Rev. Al Sharpton test positive for Covid-19

Legendary civil rights leader, reverend and NAN (National Action Network) founder Al Sharpton has announced that he has tested positive for Covid-19. The statement came a day after he had officially received his results.

“On Friday, I tested positive for COVID-19 but have not displayed any symptoms at this time. On my doctor’s advice, I am quarantining over the next several days to keep those around me safe,” Sharpton stated. “I will continue to do my radio and TV shows remotely over that time. Please continue to get vaccinated and boosted if you haven’t already.”

Sen. Raphael Warnock test positive for COVID-19

Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) announced Thursday that he had tested positive for COVID-19 in breakthrough cases.

Warnock said in a tweet that he tested positive for COVID-19 that afternoon after a “routine test.”

“I’m so thankful to be both vaccinated & boosted, and at the advice of the Attending Physician I plan to isolate,” Warnock said.

Warnock’s positive test follows an influx of COVID-19 cases among lawmakers, including Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).

Warnock used his announcement to encourage COVID-19 vaccination.

“If you haven’t gotten your shot yet, I encourage you to do so,” Warnock said.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot test positive for Covid-19

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tested positive for COVID-19, and will be working from home.

Lightfoot announced her diagnosis in a brief statement posted to her Facebook and Twitter pages.

Earlier today, I tested positive for COVID-19. I am experiencing cold-like symptoms but otherwise feel fine which I credit to being vaccinated and boosted. I will continue to work from home while following the CDC guidelines for isolation.

— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) January 11, 2022

Whoopi Goldberg tests positive for COVID-19

On Monday's The View, co-host Joy Behar explained moderator Goldberg's absence by revealing Goldberg tested positive for COVID over the holidays.

"Whoopi unfortunately tested positive over the break," Behar explained. "Since she's vaxxed and boosted, her symptoms have been very, very mild."

She said Goldberg would "be back probably next week," adding that the ABC talk show is "being super cautious" about COVID amid the surge.

.@JoyVBehar shares on #TheView that @WhoopiGoldberg tested positive for COVID-19 over the holiday break and is recovering at home: "Since she's vaxxed and boosted, her symptoms have been very, very mild."

Get well soon, Whoopi! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Oo1Qakfbcn

— The View (@TheView) January 3, 2022

Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on COVID Status

Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III after positive COVID-19 test:

I tested positive this morning for COVID-19. I requested the test today after exhibiting symptoms while at home on leave.

My symptoms are mild, and I am following my physician’s directions.

In keeping with those directions, and in accordance with CDC guidelines, I will quarantine myself at home for the next five days.

Stemming the spread of this virus, safeguarding our workforce and ensuring my own speedy and safe recovery remain my priorities. To the degree possible, I plan to attend virtually this coming week those key meetings and discussions required to inform my situational awareness and decision making. I will retain all authorities. Deputy Secretary Hicks will represent me as appropriate in other matters.

I have informed my leadership team of my positive test result, as well as the President. My staff has begun contact tracing and testing of all those with whom I have come into contact over the last week.

My last meeting with President Biden occurred on Tuesday, December 21st, more than a week before I began to experience symptoms. I tested negative that very morning. I have not been in the Pentagon since Thursday, where I met briefly - and only - with a few members of my staff. We were properly masked and socially distanced throughout.

As my doctor made clear to me, my fully vaccinated status — and the booster I received in early October — have rendered the infection much more mild than it would otherwise have been. And I am grateful for that.

The vaccines work and will remain a military medical requirement for our workforce. I continue to encourage everyone eligible for a booster shot to get one. This remains a readiness issue.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley statement on testing positive for COVID-19

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement after receiving a positive COVID-19 test result:

“After experiencing COVID-like symptoms, this morning I received a positive, breakthrough COVID-19 test result. Thankfully, my symptoms are relatively mild, and I am grateful to be fully vaccinated and boosted. I am currently isolating and following all health protocols in order to mitigate further spread and keep my loved ones and community safe.

