Ugandan authorities have imposed a travel lockdown on two Ebola-hit districts as part of efforts to stop the spread of the contagious disease.

The British government plans to burn billions of dollars in unusable protective equipment purchased during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Green Bay Packers were fined $300,000 and quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Allen Lazard were fined $14,650 by the NFL for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols.

Stuck between Biden's and Abbott’s competing vaccine rules for employees, public hospitals consider their next move even as most private systems already require vaccination for employees.

In this week's episode, Matthew speaks with James, Patrick and Joshua about COVID-19 overwhelming hospitals again and efforts to restore a quorum in the Texas House.

Thailand’s already locked down capital shut parks and the few remaining public places available to residents Friday, as the country registered a new high of coronavirus infections.

Last year, Houston’s health leaders were stocking up supplies on personal protective equipment, which was hard to come by.

Across the border from a devastating surge in India, doctors in Nepal are warning of a major crisis as daily coronavirus cases hit a record and hospitals are running out of beds and oxygen.

Discarded masks and gloves worn by people to protect against the coronavirus pandemic are turning up on beaches around the world.

Von der Leyen also announced during the meeting an additional 100 million euros ($121.4 million) to support vaccination campaigns in Africa in partnership with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The funding will be used to strengthen health systems, ensure the cold chains, buy equipment and train staff," von der Leyen said. She added that the EU would discuss with drugmakers how they can ramp up their COVID-19 vaccine production capacity in Africa. COVAX hopes to deploy some 336 million doses by the end of June, and around 2 billion doses by the end of the year. In addition to its COVAX contribution, the EU said it wants to share some of its doses with neighbors in Europe and Africa.

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)Here’s what’s happening Wednesday with the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.:THREE THINGS TO KNOW TODAY— Coronavirus deaths in the U.S. hit another one-day high at over 4,300 with the country’s attention focused largely on the fallout from the deadly uprising at the Capitol. The country is now in the most lethal phase of the outbreak yet, even as vaccines are being rolled out. — An ongoing study suggests that older American adults are showing resilience and perseverance despite struggles with loneliness and isolation during the pandemic. THE NUMBERS: The U.S. is averaging about 249,000 new cases per day, and about 3,300 deaths. ___Find AP’s full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic

California health authorities reported Thursday a record two-day total of 1,042 coronavirus deaths as many hospitals strain under unprecedented caseloads. The virus is surging in several states, with California hit particularly hard, reporting on Thursday a record two-day total of 1,042 coronavirus deaths. On Wednesday, the day a horde of protesters breached the U.S. Capitol, disrupting efforts to certify the election of Joe Biden, the U.S. recorded 3,865 virus deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. “Real life turned out to be much worse.”In California, health authorities Thursday reported 583 new deaths, a day after 459 people died. Florida broke its record for the highest single-day number of cases with over 19,800, while its death toll reached 22,400.

The competitive scramble by states to buy personal protective equipment this spring stuck some businesses with big bills. An Associated Press analysis of state purchasing data during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic found that states canceled billions of dollars in PPE orders. Many of the cancellations occurred when businesses couldn't get the products to states under tight deadlines or when prices rose. Many businesses that jumped in to help this spring soon found themselves facing delays from suppliers and, in some cases, having orders canceled by states too impatient to wait. For other companies, their first venture into selling personal protective equipment is still causing headaches.

The AP tallied more than $7 billion in purchases by states this spring for personal protective equipment, or PPE, and high-demand medical devices such as ventilators and infrared thermometers. Some governors described the early personal protective equipment marketplace as the Wild West, where supplies often went to the highest bidder, even if they had already been promised to someone else. This spring, states paid an average of $3 each, according to the AP's analysis. The largest supplier of personal protective equipment to states this spring had never sold a single mask before the pandemic. Others, however, were more than willing to describe how personal protective equipment sales provided a lifeline at the onset of the pandemic.

California spent the most during the pandemic's initial months — at least $1.5 billion in the AP's data — followed by Texas, Maryland, Massachusetts and Washington. Traditional safety equipment suppliers also saw a surge in PPE sales, offsetting their losses from other products amid the sudden recession. Many of the companies in the AP's data set are not publicly traded and thus can keep their financial figures private. Others, however, were more than willing to describe how PPE sales provided a lifeline at the onset of the pandemic. The AP's data for the spring includes just over $50 million in PPE sales to states by the Salem, New Hampshire, company.

Britain's public spending watchdog says the government spent billions, without proper transparency, in a scramble to secure protective equipment early in the coronavirus outbreak. Like many countries, the U.K. was caught without enough masks, gowns, gloves and other items to keep health care workers and the public safe as coronavirus cases skyrocketed. (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)LONDON – The British government spent billions without proper transparency in a scramble to secure protective equipment early in the coronavirus outbreak, the country’s public watchdog said Wednesday. Like many countries, the U.K. was caught without enough masks, gowns, gloves and other items to keep health care workers and the public safe as coronavirus cases skyrocketed. In more than half the cases, contracts had not been published by Nov. 10.

