8 of our top opinion columns this week: ICYMI

In today's fast-paced news environment, it can be hard to keep up. For your weekend reading, we've started in-case-you-missed-it compilations of some of the week's top Paste BN Opinion pieces. As always, thanks for reading, and for your feedback.

— Paste BN Opinion editors

1. The best thing everyday Americans can do to fight coronavirus? #StayHome, save lives

By 16 national health care leaders

"STAY AT HOME as much as possible. It may be in your community now or it may be soon. Until you hear otherwise from health care officials, even if you have no symptoms. That means avoiding play dates, sleepovers, bars, restaurants, parties or houses of worship. Avoid all crowds."

2. Coronavirus reality check: 7 myths about social distancing, busted

By Marc Lipsitch and Joseph Allen

"This 'social distancing' includes canceling public gatherings such as sports events, restricting or shutting down public transportation, closing schools and other restrictions...Here are some myths about social distancing and the reality as best it can be understood right now."

3. Mike Pence: We need the American people's help to fight coronavirus now

By Mike Pence

"We’ve worked seamlessly with state and local leaders from both political parties. Since January, we’ve held 36 briefings with more than 15,000 state, local and tribal leaders from every state and territory in America."

4. Coronavirus test 'failing' leaves America flying blind through a pandemic

By The Editorial Board

"Even as the testing situation finally appears to be improving, it's worth asking: How could this have happened? Once the worst has passed, Congress should get to the bottom of the failure, to ensure this doesn't happen again."

5. Sanders keeps arguing for a revolution most Democrats don't want: Mastio & Lawrence

By David Mastio and Jill Lawrence

"Jill: This Democratic debate was like one of those unplugged concerts without amplifiers and electric guitar... Just two guys at lecterns situated a polite six feet apart, in compliance with coronavirus-era social distancing rules."

"David: In a time of coronavirus on the loose among elderly presidential candidates, I want the very best possible vice presidential candidates regardless of gender and race. In a time when we are still fighting Trump's assault on the Constitution, I want the best possible Supreme Court justices regardless of gender and race."

6. To protect inmates and the nation from COVID-19, release offenders who pose no threat

By Brendan Saloner and Sachini Bandara

"People behind bars are some of the most vulnerable in our society. So what can our criminal justice system do to protect them and, by extension, the communities they live in? Release — and better still don't incarcerate — people who pose no threat. "

7. We're seeing confusion, despair and even suicide after Trump rule on aid to immigrants

By Rania Awaad

"The Trump administration states that its goal for this policy is to encourage “self-sufficiency.” The reality, however, is that even short-term use of public benefits could result in disastrous consequences for immigrants."

8. FDA commissioner: Be wary of anyone claiming they can cure COVID-19. Talk to your doctor.

By Stephen M. Hahn

"The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission have already issued warning letters to seven companies for selling fraudulent COVID-19 products. The products cited — teas, essential oils, tinctures and colloidal silver — are unapproved drugs that pose significant risks to patient health and violate federal law."