“Vaccines save lives. With this unprecedented pandemic continuing to rage, I am deeply grateful for the scientists, researchers, and frontline healthcare workers who have worked tirelessly to develop vaccines that are safe and effective, and ensure that our communities are protected. I encourage everyone to do their part by getting vaccinated, boosted and masking up. I wish everyone a safe and happy new year and look forward to continuing to fight for the robust relief our communities in the Massachusetts 7th need and deserve.”

Rep. Bobby Rush Statement on testing positive for COVID-19

U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) released the following statement after testing positive with a breakthrough case of COVID-19:

“Today, after being notified of a recent exposure, I tested positive with a breakthrough case of COVID-19. Fortunately, I am fully vaccinated and recently received my booster shot. I am feeling fine and currently have no symptoms. I will be quarantining and following the latest guidance from the CDC and the Chicago Department of Public Health. As COVID-19 cases rise and the Omicron variant spreads throughout the nation, I encourage everyone who has not yet done so to get vaccinated and get boosted as soon as possible.”

Howard University delays spring semester due to COVID-19 surge

Howard University has made a statement via it's website that it is delaying the start of its spring classes until Jan. 18 as a result of an uptick in COVID-19 infections in the Washington region.

Read that statement below:

December 27, 2021

Dear Howard University Community,

We are continuing to monitor the surge in COVID-19 cases locally and throughout the region. The significant increase in cases is, in part, due to the spread of the omicron variant, which is more easily transmissible than the delta variant. So far, it has resulted mainly in mild to moderate symptoms among vaccinated individuals. Our public health team continually monitors COVID-19 transmission data and the changing local and federal public health guidance. We have also consulted with academic institutions in the D.C. consortium of universities. Further, the CDC predicts a potential peak in COVID-19 cases in January. 

As a result, we will delay the start of the Spring 2022 semester for undergraduate and graduate students until Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Face-to-face courses will begin on that date. University administrative operations will begin on January 3, 2022. Students in professional programs will receive specific guidance from their schools to accommodate accreditation and licensure requirements.

Vaccinations, mask usage and regular testing were integral to our successful operations during the Fall semester. We previously announced that all faculty, staff and students will be required to receive a COVID-19 booster by Monday, January 31, 2022, if you are already eligible for a booster, or within 30 days after becoming eligible. 
 
Approved medical and religious exemptions will continue to be granted. Booster vaccines are available on campus on the first floor of the Howard University Hospital, Freedmen’s Hall, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with no appointment necessary. Students should continue to upload vaccine documentation in Med+Proctor, and employees should upload vaccine documentation in Workday. We will continue to require mask usage indoors and in group settings outdoors.
 
Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 will continue to occur. We know that individuals who have received a booster shot of mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) have significantly more antibodies in their system than individuals who have not yet received booster shots and even more than those who are unvaccinated. These increased antibody levels result in greater effectiveness of the vaccines, reducing severe illness or hospitalization. The bottom line is that you are more protected if you are vaccinated.

We are also requiring that everyone returning to campus from Winter Break for the Spring 2022 semester will be required to provide proof of a negative PCR test within four days prior to arrival.
 
Students in residential housing will return to campus beginning Friday, January 14, 2022 between 7:00am-9:00pm. While administrative operations will resume on January 3, 2022, meetings will be conducted virtually wherever possible, and units with approved telework authority may continue to implement that flexibility. Your cabinet officials will provide specific guidance to each unit.

A virtual town hall will be scheduled to discuss more details and answer any questions we receive prior to the start of classes. Updates will be communicated via email, and general updates will be shared on Howard’s Twitter page. 

Our highest priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. These steps will help us maintain as safe an environment as possible in order to provide the best educational experience to our students. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, we are leveraging our collective knowledge and experience to adapt our community to the many changes in the virus and the pandemic.

We thank you for your patience and flexibility. We will continue to get through this most recent challenge together as a Bison family. Thank you.

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Anthony K. Wutoh, Ph.D., R.Ph.                     
Provost & Chief Academic Officer    

Categories

Bison S.A.F.E.

Thoughts of a Colored Man ends run on Broadway due to Covid-19

Thoughts of a Colored Man — the acclaimed play written by Keenan Scott II and produced on Broadway by a slew of stars including Grammy winner Kandi Burruss and actress Sheryl Lee Ralph — has officially ended its Broadway run due to the Covid surge.

