Current Events in August 2020

Those $600 unemployment checks might have been a welcome relief to those whose jobs are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding recipients that unemployment compensation is taxable. The agency advises that these consumers might want to have some tax withheld now and avoid a tax-time surprise come April 15, 2021.

Unemployment compensation is taxable under United States law, even if it comes from the unemployment compensation authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

What to consider other than just unemployment

The IRS suggests that taxpayers take a look at more than just their unemployment compensation from the state and federal governments. Other types of payments taxpayers should check their withholding on include:

• Railroad unemployment compensation benefits;

• Disability benefits paid as a substitute for unemployment compensation;

• Trade readjustment allowances under the Trade Act of 1974;

• Unemployment assistance under the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1974; and

• Unemployment assistance under the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 program.

The decision is up to the taxpayer

Withholding is completely voluntary, and some consumers might be banking on a return to work at some point and could use the unemployment benefits in the meantime.

However, if a taxpayer can afford to use $60 out of a hypothetical $600 unemployment check to cover their tax liability, then the IRS says that’s a smart thing to do. It may pinch a bit now, but it could save having to write a bigger check in the long run or help consumers avoid the necessity of a smaller return.

Unemployment compensation recipients who return to work before the end of 2020 should use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to make sure they’re having enough tax dollars taken out of their pay and won’t be facing a bill to the IRS in 2021.

To go in that direction, the steps are pretty simple: 

• Fill out  Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request (PDF), and 

• Give it to the agency paying the benefits, rather than sending it to the IRS. 

• If the payor has its own withholding request form, use it instead.

For recipients who don’t choose withholding -- or if withholding is not enough -- they can opt to make quarterly estimated tax payments instead. The payment for the first two quarters of 2020 was due on July 15, but it’s possible that the IRS won’t penalize you given the situation with the pandemic. 

Third and fourth quarter payments are due on Sept. 15, 2020 and Jan. 15, 2021, respectively. For more information, including some helpful worksheets, see Form 1040-ES and Publication 505, available on IRS.gov.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 5,494,239 (5,446,223)

Total U.S. deaths: 172,048 (170,586)

Total global cases: 22,194,929 (21,927,114)

Total global deaths: 782,228 (775,000)

COVID-19 overtaking accidents as third-leading cause of death

The National Safety Council said it is “highly alarmed” at the coronavirus (COVID-19) death rate, predicting it will soon supplant accidents as the third-leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer.

According to the latest data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, the number of confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. now exceeds 170,000, more than the total number of preventable deaths that occurred in 2018.

“Although preliminary, this grim milestone clearly illustrates the scale of the pandemic,” the Council said in a press release. “In a little more than six months, COVID-19 has claimed more lives than accidental drug overdoses, motor vehicle crashes and falls combined during 2018.”

Poll shows African Americans more skeptical of potential vaccine

Many Americans have expressed an unwillingness to be among the first to take an approved vaccine against COVID-19. In a new poll, African Americans were particularly skeptical.

The poll of African Americans by Blackdoctor.org found that 58 percent would say "no" to the vaccine initially. Twenty-two percent said they would take the vaccine, but they admitted they had "concerns." An overwhelming majority would either not take the vaccine or had strong doubts.

Health experts at Blackdoctor.org say the numbers are worrisome. Black Americans represent a disproportionate number of positive cases and deaths associated with coronavirus, but experts say there is a long history of distrust between African Americans and the medical community. 

Scientists: kids will need to wear masks in school ‘for years’

While the debate over whether children should return to the classroom this fall remains heated, one element tends to get overlooked. Children who do return to the classroom will have to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Children had better get used to it because scientists and other medical experts suggest these measures will have to remain in place “for years.” They say it will take time to develop an effective vaccine and have enough people take it to achieve herd immunity.

“You’re really going to need all three moving forward,” Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, told CNBC. 

Medical experts say 60 percent to 80 percent of the population needs to have antibodies in their blood before the virus finally loses its ability to infect new people.

Roche and Regeneron cooperating on antibody cocktail

Two pharmaceutical giants, Roche and Regeneron, say they are teaming up to develop an antibody cocktail to fight the coronavirus. Regeneron will market the drug in the U.S. while Roche will handle international distribution.

The drug is currently in clinical trials and has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Regeneron says it expects the tests to yield positive results when they conclude in September.

