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Here are quarantine-friendly ways to get mom a perfect gift for Mother's Day. USA TODAY

When celebrating mom this Mother's Day, we are going the (social) distance!

Amid a global pandemic, Sunday's festivities may detour from the usual but there are still creative ways to make an irreplaceable parent feel loved. Technology can shrink the distance and allow for shared experiences. Take-out that pulls double-duty can also be a plus. Or perhaps you can drive a decked out car and toot your mom's horn!

Here are the ways that you can make your mom feel special. And bonus for the procrastinators (whose mom would likely lovingly describe themas "just very busy"): Most of these things can still be done now.

Timree Gold, owner of Timree Paint Studio, inNewport Beach, California, has created a not-so-paint-by-numbers way moms and their kids can have a shared experience, though distance may keep them apart. She's hosting a livestream painting class (Sunday, 6:30 p.m. EDT/3:30 PDT) where attendees will painta colorful bouquet.

Gold says once the quarantine hit "within 24 hours I totally switched my business to completely online live streaming." She's had interest in her classes from people across the country.

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One client was unable to visit her mother getting cancer treatment at the City of Hope. "So she got her mom all the paintsand all that," says Gold. "Now this is their way to kind of connect while shes in the hospital, and then the daughter and her grandkids can all paint."

Gold says moms can also opt out of painting beside their child, as a Mother's Day treat for themselves. "The selling point is the peace and quiet because you can set (your kids) up, give them to me and I take them step by step," she says. "Moms can definitely step away and just, like, watch some TV. Like, basically, thats what I want to do is, like, sit on the couch (laughs)."

Denise Richards,Laura Prepon and Valerie Bertinelli's tips for Mother's Day in quarantine

Just because you'resocial distancing doesn't mean you and your madre have to forgo your movie nights or TV binges, even if you aren't in the same household.

Thanks to a Google Chrome extension calledNetflix Party, groups of friends/siblings/familiescan get together virtually andwatch theirfavorite Netflix titles on their computers at the same time. The extension also comes with a chat room, so you and Mom can share your reactions as you watch. She might have something to say about the second season of "Dead to Me"or Jerry Seinfeld's new stand-up special.

In order to participate, all you need is a Google Chrome browser,the extension and a Netflix subscription. (More about how it works here.)

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Jordan Farrell, director of communications for theNashville-basedStrategic Hospitality, suggests checking out what local eateries and businesses have planned for the day. If you aren't in the same house as your mom, you can drop the food off with her.

"A lot of them have special packages, a lot of them are doing some really fun out of the box kind of things," she says. "So, look around. Theres a lot of ways that what theyre doing might help you figure out what to get Mom."

Strategic Hospitality'sPinewood restaurant has partnered with local vendors to create take-away offerings that please more than just the palate. Their Mother's Day Brunch Packsinclude a variety of options bath bombs and masks for a spa-like experience,a bouquet of flowers oran activity for the family.

"We want to offer everyone a really great experience so we thought, 'What do you want to do with mom on Mothers Day?'"saysFarrell. "We wanted to give people the option of enhancing that a little bit without having to try and look around too much."

Similarly, Mom 'n 'em CoffeeinCincinnati, started by brothers for their mother, has a trio of Mother's Day gift bags to choose from. All include a bouquet of flowers, tote and bottle of vino. The mid-tier option also includes a bag of coffee and the top-tier bundle adds on a gift card.

With so many out of work, there is a greater need this Mother's Day for assistance, and your mom might be touched by a donation to help other families.

Saturday, numerous celebrities are participating in an Instagram Live event (3 p.m. EDT/12 p.m. PDT) withBaby2Baby, anational nonprofit organization thatdistributes necessities likediapers, clothing and hygiene products for kidsliving in poverty.Gwyneth Paltrow,Chrissy Teigen,Kerry Washington, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner and Drew Barrymore are just some of the stars who will talk about their involvement with the organization, the impact of COVID-19 and theirMothers Day traditions.

"The need has increased exponentially,"says co-president Norah Weinstein. "As far as diapers go, we gave out 350% more diapers in the first month of COVID than in the previous months."

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Chrissy Teigen is one of the numerous celebrities who serves as a Baby2Baby Angel, committed to the organization the helps children in poverty receive the items they need.(Photo: Courtesy of Baby2Baby)

Baby2Baby says it has delivered 13 million items to those affected by the outbreak. and100 million items since its inception in 2011.

"In our minds, the gift that (moms) want and deserve is to be able to provide for their children, and we want to do everything in our power to help them realize that,"Weinstein says.

