National

Johnson, Directed Homeland's Ebola Response, Discusses COVID-19 Strategy

5:15am March 20, 2020

NPR's David Greene talks to former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson about the steps the Trump administration is taking to try to mitigate the damage of the coronavirus.

People wait in a line to enter a gun store in Culver City, Calif., on March 15, 2020. Coronavirus concerns have led to consumer panic buying of grocery staples, and now gun stores are seeing a similar run on weapons and ammunition as panic intensifies.

National

Some Stock Up On Guns And Ammunition During Coronavirus Crisis

5:00am March 20, 2020

by Cheryl Corley

In some states, ammunition and gun sales have soared as the coronavirus pandemic grows. Lines have formed at gun stores as many gun buyers say they want to be ready with protection if there's panic.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom, seen on Tuesday, ordered Californians on Thursday night to stay home except for groceries and the like, to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

'Stay Home,' Californians Are Told By Governor As Coronavirus Spreads

11:07pm March 19, 2020

by Nathan Rott

The order is the strongest statewide restriction in the country, but exempts essential travel to grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations and will rely heavily on social pressure for enforcement.

Walmart has struggled to keep its shelves stocked and online orders in the mail as U.S. shoppers have rushed to buy health supplies and food to prepare for the coronavirus pandemic.

National

Walmart Plans Bonuses For Workers, 150,000 New Temporary Hires

10:09pm March 19, 2020

by Alina Selyukh

The retail giant is also gearing up to pilot drive-through parking-lot coronavirus testing in Chicago over the weekend.

As people make efforts to stay apart from each other physically, video games are filling the socializing gap.

National

As Hanging Out Gets Difficult, More People Are Turning To Social Video Games

9:54pm March 19, 2020

by Laurel Wamsley

Online video games are proving popular as people look for a way to socialize during this time of social distancing. Some game developers are even changing games' rules to cater to the new reality.

National

Love In The Time Of COVID-19: Some Pickup Lines To Get You Through The Pandemic

7:46pm March 19, 2020

by Vanessa Romo

Maybe it's not the way you imagined meeting that special someone. But if they can look passed that N95 mask, gazing into your eyes from a safe distance, who's to say it's not meant to last?

Ideas For Family Diversions For Parents Working From Home

7:39pm March 19, 2020

People across the United States chime in on finding ways to keep kids entertained during the coronavirus shutdown.

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Many supermarkets are setting special designated hours when only seniors and others most vulnerable to the coronavirus are invited to shop.

Supermarkets Add 'Senior Hours' For Vulnerable Shoppers

6:18pm March 19, 2020

by Alina Selyukh

Target, Safeway and others are restricting their opening hours, limiting purchases per each shopper and setting off time for seniors and other high-risk individuals to shop.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie told NPR the department was prepared to help back up the nation's health care system, if needed.

VA Secretary Wilkie: 'We Are The Surge Force'

5:40pm March 19, 2020

by Quil Lawrence

In an interview with NPR, Secretary for Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie said the department was ready to deploy if called on to help with the coronavirus pandemic response.

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National Guard personnel march in formation Thursday at a state-managed coronavirus drive-through testing site that just opened on Staten Island in New York.

Head Of National Guard Says Tens Of Thousands Could Be Called Up

5:09pm March 19, 2020

Right now just over 2,000 members of the National Guard are assisting governors in 27 states, but the head of the National Guard Bureau said that number could double by this weekend.