Three Vermonters, unrelated to cases in NH, test negative for COVID-19

Vermont Business Magazine With the news on March 2 that a New Hampshire resident, who had been directed to self-isolate based on the individuals travel and symptoms, has now tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19, Vermont Department of Health epidemiologists have been working closely with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to trace contacts to identify and monitor any Vermont resident who may have been in close contact with the individual.

In addition to the contact tracing being conducted in collaboration with New Hampshire health officials, Vermont health officials are also calling for people to self-identify to support this work. While under New Hampshire officials direction to self-isolate, the individual attended a private, invitation-only function at the Engine Room in White River Junction on the evening of Friday, February 28. Upon learning of this situation, the Vermont Health Department worked with the company to ensure proper cleaning and sanitizing efforts were carried out to prevent spread.

Vermont health officials are asking any Vermont resident who was at the Engine Room on the evening of February 28 to call the Health Department at 802-863-7240. People in this situation with only minimal possible contact with a case are still considered to be at low risk for infection, but out of an abundance of caution the department is seeking contact from anyone in attendance, said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD.

Vermonters who were in close contact with New Hampshire COVID-19 cases will be monitored by Vermont Health Department.If a person being monitored develops symptoms, they will be further advised to update the Health Department and also reach out to their health care provider to determine if medical evaluation is needed. Vermont health officials are using guidance that is complementary to CDCs updated Person Under Investigation (PUI) guidance, for greater flexibility to enhance the states surveillance for COVID-19.

WHAT DOES MONITORING MEAN?

Monitoring means having a person check their own temperature daily, watch for symptoms of respiratory illness and, for some people, asking them to limit their movements for a period of up to 14 days. If a person develops respiratory symptoms, they will be guided to medical treatment and tested for COVID-19 by the Health Department Laboratory if their health care provider decides it is appropriate.

Additional guidance can be found at healthvermont.gov/covid19.

CURRENT COVID-19 STATUS IN VERMONT

As of March 3, there are no known cases of people with COVID-19 in Vermont and the risk to residents generally is still low at this time, but health officials expect there will be cases in our state. The Health Department is currently monitoring 84 people who have recently returned from travel in the affected countries of South Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan and China and will now begin monitoring anyone who has had close contact with the individual in New Hampshire.Seventeen people have completed monitoring so far without any signs of illness.

In addition, three Vermonters who had symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19 have been tested at the Health Department Laboratory. All three tests have been negative for COVID-19.

While this appears to be the first case of COVID-19 that may affect Vermonters locally, more cases are expected. The Health Department, in collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, is working to prepare.Atthe direction of Governor Phil Scott, Vermont Emergency Management has assembled an interagency task force to support the overall public health response and further prepare for the likelihood of COVID-19 cases in Vermont.

The Vermont Department of Health routinely coordinates with neighboring state health departments on public health investigations, including situations that cross state borders. The Health Department is in close communication with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services regarding Vermont residents who may have come in contact with the New Hampshire COVID-19 case.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES VERMONTERS SHOULD TAKE

Because COVID-19, and all respiratory illnesses, are most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, the Health Department is urging everyone to take the same precautions as those recommended to prevent the spread of influenza.

Taking simple everyday actions will help prevent or slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like influenza and COVID-19, at work, at home, and in our communities said Dr. Levine. Wash your hands often and well, cover your cough with a tissue or your sleeve, avoid contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces."

About the Vermont Department of Health

We have been the state's public health agency for more than 130 years, working every day to protect and promote the health of Vermonters. Visit healthvermont.gov Join us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Source: Vermont Department of Health / 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05402

TEL 802.863.7285 (office) / 802.316-2121 (mobile)

WEB http://www.healthvermont.gov SOCIAL @healthvermont

See the rest here:
VT and NH health officials working together to trace contacts of NH COVID-19 Case - Vermont Biz

If you can't get enough of the Gaineses, don't worrythere are more Chip and Jo-approved products coming your way, and soon. On Sunday, Mar. 8, Target will release the latest iteration of the couple's Hearth & Hand with Magnolia brand for spring 2020, and it's full of chic new pieces. But even more exciting, the spring collection marks the expansion of the brand in stores.

With this new launch, customers will find almost twice as many Hearth & Hand with Magnolia items in 600 Target storesincluding more than 500 products for every room in the home, with some items starting at just 99 cents. This also includes the brand's recent furniture collection, which debuted in December 2019.

The spring assortment includes dinnerware, bedding, furniture, decor, and so much more. And as for the inspiration behind it all, Joanna Gaines tells House Beautiful that it's all about ushering in the new season. "Spring is like a clean slate," she says. "We open windows and feel the warmth of a new season, so I designed this new collection [including] greenery, scents, and textiles to capture the feeling of being refreshed and inspired."

Gaines also notes that spring is a great time to refresh your tabletop, adding that she designed the ceramic dinnerware specifically "for you to mix, match, and style your wayit'll look great year after year and brighten moments with family and friends."

Of course, Gaines is also excited about the in-store expansion. "For us, this collection has always been about providing beautiful, functional pieces that people would feel confident and excited to make a part of their home," she says. "With this new expansion, were thrilled to be able to offer a wider range of products and styles within each seasonal collection, and to offer guests more opportunities to create spaces they love."

Target has high hopes for the expansion as well, which only makes sense given how much of a fan-favorite the Gaines's brand has become since launching in 2017. Calling Hearth & Hand with Magnolia "a wildly successful addition to Target's strong owned brand portfolio," Target's senior vice president of home Cara Sylvester tells House Beautiful, "Weve learned that our guests are especially inspired by shopping in store, where they can touch and feel the products and envision the pieces in their own homes. Thats why were so excited to nearly double our in-store assortment this month, creating an even bolder, more inspiring destination for our guestsultimately helping them bring cozy, comfortable vibes home."

