Curious just how far your dollar goes in Nashville?

We've rounded up the latest places for rent via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to hunting down apartment rentals in Nashville with a budget of up to $2,700/month.

Take a look at the listings, below. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Listed at $2,609/month, this 967-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom spot is located at 1300 Fourth Ave. North.

In the furnished unit, you can anticipate granite countertops. When it comes to building amenities, expect package service and concierge service. Pet owners, take heed: This property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly.

According to Walk Score's assessment, this location is moderately walkable, is quite bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options.

(See the complete listing here.)

Next, check out this three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse that's located at 907 28th Ave. North. It's listed for $2,699/month.

In the unit, you'll find hardwood flooring and stainless steel appliances. For those with furry friends in tow, this property is pet-friendly.

According to Walk Score's assessment, this location requires a car for most errands, is somewhat bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options.

(Take a look at the complete listing here.)

Located at 1052 Second Ave. South, here's a 1,995-square-foot three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo that's listed for $2,700/month.

The unit offers granite countertops, a deck and stainless steel appliances. Neither cats nor dogs are welcome.

According to Walk Score's assessment, this location is quite walkable, is fairly bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options.

(See the complete listing here.)

Working with a tight budget? Here are the cheapest rentals recently listed in Nashville.

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, if youre an agent or a broker, read on for real estate marketing ideas to promote your local listing.

Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

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Apartments for rent in Nashville: What will $2700 get you? - Hoodline

The newly published report Countertop Microwave Market which deeply studies a bunch of insightful as well as comprehensive details about the Countertop Microwave competitive. The research report on the Countertop Microwave market covers both qualitative as well as quantitative details that completely focusing on the distinct parameters such as Countertop Microwave market risk factors, challenges, industrial developments, new opportunities available in Countertop Microwave report.

NOTE: Our reports include the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on this industry. Our new sample is updated which correspond in new report showing impact of Covid-19 on Industry trends. Also we are offering 20% discount

Collect a sample PDF of the Countertop Microwave market report: https://spiremarketresearch.com/report/covid19-impact-countertop-microwave-market-169144#request-sample

The worldwide Countertop Microwave market represents several drivers, restraints and recent opportunities that present in the industry. Countertop Microwave market report will be served as a significant guide for the readers so that they can easily understand each and every factor related to the global Countertop Microwave market. The fundamental drivers, as well as restraints, are identified by the recent trends and historical milestones gathered by the Countertop Microwave market. It also demonstrates the brief evaluation of the investments, Countertop Microwave production, innovative technologies and growth rate of the specific businesses.The creative advancements are investigated widely to understand the probable impact on the growth of the world Countertop Microwave market.

The Countertop Microwave market has been segmented into key segments such as product types, end-users, Countertop Microwave market prime regions, and noteworthy players. The readers can assess detailed and strategical information about each segment. The Countertop Microwave market report also includes a blend of statistics about sales, consumption rate, volume, value, gross margin and more.

Essential vendors involved in this report are:

Major competitors identified in this market include Electrolux, Whirlpool, GE, Sumsung, Panasonic, Siemens, LG, Gree, Haier, Bosch, Sharp, Indesit, Fotile, Vatti, etc.

The Countertop Microwave market fragmentation by product types:

Below 22 L22 25 LAbove 25 L

The application can be divided as follows:

ResidentialCommercial

With the growing number of new players entering the Countertop Microwave market and expansion in businesses is also improving. Then Countertop Microwave report focuses on boosting a series of parameters such as revenue shares, optimizing cost structure, offering better services, Countertop Microwave market demand or supply chain, development policies, which mainly maps to streamline business processes during the projected timeline.

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Thus, with the rising adoption of the Countertop Microwave market in the international sector, the industry for global Countertop Microwave market is expected to represent a predicted outlook during the forecast phase from 2020- 2026. Additionally, the report on the Countertop Microwave market delivers a systematic representation of the growth opportunities, Countertop Microwave market dynamics and the existing trends are anticipated to shape the growth of the Countertop Microwave market across the globe.

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Research on Countertop Microwave Market (impact of COVID-19) 2020-2026: Siemens, LG, Gree, Haier - Surfacing Magazine

The Heights is extremely walkable, is quite bikeable and has good transit options, according to Walk Score's rating system.