People inin Port Huron, Michigan have planned a Mother's Day Car Parade for Sunday. Organizers of the procession,business ownersLuke and Sindy Marion, have experienced some success and wanttopay it forwardto other local businesses with this parade. Lukesaid heand his wife spent $5,000from their own pocketsto buy gift cards from 10 local businessesto give toparade participants randomly.

He asks people decorating their vehiclesto stay focused on Mothers Day or have apositive message like appreciating first responders.

We just want to see some people smile, Luke said. Thats the objective.

Chrissy Teigen's famous banana breadrecipe is here for your self-isolation baking

'Harry Potter' starRupert Grint, Georgia Groome are 'delighted' by arrival of baby girl

Contributing:Polly Campbell, The Cincinnati Enquirer, Bryce Airgood, Port Huron Times Herald andCharles Trepany, USA TODAY

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5 Mother's Day ideas to make Mom feel special, in addition to that very important call - USA TODAY

Souper Salad Manager Eduardo Vargas explains the new buffet style set up at the restaurant Monday, May 4, in El Paso. El Paso Times

El Paso's rising coronavirus cases have reached the peak many models predicted would happen in early May.

The county surpassed 1,000COVID-19 cases Monday, and by Friday, cases reached 1,276, according to data released by the city of El Paso. Additionally, 10 more El Pasoans had died from COVID-19 this week, as of Friday, bringing the total to 32.

This past week the first full week select Texas businesses could reopenat partial capacity saw record hospitalizations in the 80s, but the impact of the state's gradualreopening won't begin to be known until this upcoming week.

Dr. Alan Tyroch, chief of surgery and trauma medical director at University Medical Center of El Paso, said it could take about 10 days to see an impact.

The spike in hospitalizations seen this past week is from infections that occurred prior to May 1, when retail stores, malls, movie theaters and restaurants were allowed to reopen at 25% capacity.

While some of these cases could be a result of people gathering with family April 12 for Easter, these casesarelikelyinstances of people continuing to gather with those outside their household, said Dr. Hector Ocaranza, the health authority for the city and county.

Souper Salad at 7019 N. Mesa open Monday, May 4, in El Paso. Souper Salad reopened both locations after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott allowed restaurants to reopen while limiting occupancy to 25% capacity and promoting safe distancing practices.(Photo: BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES)

"As the governor sends the message that the economy needs to reopen, people start relaxing, hence the message we continue sending the community: please continue to observesocial distancing," Ocaranza said.

"As more places are opening, it doesn't mean that the risk of getting exposed or infected is going to be lowered," he said.

Friday's reopening of salons and barbershops is of less immediate concern to health officials than Mother's Day, which this year falls on the same day in both the United Statesand Mexico.

Mother's Day 2020:10 gift ideas to make El Paso moms feel loved, while social distancing

If Sunday is a repeat of Easter and families get together to celebrate, Ocaranza and Tyroch said they expect hospitalizations to risein the coming weeks.

"If we don't do a good job on Mother's Day ... that may cause another peak in 10 to 14 days," Tyroch said.

Hospitalizations hit a record daily high of 83 COVID-19 patientsFriday, according to city of El Paso data.

An average 67 patients were hospitalized during the seven-day period between Saturday, May 2, and Friday, May 8. The daily hospitalization average the previous week, from April 25 to May 1, was 43 patients.

The number of patients in intensive care units also reached a record 47 Friday.

An average 40 patients were in the ICU between May 2 and Friday, higher than the prior week's 23 ICU patient average.

The city's hospitalization numbers are also a slightundercount from those UMC uses, Tyroch said.

On Friday morning, for example, UMC received a report that99 coronavirus patients in El Paso County were hospitalized. While that number can fluctuate over the course of the day, the change in patients between the morning and evening shouldn't be significant, Tyroch said.

Stay on top of the latest COVID-19 news: Click here to subscribe to elpasotimes.com.

UMC pulls its data from the local hospital systems in addition tothe daily reports hospitals send theTexas Department of State Health Servicesand the federal government.

Ocaranza was not aware of the undercount and did not have an explanation as towhy the city's nightly numbers differ.El Paso Department of Health employees call the hospitals daily to get hospitalization numbers, he said.

Because El Paso is in the midst of a case surge, Tyroch anticipates hospitalizations to increase and potentially reach the low hundreds as soon as the early part of this next week.And high numbers of hospitalized patientswill likely continue for a few weeks.

While that wouldput a strain on the area's hospitals, hospitals are in good shape when it comes to personal protective equipment, ICU beds and equipment, like ventilators, Tyroch said.