The new spring collection won't be available to shop until the 8th, but the products are officially up on Target's website, so you can see what's coming. Check out some of our top picks below, and head to Target to shop the full line once its live.

Broken Stripe Quilt

$79.99

Black Table Task Lamp

$54.99

Bistro Dining Chairs

$139.99

Macrame Trim Throw Pillow

$24.99

Textured Border Bath Rug

$19.99

Black Metal Terrarium

$34.99

Recipe Card Holder

$14.99

Toy Lemonade Set

$24.99

Stoneware Coffee Canister

$16.99

Wood & Cane Console Table

$199.99

Planter with Stand

$59.99

Gold Stripe Throw Blanket

$29.99

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

Read more from the original source:
Your Exclusive First Look at Hearth & Hand With Magnolia's New Spring Collection at Target - HouseBeautiful.com

Governor Cuomo Announces New Directive Requiring New York Insurers to Waive Cost-Sharing for Coronavirus Testing | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Skip to main content

CurrentlyAll COVID-19 Tests ConductedAt TheState's Wadsworth LabAre Fully Covered

New Yorkers Receiving Medicaid Coverage Will Not Be Expected To PayACo-Pay For Any Testing Related ToCOVID-19

Outlines Series of Other Actions That Health Insurers Should Take, Including Keeping New YorkersInformed About Available Benefits and Offering Telehealth Medical Advice and Treatment

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new directive by the State Department of Financial Services requiring New York health insurers to waive cost sharing associated with testing for novel coronavirus including emergency room, urgent care and office visits. The Governor also announced New Yorkers receiving Medicaid coverage will not be expected to pay a co-pay for any testing related to COVID-19. These actions will help ensure that cost does not serve as a barrier to access to COVID-19 testing for any New Yorker. Currently all COVID-19 tests being conducted at the State's Wadsworth Lab are fully covered.

In addition, the State outlined a series of other actions that New York health insurers are required or advised to take, including keeping New Yorkers informed regarding available benefits; offering, where possible, telehealth medical advice and treatment; and preparing insurers to cover the costs if a COVID-19 immunization should become available.

"We have the best health-care system in the world, and we are leveraging that system including our state-of-the-art Wadsworth testing lab to help contain any potential spread of the novel coronavirus in New York,"Governor Cuomo said."Containing this virus depends on us having the facts about who has it - and these measures will break down any barriers that could prevent New Yorkers from getting tested."

In order to ensure that cost-sharing is not a barrier to testing for COVID-19, DFS will promulgate an emergency regulation that:

The State Department of Health will ensure New Yorkers receiving Medicaid coverage have their costs covered. New Yorkers enrolled in self-funded employer-based health insurance plans that are not regulated by New York State due to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) should contact their employer to fully understand the scope of coverage.

In addition to covering the cost of testing,the guidance issued by DFS to health insurers regarding actions they should take in relation to the potential impact of COVID-19 on New York includes:

The State of New York does not imply approval of the listed destinations, warrant the accuracy of any information set out in those destinations, or endorse any opinions expressed therein. External web sites operate at the direction of their respective owners who should be contacted directly with questions regarding the content of these sites.

See the original post:
Governor Cuomo Announces New Directive Requiring New York Insurers to Waive Cost-Sharing for Coronavirus Testing - ny.gov

0 of 32

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone. Next up on the league calendar is an event that fans look forward to annually: the free-agent feeding frenzy, where dozens of players switch teams and hundreds of millions of dollars change hands.

Of course, free agency isn't created equal for all 32 teams. The biggest reason for that is simplesome franchises have a lot more to spend than others.

That's as true in 2020 as in any other year. With the salary cap projected to come in around $200 million, five NFL teams have over $75 million with which to keep their own free agents and add new faces to the roster.

Conversely, three teams presently have less than $5 million to work withless than it costs the average team to sign its own draft class, let alone anyone else. For those clubs, tough decisions loom.

With the March 12 deadline to apply the franchise tag to players getting closer by the day and the "legal tampering" period opening just a few days after, here's a look at the current salary-cap situation of all 32 teamsfrom the brokest of the broke to the flushest of the flush.

Looking for a complete 2020 free agency preview? TheStick to Footballcrew has you covered in their latest episode. Check it outhere.

1 of 32

The good news for the Minnesota Vikings is that when veteran defensive end Everson Griffen opted out of his contract, it got the team into the black relative to the projected 2020 salary cap of $200 million.

The bad news iseverything else.

It's not just that with less than $1.5 million in wiggle room, the Vikings are in no position to be a player when free agency opens. They are also going to be hard-pressed to find the cash to bring back their own free agents. In addition to Griffen, cornerback Trae Waynes and safety Anthony Harris are about to hit the open market. Harris is likely going to command a pretty penny after piling up six interceptions in a breakout 2019 campaign.

The Vikings can create additional cap space by cutting/trading/restructuring a high-priced veteran (cornerback Xavier Rhodes' name has come up more than once) and/or extending quarterback Kirk Cousins.

But if Minnesota is going to improve the roster in the hopes of another playoff run, it's likely going to come through the 2020 NFL draft.

2 of 32

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be getting at least one major addition that won't cost the team anything against the salary capprovided that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's elbow is 100 percent when Week 1 rolls around.

That's about the extent of the good news in the Steel City.

With only about $1.6 million in cap space, the Steelers are going to need to clear some salary just to have enough cash to sign the draft classand that's after sending their first-round pick to Miami in the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade.

Even then, the Steelers are going to have a difficult time keeping in-house free agents like defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and edge-rusher Bud Dupree in the fold. Both are coming off career years and play positions that can command fat paydays on the open market.