So what does the low-end rent on a rental in the Heights look like these days and what might you get for your money?

We took a look at local listings in the Heights via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to find out what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find in this Jersey City neighborhood.

Read on for the cheapest listings available right now. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Listed at $1,190/month, this studio apartment, located at 55 Graham St., is 7.4% less than the $1,285/month median rent for a studio in the Heights.

In the unit, expect hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, a dishwasher and granite countertops. Neither cats nor dogs are welcome.

(See the complete listing here.)

This studio apartment, situated at 207 Webster Ave., is listed for $1,284/month for its 500 square feet.

The listing promises a dishwasher, hardwood flooring and stainless steel appliances in the unit. The building offers on-site laundry. Good news for pet lovers: This property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly.

(See the complete listing here.)

Here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment at 500 Baldwin Ave., which, at 650 square feet, is going for $1,290/month.

In the unit, expect to find a dishwasher, hardwood flooring and central heating. For those with furry friends in tow, this property is pet-friendly.

(See the full listing here.)

Then there's this 600-square-foot apartment with one bedroom and one bathroom at 425 Baldwin Ave., listed at $1,295/month.

The apartment has air conditioning. Pets are not welcome. Expect a broker's fee equal to one month's rent.

(See the listing here.)

Over at 169 Manhattan Ave., there's this 650-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, going for $1,395/month.

In the unit, the listing promises hardwood flooring, granite countertops and central heating. Good news for pet lovers: This rental is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. The building offers on-site laundry.

(View the listing here.)

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, get free local real estate marketing ideas and tools for agents, brokers and more.

Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

Originally posted here:
The cheapest apartments for rent in the Heights, Jersey City - Hoodline

The report on the Countertop Microwave market provides a birds eye view of the current proceeding within the Countertop Microwave market. Further, the report also takes into account the impact of the novel COVID-19 pandemic on the Countertop Microwave market and offers a clear assessment of the projected market fluctuations during the forecast period. The different factors that are likely to impact the overall dynamics of the Countertop Microwave market over the forecast period (2019-2029) including the current trends, growth opportunities, restraining factors, and more are discussed in detail in the market study.

The recent published research report sheds light on critical aspects of the global Countertop Microwave market such as vendor landscape, competitive strategies, market drivers and challenges along with the regional analysis. The report helps the readers to draw a suitable conclusion and clearly understand the current and future scenario and trends of global Countertop Microwave market. The research study comes out as a compilation of useful guidelines for players to understand and define their strategies more efficiently in order to keep themselves ahead of their competitors. The report profiles leading companies of the global Countertop Microwave market along with the emerging new ventures who are creating an impact on the global market with their latest innovations and technologies.

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The recent published study includes information on key segmentation of the global Countertop Microwave market on the basis of type/product, application and geography (country/region). Each of the segments included in the report is studies in relations to different factors such as market size, market share, value, growth rate and other quantitate information.

The competitive analysis included in the global Countertop Microwave market study allows their readers to understand the difference between players and how they are operating amounts themselves on global scale. The research study gives a deep insight on the current and future trends of the market along with the opportunities for the new players who are in process of entering global Countertop Microwave market. Market dynamic analysis such as market drivers, market restraints are explained thoroughly in the most detailed and easiest possible manner. The companies can also find several recommendations improve their business on the global scale.

The readers of the Countertop Microwave Market report can also extract several key insights such as market size of varies products and application along with their market share and growth rate. The report also includes information for next five years as forested data and past five years as historical data and the market share of the several key information.

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Global Countertop Microwave Market by Companies:

The company profile section of the report offers great insights such as market revenue and market share of global Countertop Microwave market. Key companies listed in the report are:

Key market playersMajor competitors identified in this market include Electrolux, Whirlpool, GE, Sumsung, Panasonic, Siemens, LG, Gree, Haier, Bosch, Sharp, Indesit, Fotile, Vatti, etc.

