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Coronavirus latest: lockdown declared across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – live Coronavirus latest: lockdown declared across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – live
(32 minutes later)
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced wide-reaching measures to curb spread of coronavirusGovernor Andrew Cuomo announced wide-reaching measures to curb spread of coronavirus
The White House has now said Americans should avoid gatherings larger than 10 people in order to slow the spread of the virus.
Trump also said Americans should “avoid discretionary travel” as the administration tries to mitigate the virus’ spread.
Dr Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, specifically addressed millennials and asked them to comply with the health guidelines to protect more vulnerable groups.
Trump has taken the podium in the White House briefing room to provide an update on the coronavirus crisis.
As he addressed the reporters, he complimented them for keeping a seat open between them in the briefing room.
“I’m glad to see you are practicing social distancing,” Trump said. “It looks very nice.”
Ohio has announced no in-person voting will take place tomorrow, when the state was scheduled to hold its Democratic presidential primary.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said primary voting would be extended until June 2.
Currently, three other states -- Arizona, Florida and Illinois -- are still scheduled to hold primaries tomorrow, but those states may reconsider with Ohio’s announcement.
Senate Democrats are now calling on the federal government to commit to spending $750 billion to fight the coronavirus crisis.Senate Democrats are now calling on the federal government to commit to spending $750 billion to fight the coronavirus crisis.
The money would be used to boost testing capacity and aid Americans who are suffering financially because of the crisis.The money would be used to boost testing capacity and aid Americans who are suffering financially because of the crisis.
“We will need big, bold, urgent federal action to deal with this crisis. The kinds of targeted measures we are putting together will mainline money into the economy and directly into the hands of families that need it most,” Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.“We will need big, bold, urgent federal action to deal with this crisis. The kinds of targeted measures we are putting together will mainline money into the economy and directly into the hands of families that need it most,” Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.
The proposal comes as lawmakers are discussing the likely necessity of a third legislative package to address the crisis.The proposal comes as lawmakers are discussing the likely necessity of a third legislative package to address the crisis.
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Kenya Evelyn.This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Kenya Evelyn.
Four more states will hold presidential primaries tomorrow, even as the coronavirus crisis continues to unfold.Four more states will hold presidential primaries tomorrow, even as the coronavirus crisis continues to unfold.
Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio will collectively award 577 pledged delegates tomorrow to Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio will collectively award 577 pledged delegates tomorrow to Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.
Biden looks poised to expand his delegate lead, considering Sanders lost all four states to Hillary Clinton during the 2016 Democratic primary.Biden looks poised to expand his delegate lead, considering Sanders lost all four states to Hillary Clinton during the 2016 Democratic primary.
A new Arizona poll now shows Biden leading Sanders by 20 points in the state. According to the Monmouth University survey, Biden has the support of 51% of Arizona’s likely primary voters, compared to Sanders’ 31%.A new Arizona poll now shows Biden leading Sanders by 20 points in the state. According to the Monmouth University survey, Biden has the support of 51% of Arizona’s likely primary voters, compared to Sanders’ 31%.
If Sanders were to lose all four states again, it could put even more pressure on him to drop out of the race, especially if Biden’s margin of victory is 20 or more points.If Sanders were to lose all four states again, it could put even more pressure on him to drop out of the race, especially if Biden’s margin of victory is 20 or more points.
However, the Monmouth poll may be more notable for what it says about Arizona’s Senate race. Democrats seeking to take control of the Senate are hoping astronaut Mark Kelly can defeat Republican senator Martha McSally.However, the Monmouth poll may be more notable for what it says about Arizona’s Senate race. Democrats seeking to take control of the Senate are hoping astronaut Mark Kelly can defeat Republican senator Martha McSally.
According to the Monmouth survey, Kelly is currently leading McSally by 6 points in the purple state, which may alarm Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell.According to the Monmouth survey, Kelly is currently leading McSally by 6 points in the purple state, which may alarm Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell.
US airlines are seeking government assistance of more than $50 billion in the form of direct aid and loan guarantees to combat the effects of the coronavirus on their bottom lines.US airlines are seeking government assistance of more than $50 billion in the form of direct aid and loan guarantees to combat the effects of the coronavirus on their bottom lines.
According to CNBC:According to CNBC:
The travel industry continues to feel the effects of the coronavirus outbreak overall with US shutting down borders, ports and entire states from travel.The travel industry continues to feel the effects of the coronavirus outbreak overall with US shutting down borders, ports and entire states from travel.
Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders aren’t letting the coronavirus outbreak stall the momentum of their campaigns. Both candidates announced virtual events Monday to connect with voters, as well as promote social distancing.Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders aren’t letting the coronavirus outbreak stall the momentum of their campaigns. Both candidates announced virtual events Monday to connect with voters, as well as promote social distancing.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, along with wife Jill Biden, will host a town hall tele-conference designed for voters who’ll take to the polls for Tuesday’s primaries in Illinois, Florida, Ohio and Arizona.Former Vice President Joe Biden, along with wife Jill Biden, will host a town hall tele-conference designed for voters who’ll take to the polls for Tuesday’s primaries in Illinois, Florida, Ohio and Arizona.