ESPN's Jenna Laine reported from the combine that Dupree is a candidate for the franchise tag. But that's going to mean clearing cap space. Quite a bit of it, in fact.

A number of veterans in Pittsburgh could find themselves cap casualties in the next couple of weeks, including guard Ramon Foster, inside linebacker Mark Barron and tight end Vance McDonald.

3 of 32

The Atlanta Falcons are a franchise on the edge. After an atrocious first half of the 2019 season, a 6-2 second half was enough to save head coach Dan Quinn's job. But just a few years removed from a berth in the Super Bowl, the seat under Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff is pretty warm.

Atlanta doesn't have an easy go of it this year relative to the salary cap with under $5 million in space. The team could clear more room by releasing a veteran like tailback Devonta Freeman. Owner Arthur Blank allowed to ESPN's Vaughn McClure that some tough decisions loom:

"The salary cap is not unlimited. It seems like it's unlimited, but it's not. And the investments we have made -- which have been very, very substantial with a wide variety of players on both sides of the ball -- have been significant. So personnel, and coach, and [team president] Rich McKay, they'll be looking at everything and making sure we're making investments in the right areas based on what the roster has to look like going forward."

The Falcons have already said they will not bring back edge-rusher Vic Beasley Jr., but decisions still need to be made regarding the likes of tight end Austin Hooper and linebacker De'Vondre Campbell.

4 of 32

The New Orleans Saints have work to do.

As things stand right now, the Saints have $9 million and change in cap space. That wouldn't be too bad, were it not for a few small problems.

First, there's the matter of Drew Brees' free agency. From all indications, the greatest player in franchise history will be back in 2020. But the odds that he's going to play the season for $9 million arenot good.

Then there are the other free agents the Saints have to make a decision ona list that isn't short. Safety Vonn Bell. Cornerback Eli Apple. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. There's just not enough cash to go aroundespecially with the Saints virtually certain to tender restricted free agent Taysom Hill as well.

And then there's tailback Alvin Kamara, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The possibility that Kamara will hold out if he doesn't get a huge raise is a real oneand the Saints don't have the wiggle room to give him that raise.

At least not yet.

5 of 32

The San Francisco 49ers are paying the price for success in 2020.

The Niners came up just short of winning Super Bowl LIV, but now the bill has come due. With around $13 million in cap space, the team is running low on available cash. It also has a few prominent in-house free agents to contend with.

Defensive lineman Arik Armstead will likely command well over $10 million a season after finally living up to his first-round draft status last season. Defensive back Jimmie Ward's versatility should make him a valuable commodity on the open market. Veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk are also set to hit free agency.

There's a lot more money in total contracts sitting on that list than San Francisco has to spendand that's without considering outside signings. Even if the team cuts underperforming veterans like running back Jerick McKinnon to free up more room, the resources aren't there for the reigning NFC champions to be a tone-setting team in free agency.

6 of 32

Free agency hasn't even started yet, and Kansas City's salary-cap space is already gone.

The Super Bowl champions reportedly intend to franchise-tag defensive lineman Chris Jones, a move that will cost them more than the $13.7 million they have under the cap. The move doesn't sit especially well with the 25-year-old, who told Fox Sports' Colin Cowherd he has "mixed emotions" (h/t Arrowhead Pride).

"There's no hard feelings. It's the business," Jones said before adding: "It's a little hard. It's like, 'Damn, what else y'all want me to do? I gotta go out and get 30 sacks, 35 sacks to show y'all I can...you know?'"

The Chiefs need to make some difficult decisions just to clear enough room to tag Jones and sign their rookie class. Any free agents that join the team in 2020 will likely come from the bargain bin.

Especially as a historic extension for MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes looms over the franchise.

7 of 32

The Los Angeles Rams have spent the past couple of seasons firmly entrenched in "win now" mode. In 2018, that paid off with a berth in Super Bowl LIII. In 2019, however, the Rams missed the postseason altogether.

The massive contracts the Rams handed out to the likes of quarterback Jared Goff and tailback Todd Gurley II have also put the team in a tight spot relative to the salary cap. Los Angeles has less than $15 million available with several major contributors set to hit free agency.

Left tackle Andrew Whitworth may not be the player he once was, but the Rams don't have much of a plan of succession behind him. Edge-rusher Dante Fowler Jr. is coming off a career year with 11.5 sacks. Inside linebacker Cory Littleton led the team with 134 total tackles in 2019.

Oh, and cornerback Jalen Ramsey is entering a contract year. And the trade that brought Ramsey to L.A. cost the Rams their first-round pick in 2020.

Other than that, though, everything's fine.

8 of 32

After going 12-4 and winning the NFC North two years ago, the Chicago Bears suffered through a miserable 2019 campaign.

It now appears the Bears are at a crossroads with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, they are expected to pursue a veteran signal-caller to "push" Trubisky.

That's going to put them in quite the financial crunch.

The Bears are already on a fairly tight budget with less than $17 million under the cap. Even a middling backup quarterback would eat up half that cash. One with starter's experience would cost most (if not all) of it.

That puts the team in a real bind. Chicago has at least three defensive starters set to hit free agency in safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, cornerback Prince Amukamara and inside linebacker Danny Trevathan.

It's not going to be easy for the Bears to keep from taking a step backward talent-wise on that side of the ballespecially if Chicago really is serious about adding competition for Trubisky.

9 of 32

Not that many years ago, it didn't matter how much wiggle room the Green Bay Packers had under the cap. With a few exceptions, Ted Thompson was notorious for being frugal when it came to bringing in big-name outsiders.

However, Brian Gutekunst has shown no such reluctance to spend money. He dished out a ton last year to overhaul the team's pass rush.

A repeat spending spree won't be as easy. Green Bay's $20.5 million in cap space isn't the biggest free-agent bankroll, and the team has players of its own to consider, like leading tackler Blake Martinez and offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga.

