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Trump has 'no plans' for coronavirus test despite contact with infected Bolsonaro aide – live Trump has 'no plans' for coronavirus test despite contact with infected Bolsonaro aide – live
(32 minutes later)
Possible US travel restrictions would follow Europe ban; meanwhile photo shows Trump next to Bolsonaro aide who tested positivePossible US travel restrictions would follow Europe ban; meanwhile photo shows Trump next to Bolsonaro aide who tested positive
The Guardian’s voting rights reporter Sam Levine reports:
Election officials in Ohio are scrambling to find poll workers for its March 17 primary as a significant number of people scheduled to work cancel amid concerns over the coronavirus, the Columbus Dispatch reported Thursday.
Franklin County, home of Columbus, is losing three poll workers for each one it gains, the paper reported.
The county has lost 223 poll workers in the last two days and is 291 people short of being fully staffed. Warren County, just north of Cincinnati, is 100 poll workers short.
Finding poll workers is a significant concern for election workers as they prepare or elections amid the coronavirus pandemic. Poll workers tend to be older Americans -- the demographic most likely to be significantly impacted by the virus.
Earlier this week, Ohio’s top election official ordered all polling locations in nursing homes or assisted living facilities to be relocated. The move is expected to affect 128 locations in the state.
It’s been a very eventful Thursday, handing the live blog to my Guardian west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, who will take you through the coming hours.
Here are the main events this afternoon:
The Trump 2020 campaign slammed Bernie Sanders after the diehard left-winger called on the president to declare a national emergency and called on the nation to come together. Sanders said: “If there ever was a time in the modern history of our country when we are all in this together,” he said, “this is that moment.”
The White House said Donald Trump still has “no plans” to take a coronavirus test even though he’s come into contact with a Brazilian government aide who’s tested positive, and some Republicans who are in voluntary quarantine.
There are contrasting reports coming out of Brazil over whether president Jair Bolsonaro has caught coronavirus, though most reliable understanding this hour is that he has not tested positive for Covid-19 despite his press secretary’s diagnosis.
Leading Democrats Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders and Nancy Pelosi have all today addressed the Trump administration’s response so far to coronavirus and been singularly unimpressed/outraged at the incompetence coming out of the White House.
Two senators, both Trump allies, have announced self-quarantine measures after being at Mar-a-Lago with the president and his Brazilian visitors last weekend.Two senators, both Trump allies, have announced self-quarantine measures after being at Mar-a-Lago with the president and his Brazilian visitors last weekend.
Rick Scott of Florida was first and now Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has followed. According to a statement, Graham “has no recollection of direct contact with the president of Brazil, who is awaiting the results of a coronavirus test, or his spokesman who tested positive”.Rick Scott of Florida was first and now Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has followed. According to a statement, Graham “has no recollection of direct contact with the president of Brazil, who is awaiting the results of a coronavirus test, or his spokesman who tested positive”.
But on the advice of his doctor and out of the usually cited abundance of caution, Graham will now work from home.But on the advice of his doctor and out of the usually cited abundance of caution, Graham will now work from home.
Trump’s office is of course also his home so he’s working from there too, the White House having said today there are no plans for the president to be tested like his Brazilian counterpart.Trump’s office is of course also his home so he’s working from there too, the White House having said today there are no plans for the president to be tested like his Brazilian counterpart.
Here’s our report:Here’s our report:
Dom Phillips reports from Rio de Janeiro:Dom Phillips reports from Rio de Janeiro:
Spanish-language twitter feeds have been reporting that Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro has tested positive for coronavirus after his press secretary was found to have the disease following a trip to the US – but the reports are being discredited as fake news and none of Brazil’s main media sites have confirmed them.Spanish-language twitter feeds have been reporting that Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro has tested positive for coronavirus after his press secretary was found to have the disease following a trip to the US – but the reports are being discredited as fake news and none of Brazil’s main media sites have confirmed them.