Earlier this month, Regeneron said the drug, called REGN-COV2, was successful in preventing COVID-19 in monkeys and hamsters. Roche teamed with Regeneron after its own COVID-19 drug failed in a clinical trial.

Restaurant chains adds ultraviolet lighting to zap the virus

Like airlines, restaurants often have to go the extra mile to win back customers worried about COVID-19. A Virginia-based chain of diners is going beyond hand sanitizer and has installed ultraviolet (UV) lighting in its restaurants.

UV light has been shown to neutralize many types of pathogens, including the virus that causes COVID-19, and has been used in many hospitals. 

“You know gloves and masks are just not enough anymore,” says Ype Von Hengst, executive chef and co-founder of Silver Diner.

Around the nation

• New Jersey: The New Jersey Restaurant Association is asking Gov. Phil Murphy to disclose when he plans to allow in-door dining at restaurants in the state. They say the recent heavy rains in the northeast have made outdoor dining impractical and unpredictable.

• Indiana: The University of Notre Dame has suspended in-class education after a surge in coronavirus cases, on the heels of similar action by the University of North Carolina. Notre Dame officials blame the outbreak on off-campus parties during the first week of school. 

• California: State health officials reported this week that there were 4,975 people in hospitals being treated for COVID-19. It was the first time total hospitalizations had fallen below 5,000 since early June.

Coronavirus cases in U.S. nursing homes recently surged to an all-time high, according to a report from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).

An analysis of federal data showed that during the week starting July 26, nursing homes had 9,715 COVID-19 cases. The vast majority of these cases occurred in Sunbelt states, where thousands of retirees live.  

The previous peak occurred in the last week of May, when there were 9,421 new cases, the report noted. 

Slow testing turnaround times a problem

Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, said nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to catching COVID-19 because of slow testing turnaround times, underlying health conditions, and the virus’ ability to spread quickly in settings where people are crowded together.

"Unfortunately, we’ve definitely taken a step back," Parkinson told USA Today. He added that the most recent surge in COVID-19 cases in nursing homes comes on the heels of last month’s spread of the virus in hard-hit communities in the South and West.

"With the recent major spikes of COVID cases in many states across the country, we were very concerned this trend would lead to an increase in cases in nursing homes and, unfortunately, it has," Parkinson said in a news release. “This is especially troubling since many nursing homes and other long term care facilities are still unable to acquire the personal protective equipment and testing they need to fully combat this virus.” 

A survey conducted by the AHCA in June found that 87 percent of nursing homes reported slow times in receiving test results. A majority of facilities said tests for staff and residents took two days or longer to return results. 

“What we need – now more than ever – is for our government leaders and lab companies from the private sector to work together to find a solution to prioritize and expedite the processing of tests for nursing home residents and caregivers,” Parkinson said.

Despite five months of a coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that shut down large sections of the economy, consumers have done a pretty good job of keeping up with their bills while not cutting back on spending.

But whether that continues, business executives say, may depend on whether Congress eventually comes through with another round of stimulus.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) dropped by nearly a third in the second quarter, and more than 10 percent of the workforce is unemployed. However, the latest evidence suggests Americans are paying their credit card bills.

S&P Dow Jones Indices and Experian report that consumer credit defaults were unchanged at 0.66 percent through July. Most notably, the default rate on credit cards actually went down 37 basis points to 3.86 percent. The auto loan default rate rose seven basis points to 0.47 percent and the first mortgage default rate was three basis points higher at 0.44 percent.

That last number could be misleading, however, since mortgage late payments -- but not late enough to be in default -- are rising faster than normal. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported this week that delinquencies on loans for one to four-unit residential properties are up 8 percent.

But the initial $1,200 per person direct stimulus payment, along with an extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits, has kept consumers spending over the last five months, even as economic uncertainty grows.

Stimulus benefitted Walmart

When it reported a huge increase in second-quarter profits on Tuesday, Walmart credited the increase to the money put in consumers’ pockets. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said online sales surged 97 percent, with consumers buying groceries, spending money on entertainment, and spending money on their homes. The company acknowledged much of its good fortune was a direct result of the government stimulus.

Despite the second-quarter blowout earnings report, Walmart declined to give guidance for the third quarter, in large part because the stimulus under the CARES Act has run out. What consumers will do now is anyone’s guess.

“Stimulus was definitely impactful to the consumer in the second quarter, and we’re watching what’s going on in Washington, and how we’re going to progress with a new stimulus package,” Walmart Chief Financial Officer Brett Biggs told CNBC. “I think certainly it would be helpful for consumers.”

