover .
Any hope of a quick recovery was squashed last week when Gov .
Cuomo banned all sitdown dining in an effort to stanch the spread of the virus , which threatens to overwhelm city hospitals as the number of cases skyrocket .
But takeout isn ’ t the panacea some people thought it would be .
And it ’ s been especially tough for restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a table to eat .
Takeout business for this bunch was generally less than 10 percent of overall sales in healthy times , industry sources said .
“ We are losing money to do it , because we still have to pay basics like rent and electricity , but we are open so I can pay people something , ” explained Jeremy Wladis , president of the Restaurant Group , which owns Good Enough to Eat , Harvest Kitchen and Brad ’ s Burgers & BBQ .
In offering only takeout , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and shift to operating with a skeleton crew of 15-to-20 part-timers on rotating shifts — and he said he still can ’ t make ends meet .
He launched a GoFundMe page for laid-off staff and raised more than $ 7,000 the first day , including from regulars NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and his wife Maggie .
“ Friends and family have just poured money into my team — to all the employees who aren ’ t even eligible for government assistance , ” Wladis said .
Reopening , restaurateurs said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , insurance companies and landlords .
“ I don ’ t see a way unless there are some bailouts , ” Castaneda said .
“ My landlords have been very supportive to me in the past , but I don ’ t know in today ’ s circumstances what will be possible for them either.
” Mark Amadei , an investor in Manhattan ’ s Cafeteria and Empire Diner , worries the pandemic will change the landscape of New York forever .
“ Cafeteria never shut down during 9/11 , or the Lehman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay open after Hurricane Sandy , ” he recalled .
“ This situation is apocalyptic for the restaurant business .
How sad would the city be if the only places that survived were chains ?
It makes me depressed to even think about it.
” Call it a faint silver lining , but it is true that diners are finding it easier to get a taste of dishes from restaurants that used to be hard to get into , like Nick & Toni ’ s in East Hampton .
The popular Mediterranean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the lines out of the door are kaput .
On Saturday night , for example , there were just a trickle of customers coming in to pick up their orders .
“ It ’ s hard to know if they ’ ll be able to keep it up if it continues this way , ” said a customer , who did not want to be named .
Mark Smith , a co-owner of the famed 32-year-old eatery , said the takeout experiment is going “ nicely , ” but admitted they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staffers .
“ It helps us keep some of our employees working and to get some revenue coming in , ” he said .
“ We ’ re getting regular orders , like four entrees , what you would normally order — not 20 chickens .
“ We were told to close our restaurants in 12 hours .
I don ’ t know too many businesses or industries who have been told that right now , ” Smith added .
“ We are just trying to get our sea legs .
”

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New York’s once-thriving restaurant scene is fast becoming a graveyard.
Less than a week after being ordered to close all dining room service and focus solely on takeout, eateries are pulling the plug on that business, too. Takeout and delivery orders in the face of crescendoing coronavirus contamination fears just aren’t pulling in enough dough to keep the lights on. Plus, it’s not safe, restaurateurs say.
Cristina Castaneda on Saturday shuttered her last two remaining restaurants, including Mexican restaurant El Mitote and Mediterranean eatery Ella Social, after deciding she couldn’t continue to sell food without endangering her and her staff’s health.
“I worked there all day and just couldn’t find a safe way to continue operating,” she said late Saturday. “We are going home.”
The economics also weren’t working, Castaneda said. “We are really left with nothing, and I’m talking nothing: Two bank accounts went to zero within one week after the last payroll.”
New York’s restaurant industry has been suffering for months as fear of the coronavirus has sent people scurrying for cover. Any hope of a quick recovery was squashed last week when Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned all sit-down dining in an effort to stanch the spread of the virus, which threatens to overwhelm city hospitals as the number of cases skyrockets.
But takeout isn’t the panacea some people thought it would be. And it’s been especially tough for restaurants that previously relied on people sitting down at a table to eat. Takeout business for this bunch was generally less than 10 percent of overall sales in healthy times, industry sources said.
“We are losing money to do it, because we still have to pay basics like rent and electricity, but we are open so I can pay people something,” explained Jeremy Wladis, president of the Restaurant Group, which owns Good Enough to Eat, Harvest Kitchen and Brad’s Burgers & BBQ.
In offering only takeout, Wladis had to lay off around 75 people and shift to operating with a skeleton crew of 15 to 20 part-timers on rotating shifts — and he said he still can’t make ends meet.
He launched a GoFundMe page for laid-off staff and raised more than $7,000 the first day, including from regulars NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and his wife, Maggie. “Friends and family have just poured money into my team — to all the employees who aren’t even eligible for government assistance,” Wladis said.
Reopening, restaurateurs said, will require extraordinary relief from the government, insurance companies and landlords. “I don’t see a way unless there are some bailouts,” Castaneda said. “My landlords have been very supportive to me in the past, but I don’t know in today’s circumstances what will be possible for them either.”
Mark Amadei, an investor in Manhattan’s Cafeteria and Empire Diner, worries the pandemic will change the landscape of New York forever. “Cafeteria never shut down during 9/11, or the Lehman collapse, and got a car-size generator to stay open after Hurricane Sandy,” he recalled. “This situation is apocalyptic for the restaurant business. How sad would the city be if the only places that survived were chains? It makes me depressed to even think about it.”
Call it a faint silver lining, but it is true that diners are finding it easier to get a taste of dishes from restaurants that used to be hard to get into, like Nick & Toni’s in East Hampton.
The popular Mediterranean eatery is now open for takeout — and the lines out the door are kaput. On Saturday night, for example, there was just a trickle of customers coming in to pick up their orders.
“It’s hard to know if they’ll be able to keep it up if it continues this way,” said a customer, who did not want to be named.
Mark Smith, a co-owner of the famed 32-year-old eatery, said the takeout experiment is going “nicely,” but admitted they are doing it in part to help their staffers.
“It helps us keep some of our employees working and to get some revenue coming in,” he said. “We’re getting regular orders, like four entrees, what you would normally order — not 20 chickens.
Related Video Coronavirus in NY: Cuomo orders lockdown, shuts down non-essential businesses
“We were told to close our restaurants in 12 hours. I don’t know too many businesses or industries who have been told that right now,” Smith added. “We are just trying to get our sea legs.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson ‘feel better’ two weeks after first coronavirus symptoms

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson “ feel better ” two weeks after first exhibiting coronavirus symptoms , the actor said Sunday night .
Hanks used the update , which he shared on Twitter , to remind his followers of the importance of sheltering in place to help stem the pandemic .
“ Sheltering in place works like this : You don ’ t give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get it from anyone .
Common sense , no ?
” Hanks wrote .
He added : “ Going to take a while , but if we take care of each other , help where we can , and give up some comforts…this , too , shall pass .
We can figure this out.
” Hanks and Wilson , both 63 , were in Australia for the pre-production of Baz Luhrmann ’ s untitled Elvis Presley film when they tested positive for the virus .
They were briefly hospitalized before being released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson “feel better” two weeks after first exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, the actor said Sunday night.
Hanks used the update, which he shared on Twitter, to remind his followers of the importance of sheltering in place to help stem the pandemic.
“Sheltering in place works like this: You don’t give it to anyone – You don’t get it from anyone. Common sense, no?” Hanks wrote.
He added: “Going to take a while, but if we take care of each other, help where we can, and give up some comforts…this, too, shall pass. We can figure this out.”
Hanks and Wilson, both 63, were in Australia for the pre-production of Baz Luhrmann’s untitled Elvis Presley film when they tested positive for the virus.
They were briefly hospitalized before being released into isolation at an undisclosed Australian residence.


