SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says she is holding off on her threat to sue Native American tribes that have set up highway checkpoints intended to keep the coronavirus away from their reservations. 

She says instead she would like to work out an agreement. 

The Republican governor gave the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Sioux Tribe 48 hours from Friday afternoon to remove checkpoints from state and federal highways, saying she would sue if they didn't.

 She says her office has been receiving complaints that the checkpoints have caused a headache for people trying to access the reservations, even for necessary purposes.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says she is holding off on her threat to sue Native American tribes that have set up highway checkpoints intended to keep the coronavirus away from their reservations. She says instead she would like to work out an agreement. The Republican governor gave the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Sioux Tribe 48 hours from Friday afternoon to remove checkpoints from state and federal highways, saying she would sue if they didn't. She says her office has been receiving complaints that the checkpoints have caused a headache for people trying to access the reservations, even for necessary purposes.

South Dakota's Noem asks tribes again to talk on checkpoints

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska prison officials say an inmate at a state work-release center in Omaha has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first inmate in Nebraska to be confirmed through testing to have the disease. 

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services says that an inmate at the Omaha Community Corrections Center tested positive Tuesday for the virus, leading officials to place the entire prison under quarantine. 

That means inmates will be confined to their rooms and can't participate in work detail or work-release jobs until they are medically cleared. 

Meanwhile, the state Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that three more people had died from the virus, bringing the total to 103.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska prison officials say an inmate at a state work-release center in Omaha has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first inmate in Nebraska to be confirmed through testing to have the disease. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services says that an inmate at the Omaha Community Corrections Center tested positive Tuesday for the virus, leading officials to place the entire prison under quarantine. That means inmates will be confined to their rooms and can't participate in work detail or work-release jobs until they are medically cleared. Meanwhile, the state Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that three more people had died from the virus, bringing the total to 103.

Omaha prison inmate tests positive for COVID-19; cases rise

LONG BEACH, CA. —The&nbsp;<a href="http://calstate.edu/">California State University</a>, the largest system of four-year higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, 53,000 faculty and staff and 482,000 students announced Tuesday will continue with online classes this fall.

According to a media release, Chancellor Tim White said,&nbsp;“This approach to virtual planning is necessary for many reasons. First and foremost is the health, safety and welfare of our students, faculty and staff, and the evolving data surrounding the progression of COVID-19 – current and as forecast throughout the 2020-21 academic year. 

This planning approach is necessary because a course that might begin in a face-to-face modality would likely have to be switched to a virtual format during the term if a serious second wave of the pandemic occurs, as forecast. Virtual planning is necessary because it might not be possible for some students, faculty and staff to safely travel to campus.&nbsp;

Said another way, this virtual planning approach preserves as many options for as many students as possible.

Consequently, our planning approach will result in CSU courses primarily being delivered virtually for the fall 2020 term, with limited exceptions for in-person teaching, learning and research activities that cannot be delivered virtually, are indispensable to the university's core mission and can be conducted within rigorous standards of safety and welfare. There will be hybrid approaches and there will be variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances.

Some possible examples of potential exceptions&nbsp; - and only when there are sufficient resources available and protocols in place to assure that rigorous health and safety requirements are in place - include clinical classes with training mannequins for our nursing students such that we keep students on track for licensure and entry into the state's healthcare workforce; essential physical and life science laboratory classes enabling degree completion and entry into the energy and bioscience fields; access to kilns and other unique facilities to enable students in the performing and creative arts to explore and express the depth, breadth and beauty of humanity; hands-on experience with unique instrumentation and senior capstone projects for engineering, architecture and agriculture students; and access to the blue-water hands-on interactive simulator for boat and ship handling, to provide students with knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for the maritime industry and required for licensure by the US Coast Guard and UN International Maritime Organization.

The granting of limited exceptions to permit in-person activities will continue to be informed by thoughtful consultation with academic senates, associated students, staff councils and union leadership, and will be based on compelling educational and research needs, while continuing to meet safety benchmarks. Any exceptions may be permitted only in the continued presence of the aforementioned rigorous safety measures and training, and only in consideration of resource availability and other matters of local context, and be in accordance with the guidance of local and state public health agencies, the repopulation directives of governmental authorities along with other relevant regulatory agencies.

This combination, really a myriad of factors, will result in variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances, but predominately there will be limited in-person experiential learning and research occurring on campuses for the fall 2020 term. On some campuses and in some academic disciplines course offerings are likely to be exclusively virtual."

​​​​​​<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585958389195.jpeg" alt="Classes will continue online for all 23 campuses in the California State University system this fall." />
 <figcaption>Classes will continue online for all 23 campuses in the California State University system this fall.</figcaption>
 </figure>LONG BEACH, CA. —The&nbsp;<a href="http://calstate.edu/">California State University</a>, the largest system of four-year higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, 53,000 faculty and staff and 482,000 students announced Tuesday will continue with online classes this fall.According to a media release, Chancellor Tim White said,&nbsp;“This approach to virtual planning is necessary for many reasons. First and foremost is the health, safety and welfare of our students, faculty and staff, and the evolving data surrounding the progression of COVID-19 – current and as forecast throughout the 2020-21 academic year. This planning approach is necessary because a course that might begin in a face-to-face modality would likely have to be switched to a virtual format during the term if a serious second wave of the pandemic occurs, as forecast. Virtual planning is necessary because it might not be possible for some students, faculty and staff to safely travel to campus.&nbsp;Said another way, this virtual planning approach preserves as many options for as many students as possible.Consequently, our planning approach will result in CSU courses primarily being delivered virtually for the fall 2020 term, with limited exceptions for in-person teaching, learning and research activities that cannot be delivered virtually, are indispensable to the university's core mission and can be conducted within rigorous standards of safety and welfare. There will be hybrid approaches and there will be variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances.Some possible examples of potential exceptions&nbsp; - and only when there are sufficient resources available and protocols in place to assure that rigorous health and safety requirements are in place - include clinical classes with training mannequins for our nursing students such that we keep students on track for licensure and entry into the state's healthcare workforce; essential physical and life science laboratory classes enabling degree completion and entry into the energy and bioscience fields; access to kilns and other unique facilities to enable students in the performing and creative arts to explore and express the depth, breadth and beauty of humanity; hands-on experience with unique instrumentation and senior capstone projects for engineering, architecture and agriculture students; and access to the blue-water hands-on interactive simulator for boat and ship handling, to provide students with knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for the maritime industry and required for licensure by the US Coast Guard and UN International Maritime Organization.The granting of limited exceptions to permit in-person activities will continue to be informed by thoughtful consultation with academic senates, associated students, staff councils and union leadership, and will be based on compelling educational and research needs, while continuing to meet safety benchmarks. Any exceptions may be permitted only in the continued presence of the aforementioned rigorous safety measures and training, and only in consideration of resource availability and other matters of local context, and be in accordance with the guidance of local and state public health agencies, the repopulation directives of governmental authorities along with other relevant regulatory agencies.This combination, really a myriad of factors, will result in variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances, but predominately there will be limited in-person experiential learning and research occurring on campuses for the fall 2020 term. On some campuses and in some academic disciplines course offerings are likely to be exclusively virtual."

Virus will keep nation's largest public university system closed this fall

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled a more than $3 trillion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;aid package, a sweeping effort with $1 trillion for states and cities, “hazard pay” for essential workers and a new round of cash payments to individuals.

The House is expected to vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">the package&nbsp;</a>as soon as Friday. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said there is no “urgency.” The Senate will wait until after Memorial Day to consider options.

“We must think big, for the people, now,” Pelosi said Tuesday from the speaker’s office at the Capitol.

“Not acting is the most expensive course,” she said.

Lines drawn, the latest pandemic response from Congress will test the House and Senate — and President Donald Trump — as Washington navigates the extraordinary crisis with the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ca81c7b25c28945361d716ed5835b658">health and economic security&nbsp;</a>at stake.

