INSIDER
Help us report the story: How are you doing with your mental health?
Read full article: Help us report the story: How are you doing with your mental health?Nurses, doctors and hospital staffers who have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic have witnessed some incredibly tough moments over the past year, many involving death and despair.
Now and then: As the country embraces COVID-19 vaccines, a look back on the age of polio
Read full article: Now and then: As the country embraces COVID-19 vaccines, a look back on the age of polioThe New York City Health Department distributes the oral, Sabin-type polio vaccine in this file photograph. His came first, and then Albert Bruce Sabin introduced an oral vaccine in the United States in the 1960s that replaced Salkās. He spoke of the iron lung, used on some polio patients, and remarked on how frightening they looked. In the image below, two young children are in an iron lung, a type of pressure ventilator that began use in the 1920s. AdTwo little girls lay in Iron Lung Machines while being treated for Polio.
Do you suspect youāve had COVID-19? Hereās an easy way to get an antibody test and confirm
Read full article: Do you suspect youāve had COVID-19? Hereās an easy way to get an antibody test and confirmIād heard rumblings that you could give blood through the American Red Cross, and theyād test your blood for antibodies. Worth mentioning: The Red Cross says itās a perfectly safe time to donate, despite COVID-19. How to interpret your resultsMine said, āCOVID-19 Test Result: NEGATIVE.ā And I blanked for a second, as in, āNegative? Learn more about COVID-19 antibody testing.ā (Itās like the Red Cross knows that weāre not all health experts). The Red Cross could use your donation one way or the other.
Millions of families facing food insecurity because of pandemic
Read full article: Millions of families facing food insecurity because of pandemicNow, researchers are looking at how COVID stressors, including food insecurity, are affecting families. Georgetown University developmental psychologist Anna Johnson and her colleagues are examining how the pandemic is affecting low-income families and teachers. They found widespread food insecurity, which was linked to worse mental health. āRelatively high rates of depression and for parents, the depression and food insecurity associated with each other. So higher rates of depression went along with high rates of food insecurity,ā explained Johnson.
Has the pandemic made you rethink the way you handle your money?
Read full article: Has the pandemic made you rethink the way you handle your money?Whether you save your money or spend it, there are ways most of us can change the way we handle our finances. The study revealed the federal student loan forbearance made an impact on their ability to save money during the pandemic. Millennials are also more open to spending their money on personal wellness and professional development. Researchers say only one in five of the respondents would use extra money to pay off student loan debt. And a quarter say they would invest in personal wellness, or even the stock market.
Many people fear using sick days since working remotely, study finds
Read full article: Many people fear using sick days since working remotely, study findsAnd according to a new study on studyfinds.org, many fear to use their sick days. The study showed 66% of Americans working remotely believe taking sick days for anything less severe than COVID-19 would be looked down upon by their employer. The survey revealed three out of four respondents say the bar for taking sick days has been raised. The study also showed seven in 10 people have continued to work, even while feeling ill since they started working remotely. Experts say taking proactive measures by staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest at the first sign of an illness can make a huge difference.
VIRUS TODAY: Americans celebrate Thanksgiving differently
Read full article: VIRUS TODAY: Americans celebrate Thanksgiving differentlyHereās whatās happening Thursday with the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.:ā The coronavirus pandemic continues to encroach on traditions. Many Thanksgiving feasts on Thursday are somber, being scaled back, not held at all, or held virtually as Americans cope with their losses and restrictions aimed at beating back the virus. ā With public health officials begging Americans not to travel, the Macyās Thanksgiving Day Parade was scaled back and aimed at a television audience instead of live crowds. THE NUMBERS: More than 12.7 million Americans have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, with deaths topping 262,000 since the start of the pandemic. ___Find APās full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
My pandemic pregnancy, turned pandemic homebirth: āIt was a very intimate settingā
Read full article: My pandemic pregnancy, turned pandemic homebirth: āIt was a very intimate settingāWhen Kriss Reed learned she and her husband were expecting their first child, she started researching homebirths.
World leaders infected with COVID-19
Read full article: World leaders infected with COVID-19President Donald Trump has joined a growing group of world leaders who have been infected with the coronavirus. (WPA Pool-Getty Images)The British prime minister was the first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19, after facing criticism for downplaying the pandemic. Other top officials in former Soviet states who were infected include Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. (Getty Images)The virus drove the Bolivian interim president into isolation in July, but she said she was feeling well. 2 man in Prime Minister Narendra Modiās government, was hospitalized for COVID-19 last month and has recovered.