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--‘Hoosiers’ could help fill your March Madness 2020 void

During the coronavirus shutdown , each day we will bring you ...

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During the coronavirus shutdown, each day we will bring you a recommendation from The Post’s Peter Botte for a sports movie, TV show or book that perhaps was before your time or somehow slipped between the cracks of your viewing/reading history.
Hoosiers (1986), Rated PG
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Everybody loves a sentimental underdog story, especially in basketball in March, and this recommendation hopefully will fill some of the void left by the cancellation of this year’s NCAA Tournament.
“Hoosiers” wasn’t a massive blockbuster hit at the theaters, grossing barely $28 million in 1986-87, the same years Bob Knight’s Indiana team won the NCAA title. But this was a true underdog tale about an unlikely team from a tiny farming town in hoops-crazed Indiana going all the way in 1952. (It was loosely based on the Milan High School squad that won the 1954 Indiana state championship.)
Norman Dale, portrayed by Gene Hackman, was a former college coach fired for punching one of his players and hired more than a decade later to take over the basketball team at fictional Hickory High School. (The Indiana Pacers even have worn the school’s throwback uniforms in a few games in recent years.)
Along the way, Dale ticks off townspeople and players and takes great pains to stress the ideals of defense and teamwork, even finishing one game with four players — telling the referee “my team is on the floor” — to make an example of one player he’d benched for selfishness.
Dale even takes on Shooter — the alcoholic father of one of his players, in an Oscar-nominated supporting performance by Dennis Hopper — as one of his assistant coaches. But Shooter relapses and finishes the season listening to the championship game on the radio while hospitalized.
Quote of note: “I’ll make it.” — Star player Jimmy Chitwood (Maris Valainis), when Coach Dale calls for him to be a decoy for another player on the potential game-winning play in the state championship game. (34-year-old spoiler alert: Jimmy sinks it at the buzzer.)
Botte Blows: 4.75 out of 5.


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--Coronavirus-infected Rep. Ben McAdams hospitalized with trouble breathing

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Coronavirus-stricken Congressman Ben McAdams was admitted to the hospital over the weekend when he began having difficulty breathing , he announced on Sunday night .
The Utah Democrat , who had tested positive for the illness last Wednesday , said in a statement that he was receiving oxygen to regulate his blood oxygen levels .
As of Sunday night , McAdams said he ’ s breathing on his own again “ and feeling relatively better and expect [ s ] to be released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is appropriate.
” “ My experience has shown me how critical it is to follow the advice of the CDC and the Utah Department of Health in order to stop the spread of this virus , ” McAdams said .
The lawmaker first started feeling sick March 14 after returning home to Salt Lake City from Washington , D.C. , where he had voted on a coronavirus relief package that was signed into law last Wednesday .
At first , McAdams ’ doctor told him his fever and cough did not justify getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ Today ” show last Thursday from his home .
McAdams said his condition “ really took a turn for the worse ” late last Monday .
“ I had a temperature of about 103 and my lungs were really constricted — it felt like I had a belt around my chest , ” he said .
His doctor then arranged for him to get tested .

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Coronavirus-stricken Congressman Ben McAdams was admitted to the hospital over the weekend when he began having difficulty breathing, he announced on Sunday night.
The Utah Democrat, who had tested positive for the illness last Wednesday, said in a statement that he was receiving oxygen to regulate his blood oxygen levels.
As of Sunday night, McAdams said he’s breathing on his own again “and feeling relatively better and expect[s] to be released as soon as the doctors determine it is appropriate.”
“My experience has shown me how critical it is to follow the advice of the CDC and the Utah Department of Health in order to stop the spread of this virus,” McAdams said.
The lawmaker first started feeling sick March 14 after returning home to Salt Lake City from Washington, D.C., where he had voted on a coronavirus relief package that was signed into law last Wednesday.
At first, McAdams’ doctor told him his fever and cough did not justify getting a coronavirus test, the lawmaker told the “Today” show last Thursday from his home.
McAdams said his condition “really took a turn for the worse” late last Monday.
“I had a temperature of about 103 and my lungs were really constricted — it felt like I had a belt around my chest,” he said.
His doctor then arranged for him to get tested.


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Jarrett Allen’s status with Nets has never been more unclear

Part I of a new series analyzing the Brooklyn Nets .
When the coronavirus pandemic suspended the NBA season , it was still a little unclear exactly what Jarrett Allen is , and what he will become .
Homegrown Net or casualty of Brooklyn ’ s new order ?
With COVID-19 , these are confusing times for everybody .
But Allen ’ s status with the Nets is more up in the air than it has been in years .
First he lost his form , then one of his biggest backers when the Nets parted ways with coach Kenny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , replaced by DeAndre Jordan .
And with the latter seen as a package deal with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving , it begs the question of whether that leaves Allen as a valuable reserve next season — or as a valuable trade chip .
When the Nets parted ways with Atkinson on March 7 , among speculation about the reasons why was Atkinson ’ s insistence on starting Allen over Jordan .
Allen ’ s form dipped , a team-worst minus-49 over the last eight games .
Atkinson eventually cut his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final game as Nets coach — spoke with The Post about the idea of giving Durant minutes as a small-ball center next season .
“ No problem .
If he ’ s going against a big strong guy , [ maybe not ] ; but then you have to come out and guard him , ” Atkinson told The Post .
“ Teams are realizing .
You just have to understand that advantage.
” Atkinson won ’ t get that chance , replaced by assistant Jacque Vaughn .
And Vaughn ’ s first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace Allen in the lineup with Jordan , a decade older but not only in better form but also close with Durant and Irving .
The Nets only played two games with Vaughn in charge before the coronavirus pandemic suspended the season .
They won both with Allen coming off the bench .
They beat Chicago with Allen a minus-7 in 19 minutes off the bench , and Jordan a plus-12 .
Then they earned an impressive win in Los Angeles against the Lakers with Allen mustering just three points — his second-lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ripped down 12 rebounds .
Vaughn framed it as a tactical move to shore up the first-unit defense and get a quick floor-running second unit , adding , “ it gave both those guys a drive to give us their best.
” Admittedly , keeping Allen driven has been a thing for the Nets .
Even Spencer Dinwiddie said a dialed-in Allen is “ totally different .
… When he comes with that aggressiveness , he shows [ top 5 ] type of talent.
” But make no mistake , Vaughn is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The best way to do that is by finding the starting five that best accentuates Durant and Irving , basketball-wise and chemistry-wise .
Submit questions on your favorite New York teams to be answered in an upcoming mailbag If 6-foot-11 rookie Nic Claxton develops as expected , and Durant sees time as a rim-protecting stretch five — his 1.8 blocks in 2017-18 far exceed Allen ’ s career-high — it could leave either Jordan or Allen superfluous .
And it strains credulity to think Jordan is going anywhere .
Yes , the Nets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next season on Oct. 14 and they reportedly turned down an offer for him that would ’ ve netted Clint Capela .
But they may look to add a third star this summer .
With Irving and Caris LeVert ’ s health history , dealing Dinwiddie may be more risky than cashing in on Allen .