Producers made the announcement in a post on Instagram, alongside a photo from the show of the play's seven stars facing the back of the stage.

"We are heartbroken to announce that performances have ended for Thoughts of a Colored Man as of Wednesday, Dec. 22," the caption read.

"We have tried our hardest to safely navigate the current, unfortunate health crisis, but ultimately we are unable to continue under the unfortunate conditions of COVID exposure in the city and country," it continued.

Starring Dyllón Burnside, Bryan Terrell Clark, Da'Vinchi, Luke James, Forrest McClendon, Tristan Mack Wilds, and Esau Pritchett, Thoughts of a Colored Man was the first Broadway show to be written by, directed by, played by, and lead-produced by Black men.

Rep. James Clyburn test positive for Covid-19

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) announced via Twitter on Wednesday evening that he tested positive for COVID-19 in a breakthrough case of the virus.

Tonight, I received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. This is a breakthrough case, and I am asymptomatic.

America is in a new phase of this pandemic. No one is immune.

I urge anyone who has not done so to protect themselves by getting vaccinated and boosted.https://t.co/qWzFOT5BC6

— James E. Clyburn (@WhipClyburn) December 23, 2021

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka tests positive for COVID-19

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka tested positive for COVID-19, he said.

The mayor said he is asymptomatic, and so far his family has not tested positive for the virus/

I tested positive for COVID yesterday and thankfully my wife and son tested negative. By the grace of God I'm okay and have no symptoms at all. I'm going to retest on Friday and Monday as well, and I thank everyone for your well wishes. Please wear your masks and get vaccinated!

— Ras J. Baraka (@rasjbaraka) December 22, 2021

Sen. Cory Booker tests positive for COVID-19

U.S. Senator Cory Booker said on Sunday they that he tested positive for COVID-19 and was experiencing mild symptoms amid a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases.

Booker, 52, a New Jersey Democrat, said on Twitter he had learned Sunday of his positive test "after first feeling symptoms on Saturday." He added he had "relatively mild" symptoms and recently had received a vaccine booster. "I’m certain that without them I would be doing much worse," he said.

Booker released the following statement via Twitter:

I learned today that I tested positive for COVID-19 after first feeling symptoms on Saturday. My symptoms are relatively mild. I’m beyond grateful to have received two doses of vaccine and, more recently, a booster – I’m certain that without them I would be doing much worse.

— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) December 20, 2021

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott test positive for Covid-19

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott's Director of Communications, Cal Harris released the following statement on the mayor testing positive for Covid-19:

“Mayor Scott tested positive for COVID-19 late this morning, and is currently self-isolating at his home in Northeast Baltimore. The Mayor is asymptomatic and currently feels fine. He will work remotely until he is officially cleared to return to City Hall.

“The Mayor regularly gets tested for COVID-19 to safeguard the health of City Hall colleagues and Baltimoreans he meets in the community. His test results came back negative last Friday, however he received two positive tests today. Mayor Scott is proactively working with the Baltimore City Health Department’s contact tracing units to notify colleagues he came across at outdoor events this past weekend.

“This serves as another reminder of the vast challenges faced by the ongoing global pandemic. Despite being vaccinated and following Baltimore City’s health protocols, breakthrough infections are a real threat. This could have been a different situation if Mayor Scott were not vaccinated, which is why he continues to work closely with Commissioner Dzirasa to support ongoing vaccination efforts across Baltimore.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson and his wife have been hospitalized after testing positive for Covid-19

Rev. Jesse Jackson and his wife are both hospitalized after testing positive for Covid-19.

"Doctors are currently monitoring the condition of both," the Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC) said in a statement Saturday. "Anyone who has been around either of them for the last five or six days should follow the CDC guidelines."

RPC is a Chicago-based international human and civil rights organization founded by Jackson.

Jackson, 79, and his wife, Jacqueline Jackson, 77, are currently at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, the statement said.

Updates will be provided when they become available, according to RPC.

[SOURCE: CNN]

R.I.P to NYPD Det. Shantay Neal-Baker Who Died From COVID-19

NYPD Det. Shantay Neal-Baker died Saturday morning from Covid-19 after serving New York City for 20 years.