My pandemic pregnancy: āI was lucky I acted fastā
Read full article: My pandemic pregnancy: āI was lucky I acted fastāAuthorās note: This is not MY personal story, per se, (despite the āmy pandemic pregnancyā headline), but a story told by our readers, week by week. Todayās is shared by Yvonne.
11 times we were reminded there is good, despite the dud of a year weāve had
Read full article: 11 times we were reminded there is good, despite the dud of a year weāve hadDespite the fact that the entire world has been living through a pandemic, there has been a lot of good happening, and we have managed to find quite a bit of it. There are so many people doing good things, but weāll start by sharing these 11 stories with you. It was some time before the two were reunited, but when they did, āthey were laughing like teenagers.āWant to read more? Community raises $300K for injured, retired Army veteranās new smart home: āPam will never be aloneāU.S. Army Sgt. āAnd I didnāt want to put anyone in danger.āThen, Knowles found out about some special face coverings for the deaf.
Would you ever consider this? Some parents are delaying preschool, kindergarten amid pandemic
Read full article: Would you ever consider this? Some parents are delaying preschool, kindergarten amid pandemicThousands of parents around the U.S. have made similar decisions, having their children delay or skip kindergarten because of the coronavirus pandemic. In Los Angeles' public schools, kindergarten enrollment is down about 6,000 students, or 14%. In Nashville, Tennessee, public kindergarten enrollment is down about 1,800 students, or 37%, from last year. For many young students, the delayed start of primary school follows a disrupted preschool experience. Its advice was to prioritize the reopening of schools for children in kindergarten through fifth grade with well-funded safety measures in place.
With no sense of smell post-COVID-19, this woman believes a āguardian angelā alerted her to a gas leak in her home
Read full article: With no sense of smell post-COVID-19, this woman believes a āguardian angelā alerted her to a gas leak in her homeLinda Mcgrath said missing sense of smell nearly cost her her life after a gas leak sprung in her Livonia, Michigan, home, about five months after her coronavirus diagnosis. She reached out to us in response to an article we previously published about COVID-19-related smell loss. āI had a guardian angel a couple of weeks ago when I heard a hissing noise and realized I had a gas leak." When her son arrived, it was clear Mcgrath didnāt know the extent of the leak, because she never smelled a thing. A few days later, the woman said, a house nearby in Livonia blew up from a gas leak, confirming how dangerous Mcgrathās situation could have been.
As U.S. struggles, Africaās COVID-19 response is praised
Read full article: As U.S. struggles, Africaās COVID-19 response is praisedWhile the U.S. surpassed 200,000 COVID-19 deaths and the world approaches 1 million, Africaās surge has been leveling off. Nkengasong insists that Africa can stand up to COVID-19 if given a fighting chance. Nkengasong urges African countries not to wait for help and rejects the image of the continent holding a begging bowl. āIf we do not, something is terribly wrong with usāWhen the pandemic began, just two African countries could test for the coronavirus. Less than half of Africaās countries have access to modern health care facilities, he said.
Face mask check: Are you being hygienic enough?
Read full article: Face mask check: Are you being hygienic enough?By now, wearing a face mask when youāre out and about or around crowds of people should be nothing new. Hereās what the WHO had to say about using a fabric mask:Wash your hands before putting on the mask. If you need to use the mask again, hold it at the elastic loops when removing it from the bag. If hot water is not available, wash the mask in soap or detergent and room-temperature water, followed by either boiling the mask for 1 minute OR; by soaking the mask in 0.1% chlorine for 1 minute and thoroughly rinsing the mask with room-temperature water (there should not be any toxic residue of chlorine on the mask). Make sure youāre continuing to socially distance yourself from people who arenāt in your household, keep washing those hands and try to avoid touching your face as much as possible.
Calling all business owners: How have you been affected by COVID-19?
Read full article: Calling all business owners: How have you been affected by COVID-19?But we do want to hear from you, business leaders and owners, if youāre so willing to share. What are the specific ways youāve been affected? Is your community coming together to order takeout in droves, or has business been flat ever since February or so? If youāre comfortable providing some details, weād love to hear them, and possibly feature you in a future news story. And if youāre not interested in that, but youād still like to unload, please.
