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VIRUS OUTBREAK-WHAT'S HAPPENING
What you need to know today about the virus outbreak
President Donald Trump has backed away from calling for a quarantine for coronavirus hotspots in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. He directed instead Saturday night that a “strong Travel Advisory” be issued for those hard-hit areas to stem the spread of the outbreak. In other coronavirus news, Italy became to first country to surpass 10,000 deaths. Virus prevention measures have taken a violent turn in parts of Africa as countries impose lockdowns and curfews or seal off major cities. In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife announced that she has recovered from COVID-19 after testing positive earlier this month.
AP-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-THE-LATEST
The Latest: Subways, some train service reopened in Wuhan
The city at the center of China’s virus outbreak has reopened subways and long-distance train service in another step toward ending restrictions that confined millions of people to their homes. The official Xinhua News Agency reported subway passengers in Wuhan were required to wear masks and be checked for fever after service resumed Saturday. It said signs posted in subway cars tell passengers to sit with empty seats between them.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Outbreak at LI elderly housing complex has relatives fearful
The coronavirus outbreak at an elderly housing community on Long Island is causing concern and heartbreak for family members of those living in there. As of Saturday, seven residents of Peconic Landing had died after contracting the new coronavirus. More residents and staff members have tested positive for the virus. Children's author James Preller is worried that his 94-year-old mother may not understand why he is not visiting and might feel abandoned. He says he has a feeling that he might never see her again.
BC-VIRUS OUTBREAK-PRISONS
Locked up: No masks, sanitizer as virus spreads behind bars
Health experts say prisons and jails are considered a potential epicenter for America’s coronavirus pandemic. They are little cities hidden behind tall fences where many people share cells, sit elbow-to-elbow at dining areas and are herded through halls to the yard or prison industry jobs. They say that it’s all but nearly impossible to keep 6 feet away from anyone. Medical services behind bars have long been substandard and even hand sanitizer is considered contraband in some facilities because of its alcohol content.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW YORK
NY delays presidential primary; Trump nixes quarantine idea
NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump considered and then rejected ordering a quarantine for residents of the state and neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut amid the coronavirus outbreak. However, he later announced in a tweet late Saturday that a travel advisory was the way to go. It urges residents of the states to avoid all but essential travel for two weeks. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said earlier in the day that roping off states would amount to “a federal declaration of war.” Meanwhile, Cuomo postponed his state's presidential primary from April to June, and nurses made anguished pleas for more protective equipment and rebuffed officials' claims that supplies are adequate.
AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-MICHIGAN-WATER
Whitmer order halts water shutoffs during virus pandemic
DETROIT (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order Saturday requiring communities statewide to restore water service, effectively ending water shutoffs for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. The governor called the move “a critical step both for the health of families ... and for slowing the spread of the coronavirus." The order is effective for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.
SEVERE WEATHER
Tornado tears through Arkansas college town, with 6 hurt
JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) — Officials in Arkansas say a tornado ripped through the northeast part of the state and hurt six people in the college town of Jonesboro. Local media coverage showed buildings missing walls and with roofs ripped away Saturday. Jonesboro E-911 Director Jeff Presley says the six people hurt were hospitalized with minor injuries and that first responders were searching the area. Forecasters with the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, had warned that a severe weather outbreak was possible for much of the central U.S.
AP-US-2020-CENSUS-BEST-LAID-PLANS
Texts, not door-knocks: Census outreach shifts amid virus
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The coronavirus has waylaid efforts to get as many people as possible to take part in the census. The outbreak and subsequent orders by states and cities to stay home and avoid other people came just as the census ramped up for most Americans two weeks ago. Nonprofits and civic organizations leading census outreach efforts are now pivoting from in-person activities to digital strategies. Texting campaigns and social media are replacing knocking on doors and rallies. The coronavirus has pushed back the deadline to wrap up the once-a-decade count, which determines how much federal money goes to communities.
AP-BKN-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-DOLAN
Knicks owner, MSG chairman James Dolan has coronavirus
James Dolan, the executive chairman of Madison Square Garden Company and owner of the New York Knicks, has tested positive for the coronavirus. The Knicks announced Dolan’s diagnosis Saturday night. It is not clear when he was tested or when he received the diagnosis. Dolan becomes the first NBA team owner to be known to have the virus.
AP-VIRUS OUTBREAK
'Off the charts': Virus hot spots grow in middle America
DETROIT (AP) — Coronavirus-related fatalities in the United States have doubled in two days, topping 2,000, and authorities say an infant who tested positive has died. Worldwide, infections have surpassed 650,000 as new cases emerge in the United States and Europe. New York and other cities continue to be pummeled, and the virus is making its way into newly erupted hot spots in rural America. In parts of Africa, measures took a violent turn as countries imposed lockdowns or sealed off major cities. Kenyan police fired tear gas and officers elsewhere hit people with batons. Russia said its borders will close Monday. Italy has now passed 10,000 deaths.
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