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Government Eyes War Powers to Speed Medical Manufacturing Ahead of Virus Government Eyes War Powers to Speed Medical Manufacturing Ahead of Virus
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WASHINGTON — The Trump administration may use a 70-year-old law to speed up the manufacturing of medical supplies before a coronavirus outbreak, Alex M. Azar II, the health secretary, said on Friday, a seeming acknowledgment that the virus poses a threat beyond the reassurances of President Trump.WASHINGTON — The Trump administration may use a 70-year-old law to speed up the manufacturing of medical supplies before a coronavirus outbreak, Alex M. Azar II, the health secretary, said on Friday, a seeming acknowledgment that the virus poses a threat beyond the reassurances of President Trump.
The Defense Production Act, passed by Congress in 1950 during the Korean War, allows the president to expand production of the materials for national security purposes. Mr. Azar said that the federal government could move to expedite certain contracts, including for supplies like face masks, gowns and gloves. Mr. Azar has said that 300 million of a type of mask known as N95 are needed for the emergency medical stockpile for health care workers.The Defense Production Act, passed by Congress in 1950 during the Korean War, allows the president to expand production of the materials for national security purposes. Mr. Azar said that the federal government could move to expedite certain contracts, including for supplies like face masks, gowns and gloves. Mr. Azar has said that 300 million of a type of mask known as N95 are needed for the emergency medical stockpile for health care workers.
“I don’t have any procurements I need it for now, but if I need it, we’ll use it,” Mr. Azar told reporters at a White House briefing on the administration’s request to Congress for emergency funds to respond to the virus.“I don’t have any procurements I need it for now, but if I need it, we’ll use it,” Mr. Azar told reporters at a White House briefing on the administration’s request to Congress for emergency funds to respond to the virus.
Mr. Azar’s cautionary tone echoed warnings from officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this week. But they contrasted with efforts this week by Mr. Trump and other administration officials to minimize the likelihood of a serious outbreak.Mr. Azar’s cautionary tone echoed warnings from officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this week. But they contrasted with efforts this week by Mr. Trump and other administration officials to minimize the likelihood of a serious outbreak.
“I feel very confident, and our people are doing a fantastic job,” Mr. Trump said Friday afternoon as he left for a campaign rally in South Carolina. “We haven’t seen an increase, and people are getting better. Almost everybody that we see is getting better.”“I feel very confident, and our people are doing a fantastic job,” Mr. Trump said Friday afternoon as he left for a campaign rally in South Carolina. “We haven’t seen an increase, and people are getting better. Almost everybody that we see is getting better.”
Mr. Azar said that “the situation may worsen, and we may need to mitigate its spread in the United States.” If cases of the coronavirus began spreading widely, he said, those showing mild symptoms should stay home rather than seek help at hospitals, to avoid the risk of overcrowding health facilities.Mr. Azar said that “the situation may worsen, and we may need to mitigate its spread in the United States.” If cases of the coronavirus began spreading widely, he said, those showing mild symptoms should stay home rather than seek help at hospitals, to avoid the risk of overcrowding health facilities.
“The advice is going to be: Stay home, manage your symptoms, and we’ll provide guidance of at what point would you seek high-level medical attention,” Mr. Azar said.“The advice is going to be: Stay home, manage your symptoms, and we’ll provide guidance of at what point would you seek high-level medical attention,” Mr. Azar said.
Mr. Azar’s remarks appeared to reflect a recognition that the outbreak may reach a newer and more dangerous phase. In addition to his comments about the government stockpiling protective equipment and about how people should seek medical care in the case of a wider outbreak, he also raised the possibility of school closures.Mr. Azar’s remarks appeared to reflect a recognition that the outbreak may reach a newer and more dangerous phase. In addition to his comments about the government stockpiling protective equipment and about how people should seek medical care in the case of a wider outbreak, he also raised the possibility of school closures.
“It might make sense to close a school or certain schools or take other measures like that,” Mr. Azar said. “Every option needs to be on the table as we assess the situation, but it depends on the circumstances.”“It might make sense to close a school or certain schools or take other measures like that,” Mr. Azar said. “Every option needs to be on the table as we assess the situation, but it depends on the circumstances.”
