Reporting on the coronavirus—and everything else you missed at Ms. this week.
Ms. Weekly Digest | March 21, 2020
Letter from an Editor
Over the course of the past week, people across the country have self-quarantined as the COVID-19 crisis has worsened. As the world responds to this pandemic, the Ms. team is doing what we can to keep you informed and up-to-date on some of the most underreported issues of this crisis (from home, of course! The Ms. office is usually a place of buzzing ideas and collaboration—and while we miss doing this work together, in person, we’re doing what’s best for our community and making the most of Zoom calls and Slack chats).
Here at Ms., we’re cutting through the panic to bring you substantive, unique reporting from the women on the frontlines of this global health crisis—from the elected leaders working to pass relief packages that provide paid sick leave and free testing for anyone showing symptoms of the virus, to the nurses, doctors and other healthcare providers fighting to get the personal protective equipment they need in this crisis, to domestic workers who often provide care to the most vulnerable among us and yet do not have any paid family or medical leave of their own.
The Trump administration's and Senate Republicans' complete mishandling of the federal response to this public health crisis has put us all in greater danger, and makes clear the importance of Ms.’s work to keep you informed throughout this most critical election season. We are expanding our usual election coverage and doing everything we can to keep our readers armed with the factual information and ideas you need to mobilize women’s voting power.
But I’d like to take this opportunity to ask a favor.
In a quote oft-repeated during some of our darkest moments, Mr. Rogers famously told children that in frightening times, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." Now, we want to hear about the helpers in your community—and we want to feature them and their work.
We are hearing stories about complete strangers who are stepping up to help others during this unprecedented time. How are you or someone you know showing up for the most vulnerable members of your community? What are some creative ways you’re staying connected? We’ll be rounding-up stories to share with Ms. readers in the coming days. Click here to share yours.
One final ask: Ms. Members and readers across the country are donating to their local foodbanks and community funds, in addition to stocking up on food and other necessities for their own families, in whatever ways they can. But if you have any dollars left over, we ask that you consider supporting our work here at Ms. Our team plans to continue reporting and truth-telling through the coronavirus pandemic—but we can’t do it without your support.
Stay well and stay safe.
This Week's Must-Reads from Ms.
During the COVID-19 Crisis, Abortion Access Must be Considered “Essential”
BY ROXY SZAL | In an effort to protect patients and staff from exposure to COVID-19, and to conserve critical equipment and supplies, the U.S. Surgeon General has recommended restrictions or eliminations on “elective” surgeries. But abortion rights advocates fear this declaration may adversely impact abortion access.
Coronavirus Relief Bill Signed into Law—Including Paid Sick Leave and Free COVID-19 Testing
BY ROXY SZAL | In a rare showing of bipartisanship on Wednesday, the Senate passed legislation that will provide paid sick and family leave for many, as well as free coronavirus testing and strengthened unemployment insurance.
BY ROXY SZAL | Plans for coronavirus relief packages are revealing partisan priorities: Democrats are focused on providing assistance to people being hurt by job losses and layoffs, while it seems Republicans in the Senate are more focused on corporate tax cuts.
What Do Women and Working Families Need to Face COVID-19?
BY NATIONAL WOMEN'S LAW CENTER | The COVID-19 public health crisis will exacerbate inequality along gender, racial and economic lines. Low and moderate income women and their families will be particularly vulnerable to the devastating health and economic effects of a crisis of this magnitude.
Weekend Reading on Women’s Representation: Feminists Cope with Coronavirus
BY CYNTHIA RICHIE TERRELL | Our friend, Cynthia Terrell, founder and executive director of RepresentWomen, is back with another installment of her new weekly column! Each week, she compiles some of her favorite stories about women’s representation in politics, on boards, in sports and entertainment, in judicial offices and in the private sector in the U.S. and around the world.
Tell Ms.: Communities Come Together as Coronavirus Pandemic Worsens
BY MADDY PONTZ | Amidst the panic the COVD-19 pandemic has wrought, stories are emerging every day of neighbors going above and beyond to help one another in this time of need and lending a hand to at-risk, elderly and immunocompromised folks in their communities.
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