A significant spike in hospitalizations also wouldn't happen overnight, allowing hospitals time to take steps to avoidbecoming overwhelmed, such as by limiting elective surgeries again.

The Department of State Health Services reported 53 available ICU beds Friday for the region covering El Paso, Hudspeth and Culberson counties. Though Tyroch didn't know the exact number of available beds, it is higher than what the state reports, he said. That's because the state takes a conservative approach and reports staffed beds rather than licensed beds.

City of El Paso spokesperson Laura Cruz Acosta said an average 75 ICU beds are available daily across the county's hospitals.

El Paso Mayor Dee Margo said at a Thursday news conference he and El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego were prepared to speak with Gov. Greg Abbott as early as Monday to seek an exemption from a future statewide order allowing businesses to reopen at 50% capacity.

More: El Paso Applebee's, Peter Piper Pizza operator eager to return to full capacity in COVID-19 era

Samaniego told the El Paso Times Fridaythe motivation behind this is that localhospitalizationsare trending upward.

"It doesn't make sense that we're trending up and we're opening businesses simultaneously," Samaniego said.

Applebee's dining room reopened Wednesday, May 6, at 1766 Airway Blvd. in El Paso. Applebee's reopened their dining rooms in El Paso on May 1 after being closed six weeks by city and county orders, as part of an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.(Photo: BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES)

In late April, the governorsaid asecond phase of business reopenings could come as early as mid-May, at which point businesses could operate at half their occupancy. When that happens, Samaniego said he will ask to have El Paso County be exempt from allowing that for 30 days.

Such an exemption does not mean local officials are opposed toAbbott's decision to reopen the state, Samaniego said, but rather that El Paso's coronavirus peak is a month behind other parts of the state.

"It's going to take more time" for El Paso to be ready to safely reopen, the county judge said.

Tyroch acknowledged the local economy cannot remain closed forever and said El Pasoans can patron businesses "as long as (they) do the smart thing." That includes wearing a face covering, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others when possible, washing hands frequently and staying home when sick, as well as not socializing with those outside your household.

Ellen Germany finally has her hair colored and cut after a long beauty salon closure due to coronavirus. Markham Salon at 2200 N. Yarbrough reopened Friday to the delight of many who visited the salon.(Photo: Mark Lambie / El Paso Times)

El Paso's emergency directive prohibiting public and private social gatherings of any sizeremains in place.

"Just be smart. You gotta live life.This is part of the whole thing. This is sort of like a new normal for now," Tyroch said.

That new normal will continue into at least the early summer, he said.

Staff writer Eleanor Dearman contributed to this report.

Molly Smith may be reached at 915-546-6413;mksmith@elpasotimes.com; @smithmollykon Twitter.

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COVID-19 hospitalizations hit record high in El Paso as impact of reopening still unknown - El Paso Times

The intrinsic journey of turning a house into a home occurs alongside the evolution of the interior. An inviting selection of occasional chairs can bring a much-needed air of elegance and beauty to any room in the house and these 10, in particular, will put you on the fast track to developing a very classy abode.

British designer Damian Williamsons inspiration for this selection of occasional chairs is far from standard. A sheet of fresh pasta draped over a large rolling pin served as the starting point for Williamsons design process. Although strange, the easy-going nature as of this occasional chair lends a very unoffensive presence in the room.

This chair was originallydesigned by Jens Risom in 1961. Risom was at the forefront of the Danish Modernism design movement and the A-Chair is one of his most compelling creations. Its a timeless piece, prioritising comfort as much as design innovation.

fredericia.com

With a base structure composed of native Brazillian wood and a beautiful combination of leather fabrics, the Adriana is named after cunning designer Jorge Zalszupins granddaughter. Available in a wide array of colours and fabrics, these occasional chairs are simple yet intriguing.

Heavily leather-centric, the Rondo is luxury seating at its best. Designer Lucy Kurrein received her inspiration from punching bags an object not usually associated with finer interior living. However, the crossover is clear when one considers durability and simplicity. Hopefully, this chair gets the same amount of wear as its inspiration.

spenceandlyda.com.au

Fans of Pierre Jeanneret will recognise his unmistakable style in the Cross Easy Chair which he designed for Chandigarh in the mid-1950s. The appeal of the chair is undeniably simple, conveying a grounded earthly presence through the warmth of teak and braided cane. A rare piece from an iconic designer.