Part I of a new series analyzing the Brooklyn Nets.
When the coronavirus pandemic suspended the NBA season, it was still a little unclear exactly what Jarrett Allen is, and what he will become.
Long-term center or deposed starter?
Foundation piece or trade chip?
Homegrown Net or casualty of Brooklyn’s new order?
With COVID-19, these are confusing times for everybody. But Allen’s status with the Nets is more up in the air than it has been in years. First he lost his form, then one of his biggest backers when the Nets parted ways with coach Kenny Atkinson.
Then he lost his starting job, replaced by DeAndre Jordan. And with the latter seen as a package deal with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, it begs the question of whether that leaves Allen as a valuable reserve next season — or as a valuable trade chip.
When the Nets parted ways with Atkinson on March 7, among speculation about the reasons why was Atkinson’s insistence on starting Allen over Jordan.
Allen’s form dipped, a team-worst minus-49 over the last eight games. Atkinson eventually cut his playing time, and — at his final game as Nets coach — spoke with The Post about the idea of giving Durant minutes as a small-ball center next season.
“No problem. If he’s going against a big strong guy, [maybe not]; but then you have to come out and guard him,” Atkinson told The Post. “Teams are realizing. You just have to understand that advantage.”
Atkinson won’t get that chance, replaced by assistant Jacque Vaughn. And Vaughn’s first personnel decision as interim coach was to replace Allen in the lineup with Jordan, a decade older but not only in better form but also close with Durant and Irving.
The Nets only played two games with Vaughn in charge before the coronavirus pandemic suspended the season. They won both with Allen coming off the bench.
They beat Chicago with Allen a minus-7 in 19 minutes off the bench, and Jordan a plus-12. Then they earned an impressive win in Los Angeles against the Lakers with Allen mustering just three points — his second-lowest outing of the season — while Jordan ripped down 12 rebounds.
Vaughn framed it as a tactical move to shore up the first-unit defense and get a quick floor-running second unit, adding, “it gave both those guys a drive to give us their best.”
Admittedly, keeping Allen driven has been a thing for the Nets. Even Spencer Dinwiddie said a dialed-in Allen is “totally different. … When he comes with that aggressiveness, he shows [top 5] type of talent.”
But make no mistake, Vaughn is an interim who wants the job full-time. The best way to do that is by finding the starting five that best accentuates Durant and Irving, basketball-wise and chemistry-wise.
Submit questions on your favorite New York teams to be answered in an upcoming mailbag
If 6-foot-11 rookie Nic Claxton develops as expected, and Durant sees time as a rim-protecting stretch five — his 1.8 blocks in 2017-18 far exceed Allen’s career-high — it could leave either Jordan or Allen superfluous. And it strains credulity to think Jordan is going anywhere.
Yes, the Nets picked up Allen’s option for next season on Oct. 14 and they reportedly turned down an offer for him that would’ve netted Clint Capela. But they may look to add a third star this summer. With Irving and Caris LeVert’s health history, dealing Dinwiddie may be more risky than cashing in on Allen.
Jarrett Allen
Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-11
Age: 21
Contract status: Finishing third year of four-year, $10 million rookie deal
2019-20 stats: 10.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 64.6 field-goal percentage


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Florida man with coronavirus says drug touted by Trump saved his life

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A Florida man diagnosed with coronavirus claims he was saved from certain death by an anti-malarial drug touted as a possible treatment by President Trump .
Rio Giardinieri , 52 , told Los Angeles ’ Fox 11 that he struggled with horrendous back pain , headaches , cough and fatigue for five days after catching COVID-19 , possibly at a conference in New York .
Doctors at the Joe DiMaggio Children ’ s Hospital in South Florida diagnosed him with the coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ICU , he told the outlet .
After more than a week , doctors told him there was nothing more they could do and , on Friday evening , Giardinieri said goodbye to his wife and three children .
“ I was at the point where I was barely able to speak and breathing was very challenging , ” Giardinieri said .
“ I really thought my end was there.
” Then , a friend sent him a recent article about hydroxychloroquine , a prescription drug that ’ s been used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like lupus .
Overseas studies have found it to be promising as a treatment for COVID-19 , though it hasn ’ t been approved by health officials .
Trump last week said he was instructing the FDA to fast-track testing of hydroxychloroquine and a related drug , chloroquine , as treatment for COVID-19 .
Giardinieri said he contacted an infectious disease doctor about the drug .
“ He gave me all the reasons why I would probably not want to try it because there are no trials , there ’ s no testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved , ” said Giardinieri .
“ And I said , ‘ look I don ’ t know if I ’ m going to make it until the morning , ’ because at that point I really thought I was coming to the end because I couldn ’ t breathe anymore , ” Giardinieri continued .
“ He agreed and authorized the use of it and 30 minutes later the nurse gave it to me.
” After about an hour on an IV with the medicine , Giardinieri said it felt like his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , about two hours later , he had another episode where he couldn ’ t breathe .
He says he was given Benadryl and some other drugs and that when he woke up around 4:45 a.m. , it was “ like nothing ever happened.
” He ’ s since had no fever or pain and can breathe again .
Giardinieri said doctors believe the episodes he experienced were not a reaction to the medicine but his body fighting off the virus .
Giardinieri , the vice-president of a company that manufactures cooking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said he had three doses of the medicine Saturday and is hoping to be discharged from the hospital in five days .
“ To me , there was no doubt in mind that I wouldn ’ t make it until morning , ” said Giardinieri .
“ So to me the drug saved my life .
”

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
A Florida man diagnosed with coronavirus claims he was saved from certain death by an anti-malaria drug touted as a possible treatment by President Trump.
Rio Giardinieri, 52, told Los Angeles’ Fox 11 that he struggled with horrendous back pain, headaches, cough and fatigue for five days after catching COVID-19, possibly at a conference in New York.
Doctors at the Memorial Regional Hospital in South Florida diagnosed him with the coronavirus and pneumonia and put him on oxygen in the ICU, he told the outlet.
After more than a week, doctors told him there was nothing more they could do and, on Friday evening, Giardinieri said goodbye to his wife and three children.
“I was at the point where I was barely able to speak and breathing was very challenging,” Giardinieri said. “I really thought my end was there.”
Then a friend sent him a recent article about hydroxychloroquine, a prescription drug that’s been used to treat malaria for decades and auto-immune diseases like lupus.
Overseas studies have found it to be promising as a treatment for COVID-19, though it hasn’t been approved by health officials.
Trump last week said he was instructing the FDA to fast-track testing of hydroxychloroquine and a related drug, chloroquine, as treatment for COVID-19.
Giardinieri said he contacted an infectious disease doctor about the drug.
“He gave me all the reasons why I would probably not want to try it because there are no trials, there’s no testing, it was not something that was approved,” said Giardinieri.
“And I said, ‘Look, I don’t know if I’m going to make it until the morning,’ because at that point I really thought I was coming to the end because I couldn’t breathe anymore,” Giardinieri continued.
“He agreed and authorized the use of it and 30 minutes later the nurse gave it to me.”
After about an hour after taking the pills, Giardinieri said, it felt like his heart was beating out of his chest and, about two hours later, he had another episode where he couldn’t breathe.
He says he was given Benadryl and some other drugs and that when he woke up around 4:45 a.m., it was “like nothing ever happened.”
He’s since had no fever or pain and can breathe again. Giardinieri said doctors believe the episodes he experienced were not a reaction to the medicine but his body fighting off the virus.
Giardinieri, the vice president of a company that manufactures cooking equipment for high-end restaurants in Los Angeles, said he had three doses of the medicine Saturday and is hoping to be discharged from the hospital in five days.
“To me, there was no doubt in mind that I wouldn’t make it until morning,” said Giardinieri. “So to me, the drug saved my life.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--How wild offseason, NFL free agency shook up league hierarchy

NFL free agency is not only about doling out massive ...