My pandemic pregnancy: āWeāre 18 years old ... We had to jump inā
Read full article: My pandemic pregnancy: āWeāre 18 years old ... We had to jump ināWhen Delicia Garzaās newborn daughter underwent surgery, an operation that required an overnight hospital stay, the San Antonio woman said it felt like the walls were closing in on her.
We asked how youre holding up: 13 responses that will make you feel less alone
Read full article: We asked how youre holding up: 13 responses that will make you feel less aloneLate last month, we asked you, our readers and viewers, how youre holding up and whats on your mind lately as the coronavirus continues with seemingly no end in sight. Still, I do it because I want to look out for my health and the health of others around me. I really need a hug'Im a nurse and Ive decided to have my son stay with his dad so I dont expose him. Truly, I really need a hug.-- Rebecca, 40, from San Antonio, Texas8.) I was good at my job -- very good and made great money.
Will coronavirus cancel Halloween?
Read full article: Will coronavirus cancel Halloween?Salem is already planning for a drastically pared-down Halloween season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Boston.com. A lot remains unknown as the coronavirus situation continues to evolve -- and considering Halloween is still about two months away. Perhaps, if you have children, 2020 is the year of āHalloween at a distanceā or āHalloween at homeā rather than considering the holiday a complete wash or a cancellation. Perhaps thereās a neighborhood near you that does Halloween right: Big decorations, cool lights or something else. All right, we just said it once but weāll repeat it for the people in the back: Halloween is still weeks and weeks away.
āThere was no such a thing as remote learningā for at least 463 million children, UNICEF official says
Read full article: āThere was no such a thing as remote learningā for at least 463 million children, UNICEF official saysAt least a third of children couldnāt access remote learning when the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools, creating āa global education emergency,ā the U.N. childrenās agency said. At the height of lockdowns meant to curb the pandemic, nearly 1.5 billion children were affected by school closures, UNICEF said. āFor at least 463 million children whose schools closed due to COVID-19, there was no such a thing as remote learning,ā UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said. The highest number of children affection by region were in South Asia, at least 147 million, according to the report. The youngest children are also most likely to miss out on remote learning during critical years, the report said, largely due to challenges and limitations to online learning for young children and lack of assets at home.
My pandemic pregnancy: From infertility to cancer to IVF to a 20-week scare: āIt happened exactly how it was supposed toā
Read full article: My pandemic pregnancy: From infertility to cancer to IVF to a 20-week scare: āIt happened exactly how it was supposed toāWhen Hillary Calhounās fertility doctor brought her in for a procedure and then a nurse called her just a few short business days later, asking her to come into the office immediately, the now-36-year-old had a hunch something wasnāt right.
Teachers could stay in classroom even if exposed to COVID-19
Read full article: Teachers could stay in classroom even if exposed to COVID-19ATLANTA ā New guidance from President Donald Trumpās administration that declares teachers to be ācritical infrastructure workersā could give the green light to exempting teachers from quarantine requirements after being exposed to COVID-19 and instead send them back into the classroom. āCritical infrastructure workers'South Carolina health officials also describe teachers as critical infrastructure workers, although it's unclear if any district there is asking teachers to return before 14 days. Among the first districts to name teachers as critical infrastructure workers was eastern Tennesseeās Greene County, where the school board gave the designation to teachers July 13. In Georgia, suburban Atlanta 's Forsyth County has also designated teachers as critical infrastructure workers. Floyd County said Thursday it would reverse its designation of teachers as critical infrastructure workers.
My pandemic pregnancy: āIf we make it through this, weāre really meant to beā
Read full article: My pandemic pregnancy: āIf we make it through this, weāre really meant to beāWhen Jennifer Cardenas found out she was pregnant, she envisioned a baby shower surrounded by her friends and family, carefree spring days filled with walks in the park, and her delivery, with her husband and her mother by her side.
My (hopeful) pandemic pregnancy: Inside the world of IVF and COVID-19 -- āItās terrifyingā
Read full article: My (hopeful) pandemic pregnancy: Inside the world of IVF and COVID-19 -- āItās terrifyingāGoing though in vitro fertilization, or IVF, under normal circumstances, can be a challenge, both mentally and physically -- and for some, thatās phrasing it mildly.
