States are rolling back lockdowns, but the coronavirus isn't done with the U.S.
Cases are rising in nearly half the states, according to an Associated Press analysis, a worrying trend that could worsen as people return to work and venture out during the summer.
In Arizona, hospitals have been told to prepare for the worst. Texas has more hospitalized COVID-19 patients than at any time before. And the governor of North Carolina said recent jumps caused him to rethink plans to reopen schools or businesses.
There is no single reason to explain all the surges. In some cases, more testing has revealed more cases. In others, local outbreaks are big enough to push statewide tallies higher. But experts think at least some are due to lifting stay-at-home orders, school and business closures, and other restrictions put in place during the spring to stem the virus's spread. Read the full story here:
Here's an update on all developments. Scroll or swipe further for in-depth coverage.
- The first experimental COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. is on track to begin a huge study next month to prove if it really can fend off the coronavirus, its manufacturer announced Thursday — a long-awaited step in the global vaccine race.
- About 1.5 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week, evidence that many Americans are still losing their jobs even as the economy appears to be slowly recovering with more businesses partially reopening.
- Surgeons in Chicago have given a new set of lungs to a young woman with severe lung damage from the coronavirus. Only a few other COVID-19 survivors, in China and Europe, have received lung transplants.
- The threat of the pandemic to a highly vulnerable population is flying almost completely under the radar: The developmentally and intellectually disabled. While nursing homes have come under the spotlight, little attention has gone toward facilities nationwide that experts have estimated house more than 275,000 people with conditions such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.
- The Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals have been canceled this year due to coronavirus concerns.
- Two more Florida theme parks were opening Thursday after being closed since mid-March to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are opening their gates with new restrictions.
- In a city famous for its lack of patience, some businesses have jumped ahead on what's supposed to be a slow and methodical emergence from coronavirus lockdown. Stores in parts of the New York City have already started to allow customers inside to shop, even though the phased reopening that began Monday only allows retailers to sell merchandise via curbside pickup for now.
For more summaries and full reports, please select from the articles below. Scroll further for 7 essentials for a travel kit, interactive maps, a quiz and more.
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A paramedic's 7 essentials for a COVID-19 travel kit
An increasing number of states are easing the pandemic restrictions and travel is beginning to reemerge. Travelers looking to get back on the road are reexamining what precautions and protections they need in the current environment. What does a travel kit look like since the pandemic? I've consulted with experts and compiled suggestions to reduce the risk of coronavirus exposure.
These items are a must-have on any trip in today's coronavirus world:
A paramedic's 7 essentials for a COVID-19 travel kit
1. Masks.
Updated
You and your traveling party will be wearing one and you all should carry a few spares. Make certain it covers your nose and mouth.
2. Hand sanitizer.
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If you have to touch a surface, immediately use a hand sanitizer that is 60 percent alcohol or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. The Transportation Security Administration eased the 3-ounce limit and is allowing passengers to bring up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizer in carry-on bags.
3. Disinfectant wipes.
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You can remove the virus from surfaces by using bleach-based cleaners or hydrogen-peroxide based cleaners. You can make your own travel packs by stacking wipes into resealable plastic bags.
4. Isopropyl wipes.
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You might touch your phone as much as you touch your face. The major smartphone manufacturers say you can use isopropanol alcohol wipes to clean your phone. It's what I've done with my phone ever since I have been in EMS without any issues.
5. Travel laundry detergent.
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Soak your extra cloth mask(s) in a sink full of water and scrub with laundry detergent. Wring out excess water and hang dry.
6. Thermometer.
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COVID-19 symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, coughing and a sore throat. A travel thermometer will help you keep tabs on your temperature.
7. Digital oximeter.
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If you are in the risk category for coronavirus, you'll want a digital pulse oximeter, available at most pharmacies or online stores for less than $30. Usually, when your oxygen levels fall below 94 percent, you will be symptomatic. Any saturation below 94 percent is concerning.
OTHER TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS
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Most people know to open doors with an elbow; keep a social distance of 6 feet from others; avoid activities with a large number of people, and to use touchless payment methods whenever possible. The following are a few other tips and tricks to help make your travel safer:
- Wash and/or sanitize hands after touching any surface.
- Don't touch your mask/face once it is on.
- Disinfect your credit or debit card after use.
- If driving or flying, plan as few stops as possible. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration recommends placing items from your pockets into your carry-on bag before you go through the security checkpoint so you don't have to place them in an unsanitized bin.
- Sign up with a medical assistance provider with a global reach that can provide you with local intel, health care resources and telehealth access.
The pandemic has redefined how we travel. The better we are at following established protocols, and new ones that may arise as we learn more about how the virus behaves, the better we will be at minimizing exposure to the disease.
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(Jeff Weinstein is a paramedic and a Medical Operations Supervisor for Global Rescue, the world's leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals.)
Attorneys for water park, Ducey spar in court over COVID-19 closure order
UpdatedPHOENIX — An attorney urged a federal judge Friday to conclude it’s not credible to believe Gov. Doug Ducey’s claims he didn’t know resorts were operating their water parks.
Joel Sannes, attorney for Mesa Golfland Sunsplash, told Judge John Tuchi there is plenty of evidence that Ducey knew not only that water parks run by resorts were open despite his June 29 closure order, but also that they were taking outside guests even as Sunsplash was shuttered by the state.
That includes the governor’s comment, when asked about the disparity by Capitol Media Services earlier this month, that it “was seen as a loophole.”
Sannes pointed out that state health director Dr. Cara Christ said, in Ducey’s presence, that her agency was looking at the issue but that there were circumstances where resorts could operate their water parks, even with outside guests.
Only now, with Sunsplash accusing Ducey of selective enforcement, is the governor’s attorney saying Ducey had no idea the water parks operated by resorts were open and operating. Ducey’s attorney, Brett Johnson, said it was always the governor’s intent to close down all water parks.
As to that “loophole” comment from an Aug. 20 press conference, Johnson said Ducey was not conceding there was a loophole in his executive order. And regarding what Christ said at the same event about resort water parks, Johnson told the judge he needs to understand the nature of press conferences.
“Sometimes your words get jumbled,” he said.
Sannes presented other evidence, however, including videos taken at resorts and newspaper stories about which resorts were allowing day visitors.
He is arguing that Ducey knew what was happening, meaning he was enforcing a policy when there was no “rational basis” for the distinction between Sunsplash and the resorts.
Sannes said Sunsplash has been closed since June 29 in accordance with the governor’s directive even as the water parks at resorts remained open. He said his client already lost $3 million.
An increasing number of states are easing the pandemic restrictions and travel is beginning to reemerge. Travelers looking to get back on the …
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