Based on the Region:Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India and ASEAN)North America (US and Canada)Europe (Germany, France, UK and Italy)Rest of World (Latin America, Middle East & Africa)

Based on the Type:Below 22 L22 25 LAbove 25 L

Based on the Application:ResidentialCommercial

Global Countertop Microwave Market by Geography:

You can Buy This Report from Here @ https://www.marketresearchhub.com/checkout?rep_id=2674972&licType=S&source=atm

Some of the Major Highlights of TOC covers in Countertop Microwave Market Report:

Chapter 1: Methodology & Scope of Countertop Microwave Market

Chapter 2: Executive Summary of Countertop Microwave Market

Chapter 3: Countertop Microwave Industry Insights

Chapter 4: Countertop Microwave Market, By Region

Chapter 5: Company Profile

And Continue

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COVID-19: Potential impact on Countertop Microwave Market to Showcase Vigorous Demand During the Period until 2027 - Bulletin Line

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., May 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Today, KitchenAid announced its color-forward Commercial-Style Range Collection featuring a dual fuel range and a gas range. The new collection empowers creativity in the kitchen by providing home cooks with more color capabilities than before.

"Through purposeful color design, KitchenAid is fueling passion and individuality, allowing makers to satisfy their craving to uniquely explore in the kitchen," said Megan Pirri, Senior Brand Manager of KitchenAid Major Appliances. "The colors in the new Commercial-Style Range Collection complement existing brand tones to create harmonious palettes across major and small appliances."

The collection features nine expressive colors including Avocado Cream, Imperial Black, Ink Blue, Milkshake, Misty Blue, Passion Red, Scorched Orange, Yellow Pepper and Stainless Steel to complement the kitchen's aesthetic.

The colors were carefully selected by the same color and design experts behind the brand's iconic Stand Mixers and other countertop appliances. From muted blues and classic undertones to fruity brights and soft pastels, the new KitchenAid Commercial-Style Ranges can make any home feel unique and expressive.

A KitchenAid Handle Medallion Kit, sold separately, lets makers change the color of the handle medallions to add a custom accent. Available in Black, Bronze, Copper, Dark Blue, Mascarpone, New Gold, Red and Silver, each kit includes two medallions.

The Commercial-Style Dual Fuel Range and Commercial-Style Gas Range offer the power and precision needed to successfully sear, simmer, stir-fry and saut with a gas cooking surface. For those looking for an appliance to meet the needs of the most demanding cooks, the Commercial-Style Dual Fuel Range combines the precise control of a gas cooking surface with the even baking, roasting and broiling of an electric oven.

The Commercial-Style Ranges feature the following benefits:

The Commercial-Style Dual Fuel Range and Commercial-Style Gas Range are available in a variety of models, including 30", 36" and 48" sizes and four or six burners.

The new Commercial-Style Range Cooking Collection from KitchenAid matches makers' culinary skills and personalized styles, reinvigorating adventure in the kitchen through colorful inspiration.

The Commercial-Style Ranges are available now at KitchenAid.com and select retailers. To request color samples for yourself or your design project, visit KitchenAid.com.

About KitchenAid

Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and its first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for those with a passion to make.Today, the KitchenAid brand offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars. To learn more, visit KitchenAid.comor join us atFacebook.com/KitchenAidandInstagram.com/KitchenAidUSA.

/TM 2020 KitchenAid. All rights reserved.

Media Contact: Zoe KreyMSLzoe.krey@mslgroup.com

1Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Amazon is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Voice capabilities in US only. Appliance must be set to remote enable. WiFi and app required. Features subject to change. For details and privacy information, visit KitchenAid.com/Connect.2Only KFDC558J.

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KitchenAid Brand Debuts New Commercial-Style Range In Nine Expressive Colors - Iosco County News Herald

Curious just how far your dollar goes in Long Beach?

We've rounded up the latest places for rent via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to locating affordable apartments in Long Beach if you've got a budget of up to $1,300/month.

Take a peek at what rentals the city has to offer, below. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Here's a studio apartment at 730 Magnolia Ave. that's going for $1,295/month.

You can expect hardwood flooring, granite countertops and a ceiling fan in the residence. The building features on-site laundry. Neither cats nor dogs are welcome. Look out for a $100 processing fee.

Walk Score indicates that this location is friendly for those on foot, is convenient for biking and has good transit options.

(Take a look at the full listing here.)

Next, also listed at $1,295/month, this studio apartment is located at 32 Esperanza Ave.