The Democrats’ Heroes Act is built around nearly $1 trillion for states, cities and tribal governments to avert layoffs, focused chiefly on $375 billion for smaller suburban and rural municipalities largely left out of earlier bills.

The bill will offer a fresh round of $1,200 direct cash aid to individuals, increased to up to $6,000 per household, and launches a $175 billion housing assistance fund to help pay rents and mortgages. There is $75 billion more for virus testing.

It would continue, through January, the $600-per-week boost to unemployment benefits. It adds a 15% increase for food stamps, new subsidies for laid-off workers to pay health insurance premiums under a COBRA law and a special “Obamacare” sign-up period. For businesses, it provides an employee retention tax credit.

There’s $200 billion in “hazard pay” for essential workers on the front lines of the crisis.

Pelosi drew on U.S. history — and poetry — to suggest “no man is an island” as she called on Americans to respond to the crisis with a strategy of science,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e64f20bbacb7d48d15e1d76339220486">virus testing&nbsp;</a>and empathy.

“There are those who said, ‘Let’s just pause,’” she said. “Hunger doesn’t take a pause. Rent doesn’t take a pause. Bills don’t take a pause.”

But the 1,800-page package is heading straight into a Senate roadblock.

Republicans are wary of another round of aid and McConnell declared the Democratic proposal a grab bag of “pet priorities.” He said Tuesday it is not something that “deals with reality.”

House Republicans also took a pass. “I can’t believe that that would be real,” said Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., leader of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, said in an interview.

This would be the fifth coronavirus package. It’s a starkly partisan offering with no real input from Republicans, who prefer to assess the impact of earlier expenditures before approving more.

But the political peril of doing nothing during an election year could prove challenging for Congress and the White House. As states experience flareups of virus outbreaks, and more than 30 million Americans remain unemployed in the shutdown, the near-term health and economic outlook remains daunting.

The Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer of New York, warned that Trump and Republicans risk the same path as Herbert Hoover, the former president roundly criticized for failing to act to stem the Great Depression.

“What is it going to take for Mitch McConnell to wake up and see the American people need help, and they need it now?” Schumer said.

The latest package extends some provisions from previous aid packages, and adds new ones.

There is $25 billion for the U.S. Postal Service. There is help for the 2020 Census, including the bureau’s request to delay deadlines for turning over apportionment and redistricting data. For the November election, the bill provides $3.6 billion to help local officials prepare for the challenges of voting during the pandemic.

The popular Payroll Protection Program, which has been boosted in past bills, would see another $10 billion to ensure under-served businesses and nonprofit organizations have access to grants through a disaster loan program.

For hospitals and other health care providers, there’s another $100 billion infusion to help cover costs and additional help for hospitals serving low-income communities.

There’s another $600 million in funding to tackle the issue of rapid spread of the virus in state and federal prisons, along with $600 million in help to local police departments for salaries and equipment

McConnell said he is working with the White House on next steps. His priority is to ensure any new package includes liability protections for health care providers and businesses that are reopening. Trump is expected to meet Tuesday with a group of Senate Republicans.

“I don’t think we have yet felt the urgency of acting immediately,” McConnell told reporters earlier this week at the Capitol.

As states weigh the health risks of re-opening, McConnell said Tuesday the nation needs to find a “middle ground between total lockdown and total normalcy.”

Top GOP senators flatly rejected the House bill. “What Nancy Pelosi is proposing will never pass the Senate,” said Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, the third-ranking Republican.

The Senate recently reopened its side of the Capitol while the House remains largely shuttered due to the health concerns.

Senators have been in session since last week, voting on Trump’s nominees for judicial and executive branch positions and other issues. The Senate majority, the 53-member Senate Republican conference, is meeting for its regular luncheons most days, spread out three to a table for social distance. Democrats are convening by phone. Many senators, but not all, are wearing masks.

At least a dozen Capitol police officers and other staff have tested positive for the virus, and at least one senator, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, is in isolation at home after exposure from a staff member who tested positive. Other lawmakers have cycled in and out of quarantine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589312031006.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced details of the $3T bill Tuesday" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced details of the $3T bill Tuesday</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled a more than $3 trillion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;aid package, a sweeping effort with $1 trillion for states and cities, “hazard pay” for essential workers and a new round of cash payments to individuals.The House is expected to vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">the package&nbsp;</a>as soon as Friday. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said there is no “urgency.” The Senate will wait until after Memorial Day to consider options.“We must think big, for the people, now,” Pelosi said Tuesday from the speaker’s office at the Capitol.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseDemocrats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HouseDemocrats</a> introduced the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeroesAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeroesAct</a>, bold legislation to address the COVID-19 health and economic crisis. <a href="https://t.co/K2Pz9FR0Vu">https://t.co/K2Pz9FR0Vu</a>&mdash; Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/1260284334411579395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Not acting is the most expensive course,” she said.Lines drawn, the latest pandemic response from Congress will test the House and Senate — and President Donald Trump — as Washington navigates the extraordinary crisis with the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ca81c7b25c28945361d716ed5835b658">health and economic security&nbsp;</a>at stake.The Democrats’ Heroes Act is built around nearly $1 trillion for states, cities and tribal governments to avert layoffs, focused chiefly on $375 billion for smaller suburban and rural municipalities largely left out of earlier bills.The bill will offer a fresh round of $1,200 direct cash aid to individuals, increased to up to $6,000 per household, and launches a $175 billion housing assistance fund to help pay rents and mortgages. There is $75 billion more for virus testing.It would continue, through January, the $600-per-week boost to unemployment benefits. It adds a 15% increase for food stamps, new subsidies for laid-off workers to pay health insurance premiums under a COBRA law and a special “Obamacare” sign-up period. For businesses, it provides an employee retention tax credit.There’s $200 billion in “hazard pay” for essential workers on the front lines of the crisis.Pelosi drew on U.S. history — and poetry — to suggest “no man is an island” as she called on Americans to respond to the crisis with a strategy of science,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e64f20bbacb7d48d15e1d76339220486">virus testing&nbsp;</a>and empathy.“There are those who said, ‘Let’s just pause,’” she said. “Hunger doesn’t take a pause. Rent doesn’t take a pause. Bills don’t take a pause.”But the 1,800-page package is heading straight into a Senate roadblock.Republicans are wary of another round of aid and McConnell declared the Democratic proposal a grab bag of “pet priorities.” He said Tuesday it is not something that “deals with reality.”House Republicans also took a pass. “I can’t believe that that would be real,” said Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., leader of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, said in an interview.This would be the fifth coronavirus package. It’s a starkly partisan offering with no real input from Republicans, who prefer to assess the impact of earlier expenditures before approving more.But the political peril of doing nothing during an election year could prove challenging for Congress and the White House. As states experience flareups of virus outbreaks, and more than 30 million Americans remain unemployed in the shutdown, the near-term health and economic outlook remains daunting.The Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer of New York, warned that Trump and Republicans risk the same path as Herbert Hoover, the former president roundly criticized for failing to act to stem the Great Depression.“What is it going to take for Mitch McConnell to wake up and see the American people need help, and they need it now?” Schumer said.The latest package extends some provisions from previous aid packages, and adds new ones.There is $25 billion for the U.S. Postal Service. There is help for the 2020 Census, including the bureau’s request to delay deadlines for turning over apportionment and redistricting data. For the November election, the bill provides $3.6 billion to help local officials prepare for the challenges of voting during the pandemic.The popular Payroll Protection Program, which has been boosted in past bills, would see another $10 billion to ensure under-served businesses and nonprofit organizations have access to grants through a disaster loan program.For hospitals and other health care providers, there’s another $100 billion infusion to help cover costs and additional help for hospitals serving low-income communities.There’s another $600 million in funding to tackle the issue of rapid spread of the virus in state and federal prisons, along with $600 million in help to local police departments for salaries and equipmentMcConnell said he is working with the White House on next steps. His priority is to ensure any new package includes liability protections for health care providers and businesses that are reopening. Trump is expected to meet Tuesday with a group of Senate Republicans.“I don’t think we have yet felt the urgency of acting immediately,” McConnell told reporters earlier this week at the Capitol.As states weigh the health risks of re-opening, McConnell said Tuesday the nation needs to find a “middle ground between total lockdown and total normalcy.”Top GOP senators flatly rejected the House bill. “What Nancy Pelosi is proposing will never pass the Senate,” said Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, the third-ranking Republican.The Senate recently reopened its side of the Capitol while the House remains largely shuttered due to the health concerns.Senators have been in session since last week, voting on Trump’s nominees for judicial and executive branch positions and other issues. The Senate majority, the 53-member Senate Republican conference, is meeting for its regular luncheons most days, spread out three to a table for social distance. Democrats are convening by phone. Many senators, but not all, are wearing masks.At least a dozen Capitol police officers and other staff have tested positive for the virus, and at least one senator, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, is in isolation at home after exposure from a staff member who tested positive. Other lawmakers have cycled in and out of quarantine.__