Want to keep up on all the latest COVID news? These webinars offer an opportunity to hear from all the top experts
Read full article: Want to keep up on all the latest COVID news? These webinars offer an opportunity to hear from all the top expertsWith so much COVID-19 information constantly swirling and evolving, do you ever wish you could hear from the trusted experts themselves, directly? āCOVID-19 Conversationsā is a weekly webinar series from the American Public Health Association and the National Academy of Medicine. Some experts who have been featured include government officials, top doctors and health care workers, top educators, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and more. You can find other trusted COVID-19-related webinars online, as well. Any interest in attending an online session to hear more about the latest in coronavirus news?
My pandemic pregnancy: āWe were sitting there with a happy, healthy newborn, and then suddenly, it switchedā
Read full article: My pandemic pregnancy: āWe were sitting there with a happy, healthy newborn, and then suddenly, it switchedāWhen Melissa Vick gave birth to her first child, a son, in May 2017, she and her husband Greg felt like they were able to share him with their friends and family, almost immediately.
This letter brought a Publix employee to tears -- the happy kind
Read full article: This letter brought a Publix employee to tears -- the happy kindāI told him smiling is a part of our uniform and I want to make my customers happy in these hard times. And we have deaf customers. āAll other customers are so happy to see my smile and (theyāre) giving so many compliments.āNow, back to the letter. As happy as Knowles felt being able to better communicate with customers, it had nothing on what Travers wrote on her behalf to Publix management. Asli texted, āI like to smile and I think this pandemic is making everyone upset and I want to make customers happy with my smile.
This advice will make you want to drop whatever youāre doing and drive around the block: āRodents ate my carā
Read full article: This advice will make you want to drop whatever youāre doing and drive around the block: āRodents ate my carāEven though life, in some ways, has started returning to normal, itās safe to say that many of us still arenāt driving our cars as often. Whatever the case, Susan Reed, of Kalamazoo, has some advice for you: Take your car out every day, even if itās just for a quick spin around the block. āRodents ate my car,ā Reed told Zak Rosen, the host and creator of āThe Best Advice Show.āIt wasnāt a cheap repair, either. But youāll definitely want to make sure youāre driving your car at least semi-regularly. āThe Best Advice Showā is a product of Graham Media Group.
All the questions to ask yourself before planning a summer trip -- with answers from the CDC, too
Read full article: All the questions to ask yourself before planning a summer trip -- with answers from the CDC, tooSo weāll go through some of their recommendations, to perhaps anticipate some of your summer travel questions. Travel does increase your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19, the CDC said. If youāre considering cleaning your lodging area, see these guidelines on how to clean and disinfectFollow state and local travel restrictions. For up-to-date information, check the state or local health department where you are, along your route, and at your planned destination. āAlso be aware that many local, state, and national public parks have been temporarily closed due to COVID-19.āItās just one more thing to check on.
How to get the most out of every medical visit -- especially now
Read full article: How to get the most out of every medical visit -- especially nowBut regardless of whether youāve felt sick these past few months, safe to say, you always want to get the most out of every medical appointment. Here are some tips you can use to make every medical appointment as valuable as possible. Consider a video visit. Medical offices can be overwhelmed by patients, especially lately, so if your symptoms are mild, consider a video visit to discuss your concerns and get some health recommendations. And when you choose a video visit, you will not have to drive to the office, or even get out of bed.
Still havenāt gotten your stimulus check? Some things you can check on in the meantime
Read full article: Still havenāt gotten your stimulus check? Some things you can check on in the meantimeImportant question: Have you gotten your stimulus check yet? In fact, most people donāt need to take any action, and will automatically receive the payment. Letās talk through the tools available to investigate what might be holding up your check, prepaid debit card or direct deposit. Youāre eligible for the Economic Impact Payment, right? Hereās a detailed list you should triple-check just to make sure youāre eligible for the payment, and see how much you should receive.
These 9 virtual or ādrive-byā graduation party ideas are brilliant
Read full article: These 9 virtual or ādrive-byā graduation party ideas are brilliantPlan a little watch party for your son or daughter to enjoy the Facebook graduation. Facebook is celebrating the class of 2020 with a whole week of graduation features, and a commencement program. Highlights and more will be posted to the @instagram account on Instagram, and on contributorsā social media accounts.āGrads are encouraged to host their own virtual graduation ceremony and party via Facebook, with special features including a virtual graduation hub, custom filters, family and friends celebrations enabled by Messenger Rooms, and more. JoAnn Fabric has a whole webpage on how you can make a graduation cap embellishment out of paper flowers. This is a birthday party and not a graduation, but youāll see the general idea!
