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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  | | | "Oh, no, I ain't messing with you" – A Montana reporter, who made a run for it after a herd of bison approached him. A reminder to social distance, even from the wildlife. | | | | |
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The Story President Trump extended the social distancing guidelines until April 30. That's a while from now. It is. But the goal is to flatten the curve. The measure was taken after Dr. Anthony Fauci – the country's leading expert on infectious diseases – warned that the US could face more than 100,000 deaths and millions of COVID-19 infections. Over the weekend, the CDC also issued an advisory, encouraging residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut not to travel domestically. Tell me more. The agency issued the advisory for 14 days. And said it was in an effort to contain the coronavirus's spread. That's because New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut make up more than half of the over 130,000 cases nationwide. And more than 1,000 people have died in New York. The CDC's update is just an advisory, but some states are taking matters into their own hands. How so? In Rhode Island, the governor issued an order requiring anyone visiting from out-of-state to self-quarantine for 14 days. The order broadened earlier restrictions that singled out New Yorkers, with the National Guard doing house-to-house searches to find people from New York and force them to quarantine. In Florida, the governor allowed for highway checkpoints to screen drivers from New York and Louisiana, telling them to self-quarantine for two weeks. Wasn't the federal gov considering a quarantine? The ability to issue a quarantine largely falls on states. But the federal gov also has some authority. Over the weekend, Trump threatened to quarantine parts of the tri-state area...but then walked it back. The last time US health officials issued a mandatory quarantine was in the 1960s during a smallpox outbreak. theSkimm Each state appears to be taking its own approach toward COVID-19. But many state and gov officials seem to agree on one thing: people who can should stay home. | | | | | |
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| | As people stay home in response to COVID-19, delivery services like Instacart and Amazon have seen a spike in demand. But today, employees from both companies are planning a strike to protest what they describe as a lack of protections amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Instacart employees are requesting better health and safety measures like disinfectant wipes, an extended sick pay policy, and $5 per order in hazard pay. Meanwhile, Amazon employees at the Staten Island facility want the building closed and sanitized after at least one employee tested positive for the virus.
Today, about 200,000 Instacart workers and dozens of Amazon employees are expected to walk out unless their demands are met.
Thing To Know: Hazard pay. Extra pay provided by employers to employees for working under conditions that are physically dangerous. | | | | | |
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Who's got more than a campaign on his plate... Former VP Joe Biden. Last week, a former staffer in his Senate office – Tara Reade – expanded on accusations against the Democratic presidential candidate. Reade was among several women last year who said Biden's behavior made them feel uncomfortable. Reade in particular claimed that Biden would place his hand on her shoulder and run his finger up her neck. But in a recent podcast interview, Reade said there was more to the story. And that Biden pushed her against a wall and sexually assaulted her. The Biden campaign said that women have the right to come forward but maintains that "these accusations are false." | | | | | |
| | Who people are remembering… Rev. Joseph Lowery. Last week, the civil rights leader passed away of natural causes at age 98. Lowery was known as the "dean" of the civil rights movement and worked closely with Revs. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesse Jackson. The Alabama native worked for the Alabama Civic Affairs Association – an organization that led the movement to desegregate buses and public accommodations. And helped start the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Lowery also delivered the benediction at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom later that year. The King Center in Atlanta remembered Lowery as "a champion for civil rights" and "a challenger of injustice." RIP. | | | | | |
| | Where the Force is strong… US Space Force. Last week, despite a smaller staff due to COVID-19, the military branch launched its first space satellite. Use the Force, Space Force. | | | | | |
| | While prepping for a lot of time at home… Make sure you're stocked up. | | | | | |
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| | The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us all in different ways. No matter your situation, sometimes you just need to press pause. Enter: our picks to help you take a break…
1. 36 questions that lead to love. In 2015, a "Modern Love" writer wondered whether this list of personal questions could bring two people closer. Talk about loving the one you're (stuck at home) with.
2. This Jane Fonda workout video. Straight out of the '80s. Leg warmers and leotards encouraged, but not required.
3. A new podcast about (drum roll please) Staying In. It's hosted by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, the couple behind "The Big Sick." They get what you're going through...cause they're going through it too.
PS: Sign up to get more of our favorite distractions to your inbox. | | |
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| | For when a conference call just popped up on your calendar… Make sure you're camera ready. Enter new Batiste Foam. Just massage it in, wait 60 seconds, then style. It's the easiest way to refresh your 'do. So your hair looks, feels, and smells amazing. Smile.*
For when you're running out of shows to binge… Why not do your taxes? You can file online with H&R Block and, if you get stuck, they have Online Assist. That means you can get unlimited, on-demand help from a tax pro if you need it. Beat that, virtual happy hours. Get started.*
For when your home wasn't built to be an office... Hit upgrade. Verizon Fios is offering higher internet speeds. And a year of Disney+. So you can crush spreadsheets and binge your favorites all at once. PS: plans start at $39.99/month. Life is but a stream.*
For when you miss your group fitness classes... Enter Openfit. They offer at-home workout classes, like barre, for every fitness level and age. Including live classes led by personal trainers. All on your TV, laptop, or phone. Psst...Skimm'rs get a free 14 day trial. Pump it up.* | | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. | | | |
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| | In times like these, community matters more than ever. Send a shoutout in the link below to the people you're missing while social distancing. Or let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.
Making kindness a priority...Ricky S (OH). He's the founder of the nonprofit RAKE (Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere). The org has partnered with a local food truck to help feed communities that are affected by COVID-19. Learn more and donate here.
Feeling special with...Donna P (NJ). Last week, she had to cancel her five-year-old son's birthday party because of COVID-19. That same night, neighbors and friends made signs and brought presents to wish him a happy birthday and still found a way to make him feel special.
(Some) Birthdays...Amy Shwartz (IL), Leo Villavicencio (NY), John Lombardi III (NY), Nikki Fuchs (NY), Stephanie Koko (VA), Lauren Cerny (GA), Kirsten Eblin (SC), Julianna Grucz (MI), Mary Anderson (DC), Mike Rice (NY), Heidi Warner (MD), Amanda Pokorny (OH) Anna Armstrong (MD), Gregory Little (OH), Bonnie McKinstry (TX)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured. | | |
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| | Skimm HQ is reeling over "Tiger King." Share theSkimm with your friend who still hasn't watched it. | |  |  | | | Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=e98aa03e | | |
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