If the Packers re-sign those players, that cap space will be goneand then some. If they don't, a substantial portion of it will have to be spent acquiring replacements.

Adding a wide receiver to complement Davante Adams may have to wait for the 2020 draft.

Free agency is going to be more about treading water in Titletown.

10 of 32

The Jacksonville Jaguars will ship veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye to the Denver Broncos after the 2020 league year opens, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move will net Jacksonville over $11 million in cap relief and a fourth-round pick.

But that money won't come off the books for a few weeks.

In 2019, the Jaguars dished out one of free agency's biggest contracts to Nick Foles, whom they hoped would be their quarterback of the future.

They can only hope 2020 treats them better than that boondoggle has.

The Jaguars face a similarly expensive call this spring. They are reportedly set to slap the franchise tag on edge-rusher Yannick Ngakoue, who amassed 37.5 sacks in four seasons. That didn't go over well with the 24-year-old.

"The Jaguars are aware I no longer have interest in signing a long term contract in Jacksonville," Ngakoue wrote on Twitter. "Duval, I love you and gave you guys everything I got. Im thankful for the journey and look forward to continuing my career elsewhere."

It appears that a tag-and-trade scenario is likely, and the Jaguars will be motivated to get a deal done soon. Ngakoue's franchise tag will decimate the team's cap space...even after the Bouye trade.

11 of 32

Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh is proud of what the franchise has accomplished in this era of roster turnover, as he told reporters in January:

"We have had some things that we have had to work against, salary cap-wise and roster-wise and things like that. Guys have left in free agency, those kinds of things. I think we have done a remarkable job of building this team to where it is right now. I am really proud of what we have been able to do, on the personnel side and the coaching-scheme side. What we have been able to build with the guys that we have had and get the most out of our players [is impressive]."

It's going to take some more savvy roster management to keep the momentum going from last year's 14-2 season. The team isn't without resourcesover $30 million in cap space. But there are also potential holes to fill if edge-rusher Matthew Judon (who led the team in sacks) and inside linebacker Patrick Onwuasor depart.

12 of 32

There are a lot of changes with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. There's a new head coach in Matt Rhule. The team has to find a new defensive leader after linebacker Luke Kuechly retired. But Rhule indicated to reporters at the scouting combine that there will not be a sea change coming at quarterback:

"I absolutely want Cam [Newton] here. There's no doubt about that. At the end of the day, it's all about what's next for us. We have to make sure we continue to get him healthy and he's doing a great job of that. I want to make sure I say that. He's going above and beyond in that regard so, when healthy, I think there's no doubt about who he is and what he can do. We just have to get him there."

That's for the best, more likely than not. Trading or releasing Newton would add to Carolina's $34.5 million in cap space, but it also would leave a cavernous hole on the roster.

With Kuechly and tight end Greg Olsen gone and the likes of edge-rushers Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and cornerback James Bradberry about to hit free agency, there are already enough gaps in need of patching.

13 of 32

The Arizona Cardinals barely rank inside the top 20 in available salary-cap space, with a hair under $40 million to spend on free agents and this year's draft class.

But it can be argued that the Redbirds are in better shape than quite a few teams with more wiggle room.

For starters, the Cardinals don't have to worry about the quarterback position, either in free agency or the 2020 draft. The team has its man in 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year Kyler Murray, whose rookie deal won't expire until 2024.

Also, the Cardinals don't have any in-house free agents who are no-doubt, whatever-it-takes re-ups. Sure, bringing back tailback Kenyan Drake after his second-half surge last year would be nice. But it's not a must if the money gets wonky.

What is a must for the Cardinals this year is improving the protection in front of Murray. It won't be at all surprising if Arizona is aggressive in going after some of this season's bigger names on the offensive front.

14 of 32

If the Arizona Cardinals are in better shape against the cap than the numbers indicate, it's the opposite story for the New England Patriots.

The team's $41.7 million in wiggle room is a mirage.

Whether Tom Brady returns to New England or the team is forced to turn the page at quarterback, a significant portion of that cap space is going to that positionwell over half if the Golden Boy is back in 2020.

Brady isn't the only starter the Patriots have to consider re-signing this spring. Longtime safety Devin McCourty, linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins, and guard Joe Thuney are also hitting the open market.

For many years, the Patriots have been willing to allow veteran free agents to depart. The team's ability to reload year after year is one of the most impressive things about the New England dynasty of the last 20 years.

That resilience is about to be tested again. Only this time, there might be one player leaving that the Pats cannot afford to lose.

15 of 32

The Philadelphia Eagles won the NFC East in 2019, but a nine-win season and quick playoff exit (not to mention approximately all the injuries ever) exposed the flaws in Philly's roster.

The issue is going to be filling those holes without creating too many morewhile doing it with an average amount of cap space.

It's not going to be easy. The Eagles already made one difficult decision, releasing the team's best linebacker in Nigel Bradham. Longtime left tackle Jason Peters is a free agent. So is swing tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai. And veteran defensive backs Rodney McLeod and Ronald Darby. As Jeff McLane reported for the Philadelphia Inquirer, prevailing wisdom at the combine was that veteran wideout Alshon Jeffery has played his last game for the Eagles.

Veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins has also made it abundantly clear that he wants a new contract this spring. This could easily be a team that has to rebuild the back end on defense and the receiving corps on the fly.

That's not going to be an easy feat for general manager Howie Roseman to pull off.