Congress went on its month-long August recess last week without reaching an agreement on an extension of coronavirus aid. It’s left millions of consumers -- and the retailers who depend on them -- hanging.

While many consumers associate attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with young kids, a new study is exploring how such symptoms can affect consumers into adulthood. 

According to researchers, car crashes are more likely for those who experience ADHD symptoms beyond childhood and into adulthood. 

“ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder,” said researcher Arunima Roy, PhD. “Between five and 75 percent of children with ADHD can continue to have the disorder into adulthood. Extant research shows that ADHD is associated with more traffic violations, speeding violations, license suspensions, and risky driving behaviors.” 

Taking more risks behind the wheel

To understand how ADHD symptoms can affect consumers’ driving abilities, the researchers compared the driving outcomes of those with ADHD and those without ADHD. They followed the participants from childhood through their mid-twenties, tracking their ADHD symptoms and driving records when applicable. 

The study revealed that the risk of car crashes was much higher when ADHD symptoms carried over into adulthood. Compared to adults with no history of ADHD, car crashes were nearly twice as likely for those with long-term symptoms. In cases where ADHD symptoms tapered off after childhood, the risk of car crashes was the same as for those who never had ADHD. 

While these additional risks associated with driving are certainly a cause for concern, the researchers also found that adults with lingering ADHD symptoms can be affected in their day-to-day lives in other ways. 

“The likelihood of risky driving behavior increases with persistence of childhood ADHD symptoms into adulthood,” said Dr. Roy. “Prior research from our group as well as by others also shows that, aside from driving behaviors, a persistence of ADHD into adulthood can impair functioning in other domains. These domains can include occupational performance, educational attainment, emotional functioning, substance use, and justice involvement.” 

Moving forward, the researchers hope that these findings illuminate the risks associated with long-term ADHD symptoms, as consumers could be affected in more ways than many may realize. 

“Clinicians must keep in mind the long-term effects of childhood ADHD on quality of life while attending to patients and take a holistic approach to treatment and management,” said Dr. Roy. 

Travel restrictions between China and the U.S. are being eased, according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). 

On Tuesday, the agency announced that four Chinese airlines will be able to increase air traffic to the U.S. to a total of eight weekly round-trip flights. The decision matches allowances given to United Airlines and Delta Air Lines after each of the carriers qualified for additional U.S. flights going to China earlier this month. 

In its announcement, the DOT implied that it would continue to move in step with Chinese officials so that air carriers from each country have an equal number of flights going between the two nations.

“The Order...indicates our willingness to further revisit our action should the Chinese aviation authorities adjust their policies to bring about the necessary improved situation for U.S. carriers in which both they and the Chinese carriers could fully exercise their bilateral rights,” the agency stated.

Delta increases prevention efforts

International flights have begun to slowly come back over the last couple of months as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, travelers are still required to follow certain safety precautions depending on the airline they choose to use.

Delta Air Lines -- one of the carriers that has flights going to China -- recently intensified its requirements for both passengers and employees to mitigate COVID-19 infections. Fortunately, the company says its efforts have paid off.

“The infection rate among our customer-facing employees is below the national average and shows that our Delta CareStandard measures are working,” said Joanne Smith, Delta’s executive vice president and chief people officer. 

“While we're encouraged by our results, we know we can’t afford to let up now. Health experts agree that a multi-layered approach – one that includes testing, symptom-checking, mask-wearing, environmental cleaning and physical distancing – is the greatest inhibitor to spreading COVID-19 and will play a critical role in keeping our people safe in the weeks and months ahead.”

A new study conducted by researchers from Oregon State University explored the benefits associated with taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. 

According to their findings, the combination of a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement can be effective in helping older consumers’ feel healthier. The study revealed that this extra boost of vitamins can also cut down on illness-related symptoms and get seniors back on their feet much faster. 

“The observed illness differences were striking,” said researcher Adrian Gombart. “While the study was limited to self-reported illness data and we did not design the study to answer this question, the observed differences suggest that additional larger studies designed for these outcomes are warranted -- and, frankly, overdue.” 

Seeing better health outcomes

To better understand the effect of a multivitamin and mineral supplement, the researchers had 42 participants between the ages of 55 and 75 involved in the study. The participants were divided into two groups, with the first group receiving a combination of a multivitamin and a mineral supplement each day for 12 weeks; the second group received a placebo for the same amount of time. 