Bolsonaro has taken a test, however, according to local media, and results will be ready on Friday. His son Eduardo Bolsonaro, a congressman who was also on the trip, tweeted that his father “is not exhibiting any signs of the disease.”Bolsonaro has taken a test, however, according to local media, and results will be ready on Friday. His son Eduardo Bolsonaro, a congressman who was also on the trip, tweeted that his father “is not exhibiting any signs of the disease.”
On Thursday the Brazilian government confirmed media reports that Bolsonaro’s press secretary Fabio Wajngarten tested positive following the US trip he was also on, along with ministers, congressmen and First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro, as well as Eduardo Bolsonaro.On Thursday the Brazilian government confirmed media reports that Bolsonaro’s press secretary Fabio Wajngarten tested positive following the US trip he was also on, along with ministers, congressmen and First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro, as well as Eduardo Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro dined with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday night and videos and photos, including some on Wajngarten’s own Instagram account, showed the press secretary, Bolsonaro and Trump all in close proximity. “I’m not concerned,” Trump told reporters on Thursday.Bolsonaro dined with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday night and videos and photos, including some on Wajngarten’s own Instagram account, showed the press secretary, Bolsonaro and Trump all in close proximity. “I’m not concerned,” Trump told reporters on Thursday.
The Intercept has reported that aside from Wajngarten, three other members of the delegation have also reported feeling flu-like symptoms and been tested, quoting an anonymous source. It did not name the three others.The Intercept has reported that aside from Wajngarten, three other members of the delegation have also reported feeling flu-like symptoms and been tested, quoting an anonymous source. It did not name the three others.
Meanwhile conservative Brazilians planning pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations across Brazil on Sunday have begun sharing images of people wearing masks – but are insisting the protests, which Bolsonaro has endorsed, will go ahead. Bolsonaro has cancelled an interview for the launch of CNN Brasil due to air the same day, the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper site reported.Meanwhile conservative Brazilians planning pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations across Brazil on Sunday have begun sharing images of people wearing masks – but are insisting the protests, which Bolsonaro has endorsed, will go ahead. Bolsonaro has cancelled an interview for the launch of CNN Brasil due to air the same day, the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper site reported.
Trump 2020 communications director Tim Murtaugh is back with another statement, this time slamming Bernie Sanders for his remarks on the coronavirus outbreak.Trump 2020 communications director Tim Murtaugh is back with another statement, this time slamming Bernie Sanders for his remarks on the coronavirus outbreak.
The Vermont senator, still in the running to be the Democratic nominee to face Trump in November, followed frontrunner Joe Biden in speaking about the public health crisis.The Vermont senator, still in the running to be the Democratic nominee to face Trump in November, followed frontrunner Joe Biden in speaking about the public health crisis.
In his remarks, delivered from Burlington in his home state, Sanders called on Trump to declare a national emergency and called on the nation to come together.In his remarks, delivered from Burlington in his home state, Sanders called on Trump to declare a national emergency and called on the nation to come together.
“If there ever was a time in the modern history of our country when we are all in this together,” he said, “this is that moment.”“If there ever was a time in the modern history of our country when we are all in this together,” he said, “this is that moment.”
Sanders also called for support for the most needy in American society “from a health perspective and an economic perspective” and renewed his call for Medicare for All healthcare reform.Sanders also called for support for the most needy in American society “from a health perspective and an economic perspective” and renewed his call for Medicare for All healthcare reform.
The Trump 2020 response was predictably pugilistic, Murtaugh saying “Sanders is the wrong prescription for fighting an outbreak like the coronavirus” and claiming “a government takeover of healthcare” would leave “America woefully unprepared for public health emergencies”.The Trump 2020 response was predictably pugilistic, Murtaugh saying “Sanders is the wrong prescription for fighting an outbreak like the coronavirus” and claiming “a government takeover of healthcare” would leave “America woefully unprepared for public health emergencies”.
Many say the US is woefully unprepared for this emergency thanks to cuts by the Trump administration and a slow and chaotic official response so far.Many say the US is woefully unprepared for this emergency thanks to cuts by the Trump administration and a slow and chaotic official response so far.