This eccentric chair was designed by the professional design duo of GamFratesi, consisting of the Italian Enrico Fratesi and Danish Stine Gam. The wide-bodied chair, which can be upholstered to the buyers liking, features a bent beech framework framing woven cane with the option of brass feet.

gebruederthonetvienna.com

The Louise offers a very sturdy frame, planting its low position to the ground and reinforcing sturdiness. This suggests a strong beauty of design, found with the solid beech body that can be lacquered in shades of black or burgundy.

Very appropriately named, the Sling incorporates a clear resonance of relaxation and easy sitting. The intricate metal working of the legs is a clear standout of the impressivedesign. This difficult construction process means that no two Slings are the same, creating a bespoke customer experience every time.

rwguild.com

The Cortina seems to sink into its environment while simultaneously standing out as a beautiful addition to any room. The back includes a light-weight, web-like metal structure to ensure excellent support of the individual in the chair, seemingly defying gravity.

Espassos second feature on this list is well deserved, thanks to the Oscar. This particular piece was originally designed in 1956 for the So Paulo Jockey Club and is named after the legendary Brazillian design master, Oscar Niemeyer.

espasso.com

If youre looking to tie a space together, get some inspiration from Harvey Specters decor for his home and office.

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10 Statement Chairs That Add Character To Any Room - Boss Hunting

Homeless communities are one of the most vulnerable amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and people are on the frontlines to ensure their health and safety. USA TODAY

Transgender singer and actress Mizz June was coughing up blood and wheezing. Her ribs hurt when she breathed. She had painful migraines.

But when she called 911, the telecommunicator kept putting her on hold. When someone got on the line, they told hershe shouldnt go to the emergency roomunless she was really sick.

"I said I needed to go. I'm in pain. It hurts to breathe," she said. "They were like, you're just going to sit there. So do you want to at three o'clock in the morning, go to this emergency room and just sit there?"

Mizz June pushed back. I can't breathe, she told them.

They began questioning me, but I was so angered that I demanded to go to the hospital, she said. If I had not been the kind of woman that I am, a black transgender woman who has been through so much adversity. I would be dead.

The coronavirus outbreak is pummeling LGBTQ Americans, especially those of color, leaving a population already vulnerable to health care and employment discrimination suffering from high job losses and a growing rate of positive cases, according to preliminary data collected from multiple LGBTQ advocacy groups.

Many LGBTQ Americans live in states that have seen the highest number of coronavirus cases, including California, New York and Washington. These areas have also been hit by job losses driven by economic shutdowns.

In this Oct. 8, 2019 file photo, supporters of LGBT rights stage a protest on the street in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington.(Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta, AP)

As a result, many more LGBTQ people are struggling with unemployment, homelessness and food insecurity compared with other Americans, while simultaneously facing increased rates of health issues stemming from bias, mental illness and lack of insurance.

Scout, a transgender activist and deputy directorat the National LGBT Cancer Network, a non-profit organization based in New York City,said many LGBTQ Americans already face discrimination when seeking health care, and are worried these barriers could make it hardertoget treatment during the pandemic. Scott cited a recent controversy over afield hospital in New York's Central Park that requiredemployees to sign a pledge against same-sex marriage.

"Imagine if you were in New York City and you're queer and your partner gets COVID. Your closest hospital might be that one in Central Park that is very anti-LGBT," he said."Can you imagine what kind of fear you might have to send your partner to the hospital knowing you couldn't visit them again, right, because you can't visit the hospitals. And you can't be there to protect them and to make sure that they get the kind of care they deserve."

Advocates said the U.S. needs more comprehensive data on who is being tested for COVID-19. So far, many states have collected COVID-19 data based on age, race and ethnicity, but are not collecting sexual orientation and gender identity data.

That's prompted activists to try to create their own data onpositive cases in the LGBTQ community, while alsosurveying respondents onhealth care disparities stemming from discrimination from medical providers, including being turned away because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

"I would say that there is definitely not as much research out there as other communities because so few surveys ask questions about sex orientation and gender identity," said Naomi Goldberg, policy research director of the Movement Advancement Project, a non-profit think tank that provides LGBTresearch in Colorado.

Scout saidthe health care system needs to take into accountprior medical histories, as well as societal issues, while treating Americans for coronavirus, especially LGBTQ people.

"No one's measuring our outcomes, which, in my mind, is people in the health care system forcing us back in the closet," he said. "They're hiding the way this pandemic is going to play out our extra vulnerabilities and have a disproportionate impact on us."

More: Fauci guided US through AIDS crisis, too. Survivors say it's a roadmap for coronavirus.