Is your skin super dry from all the hand-washing? These pantry items can help
Read full article: Is your skin super dry from all the hand-washing? These pantry items can helpWhat do olive oil, corn meal and raw sugar have in common? No, theyāre not the first three ingredients to an amazing baking recipe. They are all things that can help repair your dry hands, especially if youāve been washing them a lot more than usual, considering the coronavirus pandemic. Jordan says that using normal lotion will give you some relief, but there are many treatments you can do on your hands (or any dry skin on your body) with items that you probably have at home right now. You can watch the latest episode of StyleWise above -- and make sure you subscribe to see new StyleWise videos regularly.
You can listen to Daniel Radcliffe read chapter one of āHarry Potter and the Sorcererās Stoneā
Read full article: You can listen to Daniel Radcliffe read chapter one of āHarry Potter and the Sorcererās StoneāHaving Harry Potter himself read them to you, of course! J.K. Rowling is gathering up some of her famous muggle friends to bring fans the ultimate Harry Potter quarantine entertainment. The entire first book in Rowlingās wizarding series, āHarry Potter and the Sorcererās Stoneā will be available for fans to listen to, and each chapter will be read by a different celebrity once a week, starting off with Daniel Radcliffe, aka Harry Potter. The site is full of puzzles, quizzes and articles that focus on everything Harry Potter and Hogwarts. You can watch a video of Radcliffe reading chapter one of the book here, or listen to it on Spotify.
Coronavirus might mean less Corona beer on Cinco de Mayo
Read full article: Coronavirus might mean less Corona beer on Cinco de MayoBut weāre referring to Corona beer and Cinco de Mayo. Typically, the dominant choice of beer for those celebrating Cinco de Mayo is Corona. But Corona likely will be consumed way less than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic, that is unrelated in name. In February, a report in the Denver Post said Corona was taking a public relations hit due to people fearing they would get coronavirus by drinking Corona. Cinco de Mayo has surpassed St. Patrickās Day and the Super Bowl for beer consumption on one day, with Corona virtually holding a monopoly on advertising and sales for beer on Cinco de Mayo, according to Loop Insights.
Forget pro, college sports: Why the absence of youth sports might have biggest impact of all
Read full article: Forget pro, college sports: Why the absence of youth sports might have biggest impact of allLittle League International, which announced the move, also canceled regional tournaments but said the events would return in 2021. By contrast, the NFL, the worldās most affluent professional sports league, generated roughly $16 billion in 2018, according to USA Today. Major League Baseball generated $10.7 billion in 2019 and the NBA nearly $8 billion in 2018, according to Forbes, so youth sports generated more money than those leagues combined. The owner of Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy in suburban Detroit, an organization thatās home to 150 youth volleyball teams and has produced numerous Division I college volleyball players over the years, Sack had been, as usual, making preparations for the clubās signature event. āYou go from ramping up to this.āCancellations of such big youth sports events have a serious trickle-down effect, too.
All your favorite childrenās books, reimagined for the age of COVID
Read full article: All your favorite childrenās books, reimagined for the age of COVIDA mother of two mindlessly picked up a paintbrush in late March, and started painting the cover of one of the books she had read to her children earlier in the day -- and said she incorporated some ācartoonifiedā coronavirus themes, to try to make the situation less scary.
Nervous someone in your house has COVID-19? Hereās how to safely separate that person
Read full article: Nervous someone in your house has COVID-19? Hereās how to safely separate that personFirst of all, try to give the person who is sick a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. The person who is sick should stay separated from other people in the home as much as possible. If someone besides the person who is sick must clean up after them, only clean the area when needed, such as when the area is soiled. Shared bathroomItās important that the person who is sick cleans and disinfects after themselves after each use. Whoever removes the garbage bag should use gloves while handling and disposing of the trash, and wash hands immediately after.
My car has been sitting and the battery is dead. Now what?
Read full article: My car has been sitting and the battery is dead. Now what?And what if your car wonāt start because of a dead battery? To revive a dead battery, first make sure each car is in park or neutral -- and turned off. Then, connect one end of the cable to the positive terminal of the donor battery, and then connect the other end to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Let the dead battery charge for a few minutes, and then turn the ignition on the vehicle of the dead battery to see if it starts. This only applies if you:a) Have someone to take you to a repair shop or the store right away to buy a new battery.
Earth Day organizers say we should celebrate 50th anniversary online -- so, how do we do that?