Murtaugh also sounded a familiar note from a president who has sought to blame the virus on other countries, saying Sanders has “said he would not even consider closing our borders to protect our people, even if it were necessary to control the spread of the virus”.Murtaugh also sounded a familiar note from a president who has sought to blame the virus on other countries, saying Sanders has “said he would not even consider closing our borders to protect our people, even if it were necessary to control the spread of the virus”.
Trump has banned travel from Europe – though not the UK and Ireland – and has claimed his southern border wall is needed to combat coronavirus, despite the virus having entered the US by other routes entirely.Trump has banned travel from Europe – though not the UK and Ireland – and has claimed his southern border wall is needed to combat coronavirus, despite the virus having entered the US by other routes entirely.
Murtaugh concluded by saying Sanders was “just another Democrat candidate for president trying to score political points by recklessly provoking anxiety and fear”.Murtaugh concluded by saying Sanders was “just another Democrat candidate for president trying to score political points by recklessly provoking anxiety and fear”.
Again, Trump has been widely accused of seeking to use the outbreak to score political points himself.Again, Trump has been widely accused of seeking to use the outbreak to score political points himself.
Sanders’ remarks can be found in full on YouTube:Sanders’ remarks can be found in full on YouTube:
Donald Trump on Thursday said he may declare the coronavirus pandemic an emergency by invoking a law known as the Stafford Act.Donald Trump on Thursday said he may declare the coronavirus pandemic an emergency by invoking a law known as the Stafford Act.
The following from the Associated Press explains how the Stafford Act works and what powers a declaration would unlock:The following from the Associated Press explains how the Stafford Act works and what powers a declaration would unlock:
Several state governments have declared emergencies.Several state governments have declared emergencies.
The White House says Donald Trump has no plans to be tested for coronavirus or go into self-quarantine after attending events last weekend with a senior Brazilian official who tested positive for the illness, the AP writes.The White House says Donald Trump has no plans to be tested for coronavirus or go into self-quarantine after attending events last weekend with a senior Brazilian official who tested positive for the illness, the AP writes.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s communications director tested positive just days after traveling with Bolsonaro to a meeting with Trump and senior aides in Florida.Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s communications director tested positive just days after traveling with Bolsonaro to a meeting with Trump and senior aides in Florida.
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Thursday that “exposures from the case are being assessed, which will dictate next steps.”White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Thursday that “exposures from the case are being assessed, which will dictate next steps.”
Grisham says Trump and Vice President Mike Pence “had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time.”Grisham says Trump and Vice President Mike Pence “had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time.”
For the Guardian, Sonam Vashi in Atlanta reports:For the Guardian, Sonam Vashi in Atlanta reports:
Officials in Georgia have a bucolic solution for coronavirus quarantines. They have installed seven trailers for COVID-19 patients at Hard Labor Creek State Park, an hour east of Atlanta.Officials in Georgia have a bucolic solution for coronavirus quarantines. They have installed seven trailers for COVID-19 patients at Hard Labor Creek State Park, an hour east of Atlanta.
“I’m super extroverted, but as a truck driver, I’m used to being isolated from people for 11 hours on the road,” trailer resident Joey Camp told the Guardian.“I’m super extroverted, but as a truck driver, I’m used to being isolated from people for 11 hours on the road,” trailer resident Joey Camp told the Guardian.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that he is the first patient isolated there.The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that he is the first patient isolated there.
Camp says he’s in a 26-foot, pull-behind RV with a fridge, freezer, and Bluetooth stereo system, which he uses while watching Star Wars movies on his phone.Camp says he’s in a 26-foot, pull-behind RV with a fridge, freezer, and Bluetooth stereo system, which he uses while watching Star Wars movies on his phone.
“It’s a bad draw of the cards,” he says of his situation. His symptoms are abating, and he’s surprised by how relatively mild the disease has been for him.“It’s a bad draw of the cards,” he says of his situation. His symptoms are abating, and he’s surprised by how relatively mild the disease has been for him.