Read the rest here:
A Look at Every Team's Cap Situation Heading into Start of NFL Free Agency - Bleacher Report

The IMP Society and Student Hip-Hop Organization hosted an event Oct. 2018 at Beta Theta Pis fraternity house where there were alleged violations of the previously agreed upon terms of the party. The IMPsand SHHO later called out Beta Theta Pi members blantant discrimination barring students of color from entering the house, creating an unwelcoming and separate space. In response to issues such as these, the University Judiciary Committee introduced the University and Fraternity Panel at a recent General Body meeting. The primary goal of the Panel is to hear cases of alleged misconduct at any co-sponsored event between recognized Inter-Fraternity Council fraternities and organizations affiliated with the University, such as CIOs. In implementing this body, UJC has not only filled a gap in the judicial system, but has also set an important precedent in holding one of the largest social organizations on Grounds accountable for its behavior.

Currently, any reported misconduct of IFC fraternities is adjudicated within its own judicial body the Inter-Fraternity Council Judiciary Committee. The IFCJC uses a separate set of standards and sanctioning procedures to handle these reports. However, this does not include a specific system for hearing cases involving CIOs or any other University-sponsored organization. The absence of an adequate body to hear a case regarding these allegations demonstrated a clear shortcoming of the judiciary system at the University.

While the IFCJC does provide some oversight for fraternities, the University is not involved in any of these processes. In fact, the University has no authority in these cases, and reports of misconduct concerning Greek life is handled almost exclusively by the fraternitys national organization. Nevertheless, the University may act in cases that directly follow its jurisdiction, meaning the involvement of University groups or property. Therefore, the formal creation of this committee within UJC is an important recognition of the Universitys responsibility in such affairs.

The Panel will not necessarily be its own independent entity, however, as each UFP trial will be required to have an equal number of representatives from both UJC and IFCJC in order to ensure a fair and equitable voting system. In addition to this, each representative on the UFP will have to complete procedural training led by a student experienced with the innerworkings of deliberation and sanctioning. This collaboration will essentially fill the current gaps in the University judiciary system to ensure an environment in which all students can not only feel welcomed and safe but also have the ability to hold others accountable when they foster an environment in which it is impossible to do so.

There are a host of issues surrounding Greek life and their procedures at the University, and this new body by no means will solve them in their entirety. For example, unsafe party culture, sexist double standards considering fraternities and sororities and concerns about accessibility persist. This judicial body cannot be expected to remedy all of these issues however, it is a step to begin holding them more accountable to the student body and the groups of which they are a part.

With hopes of continuing to foster a community of diversity and inclusion at the University, this panel is both a necessary and welcomed addition to our current judiciary system. This judiciary body allows fraternities to be held accountable for how they stand within the University community. By directly acknowledging that fraternities are held to the same standards of student self-governance, UJC is making it easier for the University community as a whole to interact with IFC fraternities. It is a solid step in the right direction, under which there is only room for more improvement.

The Cavalier Daily Editorial Board is composed of the Executive Editor, the Editor-in-Chief, the two Opinion Editors and their Senior Associate. The board can be reached at eb@avalierdaily.com.

Original post:
EDITORIAL: The University and Fraternity Panel is a step in the right direction - University of Virginia The Cavalier Daily

Are you packed yet? Well, you should be. Reward your hard work and success and take advantage of a unique opportunity to own a beachfront, getaway vacation property in gorgeous Belize. Hop on an early morning flight and have your toes in the soft white sand in time for an afternoon swim in the Caribbean Sea and cocktail hour under the swaying coconut palms.

Admit it. You deserve this.

Imagine escaping to Casa Pisces, located on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, located just inside the worlds second-largest coral reef. This gorgeous escape-from-reality compound currently owned by a Silicon Valley executive sprawls over 3.5 acres with about 300 feet of beachfront and approximately 9,000 square feet of living space. The compound sits just adjacent to the newest addition to the Hol Chan Marine Preserve, has nine structures with a total of eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The main house features 5,400 square feet with a 30-foot-ceiling great room, three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, and two one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom guesthouses with private studios overlooking the ocean and attached to the main house by a Spanish-tiled and thatch-covered veranda. A detached two-level guesthouse has one bedroom, one-and-a-half bathrooms, gourmet kitchen, and dining and living areas. A self-sufficient Caretakers House has an additional two bedrooms and two bathrooms. A garden house and storage unit can also be converted to additional guest cottages.

Every room is exquisitely furnished with custom designs that are included with the estate.

Envision a luxurious and dream destination for extended family gatherings, an executive vacation home, or a corporate retreat. Consider the ultimate income-producing investment and create a luxury boutique resort where guests can relax in the white sandy beach or take guided excursions from snorkeling and fishing to scuba diving. Stroll the lush grounds of this property, home to more than 100 coconut palm trees and gardens bursting with flowering trees, orchids, and foliage.

Beautifully remodeled in 2016, Casa Pisces showcases soaring vaulted ceilings, exotic Jobillo (tigerwood) floors and cabinetry, a 60-by-30-foot open great room with a 30-foot thatched ceiling, walls of windows, postcard-worthy ocean view loggias, and is steps away from two private boat docks, and romantic palapas. Set off on a 16-foot Hobie Getaway sailboat, four kayaks or a 26-foot Pelican powerboat. Boats are included.

Additional features include central air, security systems, a Sonos surround sound system and a swimming area.

Ambergris Caye was named the No. 1 island in the world two years in a row by TripAdvisor, and in the Top 5 Overseas Property Markets for 2016 by the Huffington Post. Belize was also named the top retirement destination by U.S. News & World Report in 2016.

Only a two-hour time difference for six months out of the year, and a one-hour time difference the other half, Belize offers the convenience of doing business and staying in contact with family and friends in the Bay Area. Governed by British Common Law, real estate investors can have full property ownership with land title just as they would in the United States and Canada. English is the official language, and no capital gains tax and low property tax also makes an investment equally appealing.

