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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  |
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"My blood type right now is Disney Positive or Disney Plus, whatever they call it" – Jimmy Kimmel, on working from home with kids...and "Frozen II" on repeat. He's sorry, secret siren, but he's blocking out your calls.
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The Story
Countries all over the world are battling the coronavirus pandemic.
Tell me more.
World leaders are grappling with new emergency measures, closures, and shutdowns as COVID-19 continues to spread. Here's how different parts of the world are handling it…
Europe…as in the new epicenter of the pandemic. Tens of millions of people are on lockdown. In Italy, some doctors have to triage – decide which patients to care for, and which not to. France is requiring everyone who leaves their home to carry a form or face a fine. Foreign nationals can't get into the EU for 30 days. And the UK abandoned its 'business as (almost) usual' approach when it found out that approach could lead to 250,000 deaths.
Asia...as in, China continues to report a slowing of new cases. That's after locking down tens of millions of people, widespread testing, and isolating patients. Now, businesses are reopening. Meanwhile, South Korea's drive-thru testing minimizes contact with health care providers and an app identifies infected areas. And India reported only a little over 100 people infected, which some say could be due to insufficient testing.
Australia...as in, its PM called this a "once-in-100-year" crisis. And warned the outbreak could last at least six months. The country is closing its borders to noncitizens starting tomorrow. Qantas airline is suspending international travel from the end of this month to at least the end of May.
Africa...as in, it hasn't reported as many infections as other continents. But the WHO is telling the continent to prepare for the worst. South Africa has declared a national state of disaster. And with one in five adult South Africans living with HIV, some are concerned the virus could hit especially hard.
South America...as in, several countries (think: Chile, Peru, and Argentina) have closed their borders. But not Brazil, apparently – which had its first known coronavirus-related death this week. The country's president reportedly thinks preventative measures are "hysteria."
North America...as in, there's no longer "nonessential travel" across the US-Canada border. Mexico has apparently provided little more than PSAs to prevent the virus's spread. In the US, HUD won't evict or foreclose on people until the end of next month, as one in 10 Americans have reportedly had to close their businesses. ICE is halting its crackdown on immigration and arrests, except those it considers "mission critical." And then there's the new relief package.
Yes please tell me about that.
Yesterday, President Trump signed a $100 billion package that provides free coronavirus testing as well as two-week paid leave (up to $511 a day) for certain Americans. Specifically, those who've tested positive or are being tested – as well as people ordered to stay home because of exposure or symptoms. But that's only part of the response plan: the Trump admin still wants to send checks to Americans.
theSkimm
Each country is grappling with COVID-19 differently, and at its own pace. But for a brief moment, it seems the world has agreed on a common enemy: this virus.
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The US gov is ramping up its response to help the health care industry battle the virus. Yesterday, President Trump announced the following:
The Defense Production Act (DPA): The president said he'd invoke the Korean-War era law "just in case we need it." The law gives Trump the authority to speed up and increase the production of medical supplies and equipment. This includes ventilators, respirators, and medical gear, which the US is in dire need of.
Comfort and Mercy: aka two US Navy hospital ships that Trump has agreed to dispatch. Each has a 1,000-bed capacity, freeing up space, equipment, and manpower from civilian hospitals. Comfort will be deploying to New York Harbor and Mercy to a place that's yet to be determined on the West Coast. Both will be used to treat non-coronavirus related emergencies to protect city hospitals from being overwhelmed.
Skimm This: Our latest podcast ep explains how health care workers are battling the virus on the frontlines.
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What's made a landmark ruling…
New Zealand. Yesterday, lawmakers passed a bill decriminalizing abortion by treating the procedure as a health issue versus a criminal one. Previously, New Zealand law only allowed a woman to have an abortion in cases like incest or if the pregnancy was a threat to her mental or physical health. Otherwise, the procedure was reportedly punishable by up to 14 years in jail (but that part was never enforced). Now, women who are up to 20 weeks pregnant can get an abortion. Those over 20 weeks will need approval from a doctor. Abortion rights groups celebrated the long-awaited move, reportedly saying they were glad the NZ parliament "recognized that women have bodily autonomy."
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What has people's attention...
Utah. Yesterday, the state was hit by a 5.7 magnitude earthquake – Utah's largest since 1992. It caused temporary power outages for tens of thousands of people and caused the Salt Lake City International Airport to temporarily shut down. Despite no injuries reported, the earthquake disrupted gov response efforts to COVID-19. And Salt Lake City's iconic Mormon temple reportedly saw some damage.
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Who's going back to the 'campaign' drawing board…
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Yesterday, the Democratic presidential candidate's campaign manager said Sanders is "assessing" after losing multiple state primary contests in recent weeks. He's currently way behind former VP Joe Biden on the number of delegates. TBD if and when Sanders will have an update for the Dems.
...Oh and on the Republican side, President Trump's only primary challenger dropped out. Weld, can't say he didn't try.
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When you're trying to romaine safe at the grocery store…
Be prepared and don't forget about seniors.
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This tax season, we're getting personal. Because like a fingerprint, a snowflake, and a salad order...no two tax returns are alike. So we've been breaking down how your current life status affects your current filing status. Today: Newlyweds.
I can hear the bells. And now that you've cut the cake, sent the thank you notes, and cashed the checks, it's official. You're probably filing jointly.
Who knew taxes could be so romantic.
If you're wondering what marriage means for your W-2, we've got your back. We teamed up with H&R Block to give you the info you need. Because when two become one, your tax bracket will notice. We'll help you figure it out. Say yes.
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For when you've always wanted to start your own business...
Hear from a pro. Annie Lawless, founder of Lawless Beauty, joined our latest episode of "Skimm'd From The Couch," sponsored by Sephora. She chats about dropping out of law school and starting two businesses. Press play.*
For when you want to paint with all the colors of the wind…
Start with your kicks. This sustainable shoe company makes colorful canvas sneakers that tend to sell out. And they're perfect for spring. Think: yellow, green, red, rose, and white. All shipped in recyclable packaging. Plus, Skimm'rs get 15% off. Get them before they're gone.*
For when you want to feel comfortable when you workout…
Make sure to stretch. These jeans sure do. They're comfy because they're made from the same stuff as yoga pants. But they're jeans. Mind blown. Plus free shipping and returns. Check 'em out.*
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FYI - Don’t miss our monthly newsletter of our favorite picks. Sign up here.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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Giving a helping hand with...Megan W (MN). She's part of the MN CovidSitters group formed by University of Minnesota med students. They're offering childcare, dog walking, house cleaning, and more to health care workers who are helping fight the coronavirus.
Staying positive with...Erin G (MT). She's asking those who are healthy to find a safe way to donate blood at their local blood donation center. The American Red Cross has said it's facing a shortage as blood drives cancel due to concerns over the coronavirus. We talked with them about it here.
(Some) Birthdays...Jon Steinberg (NY), Sarah Baines (RI), Gabriela Franco (COL), Lauren Perry (IN), Rachel Moffitt (VA), Christina Sciulli (IL), Jim Bean (NC), Beena Thomas (NY), Nona Keith-Henson (MD), Alicia Collins (CA), Sara Jenkins (CO), Jen Hoffman (FL), Rianna Doane (PA), Jill Schatz-Kushel (NY), Leah Lewellen (VA)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