Sanders appeared the more ambitious candidate, attempting to pull off an online rally tonight complete with celebrity guests.Sanders appeared the more ambitious candidate, attempting to pull off an online rally tonight complete with celebrity guests.
“There are so many of us that just want to find common ground with all living beings so that we can move forward together as a world to live in peace, good health, and equality,” Jim James, frontman for My Morning Jacket.“There are so many of us that just want to find common ground with all living beings so that we can move forward together as a world to live in peace, good health, and equality,” Jim James, frontman for My Morning Jacket.
The band is set to perform during the virtual rally.The band is set to perform during the virtual rally.
Other notable appearances will include performers Neil Young and Daryl Hannah, as well as Ohio State senator Nina Turner, who also serves as the campaign’s co-chair.Other notable appearances will include performers Neil Young and Daryl Hannah, as well as Ohio State senator Nina Turner, who also serves as the campaign’s co-chair.
Did Mitt Romney join the ‘Yang Gang?’Did Mitt Romney join the ‘Yang Gang?’
Utah senator Mitt Romney appeared to endorse a key component of Democratic presidential platforms Monday: a living wage - if only temporarily.Utah senator Mitt Romney appeared to endorse a key component of Democratic presidential platforms Monday: a living wage - if only temporarily.
The New York Times’ Jonathan Martin reported Senator Romney advocated for immediate economic relief for Americans in the form of a $1,000 stipend.The New York Times’ Jonathan Martin reported Senator Romney advocated for immediate economic relief for Americans in the form of a $1,000 stipend.
The Republican senator called for the payout to help “families and workers” meet “short-term obligations and increase spending” amid a looming economic slowdown due to the deadly coronavirus outbreak.The Republican senator called for the payout to help “families and workers” meet “short-term obligations and increase spending” amid a looming economic slowdown due to the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
Some noted the similarities to the $1,000 monthly income proposed by former democratic candidate and entrepreneur Andrew Yang.Some noted the similarities to the $1,000 monthly income proposed by former democratic candidate and entrepreneur Andrew Yang.
While others noted any potential nationwide handout would be a policy initiative more reminiscent of a political system republicans shun.While others noted any potential nationwide handout would be a policy initiative more reminiscent of a political system republicans shun.
Here’s what you may have missed in the rush:Here’s what you may have missed in the rush:
The US has called on Vietnam to release a popular bloggerThe US has called on Vietnam to release a popular blogger
Dept. of Health and Human Services officials say they were hackedDept. of Health and Human Services officials say they were hacked
Stocks plunged immediately after opening, triggering an emergency shutdownStocks plunged immediately after opening, triggering an emergency shutdown
Children of the Washington elite can’t roll eggs at the White House this yearChildren of the Washington elite can’t roll eggs at the White House this year
The ‘tri-state’ is joining forces to shut down the East CoastThe ‘tri-state’ is joining forces to shut down the East Coast
Marco Rubio doesn’t know the difference between ‘martial law’ and whatever Marshall Law is.Marco Rubio doesn’t know the difference between ‘martial law’ and whatever Marshall Law is.
As Maryland joined the growing list of state governments enacting mandatory business closures, many concerned about the potential social impact likened the crackdowns to a rarely used executive action known as ‘martial law.’As Maryland joined the growing list of state governments enacting mandatory business closures, many concerned about the potential social impact likened the crackdowns to a rarely used executive action known as ‘martial law.’
Not to be confused with the incorrect “Marshall Law” currently trending in the Twitterverse thanks to Florida senator Marco Rubio, martial law is a period of time in which portions, or all, of the United States are under the control of its military.Not to be confused with the incorrect “Marshall Law” currently trending in the Twitterverse thanks to Florida senator Marco Rubio, martial law is a period of time in which portions, or all, of the United States are under the control of its military.
While every governor has the ability to declare it for their states, only the president (in this instance Donald Trump) can impose martial law at the national level.While every governor has the ability to declare it for their states, only the president (in this instance Donald Trump) can impose martial law at the national level.
It’s also important to note that current executive orders announcing statewide curfews or bans on public gatherings are not the same as a formal declaration of marital law, although the closest to that would be New York governor’s use of the state’s National Guard to stave off the outbreak in city of New Rochelle, a hotbed of new cases.It’s also important to note that current executive orders announcing statewide curfews or bans on public gatherings are not the same as a formal declaration of marital law, although the closest to that would be New York governor’s use of the state’s National Guard to stave off the outbreak in city of New Rochelle, a hotbed of new cases.
Martial law, if enforced, wouldn’t be new, however. The last time martial law was declared anywhere in the US was nearly 60 years ago, in May 1961, when then-Alabama governor John Patterson declared martial law to address what he called “outside agitators coming into [the state] to violate our laws and customs.”Martial law, if enforced, wouldn’t be new, however. The last time martial law was declared anywhere in the US was nearly 60 years ago, in May 1961, when then-Alabama governor John Patterson declared martial law to address what he called “outside agitators coming into [the state] to violate our laws and customs.”