Dems' new $3T virus relief bill faces uphill battle in Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, warned bluntly Tuesday of “really serious” consequences of suffering, death and deeper economic damage if state and local officials lift stay-at-home orders too quickly, even as President Donald Trump pushes them to act to right a free-falling economy.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay&nbsp;the Senate hearing.

Fauci’s testimony before a Senate committee that included Kansas Senator Pat Roberts came as more than two dozen states have begun to lift their lockdowns as a first step toward economic recovery.

Underscoring the seriousness of the pandemic that has reached Congress and the White House, Fauci and other experts testified by video from their homes. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chaired the hearing by video from the study in his cabin in Tennessee, though several members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee did attend at the Capitol.

Fauci and other health officials stressed that pandemic danger persists, even as testing increases and work toward a vaccine and treatments continues.

More COVID-19 infections are inevitable as people again start gathering, but how prepared communities are to stamp out those sparks will determine how bad the rebound is, Fauci told the senators.

“There is no doubt, even under the best of circumstances, when you pull back on mitigation you will see some cases appear,” Fauci said.

And if there is a rush to reopen without following guidelines, “my concern is we will start to see little spikes that might turn into outbreaks,” he said. “The consequences could be really serious.”

In fact, he said opening too soon “could turn the clock back,” and that not only would cause “some suffering and death that could be avoided, but could even set you back on the road to try to get economic recovery.”

Fauci was among the health experts testifying Tuesday to the Senate panel, as Trump has been praising states that are reopening after the prolonged lockdown aimed at controlling the virus’s spread.

Committee chairman Alexander said as the hearing opened that “what our country has done so far in testing is impressive, but not nearly enough.”

Worldwide, the virus has infected nearly 4.2 million people and killed over 287,000 — more than 80,000 in U.S. alone. Asked if the U.S. mortality count was correct, Fauci said, “the number is likely higher. I don’t know exactly what percent higher but almost certainly it’s higher.”

Fauci, a member of the coronavirus task force charged with shaping the response to COVID-19, testified via video conference after self-quarantining as a White House staffer tested positive for the virus.

With the U.S. economy in free-fall and more than 30 million people unemployed, Trump has been anxious to reopen states for business.

<a href="https://apnews.com/4aca168a247602a2573ba94347045b30">A recent Associated Press review determined that 17 states did not meet a key White House benchmark&nbsp;</a>for loosening restrictions — a 14-day downward trajectory in new cases or positive test rates. Yet many of those have begun to reopen or are about to do so, including Alabama, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah.

Of the 33 states that have had a 14-day downward trajectory of either cases or positive test rates, 25 are partially opened or moving to reopen within days, the AP analysis found. Other states that have not seen a 14-day decline, remain closed despite meeting some benchmarks.

Besides Fauci, of the National Institutes of Health, the other experts include FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn and Dr. Robert Redfield, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — both in self-quarantine—and Adm. Brett Giroir, the coronavirus “testing czar” at the Department of Health and Human Services.

The event Tuesday got underway in the committee’s storied hearing room, but that’s about all that remained of the pre-pandemic way of conducting oversight. The senators running the event, Alexander and Democrat Patty Murray of Washington, were heads on video screens, with an array of personal items in the background as they isolated back home.

A few senators, such as Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski and Connecticut Democrat Chris Murphy, personally attended the session in the hearing room. They wore masks, as did an array of aides buzzing behind them.

The health committee hearing offers a very different setting from the White House coronavirus task force briefings the administration witnesses have all participated in. Most significantly, Trump did not control the agenda.

Eyeing the November elections, the president has been urging on protesters who oppose their state governors’ stay-at-home orders, while expressing his own confidence that the coronavrius will fade away as summer advances and Americans return to work and other pursuits.

The U.S. has seen at least 1.3 million infections and nearly 81,000 confirmed deaths from the virus, the highest toll in the world by far, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Separately, one expert from the World Health Organization has already warned that some countries are “driving blind” into reopening their economies without having strong systems to track new outbreaks. And three countries that do have robust tracing systems — South Korea, Germany and China — have already seen new outbreaks after lockdown rules were relaxed.

U.S. contact tracing remains a patchwork of approaches and readiness levels. States are hiring contact tracers but experts say tens of thousands will be needed across the country.

WHO’s emergencies chief, Dr. Michael Ryan, said Germany and South Korea have good contact tracing that hopefully can detect and stop virus clusters before they get out of control. But he said other nations — which he did not name — have not effectively employed investigators to contact people who test positive, track down their contacts and get them into quarantine before they can spread the virus.

“Shutting your eyes and trying to drive through this blind is about as silly an equation as I’ve seen,” Ryan said. “Certain countries are setting themselves up for some seriously blind driving over the next few months.”

Apple, Google, some U.S. states and European countries are developing contact-tracing apps that show whether someone has crossed paths with an infected person. But experts say the technology only supplements and does not replace labor-intensive human work.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, is warning Congress that if the country reopens too soon, "the consequences could be really serious.”

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the Senate hearing that began at 9a.m. CDT and is expected to last approximately 3 hours.

Fauci is among the experts testifying to a Senate panel as its hearing opened on Tuesday. His testimony comes as President Donald Trump is pressuring states to reopen after the prolonged lock-down aimed at controlling the virus’ spread. 

With the U.S. economy in free-fall and more than 30 million people unemployed, Trump wants to restart the economy.  Worldwide, the virus has infected nearly 4.2 million people and killed over 286,000. Some countries that have relaxed lock-down rules have seen new outbreaks.

WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci says the government is working on several potential vaccines for COVID-19.

“We have many candidates and hope to have many winners,” he told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee. “In other words, it is many shots on goal.”

Despite the rapid pace of work on vaccines, Fauci was offering no guarantees. He says, “The big unknown is efficacy.”

Fauci heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and is the government’s leading expert on the pandemic. He says he hopes to have a vaccine in advanced trials by late fall or early winter.

WASHINGTON — The government’s leading infectious disease expert says he intends to warn the nation Tuesday that “needless suffering and death” will result from a rushed reopening of the economy.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a> the Senate hearing that begins 9a.m. CDT and is expected to last approximately 3 hours.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee at a hearing assessing reopening plans.

In an email to the New York Times, Fauci said his major message will concern the danger of trying to open the country.

“If we skip over the checkpoints in the guidelines to ‘Open America Again,’ then we risk the danger of multiple outbreaks throughout the country,” Fauci wrote. “This will not only result in needless suffering and death, but would actually set us back on our quest to return to normal.”