The free-agent frenzy left heads spinning as usual. One man’s view of the NFL landscape, from best to worst, from 1-32:
1. Kansas City Chiefs — Their cap-strapped reality forced them to lose CB Kendall Fuller, C Stefen Wisniewski and DE Emmanuel Ogbah, but Chris Jones was tagged, and champions Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes can think repeat.
2. Baltimore Ravens — Retirement of future Hall of Fame G Marshal Yanda leaves a hole, but have no fear, Lamar Jackson is here. Calais Campbell and Michael Brockers fortify the defensive line. GM Eric DeCosta got a second-round pick for reserve TE Hayden Hurst. He should keep tagged OLB Matt Judon.
3. New Orleans Saints — Emmanuel Sanders gives Drew Brees a No. 2 WR opposite Michael Thomas. S Malcolm Jenkins is a leader. They’ll survive the departures of Eli Apple and A.J. Klein. Overpaid to keep G Andrus Peat ($33 million guaranteed).
4. San Francisco 49ers — DT DeForest Buckner will be missed, but DE Arik Armstead and FS Jimmie Ward re-signed. GM John Lynch received the 13th pick of the draft for Buckner. WR?
5. Indianapolis Colts — Philip Rivers gets one last chance at a Super Bowl ring, especially with LT Anthony Castonzo re-signed on a cohesive offensive line and DT DeForest Buckner keeping blockers off LB Darius Leonard. A complement for T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell still needed.
6. Los Angleles Chargers — Missed out on Tom Brady, but CB Chris Harris Jr. and NT Linval Joseph fortify an elite defense that can help carry Tyrod Taylor to the playoffs. RT Bryan Bulaga and G Trai Turner can give Taylor time to find targets Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Hunter Henry, and Austin Ekeler out of the backfield.
7. Tennessee Titans — Coach Mike Vrabel has lost Jack Conklin, Jurrell Casey and Delanie Walker, but he’s got Ryan Tannehill handing off to Derrick Henry and throwing to A.J. Brown and Corey Davis. And a winning culture. Dennis Kelly is a drop-off from Conklin. Vic Beasley needs to rebound to help Harold Landry rush the passer.
8. Buffalo Bills — Trading the 22nd pick (and then some) was worth it for new Josh Allen BFF Stefon Diggs. DT Quinton Jefferson adds versatility and pass rush replacing Shaq Lawson, and Mario Addison adds veteran pass rush. DT Vernon Butler is a downgrade from Jordan Phillips.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Tom Brady.
10. Green Bay Packers — MLB Christian Kirksey is a cost-effective replacement for Blake Martinez, and RT Rick Wagner is a cheaper and less effective replacement for Bryan Bulaga. Another receiver for Aaron Rodgers, please.
11. Philadelphia Eagles — Trade for Darius “Big Play” Slay will help neutralize Amari Cooper. NT Javon Hargrave strengthens a strength. Still need a receiver or two and an off-ball linebacker.
12. Seattle Seahawks — Will Jadeveon Clowney return? Bruce Irvin is 32, but coming off a career-best 8.5 sack-season to upgrade the league’s second-worst pass rush. Russell Wilson will love TE Greg Olsen. They’ll survive without OT George Fant on a remodeled line.
13. New England Patriots — S Adrian Phillips a superb replacement for Duron Harmon, DT Beau Allen replaces Danny Shelton. The LB corps is depleted. More weapons needed for Jarrett Stidham … or someone. Speedy WR Damiere Byrd should be the punt returner. Life After TB12 for HC of the NEP.
14. Cleveland Browns — Baker Mayfield will have more time to throw to Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and new TE Austin Hooper with new RT Jack Conklin. MLB B.J. Goodson is a downgrade from Joe Schobert. Nickelback Kevin Johnson makes a nice trio with Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams, and S Karl Joseph also received a one-year deal. Like new GM Andrew Berry.
15. Dallas Cowboys — CB Anthony Brown replaces Byron Jones. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is now Xavier Woods’ sidekick. DT Gerald McCoy helps mitigate the departure of Maliek Collins. Someone needs to replace WR Randall Cobb and DE Robert Quinn’s 11.5 sacks. The Triplets remain intact.
16. Arizona Cardinals — DeAndre Hopkins was a steal for Kyler Murray. DT Jordan Phillips (9.5 sacks) was a steal. LB De’Vondre Campbell not so much.
17. Las Vegas Raiders — Juiced the pass rush with DE Carl Nassib and DT Maliek Collins, and added elite coverage LB Cory Littleton, plus underrated Nick Kwiatkoski. Eli Apple? Jeff Heath? Nelson Agholor? Yawn. If Derek Carr remains the quarterback, they’ll go as he goes.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers — TE Eric Ebron gives Big Ben Roethlisberger, pain-free at last, a red-zone target. NT Javon Hargrave will be missed. C/G Stefen Wisniewski replaces B.J. Finney.
19. Denver Broncos — Jurell Casey and A.J. Bouye bolster Vic Fangio’s defense, and Melvin Gordon will be a pass-catching godsend for Drew Lock and keep Philip Lindsay fresh. G Graham Glasgow didn’t come cheap (four years, $44 million), but he can pass block. Stud S Justin Simmons was tagged. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur will be a good nurturer for Lock.
20. Los Angeles Rams — Cutting Todd Gurley means opportunity for Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown. Leonard Floyd won’t replace Dante Fowler Jr.’s 11.5 sacks. DT A’Shawn Robinson is a downgrade from Michael Brockers.
21. Chicago Bears — A fourth-round pick for Nick Foles to push or supplant Mitch Trubisky is GM Ryan Pace’s last chance. DE Robert Quinn (11.5 sacks) was overpaid (five years, $70 million) but is a bigger threat opposite Khalil Mack than Leonard Floyd. TE Jimmy Graham isn’t worth $8 million a year.
22. Minnesota Vikings — Got the 22nd pick for Stefon Diggs so need a No. 2 receiver opposite Adam Thielen. DE Everson Griffen and his eight sacks need to be replaced. The secondary is woefully young — with Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander and Jaylon Kearse gone. At least NT Michael Pierce can replace Linval Joseph.
23. Houston Texans — Deshaun Watson would rather throw to DeAndre Hopkins than hand off to injury-plagued David Johnson. Bill O’Brien the GM didn’t do Bill O’Brien the head coach any favors. Randall Cobb won’t ease the sting.
24. New York Jets — Feel better, Sam? C Connor McGovern, LT George Fant and G Greg Van Noten were necessities. 6-1 CB Pierre Desir won’t be Trumaine Johnson. Another cornerback, edge rusher and wide receiver, please if Robby Anderson bolts.
25. Atlanta Falcons — Todd Gurley, on a frugal one-year, $5 million deal, replaces Devonte Freeman. Dante Fowler Jr. is an upgrade over Vic Beasley. TE Hayden Hurst is a downgrade from Austin Hooper. Corner is a need after cutting Desmond Trufant. So are LG/C, LB, DE and kick returner.
26. New York Giants — CB James Bradberry will match up with Amari Cooper. MLB Blake Martinez is a smart tackling machine and upgrade over Alec Ogletree. OLB Kyler Fackrell is a capable pass-rusher and special teamer. Cameron Fleming is a nice swing tackle. Cody Core was re-signed because he is an elite special teamer.
27. Detroit Lions — Danny Shelton, Jamie Collins and Duron Harmon join Matt Patricia’s Patriots Motor Co. The Lions Way? LOL. Halapoulivaati Vaitai replaces RT Rick Wagner. Losing RG Graham Glasgow hurts. Desmond Trufant replaces lockdown corner Darius Slay.
28. Washington Redskins — FS Sean Davis and CB Kendall Fuller upgrade Ron Rivera’s secondary, and 36-year-old LB Thomas Davis provides leadership. Tagged Brandon Scherff, but Ereck Flowers flew the coop.
29. Miami Dolphins — Raided Patriots (Kyle Van Noy) and poached DEs Shaq Lawson and Emmanuel Ogbah, still need more O-line help since G Ereck Flowers can’t do it alone, a safety to replace Reshad Jones and, of course, a franchise quarterback.
30. Cincinnati Bengals — Injury-plagued A.J. Green was tagged to give aid and comfort to Joe Burrow. J.J. Watt considers D.J. Reader the best nose tackle in the NFL, but the pass rush is problematic. The secondary (Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander in; Darqueze Dennard out) is youthful and speedy.
31. Carolina Panthers — Tank for Trevor, anyone? New coach Matt Rhule (seven years, $60 million) has begun the long rebuilding process. Good-guy Teddy Bridgewater replaces Cam Newton. Can he stay healthy? Losing CB James Bradberry hurts, and Kawann Short is virtually Last Man Standing on the defensive line. Re-signing S Tre Boston was wise. Trading G Trai Turner for LT Russell Okung might or might not help an offensive line that surrendered 58 sacks last season. Losing unsung G Greg Van Noten won’t help.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars — Rebuilding sent Calais Campbell and A.J. Bouye elsewhere, and gives GM Dave Caldwell 11 picks in the draft. MLB Joe Schobert (five years, $54 million) moves Myles Jack to the outside. Minshew Mania lives on with Foles traded to the Bears. But pass rushing demon Yannick Ngakoue appears on his way out.


