Top Ten Covid-19 News Releases – April 9, 2020

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1) The Emotional Impact of COVID-19

-- An Early Read SUMMARY OF KEY LEARNINGS

1. Fear is the overriding sentiment among those we interviewed.

This is even true of those who say they are "fine* * At the moment, they are worried more about their own personal health and safety – and that of their family and friends – than about the economic impact of COVID-19

2.The need to Shelter in Place and for Social Distancing has caused Disruption in most people's Daily Lives * They are yearning for a better time when they are able to meet face-to-face with family, friends and work colleagues.

3. The social support of Friends & Family is of primary importance * Technology has been adopted by people of all ages in keeping social channels open * Though it's also recognized as not being a true replacement for in-person contact and human touch

4. Most are Adapting surprisingly well to "stay at home" * Almost all recognize the need to protect themselves and society and are willing to do what it takes

5. Most express Gratitude for the things they do have, especially their health * They also express concern for those less fortunate and would like to help 6. Most are looking forward to A Better Future

* Many express hope that this crisis will result in a more just and better world

* They also envision themselves making positive changes in their lives

Ellen Sills-Levy

917.863.7941

Ellen@ESL-Consulting.com

ESL INSIGHTS, LLC.

http://www.newsreleasewire.com/229963

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2) Reporters Without Borders Slaps Trump's COVID Briefings

Reporters Without Borders today called on president Trump to end his "vicious attacks" on journalists covering his daily COVID-19 briefings.

The group rapped Trump for exploiting the briefings for political gains, as he spends much of his podium time lodging insults, contradicting White House pandemic messaging and sharing unsubstantiated medical information.

"At a time when Americans desperately need a steady stream of consistent evidence-based information, president Trump has turned the press briefing room into a political circus full of misinformation and self aggrandizement," said Dokhi Fassihian, executive director of RWBUSA, said in a statement.

RWB cited eight attacks launched by Trump on reporters from ABC, FOX, CNN, PBS and CBS. Those incidents, according to Fassihian, represent "a sinister attempt to scapegoat the press with hateful rhetoric designed to distract, deflect, and dodge critically important questions about the administration's response to COVID-19."

RWB noted that CNN and MSNBC have chosen not to air Trump's briefings full due to the "legitimate concern of accidentally spreading misinformation."

John O'Dwyer

john@odwyerpr.com

O'Dwyer's Public Relations News New York, NY

212/679-2471

http://www.newsreleasewire.com/229967

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3) Do Governmental Regulations Supersede Religious Liberty?

Let's talk about our constitutional rights of religious institutions during the Coronavirus pandemic.

And then there is the pending Supreme Court case of Espinoza v. Montana. My guest Alan Reinach is the executive director and general Counsel of the Church State Council, a non-profit based in Westlake Village, CA

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healing-the-nations-podcast-w-alan-reinach-episode-12/id1304219221?i=1000418446052&l=es

Carol M. Swain

carolmswain@gmail.com

Nashville, TN

615-310-8617

http://www.newsreleasewire.com/229957

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4) Tips to Help You Remain Calm and Healthy During a Pandemic The coronavirus pandemic causes intense feelings of fear in many people. Yet, fear doesn't help anything. In fact, it's harmful to your health.

So how can you remain calm—and healthy—and help others in the process? How can you be a positive emotional contagion that helps yourself but others deal with Covid-19? Buying six months' worth of toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning goods, and food won't help. Really. Yes, it might give you a little peace of mind.

I know my full pantry, refrigerator, and freezer (and large package of TP) do, indeed, provide me with a sense of security during this pandemic. But purchasing more than what you need for a week or two, stockpiling as if the world were ending…that isn't helpful.

First, it leaves others without supplies—ones they might actually need. (Some people are out of toilet paper and just want a few rolls!)

Second, the buying frenzy only adds to the emotional upheaval, panic, and overwhelm you and others feel. So, let's talk about what will help you stay calm and healthy during a pandemic.