Its no wonder resorts owned by some of the biggest names in the hospitality industry have planned to open on the island later this year, which will continue to boost the economy and property values, and attract still more visitors and investors to the island.

Marriotts Alaia Beachfront Resort Autograph Collection will open 155 residences. The Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club in the Mahogany Bay Village will offer 205 residences in its Curio Collection by Hilton. Margaritaville Beachfront Resort will open 71 residences, and Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa is planning to open 38 residences in 2020. Blackadore Caye Eco-Resort, owned by Leonardo DiCaprio, is also opening later this year with 36 bungalows and 36 estate villas.

Casa Pisces is located about 6 miles from the main town of San Pedro, where you can find shops, restaurants and cafes, and where the golf cart or bicycle are the favored modes of transportation. Fly into the recently expanded airport in Belize City, less than 40 miles away from this estate, and accessible by multiple 15-minute flights per day or a 40-minute water taxi service.

Enjoy the proximity to some of the best snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving sites in the world in addition to the magnificent barrier reef, the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

Belize tourism has been booming since 2014, with about 66 percent of its visitors coming from the U.S.

Ready for island time? Thats what I thought.

Price: $7,280,000Where: Casa Pisces, Ambergris Caye, BelizeWebsite: http://www.casapisces.comMarketing consultant: Compass. Chalet Kerr, 408-425-8662, chalet.kerr@compass.com. An American property manager located in Belize is available to arrange a showing. Contact Chalet for more information.

For further information, visit: Belize Tourism Board

Check out: Upcoming resorts to open in 2020

Go here to read the rest:
Sponsored: Build a beautiful life in beachfront Belize with income opportunities - East Bay Times

The measure would set up a referendum for voters to consider in the November general election. If approved, it would grant nine sports gambling licenses.

This content was republished with permission from WTOPs news partners at Maryland Matters. Sign up for Maryland Matters free email subscription today.

A measure to allow Marylanders to gamble on sporting events cleared an important hurdle on Tuesday when a Senate committee voted unanimously to approve a bill sponsored by a Montgomery County lawmaker.

Under the watchful gaze of nearly a dozen lobbyists in the back of the room, the Budget and Taxation Committee made up of nine Democrats and four Republicans gave its approval to Senate Bill 4.

The measure would set up a referendum for voters to consider in the November general election. If approved, it would grant nine sports gambling licenses.

Six would go to the states casinos; Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park, the states busiest horse tracks, would share a license; one would go to the State Fairgrounds in Timonium; and one would go to a new Washington Redskins stadium in Prince Georges County.

Marylands four off-track betting parlors would also have the right to accept bets on professional and college athletics.

Each licensee would be forced to pay an upfront fee. For the Redskins, the Maryland Jockey Club (the company that owns Laurel and Pimlico) and the larger casinos, the fee would be $2.5 million.

For casinos with fewer than 1,000 slot machines, the fee would be $1.5 million.

The bulk of the states take from sports gaming would fund K-12 public education.

This is something that we hear Marylanders want, said Sen. Craig J. Zucker, D-Montgomery, a member of the committee and the legislations chief sponsor.

This is something that theyll have a chance to vote on come this next election. And it will make sure that were making sure that were doing what we can to invest in the future of Marylanders education.

In addition to on-site gambling, license holders would get a skin industry parlance for an online betting app.

Licenses could be good for five years. After that, the venues would pay a renewal fee equal to 25% of their original levy.

Venues that offer sports betting would get to keep 80% of their net revenue. Nineteen percent would go to the state, and 1% would go into a minority contracting fund.

Unlike casino gambling, an established industry where the odds favor the house, sports gambling outside of Las Vegas is relatively new. Sportsbooks occasionally have losing days.

That makes it a challenge to estimate how much money sports wagering would generate. According to a legislative analysis, Maryland would take in approximately $21 million a year.

The license for the Redskins follows an intense lobbying effort by the teams majority owner, Dan Snyder, who has traveled to Annapolis to meet with top lawmakers from both chambers.

To get a license, the team, which currently plays at the outdated FedEx Field in Landover, would have to meet certain conditions:

In addition, all license applicants would have to meet minority business participation goals established by the states Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs.

As currently drafted, there is no license for the Baltimore Orioles or the Baltimore Ravens, though that could change as the measure continues to work its way through the legislative process.

Because the measure establishes a constitutional amendment, the bill must pass both chambers by a three-fifths margin and be signed by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. It would then be put to voters in November.

The 19-page bill may well undergo further amendment, a point Sen. Guy J. Guzzone, D-Howard, the chairman of the budget committee, alluded to when he said, Well hear from our friends in the back, a reference to the lobbying contingent eyeing the panels deliberations.

The measure now goes to the full Senate. If ultimately approved, Maryland would join a growing list of states to legalize gaming on pro and college sporting events, including many neighboring states.

In a recent survey by Goucher College, Marylanders were divided on the issue of legalized sports betting.

By a margin of 47% to 43%, the public narrowly supports allowing people to gamble on sporting events online. But nearly half opposed sports gambling at casinos, race tracks or stadiums. Goucher found that 45% of the public is OK with betting on sports at those locations, with 49% opposed.

Gambling on high school sports would not be allowed. Athletes, coaches, referees, trainers and team owners would not be allowed to wager, nor could those with exclusive information.

This article was written by WTOPs news partners atMaryland Mattersand republished with permission.Sign up for Maryland Matters free email subscription today.

See the rest here:
Sports gaming bill headed to Maryland Senate floor - WTOP

As hospitals across the country prepare for an expected influx of coronavirus patients, officials at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center (PSHMC) and University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)two hospitals that treated some of the nation's first coronavirus patientsshare their lessons learned, Patti Neighmond reports for NPR's "Shots."