Experts agreethat LGBTQ people may have health complications that could put them at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or heighten complications after contraction. For example, LGBTQ people are more likely to be smokers than other Americans, according to the Human Rights Campaign. They also are more likely to have asthma. LGBTQ Americans, especially those who are non-white, are also more likely to have chronic medical conditions such as HIV or AIDS.

Access to health care can also be contributing to high cases of COVID-19 among LGBTQ Americans. Roughly 17% of LGBTQ adults do not have any kind of health insurance coverage, compared with 12% of non-LGBTQ Americans, according to the National Center for Transgender Equality based in Washington, D.C.

"We need to be talking about disparities, especially around race and class, recognizing that people of color have less access to health care,"said Daniel Ramos, executive director of One Colorado, a LGBTQ advocacy group based in Denver.

Participants wave rainbow flags during the 2015 New York City Pride march in New York on June 28, 2015.(Photo: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP/Getty Images)

Stigma and discrimination can also deter LGBTQ people from seeking medical care, even when they do have health insurance. One in fourLGBTQ people reported experiencing discrimination, while 8% of lesbian, gayand bisexual adults and 29% of transgender adults reported that a health care provider refused to see them because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, according to a national survey by the Center for American Progress, a policyresearch organization in Washington, D.C.

Sean Cahill, director of health policy research at the Fenway Institute, a center for research and advocacy in Massachusetts, said there is stillanti-LGBTQ stigma in health care.

"This affects their health, well being and affects their sense of safety," he said.

Michael Adams, chief executive officer at SAGE, a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ aging in New York, suspects that many older Americans dying from COVID-19 could be part of the LGBTQ community.LGBTQ older adults are twice as likely to be living alone and four times less likely to have children compared to non-gay people their same age, which means that older LGBTQ people are especially at risk to lack care or support from family during COVID-19, according to a study by SAGE.

In a public health crisis like this there are very thin support networks among LGBT older adults, Adamssaid.

To help raise awareness, activists plan to host virtual pride events starting June 1, the beginning ofgay pride month, saidBrian Hujdich, executive directorof HealthHIV, one of the largest national HIV nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C.

MizzJune said she contracted COVID-19 in mid-March and fears she may get it again. The symptoms initially left her with a dry cough andblood in her mucus. Then she felt constipated for a week.

I had a mild case but still I was coughing up blood, wheezing and I could feel my lungs and ribs hurting when I breathed, she said. Its just a disgusting virus.

She said was she baffled by the claims from the 911 operators that she should avoid going to the emergency room because it was too crowded. Only three other patients were waiting when she arrived.

"They told me I could contract the disease if I went. How could I when there were only three people, I expected at least a full room of 100 coronavirus patients," she said.

She has recovered since her hospital stay, but is worried that other black transgender women might have the same experience where"symptoms weren't taken seriously." She's been encouraging other black transwomen to get tested for the virus.

"I don't think people understand the seriousness of it," she said. "Whenever I go outside I put on gloves and a mask, I keep my distance because I've had it. I don't know if I can still pass it on to people but also I don't want to catch it again."

More: FDA eases restrictions on blood donations from gay and bisexual men during coronavirus pandemic

In this June 26, 2016, file photo, a woman holds a rainbow flag during the NYC Pride Parade in New York.(Photo: Seth Wenig, AP)

For LGBTQ Americans who don't get sick from coronavirus, many are struggling with unemployment or other financial burdens, activists said.

"When we think about the kind of economic earthquake that has happened as a result of COVID-19, with job losses and unemployment benefits, there's a lot of reason to be concerned about the precariousness of LGBTQ people and their families at this moment," said Goldbergof the Movement Advancement Project.

As the economy plummeted, more than 5 million LGBTQ workers were likely to have been impacted by COVID-19, according to recent estimates from the Human Rights Campaign. Jobs in restaurants and food service, hospitals, K-12 and higher education and retail industries have been hit, making up about 40% of all industries where LGBTQ people work, the organization found.More than 33million Americans havesubmittedunemployment claims since March.

"While we do not have official numbers on how many LGBTQ people have contracted coronavirus or have died because of it, we know in addition to health disparities, LGBTQ people are employed in the industries heavily impacted by the pandemic, such as retail, nightlife, restaurants, and they are more likely to live in poverty, be food insecure, and uninsured," said Tyrone Hanley, senior policy counsel of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the first national LGBTQ legal organization founded by womenin California.

Roughly 9% of LGBT were unemployed, compared with 5% of all Americans, before the outbreak.About 27% LGBT people were food insecure, compared with 15% of all Americans.