Amenities offered in the building include on-site laundry. The listing also promises a mix of hardwood floors and carpeting and quartz countertops in the residence. Pet owners, take heed: This property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. There's no leasing fee required for this rental.

Walk Score indicates that the surrounding area is friendly for those on foot, is fairly bikeable and has some transit options.

(Take a look at the complete listing here.)

Finally, here's a studio apartment at 619 Elm Ave. that's going for $1,295/month.

The building boasts secured entry and on-site laundry. In the unit, the listing promises a ceiling fan. For those with furry friends in tow, this property is pet-friendly. The listing specifies a $250 pet deposit.

According to Walk Score's assessment, the area around this address is a "walker's paradise," is convenient for biking and offers many nearby public transportation options.

(Take a look at the full listing here.)

Working with a tight budget? Here are the cheapest rentals recently listed in Long Beach.

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, read on for five marketing tips for real estate agents to showcase local market expertise.

Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

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Apartments for rent in Long Beach: What will $1300 get you? - Hoodline

(NAPSI)Cooking like a professional doesnt have to mean a kitchen full of expensive gadgets, but you do want one where prepping, cooking and cleaning is seamless and comfortable. That requires considering design details that enhance the workflow. Consider these helpful hints:

Items that are used frequently should be kept together and conveniently at hand. Use hooks, magnets and utensil holders to keep favorite knives, pot lids, spatulas and the like within easy reach. A lazy Susan can help spices stay properly sorted.

Choose lighting that maximizes cooking efficiency and comfort. Task lighting should include overhead stove lights and under-cabinet fixtures so cooking and food prep area are properly lit. For dining, overhead chandeliers may be best.

While shiny appliances, countertops and beautiful backsplashes may get all the attention, the sink and its surrounding area are the most used in the kitchen and deserve special consideration.

Position the sink with as much prep space around it as possible. For the sink itself, look for efficiency and functionality. For example, the new BLANCO IKON Apron 33 1 3/4 sink is designed with a convenient low divide that makes it easier to handle large pots and baking sheets. Another advantage of its apron front design is that its installed further forward with no countertop. This means less strain on cooks and dishwashers because they dont have to lean over as much. Whats more, its made with nonporous, easy-to-clean Silgranit composite patented material and comes in eight trending colors.

Optional accessories help enhance the workflow and include a floating grid that provides an extra level within the sink, to further ease the strain of handling heavy pots. A floating cutting board fits right on top of the sink to instantly create more workspace.

Faucets designed with a higher arc and a pulldown spray head make rinsing dishes, filling pots and cleaning the sink faster and simpler. The new BLANCO RIVANA collection includes semi-pro, high arc with pulldown and bar faucet options. A coordinating soap dispenser is also available. The convenient Solenta Senso works hands-free. Handy when your hands are fullor very dirty.

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Creating a chef-inspired kitchen - Daily Herald

Due to the pandemic, we have included a special section on the Impact of COVID 19 on the Construction StoneMarket which would mention How the Covid-19 is Affecting the Industry, Market Trends and Potential Opportunities in the COVID-19 Landscape, Key Regions and Proposal for Construction Stone Market Players to battle Covid-19 Impact.

The Construction StoneMarket report is one of the most comprehensive and important data about business strategies, qualitative and quantitative analysis of Global Market. It offers detailed research and analysis of key aspects of the Construction Stone market. The market analysts authoring this report have provided in-depth information on leading growth drivers, restraints, challenges, trends, and opportunities to offer a complete analysis of the Construction Stone market.

Top Leading players covered in the Construction Stone market report: AbleGroup, Benchmark Building Supplies, Caesarstone, Cosentino Group, LSR Group, Dakota Granite, Dal-Tile, Duracite, Granite Canada Exports, Marazzi Group, Precision Countertops, RockSolid Granit USA, Silkar Mining Joint-stock, Sunrise Quartzite, US Stoneworks, Vangura and More

Get PDF Sample Report With Impact of COVID-19 on Construction Stone [emailprotected] https://www.marketinforeports.com/Market-Reports/Request-Sample/73265

The report offers clear guidelines for players to cement a position of strength in the global Construction Stone market. It prepares them to face future challenges and take advantage of lucrative opportunities by providing a broad analysis of market conditions. the global Construction Stone market will showcase a steadyCAGR in the forecast year 2020 to 2026.