The researchers assessed the participants’ overall health, including their immune function and their vitamin levels, at the start and conclusion of the study. Over the course of the study, the participants also reported on their own health, which gave the researchers information about how the multivitamin and mineral regimen affected them. 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that the group taking the vitamins had better health outcomes than the group taking the placebo. 

Participants in both groups reported days that they felt under the weather; however, two key findings emerged: taking the multivitamin was associated with fewer days feeling sick, and the sickness symptoms weren’t as intense as they were for the placebo group. 

“Supplementation was associated with significantly increased circulating levels of zinc and vitamin C, and with illness symptoms that were less severe and shorter lasting,” said Gombart. 

Simple options for older consumers

Many older consumers struggle to get the right balance of vitamins and minerals, which can take a toll on the immune system. However, these findings provide key insights into how a simple regimen change can improve immune system function and lower the number of sick days.  

“Since multiple nutrients support immune function, older adults often benefit from multivitamin and mineral supplements,” said Gombart. “These are readily available, inexpensive, and generally regarded as safe.” 

As always, it’s important for consumers to always consult a medical professional before starting a new supplement regimen.

Health officials say contact tracing is crucial to curbing the spread of COVID-19, but not everyone owns a smartphone. To help expand contact tracing, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has announced that it’s working toward rolling out an update that would enable wearables to participate in exposure notification systems. 

In an announcement on Tuesday, the group that administers the wireless standard said “work is underway to create a specification that will enable wearable devices to participate in an existing smartphone-based Exposure Notification System (ENS).” 

“By extending an ENS to include wearables, such as wristbands, it can better address population groups where smartphone usage remains low, including children in primary school and older adults living in care facilities,” the group wrote.  

Contact tracing for those without smartphones

Those without a smartphone -- like kids or older adults -- might own a Bluetooth device, like a smartwatch, fitness tracker, or Bluetooth wristbands. The Bluetooth SIG says enabling contact tracing on these devices would help fill gaps that currently exist in the contact tracing landscape.

“There are several population groups critical to managing the spread of diseases like COVID-19 with relatively low smartphone penetration, presenting a coverage challenge for smartphone-based Exposure Notification Systems,” Elisa Resconi, a physics professor at the Technical University of Munich now leading research on non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 said in a statement. 

“We believe including wearable devices in an ENS would be a very effective method for extending its reach to support these important groups,” Resconi added. 

So far, 130 of the organization’s member companies have joined a group dedicated to coming up with ways to address this need while protecting user privacy.  

The Bluetooth SIG Exposure Notification Working Group is “working to define a standardized method for adding support for wearable devices while preserving the same privacy and security protections of the ENS” with the aim of slowing the spread of COVID-19.

The group said an early draft of the technology should be available within the next few months. 

Consumers can now purchase fully transparent surgical masks, making it easier to communicate with hearing-impaired people while abiding by face-covering requirements.

ClearMask LLC, a privately held U.S. medical supply company, says its transparent mask, which got U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in early April, is in production and can be purchased online.

According to the company, it’s the world's first FDA-cleared, fully transparent surgical mask that can be used in hospitals, clinics, schools, retail, hospitality, and other settings. It meets applicable ASTM Level 3 requirements for fluid resistance and flammability.

The mask was developed before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but it was quickly viewed as a practical alternative when traditional masks and face coverings began to present problems for people who depend on reading lips in order to effectively communicate.

The company’s timing was spot-on. Johns Hopkins University graduate students and alumni started working on a transparent mask in 2017 because a company co-founder, who is deaf, had an adverse experience during her surgery. She was unable to communicate with the medical team performing the procedure.

Improved visual communication

Work on the mask began and was completed earlier this year, just as the pandemic began to spread across the globe. The FDA quickly gave its approval and mass production has now begun.

"After three years of research, development, and testing, we are thrilled to bring a human-centered mask to everyone who needs it, especially those who can benefit from improved visual communication, such as children, older adults, deaf and hard of hearing people, and those who do not speak the same language,” said company president Allysa Dittmar.

The masks are designed specifically for medical facility use, but the company also offers a non-medical, consumer face mask that similarly helps to improve visual communication and provide protection at a lower price. 

ClearMask says the new consumer masks offer benefits to different communities in need, including state emergency management agencies and essential workers. The company is selling the products directly to consumers through this website. 