LGBTQ Americans are also more likely to be homeless than other Americans. Up to 45% of homeless youth are LGBTQ, while LGBT people ages 18 through 25 are two times more likely to be homeless than their peers,according to the Williams Institute, a leading research center on sexual orientation and gender identity at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law.

"We estimate that 139,700 transgender adults were unemployed at the time the coronavirus pandemic began. Recent job losses due to official orders enforcing social distancing practices will likely increase this number and exacerbate existing employment disparities,"said Jody L. Herman, a scholar of public policyat the Williams Institute and co-author of a recent report on COVID-19 and transgender Americans.

A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Rent Strike" Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. With millions of people suddenly out of work, some tenants in the U.S. are vowing to go on a rent strike until the new coronavirus pandemic subsides.(Photo: Ted S. Warren, AP)

LGBTQ people of color tend to face much harsher discrimination compared with their white counterparts because of their ethnicity, in part because of barriers such asinadequate or non-existent non-discrimination protection for LGBT workers, and a lack of mentoring,said Goldberg.

We know that with the economic issues arising many of them wont be able to work at their jobs, or their jobs arent remote, meaning they'll lose a paycheck, Goldberg said.

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LGBTQ Americans are getting coronavirus, losing jobs. Anti-gay bias is making it worse for them. - USA TODAY

A national home repair company with ties to Connecticut has come up with a new way for homeowners to get the services they need, despite the restrictions caused by coronavirus.

Norwalk-based HomeServe has been offering home repair plans for over 25 years and is now making house calls through its new service HomeServe Telefix.

"Its like telemedicine for your home," says Jeff Paradise, of HomeServe.

He says anyone having an issue with your plumbing, electrical, heating or cooling can call and get a technician to talk you through it.

"We'll put them in touch with one of our qualified technicians to do our best to getting that thing repaired over the telephone without anybody having to step foot in the house," says Paradise.

Paradise says the company works with a network of 10,000 technicians across the country and the new service has been a great fit for homeowners. He says repair plans start as low as $8 a month.

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HomeServe to help with DIY repair projects through new 'Telefix' - News 12 Bronx

Most people know the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in public, but what about within our homes?

People can do several things in addition to cleaning high-touch surfaces to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, or any infectious disease, among family members who live together.

Because COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through respiratory droplets from someone who is infected, staying home curbs the spread. But staying home also makes it extra important that our homes are a healthy place to spend so much time, said LSU AgCenter housing specialist Claudette Reichel.

In addition, we are still learning how this virus spreads, including the potential for it to be aerosolized, where it may linger and circulate in the air inside homes and buildings, she said.

Maintaining good indoor air quality in homes is always important to prevent health hazards and to optimize the bodys immune system, along with other healthy living practices like good nutrition, sleep and exercise.

People can take extra measures in their homes to help protect their families from transmitting the coronavirus and other airborne infectious diseases to each other in addition to hand-washing and cleaning guidelines.

Home risk reduction strategies when no one is ill include:

Increase ventilation of fresh air into the home to dilute airborne germs and pollutants.

Upgrade to a MERV 13-rated air filter in the heating/cooling system. That efficiency level can capture virus-carrying sneeze droplets. Higher ratings are more efficient but may overly restrict the air flow and cause problems, so consult an HVAC professional if you want to upgrade further.

Prevent very low relative humidity below 30 percent, which can make people more susceptible to respiratory infection. This is rarely an issue in warm, humid Louisiana climate, but it can happen during cold winter weather when the heating system is running.

As an added precaution, close the toilet lid before flushing to reduce exposure to any germs released into the air by the turbulence, and run the bathroom exhaust fan during and for a few minutes after flushing.

When someone in the household is sick or quarantined:

Isolate the affected person in one room.

Exhaust air from that room to the outdoors to keep the isolation rooms air from circulating to other parts of the house. This can be done with a small window fan on low speed blowing to the outside.

Avoid sharing a bathroom. If thats not possible, run an exhaust fan continuously. CLICK HERE to find CDC cleaning and disinfecting guidelines online.

Close off or cover the central air vents in the isolation room if there is another way to control temperature. Provide a window air conditioner or a room space heater for that room as needed for comfort. In mild weather, open windows.

Use a room air cleaner in the isolation room. CLICK HERE to consult the online EPA Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.

Continue the strategies for when no one is sick in the rest of the house occupied by healthy household members.

When no one is ill but the household includes a person at high risk:

Isolate the high-risk person in a separate room and bathroom if possible. Keep the door closed. This is to protect the at-risk person in case another household member has the virus without symptoms.

Use a window fan to ventilate the room with outdoor air blowing from outside to inside.

