Monday, May 18th, 2020
How to Assess Your Risk, Gov't Watchdog Fired & New Ridesharing Rules
All the news you need in less than 10 min:
This episode is brought to you by www.NETGEAR.com/bestwifi.
Story Summaries
All the news stories mentioned in today's episode are listed with links below, so you can spend as much -- or as little -- time as you want to review the latest happenings...
People Venture Outside
As the weather gets warmer, many places are reporting busier streets, beaches, and parks. People are venturing out, which doesn’t come without risk. It is safest to stay home, but there are general recommendations for people to go outside. Outdoors tends to be safer than indoors, small groups are better than large groups, and a shorter time around people is better than a longer one. Experts also recommend wearing a face covering and staying 6 feet away from other people.
Read More: Reuters, CNN, LA Times (experts answer questions)
COVID-19 Progress
Most states are reportedly making progress against the new coronavirus. Axios looked at two key criteria in the federal government’s reopening guidelines: which states are testing more people and which ones are reporting fewer infections. Overall, it found 32 states moving in the right direction on both fronts. Most improved states include Iowa, Missouri, Massachusetts, and New York. On the opposite end, Arkansas seems to be getting significantly worse, both on testing and new cases.
Read More: Axios
Case Count/Death Toll: Johns Hopkins
Countries Lift & Add Restrictions
Today, Italy is allowing most businesses to reopen, including bars and hair salons. Spain is also set to relax restrictions outside Madrid and Barcelona. In Belgium, public schools are reopening today. However, India extended its nationwide lockdown until the end of the month; though it has been relaxed considerably. Meanwhile, Russia now ranks second in the world, after the U.S., for the highest numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Europe Lifting Restrictions: BBC, AP, Bloomberg
Russia New Hot Spot: CNN, Time
Thailand Malls Reopen
Thailand allowed malls to reopen over the weekend with several precautions in place. At shopping centers, thermal scanners are set up to check for fevers. Each person must pass through a disinfectant mist at every entrance. Also, shoppers have to use their smartphones to register electronically when entering and leaving a mall. That could eventually be used for contact tracing.
Read More: Bloomberg, AP
State Dept. Watchdog Firing
The U.S. State Department inspector general lost his job Friday night. Now, top democrats and some republicans want to know why. The White House reportedly fired Steve Link at the request of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. That raises questions since congressional officials told NBC News the watchdog had been looking into whether Pompeo misused staff. The House Foreign Affairs Committee launched an investigation over the weekend, to make sure the firing wasn’t an act of retaliation.
Read More: NBC News, Axios, Reuters, Press Release
Tropical Storm Arthur
Tropical Storm Arthur is churning off the coast of North Carolina. It could cause gusty winds, several inches of rain, and dangerous rip currents in the next 24 hours. The official start of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is June 1. However, this is the 6th consecutive year a tropical storm has been named in May.
Read More: USA Today, ABC News, The Weather Channel
At-home Coronavirus Test Approved
The FDA gave emergency approval to an at-home COVID-19 testing kit from Everlywell. It lets people swab their noses at home, which should expand testing capabilities and allow sick people to stay home. However, not everyone will be able to get them. People who want one will have to take an online survey to make sure they meet federal guidelines for the test. They should be available by the end of the month for $135.
Read More: TechCrunch, NY Times, FDA, Everlywell
Auto Factories Reopen
General Motors, Ford, and Fiat-Chrysler are all expected to reopen some of their U.S. factories today. That means thousands of people are headed back to work, with extra precautions. Employees are being asked to take their temperatures before coming in. They’re also required to wear masks, gloves, and eye protection on the job. Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms will be tested. Honda, Toyota, and Tesla already started reopening some plants last week.
Read More: WSJ, NY Times
Uber’s New Rules
Starting today, Uber is requiring drivers and riders to wear face coverings. Drivers now have to take a selfie in the app, which can confirm whether they’re following the rule. Riders just have to press a button, promising to wear a mask before hailing a car. Passengers will also be asked to sit in the back seat and keep the windows open when possible. The company provided $50 million for drivers to buy supplies like face coverings, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant.
Read More: Business Insider, Reuters, Uber
Facebook to Acquire Giphy
Facebook is expected to acquire another popular online platform. This time, it’s Giphy. It’s a company that lets you search for animated gifs and post them online. The deal is reportedly worth $400 million. Giphy will reportedly keep its branding, although Facebook plans to invest in more tech for it.
Read More: The Verge, TechCrunch, Facebook
Fossilized Footprints Found
Scientists say they’ve discovered fossilized human footprints that could be up to 19,000 years old. The 408 prints, from about 17 different people, were found in northern Tanzania in Africa. They were reportedly preserved for so long because they were made in a volcanic mudflow, which hardened. Scientists say this discovery can help give them clues into what ancient life was like for people. For example, they could figure out where people migrated, how fast they moved, and how many people traveled with one another.
Read More: USA Today, CNN
Monday Monday: Struggle to Pay CC Bills
Millions of Americans have reportedly been skipping credit card payments during the pandemic. However, some credit card companies, like Capital One and Discover, have been letting people put payments on hold. However, cardholders need to get the go-ahead first, since late fees aren’t being waived automatically. Meanwhile, experts remind people who can pay down debt to still consider paying only the minimum, if it means ensuring there's money in a savings account right now.
Read More: WSJ, CNBC