Market Segment by Type covers:Construction AggregatesNatural Stones

Market Segment by Application covers:InfrastructureResidential ConstructionNon-Residential Construction

Our Complimentary Sample Construction Stone market Report Accommodate a Brief Introduction of the research report, TOC, List of Tables and Figures, Competitive Landscape and Geographic Segmentation, Innovation and Future Developments Based on Research Methodology.

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Regions Covered in the Global Construction Stone Market: The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt) North America (the United States, Mexico, and Canada) South America (Brazil etc.) Europe (Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.) Asia-Pacific (Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia)

Years Considered to Estimate the Construction Stone Market Size:History Year: 2015-2019Base Year: 2019Estimated Year: 2020Forecast Year: 2020-2026

Highlights of the Report: Accurate market size and CAGR forecasts for the period 2019-2026 Identification and in-depth assessment of growth opportunities in key segments and regions Detailed company profiling of top players of the global Construction Stone market Exhaustive research on innovation and other trends of the global Construction Stone market Reliable industry value chain and supply chain analysis Comprehensive analysis of important growth drivers, restraints, challenges, and growth prospects

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Contact Us:Mr. Marcus KelCall: +1 415 658 9988 (International)+91 84 839 65921 (IND)Email: [emailprotected]Website: http://www.marketinforeports.com

Originally posted here:
COVID-19 Update: Construction Stone Market Competitive Strategies, Regional Analysis Forecast 2026 |AbleGroup, Benchmark Building Supplies,...

Fears about catching the coronavirus from contaminated surfaces have prompted many of us to spend the past few months wiping down groceries, leaving packages unopened and stressing about touching elevator buttons.

But whats the real risk of catching Covid-19 from a germy surface or object?

The question has been on peoples minds lately, and there was some confusion after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made some edits to its website last week. Social media sites and some news outlets suggested the agency had downgraded its warnings and that surface transmission was no longer a worry.

The C.D.C. subsequently issued a news release to clarify that indirect contact from a contaminated surface what scientists call fomite transmission remains a potential risk for catching Covid-19.

Based on data from lab studies on Covid-19 and what we know about similar respiratory diseases, it may be possible that a person can get Covid-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes, the agency wrote. But this isnt thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

So does this mean we can catch coronavirus from touching a doorknob? Catching a Frisbee? Sharing a casserole dish?

The answer, in theory, is yes, which is why you need to wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals.

What theyre saying is that high touch surfaces like railings and doorknobs, elevator buttons are not the primary driver of the infection in the United States, said Erin Bromage, a comparative immunologist and biology professor at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. But its still a bad idea to touch your face. If someone who is infectious coughs on their hand and shakes your hand and you rub your eyes yes, youre infected. Someones drinking from a glass, and you pick it up near the rim and later rub your eyes or mouth, youre infected.

Heres how fomite transmission works. An infected person coughs or sneezes on their hands. Some of the droplets may splash onto a nearby surface, or the person spreads the germs by touching a faucet or countertop before washing his hands. Studies show that coronavirus can last up to three days on plastic and steel, but once it lands on a surface, the amount of viable virus begins to disintegrate in a matter of hours. That means a droplet on a surface is far more infectious right after the sneeze not so much a few days later.

Next, you have to come along and touch the contaminated surface, pick up enough viable virus on your hands, and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth. If all goes well for the virus, you will get sick.

Theres a long chain of events that would need to happen for someone to become infected through contact with groceries, mail, takeout containers or other surfaces, said Julia Marcus, an infectious disease epidemiologist and assistant professor in the department of population medicine at Harvard Medical School. The last step in that causal chain is touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hand, so the best way to make sure the chain is broken is washing your hands.

An outbreak associated with a shopping mall in Wenzhou, China, may have been fueled by fomite transmission. In January, seven workers who shared an office in a shopping mall became ill when one of their co-workers returned from Wuhan. The mall was closed, and public health officials tracked two dozen more sick people, including several women who had shopped at the mall, as well as their friends. None of them had come into contact with the original sick office workers. The researchers speculated that a womens restroom or the mall elevators had been the source of transmission.

