It's about to be a rough few weeks
Trump warns of "very painful" time in America. An earthquake stuns Idaho. And we want 👉YOU👈 to fill out your Census.
It's Ashley with the news you need to know.
But first, it's 8 p.m. somewhere: Applause for health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus fight is growing into a nightly ritual – from Paris and London to cities in Spain, India and Turkey.
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'A great national trial'
As many as 240,000 Americans may die from the new coronavirus according to estimates released by the White House, a grim prediction that influenced President Donald Trump's decision to extend social distancing guidelines. If Americans continue to hunker down, the number of projected deaths falls to between 100,000 and 240,000. So let’s stay home and do our part. The president also warned the nation to brace for a painful next two weeks. "This is going to be one of the roughest two or three weeks we've ever had in our country," the president said during a dark press conference on Tuesday. "Our country is in the midst of a great national trial."
Welcome to the quarantine party, Florida
Florida, among the states with the highest coronavirus cases, has finally issued a statewide stay-at-home order. Starting Friday, Floridians will only be able to leave their homes for essential services or activities. More than 30 states have stay-at-home orders in place. Altogether, more than 250 million Americans – about 75% of the country – have been told to remain sheltered.
To wear or not to wear those face masks 😷
Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, the U.S. government has said masks were not needed for the general public. That guidance could soon change. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said Wednesday that the CDC will review its guidance discouraging the general public from wearing masks. But listen up, friends: "Even if you do wear a mask, it can't be at the expense of social distancing," Adams said.
Wimbledon canceled for first time since World War II
The most important Grand Slam tournament of the year is officially off the tennis calendar. The 2020 Wimbledon was officially canceled on Wednesday.
Coronavirus for kids without internet
Half of all Americans lack high-speed internet. So schools are quarantining worksheets or letting kids do homework in the parking lot as governments mandate distance learning.
Give it to me straight
More than 213,000 people in the U.S. have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday, doubling the number of cases from just five days ago. Worldwide, there are more than 46,400 deaths and over 921,000 confirmed cases.
What everyone’s talking about
What to expect if you are being tested for the coronavirus? A pretty long swab up your nose.
Concern in the air: What it's like being a flight attendant during the coronavirus pandemic.
A doctor was pulled over for speeding. Instead of a ticket, the cop gave her N95 masks.
This is what China did to beat coronavirus. Experts say America couldn't handle it.
Trump says impeachment "probably" distracted him from fighting coronavirus.
"We are the verge of a massive collapse": Ex-Energy Secretary Perry says COVID-19 will ravage the oil industry.
Idaho hit with largest earthquake since 1983
The most powerful earthquake to strike Idaho since 1983 slammed the state on Tuesday evening, a magnitude 6.5 temblor that even jolted people across three neighboring states. The quake was centered 73 miles northeast of Meridian, near Boise, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, and for some, conjured up memories of the state's worst such natural disaster, the 6.9 magnitude Borah Peak earthquake nearly four decades ago that killed two people and resulted in millions in damages, according to the Idaho Geological Survey.
Trump threatens Iran – again
Trump issued another threat to Iran on Wednesday, saying he would retaliate if the Tehran government struck again at U.S. interests in Iraq. "Upon information and belief, Iran or its proxies are planning a sneak attack on U.S. troops and/or assets in Iraq," Trump tweeted. "If this happens, Iran will pay a very heavy price, indeed!" Relations between the U.S. and Iran have been tense for decades, but especially in recent months. In early January, Trump authorized a drone strike that killed a high-ranking Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani.
Real quick
Bernie Sanders called for a "delay" in Tuesday's Wisconsin election.
How Social Security beneficiaries, others who don't file taxes can still get a $1,200 stimulus check.
Lori Loughlin, other parents argue the college admissions case doesn't belong in Massachusetts.
Zoom has become a target for wrongdoers and potential hackers.
Fill out your Census for Tom Hanks
By now you've probably been bombarded by ads urging you to participate in the 2020 Census. Well, now it’s my turn: Fill it out! Tom Hanks wants you to be counted, too. “These few minutes will make a difference and impact our democracy for years to come,” says Hanks. The actor recently recovered from coronavirus and is still urging us to participate. It's the least we can do for good ole Tom, right? Right.
What is the census, anyway? It’s is a national count of people living in the country, done every 10 years.
Why should you care? Much is at stake for local communities. The Census count is used to distribute more than $860 billion in federal funds for schools, roads, bridges and lunch programs. It’s also used to determine the number of House seats a state has in Congress.
OK, I’m in. How do I fill it out? Take five minutes to do it right here online.
Thank you, Tammy SanGiacomo
The Short List is featuring stories from health care workers on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. We want to hear your story. Email me at ashley@usatoday.com.
I’m a nurse who has immunity issues preventing me from being in the trenches with my fellow nurses. I’m proud that I can still help by triaging patients with mild symptoms as well as those showing symptoms for COVID-19 who need to see a virtual care provider and patients with chronic health conditions. Patients have been so appreciative. It’s been an honor to serve my community this way. Then, I think about my fellow nurses working in an unprepared war zone. We didn’t train for this ever! I am proud to work in this time in history – one that we will look back on and say we came together as one to help all.
– Tammy SanGiacomo, nurse manager in Cary, North Carolina
A break from the news
Yes, you can do strength training at home without fancy equipment.
50 books for kids (babies to teens) to keep everyone entertained.
Looking for a job? Look here. Here are places that are hiring workers right now.
Good news for parents: Spotify just launched an app for kids.
This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus, Trump, Florida stay-at-home order, face masks: Wednesday's news
