SpaceX Launch Is Still Scheduled
(Cape Canaveral, FL) -- The coronavirus isn't getting in the way of SpaceX's plans. The company has a rocket launch scheduled for tomorrow morning at Kennedy Space Center. A Falcon 9 rocket will carry 60 Starlink satellites into orbit as part of the company's mission to make high-speed internet available around the world. Weather conditions are 90-percent Go.
Disney And Universal Theme Parks Close
(Orlando, FL) -- Disney is taking historic action because of the coronavirus. The company announced last night it will close Disney World for the rest of the month, effective Sunday night. The two-week shutdown will be the longest in the park's history. Universal Orlando later announced it will close for the same time period, but SeaWorld Orlando remains open.
Coronavirus Leads To Layoffs
(Orlando, FL) -- Some people are already losing their jobs because of the coronavirus. Stage lighting company Christie Lites Orlando announced yesterday it has laid off 30 employees, which is about half its local workforce. Service-sector employees are also seeing fewer visitors, which means fewer hours and fewer tips. A labor union official tells the Orlando Sentinel it's a scary time, and members are panicking.
Governor Suspends Travel For State Workers Due To Coronavirus
(Miami, FL) -- Governor Ron DeSantis is suspending all official travel for state workers for 30 days due to the coronavirus outbreak. During a news conference this morning in Miami, DeSantis said he's directing state agencies to expand capabilities for state employees to work from home. The governor is also recommending local municipalities and private entities "strongly consider" limiting or postponing mass gatherings in Florida, including sporting events. DeSantis says if events are not canceled, organized screening measures should be in place.
State Purchases More Coronavirus Testing Kits
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says the state will soon have the capacity to test more than 625-thousand people for coronavirus. New testing kits have been purchased, and they will start arriving at qualified state labs this weekend. There are 50 labs throughout Florida that have been designated, including hospitals.
Senator Rick Scott Self-Isolating
(Washington, DC) -- Florida Senator Rick Scott is self isolating. He announced the move today after possibly coming into contact with a Brazilian delegation member who tested positive for coronavirus while in Miami. Scott is not reporting any symptoms of the illness.
Governor Signs Bill Allowing Pharmacists To Treat Flu
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Pharmacists will now be able to test and treat people for the flu in Florida. The law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis lets authorized pharmacists enter in an agreement with a supervising doctor to test and treat people for the flu. strep throat and other non-chronic conditions. Under the measure, pharmacists must advise patients to do a follow-up visit with a physician. Pharmacists would also be required to carry at least 200-thousand dollars in liability insurance.
Millions Have A Fear Of Friday The 13th
(Saddle River, NJ) -- If you find yourself feeling a little extra anxiety on Friday the 13th, you may suffer from triskaidekaphobia [[ tris-kai-dek-uh-FOH-bee-uh ]] -- a fear of things having to do with the number 13. Millions suffer from the phobia and because of it, many will even stay home from work. No one is exactly sure where the legend of Friday the 13th being unlucky began, though researchers feel the superstition is very old. Folklore experts say it's the combination of "Friday" and "13," as both the day and the number have historically been connected to bad luck. Some Christians believe Friday is unlucky because it's the day Jesus was crucified, and 13 signifies the number of guests at the Last Supper, with the infamous Judas being the 13th person seated at the table.
British Teen Suspended For Charging Classmates For Hand Sanitizer
(England) -- A teen from England has been suspended from school for charging his peers for squirts of hand sanitizer. Metro UK reports that 13-year-old Oliver Cooper bough a tub of Johnson's hand wash for about two-dollars. After hearing of the coronavirus pandemic, Cooper began to sell squirts to his classmates at Unity Academy in Leeds for about 65 cents each. He says he made about 11 dollars before a teacher stopped him. On Facebook, Cooper's mother said she has "told him off," but his dad called him a "legend." The teen faces a day in isolation and a two-day detention.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2019, all Boeing 737 Max aircraft are grounded in the U.S. after the plane was also banned from other countries.
1934, John Dillinger and his gang robbed the First National Bank in Iowa.
1930, astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered the planet Pluto.
1884, Standard Time was adopted throughout the United States.
1868, President Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial began in the U.S. Senate. He was later acquitted by one vote.