Other studies have used invisible fluorescent tracers fake germs that glow under black light to track how germs are spread from surfaces. The findings are unnerving. In one series of experiments, 86 percent of workers were contaminated when spray or powder tracers were put on commonly touched objects in an office. When tracer powder was put on a bathroom faucet and exit doorknob, the glowing residue was found on employees hands, faces, phones and hair. From a shared phone, the tracer spread to desktop surfaces, drinking cups, keyboards, pens and doorknobs. A contaminated copy machine button added a trail of fluorescent finger prints transferred to documents and computer equipment. And just 20 minutes after arriving home from the office, the fake germs were found on backpacks, keys and purses, and on home doorknobs, light switches, countertops and kitchen appliances.

A video making rounds on the internet shows how the black light experiment works. The glow germs are put on the hands of just one diner at a buffet, but by the end of the meal, everyone at the table has come into contact with the glowing germs. The video explains why scientists discourage the sharing of food during a viral outbreak.

But while those experiments show how germs can spread on surfaces, the microbe still has to survive long enough and in a large enough dose to make you sick. Eugene M. Chudnovsky, a professor at the City University of New York, notes that surfaces are not a particularly effective means of viral transmission. With the flu, for instance, it takes millions of copies of the influenza virus to infect a person through surface-to-hand-to-nose contact, but it may take only a few thousand copies to infect a person when the flu virus goes from the air directly into the lungs.

Dr. Chudnovsky, a theoretical physicist whose research has focused on the spread of the airborne infection, said a similar pattern is likely to be true for the new coronavirus, but the exact numbers are not known.

I believe the C.D.C. is right when it says that surface transmission is not a dominant one, said Dr. Chudnovsky. Surfaces frequently touched by a large number of people, like door handles, elevator buttons, etc., may play a more significant role in spreading the infection than objects touched incidentally, like food packages delivered to homes.

The bottom line is that the best way to protect ourselves from coronavirus whether its surface transmission or close human contact is still social distancing, washing our hands, not touching our faces and wearing masks.

Hand washing is important not only for fomite transmission, but also for person-to-person transmission, said Dr. Daniel Winetsky, a postdoctoral fellow in the division of infectious diseases at Columbia University. The respiratory droplets we produce when speaking, coughing and sneezing fall mostly onto our hands, and can fall onto other peoples hands if they are within six feet from us.

Originally posted here:
Whats the Risk of Catching Coronavirus From a Surface? - The New York Times

When Valerie Hammond's countertop oven burst into flames, causing hundreds of dollars in damage to her kitchen, she figured the cost would be coveredsince the KitchenAidappliance was from a big company she trusted.

Whirlpool, which owns KitchenAid, replaced the oven,as required by the warranty.

But things got complicated when she asked for $600 to cover the smoke and fire damage. Whirlpool refused, telling Hammond she'd have to go after a third-party company she'd never heard of located in China that owns the factory that manufactured the appliance.

"I was absolutely shocked. I said, 'I don't understand it doesn't say Elec-Tech [International] on it, it said KitchenAid You're telling me you can wash your hands of it?'" the Kitchener, Ont., woman told Go Public.

Hammond's problems started in October 2018 when hercompact oven went up in flames while she was cooking a small roast.

"I went upstairs to the linen cupboard to get a couple of tea towels and smelled what wasn't meat. It smelled like metal," she said.

"Seconds later, the smoke alarms went off and I came running downstairs. The kitchen was full of thick, dense smoke and there were flames shooting out of the control panel of the oven."

The 68-year-old called and emailed Whirlpool dozens of times over more than six months but got nowhere on her claim for the damage.

Her oven was "not a Whirlpool product," a company representative told her via email, so Whirlpool wasn't liable for the damage. She was referred toElec-Tech International.

Hammond says she tried contacting the company in China using the phone number Whirlpool provided. Her calls would ring through but no one would ever pick up. Her emails also went unanswered.

"I was so frustrated with Whirlpool and didn't know what else to do This was a David-and-Goliath fight because they weren't going to listen to me," she said.

She says she won't use the replacement after the company wouldn't tell her what caused the fire.

"Basically it's a paperweight," she said.

No recalls have been issued for that oven's make and model.

After hearing from Go Public, Whirlpool apologized, calling Hammond's experience "unacceptable" and saying it would be"appropriately addressed."It eventually paid Hammond $5,000 for the damage and her trouble.