Read full article: Earth Day organizers say we should celebrate 50th anniversary online -- so, how do we do that?Have you ever celebrated Earth Day, perhaps by planting a tree or doing something good for the environment? Considering the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic, the Earth Day Network has announced a shift to āglobal digital mobilizations.āItāll be Digital Earth Day! Earth Day Network will provide live coverage of these āglobal digital mobilizations," which you can follow on its social media accounts. But organizers still want to āmobilize millions in a call for transformative action for our planet.āāAt Earth Day Network, the health and safety of volunteers and participants in Earth Day events is our top concern. Thatās now been postponed to October 24-25, 2020 to mark the half birthday of Earth Day.
Simple, effective ways to make your Facebook conversations more civil
Read full article: Simple, effective ways to make your Facebook conversations more civilAnyone else finding themselves spending more time than usual on social media, considering the coronavirus pandemic? But like most things, Facebook is whatever you want to make it. You donāt have to give up on social media in general, or even Facebook in particular. The social media giants say theyāre working hard behind the scenes to remove bot accounts and build a better platform. In the meantime, here are some simple yet effective things you can do to make your own Facebook interactions less contentious and more civil.
Protesters turn out in Michigan to push back against stay-at-home order
Read full article: Protesters turn out in Michigan to push back against stay-at-home orderLANSING, Mich. ā The extended stay-at-home order for Michigan was the reason for a loud protest Wednesday in the capital city of Lansing. The plan was to circle the Capitol with as many honking vehicles to protest the stay-at-home order. RELATED: What happens if you violate Michiganās stay-at-home order? āThis is about Michigan citizens.āMichigan State Police troopers lined up to keep order, but protestors said they intended to follow safe distancing rules and would stay inside their vehicles. āMichigan has the third-most COVID-19 cases in the nation right now," Whitmer said Wednesday morning.
A quarantine quiz: How much have you been embracing this strange time in our lives?
Read full article: A quarantine quiz: How much have you been embracing this strange time in our lives?But as the coronavirus pandemic continues sweeping the globe, we canāt be the only ones who have found ourselves doing a few out-of-the-ordinary routines and practices. Or conducting virtual happy hours or pulling out that Amazon Kindle from four Christmases ago. Weāll look back on this time someday and itāll be a strange, beautiful thing we shared: all this āalone, togetherā business. So with that said, check all the boxes that correspond with activities youāve done recently. Did you check more boxes than you imagined, or perhaps not as many as you thought you would?
Game over? Sports bars face long-term slump without live contests
Read full article: Game over? Sports bars face long-term slump without live contestsBut the long term-prognosis might be worse because of one question: What will sports bars and restaurants do without games or events for the foreseeable future? March sadness for accounting booksJust like other sports bar employees across the country, Russell Luxton was counting down the days until March. Even when sports bars are allowed to resume dine-in services, there wonāt be games returning alongside the opening of those establishments. When those youth teams have games or practices in the evening, sports bars are usually popular destinations to go out to eat afterward. Luxton said ideas such as dart and Golden Tee tournaments have been floated about once RJās is ready to open again.
Struggling to stay sober? Curious about cutting back? This app just might save you
Read full article: Struggling to stay sober? Curious about cutting back? This app just might save youIt includes sober dating, travel information, community groups, booze-less guides, where to find the best mocktails; you name it. Gottlieb said there has been a lot of interest in Loosidās āsober curiousā groups. How can the app help? For example, select āI just relapsed and I need helpā or āWeekend and holiday support,ā and youāll be linked with people and resources. āSome people are coming out of the hospitality industry -- people with no money, who need help now,ā Gottlieb said.
Are babies supposed to wear face coverings? (No). Why do we need these now? Your mask questions, answered
Read full article: Are babies supposed to wear face coverings? (No). Why do we need these now? Your mask questions, answeredIn case you missed it, health officials are now recommending that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, for example, in spots where it might be difficult to maintain social distancing. Just keep in mind: āThese face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Cloth face coverings are especially important to wear in public in areas of widespread COVID-19 illness.āGot it. Wearing cloth face coverings is an additional public health measure. āCloth face coverings can be made from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost,ā the CDC said.
