That was the headline on the front page of San Francisco’s Chronicle yesterday as the city mandates its citizens to go into a shelter-in-place mode to emphasize social distance and in an attempt to isolate the coronavirus as much as possible.
Quoting from San Francisco Chronicle publisher Bill Nagel‘s letter to subscribers: “We haven’t missed an issue in 155 years, and we will not during the ongoing health crisis. During the ongoing shelter-in-place order, media like The Chronicle have permission to continue operations in order to ensure access to reliable and accurate information.” Nagel also informed readers that “we are taking considerable precautions at our production facilities, including staggering shifts and thoroughly cleaning equipment. We are also taking steps to keep the men and women who deliver your newspaper safe and healthy. They have our deep and sincere appreciation.”
Coronavirus update #2—Wednesday, March 18
Here is a summary of what my morning news briefings tell me about COVID-19
—in THE US, all 50 states now report cases of COVID-19
—5700+ cases, 105 dead
—In Florida, 7 dead with the virus.
Axios Am
Twice as many Democrats as Republicans say they’re very concerned about the coronavirus, according to nearly 1,100 adults polled over the weekend for the debut installment of the Axios/Ipsos Coronavirus Index.
most Americans said their physical health is unchanged. Only 4% said they know someone who’s tested positive.
Perhaps tips are working:
Some basic social conventions have already changed: 64% said they’d stopped shaking hands, and 93% said now they’re washing their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
The New York Times Briefing
The Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, told Republican senators on Tuesday that he envisioned sums covering two weeks’ pay going out to Americans by the end of April, according to people familiar with the discussion.
| Another angle: A Tony Award-winning actress invited theater kids to share songs from student shows that have been postponed or canceled, and thousands responded. |
| ■ Contestants on Germany’s version of “Big Brother” have been secluded since Feb. 10, when most confirmed infections were in China. On Tuesday, they were told what has happened since. |
CNN Reliable Sources
Tuesday’s most powerful warning came from CNN’s own brain surgeon and chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. For the better part of 20 minutes, Gupta and Jake Tapper said the American people are not doing enough to flatten the curve. Gupta said the country is “woefully underprepared” for what’s coming.
After the remarkable Q&A, Dana Bash said on the air, “I have been working with Sanjay Gupta for a long time admiring him; listening to him for a long time — I have never heard him like that, Jake.” Tapper concurred: “He’s the guy who says you’re going to be fine.” But not right now. “He is visibly frustrated,” Bash said, “and as angry as Sanjay Gupta gets, at the fact that people aren’t listening.”
“I still really get the impression that people in many places aren’t taking this seriously, and I think that’s a problem,” Gupta said. “I mean, we have seen what has happened in places around the world where this has not been taken seriously.” He mentioned Italy.
Katie Couric’s Wake Up Call
- On U.S. soil: The virus has spread to all fifty states. NYC is considering “shelter-in-place” measures; Kansas has canceled school until the end of the year.
- Worldwide: Europe is blocking non-essential travelfor 30 days. President Trump plans to turn away undocumented immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Iran state TV warned “millions” could die.
- Healthcare happenings: The government is providing five million masks to health officials. A team of scientists is investigating the impact of 50 drugs.
Numlock Newsletter
If you like movies: Universal Pictures announced they plan to simultaneously release films via on-demand services at the same time they are released in cinemas that are open during the ongoing pandemic. Right now cinemas in at least 32 markets are entirely shut down and are partially shut down in a further 15.
Quartz
Donald Trump urges Congress to pass his aid package. The US president is pitching measures that could cost $1 trillion—more than the $700 billion spent in 2008, and the $800 billion in 2009. Congress will first vote on a package containing sick pay and free testing, then discuss the financial aid.
New research indicated just how contagious coronavirus can be. A study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the US says the virus can remain infectious for three hours as droplets in the air, and on plastic surfaces for at least three days.
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