This puts Fauci at odds with President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly urged governors to lift business closings and stay-at-home orders.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589293349894.png" alt="First ever U.S. Senate hearing with witnesses and chairman appearing via video conference. Those in attendance practice social distancing on Tuesday moring. The public is not in attendance at the hearing-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>First ever U.S. Senate hearing with witnesses and chairman appearing via video conference. Those in attendance practice social distancing on Tuesday moring. The public is not in attendance at the hearing-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, warned bluntly Tuesday of “really serious” consequences of suffering, death and deeper economic damage if state and local officials lift stay-at-home orders too quickly, even as President Donald Trump pushes them to act to right a free-falling economy.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay&nbsp;the Senate hearing.Fauci’s testimony before a Senate committee that included Kansas Senator Pat Roberts came as more than two dozen states have begun to lift their lockdowns as a first step toward economic recovery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589299908069.png" alt="Kansas Senator Pat Roberts wore gloves and&nbsp; participated in Tuesday's first ever Senate hearing via video conference. Roberts referred to the dramatic number of virus patients identified in his hometown of Dodge City. -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senator Pat Roberts wore gloves and&nbsp; participated in Tuesday's first ever Senate hearing via video conference. Roberts referred to the dramatic number of virus patients identified in his hometown of Dodge City. -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Underscoring the seriousness of the pandemic that has reached Congress and the White House, Fauci and other experts testified by video from their homes. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chaired the hearing by video from the study in his cabin in Tennessee, though several members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee did attend at the Capitol.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589296928199.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci during Tuesday's video conference before the U.S. Senate committee" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci during Tuesday's video conference before the U.S. Senate committee</figcaption>
 </figure>Fauci and other health officials stressed that pandemic danger persists, even as testing increases and work toward a vaccine and treatments continues.More COVID-19 infections are inevitable as people again start gathering, but how prepared communities are to stamp out those sparks will determine how bad the rebound is, Fauci told the senators.“There is no doubt, even under the best of circumstances, when you pull back on mitigation you will see some cases appear,” Fauci said.And if there is a rush to reopen without following guidelines, “my concern is we will start to see little spikes that might turn into outbreaks,” he said. “The consequences could be really serious.”In fact, he said opening too soon “could turn the clock back,” and that not only would cause “some suffering and death that could be avoided, but could even set you back on the road to try to get economic recovery.”Fauci was among the health experts testifying Tuesday to the Senate panel, as Trump has been praising states that are reopening after the prolonged lockdown aimed at controlling the virus’s spread.Committee chairman Alexander said as the hearing opened that “what our country has done so far in testing is impressive, but not nearly enough.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589293586428.png" alt="Missouri Senator Roy Blunt watched the opening of the hearing Tuesday morning-image CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Senator Roy Blunt watched the opening of the hearing Tuesday morning-image CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Worldwide, the virus has infected nearly 4.2 million people and killed over 287,000 — more than 80,000 in U.S. alone. Asked if the U.S. mortality count was correct, Fauci said, “the number is likely higher. I don’t know exactly what percent higher but almost certainly it’s higher.”Fauci, a member of the coronavirus task force charged with shaping the response to COVID-19, testified via video conference after self-quarantining as a White House staffer tested positive for the virus.With the U.S. economy in free-fall and more than 30 million people unemployed, Trump has been anxious to reopen states for business.<a href="https://apnews.com/4aca168a247602a2573ba94347045b30">A recent Associated Press review determined that 17 states did not meet a key White House benchmark&nbsp;</a>for loosening restrictions — a 14-day downward trajectory in new cases or positive test rates. Yet many of those have begun to reopen or are about to do so, including Alabama, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah.Of the 33 states that have had a 14-day downward trajectory of either cases or positive test rates, 25 are partially opened or moving to reopen within days, the AP analysis found. Other states that have not seen a 14-day decline, remain closed despite meeting some benchmarks.Besides Fauci, of the National Institutes of Health, the other experts include FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn and Dr. Robert Redfield, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — both in self-quarantine—and Adm. Brett Giroir, the coronavirus “testing czar” at the Department of Health and Human Services.The event Tuesday got underway in the committee’s storied hearing room, but that’s about all that remained of the pre-pandemic way of conducting oversight. The senators running the event, Alexander and Democrat Patty Murray of Washington, were heads on video screens, with an array of personal items in the background as they isolated back home.A few senators, such as Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski and Connecticut Democrat Chris Murphy, personally attended the session in the hearing room. They wore masks, as did an array of aides buzzing behind them.The health committee hearing offers a very different setting from the White House coronavirus task force briefings the administration witnesses have all participated in. Most significantly, Trump did not control the agenda.Eyeing the November elections, the president has been urging on protesters who oppose their state governors’ stay-at-home orders, while expressing his own confidence that the coronavrius will fade away as summer advances and Americans return to work and other pursuits.The U.S. has seen at least 1.3 million infections and nearly 81,000 confirmed deaths from the virus, the highest toll in the world by far, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.Separately, one expert from the World Health Organization has already warned that some countries are “driving blind” into reopening their economies without having strong systems to track new outbreaks. And three countries that do have robust tracing systems — South Korea, Germany and China — have already seen new outbreaks after lockdown rules were relaxed.U.S. contact tracing remains a patchwork of approaches and readiness levels. States are hiring contact tracers but experts say tens of thousands will be needed across the country.WHO’s emergencies chief, Dr. Michael Ryan, said Germany and South Korea have good contact tracing that hopefully can detect and stop virus clusters before they get out of control. But he said other nations — which he did not name — have not effectively employed investigators to contact people who test positive, track down their contacts and get them into quarantine before they can spread the virus.“Shutting your eyes and trying to drive through this blind is about as silly an equation as I’ve seen,” Ryan said. “Certain countries are setting themselves up for some seriously blind driving over the next few months.”Apple, Google, some U.S. states and European countries are developing contact-tracing apps that show whether someone has crossed paths with an infected person. But experts say the technology only supplements and does not replace labor-intensive human work.-----------WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, is warning Congress that if the country reopens too soon, "the consequences could be really serious.”<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the Senate hearing that began at 9a.m. CDT and is expected to last approximately 3 hours.Fauci is among the experts testifying to a Senate panel as its hearing opened on Tuesday. His testimony comes as President Donald Trump is pressuring states to reopen after the prolonged lock-down aimed at controlling the virus’ spread. With the U.S. economy in free-fall and more than 30 million people unemployed, Trump wants to restart the economy. Worldwide, the virus has infected nearly 4.2 million people and killed over 286,000. Some countries that have relaxed lock-down rules have seen new outbreaks.-----------WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci says the government is working on several potential vaccines for COVID-19.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the Senate hearing that began at 9a.m. CDT and is expected to last approximately 3 hours.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589292074301.png" alt="Members of the U.S. Senate gather ahead of Tuesday's hearing -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Members of the U.S. Senate gather ahead of Tuesday's hearing -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>“We have many candidates and hope to have many winners,” he told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee. “In other words, it is many shots on goal.”Despite the rapid pace of work on vaccines, Fauci was offering no guarantees. He says, “The big unknown is efficacy.”Fauci heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and is the government’s leading expert on the pandemic. He says he hopes to have a vaccine in advanced trials by late fall or early winter.___WASHINGTON — The government’s leading infectious disease expert says he intends to warn the nation Tuesday that “needless suffering and death” will result from a rushed reopening of the economy.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a> the Senate hearing that begins 9a.m. CDT and is expected to last approximately 3 hours.Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee at a hearing assessing reopening plans.In an email to the New York Times, Fauci said his major message will concern the danger of trying to open the country.“If we skip over the checkpoints in the guidelines to ‘Open America Again,’ then we risk the danger of multiple outbreaks throughout the country,” Fauci wrote. “This will not only result in needless suffering and death, but would actually set us back on our quest to return to normal.”This puts Fauci at odds with President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly urged governors to lift business closings and stay-at-home orders.___

🎥 Kansas Senator hears grim news from Coronavirus Task Force

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — Another Powder River Basin coal mine has reduced its work force in response to weak market conditions. 