How to order takeout, grocery shop, wipe down your food in the safest ways possible
Read full article: How to order takeout, grocery shop, wipe down your food in the safest ways possibleSo, how do you order or pick up food while staying in line with all the recommended precautions? Hereās what youāll do: Grab your delivery order off the porch, open the package or packages, wash your hands, plate your food, and then dispose of the containers. Wipe down and sanitize your counter that the food sat on and wash your hands before and after eating. Wipe off those items when you bring them home from the store, or wash your hands especially after touching them, McGeorge recommended. Finally, donāt put chemical cleaners directly on your food, ever, McGeorge said.
Texas Health and Human Services to provide more than $168M in emergency SNAP food benefits
Read full article: Texas Health and Human Services to provide more than $168M in emergency SNAP food benefitsAUSTIN, Texas ā Texas Health and Human Services will provide more than $168 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits to help people in the state during the COVID-19 response, Gov. HHS got federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide the maximum allowable number of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size, according to a news release. Anyone receiving SNAP benefits is included. āSNAP, commonly referred to as the food stamp program, supplements the budget of the working poor. "The additional food subsidy announced today by Governor Abbott, although still supplemental, will help fill a portion of the financial gap created by the economic crisis resulting from this pandemic.
Who are the famous people with coronavirus? A list of all the celebrities, politicians, athletes tied to COVID-19
Read full article: Who are the famous people with coronavirus? A list of all the celebrities, politicians, athletes tied to COVID-19Tom Hanks and Rita WilsonThe couple were in Australia when they tested positive. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person.āSenator Rand Paul has tested positive for COVID-19. Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as Iām still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. Idris ElbaThe actor and his wife, Sabrina Dhowre, have coronavirus, according to social media along with published news articles. I tested positive for COVID19.
Why are liquor stores considered āessentialā during COVID-19 pandemic? Here are 5 reasons
Read full article: Why are liquor stores considered āessentialā during COVID-19 pandemic? Here are 5 reasonsBut diving into the issue more closely, the reasons why liquor stores remain open and thriving become a little clearer, even if they are debatable to some. Here are five reasons why it can be beneficial for liquor stores to remain open during the pandemic. Given this, liquor stores technically fall under the category of āfood and agricultureā on the level of grocery stores and pharmacies, and thus, are considered essential. Grocery stores donāt have the selection of liquor stores. Do you agree that liquor stores should be considered essential, and thus, be allowed to remain open?
Earth Day organizers say we should celebrate 50th anniversary online -- so, how do we do that?
Read full article: Earth Day organizers say we should celebrate 50th anniversary online -- so, how do we do that?Have you ever celebrated Earth Day, perhaps by planting a tree or doing something good for the environment? Considering the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic, the Earth Day Network has announced a shift to āglobal digital mobilizations.āItāll be Digital Earth Day! Earth Day Network will provide live coverage of these āglobal digital mobilizations," which you can follow on its social media accounts. But organizers still want to āmobilize millions in a call for transformative action for our planet.āāAt Earth Day Network, the health and safety of volunteers and participants in Earth Day events is our top concern. Thatās now been postponed to October 24-25, 2020 to mark the half birthday of Earth Day.
Hays County issues āstay at home, work safeā order
Read full article: Hays County issues āstay at home, work safeā orderSAN MARCOS, Texas ā Starting Thursday night, people in Hays County will be under a āstay at home, work safeā order, the city of San Marcos said Wednesday. The order for residents goes into effect at 11 p.m. Thursday and remains in effect until 4 a.m. April 10. āIssued on March 25 by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, the order mandates that all individuals currently living within Hays County remain at home unless performing essential functions, such as certain necessary jobs and essential government functions," a statement from the city reads. Health care businesses, grocery stores, hardware stores, news media, gas stations, restaurants offering to-go and/or food delivery, and many other essential businesses will not have to close. People providing electrical, plumbing and other essential services can continue to work, as can those who work from home.
Gov. Abbott asks permission for people to use SNAP benefits at take-out, drive-through restaurants
Read full article: Gov. Abbott asks permission for people to use SNAP benefits at take-out, drive-through restaurantsAUSTIN ā The Texas Health and Human Services Commission and Gov. Greg Abbott have sent a letter asking if Texas Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can use their benefits at take-out and drive-through restaurants throughout the state, officials announced Wednesday. The letter went out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday, according to a news release from Abbottās office. The request comes as Texas, along with the rest of the country, continues to combat COVID-19. I urge the federal government to quickly approve this waiver, giving Texans another food option during this public health emergency.āRead the letter by clicking or tapping here.