LISTEN | Valerie Hammond tries to find out from Whirlpool what went wrong with her toaster oven:

But consumer advocates say that alot of Canadians are having similar problems left on their own to deal with sometimes unco-operative companies when something goes wrong after finding government agencies set up to protect consumers are often difficult to access or ineffective.

Hammond is one of many frustrated Canadians who don't know where to turn for helpor have little faith in the federal, provincial or privateagencies set up to protect consumers when companies refuse to take responsibility for damage caused by goods, says Ken Whitehurst, executive director of the Consumers Council of Canada, a non-profit organization that advocates for consumer rights.

"It really pays to really consider who you're buying from. Don't just be dazzled by brand names," he said.

There is provincial consumer protection legislation that isintended to protect consumers like Hammond, but most consumer protection agencies don't offer help enforcing those laws in cases where damage was done by appliances, leaving consumers to take on big companies in court on their own if they want compensation, Whitehurst says.

"There are some retailers and some manufacturers who are prepared to play a game with it, to see what they can get away with."

In Hammond's case, the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Servicestold Go Public, the "legal responsibility when a product causes damage to property is not one that the ministry can address.It is suggested that the consumer consider seeking legal advice about this matter."

Many provinces say the same thing. For example, consumer protection agencies under the governmentsin B.C. and Alberta saythey don't deal with compensation for damage done by appliances, and that those kinds of disputes often end upin court.

But Robert Hawkes, a lawyer specializing in commercial litigation, says those who do go to courtneed to know they are protected beyond what's in the warranties that come with appliances. Hesays while consumer laws differ slightly across the country, they all include animplied warranty that goes beyond the one that's issued by the manufacturer or retailer.

"So there is the warranty from the company but then there is how that interacts with the consumer protection acts She's [Hammond] not just limited to getting the new toaster oven. If there was damage to her house that was caused when the toaster oven exploded, then she can claim that against KitchenAid."

A recentsurveyfound about 68 per cent of the 2,000 respondents said it was difficult to find the appropriate government or self-regulatory agency to file complaints about goods and services they felt were misrepresented, unhealthy or unsafe.

The survey conducted by Environics Research for theConsumers Council of Canadaalso found that consumers see government complaint handlers as, "only marginally effective" and have low confidence they can effectively deal with complaints.

What's needed, Whitehurst says, is a better way to protect consumers:a single, national organization that goes to bat for people fighting big companies, and wouldtrack recurring problems so they can be identified and addressed like the "super-complaints" system established in the U.K. in 2002.

Public funding for that organization, he says, would also mean consumers could get support in resolving complaints.

In their most recent campaign platform, the Liberals admitted the current consumer protection systems are "confusing" and have "disjointed rules, making it difficult to resolve" problems.

The party promised to put a consumer advocate in place:an independent, single point of contact for consumers with complaintsrelated to banking, telecomor transportation but not appliances.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is the department in charge of making that happen. In a statement, the department said it's working with the federal departments for those three areas to figure out the "mandate and scope of responsibilities" for the advocate.

Asked if the advocate's scopewill be expanded to cover other areas, the department said it recognizes the "opportunity exists."

Hammond says she contacted Go Public out of frustration with the appliance company and with the government agencies set up to protect consumers.

After hearing from Go Public, Whirlpool Canadanegotiated compensation with Hammond. In the end, it paid her $5,000, more than eight times what she asked before going public.

She says she played hardball with them, because she wanted to make a point thatthe company would have had to pay less if it had taken her concerns seriously in the first place.

"If they had been nicer, it would only have been $600."

The company says it paid that amount because itwanted to "do the right thing" after not meeting Hammond's expectations.

In itsstatementto Go Public, the companysaid customersafety is a top priority and its "appliances, like this countertop oven, are designed and tested to leading industry standards."

The company wouldn't say what caused the fire but says, after an initial investigation, it believes it was an isolated event, and hasreported the incident to Health Canada as required by law.

Hammondsays she's happy with the company's response and the compensation it offered, adding that shedonated $1,000 of Whirlpool's money to the Hospital for Sick Childrenin Toronto.

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After her toaster oven caught fire, Ontario woman was told by Whirlpool to take it up with a company in China - CBC.ca