Decker Coal Company furloughed 98 miners Friday, sending them home until May 26. 

The Decker coal mine is in southern Montana, just north of the Wyoming line. The company says the mine’s domestic customers stopped accepting shipments recently. 

Nearly 400 coal miners in the Powder River Basin have been laid off as less electricity use during the coronavirus pandemic diminishes demand for coal-fired power. 

The Decker mine produced over 1 million tons of coal and employed 164 workers in the first quarter of 2020.

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — Another Powder River Basin coal mine has reduced its work force in response to weak market conditions. Decker Coal Company furloughed 98 miners Friday, sending them home until May 26. The Decker coal mine is in southern Montana, just north of the Wyoming line. The company says the mine’s domestic customers stopped accepting shipments recently. Nearly 400 coal miners in the Powder River Basin have been laid off as less electricity use during the coronavirus pandemic diminishes demand for coal-fired power. The Decker mine produced over 1 million tons of coal and employed 164 workers in the first quarter of 2020.

Powder River Basin coal mine furloughs workers amid diminished demand

CASPER, Wyo. (KTWO-AM) — A school district in Wyoming has voted to sue a manufacturer of vaping products. 

Natrona County School District officials estimate about 60% of their high school students vape regularly.

 K2 Radio reports the school district has had significant disciplinary issues as a result. 

The school board voted Monday to sue Juul Labs, a top manufacturer of vaping products.

 School board member Dave Applegate says there’s enough information to show that vaping is a “severe problem” in the school district serving Casper and nearby areas. 

Juul Labs said Tuesday it is working with public health officials and others to reduce underage use of its products.

CASPER, Wyo. (KTWO-AM) — A school district in Wyoming has voted to sue a manufacturer of vaping products. Natrona County School District officials estimate about 60% of their high school students vape regularly. K2 Radio reports the school district has had significant disciplinary issues as a result. The school board voted Monday to sue Juul Labs, a top manufacturer of vaping products. School board member Dave Applegate says there’s enough information to show that vaping is a “severe problem” in the school district serving Casper and nearby areas. Juul Labs said Tuesday it is working with public health officials and others to reduce underage use of its products.

Wyoming school district votes to sue Juul Labs over vaping

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Court of Appeals has upheld a verdict that sided with the widow of a driver involved in the 2012 fatal crash of a van carrying members of the Broken Bow High School basketball team. 

The June 1, 2012, crash near Ansley in central Nebraska killed pickup truck driver Albert Sherbeck, 70, of Ansley, and two Broken Bow High School coaches. 

The crash also seriously injured several students in the van. 

The parents of one of those students sued Sherbeck’s widow, claiming her husband negligently caused the crash. 

A jury found in favor of the widow, agreeing that Sherbeck had likely suffered a heart attack and sudden loss of consciousness before the crash. 

The appeals court upheld that verdict on Tuesday.&nbsp;

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Court of Appeals has upheld a verdict that sided with the widow of a driver involved in the 2012 fatal crash of a van carrying members of the Broken Bow High School basketball team. The June 1, 2012, crash near Ansley in central Nebraska killed pickup truck driver Albert Sherbeck, 70, of Ansley, and two Broken Bow High School coaches. The crash also seriously injured several students in the van. The parents of one of those students sued Sherbeck’s widow, claiming her husband negligently caused the crash. A jury found in favor of the widow, agreeing that Sherbeck had likely suffered a heart attack and sudden loss of consciousness before the crash. The appeals court upheld that verdict on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Appeals court upholds verdict favoring widow in 2012 crash of basketball team

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Utah (The Salt Lake Tribune) — As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the National Park Service is testing public access at several parks across the nation, including two in Utah, with limited offerings and services. 

The Salt Lake Tribune reports visitor centers and campgrounds remain largely shuttered at Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, but visitors are welcome at some sites. 

Acting park service director David Vela says visitors should steel themselves for changes. 

Other major parks throughout the country that have started reopening include Everglades National Park in Florida, Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada, and Mount Rainier National Park in Washington.

 Advocacy groups fear the park service is moving too fast and urge extreme caution.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Utah (The Salt Lake Tribune) — As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the National Park Service is testing public access at several parks across the nation, including two in Utah, with limited offerings and services. The Salt Lake Tribune reports visitor centers and campgrounds remain largely shuttered at Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, but visitors are welcome at some sites. Acting park service director David Vela says visitors should steel themselves for changes. Other major parks throughout the country that have started reopening include Everglades National Park in Florida, Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada, and Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. Advocacy groups fear the park service is moving too fast and urge extreme caution.

National parks visitors should plan for 'new normal'

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Two Native American tribes in South Dakota continue to defy orders from Gov. Kristi Noem to take down road checkpoints the tribes had set up to stop coronavirus infections from spreading. 

The issue pits a governor who has taken a mostly hands-off approach to restrictions during the pandemic against tribes who say her actions are inadequate to prevent infections. 

The tribes say they feel they have to be vigilant to protect tribal members who have underlying health problems and rely on a fragile health care system.

 The standoff and potential legal fight comes amid longstanding tensions between Noem and the tribes, most notably over the Keystone XL pipeline.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Two Native American tribes in South Dakota continue to defy orders from Gov. Kristi Noem to take down road checkpoints the tribes had set up to stop coronavirus infections from spreading. The issue pits a governor who has taken a mostly hands-off approach to restrictions during the pandemic against tribes who say her actions are inadequate to prevent infections. The tribes say they feel they have to be vigilant to protect tribal members who have underlying health problems and rely on a fragile health care system. The standoff and potential legal fight comes amid longstanding tensions between Noem and the tribes, most notably over the Keystone XL pipeline.

South Dakota Gov. Noem, tribes in virus checkpoints standoff

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says a shipment of an antiviral drug will be sent to the state this week to help treat severe cases of the coronavirus. 

The Rapid City Journal reports Noem said Monday the shipment of remdesivir is intended for South Dakota's “very worst cases” of COVID-19. 

The Food and Drug Administration recently cleared the intravenous medication for emergency use. South Dakota health officials on Monday reported 97 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, raising the state's total to 3,614. 

South Dakota’s death toll remains at 34. Minnehaha County is nearing 3,000 cases.&nbsp;

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says a shipment of an antiviral drug will be sent to the state this week to help treat severe cases of the coronavirus. The Rapid City Journal reports Noem said Monday the shipment of remdesivir is intended for South Dakota's “very worst cases” of COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration recently cleared the intravenous medication for emergency use. South Dakota health officials on Monday reported 97 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, raising the state's total to 3,614. South Dakota’s death toll remains at 34. Minnehaha County is nearing 3,000 cases.&nbsp;

Noem: Drug will be sent to SD for COVID-19 treatment

AUBURN, Neb. (Omaha World-Herald) — Officials in southeastern Nebraska are looking for a driver who hit a woman and left her for dead on the side of a road near Auburn. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the woman was found in a ditch Sunday night with critical injuries. 

Investigators said Monday that the 23-year-old woman had been hit by a car, and the driver didn't stop to help her. 

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office has not released the woman's name.

 Deputies say they were called to the scene along a county road around 9 p.m. Sunday and found the woman. She is now in a Lincoln hospital.

AUBURN, Neb. (Omaha World-Herald) — Officials in southeastern Nebraska are looking for a driver who hit a woman and left her for dead on the side of a road near Auburn. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the woman was found in a ditch Sunday night with critical injuries. Investigators said Monday that the 23-year-old woman had been hit by a car, and the driver didn't stop to help her. The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office has not released the woman's name. Deputies say they were called to the scene along a county road around 9 p.m. Sunday and found the woman. She is now in a Lincoln hospital.