Close or cover the central air vents into the room and provide a room air conditioner or space heater as needed.

Use a room air cleaner in the isolation room.

Healthy indoor air quality tips for all homes:

Pollutant source control is top of the list. Never allow smoking indoors, dont burn candles and always use the range hood when cooking. Buy and use only low VOC cleaners and household products (read labels). Avoid overuse of disinfectants, such as bleach, which produce unhealthy fumes. Do not rely on air filters or air cleaners as a substitute for pollutant source control.

Try to maintain 40-60 percent indoor relative humidity for optimal health and comfort.

Make sure all drain traps have water in them to prevent sewer gas in the home.

Clean and capture dust with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner or damp-wipe methods.

Clean high-touch surfaces often, especially door handles, light switches and countertops.

If the home was built before 1978, assume it could have lead-based paint and asbestos-containing materials. Home repair and renovation projects that disturb paint or asbestos materials can create a serious hazard. Hire only EPA Lead-safe Renovators to do work on the home.

When choosing new door, cabinet and faucet handles, consider brass. Uncoated copper and its alloys, as well as silver, can have anti-microbial effects. Although more research is needed, a recent study by the National Institutes of Health and CDC reported that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, remained viable for up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel surfaces versus up to four hours on copper.

These extra measures to reduce risk of COVID-19 are based largely upon recommendations of Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory indoor air quality scientists. For more science-based information and resources on how to create a healthy, energy-efficient and resilient home, visit the LaHouse Resource Center online at http://www.lsuagcenter.com/LaHouse and at YouTube and Facebook.

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Practical steps that will help keep your home COVID-19 free - Magnoliareporter

The repair services company with headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee has been closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 and is doing everything possible to keep employees and customers safe.

This press release was orginally distributed by ReleaseWire

Nashville, TN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/05/2020 -- As soon as the Hiller company heard of the new coronavirus outbreak, they knew quick steps had to be taken to limit the threat. They put together a response plan, consisting of multiple measures to prevent the spread of the virus. By limiting physical contact between team members and with customers, having all those capable of working from home do so, implementing a stay at home policy for any employees with family members or themselves showing signs of illness, and sticking to strict cleaning processes, Hiller is doing its part to keep its community safe.

With all of these precautions, Hiller looks out for every member of the community as we all work to minimize health risks associated with COVID-19. As one of their core values, care is what drives Hiller in many regards. During this time of crisis, the company continues to care for its customers, employees, and vendors. This foundation of caring is what remains behind the decision to take these extra steps towards the goal of reducing the risk of infection in their community.

During these unique times, everyday needs for plumbing, heating, and cooling, and electrical services remain. The Hiller team, operating just a little bit differently under the implemented precautions, is still bringing great services to homes across their many different service location areas. Any urgent service need a customer has, they can find the solution with Hiller while staying safe and stopping the spread of COVID-19. The only thing Hiller asks of customers is to reschedule if anyone in the house is sick. The company believes that everyone must all work together right now.

"We are doing all we can to help keep you safe and healthy in all the weeks to come. We know that, together, we will get through this. America is resilient, strong, and knows how to come together in a crisis. We can get through this, as we have in the past if we just work together," said CEO Jimmy Hiller.

About HillerHiller provides residential and commercial service and repair throughout Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, and Northern Alabama.

Contact:Nick MartinMarketing Directorinfo@happyhiller.com1-844-694-4553

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/hiller-taking-every-step-possible-to-minimize-the-impact-of-covid-19-1289853.htm

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Hiller Taking Every Step Possible to Minimize the Impact of COVID-19 - Press Release - Digital Journal

The Henry County Water Authority is dealing with a potentially big problem stemming from the countys COVID-19 situation.

The vast majority of citizens have been stuck at home due to shelter-in-place orders. People are focusing more than ever before on cleaning and disinfecting their homes to reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading. That combination has led to a higher volume of wet wipes, rags and grease in the sewer system, which HCWA officials feared would happen since the pandemic began.

The extra waste is causing damage to equipment and infrastructure, which means increased maintenance hours and costs. And the more this keeps happening, the more serious the problem will become, with one potential outcome being sewer backups in homes.

To maintain the integrity of the entire system, as well as residential plumbing and septic tanks, HCWA officials continue to warn the public, The toilet is not a trash can. That means people should avoid flushing any type of wet wipe down the toilet, even those which are marketed or labeled as flushable.