About two weeks ago, Camp started feeling sick: fever, chills, body aches. The 30-year-old resident of a town named Canton, north of Atlanta, didn’t have a car and often walked to his jobs as a Waffle House grill cook and truck driver, and he chalked it up to getting a cold.About two weeks ago, Camp started feeling sick: fever, chills, body aches. The 30-year-old resident of a town named Canton, north of Atlanta, didn’t have a car and often walked to his jobs as a Waffle House grill cook and truck driver, and he chalked it up to getting a cold.
He says he found out that he had tested ‘preliminary positive’ on Monday, and, when state officials asked if he wanted to go to a special isolation facility, he voluntarily agreed: He lived with a friend who has an infant, and he was worried about spreading the virus to the child.He says he found out that he had tested ‘preliminary positive’ on Monday, and, when state officials asked if he wanted to go to a special isolation facility, he voluntarily agreed: He lived with a friend who has an infant, and he was worried about spreading the virus to the child.
Camp doesn’t believe he’s allowed to leave his trailer—so he can’t enjoy the park—and he says health officials call him every few hours to ask how he is and what he needs. “I don’t like to make a fuss,” he says, so he’s mostly asked for coffee and snacks.Camp doesn’t believe he’s allowed to leave his trailer—so he can’t enjoy the park—and he says health officials call him every few hours to ask how he is and what he needs. “I don’t like to make a fuss,” he says, so he’s mostly asked for coffee and snacks.
There will be plenty more action to come, so stay tuned.There will be plenty more action to come, so stay tuned.
Here are some of the key events so far today:Here are some of the key events so far today:
New York state is poised to ban large gatherings over 500 people. And Broadway shows are all suspended from 5pm today, as are events at Carnegie Hall, together the beating heart of America’s vibrant performing arts world.New York state is poised to ban large gatherings over 500 people. And Broadway shows are all suspended from 5pm today, as are events at Carnegie Hall, together the beating heart of America’s vibrant performing arts world.
Joe Biden says America needs a stronger national response to coronavirus and demands no cover up on the numbers, no sparing of effort to test and treat. Trumps Trump with strong address from home state of Delaware.Joe Biden says America needs a stronger national response to coronavirus and demands no cover up on the numbers, no sparing of effort to test and treat. Trumps Trump with strong address from home state of Delaware.
Top federal health official Anthony Fauci told Congress this morning that the US is “failing” in its efforts to conduct adequate testing of the nation for coronavirus.Top federal health official Anthony Fauci told Congress this morning that the US is “failing” in its efforts to conduct adequate testing of the nation for coronavirus.
Donald Trump is considering extending travel restrictions to domestic travel between California and Washington. There is no confirmation and no details from the president on this yet.Donald Trump is considering extending travel restrictions to domestic travel between California and Washington. There is no confirmation and no details from the president on this yet.
There is heightened concern at the White House after a picture emerged of a top Brazilian government aide, who has tested positive for coronavirus, standing right next to Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago last weekend.There is heightened concern at the White House after a picture emerged of a top Brazilian government aide, who has tested positive for coronavirus, standing right next to Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago last weekend.
Donald Trump said the US wants to lose as few people as possible to the virus, predicted, once again, that it will “go away” and also that financial markets will rebound.Donald Trump said the US wants to lose as few people as possible to the virus, predicted, once again, that it will “go away” and also that financial markets will rebound.
Here are some latest state-by-state developments:Here are some latest state-by-state developments:
And in New York state:And in New York state:
The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from California:The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from California:
Governor Gavin Newsom is recommending that everyone cancel or postpone all gatherings of 250 people or more until at least the end of March to slow the spread of coronavirus.Governor Gavin Newsom is recommending that everyone cancel or postpone all gatherings of 250 people or more until at least the end of March to slow the spread of coronavirus.