Woman found injured in ditch had been hit by car

NEW YORK (AP) — Even as President Donald Trump urges getting people back to work and reopening the economy,  an Associated Press analysis shows thousands of people are getting sick from COVID-19 on the job. 

That surge of infections in food-processing plants as well as at construction sites and elsewhere underscores the high stakes for communities as they gradually loosen restrictions on business.

 Even the White House has proven vulnerable, with positive coronavirus tests for one of President Donald Trump’s valets and for Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary. 

Of the 15 counties with the highest per-capita rates of new infections most are homes to meatpacking and poultry-processing plants.

NEW YORK (AP) — Even as President Donald Trump urges getting people back to work and reopening the economy, an Associated Press analysis shows thousands of people are getting sick from COVID-19 on the job. That surge of infections in food-processing plants as well as at construction sites and elsewhere underscores the high stakes for communities as they gradually loosen restrictions on business. Even the White House has proven vulnerable, with positive coronavirus tests for one of President Donald Trump’s valets and for Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary. Of the 15 counties with the highest per-capita rates of new infections most are homes to meatpacking and poultry-processing plants.

As Trump urges reopening, thousands getting sick on the job

WASHINGTON (AP) — With deaths mounting at the nation’s nursing homes, the White House strongly recommended to governors Monday that all residents and staff at such facilities be tested for the coronavirus in the next two weeks.

Why the government is not ordering testing at the nation’s more than 15,000 nursing homes was unclear. Nor was it clear why it is being recommended now, more than two months after the nation’s first major outbreak at a nursing home outside of Seattle that eventually killed 45 people.

Vice President Mike Pence, who leads the White House coronavirus task force, told governors on a video conference call that it’s the federal government’s strong recommendation that such testing be done.

“We really believe that all 1 million nursing home residents need to be tested within next two weeks as well as the staff,” added Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force coordinator, according to a recording of the call obtained by The Associated Press.

President Trump has repeatedly said there have been plenty of testing kits and has shifted blame to governors for reacting too slowly on testing, a charge he repeated in a Rose Garden news conference later Monday.

“Frankly, some of the governors were very lax with respect to nursing homes. It was obvious right from the beginning,” Trump said, referring to the Washington state outbreak.

Asked why testing was recommended, not ordered, Trump said: “I would certainly consider that. I will mandate it if you’d like.”

More than 27,000 residents and staff have died from outbreaks of the virus at the nation’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities, according to an AP tally based on state health departments and media reports. That is about a third of all 80,000 deaths in the U.S. that have been attributed to the virus.

Nursing home operators have said the lack of testing kits has left them nearly powerless to stop the virus from entering their facilities because they haven’t been able to identity silent spreaders not showing symptoms.

The American Health Care Association, the main nursing home trade group, welcomed the new testing recommendation but said the federal government needed to do more to make that possible, including allocating billions of additional dollars to the effort.

Charlene Harrington, a professor emeritus of nursing at the University of California, San Francisco, said nursing homes should have been prioritized from the start given their vulnerable populations and questioned why the testing recommendation is only happening now.

“We’re two months into it,” she said. “If they had done that to begin with, we would’ve picked up cases early and we wouldn’t have so many deaths.”

Representatives for the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services did not immediately respond when asked why the agency wasn’t making testing a requirement. In mid-March, it asked homes to cease group gatherings and visitations, and to screen staff with such measures as temperature checks.

A senior administration official said taking a tougher stand is still an option.

“If the states aren’t able to come back with plans quickly to do it, then there’s a good chance we will order them to do that, but we believe that right now there are plenty of tests out there,” the official said on condition of anonymity because he lacked authorization to speak to the media.

West Virginia and Texas have already mandated testing for all nursing home residents and staff. And just Sunday, New York, the nation’s leader in nursing home deaths, began requiring all staff to be tested twice a week.

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said his state was ramping up testing but cast doubt on the feasibility of doing that for everyone in every home.

“I don’t know that that’s going to get done,” said DeWine, whose state has reported nearly 500 deaths in long-term care facilities in three weeks. He added, “There’s frankly a lot of people in the medical field who would argue that the testing of everybody in that nursing home might not be the best protocol.”

Pence led the White House’s weekly call with governors from an isolated room after his press secretary tested positive Friday. Three of the country’s top health care officials, including infection disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, are quarantining themselves on fears they have been exposed to the virus, too.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589232183933.png" alt="President Trump during a media briefing Monday -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during a media briefing Monday -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — With deaths mounting at the nation’s nursing homes, the White House strongly recommended to governors Monday that all residents and staff at such facilities be tested for the coronavirus in the next two weeks.Why the government is not ordering testing at the nation’s more than 15,000 nursing homes was unclear. Nor was it clear why it is being recommended now, more than two months after the nation’s first major outbreak at a nursing home outside of Seattle that eventually killed 45 people.Vice President Mike Pence, who leads the White House coronavirus task force, told governors on a video conference call that it’s the federal government’s strong recommendation that such testing be done.“We really believe that all 1 million nursing home residents need to be tested within next two weeks as well as the staff,” added Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force coordinator, according to a recording of the call obtained by The Associated Press.President Trump has repeatedly said there have been plenty of testing kits and has shifted blame to governors for reacting too slowly on testing, a charge he repeated in a Rose Garden news conference later Monday.“Frankly, some of the governors were very lax with respect to nursing homes. It was obvious right from the beginning,” Trump said, referring to the Washington state outbreak.Asked why testing was recommended, not ordered, Trump said: “I would certainly consider that. I will mandate it if you’d like.”More than 27,000 residents and staff have died from outbreaks of the virus at the nation’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities, according to an AP tally based on state health departments and media reports. That is about a third of all 80,000 deaths in the U.S. that have been attributed to the virus.Nursing home operators have said the lack of testing kits has left them nearly powerless to stop the virus from entering their facilities because they haven’t been able to identity silent spreaders not showing symptoms.The American Health Care Association, the main nursing home trade group, welcomed the new testing recommendation but said the federal government needed to do more to make that possible, including allocating billions of additional dollars to the effort.Charlene Harrington, a professor emeritus of nursing at the University of California, San Francisco, said nursing homes should have been prioritized from the start given their vulnerable populations and questioned why the testing recommendation is only happening now.“We’re two months into it,” she said. “If they had done that to begin with, we would’ve picked up cases early and we wouldn’t have so many deaths.”Representatives for the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services did not immediately respond when asked why the agency wasn’t making testing a requirement. In mid-March, it asked homes to cease group gatherings and visitations, and to screen staff with such measures as temperature checks.A senior administration official said taking a tougher stand is still an option.“If the states aren’t able to come back with plans quickly to do it, then there’s a good chance we will order them to do that, but we believe that right now there are plenty of tests out there,” the official said on condition of anonymity because he lacked authorization to speak to the media.West Virginia and Texas have already mandated testing for all nursing home residents and staff. And just Sunday, New York, the nation’s leader in nursing home deaths, began requiring all staff to be tested twice a week.Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said his state was ramping up testing but cast doubt on the feasibility of doing that for everyone in every home.“I don’t know that that’s going to get done,” said DeWine, whose state has reported nearly 500 deaths in long-term care facilities in three weeks. He added, “There’s frankly a lot of people in the medical field who would argue that the testing of everybody in that nursing home might not be the best protocol.”Pence led the White House’s weekly call with governors from an isolated room after his press secretary tested positive Friday. Three of the country’s top health care officials, including infection disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, are quarantining themselves on fears they have been exposed to the virus, too.___

White House recommends virus tests for all nursing home residents

Cases of COVID-19 in Hall County rise to 1,338 and 35 deaths

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that less restrictive Directed Health Measures (DHMs) will take effect in three additional regions in southern Nebraska on May 18, 2020.&nbsp; These regions are the South Heartland, Public Health Solutions, and Two Rivers districts.