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Funerals forced to go online amid coronavirus pandemic

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It ’ s the final nail in the coffin .
An increasing number of mourners are choosing to skip paying their respects to the dead in person amid the coronavirus pandemic , instead opting to participate in virtual send-offs , funeral directors told The Post .
“ It ’ s a terrifying time , ’ ’ said Queens funeral director Irene Elcock .
“ We have to turn around and think about keeping everyone safe.
’ ’ While New York state says funerals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family ’ ’ attending — even after Sunday ’ s 8 p.m. ban on all “ non-essential ’ ’ gatherings — it is not specific on the number of people allowed .
Funeral homes “ should postpone services when possible , ’ ’ according to an edict from Gov .
Cuomo ’ s office .
Otherwise , they “ should limit the size of any services or gatherings to as few participants as possible ( e.g .
immediate family.
” Elcock said her funeral home is allowing up to 10 people if a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is in keeping with the CDC ’ s recommended guideline for gatherings .
She said her Elcock Funeral Home held its first live-streamed service last week , and it drew about 15 people on-site — and many more virtually .
Elcock said one reason her mortuary is still holding in-person services is only because “ the ability to see the person and know they are dead is different than trying to convince yourself they are dead.
” Still , “ We might put extra measures in place and put netting over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t touch the body and just to get some distance , because you just don ’ t know , ’ ’ she said .
Funeral director Jonathan Green of Fairfield , Conn. , said the situation may get to the point where even rabbis at his services stay home .
The religious are currently presiding over services in person , even if it is a virtual funeral .
Green said some rabbis are particularly worried because they are home with their children and concerned about infecting their families .
Of the recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Son Funeral Home , the funeral director said , “ I think it ’ s a comfort and stress relief for the families who lost someone who don ’ t have to worry about how to join if they have restrictions or health concerns .
“ Services are happening , ’ ’ Green said .
“ They ’ re just a little bit different right now.
’ ’ But the working stiffs who handle the bodies can ’ t seem to escape worry .
“ We were told how to protect ourselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything necessarily concrete on how long that virus lasts on the host , ’ ’ Elcock said , noting that workers wear masks and gloves .
The CDC only says that “ most often , ’ ’ the virus is transmitted by coughing or sneezing and notes that this transmission isn ’ t a concern when handling remains .
But “ much is unknown about COVID-19 , ’ ’ its Web site says .
“ Some cemeteries are not letting people out of cars , or people have to wait for grave workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can visit , ’ ’ Elcock said amid concerns of the spread .
“ Everyone has a family , ’ ’ she said .

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It’s the final nail in the coffin.
An increasing number of mourners are choosing to skip paying their respects to the dead in person amid the coronavirus pandemic, instead opting to participate in virtual send-offs, funeral directors told The Post.
“It’s a terrifying time,’’ said Queens funeral director Irene Elcock. “We have to turn around and think about keeping everyone safe.’’
While New York state says funerals can still be held with “immediate family’’ attending — even after Sunday’s 8 p.m. ban on all “non-essential’’ gatherings — it is not specific on the number of people allowed.
Funeral homes “should postpone services when possible,’’ according to an edict from Gov. Cuomo’s office. Otherwise, they “should limit the size of any services or gatherings to as few participants as possible (e.g. immediate family.”
Elcock said her funeral home is allowing up to 10 people if a family chooses to hold a service offline, which is in keeping with the CDC’s recommended guideline for gatherings.
She said her Elcock Funeral Home held its first live-streamed service last week, and it drew about 15 people on-site — and many more virtually.
Elcock said one reason her mortuary is still holding in-person services is only because “the ability to see the person and know they are dead is different than trying to convince yourself they are dead.”
Still, “We might put extra measures in place and put netting over the casket to make sure people don’t touch the body and just to get some distance, because you just don’t know,’’ she said.
Funeral director Jonathan Green of Fairfield, Conn., said the situation may get to the point where even rabbis at his services stay home.
The religious are currently presiding over services in person, even if it is a virtual funeral.
Green said some rabbis are particularly worried because they are home with their children and concerned about infecting their families.
Of the recent live-streamed services from his Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, the funeral director said, “I think it’s a comfort and stress relief for the families who lost someone who don’t have to worry about how to join if they have restrictions or health concerns.
“Services are happening,’’ Green said. “They’re just a little bit different right now.’’
But the working stiffs who handle the bodies can’t seem to escape worry.
“We were told how to protect ourselves, but we have not been given anything necessarily concrete on how long that virus lasts on the host,’’ Elcock said, noting that workers wear masks and gloves.
The CDC only says that “most often,’’ the virus is transmitted by coughing or sneezing and notes that this transmission isn’t a concern when handling remains.
But “much is unknown about COVID-19,’’ its Web site says.
“Some cemeteries are not letting people out of cars, or people have to wait for grave workers to complete their work, before they can visit,’’ Elcock said amid concerns of the spread.
“Everyone has a family,’’ she said.