Our analysis: The 'recurring themes' of disease outbreaks

Reports of the newcoronavirusfirst surfaced in early December 2019 in Wuhan, China. According to theWorld Health Organization(WHO), the main symptoms of the virus are fever and lesions in both lungs. Some patients also have reported difficulty breathing, WHO said.

In the United States, state and federal officials as of Wednesdayreporteda total of 129 confirmed or presumed positive cases of COVID-19 and nine deaths linked to the virus, theTimesreports. CDC as of Wednesdaysaid49 of the cases involved Americans who contracted the virus elsewhere and then repatriated to the United States, 24 cases involved patients who had contracted the virus while traveling abroad and were diagnosed after returning to the United States, and 16 cases involved patients who contracted the virus via human-to-human transmission in the United States. CDC said 40 cases were under investigation.

Globally, officialshave reportedmore than 94,300 cases of the virus as of Wednesday, with most of those cases occurring in mainland China, theNew York Timesreports. Officials said as of Wednesday there had been at least 3,210 deaths linked to the virus, and all but 229 of the deaths occurred in mainland China.

PSHMC is treating four patients who were infected with the new coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

Amy Compton-PhillipsEVP and CCO at Providence St. Joseph Health, the hospital network that oversees PSHMCsaid each of the patients are stable, but she noted that "their level of symptomatology is pretty variable."

The patients are being treated in the hospital's special isolation rooms, which are designed to keep the virus from spreading.

"All the air is sanitized before being exhausted out," Compton-Phillips said, "so that germs cannot go from being in the room, through a vent system into the rest of the hospital, or out into the air of the community."

Compton-Phillips said the patients are being treated at the hospital instead of at home as an extra level of precaution.

"They aren't necessarily sick enough to be in the hospital, but because the virus is new and because it's different and nobody knows exactly how it's going to progress and we're still at the phase where we're trying to prevent the genie from getting out of the bottletrying to prevent this from becoming the next big pandemic," she said.

Meanwhile, UNMC has treated 14 patients. According to the hospital, four patients have been cleared and discharged, two patients tested negative for the virus and are still being monitored, and two patients initially tested positive but are now symptom-free and have recently tested negative for the virus.

Like PSHMC, UNMC is treating the patients in special isolation rooms designed to keep the virus from spreading. Shelly Schwedhelm, executive director of emergency management and bio-preparedness at UNMC, said most of the patients have exhibited "minimal symptoms and are stable."

Schwedhelm likened caring for coronavirus patients to caring for severe cases of the flu or other infectious diseases.

"Putting them in a private room, no matter what that looks like is best," Schwedhelm said. "Certainly, getting them masked even before moving them from the front door or reception area is best. While we don't completely know how this virus is transmitted, like most respiratory viruses, the most important routes of transmission certainly are going to be direct contact and droplet."

In a webinar advising hospitals on how to prepare for the new coronavirus, Schwedhelm and a physician colleague told attendees to "do the best that you can and use the resources that you have available in terms of an airborne isolation roombut, if not, do the best that you can, and that is probably going to be good enough in most cases."

Both Compton-Phillips and Schwedhelm noted that resources, including hospital beds and protective gear, could become a problem if the new coronavirus reaches pandemic levels, and cases in the United States surge.

For instance, Compton-Phillips said many hospitals are already strained from treating flu patients. "And so, if we have another (big epidemic of respiratory illness around the same time), it could wreak havoc," she said.

In addition, Schwedhelm said UNMC's 41 isolation beds won't be enough to treat all of the severely ill patients if the case count rises quickly. PSHMC has 10 isolation rooms, Neighmond reports.

"If this virus becomes a virus of pandemic potential, every health system, every organization is going to need to be all in," Schwedhelm said.

Another potential problem for providers is a shortage of protective gear, including gloves, gowns, and masks, Neighmond reports. Compton-Phillips said this is a common problem in a large outbreak because the gear has to be thrown away after it's used.

"The first [coronavirus] patient we hadwhen he was doing well, it took about six changes a day per shift for nurses and caregivers to take on and take off, as they were caring for that person," she said. "And then, as he started getting sicker, it got to 22 changes per shift."

Since much of the protective gear is made in China, "suppliers are triaging to where the need is highest," Compton-Phillips said. She added PSHMC is working hard to be "creative, conservative, and judicious" in its use of protective gear.

That said, Schwedhelm said hospitals and health care organizations across the United States are taking the right steps. They're "doing a lot with education and communication, sharing resources, sharing information," Schwedhelm said, "starting to prepare for that scenario, should it evolve" (Neighmond, "Shots," NPR, 3/2; Lai et al., New York Times, 3/4; CDC website, 3/4).

Read the original post:
What these 2 American hospitals learned from treating coronavirus - The Daily Briefing

Dr. Sarah Rhoads MD16 RES20, a University practitioner who is a resident at Hasbro Childrens Hospital, has several tricks up her sleeve for helping children who come into the hospital with asthma exacerbations.

When young patients exacerbations begin to subside, Rhoads asks them to blow bubbles or puff on pin wheels. This helps them practice taking deep breaths, making sure theyre keeping their lungs open. Sometimes shell give patients Popsicles. When a Popsicle melts it can be a secret way of keeping a kid hydrated, if theyre willing to take the bait, she said.

Mnica Huertas, a Providence resident, has three children who have asthma. She and her children have started calling the doctors at Hasbro the Popsicle doctors.

From the moment a child enters the emergency room with an asthma exacerbation, the medical staff at Hasbro launch into a well-rehearsed protocol. It is a situation they see often: Asthma is the most common chronic illness among Rhode Islands children, The Herald previously reported. Asthma also disproportionately burdens urban, low-income communities of color.

For a child with chronic asthma, the illness can have multiple consequences, from Intensive Care Unit stays to school absences. In addition, asthma medication and ER visits can impose a financial burden on families.

