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CDC Removes Data on Number of People Tested for Coronavirus from Website as Infection Numbers Spike

NNPA NEWSWIRE — There have been more than 89,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world and over 3,000 deaths. The vast majority of cases have been in China where over 45,000 have been diagnosed. The illness is typically mild, featuring a cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Similar to the flue, people with underlying conditions and those who are elderly are at greatest risk of the disease.

Published

5 years ago

March 4, 2020

Oakland Post

A number of states in the U.S. are reporting new cases. On March 3rd, the government ramped up testing in Washington State after the death of six people. There are now more than 100 confirmed cases in 15 states in the U.S. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor

On March 2, the Center of Disease Control abruptly postponed a press briefing on COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. Later in the day it was discovered that the CDC removed the number of people being tested from a page on their website with other coronavirus information.

CDC spokesperson Ben Haynes informed reporters that the briefing had been pushed back but did not provide an explanation as to why.

Confusion surrounding the Trump Administration’s handling of what could become a major pandemic in the U.S. has many medical experts concerned. Currently the Administration is treating coronavirus as a political question rather than a medical public policy challenge.

There have been more than 89,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world and over 3,000 deaths. The vast majority of cases have been in China where over 45,000 have been diagnosed. The illness is typically mild, featuring a cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Similar to the flu, people with underlying conditions and those who are elderly are at greatest risk.

The first confirmed case of the coronavirus in New York City was announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo on March 2nd. The case was a 39-year-old health care worker with mild respiratory symptoms who had recently returned from Iran. In February, eight people from New York City were declared free of the virus after being tested by the Centers for Disease Control.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city had over 1,000 hospital beds available for coronavirus patients. He also announced plans and actions people could take if they suspected they were infected.

On February 25th, the National Institutes of Health announced the first clinical trials for a coronavirus cure. “This is the first clinical trial in the United States to evaluate an experimental treatment for COVID-19, the respiratory disease first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China,” the NIH website states.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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COMMENTARY: Building A Powerful Black Media Based on Human Rights

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PRESSS ROOM: National Museum of African American Music Announces Grand Opening Date of September 3, 2020 – Advance Tickets Now Available!

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org