Daily Skimm: That fancy wine won't put this fire out

Skimm'd while helping out the planet

"There is nothing better than being a unicorn" – One woman, who apparently jogs around her Florida neighborhood in an inflatable costume to spread joy. Everybody Prance Now.

TESTING, 1, 2, 3

The Story

The first at-home COVID-19 test kit just got approved.

You said "first?"

That's right. While companies have rolled out all sorts of coronavirus tests, LabCorp is the first to get emergency FDA approval for its at-home version. Important, because it could expand access to testing to help states reopen their economies.

Interesting. How do I get this test?

You'll have to wait. Health care workers and first responders are the first to get access. But most Americans should be able to buy the test kit "in the coming weeks." It costs $119 but insurance companies may cover it. New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Rhode Island apparently have laws banning at-home kits...so no at-home swabbing there.

Swabbing?

Here's how it works: fill out a survey to see if you need the kit. Then, if a doctor gives the okay, you can buy the kit (think: cotton swabs and collection tube) and have it shipped to your home. Then you'd take a swab to gather a sample from your nose and send that precious cargo to LabCorp. The results would then be posted online.

And it's safe, right?

The FDA commissioner called it "as safe and accurate" as testing in hospitals or official sites. And by doing it yourself, clinicians don't run the risk of getting infected. This could free up more personal protective equipment (PPE) – something the US has been in need of.

theSkimm

Public health and state officials have said that testing is important to curb the coronavirus. While widespread testing remains an obstacle, this new at-home kit could provide one safer and more accessible option.

Skimm More: We explain why the US has struggled with COVID-19 testing here.

WE HAVE A DEAL

After more than a week of negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders, the Senate passed a $484 billion interim coronavirus funding bill by a voice vote. Under the bill, the help would go to:

Paycheck Protection Program...which would get an additional $310 billion after it ran out of money last week. This includes $60 billion for small businesses that may have had trouble getting loans.

Small business disaster fund...which would get another $60 billion. This one can give businesses up to $10,000 in loans and grants for emergencies.

Hospitals and testing...which would get $100 billion – $75 billion for hospitals stretched thin during the pandemic and $25 billion for expanded coronavirus testing, a portion of which would go to state governments for things like contact tracing.

Next up, the bill heads to the House – where it's expected to pass tomorrow. Then it needs President Trump's sign-off.

AND ALSO...THIS

Whose past is catching up with them…

Wisconsin's. Two weeks ago, thousands of voters showed up to cast their ballots in the state's primary, despite stay-at-home orders because of COVID-19. Now, a state public health officer said at least seven people may have contracted the virus by taking part in the election. The cases include multiple voters and a poll worker, but the public health officer said that more people could have been exposed.

Who's saying 'all cleats, cleats'...

Gronk. The retired tight end for the New England Patriots is throwing his cleats back on the field. After announcing his retirement last year, Rob Gronkowski has now agreed to return to the NFL – this time, as a Buccaneer. He'll be reuniting with his QB(FF) Tom Brady in Tampa Bay.

When you hear the Bee won't be buzzing this year...

Neither will UCB in NY.

What's decided to pivot…

This reunion special.

THING TO KNOW

MADE SAFE®

A program that screens products (think: clothes, cosmetics, cleaning supplies) to see if they use potentially harmful chemicals. They give a seal of approval to things they say are made with safe ingredients.

Another thing they look at is mattresses. Because you spend a lot of time sleeping. Which is why it's important to think about what your mattress is made of. Meet Avocado Green Mattress. Their mattresses are MADE SAFE certified. Because they use certified organic materials. And don't use harmful chemicals, behavioral toxins or heavy metals. So you can feel good when your head hits the pillow. Oh, and Skimm'rs get $200 off any mattress until May 18 with code SKIMM200. Sleep tight.

EARTH DAY

Every day is a good day to show our planet a little TLC. But for Earth Day, we paid special attention to our environment and how we can lend a helping hand.

In our latest Skimm Special, we talked to climate experts about how the drop in pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the human impact on the planet.

We pulled together our favorite reads that drop some environmental knowledge...or will let you escape into another world.

And those plastic bags and chemical-laced skincare products probably don't spark joy for the planet. Check out our environmentally-friendly picks that will spice up your going-green game.

Happy Earth Day.

PRESS PAUSE

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us all in different ways. No matter your situation, sometimes you just need to press pause. Enter: our picks to help you take a break…

1. An outdoor-themed meditation guide. Find your Earth Day zen with these nature-inspired breathing exercises. In through the nose, out through the mouth.

2. 21 recipes to make in your microwave. Because your oven is a little burnt out right now.

3. "Vanderpump Rules" edition of Guess Who? Download this template and dust off your old game set. It's not about the pasta, it's about solving the mystery.

PS: Sign up to get more ideas like these in your inbox once a week.

SKIMM PICKS

For when you need a break from Zoom happy hours...

Go for a walk. When you need a break from credit debt, The Ascent recommends this card. It has 0% intro APR. Aka you don't have to pay interest until 2021. So you can pay off your debt faster. Give yourself a break.*

For when you nailed that trick shot on TikTok…

You're the GOAT. Sort of like this company. NAADAM makes super soft cashmere knitwear (think: joggers, robes, tops, socks). Sustainably sourced from cashmere goats in the Mongolian Gobi Desert. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off. Try it.*

For when you want to do your part for Earth Month...

Good for shoe. Go the extra mile with Cariuma. They make sustainable sneakers in fun spring colors like yellow, rose, green, and white. Oh, and they're celebrating by planting 10,000 trees. Plus 10 more for every purchase made. Psst...Skimm'rs get 10% off. Trees the day.*

SKIMM'RS

In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.

Paws out for…Madison M (DC). She started a weekly newsletter about wine and puppies called "Your weekly w(h)ine." Since COVID-19 reached the US, Madison wanted to find a way to give back so she started offering virtual wine classes and is donating all proceeds to DC food kitchens. Take a sip here.

Stand up to the challenge with…Jonathan R (TX). He's an emergency medicine physician on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, who's not only working in hospitals but is also leading a project to produce more personal protective equipment (PPE). And is making his wife, Arielle, proud.

(Some) Birthdays...Zach Wenner (PA), Jaime Gelman (NY), Jodi Clark (ID), Kim Nicholl (PA), Tatiana McPartland (NY), Mindy Pedersen (WI), Chelsea Rowley (MI), Stephanie Jacobs (IL), Katie Fallon (MA), Alexia Sikora (DC), Melissa Clark (WV), Sara Dart (MI), Erin Malone (TX), Annie Lillquist (NY), Rebeca Sandel (NH), Samantha Collingsworth (TX)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

SKIMM SHARE

Skimm HQ couldn't BE any more excited for the "Friends" reunion. Share theSkimm with your 'Joey' of the group.

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