Linglong Americas is recalling 2,830 Venezia Crusade HT tires, size LT265/75R16 Load Range E, with DOT date codes 2715 through 5215.

The tires may experience lower sidewall separation, which can lead to sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Linglong will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin August 24, 2020.

Owners may contact Linglong customer service at (330) 239-0404. Linglong's number for this recall is YCLF.

Progressive Produce is recalling a limited quantity of red and yellow onions.

The products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

There are no reports of illnesses to date.

The onions are sold loose in bulk bins. The red onions have a PLU sticker with the brand name Pacific Gold.

The recalled products were sold on the West Coast, at Trader Joe’s (conventional red onions sold only in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah stores), and Ralph’s (conventional yellow onions sold only in California stores).

What to do

Customers who purchased recalled products should not consume them, but discard or return them to the store for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may email Progressive Produce at foodsafety@progressiveproduce.com.

Daimler Vans USA (DVUSA) is recalling 46 model year 2019 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinters.

The vehicles from platform 907 (VS30) might have an open port on the fuel delivery module (fuel pump).

An open port on the fuel pump module may result in fuel leaking onto the roadway, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check for the additional nozzle on the fuel pump and install a closure onto the nozzle -- as needed -- free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin September 18, 2020.

Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at (800) 367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is VS3KRASTUF.

Active Brands NA of Broomfield, Colo., is recalling about 300 Sweet Protection brand Ripper Jr., Ripper MIPS Jr., and Ripper MIPS bicycle helmets.

The helmets do not comply with the U.S. CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets, posing a risk of head injury.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Active Brand AS Sweet Protection-branded Ripper Jr., Ripper MIPS Jr. and Ripper MIPS bicycle helmets.

The Ripper Jr. and Ripper MIPS Jr. helmets were sold in one size, fitting head circumference from 48 cm to 53 cm (18.9 to 20.9 inches).

The Ripper MIPS helmet was sold in one size, fitting head circumference from 53 cm to 61 cm (20.9 to 24.0 inches).

The helmets were sold in matte colors: black, white, blue, gray, green, pink and purple. “Sweet Protection” is printed on the side of the helmets.

All helmets have the manufacturing date printed inside the helmet with 2019 as the production year and a number between 9 and 12 as the production month. The model name is printed on a label on the rear back side of the helmet. 

The bicycle helmets are tested and certified according to the European standard for bicycle helmets, EN1078 and were only meant to be sold in the European market.

The helmets, manufactured in China, were sold at Evo and Rogers Ski and Sport sporting goods stores in California, Colorado, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, and online at Expert Voice Pro Purchase (www.expertvoice.com) from February 2020, through June 2020, for between $50 and $90.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled helmets and return them to the store where sold or contact Active Brands/Sweet Protection for a full refund.

Consumers may contact Active Brands at (800) 364-4385 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (MT) Monday through Friday, by email at orders.na@activebrands.com or online at www.sweetprotection.com for more information.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling one model year 2020 GLE 450.

The windshield may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle, possibly allowing it to separate from the vehicle and affect the full protective function of the passenger's front airbag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

What to do

MBUSA will notify the owner, and a dealer will inspect the windshield bonding and repair it -- as necessary -- free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin August 28, 2020.

Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at (800) 367-6372.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 5,446,223 (5,408,268)

Total U.S. deaths: 170,586 (170,131)

Total global cases: 21,927,114 (21,720,713)

Total global deaths: 775,000 (776,127)

Millennials bearing the heaviest financial burden

The coronavirus has taken a financial toll on millions of Americans, but new research suggests millennials have been hit the hardest. The multi-generational poll from Healthinsurance.com shows that 60 percent of millennials have been impacted financially, more than any other age group.

Fifty-two percent of millennials said they have been forced to postpone receiving medical care during the pandemic because of the cost.

Baby boomers were the least impacted generation, with only 37 percent reporting financial hardships during COVID-19. Across three generations, three in 10 respondents say they or someone they know has lost their health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

University of North Carolina pivots after one week

The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill opened classes last week with on-campus instruction. This week, after an outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) among the student body, the school pivoted to online instruction.

As of Monday, UNC reported 135 new cases since the start of school, including 130 among students, with multiple separate clusters. More troubling was the number of tests that yielded positive results --13.6 percent between August 10 and August 16.