In an internal memo to the department Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said Neal-Baker started as a communications technician, then later became an officer in the 73rd and 90th precincts.

We’re saddened to announce that today we lost another member of our NYPD family: Detective Shantay Neal-Baker, who faithfully served the people of NYC for 20 years, has lost her battle with #COVID19.

Our hearts go out to her friends & family — and we vow to #NeverForget Shantay. pic.twitter.com/CArlfLe3cy

— Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) August 14, 2021

Baltimore mayor, Brandon Scott reinstates face mask mandate for everyone

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is reinstating a face mask mandate as of 9 a.m. Monday for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

African-American doctor details racial treatment disparities in video before dying of COVID

An African-American doctor who died of coronavirus left a message about racial disparity not just when it comes to how COVID-19 affects people of color but also about medical attitudes.

Dr. Susan Moore experienced the disparities in treatment from both angles, and did not hold back in a video she posted to Facebook.

Watch her video below:

Rep, Ayanna Pressley calls reduced $600 stimulus checks 'an insult'

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (Massachusetts's 7th District) spoke on the House floor to demand robust direct cash payments to people as part of any COVID-19 relief bill. She called the proposed $600 payments insuffient and an insult to the people needing funds to make it through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Watch her statement below:

NAACP TO HOST VIRTUAL TOWN HALL ON NAVIGATING THE COVID-19 VACCINE

On Wednesday, December 16 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT, the NAACP will host a virtual town hall series entitled UNMASKED: COVID Vaccines. Over the last year, the NAACP has presented virtual town halls that focus on how the coronavirus pandemic impacts African Americans. In the next episode of the series, congressional leaders, guest speakers, and health experts will join Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, to provide the latest research information, slowing the spread, vaccine availability, and distribution.

“As we’re hearing more about the potential end of COVID-19’s devastating grip on the lives of Americans and people around the world, African Americans are voicing understandable concern and skepticism about the vaccines and treatments being developed,” said Dr. Marjorie Innocent, NAACP Senior Director of Health Programs. “The dynamic speakers in this installment of our COVID: Unmasked town hall series will provide clear information to help us understand vaccine development, approval, availability and distribution.”

It is no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has ravaged communities across the country, particularly the Black community and frontline workers. The lack of consistent leadership and coordination on a federal level from the current administration led to state and local governments taking on varied approaches to combat an unprecedented public health crisis. This town hall will include champions at the forefront of stabilizing the crisis and ensuring a healthy recovery.

Callers can participate via interactive toll-free conference call that will stream LIVE on the NAACP’s website naacp.org. To join via phone, dial (866) 757-0756 and to join the conversation on social media by following @NAACP. Click here to RSVP.

Moderated by correspondent and author, April Ryan, the town hall will include:

• Cory Booker, U.S. Senator, New Jersey
• Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, American Medical Association, Immediate Past President
• Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, Co-Chair President-Elect Biden Advisory Board on Coronavirus
• Kizzmekia Corbett, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, National Institutes of Health
• Dr. Gigi El-Bayoumi, Professor, George Washington University
• Donald J. Alcendor, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Meharry Medical College
• Derrick Johnson, President & CEO, NAACP

 

Rep. Payne, Jr. Wants a Federal Plan for Education during a Public Health Crisis

Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. introduced the Pandemic Planning and Response for Schools Act today. The bill would “require the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education to create a public plan for the continuation of education during a public health emergency.”

“My bill is a direct response to the failed leadership of the Trump Administration regarding how to reopen schools during this global pandemic,” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. “Right now, we have school districts across the country trying to figure out how to teach students and keep them safe during this public health crisis without any federal guidelines or standards. We need a plan from the two federal agencies that handle public health and education to guide schools on what to do during such an emergency.”

The bill states that a plan to outline how to continue student education during a public health crisis must be created and available to Congress, the States, and the public no later than 30 days after an emergency has been declared. The plan would provide requirements and recommendations on how to protect students and faculty during in-class instruction. If schools need to be closed, the plan would give directions regarding how to conduct online classes with direct supervision from a teacher or classroom instructor. In addition, it would provide rules and guidelines for what to do if schools use in-class and online instruction for students during the emergency.