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Canada pulls out of 2020 Olympics in coronavirus revolt

We are all , all of us , going through various stages ...

TORONTO — The Canadian Olympic Committee says it won’t send athletes to the Tokyo Games unless they’re postponed for a year, becoming the first country to threaten such a move in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
The committee sent out a statement Sunday evening saying it was willing to help the IOC search for alternatives, but that it was not safe for athletes, “their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training for these Games.”
“In fact, it runs counter to the public health advice which we urge all Canadians to follow.”
Canada brought 314 athletes who combined to win 22 medals at the Rio Games in 2016.
Some of its most notable performers included swimmer Penny Oleksiak and sprinter Andre De Grasse.
Canada joins a number of countries — including Norway, Brazil and Slovenia — that have pressed the IOC on a possible postponement. But none had flat-out said they wouldn’t go if the games start when they’re scheduled on July 24.
The IOC on Sunday said it would take up to four weeks to consider alternatives, which include postponement. It has taken the possibility of canceling the games off the table.


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Dolphins must do everything to pick Tua Tagovailoa in NFL draft

If the Jets are criticized for negotiating a contract near ...

In exactly a month, the 2020 NFL Draft will commence, with league commissioner Roger Goodell announcing which team LSU quarterback Joe Burrow goes to as the No. 1 overall pick — whether that’s to the team currently on the clock, the Bengals, or one that trades up to get him.
Once Burrow is drafted, let the questions begin — more questions than perhaps any NFL draft in memory has presented teams in need of talent.
In a perfect world with the least possible number of variables, the NFL draft is the sports world’s largest crapshoot. There’s no such a thing as sure thing in the draft — even in the most perfect of worlds.
We, of course, are not living in a perfect world, with the spread of the coronavirus creating chaos across the country.
The part of the chaos that affects the lead-up to the draft is how the state the country is in prevents teams from bringing prospective draftees into their facilities for interviews, physicals and workouts.
This considerably muddies the waters as it relates to the most intriguing player in the draft, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose injury history threatens to overshadow the dynamic talent he is.
Before the 2019 college football season, Tagovailoa was the consensus No. 1 pick for 2020 among draft experts.
Then, in November, he suffered a dislocated and fractured hip that required surgery, wrecked his final collegiate season and left his NFL career in doubt because he’s still in recovery.
The hip injury was merely the latest and most serious injury he’s suffered. There was the ankle injury in October that required surgery, the ankle injury in December 2018 that also required surgery, and in October and November 2018, he suffered knee and quad injuries. Before that, he fractured the index finger on his throwing hand in March 2018.
Those are a lot of red flags for a player whose talent is tantalizing enough for a team to think seriously about mortgaging its future on him as its franchise quarterback.
But with teams unable to have Tagovailoa in for a pre-draft up-close-and-personal visit to assess exactly where his recovery stands from that November hip injury, those flags are a brighter red.
Before the 2019 NFL season began, the Dolphins were considered the weak links of the league and a tanking campaign was created and embraced by fans and Miami media. It even became a hashtag: #TankForTua.
The Dolphins, thanks to an exemplary coaching job by Brian Flores in his first year, didn’t follow the script and played well enough to fall to the No. 5 overall pick in the draft, not the first.
Burrow’s emergence in LSU’s national championship season — not to mention his good health — has elevated him to what seems to be the no-brainer No. 1 overall pick.
Tagovailoa?
He’s the wild card of the draft. He could end up as the best player in it or his NFL career may never get out of first gear because he continues to get injured. No player in this draft has a wider, more dramatic boom-or-bust gap.
In the lead-up to the 2017 draft, I implored the Jets (in a column) to pick Deshaun Watson despite the fact that he’d torn the ACL in his left knee and was a risk because of his injury history and the fact that one of his best assets was his mobility.
The point of the argument was that a team like that Jets, in desperate need of finding a franchise quarterback for decades, needs to stick its neck out and take a chance on a player who might be generational.
Watson was the Tagovailoa of that 2017 draft. The Jets passed on Watson with the sixth-overall pick and selected safety Jamal Adams, who’s become a terrific player. Watson went 12th overall and has been the face of the Texans since.
The Dolphins, who haven’t had a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino, failed on their tank job. But they can still make it right with Tagovailoa, because they have the draft capital to trade up and make it happen with three picks in the first round (Nos. 5, 18 and 26).
They should follow the advice the Jets never took from me in 2017 and draft Tagovailoa. Let him learn behind veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick for a year while he becomes healthier and stronger and then hand him the keys to the franchise in 2021.
The Texans took a chance on Watson in 2017 and, after he suffered a torn right ACL that wrecked his rookie year just six games into it, he’s led Houston to the playoffs the past two seasons, compiling a 21-11 record throwing 52 TDs and only 21 INTs in that span.
In 32 college games, Tagovailoa completed 69.3 percent of his passes for 7,442 yards with 87 TDs and only 11 INTs. His character is impeccable, so there’s no concern of any off-field issues.
That all adds up to this: #DoItDolphins.


newyorkpost--2020-03-22--Olympic swimmer describes his battle with coronavirus: ‘Worst I’ve ever endured’

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An Olympic gold medalist on Sunday said he ’ d contracted COVID-19 and described the illness as “ by far the worst virus I have ever endured.
” Retired South African swimmer Cameron van der Burgh , 31 , said he has been struggling with the disease for the last 14 days .
“ By far the worst virus I have ever endured despite being a healthy individual with strong lungs ( no smoking/sport ) , living a healthy lifestyle and being young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he tweeted .
Although his worst symptoms , like severe fever , have eased , Van der Burgh said he ’ s still grappling with serious fatigue and an unshakable cough .
“ Any physical activity like walking leaves me exhausted for hours , ” said the 2012 Olympic 100-meter breaststroke champion .
He addressed athletes specifically , writing that : “ The loss in body conditioning has been immense and can only feel for the athletes that contract Covid-19 as they will suffer a great loss of current conditioning through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to train as there is no clarification re summer Games and thus are exposing themselves to unnecessary risk , ” wrote Van der Burgh , who retired in 2018 .
“ And those that do contract will try rush back to training most likely enhancing/extending the damage/recovery time , ” he added .
“ Please , look after yourself everyone !
Health comes first – COVID-19 is no joke !
” The International Olympic Committee on Sunday finally admitted that it may need to postpone the summer games in Tokyo , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
An Olympic gold medalist on Sunday said he’d contracted COVID-19 and described the illness as “by far the worst virus I have ever endured.”
Retired South African swimmer Cameron van der Burgh, 31, said he has been struggling with the disease for the last 14 days.
“By far the worst virus I have ever endured despite being a healthy individual with strong lungs (no smoking/sport), living a healthy lifestyle and being young (least at risk demographic),” he tweeted.
Although his worst symptoms, like severe fever, have eased, Van der Burgh said he’s still grappling with serious fatigue and an unshakable cough.
“Any physical activity like walking leaves me exhausted for hours,” said the 2012 Olympic 100-meter breaststroke champion.
He addressed athletes specifically, writing, “The loss in body conditioning has been immense and [I] can only feel for the athletes that contract Covid-19 as they will suffer a great loss of current conditioning through the last training cycle.”
“Athletes will continue to train as there is no clarification re summer Games and thus are exposing themselves to unnecessary risk,” wrote Van der Burgh, who retired in 2018.
“And those that do contract will try rush back to training most likely enhancing/extending the damage/recovery time,” he added.
“Please, look after yourself everyone! Health comes first – COVID-19 is no joke!”
The International Olympic Committee on Sunday finally admitted that it may need to postpone the summer games in Tokyo, which have a current July starting date.