The health secretary appeared on Friday in his role as the head of a task force overseeing the government response to the virus. On Wednesday, Mr. Trump appointed Vice President Mike Pence to manage that response, leading to confusion about who was in charge of preparations for a potential outbreak.The health secretary appeared on Friday in his role as the head of a task force overseeing the government response to the virus. On Wednesday, Mr. Trump appointed Vice President Mike Pence to manage that response, leading to confusion about who was in charge of preparations for a potential outbreak.
If the Trump administration does invoke the Defense Production Act, it would not be the first time in recent years. The administration activated powers under the act to restore power grids and supply food and water in states and territories hard hit by the 2017 hurricane season. Past presidents have used it to ward off blackouts by sending emergency electrical power and natural gas.If the Trump administration does invoke the Defense Production Act, it would not be the first time in recent years. The administration activated powers under the act to restore power grids and supply food and water in states and territories hard hit by the 2017 hurricane season. Past presidents have used it to ward off blackouts by sending emergency electrical power and natural gas.
A senior law enforcement official who has been briefed by Homeland Security officials, along with law enforcement officials around the country, said using the law would raise a difficult question for the future: How will the government define which emergencies warrant the speeding up of manufacturing?A senior law enforcement official who has been briefed by Homeland Security officials, along with law enforcement officials around the country, said using the law would raise a difficult question for the future: How will the government define which emergencies warrant the speeding up of manufacturing?
At the White House briefing on Friday, Mr. Azar also addressed concerns about the limits of testing those who are showing symptoms. Only 12 laboratories outside of C.D.C. headquarters in Atlanta are currently capable of testing for the virus, and faulty test kits sent by the C.D.C. have stalled efforts in states trying to monitor patients. Hawaii this week began working to acquire kits from Japan.At the White House briefing on Friday, Mr. Azar also addressed concerns about the limits of testing those who are showing symptoms. Only 12 laboratories outside of C.D.C. headquarters in Atlanta are currently capable of testing for the virus, and faulty test kits sent by the C.D.C. have stalled efforts in states trying to monitor patients. Hawaii this week began working to acquire kits from Japan.
Fewer than 500 people in the United States have been tested for the virus so far, according to the C.D.C. On Wednesday, Mr. Trump insisted that his administration was “testing everybody that we need to test” and “finding very little problem.”Fewer than 500 people in the United States have been tested for the virus so far, according to the C.D.C. On Wednesday, Mr. Trump insisted that his administration was “testing everybody that we need to test” and “finding very little problem.”
Mr. Azar said on Friday that 1,000 more test kits were being sent to California. Two new cases of the virus have surfaced there this week, and officials have so far uncovered no clear contact between them and other infected people they are tracking, raising the possibility that the disease is circulating locally, passing from person to person. Late Friday, health officials in Oregon and Washington State confirmed their own cases of unknown origin.Mr. Azar said on Friday that 1,000 more test kits were being sent to California. Two new cases of the virus have surfaced there this week, and officials have so far uncovered no clear contact between them and other infected people they are tracking, raising the possibility that the disease is circulating locally, passing from person to person. Late Friday, health officials in Oregon and Washington State confirmed their own cases of unknown origin.
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers raised the alarm, flooding federal agencies with letters asking for additional information on how local governments should prepare, on the impact on the southern border and about allegations raised in a whistle-blower complaint this week that federal staff had been dispatched to coronavirus quarantine sites without adequate preparation or supplies.On Capitol Hill, lawmakers raised the alarm, flooding federal agencies with letters asking for additional information on how local governments should prepare, on the impact on the southern border and about allegations raised in a whistle-blower complaint this week that federal staff had been dispatched to coronavirus quarantine sites without adequate preparation or supplies.
“Like everyone else, I want to know what the facts are,” said Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, in an interview.“Like everyone else, I want to know what the facts are,” said Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, in an interview.
The inspector general for the Department of Health and Human Services said on Friday that it would begin a “comprehensive review” of the federal government’s coronavirus response, accelerating a process that had already been underway. Mr. Azar said he had been unaware of the concerns raised in the whistle-blower complaint before this week.The inspector general for the Department of Health and Human Services said on Friday that it would begin a “comprehensive review” of the federal government’s coronavirus response, accelerating a process that had already been underway. Mr. Azar said he had been unaware of the concerns raised in the whistle-blower complaint before this week.