“As much as we believe we have worked diligently to help create a healthy and safe campus living and learning environment, we believe the current data presents an untenable situation,” university officials said in a joint statement.

New York preparing to reopen gyms

After they remove the cobwebs from the treadmills, gyms in New York will be opening again next week for the first time in five months. The gyms, along with restaurants, were among the first facilities to close during the pandemic.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said gyms can resume operations at 33 percent of their capacity, as long as they comply with state health requirements. Visitors and staff will be required to wear masks inside the facilities, and gyms will be subject to new ventilation requirements. 

Cuomo said the reopening of athletic facilities is being made possible by New York’s tough coronavirus mitigation measures, which have resulted in a significant drop in cases and hospitalizations in the state.

Quest Diagnostics promises speedier test results

Quest Diagnostics, one of two major testing laboratories in the U.S., is promising that it has its coronavirus testing timelines under control.

In a statement, the company said it has cut its turnaround time for coronavirus diagnostic tests from more than seven days to one to two days. It’s a reversal from a couple of weeks ago when the company warned that it might not be able to keep up with COVID-19 tests in the midst of the flu season.

“We now have ample capacity to accommodate incoming orders,” the company said in a statement.

Study: Nurses were already burned out before COVID-19

A new study in BMJ Quality & Safety suggests that many hospitals in New York and Illinois were understaffed right before the first surge of critically ill COVID-19 patients, putting those institutions at a disadvantage as they tried to cope with the unfolding health care crisis.

The study concluded that New York City, an international gateway to the U.S. with three major international airports and the early epicenter of the COVID-19 surge, was particularly ill-equipped to handle the cases, with nursing staff at hospitals already being overworked.

“Half of the nurses right before the COVID-19 emergency scored in the high burnout range due to high workloads, and one in five nurses said they planned to leave their jobs within a year,” said lead author Karen Lasater, PhD, RN, and assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. 

Around the nation

• Arizona: The school year has gotten off to a rocky start in Arizona. One large school district called off plans to reopen this week after teachers staged a “sick out” on Monday, the day classes were set to resume.

• Texas: Young people aren’t the only ones feeling the urge to party. A Hillsboro assisted living facility threw a wild party for residents, complete with cocktails and temporary tattoos. But unlike the young people frequenting bars, residents had no contact with anyone on the outside. 

• Florida: Infection numbers are moving in the right direction in the Sunshine State. Health officials say the number of new cases reported on Monday was the lowest since mid-June. The number of patients admitted to hospitals with COVID-19 is also falling.

The House of Representatives are set to vote this Saturday on legislation related to the U.S. postal service and its ability to manage mail-in ballots in November. 

House Democratic leaders are interested in providing the USPS with an initial $25 billion in new funding since the postal service will be facing an influx of mail-in votes on Election Day as voters try to minimize their contact with people amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

The bill up for vote on Saturday would also stop “any changes to the operations or level of service" that were implemented on January 1 until the end of the coronavirus pandemic. Democrats say changes introduced by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump appointee, threaten to impact the handling of mail-in ballots. 

Over the weekend, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would call the chamber back into session from its August recess to consider the bill. The House was previously slated to return for votes in mid-September.

“In a time of a pandemic, the Postal Service is Election Central,” Pelosi wrote Sunday in a letter to colleagues.

Postal service crisis

Pelosi said the bill seeks to offset “the devastating effects of the President’s campaign to sabotage the election by manipulating the Postal Service to disenfranchise voters.”

"The Postal Service is a pillar of our democracy, enshrined in the Constitution and essential for providing critical services: delivering prescriptions, Social Security benefits, paychecks, tax returns and absentee ballots to millions of Americans, including in our most remote communities," Pelosi wrote. "Alarmingly, across the nation, we see the devastating effects of the President's campaign to sabotage the election by manipulating the Postal Service to disenfranchise voters."

The President has continued to claim that mail-in voting leads to an increase in voter fraud, which is one of the reasons he's opposed to providing additional funding to the agency. However, on Monday, Trump refuted the claim that he’s trying to suppress voting by criticizing the Postal Service. 

"I want to make the post office great again," Trump said Monday on "Fox and Friends." "This isn't a Trump thing. This has been one of the disasters of the world the way it's been run. Now what am I supposed to do – let it continue to run badly? So if you fix it, they say, 'Oh, he's tampering with the election.' No, we're not tampering.”