The Governor also issued guidance to resume baseball and softball in June, with enhanced physical distancing measures in place for the safety of athletes, coaches, and spectators.&nbsp; Practices will be permitted starting on June 1st, and games can take place as of June 18th.&nbsp; Department of Education Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt joined Gov. Ricketts to talk about the resumption of youth sports.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Additionally, Governor Ricketts highlighted new business reopening guidelines posted online today by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).&nbsp; These documents provide guidance to salons/barber shops, massage therapy services, and body art services as they reopen.

Gov. Ricketts: Guidelines for Reopening Businesses

Full video of today’s press briefing will be available after 5:30 p.m. by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fsh%2Fjibguxil57mbngd%2FAADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C79fb542a072341bcdb9608d7f5f20d95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248292261746779&amp;sdata=Z7cbaMqM9NYA6Qi%2FqmCQW%2FbopiGEdJCLQIit6T9uu24%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that less restrictive Directed Health Measures (DHMs) will take effect in three additional regions in southern Nebraska on May 18, 2020.&nbsp; These regions are the South Heartland, Public Health Solutions, and Two Rivers districts.The Governor also issued guidance to resume baseball and softball in June, with enhanced physical distancing measures in place for the safety of athletes, coaches, and spectators.&nbsp; Practices will be permitted starting on June 1st, and games can take place as of June 18th.&nbsp; Department of Education Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt joined Gov. Ricketts to talk about the resumption of youth sports.&nbsp; &nbsp;Additionally, Governor Ricketts highlighted new business reopening guidelines posted online today by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).&nbsp; These documents provide guidance to salons/barber shops, massage therapy services, and body art services as they reopen.Gov. Ricketts: DHM Updates<ol>
 <li>Today, we are announcing that three more Local Health Departments (LHDs) will be moving to less restrictive Directed Health Measures effective May 18th.South Heartland DistrictPublic Health SolutionsTwo RiversThe revised DHMs for these three districts (effective May 18th, as well as the new DHM for the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (effective May 13th, are available&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fsh%2Fzsqzco1gxpahba6%2FAAC1YSx2NcUwJEuWp-p2LldEa%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C79fb542a072341bcdb9608d7f5f20d95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248292261726867&amp;sdata=vNytCHdVeETQAYhkTpx%2BB5XiSNg89dTVYeXiC3dWMpk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.A map of Nebraska’s LHDs is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Local-Health-Departments.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Local-Health-Departments.aspx</a>.</li><li>South Heartland District</li><li>Public Health Solutions</li><li>Two RiversThe revised DHMs for these three districts (effective May 18th, as well as the new DHM for the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (effective May 13th, are available&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fsh%2Fzsqzco1gxpahba6%2FAAC1YSx2NcUwJEuWp-p2LldEa%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C79fb542a072341bcdb9608d7f5f20d95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248292261726867&amp;sdata=vNytCHdVeETQAYhkTpx%2BB5XiSNg89dTVYeXiC3dWMpk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.A map of Nebraska’s LHDs is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Local-Health-Departments.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Local-Health-Departments.aspx</a>.</li><li>The revised DHMs for these three districts (effective May 18th, as well as the new DHM for the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (effective May 13th, are available&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fsh%2Fzsqzco1gxpahba6%2FAAC1YSx2NcUwJEuWp-p2LldEa%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C79fb542a072341bcdb9608d7f5f20d95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248292261726867&amp;sdata=vNytCHdVeETQAYhkTpx%2BB5XiSNg89dTVYeXiC3dWMpk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</li><li>A map of Nebraska’s LHDs is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Local-Health-Departments.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Local-Health-Departments.aspx</a>.</li><li>These less restrictive DHMs:Allow for the limited reopening of dine-in services at restaurants and of salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy services.&nbsp;Increase the per room/space childcare limits from 10 to 15 kids (subject to the usual child-to-staff ratios).</li><li>Allow for the limited reopening of dine-in services at restaurants and of salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy services.&nbsp;</li><li>Increase the per room/space childcare limits from 10 to 15 kids (subject to the usual child-to-staff ratios).</li><li>Decisions to revise the DHMs for these regions were made in consultation with local health departments.</li>
 </ol>Gov. Ricketts: Sports<ol>
 <li>We have been receiving a lot of questions about youth sports.</li><li>We want to encourage people to take advantage of the outdoors with appropriately socially distanced exercise.</li><li>Through May 31st:The current DHM prohibits organized team sports for youth and adults through May 31, 2020. &nbsp;It will remain in effect through the end of the month.</li><li>The current DHM prohibits organized team sports for youth and adults through May 31, 2020. &nbsp;It will remain in effect through the end of the month.</li><li>Starting June 1st:Schools are permitted to open weight rooms for use by all student-athletes as long as they follow the same guidelines as fitness centers/clubs, gymnasiums, health clubs, and health spas.Organized team practices for baseball and softball may begin unless circumstances dictate a change in date.</li><li>Schools are permitted to open weight rooms for use by all student-athletes as long as they follow the same guidelines as fitness centers/clubs, gymnasiums, health clubs, and health spas.</li><li>Organized team practices for baseball and softball may begin unless circumstances dictate a change in date.</li><li>Starting June 18th:Baseball and softball games may begin unless circumstances dictate a change in date.</li><li>Baseball and softball games may begin unless circumstances dictate a change in date.</li><li>Detailed guidelines for the play of organized baseball and softball are available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fhn7gy2de7efaqhv%2FBaseball%2520Softball%2520Guidelines%25205.11.20.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C79fb542a072341bcdb9608d7f5f20d95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248292261726867&amp;sdata=wmuUA2SjubWMie3JDtG9TqX5IWUG90fUWmnZwsfIE%2Fk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. &nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Commissioner Blomstedt: Sports<ol>
 <li>We’re exploring what’s safe and what works best for team sports.</li><li>As we restart baseball and softball, we expect to learn best practices for mitigating the spread of the virus that we can apply to other sports.</li><li>For instance, in developing guidelines for baseball and softball, we’ve identified safety protocols—such as not sharing drinks or snacks and using your own equipment—that are transferable to other activities.</li><li>We’ll also figure out protocols for the safe use of school facilities.</li><li>We’ll share these insights and best practices on&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.launchne.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C79fb542a072341bcdb9608d7f5f20d95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248292261736824&amp;sdata=dVly4MD%2FwVWIasNvD7EjUIwwJJMb9VAaEdRf2RMRHfw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.launchne.com</a>.</li>
 </ol>Gov. Ricketts: TestNebraska<ol>
 <li>We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C79fb542a072341bcdb9608d7f5f20d95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248292261736824&amp;sdata=6BzhPsbjclA%2FIVkaGq2EK3zbDM65zG46FSFt4y04CDM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.</li><li>So far, we’ve received 2,358 test results from our Test Nebraska mobile testing sites.&nbsp; Of these tests, 80 have been positive.</li><li>Today, we’re announcing plans to open a mobile testing site in Lexington.Test Nebraska sites in Schuyler, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha are also ongoing this week.More mobile testing sites will be announced in the near future.</li><li>Test Nebraska sites in Schuyler, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha are also ongoing this week.</li><li>More mobile testing sites will be announced in the near future.</li><li>On Friday, we opened up the opportunity for testing through Test Nebraska to anyone 65 and older.Scheduling for testing has filled up quickly for Lincoln and Omaha.More testing slots will be opening up, so we encourage people to be patient.We also understand that the DHHS coronavirus hotline has been seeing a significant uptick in phone calls over the weekend.We ask for your patience. &nbsp;We are working to provide additional support so our team can help resolve questions you may have.</li><li>Scheduling for testing has filled up quickly for Lincoln and Omaha.</li><li>More testing slots will be opening up, so we encourage people to be patient.</li><li>We also understand that the DHHS coronavirus hotline has been seeing a significant uptick in phone calls over the weekend.</li><li>We ask for your patience. &nbsp;We are working to provide additional support so our team can help resolve questions you may have.</li>
 </ol>Gov. Ricketts: Election on May 12th<ol>
 <li>Tomorrow is Election Day.</li><li>I want to remind people who have not turned in their early ballot to drop it off at their local election office. &nbsp;Do not mail it.</li><li>I also want to assure people who are voting in-person that the Secretary of State has taken significant steps to make sure people can vote safely.</li><li>Additionally, I have signed an Executive Order allowing for the Nebraska National Guard to provide support for poll workers tomorrow.Our Guardsmen and women are receiving poll worker training today.They will provide support to the following counties at the request of the Secretary of State:Dakota, Dawson, Douglas, Hall, Lancaster, Lincoln, Madison, and Scotts Bluff.</li><li>Our Guardsmen and women are receiving poll worker training today.</li><li>They will provide support to the following counties at the request of the Secretary of State:Dakota, Dawson, Douglas, Hall, Lancaster, Lincoln, Madison, and Scotts Bluff.</li><li>Dakota, Dawson, Douglas, Hall, Lancaster, Lincoln, Madison, and Scotts Bluff.</li>
 </ol>Gov. Ricketts: Guidelines for Reopening Businesses<ol>
 <li>Today, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) posted guidance for additional business sectors as they reopen.</li><li>Reopening guidelines are now available for salons/barber shops, massage therapy services, and body art services by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Nebraska-Guidance-Documents.aspx" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</li>
 </ol>Full video of today’s press briefing will be available after 5:30 p.m. by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fsh%2Fjibguxil57mbngd%2FAADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C79fb542a072341bcdb9608d7f5f20d95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248292261746779&amp;sdata=Z7cbaMqM9NYA6Qi%2FqmCQW%2FbopiGEdJCLQIit6T9uu24%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Ricketts announces relaxed directed health measures in more regions, issues guidance on summer sports