They include Nebraska and South Dakota, where the number of new cases topped previous highs for each state. But this fall's resurgence of the virus, despite being far more widespread, has brought a decidedly more limited response in many states. Most are led by Republican governors backing a president who insists, falsely, that the country is getting the virus under control. “At the end of the day, personal responsibility is the only way. “I believe in personal responsibility and that it is our responsibility as American citizens to choose if we want to wear it or not,” she said.

Reliant, the Texans and the Houston Touchdown Club are teaming up to give $25,000 in grant assistance to Greater Houston area high school football programs. Each school will receive a grant that is worth $3,500. The grant will consist of PPE, Footballs, Athletic Training Supplies, and additional funs for the other needs of each respective program. Video Courtesy of the Houston Texans. Subscribe to VYPE on YouTube for more video content!

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner is announcing a new anti-littering campaign targeting PPE and other trash, according to a press release from the city. The campaign will focus on the proper way to discard masks, gloves, sanitizer wipes and other trash during the COVID-19 pandemic. Turner will be joined Wednesday by Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, Keep Houston Beautiful, representatives from COH Houston Trash, Parks, Neighborhoods, Houston First and community members.

HOUSTON – Are you a parent, family member or loved one worried about your student with special needs and how this school year will impact them? On Thursday evening, our education team members, Keith Garvin and Christine Noël moderated a discussion with health experts and education leaders. Hill: Most services for special needs students can be implemented online. Question: With children, especially young and special needs kids, what is the district doing to keep masks on in school? Question: What are effective practices for Zoom education for special needs kids?

FILE - In this May 22, 2019, file photo, Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president, speaks to the media during the owners meetings in Key Biscayne, Fla. The NFL will consult an advisory committee made up of former coaches, general managers and players on such issues as postponing, moving or even canceling games this season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Vincent said Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020 that the advisers, who will report to Commissioner Roger Goodell, will help avoid any inequities in those decisions. Vincent did not identify any members of the panel, saying he was awaiting their approval to do so. Dr. Allen Sills, the league's chief medical officer, noted that setting firm schedules for anything during the pandemic is foolhardy.

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)FULLERTON, Calif. Theres red tape running along the floor of the coronavirus unit at St. Judes Medical Center in Fullerton, California. The Associated Press spent several days in the coronavirus unit at St. Judes and followed four nurses and their families after their shifts were over. She started a new job at St. Judes in March, returning to a field very different from the one she had left before giving birth. Eleanor gave up her own part-time night nursing shifts at St. Judes so she could stay home with the kids. They felt safe with St. Judes preparations and plans, and the feared shortage of protective equipment hadn't hit Southern California.

HOUSTON Houston native and rapper Slim Thug launched a personal protective equipment line Thursday in hopes of giving Houstonians affordable options during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapper Slim Thug introducing new affordable PPE line (Rubix)Thomas, along with business partners Jimmy Choung and Adam Beason, said the Slim HTX line consists of stylish masks, disposable masks, personalized N95 masks, face shields, and hand sanitizer. The "Mask Up" box is priced at $100 and contains all of the PPE products from the Slim HTX PPE line. After revealing his diagnosis in March, the rapper became vocal about the dangers of COVID-19 and the importance of protecting yourself during the pandemic. It was the best way for us to reach the majority of the Houston population.For more information on the Slim HTX PPE line, go to www.slimhtx.org.

As the demand for personal protection equipment (PPE) grows, some suppliers are taking advantage of the national crisis. The Office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is warning the public of scammers advertising masks and other COVID-19 related equipment they do not actually have an inventory of in an attempt to make a quick profit. According to the office, these products may be counterfeit and mislabeled, or non-existent. As fraudulent schemes continue, consumers urged to exercise increased caution when dealing with new suppliers, especially when using a third-party broker, the Office of Texas Attorney General says. Red flags that a sale may be fraudulent include:Unusual payment termsLast-minute price changesLast-minute excuses for delay in shipmentUnexplained source of a large quantity of materialEvidence of re-packaging or mislabelingTexans who believe they have encountered scams or price gouging should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online.

Conroe students are ready for the 2020 school year, however, the first few weeks will be different. Superintendent Null revealed Conroe ISD’s Roadmap to Reopening plan in a live-streamed YouTube video on July 13, offering both in-person and online instruction to students. The district will be updating their Roadmap to Reopening website each day in case new information arises. Superintendent Null is expected to answer parents’ questions in a live YouTube video on July 23 at 6 p.m. https://t.co/QzhJktrek2 — Conroe ISD (@ConroeISD) July 13, 2020Do you have questions about Conroe ISD’s plan?