Those outside agitators? Civil rights activists later known as Freedom Riders who peacefully protested racial segregation to legions of sanctioned mobs.Those outside agitators? Civil rights activists later known as Freedom Riders who peacefully protested racial segregation to legions of sanctioned mobs.
New York governor demands all first responders be provided masks
New York governor Andrew Cuomo has directed all local governments within the state to provide all first responders with masks in a press conference on Monday. Cuomo announced the measure as part of a host of new initiatives meant to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
In explaining the order, Cuomo cited the dangers posed to “police officers who are encountering people in all different circumstances.”
“All first responders are showing great courage getting up and going out and doing their job every day,” he said. “I want them to know that we understand the situation they are putting themselves in and that we’re providing the necessary precautions.”
In an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus, New York governor Andrew Cuomo today announced an unprecedented, multi-state initiative that will essentially shut down much of the north-east United States.
Beginning tonight at 8 p.m. ET, the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will institute mandatory closures of public institutions and place bans on large-scale events.
So what does a total shutdown mean?
Crowd capacity is set to 50, meaning most ticketed events will be forced to cancel.
Bars and restaurants will shift to takeout only to minimize crowds within businesses.
Public spaces like gyms, movie theaters, and even Broadway are ordered closed.
Schools will remain closed.
Groceries and other essential businesses will remain open but are subject to new restrictions on maximum capacity and items purchased per customer.
President Trump has downplayed the coronavirus 19 times
According to the Washington Post, US President Donald Trump has downplayed the coronavirus a total of 19 times since the beginning of the year.
From the Post:
The denials apparently begin as far back as January 22, when Trump first claimed to have the virus “totally under control,” and are as recent as Sunday, when he acknowledged to reporters the coronavirus is “very contagious.”
“It’s incredible. But it’s something that we have tremendous control over,” he said.
The Post will update its running tally as the downplaying is likely to continue, despite a rapid increase in confirmed cases and deaths that have, so far, resulted in nearly a dozen major cities completely shutting down.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo has announced wide-reaching measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in the north-east United States.
The White House, exercising “an abundance of caution”, announced Monday it had cancelled its annual Easter Egg Roll. The Office of the First Lady cited the recent National Emergency declaration over the growing coronavirus outbreak.
“The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority, especially right now,” said US first lady Melania Trump in a statement announcing the cancellation.
The Easter Egg Roll is an annual tradition in which scores of political elite and lucky lottery winners are invited with their families to participate in activities celebrating the arrival of spring, including an egg race across the White House grounds, and book readings with the president.
The tradition dates back to 1878 and the Rutherford B. Hayes administration.
“I deeply regret this cancellation, but we need to make difficult decisions in the short-term to ensure a healthy country for the long-term,” she said.
The first lady followed up by encouraging Americans to listen to state and local officials, and to follow CDC guidelines “in order to help protect the health and well-being of everyone.”
Notably absent are instructions follow the guidance of her husband, President Donald Trump, who has contradicted CDC health guidelines and impeded assistance to state and local governments.
Democratic debate invokes memories of ‘Grumpy Old Men’ in pop cultureSunday’s 11th Democratic debate between former US vice president Joe Biden and Vermont senator Bernie Sanders garnered some comical, although unflattering, pop culture references - including references to the 1993 film ‘Grumpy Old Men’.
In a heated exchange, Sanders criticized Biden for what he called talks of “cutting social security, cutting Medicare, [and] cutting veterans’ programs” that happened “time and time again” on the Senate floor.
After an attempted denial by Biden, Sanders encouraged viewers to see for themselves. “America...go to the YouTube right now,” he said.
The remark garnered instant ridicule.
And comparisons to the popular 1993 film ‘Grumpy Old Men’:
Sanders made sure to take advantage of the viral moment by following up in a tweet of his own.
The rival presidential hopefuls will square off, once again, as Arizona, Florida, Ohio, and Illinois host their primaries Tuesday.
US stock trading was halted this morning just seconds after opening, plunging more than 7% Monday. The drop comes despite the Federal Reserve taking emergency action, cutting interest rates to cushion the US economy from the coronavirus pandemic.
Follow our business live blog for more as investors prepare for another day record losses.
Amid the nation’s growing coronavirus outbreak, servers at the US Health and Human Service Dept. were the target of a cyber-attack Sunday night. The breach was first reported by department officials to Bloomberg White House correspondent Jennifer Jacobs.
From Bloomberg News:
Good morning. I’m Kenya Evelyn taking over the politics live blog today and we’re unpacking last night’s Democratic debate, as well as the Trump administration’s response to nation’s coronavirus outbreak.
Stay tuned for more throughout the day.
There’s very little detail here yet, but Bloomberg are just breaking that there was a cyber-attack on the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) computer system last night.
Read it here - Bloomberg: US health agency suffers cyber-attack during Covid-19 response