KEARNEY — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Iowa man for multiple drug charges following a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Kearney.

At approximately 7:00 p.m. Sunday, a trooper observed an eastbound Chevrolet Traverse driving on the shoulder near Kearney&nbsp;at mile marker 275. The trooper performed a traffic stop and detected clandestine activity. During the traffic stop, a K9 from the Kearney Police Department detected the odor of a controlled substance.

Troopers searched the vehicle and located 121 pounds of marijuana, 6 pounds of THC concentrate, 2 vials of steroids, a&nbsp;small amount of cocaine, and approximately $14,000 in cash.

The driver, Timothy Gorman, 37, of West Des Moines, Iowa, was arrested for two charges of possession of a controlled substance,&nbsp;possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of money during a drug violation. Gorman was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

KEARNEY — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an Iowa man for multiple drug charges following a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Kearney.At approximately 7:00 p.m. Sunday, a trooper observed an eastbound Chevrolet Traverse driving on the shoulder near Kearney&nbsp;at mile marker 275. The trooper performed a traffic stop and detected clandestine activity. During the traffic stop, a K9 from the Kearney Police Department detected the odor of a controlled substance.Troopers searched the vehicle and located 121 pounds of marijuana, 6 pounds of THC concentrate, 2 vials of steroids, a&nbsp;small amount of cocaine, and approximately $14,000 in cash.The driver, Timothy Gorman, 37, of West Des Moines, Iowa, was arrested for two charges of possession of a controlled substance,&nbsp;possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of money during a drug violation. Gorman was lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

Man arrested on several drug charges in I-80 traffic stop

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — Restaurants in Missouri’s largest city can reopen to in-person dining starting Friday after a lengthy shutdown caused by the coronavirus, and here are some of things patrons can expect to see: Employees wearing face coverings, plenty of space between tables, no bar seating and no buffets.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on Monday spelled out reopening guidelines for restaurants and other non-essential businesses. The guidelines will remain in place through at least May 31.

Lucas encouraged anyone going out in public to wear face protection and continue to maintain social distancing to protect against catching or spreading COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.

“COVID-19 remains present throughout the greater Kansas City region, with serious potential health consequences for those infected,” Lucas said in a statement. “We will continue to balance the public health and economic needs of our community as we continue our road to recovery.”

The guidelines state that restaurant patrons with symptoms shouldn’t be allowed to dine, and workers with symptoms shouldn’t be allowed to work. Patrons must be seated while eating or drinking, and tables should generally be spaced 10 feet apart.

Bar seating is prohibited, and buffets and other self-service food preparation are banned.

Employees must wear protective face coverings in all areas open to the public. Disposable menus are encouraged, otherwise menus should be cleaned and sanitized after each customer’s use. The guidelines also call for frequent cleaning and sanitizing of areas that are frequently touched, including door handles and service counters.

Restaurants reopened to in-person dining last week across most of Missouri, but restrictions remained in place in and around St. Louis and Kansas City — the parts of the state with the highest number of cases and deaths.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported Monday that the state had 9,918 confirmed coronavirus cases, up 74 from Sunday. Deaths increased by four, to 488.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up after two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Missouri prisoners are producing a variety of products to help government agencies and nonprofit organizations during the pandemic. Three Missouri Vocational Enterprises factories have been modified since March to focus on items of need.

Karen Pojmann, spokeswoman for the corrections department, said that as of May 1, prisoners have manufactured 190,418 reusable fabric face covers, including 1,100 for members of the Missouri General Assembly; 6,383 one-gallon jugs and 17,788 4-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer; and 5,827 protective gowns for veterans homes and nursing home. They're also making 336,000 rolls of toilet paper per week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589226208948.png" alt="Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas opens his news conference Monday" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas opens his news conference Monday</figcaption>
 </figure>O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — Restaurants in Missouri’s largest city can reopen to in-person dining starting Friday after a lengthy shutdown caused by the coronavirus, and here are some of things patrons can expect to see: Employees wearing face coverings, plenty of space between tables, no bar seating and no buffets.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKCTV5%2Fvideos%2F2549141882068856%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on Monday spelled out reopening guidelines for restaurants and other non-essential businesses. The guidelines will remain in place through at least May 31.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588183540198.png" alt="Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>Lucas encouraged anyone going out in public to wear face protection and continue to maintain social distancing to protect against catching or spreading COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.“COVID-19 remains present throughout the greater Kansas City region, with serious potential health consequences for those infected,” Lucas said in a statement. “We will continue to balance the public health and economic needs of our community as we continue our road to recovery.”The guidelines state that restaurant patrons with symptoms shouldn’t be allowed to dine, and workers with symptoms shouldn’t be allowed to work. Patrons must be seated while eating or drinking, and tables should generally be spaced 10 feet apart.Bar seating is prohibited, and buffets and other self-service food preparation are banned.Employees must wear protective face coverings in all areas open to the public. Disposable menus are encouraged, otherwise menus should be cleaned and sanitized after each customer’s use. The guidelines also call for frequent cleaning and sanitizing of areas that are frequently touched, including door handles and service counters.Restaurants reopened to in-person dining last week across most of Missouri, but restrictions remained in place in and around St. Louis and Kansas City — the parts of the state with the highest number of cases and deaths.The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported Monday that the state had 9,918 confirmed coronavirus cases, up 74 from Sunday. Deaths increased by four, to 488.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up after two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.Missouri prisoners are producing a variety of products to help government agencies and nonprofit organizations during the pandemic. Three Missouri Vocational Enterprises factories have been modified since March to focus on items of need.Karen Pojmann, spokeswoman for the corrections department, said that as of May 1, prisoners have manufactured 190,418 reusable fabric face covers, including 1,100 for members of the Missouri General Assembly; 6,383 one-gallon jugs and 17,788 4-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer; and 5,827 protective gowns for veterans homes and nursing home. They're also making 336,000 rolls of toilet paper per week.