Nina Amir

nina@ninaamir.com

nspiration to Creation Coach Pure Spirit Creations

Los Gatos, CA

408-353-1943

http://www.newsreleasewire.com/229971

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5) Six Strategies to Do Speech Therapy at Home During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Was your child or loved one receiving speech therapy before the coronavirus pandemic?

It's important that they continue with this therapy so they don't lose ground.

Today, telepractice provides an option for face-to-face therapy sessions. One study compared therapy provided in-person to that provided through telepractice.

They found that both groups of students made significant speech sound production improvements. Continue reading to learn about tips for speech therapy at home. Don't let the pandemic cause regression

What Do Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) Help With? SLPs have extensive experience in treating people with speech, language, and swallowing problems.

They treat the following problems:

• Articulation problems: trouble speaking clearly and often making incorrect sounds

• Fluency problems: trouble maintaining a normal flow of speech, such as stuttering

• Resonance or voice problems: difficulty with pitch, volume, or quality of their voice

• Oral feeding problems: trouble with eating and swallowing and with drooling

• Receptive language problems: difficulty receiving language

• Expressive language problems: trouble speaking or expressing themselves

• Pragmatic language problems: trouble using socially appropriate language

Speech therapists develop individual plans of care according to each person's needs. They use different strategies and techniques that will work best for the individual.

Avivit ben-Aharon

-- Online Speech Therapy Consultant

c/o Karen Dennis

305-527-8876

karensuedennis@gmail.com

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6) Innovation vs. intervention during the coronavirus crisis

What sort of innovation, rather than government intervention, can come from the current crisis? What sort of long-term changes might we see in medicine and education? Rev. Robert Sirico, president and co-founder of the Acton Institute, shares his views on what may come

Rev. Ben Johnson

therightswriter@gmail.com

Acton Institute Inc

Grand Rapids, MI

567-356-1777.

http://www.newsreleasewire.com/229950

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7) Should You Be Silent Right in A Crisis?

I don't want to deluge my customers" "I don't want to contribute to the information overload" "I don't want to appear to be taking advantage of the situation"

Are all reasons I have heard why you might want to be silent right now when in fact, the complete opposite is true. In the last few weeks,

I have been talking to leaders all around the world: executives, conference organizers, executive community owners, a local school principal, CEOs, and small business owners.

There has been a common theme I have been sharing: Your customers and community want to hear from you! Of course, if you call or email asking for sponsorship when their business has been obliterated, complain incessantly about your own personal woes, send irrelevant information too frequently, or if your communication is tone-deaf to the current global pandemic, yes silence is better than the wrong message, but now is not the time to be silent.

Use these Crucial Crisis Communication principles:

• Speed beats perfection

• Frequent and short vs. verbose and infrequent

• Even when there is no new news to share, letting people know you are there is comforting

• Ask and listen to how their business and life is going

• Ask how you can be of help

• Be empathetic, but don't make your communication all about your own business impact or personal challenges

Val Wright

val@valwrightconsulting.com

South Pasadena, CA

626 387 7600 & 206-321-7511

http://www.newsreleasewire.com/229953

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8) Online Telemedicine Course Available

I'm pleased to report that the online course I created for physicians--How to Jump into Telemedicine: The quick start training to conducting virtual visits is now available

This step-by-step guide will help physicians get up and running with telemedicine services within 24 to 48 hours. This course is for:

• Physicians who want to generate revenue at a time in which their elective cases are cancelled

• Quarantined physicians who want to see patients from a safe distance

• Private practice physicians who want to generate an additional revenue stream

• Retired physicians who want to give back.

Physicians can easily generate $10K a month by delivering telemedicine services full time

Vicki Rackner MD

(425) 451-3777

rackner@targetingdoctors.com

Mercer Island, WA

http://www.newsreleasewire.com/229961

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9) Helping to Keep Americans Healthy During COVID-19 --- About pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)

Our collective will and intellects are being called upon to manage COVID-19, save lives, and restore our economy.

During this public health emergency, it is crucial that every sector of our health care system step up to the challenge. And America's pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have a key role to play. PBMs manage prescription drug plans for hundreds of millions of Americans with health insurance. We connect physicians, pharmacies, and payors to work together to serve patients.