Of course, on the list is face masks but they have also requested face shields and several of you have asked if they’re effective. “I think face shields are a good alternative to masks in a situation and for people for whom masks might be a bit of a challenge,” Haddock explained. “Especially for people who may have hearing difficulties and need to see faces and facial expressions, face shields can be a good option.”She mentioned people with sensory issues may also prefer shields. The TEA hasn’t said yet what districts will get face shields or how they might be used. As for the current mask order, according to guidelines, face shields are an okay substitute.

A doctors association warns that physicians offices are closed because they cannot get masks and other supplies. In general, supplies of protective gear are more robust now, and many states and major hospital chains say they are in better shape. As of mid-June, for example, Montana had received 1,125 items of protective gear per case, compared with 32 items per case in Massachusetts, an early hot spot. States including California, Iowa and Nebraska, all of which have seen a surge in confirmed infections, received among the lowest amounts of protective gear from FEMA per case, according to the AP analysis. A nonprofit group called #GetUsPPE was established in March by physicians to help distribute donated protective gear.

HOUSTON – Got milk? More than 400 gallons of milk are being distributed Friday morning at 10 a.m. at the Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church at 7701 Jutland Road in Houston. On-site staff will wear PPE during event, maintain social distancing, practice safe hygiene and participate in a mandatory health screening. The giveaway, which runs until 1 p.m., also is providing free sanitizer, masks and additional food items. Additional milk distributions are planned throughout the year at various Texas food pantries.

Houston firefighters are being supplied with PPE thanks to a Bellaire High School student. Gracie Liu, 15, set up a Go Fund Me account to raise money to purchase masks for the Houston Fire Department. The idea came to Liu after participating in a program to provide supplies for hospitals. Liu was able to raise enough funds to purchase 5,000 masks which she will donate to the Houston Fire Department.

Millions of pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been ordered to help Texas school systems reopen for the 2019-2021 school year. According to the Texas Education Agency, 50,000,000 disposable masks for students and staff were ordered. Other supplies that were ordered included 10,000,000 gloves for staff members, 40,000 thermometers, 500,000 gallons of hand sanitizers, 12,500,000 reusable masks, tentative face shields, and desk dividers. The PPE is expected to arrive between mid-July and early August. The TEA said districts maintain the discretion and responsibility for distributing the PPE as they see fit.

HOUSTON – At least 3,000 COVID-19 patients have been treated in the Texas Medical Center. "We saw the devastation it was causing," said Texas Medical Center president and CEO William McKeon. The PPE supply chain was vital in making sure the Texas Medical Center, where the hospitals provide 70% of healthcare in a nine-county area, had what is needed. The medical center has an ample supply of all these items. McKeon said all the different institutions in the Medical Center worked together as one entity when it came to purchasing PPE.

A FEMA official told CNN that FEMA reviewed the company, which is not a manufacturer, and believed it would be able to fulfill the contract. But when Panthera requested another delivery extension of 96 hours on May 11, FEMA denied the extension and canceled the contract. "In this case, FEMA awarded a $55 million contract to a company for 10 million masks that it did not deliver by the initial May 1 deadline or extended deadline of May 11. The health and safety of our first responders depends on obtaining a sufficient quantity of these essential N95 masks and other personal protective equipment." Since the coronavirus pandemic started, there’s been a global shortage of supplies — including N95 masks, gloves, surgical masks and disposable gowns — that would protect front-line and essential workers from the virus.

Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush, has had at least 26 residents with lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 tests and at least five residents with probable COVID-19. The facility also has at least 19 staff with lab-confirmed positive tests and at least 14 probable staff cases. "We placed an order on April 17 for some gowns, some face shields, and some disinfectant wipes. On April 24 we were notified that the disinfectant wipes had been reallocated by FEMA," said Griffith. They have still not received a refund for the shipment that never came, Griffith said, though they are working to get one.

HOUSTON – Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale helped give away 10,000 free masks Friday from 5 a.m. - 9 a.m. at the Gallery Furniture North Freeway store to help Houstonians stay safe from COVID-19. The Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office distributed the PPE. God’s Grace Church, 9944 W. Montgomery in Houston, at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.Canaan Baptist Church, 5117 Lockwood Drive in Houston, from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. True Light Missionary Baptist Church, 7102 N Main in Houston, from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Effective Monday, April 27, masks are legally required in Harris County per an executive order signed today by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

During every free moment they have, Dr. Roman Nieto, his wife, Dr. Crystal Nieto, and their two young boys, 7-year-old Max and 9-year-old Roman III, are all making protective face shields for healthcare providers. In fact, they have already made 100 of these shields and are planning to make at least 300 more. There is a nationwide shortage of these shields as you know and even in my own hospital, the masks have been running short,” Dr. Roman Nieto said. These shields could be lifesavers for many doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers and Crystal is very proud her young sons wanted to be part of this.