Most children who come into the hospital with asthma exacerbations receive an albuterol dose, which helps open up their airways and is found in prescription rescue inhalers. Sometimes children also receive steroids to calm inflammation. Most kids at that point are doing okay, Rhoads said.

The staffs goal is to make sure that children can go four hours or more without needing albuterol. If their condition necessitates breathing treatment every one to two hours, they get transferred into more intensive treatment areas.

In that scenario, Rhoads will communicate the message to the family by telling them that their child has shown that he is getting a little bit better, but we think he needs to be watched closely.

Dr. Nicholas Nassikas MD 15, a University Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine fellow specializing in asthma, treats patients who have been transferred to the ICU for asthma exacerbations. He helps the ICUs staff navigate life support machines that can provide oxygen for those patients, or even breathe for them. Asthma is scary because it can get very bad very quickly, he said.

In 2016, when Rhoads was an intern at the hospital, a girl suffering from an asthma crisis was brought into the emergency room by Emergency Medical Services. She was having such a hard time breathing that she couldnt even talk. The girl was taken into a specialized room within the ER where she received heightened treatment before being transferred to the ICU. The breathing treatments she received helped her recover and she went home a day or two later, Rhoads said. It was the first time in her medical career that she had witnessed a situation where a child with asthma ended up in the ICU.

In most cases, children leave the hospital relatively quickly, Rhoads said. When a child who is having a really tough time breathing receives a few simple therapies that make them feel better, and they end up running out the door, that feels great, she said.

After an asthma exacerbation, the child leaves the hospital with a piece of paper explaining how to treat asthma if it happens again. One of the hardest parts of Rhoads job is seeing children come to the emergency room repeatedly because their asthma is not well controlled.

Sometimes she has to write absence notes for those children if they missed school while they were in the hospital because of asthma.

Asthma contributes to school absenteeism, according to Dr. Daphne Koinis-Mitchell, professor in the departments of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and Pediatrics and director of the Community Asthma Program at Rhode Island Hospital.

We see the rates of absenteeism are much higher in children with asthma in urban school districts compared to children without asthma, she said, adding that children with asthma miss, on average, two more weeks of school than children without asthma. In some districts with high asthma prevalence, this difference is larger.

There are multiple factors causing asthma-related absenteeism, just as there are multiple factors causing asthma itself.

After spending time in the hospital, children might be tired and parents may choose to keep them home. Some caregivers do this for fear that (their children) may experience asthma symptoms when theyre in a school setting, Koinis-Mitchell said.

Even if they go to school, lost sleep due to asthma can affect a childs academic performance, because it can make it harder for them to pay attention and concentrate in class, she said.

In order to help families better control their childrens asthma, Hasbro has established programs on asthma management education tailored to caregivers and children. Some of these efforts have existed for over 20 years, Koinis-Mitchell added.

One of these, the Rhode Island Asthma Integrated Response (RI-AIR), is one of only four programs of its kind in the country and receives federal funding. RI-AIR identifies children with asthma living in high-risk areas, conducts screenings and designs tailored, evidence-based interventions. If (families) adhere to the intervention, their asthma outcomes will improve, Koinis-Mitchell said, adding that these outcomes include school absenteeism and academic performance.

The intervention might include coordinating with the school nurse and other staff at the childs school.

Some schools have multiple systems in place to help address their students asthma. Individual schools have target teams, made up of administrators, social workers, the school nurse and other staff members, who regularly analyze attendance data and suggest interventions for students with high absenteeism, wrote Laura Hart, Providence Public Schools District director of communications, in an email to The Herald. If the cause of a students high absenteeism is asthma management, the school will often reach out with additional referrals and supports.

Beyond affecting their school performance, a childs recurring asthma can also have a high financial cost for their family.

Huertas, the Providence mother whose children frequent the Popsicle doctor for their asthma, has seen these costs firsthand. On her healthcare plan, the co-pay for chewable steroid tablets is $5, and inhalers cost her $35, she said. She buys four inhalers a month.

In addition, Huertas estimates that she pays $100 every time one of her children goes to the emergency room. Shes been there 11 times in the past three years, bringing the cost up to $1,100, she estimated.

This cost can impose a financial strain on some families. A few years ago, an adult family friend of Huertas with chronic asthma died from an exacerbation, leaving two children behind, because she couldnt afford her pump medication, Huertas said. I was like, heres an albuterol, take mine, but I guess it just wasnt enough. She died from a(n) asthma attack, its so sad, and I always get scared, I take my kids right to the doctor.

And at the doctors, the cycle of asthmas effects on childrens everyday lives begins all over again.

View post:
Asthma impacts Providence kids' daily lives - The Brown Daily Herald

Welcome to 319 Echandia, where you will find standing tall, this updated and full of charm, character home in the highly desirable Mount Pleasant tract of Boyle Heights.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the landscaped front yard and welcoming front porch where you can enjoy your morning coffee or beverage of choice. As you step into the living room, you will notice the high ceilings and original character that makes this home ever so charming. The dining room and updated kitchen, including newer cabinets and granite countertops, are beyond the living room making it easy to entertain. The two bathrooms are also newly remodeled. In addition there is a laundry area off thekitchen and access to the backyard.

Amenities include, newer roof and attic insulation, newer gutters, updated electrical, updated plumbing, HVAC system, cemented walkways on both sides of home, plantation shutters throughout and landscaping in both front and backyards.

On top of all that... did someone say extra office space? she shed? man cave? yoga studio? the possibilities are endless for the detached, newly remodeled bonus room.

The property is located near: DTLA, Arts District, White Memorial, Dodger Stadium and all the restaurants the area has to offer. This is a must see.

Presented by

See the article here:
Remodeled character home in Boyle Heights | Calendar - The Eastsider LA