We also work with the rest of the drug supply chain to look ahead to mitigate shortages and maintain access to medications. As patients evaluate their prescription drug needs, PBMs are providing clinical care services and encouraging patients to consult government guidance and, as needed, their health care providers.

During the coronavirus public health emergency, PBMs are promoting the following principles for patient access to needed medications: * PBMs, other drug supply chain stakeholders and federal, state, and local government partners should work together to sustain access to care for patients and prevent drug shortages.

* PBMs recommend that multiple approaches be made available that ensure patients have access to their prescription drugs now and in the days ahead, by balancing convenient, reliable access - such as home delivery and additional supply on hand - with the potential for drug shortages.

* PBMs recommend guidance from federal, state, and local government agencies that balances patients' need to stay at home, the clinical appropriateness of supply for any given drug, and the need to prevent future drug shortages. While the coronavirus itself is a new public health challenge, PBMs have substantial experience helping to mitigate prescription drug access concerns during natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. We have learned from previous regional and global health care events, such as Zika, Ebola, and the H1N1 virus.

For example, working in collaboration with the rest of the pharmaceutical supply chain, PBMs are monitoring the drug supply to detect potential shortages and spikes in prescribing that might be related to the coronavirus, and reporting them to government agencies. If there are shortages,

PBMs will work to facilitate access for as many patients as possible from the existing supply. In addition, some patients, particularly those with chronic conditions, will find home delivery well suited to help them maintain social distancing.

People with diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure may be at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. PBMs' state-of-the-art mail-service pharmacies can provide these patients with medications that are delivered right to their doorstep, and PBM pharmacists are available by phone 24/7 to answer questions and provide guidance and support.

PBMs are helping in other ways as well. Whether patients are seen via telehealth services or in person, real-time benefit tools allow physicians and other prescribers to immediately view covered medications and the patient's cost sharing, as well as send a prescription to the patient's pharmacy of choice, including chain drugstores, independent pharmacies, and mail-service pharmacies. PBMs' real-time benefit tools can help prescribers choose the most cost-effective medication and reduce out-of-pocket spending. Should some drugs be in short supply, real-time benefit tools can help prescribers and pharmacists quickly determine the right therapeutic alternative for each patient. Our health care system - and the entire nation - is being challenged in ways that seemed unimaginable just weeks ago.

PBMs are deploying every available tool to help patients. We are proud of our role in this effort and remain vigilant in taking steps to help Americans stay healthy.

NewsUSA Washington, DC

(800) 355-9500

http://www.newsreleasewire.com/229943

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0) Peloton Cancels Live Classes When Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

After an employee tested positive for COVID-19 last week, fitnesscompany Peloton is canceling live videocycling and running classes through the end of April, reports The Verge.

Peloton closed its New York studio for cleaning, hoping toreopen Tuesday with a small crew. Prior to this decision, at-home subscribers couldstream live classes on their Peloton bikes or treadmills or through an app usingtheir own fitness equipment. Though the live classes won't be offered, memberscan still access archived workouts.

According to The Verge, Peloton got mixed reactions fromsubscribers on continuing the live classes. Though Peloton got approval in NewYork to operate as an essential business, some subscribers expressed concernsabout the health of Peloton employees, particularly those working in New Yorkwhich has an exceptionally high number of coronavirus cases.

Other subscribers,on the other hand, liked having fresh, live content so they could continuetheir workouts while stuck at home, improving them both physically andmentally. In an April 6 letterto members,

Peloton co-founder and CEO John Foley explained several majorinitiatives in how the company is handling impacts from the coronavirus. First,the company is pledging $1 million to keep Bike and Tread members healthy andconnected for the next two months. The company will cover two months ofmembership fees for members in the U.S., U.K. and Canada who need financialsupport.

Members can applyonline for consideration. Priority will be given to members who have losttheir jobs or are unable to work related to COVID-19.

Kathleen Greenler Sexton -

kgsexton@subscriptioninsider.com

Andover, MA

617-401-7653