His recommendation Wednesday night followed San Francisco and Santa Clara County fully banning all gatherings of 1,000 or more.His recommendation Wednesday night followed San Francisco and Santa Clara County fully banning all gatherings of 1,000 or more.
The state recommendation also called for venues that do not allow social distancing of six feet per person to cancel or postpone events. As of Wednesday morning, California had 177 positive cases of coronavirus and three deaths.The state recommendation also called for venues that do not allow social distancing of six feet per person to cancel or postpone events. As of Wednesday morning, California had 177 positive cases of coronavirus and three deaths.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo is also about to announce the closing of Broadway shows in New York city.New York governor Andrew Cuomo is also about to announce the closing of Broadway shows in New York city.
Theatre industry meetings were underway earlier and it’s now about to be official, Broadway theatre, the famous “Great White Way” of lights and razzle dazzle and world-leading drama and musicals, will go dark for several weeks.Theatre industry meetings were underway earlier and it’s now about to be official, Broadway theatre, the famous “Great White Way” of lights and razzle dazzle and world-leading drama and musicals, will go dark for several weeks.
The Guardian’s Adrian Horton reports:The Guardian’s Adrian Horton reports:
New York’s Broadway theatres have become the latest mass entertainment venues to temporarily shut down for coronavirus.New York’s Broadway theatres have become the latest mass entertainment venues to temporarily shut down for coronavirus.
State governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled a plan to suspend shows as part of new regulations to prevent public gatherings over 500 people. Carnegie Hall, one of New York’s premier concert venues, will also suspend performances through 31 March, and the Metropolitan Museum of New York will close indefinitely from 13 March.State governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled a plan to suspend shows as part of new regulations to prevent public gatherings over 500 people. Carnegie Hall, one of New York’s premier concert venues, will also suspend performances through 31 March, and the Metropolitan Museum of New York will close indefinitely from 13 March.
The decision is a reversal of sorts for Broadway, which seemed to anticipate a financial hit from the virus but have kept tickets on sale. Trade group The Broadway League, who held an emergency closed-door meeting today, previously reassured customers in a statement that “We have significantly increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in all public and backstage areas beyond the standard daily schedule, and we have added alcohol-based sanitizer dispensers for public use in the lobby of every theatre. The League also discouraged anyone experiencing cold or flu symptoms from attending performances.The decision is a reversal of sorts for Broadway, which seemed to anticipate a financial hit from the virus but have kept tickets on sale. Trade group The Broadway League, who held an emergency closed-door meeting today, previously reassured customers in a statement that “We have significantly increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in all public and backstage areas beyond the standard daily schedule, and we have added alcohol-based sanitizer dispensers for public use in the lobby of every theatre. The League also discouraged anyone experiencing cold or flu symptoms from attending performances.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo is about to ban large events.New York governor Andrew Cuomo is about to ban large events.
Last night, Donald Trump gave a speech from the Oval Office about the coronavirus outbreak that was riddled with contradictions, confusing statements, falsehoods - or however one may label false information being delivered by a president to his nation during a public health crisis.Last night, Donald Trump gave a speech from the Oval Office about the coronavirus outbreak that was riddled with contradictions, confusing statements, falsehoods - or however one may label false information being delivered by a president to his nation during a public health crisis.
Joe Biden seized his moment on Thursday afternoon and managed to outperform Donald Trump in the “authoritative” stakes in the space of about 10 minutes at a little podium in Delaware just now.Joe Biden seized his moment on Thursday afternoon and managed to outperform Donald Trump in the “authoritative” stakes in the space of about 10 minutes at a little podium in Delaware just now.
“We will lead with science,” Biden said. A relief to the ears of those desperate for the US to listen to those global experts warning about the climate crisis, let along the coronavirus pandemic.“We will lead with science,” Biden said. A relief to the ears of those desperate for the US to listen to those global experts warning about the climate crisis, let along the coronavirus pandemic.
“We need to surge our capacity, both in prevention and treatment of coronavirus,” Biden said.“We need to surge our capacity, both in prevention and treatment of coronavirus,” Biden said.