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--Coronavirus outbreak gooses Icahn’s $5B bet against malls

Carl Icahn is betting big against shopping malls — to the tune of $ 5 billion , The Post has learned .
Since last summer , the 84-year-old investor has been throwing money at a complex trade that stands to make him billions if big shopping centers start defaulting on their debt .
The trade is considered risky , and even took down one of Icahn ’ s former protégés : Eric Yip of Alder Hill Management , as The Wall Street Journal reported in November .
But Icahn has plowed ahead regardless on the theory that malls will suffer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Only now , the coronavirus has hit — giving Icahn the upper hand far sooner than even he expected , sources said .
Meanwhile , his mall short has gotten so large in recent months that it now represents 25 percent of his total assets of $ 20 billion — his biggest single bet since he invested $ 5 billion in iPhone-maker Apple in 2013 , sources said .
The Far Rockaway native , who declined to comment , is betting against malls through a little-known index that tracks $ 25 billion in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t sound sexy , it ’ s riveted segments of Wall Street as it has pitted Icahn against mutual fund giants like Putnam Investments and AllianceBernstein , who are betting that the diversified securities will come out OK even if a few malls default .
As The Journal reported in November , the mutual funds had been winning the battle — until now .
Back then , Icahn had just a $ 400 million short position against the index — dubbed CMBX 6 — making him the largest short seller of mall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion in chips on the table , the tide is turning in Icahn ’ s favor as retailers close shop to stop the virus from spreading .
On Monday , the value of the BBB negative-rated swaps represented by CMBX 6 fell to 68 cents on the dollar , down from 95 cents before the coronavirus forced retailers to close en masse .
The A-rated swaps , which face less chance of default , dropped in value to 81 cents from $ 1.06 , according to IHS Markit Data .
And last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the CMBX 6 index , the Newgate Mall in Ogden , Utah , started the process of filing for bankruptcy , sources said .
“ The virus is just speeding up the demise of brick-and-mortar retail , ” said Dan McNamara of New York hedge fund MP Securitized Credit Partners , which is also betting against CMBX 6 .
“ We expected it to play out over the next one to two years .
The virus jammed that into a month .
Our thesis got sped up dramatically.
” Icahn ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from other investments tanked by coronavirus fears , including Occidental Petroleum , down 75 percent this year , and hotel and gaming chain Caesars Entertainment , down 50 percent , sources said .
Still , the CMBX 6 winnings are on paper only — and without someone to buy his swaps , he could be forced to wait until 2022 , when the securities mature , to cash in , sources said .
Meanwhile , the big mutual funds that are betting in favor of malls meeting their debt obligations say they still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially if the government bails out struggling landlords and retailers .
The International Council of Shopping Centers , a mall trade group , has already asked President Trump for “ business interruption coverage for retailers , restaurants and other tenants as well as landlords , ” citing the “ insurmountable strain ” the coronavirus has placed on shopping centers .
“ Some of America ’ s 1,100 malls will have to go away , ” acknowledged Putnam fixed income manager Brett Kozlowski .
But the malls Putnam has insured through CMBX 6 will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ V-shaped recovery given the stimulus already heading their way , he said , noting that the Federal Reserve recently announced it would buy $ 250 billion in mortgage securities .
“ It is possible that Icahn would have made a fortune on his CMBX 6 bet over time , but the COVID-19 events have already made that a reality – faster than anyone would have imagined , ” noted Manus Clancy from data firm Trepp .
Still , the Putnam Diversified Income Trust , more than 20 percent of which is invested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 percent this year .
Putnam in its marketing material for the fund says it “ seeks as high a level of current income as Putnam Management believes is consistent with preservation of capital ” .
CMBX 6 swaps , like the residential mortgage backed swaps in 2008 that sparked the recession , are traded in a similar way to options and have no bearing on actual mortgage-backed securities .
Those going short pay CMBX 6 holders three percent annually for BBB- bonds , and two percent for A. Putnam in the fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the bulk of the income fund ’ s outperformance.
” Carl Icahn on March 13 told CNBC that investing for or against shopping malls through credit default swaps was “ a little bit like a gambling casino.
” “ I think even before this virus , people thought that many of the malls [ covered in the CMBX 6 ] were going to have trouble refinancing ” when their mortgages mature over the next two years , said Manus Clancy from data firm Trepp .
“ It is possible that Icahn would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 bet over time , but the COVID-19 events have already made that a reality – faster than anyone would have imagined , ” Trepp said .
Simon Property Group , America ’ s biggest mall operators , has shuttered all of its properties until March 29 , and the industry ’ s trade group , The International Council of Shopping Centers , last week argued “ an insurmountable strain ” in its request for government assistance .
CMBX 6 prices rise and fall based on the underlying value of $ 25 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made in 2012 to shopping malls , office spaces and hotels .
Forty-seven percent are shopping or strip mall loans .