Investigators were eyeing the health agency’s repatriation of American citizens, its treatment of quarantine sites and its hospital preparedness program, a spokeswoman for the inspector general’s office said.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Investigators were eyeing the health agency’s repatriation of American citizens, its treatment of quarantine sites and its hospital preparedness program, a spokeswoman for the inspector general’s office said.
“Because of the heightened concern, we had already been planning to look into this and do a review,” said Tesia Williams, the spokeswoman. “We began to get additional information on top of that.”“Because of the heightened concern, we had already been planning to look into this and do a review,” said Tesia Williams, the spokeswoman. “We began to get additional information on top of that.”
But a Friday morning briefing with House members appeared to do little to assuage some of the concerns and frustration about how prepared the federal government was to respond to the outbreak in the United States.But a Friday morning briefing with House members appeared to do little to assuage some of the concerns and frustration about how prepared the federal government was to respond to the outbreak in the United States.
“The question I asked was, ‘What assurances do we have that proper protocols were followed during the federal quarantine?’” said Representative Mark Takano, Democrat of California. The answer, he said, “was not as responsive as I would have liked.”“The question I asked was, ‘What assurances do we have that proper protocols were followed during the federal quarantine?’” said Representative Mark Takano, Democrat of California. The answer, he said, “was not as responsive as I would have liked.”
Four House Democrats from California — Mr. Takano, John Garamendi, Scott Peters and Jimmy Gomez — pressed for an additional briefing with health officials about the possible spread of the virus. Representatives Takano, Garamendi and Peters represent districts where there are cases of unknown origin or exposed people who have been quarantined, and Mr. Gomez’s office was the first to learn of the whistle-blower complaint.Four House Democrats from California — Mr. Takano, John Garamendi, Scott Peters and Jimmy Gomez — pressed for an additional briefing with health officials about the possible spread of the virus. Representatives Takano, Garamendi and Peters represent districts where there are cases of unknown origin or exposed people who have been quarantined, and Mr. Gomez’s office was the first to learn of the whistle-blower complaint.
But the briefing was abruptly postponed and has yet to be rescheduled, according to a person familiar with the plans but unauthorized to discuss them publicly.But the briefing was abruptly postponed and has yet to be rescheduled, according to a person familiar with the plans but unauthorized to discuss them publicly.
Mr. Garamendi told reporters that health officials pushed back against allegations in the whistle-blower complaint that federal staff were not adequately trained or prepared at March Air Reserve Base in California, one of two air bases named in the complaint.Mr. Garamendi told reporters that health officials pushed back against allegations in the whistle-blower complaint that federal staff were not adequately trained or prepared at March Air Reserve Base in California, one of two air bases named in the complaint.
Top lawmakers and staff are expected to continue negotiating through the weekend on an emergency aid package related to the virus, with the package likely to be at least $6 billion, according to a person with knowledge of the ongoing discussions.Top lawmakers and staff are expected to continue negotiating through the weekend on an emergency aid package related to the virus, with the package likely to be at least $6 billion, according to a person with knowledge of the ongoing discussions.
Three Republican senators who have taken hard lines on border policy invoked the virus to call for stricter border controls.Three Republican senators who have taken hard lines on border policy invoked the virus to call for stricter border controls.
“As southern-border senators, we are concerned about the possible spread of the coronavirus across our borders,” Senators Martha McSally of Arizona and Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas wrote to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “We are similarly concerned about recent reports that the virus is spreading in Europe.”“As southern-border senators, we are concerned about the possible spread of the coronavirus across our borders,” Senators Martha McSally of Arizona and Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas wrote to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “We are similarly concerned about recent reports that the virus is spreading in Europe.”
“Border shortcomings by the European Union have resulted in the spread of the virus across a number of nations,” they continued, “and it is essential that the United States not repeat these mistakes.”“Border shortcomings by the European Union have resulted in the spread of the virus across a number of nations,” they continued, “and it is essential that the United States not repeat these mistakes.”
Margot Sanger-Katz and Zolan Kanno-Youngs contributed reporting.Margot Sanger-Katz and Zolan Kanno-Youngs contributed reporting.