April 2020 – Matthew P. Gomez

April 30, 2020

A Drug Could Speed Up Recovery; The Economy Declines

Results from a trial involving more than a thousand hospital patients showed the drug Remdesivir could speed up recovery from COVID-19 and possibly also reduce deaths.

Wednesday morning’s first quarter gross domestic product report shows that the economy shrank last quarter at a rate not seen since the fall of 2008.

New findings suggest a link between COVID-19 and life-threatening blood clots that cause strokes in all age groups.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts talks about how his state is trying to lead the charge in contact tracing, and how leadership during a pandemic is uniquely challenging.

Plus, in New Orleans, Brass-a-Holics bandleader Winston “Trombone” Turner wanted to honor the deceased of COVID-19 like they would have been ordinarily — with music. So, he picked up his horn and called a few friends to record a performance of “I’ll Fly Away,” a celebratory song played at almost every traditional New Orleans funeral.

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April 29, 2020

1 Million Confirmed Coronavirus Cases In U.S.; Labs Struggle To Test Faster

More than 1 million cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Nationwide social distancing guidance runs through April 30. After that, what happens is up to individual states.

One reason why coronavirus testing has been stymied in the United States is that public health labs in at least 10 states have been underfunded for years, an investigation by APM found.

Plus, listeners of It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders share how they are spending their free time. Listen on Apple, Spotify and NPR One.

Life Kit’s full episode on how to start running with Peter Sagal on Apple, Spotify and NPR One.

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April 28, 2020

New Symptoms; A Missed Chance At Early Detection

Challenges with testing and logistics, clashes between federal and state officials and even hospitals’ fears of being stigmatized as a source of infection — all cost valuable time in detecting the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S., reports NPR’s Lauren Sommer.

The federal government has re-started the Paycheck Protection Program, which gives loans to small businesses. Lawmakers required some of the money to go community banks this time around.

Also, the CDC recognizes new symptoms of the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Italy will start reopening the country next week. The country has suffered high death rates, second only to the U.S., and it was the first western nation to lock down.

Plus, one of the top-grossing movie theaters in the country this past week was the Ocala Drive-In in Ocala, Florida.

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April 28, 2020

Should you consider virtual visitation?

If you have visitation rights, it’s important that you take full advantage of every visit with your children. But even if you have the best intentions, there may come a time when you’re unable to visit with your children in person.

Virtual visitation is on the rise, as technology has made it easier than ever before. Regardless of where you are in the world, you can use technology to connect with your children.

Here are some of the many things you can do with virtual visitation:

See your child’s face, as opposed to simply talking on the phone
Read your children a bedtime story
Help them with their homework or a project in real time
Witness a special event in their life, such as a dance recital or baseball game

There are many forms of virtual visitation, ranging from video chats to instant messaging. If you’re interested in this, work with your ex-spouse to find technology that works for everyone involved.

As you work through the details of your divorce, parenting plan and visitation schedule, take the time to strongly consider the pros and cons of virtual visitation. If you think it’s something that could benefit you in the future, work it into your parenting plan.

There is no replacement for physically spending time with your children, but that’s not always possible. For this reason, you should learn more about virtual visitation and then take advantage when it makes sense to do so.

If your ex is making it difficult for you to spend time with your children, look into your legal rights for requesting a parenting plan and/or visitation schedule modification.

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Author: On behalf of Katie L. Lewis of Katie L. Lewis, P.C. Family Law

April 28, 2020

Mediation is not about winning

When a divorce case goes to court, both sides tend to think about one thing: winning the case. It feels like it is them against their ex as they debate who gets to spend time with the children or who will keep which assets — and much more.

If you instead choose mediation, is it very important to change this mindset. Remember that it is not about winning, being right or showing that your ex is wrong. Instead, it’s about working together to reach an outcome that is favorable and works for both of you.

In some cases, you may both feel unsatisfied with parts of the agreement. It happens. Maybe you wanted to see the children every week, for instance, and so did your spouse. What works best, though, is an every-other-week schedule, so that’s what you do. You both wish you could see them more often, but you know it’s best for the children to see both parents, so you compromise to make it happen.

This spirit of compromise and cooperation is what makes mediation work. You and your ex are trying to solve a complex legal situation, and you’re trying to do it together. You’re working toward a solution that puts the children first, or if you’re not parents, that makes the divorce go smoothly and efficiently. If that’s what you’re committed to, mediation can succeed.

Whether you’re interested in mediation, a collaborative divorce or a contested divorce that has to play out in the court system, just make sure you know what legal steps you need to take.

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Author: On behalf of Katie L. Lewis of Katie L. Lewis, P.C. Family Law

April 26, 2020

Q & A: Ethical Dilemmas And Disinfectants

A scientist and a philosopher answer listener questions on ‘The National Conversation with All Things Considered,’ NPR’s nightly radio show about the coronavirus crisis. Excerpted here:

– Aerobiologist Joshua Santarpia discusses disinfectants.
– Professor David Chan talks through the day-to-day ethical dilemmas during the pandemic.

If you have a question, you can share it at npr.org/nationalconversation, or tweet with the hashtag, #NPRConversation.

We’ll return with a regular episode of Coronavirus Daily on Monday.

April 25, 2020

Southern States, Moving To Reopen, Could Be Most Vulnerable

Data shared at a White House press briefing Thursday was unusual, says David Lappan of the Bipartisan Policy Center — and not just because it prompted the President to wonder if disinfectants could be injected into coronavirus patients.

Southern states are some of the first to start reopening, but NPR’s Debbie Elliott reports people there may be more vulnerable to COVID-19 because of high rates of poverty, chronic diseases, and natural disasters.

Plus, a Washington Post reporter on what America looks like from the open road.

The biggest risk in grocery shopping comes from the people you could come in contact with, not the food. Watch Life Kit’s video for tips on grocery shopping safely.

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April 24, 2020

Coronavirus Not Going Away Before Next Fall, Fauci Says

Dr. Anthony Fauci said we will still be dealing with the coronavirus next fall. The severity depends on what we do over the next few months.

What about college campuses? NPR’s Elissa Nadworny reports universities are figuring out if they can reopen for fall semester or go virtual.

Plus, a study finds wearing a nylon stocking over homemade masks can boost protection.

And a look at why COVID-19 seems to be killing more men than women.

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April 23, 2020

Georgia’s Plan To Reopen; Anti-Shutdown Protests And Fox News

Posthumous autopsy results revealed the first U.S. death from COVID-19 happened much earlier than previously thought.

The state of Georgia will reopen parts of its economy on Friday, even as members of the White House coronavirus task force can’t say how all parts of the state could safely do so.

NPR’s David Folkenflik reports on the link between Fox News and anti-shutdown protests.

Plus, a website that recreates the sounds of your office.

NPR’s reporting on the NIH’s recommendation against doctors using hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Listen to the latest episode of NPR’s Rough Translation on Apple, Spotify and NPR One.

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April 22, 2020

More Small Business Aid; Antibody Test Results

The Paycheck Protection Program was created to help small businesses hit by the pandemic, but the program was exhausted quickly. Now congress has secured another round of funding.

Recovering from COVID-19 can be a long journey. NPR’s Jon Hamilton reports on the oftentimes grueling process.

Experts say contact tracing and antibody testing are crucial steps for reopening the country.

Plus, a look at one part of the economy that never closed. Must-run factories operating around the clock have lessons for other businesses about how to keep workers safe.

Listen to Life Kit’s episode on how to spot misinformation on Apple, Spotify and NPR One.

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