“We need to prepare our hospitals for the influx [of patients expected], we have been saying this for weeks.”“We need to prepare our hospitals for the influx [of patients expected], we have been saying this for weeks.”
It is much easier to talk about a public health crisis in the hypothetical, of course, from the position of the opponent rather than the government dealing with it on the front line.It is much easier to talk about a public health crisis in the hypothetical, of course, from the position of the opponent rather than the government dealing with it on the front line.
But the performance of Trump in the last week, from his CDC visit to the Oval Office address, in reassuring and reliably informing the American public has been poor by, surely, almost all standards.But the performance of Trump in the last week, from his CDC visit to the Oval Office address, in reassuring and reliably informing the American public has been poor by, surely, almost all standards.
Biden said federal agencies, private labs and medical manufacturers “should be walking in lock step”, he said, with no effort spared.Biden said federal agencies, private labs and medical manufacturers “should be walking in lock step”, he said, with no effort spared.
“No-one should be hiding the true numbers” in order to serve political needs or the stock markets, he said.“No-one should be hiding the true numbers” in order to serve political needs or the stock markets, he said.
Biden is objectively calm, clear and concise. Not especially charismatic, or, it must be said, presidential as such. But he’s making excellent sense.Biden is objectively calm, clear and concise. Not especially charismatic, or, it must be said, presidential as such. But he’s making excellent sense.
He did not mention Trump in relation to the next sentence but was clearly pointed when he said, on the extent of the outbreak in the US, where there has been minimal testing for coronavirus compared with many other countries: “There must be “no efforts to cover it up.”He did not mention Trump in relation to the next sentence but was clearly pointed when he said, on the extent of the outbreak in the US, where there has been minimal testing for coronavirus compared with many other countries: “There must be “no efforts to cover it up.”
“We have to do everything to beat this challenge sooner rather than later,” he said. Which does sound more authoritative than Trump’s “we will defeat this virus”.“We have to do everything to beat this challenge sooner rather than later,” he said. Which does sound more authoritative than Trump’s “we will defeat this virus”.
He later noted:He later noted:
“It’s a national disgrace that so many of our workers do not have a single day of paid sick leave,” he said.“It’s a national disgrace that so many of our workers do not have a single day of paid sick leave,” he said.
“We should be leading a global response, just like we did with the Ebola crisis,” he said.“We should be leading a global response, just like we did with the Ebola crisis,” he said.
“When I’m president the response will be better...we will lead with science. In the difficult days ahead I know this country will summon the spirit needed.”“When I’m president the response will be better...we will lead with science. In the difficult days ahead I know this country will summon the spirit needed.”
Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden is speaking now, follow live at the top of our blog. He’s slamming Donald Trump’s response.Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden is speaking now, follow live at the top of our blog. He’s slamming Donald Trump’s response.
Says we must “rely on science”. The president is often notoriously dismissive of scientific facts, especially those that are not politically expedient for him.Says we must “rely on science”. The president is often notoriously dismissive of scientific facts, especially those that are not politically expedient for him.
Biden thanked “those making sacrifices to protect us.”Biden thanked “those making sacrifices to protect us.”
He accused the Trump administration of “downplaying, being overly dismissive” and spreading confusing information to the public.He accused the Trump administration of “downplaying, being overly dismissive” and spreading confusing information to the public.
Biden said there is no place for xenophobia around the coronavirus.Biden said there is no place for xenophobia around the coronavirus.
“Labeling Covid-19 a foreign virus does not cover for the missteps made by this administration.”“Labeling Covid-19 a foreign virus does not cover for the missteps made by this administration.”
This virus has “laid bare” the shortcomings of the president, he said.This virus has “laid bare” the shortcomings of the president, he said.
Biden also said: “This is going to require a national response. Not just elected leaders and health officials, but all of us.”Biden also said: “This is going to require a national response. Not just elected leaders and health officials, but all of us.”