Skimm'd while watching a very important reunion

theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile

MARCH 05, 2020

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Skimm'd while watching a very important reunion


  QUOTE OF THE DAY  

"'Cher-able' snacks" – What a "Clueless" pop-up restaurant is going to offer. Sounds like a place where you can roll with the homies.

THE RESPONSE

The Story

Governments around the world are ramping up their response to COVID-19.

Tell me more.

The coronavirus has infected more than 95,000 people worldwide, killing more than 3,200. The virus was first reported in China in December and is just starting to slow down there. But in European countries like Italy – which is suffering the largest outbreak outside of Asia – the numbers show no sign of slowing down yet.

What about in the US?

More than 150 people are infected and at least 11 people have died. Most of the deaths have been in Washington state – causing some schools in the greater Seattle area to close. Meanwhile, California declared a state of emergency after the state's first death from the virus.

So how is our gov helping?

With money. Yesterday, the House passed an $8.3 billion bipartisan spending bill aimed at fighting the outbreak. The money will go towards expanding health care access to seniors, who are at greater risk of getting COVID-19. It will also help fund research for vaccines and testing. And some of it will be allotted to provide medical supplies for state and local health agencies. The bill still needs to go through the Senate for approval before it heads to the White House – which President Trump is expected to sign. This comes days after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to try to put people in more of a spending mood. Because outbreaks like this can affect the economy and your wallet.

And what about the response abroad?

In South Korea, Australia, and Malaysia, officials are trying to curb the economic fallout with stimulus packages and interest rate cuts. In Italy, the gov ordered all schools (including day cares and universities) to shut down until mid-March – affecting more than 8 million students. It also ordered spectator-free soccer matches and banned other public gatherings until at least next month. Officials in Italy and France have even advised people not to hug or kiss when greeting.

What should I do?

Keep washing your hands. If you feel symptoms like a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, and think you need to be tested for COVID-19, the CDC says you should first call your doctor before visiting their office. They will then work with your state's health officials to determine if you need to be tested.

theSkimm

While COVID-19 shares similar symptoms to other viruses like the flu, it appears to be deadlier and more contagious. But unlike the flu, there isn't a vaccine for it yet. Governments are taking various efforts to contain it. But in the meantime, stay calm and make sure you're prepared.

AND ALSO...THIS

What's shrinking...

The Democratic primary field. Yesterday, former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg (and his $$$$) dropped out of the 2020 presidential race after a disappointing defeat on Super Tuesday. And he endorsed new Democratic front-runner: former VP Joe Biden – who officially got his 10th Super Tuesday win after Maine's results were finalized. This leaves four Dems still in the race for prez...but TBD for how long. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is apparently reassessing her campaign after a rough showing on Super Tuesday, including coming in third in her home state of Massachusetts.


...Oh and speaking of former candidates, entrepreneur Andrew Yang is considering saying 'I wanna mayor you' to NYC.


What's got climate change on the mind…

This study. Yesterday, scientists said that some tropical forests are taking in less carbon dioxide than they did in the '90s. And that by 2035, Amazonian trees won't absorb any carbon dioxide at all. Science 101: humans take in oxygen and give off CO2 – which trees and plants absorb. It's the perfect relationship. But this study shows more carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas known to contribute to global warming) would remain in the atmosphere and could add to Earth's rising temps.


This other study. Scientists have found that extreme weather – intensified in part by human-caused climate change – increased the chances of Australia's wildfires by at least 30%. Reminder: These wildfires were some of the worst Australia had seen in decades, burning millions of acres, killing at least 34 people, and displacing thousands of others. This study says similar fire conditions are more likely if the Earth's temperature keeps climbing.


While this bird is fleeting

These Chicks are singing.


What's setting off fireworks…

This news.

ON THE SKIMM SCREEN

Comedy, drama, and reality...oh my. Did you know you could stream live TV on Hulu? Or binge basically all of your favorite reality shows? We partnered to help you figure out what to watch. Our next rec, coming right up…


"The Voice" (NBC)


It's…a singing competition based on contestants', you guessed it, voices. The first round is a blind audition, so judges can't see what they look like.


Plus...this season, a bro has joined the judges' panel. And we're a sucker for him.


Watch with...your eyes closed. So you can experience the auditions just like the judges. Minus the fame. Sorry.


Know that…with Hulu + Live TV you can stream the latest five episodes. Because Hulu Has Reality TV. Like, a lot of reality TV. Start your free trial at Hulu.com

SKIMM MONEY

Like flossing, a side hustle takes some extra work...but it pays off. Investing your time and energy into a passion project can help you save – and afford – more. Here's the Skimm.

SKIMM PICKS

For when you've been ignoring your underwear drawer...

Rude. This female-founded company has your back(side). Their monthly underwear subscription has undies in sizes XS-4XL. Curated to fit you and your style preferences. Plus Skimm'rs get 15% off their first month. Subscribe to comfort.*


For when you can't decide where you want to travel next...

Close your eyes and point. This online bank will be there for you. They offer 1% cash back and worldwide ATM rebates. Customers earned an average of $860 in rewards last year. So you can fund your adventures with less worry. See the world.*


For when you want your niece to be a professional soccer player...

Start 'em young. Same goes for their minds. This early learning program offers convenient play kits full of toys and activity ideas aimed at helping kids grow. Let's grow.*

FYI - Don’t miss our monthly SmarterPack newsletter for more of our favorite picks. Sign up here.



*PS: This is a sponsored post.

SKIMM'RS

Sensing a connection with…Ellen R (PA). She's been a Web Support Specialist for five years and finally gets to go to a professional development conference. She'll get to meet others in her field and connect about the web.


A lollypop for…Taylor K (WI). This soon-to-be nurse is leading a team of nursing students, nurses, and doctors to Ghana. They'll be bringing medications and health screenings to rural areas that rarely get doctor visits.


(Some) Birthdays...Marsha Goldberg (NY), Aubree Groff (MO), Caroline Hill (NY), Gina Bornarth (VA), Chloe Thomas (BC), Whitney Franklin (KS), Quentin Kakuda (CO), Adam Herndon (TX), Emily Lutz (ME), Sonja Vindheim (CT), Sandi D'Andrea (NY), Liana Wong (NY), Nicole Marquand (LA), Indira Ycaza (NC), Lori Dersi (OH)


*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.