When wet wipes are flushed down the toilet, they enter the system and clog sewer lines (or, they enter the septic tank and clog septic system field lines). This causes sewer spills and overflows, not to mention sewer backups in homes that require the attention and added expense of a plumber for a homeowner. Worst cases have resulted in damaged equipment in the field or impaired operations at HCWA wastewater treatment plants, requiring repairs that are far more expensive than a residential plumbing issue.

In short, throw your wet wipes in the trash can after you use them.

Another big problem of late is the rise in fats, oils, and grease entering the sewer system, which is likely the result of people cooking at home more than usual. This has a damaging effect on residential plumbing and septic tanks as well as the overall system, because these substances coagulate within the sewer lines and clog them up leading to more backups, more spills and more costly repairs for homeowners and the HCWA.

Grease is more of a problem now, with everyone at home and with more cooking taking place, said Ray Sanders, HCWA manager of water & sewer operations maintenance. Unfortunately, as long as its not backing up in their house, people dont see the problem. A better solution for the disposal of grease is to allow it cool and then pour it into a container that can be sealed and thrown away. Scraping food from plates and wiping dishes clean prior to washing also help to preserve the integrity of sewer lines and plumbing.

We all are adjusting to a different way of life during the pandemic, but we are doing everything necessary to continue to provide safe, reliable water and sewer services for our customers, said HCWA general manager Lindy Farmer, who has virtual briefings with his senior management staff at least three times per week to monitor developments related to the pandemic. One of the ways the public can help is to be mindful of the things they put down the sink and flush down the toilet, because they have a direct effect on the integrity of our system. Wet wipes and grease may be out of sight and out of mind for our customers, but they are among our most challenging issues to deal with as a utility.

Excerpt from:
Flushing of certain objects causing problems in sewer system - The Henry County Times, Inc.

A mandate to stay home could have been a book lovers dream.

For once, time was not the enemy and guilt about idle pursuits was quarantined.

But a couple of nagging realities tied to COVID-19 cast a shadow over what might have been a bibliophiles holiday.

First, the three branches of the Lincoln County Library system shut down in mid-March. Then, Amazon.coms delivery times for books and other non-essentials went from prompt to protracted.

So, unless a devoted reader had a stack of unread books on hand he or she faced dry spells.

A measure of relief came Tuesday. Thats when library branches in Libby, Troy and Eureka began offering curbside delivery. The service will be offered Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Library patrons can select a book online and place a hold on their choice at lincolncountylibraries.com or by calling (406) 293-2778. To hold a book online, the user name is a persons 14-digit library card number and the default pin is CHANGEME.

Staff will alert patrons when items are available for pick up. Customers are instructed to park at the curbside delivery sign, call the library and wait for the hand-off.

This approach to book lending will continue for the foreseeable future.

Call it a movable feast.

Meanwhile, Alyssa Ramirez, director of the Lincoln County Library system, said staff at the three branches remained busy during the closing with projects intended to improve customer service and branch appearance.

In both Libby and Eureka, staff weeded out books that havent been circulating. In Libby, new carpet was installed downstairs and the kids room received a face lift due to a $5,000 grant from the Headwaters Foundation, Ramirez said.

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Western News - The Western News

Businesses across Toronto have been forced to pivot their manufacturing abilitiesand sell new products made for a world in the midst of a pandemic, and one local company is now creating carpets that are specially designed to make social distancing easier.

Reznick Event Carpets is known in Toronto for rolling out luxury carpets at large festivals and galas, all of which have been cancelled as a result of the global health crisis.

In light of this, company directorLianne Fonseca decided to take advantage of themany colours and styles of carpet andvinyl sitting unused in their warehouse by making them into temporary flooring and carpets with social distancing markers built in.

The new products come in a variety of colours and materials, and they're ideal for businesses looking to implement physical distancing measures among customers as they begin the process of reopening.

"Weve seen that Manitoba and Saskatchewan are requiring stores to post floor markings to help people socially distance," Fonseca said.

"We have so much experience as installers of temporary flooring and Im hopeful that our solutions will help Ontario small businesses with traffic flow and crowd control as they plan for re-opening."

The company is currently offering a variety of products for businesses including printed floor vinyl, carpet andturf circles andother shapes, branded carpet andvinyl for social distancing, package solutions (door openers, stanchions, vinyl/carpet markings), weatherproof outdoor carpet and weatherproof outdoor turf/artificial grass.

"Whether youre a clothing retailer, grocery store, bank, daycare social distancing is something new to all businesses," their website states.

"Reznick can offer top notch customer service to meet your needs when it comes to keeping within regional bylaws of social distancing while providing you with a carpet that matches your brand & keeps your business unique."

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Toronto business is making special carpets to help with social distancing - blogTO