Carl Icahn is betting big against shopping malls — to the tune of $5 billion, The Post has learned.
Since last summer, the 84-year-old investor has been throwing money at a complex trade that stands to make him billions if big shopping centers start defaulting on their debt.
The trade is considered risky, and even took down one of Icahn’s former protégés: Eric Yip of Alder Hill Management, as The Wall Street Journal reported in November. But Icahn has plowed ahead regardless on the theory that malls will suffer amid a surge in online shopping.
Only now, the coronavirus has hit — giving Icahn the upper hand far sooner than even he expected, sources said. Meanwhile, his mall short has gotten so large in recent months that it now represents 25 percent of his total assets of $20 billion — his biggest single bet since he invested $5 billion in iPhone-maker Apple in 2013, sources said.
The Far Rockaway native, who declined to comment, is betting against malls through a little-known index that tracks $25 billion in commercial mortgage-backed securities. While that doesn’t sound sexy, it’s riveted segments of Wall Street as it has pitted Icahn against mutual fund giants like Putnam Investments and AllianceBernstein, who are betting that the diversified securities will come out OK even if a few malls default.
As The Journal reported in November, the mutual funds had been winning the battle — until now. Back then, Icahn had just a $400 million short position against the index — dubbed CMBX 6 — making him the largest short seller of mall debt.
Now, with $5 billion in chips on the table, the tide is turning in Icahn’s favor as retailers close shop to stop the virus from spreading.
On Monday, the value of the BBB negative-rated swaps represented by CMBX 6 fell to 68 cents on the dollar, down from 95 cents before the coronavirus forced retailers to close en masse. The A-rated swaps, which face less chance of default, dropped in value to 81 cents from $1.06, according to IHS Markit Data.
And last week, one of the 39 malls covered by the CMBX 6 index, the Newgate Mall in Ogden, Utah, spoke with lenders about extending the term of its May 2020 loan amid concerns it cannot meet the payment deadline, sources said.
“The virus is just speeding up the demise of brick-and-mortar retail,” said Dan McNamara of New York hedge fund MP Securitized Credit Partners, which is also betting against CMBX 6. “We expected it to play out over the next one to two years. The virus jammed that into a month. Our thesis got sped up dramatically.”
Icahn’s gains are currently helping him offset losses from other investments tanked by coronavirus fears, including Occidental Petroleum, down 75 percent this year, and hotel and gaming chain Caesars Entertainment, down 50 percent, sources said.
Still, the CMBX 6 winnings are on paper only — and without someone to buy his swaps, he could be forced to wait until 2022, when the securities mature, to cash in, sources said.
Meanwhile, the big mutual funds that are betting in favor of malls meeting their debt obligations say they still expect to come out on top, especially if the government bails out struggling landlords and retailers.
The International Council of Shopping Centers, a mall trade group, has already asked President Trump for “business interruption coverage for retailers, restaurants and other tenants as well as landlords,” citing the “insurmountable strain” the coronavirus has placed on shopping centers.
“Some of America’s 1,100 malls will have to go away,” acknowledged Putnam fixed income manager Brett Kozlowski. But the malls Putnam has insured through CMBX 6 will “highly likely” go through a V-shaped recovery given the stimulus already heading their way, he said, noting that the Federal Reserve recently announced it would buy $250 billion in mortgage securities.
“It is possible that Icahn would have made a fortune on his CMBX 6 bet over time, but the COVID-19 events have already made that a reality – faster than anyone would have imagined,” noted Manus Clancy from data firm Trepp.
Still, the Putnam Diversified Income Trust, more than 20 percent of which is invested in the mall swaps, is down over 17 percent this year.
Putnam in its marketing material for the fund says it “seeks as high a level of current income as Putnam Management believes is consistent with preservation of capital”.
CMBX 6 swaps, like the residential mortgage backed swaps in 2008 that sparked the recession, are traded in a similar way to options and have no bearing on actual mortgage-backed securities.
Those going short pay CMBX 6 holders three percent annually for BBB- bonds, and two percent for A.
Putnam in the fourth quarter said its “mortgage-credit positions accounted for the bulk of the income fund’s outperformance.”
Carl Icahn on March 13 told CNBC that investing for or against shopping malls through credit default swaps was “a little bit like a gambling casino.”
CMBX 6 prices rise and fall based on the underlying value of $25 billion in commercial mortgage-backed securities that own loans made in 2012 to shopping malls, office spaces and hotels. Forty-seven percent are shopping or strip mall loans.


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--Rikers re-opening shuttered jail building for inmates with coronavirus symptoms

The city was considering the release of 200 more inmates ...

The city’s Department of Correction has re-opened a shuttered facility on Rikers Island to separate inmates showing symptoms of the coronavirus from the rest of the jail’s population, the agency said Monday.
The the Eric M. Taylor Center was closed on March 1 as part of a plan to gradually close down the sprawling jail complex.
DOC spokesman Peter Thorne said the center will be used to hold new male inmates who have symptoms of COVID-19 — as well being used as an overflow location for inmates already in custody who show signs of being infected with the virus.
“We are using every available tool to keep people safe and prevent COVID-19 from spreading,” Thorne said.
Built in 1964, the Taylor center has maximum capacity for more than 1,700 inmates and housed about 800 before it closed its doors.
The department announced closure of the Taylor center — along with the Brooklyn House of Detention — last year after the City Council passed legislation to fully close Rikers by 2026 and replace it with new borough-based jails for pretrial detention.
A DOC spokesman said there are no plans on the table to re-open the Brooklyn House of Detention, which is slated to be demolished and replaced with a larger facility.
As of Monday morning, 39 inmates and 21 DOC staff had tested positive for the coronavirus citywide.
A civilian investigator for DOC on March 15 died from the virus, becoming the first member of the city’s municipal workforce to succumb to the outbreak.
The department’s decision to make more space for inmates on Rikers comes as Mayor Bill de Blasio has called for 200 more vulnerable Rikers inmates to be released — in addition to the 68 who have already been set free.
Meanwhile, NYPD data has shown a steep drop in crime rates while the virus ravages New York.


newyorkpost--2020-03-23--NYC Education Dept. rolls out remote learning for one million city kids

The Department of Education will open 100 “ enrichment ” centers across ...

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Teachers and students struggled with New York City’s new remote learning system on its launch day, with some schools barely able to locate kids and others struggling to get students and teachers logged in.
“It’s a s—show,” said a Bronx middle school teacher who cordoned off a section of her living room to conduct Google Classroom courses with her students. “A lot of them didn’t have devices to begin with, a lot never logged on if they had them, and the others are just constantly asking questions about how to use everything. It can only get better from here.”
One Brooklyn teacher said that she was juggling her own kids’ remote schooling while trying desperately to cyber-herd her own students, who were often trying to do their classwork somewhere other than their own home while their parents work.
Many, she added, were staying with grandparents who don’t have WiFi or another internet connection, forcing them to complete their work later in the day.
“Like a lot of things, kids with the resources and available parents are going to fare a hell of a lot better than those who don’t,” she told The Post.
Another teacher with kids said her home was turned into miniature schoolhouses with several classes taking place at once.
“I’m on the kitchen table with my class and each of my daughters are in their rooms doing their remote learning,” she added. “This is one top of my partner making calls and doing what he has to do for work on the couch. It’s tight.”
Tensions were building before Monday’s rocky rollout between some teachers and principals over remote learning expectations.
That growing friction prompted teachers union boss Michael Mulgrew to write an email Sunday urging teachers to resist micromanaging administrators.
“The union is working with the Department of Education to get it to rein in principals who want to micromanage their staff,” Mulgrew said in the message to members. “That kind of attitude is wrongheaded.”
But, the principals’ union head, Mark Cannizzaro, blamed “conflicting” DOE guidelines in a statement to The Post.
The DOE is not centrally tracking attendance and is relying on principals and individual schools to keep tallies.
Other parents and teachers told The Post they had better luck, reporting that the setup is not ideal but that they are managing with high attendance and engagement.
“Honestly I think the same teachers who have orderly classrooms in their buildings are going to be the same ones who make the best of this situation,” said an Upper East Side mom. “I have friends who have two kids in the same school. One’s remote learning has been incredible and the other’s in a mess. It really depends.”
Kids have also done their part to keep their routines intact.
Success Academy first-grader Leslie Rodriguez, of Harlem, set up a pair of dolls in school uniforms to fill in for her suddenly distant classmates Monday during a remote reading session.
The DOE has acknowledged that the system is going to be a heavy lift for many city schools and said the first week will be especially difficult.
Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza reiterated that defense and urged patience at a City Hall press conference Monday, where he promised the DOE was hustling to get computers or other equipment for public school families that lack them.
“We are literally flying the plane as we are building the plane,” he said. “What I saw today was nothing short of incredible.”
“Our principals and teachers are working tirelessly to deliver remote learning to 1.1 million students and we are glad to partner with them to make it a success,” said DOE spokeswoman Danielle Filson.”We have issued almost-daily guidance to teachers and principals as the situation continues to evolve, and we appreciate their efforts, collaboration and flexibility during this time.”