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Coronavirus US live: military preparing to deploy hospitals to New York and Seattle | |
(32 minutes later) | |
Defense secretary Mark Esper says military will look into sending hospitals to other places after first ones have been deployed | |
Breaking news: | |
Defense secretary Mark Esper told reporters at a Pentagon press briefing today that the US military is preparing to deploy field hospitals to New York City and Seattle. Esper also acknowledged for the first time that the pandemic could have an adverse impact of US military readiness. | |
“Right now I anticipate sending a (field) hospital to Seattle and a hospital to New York City,” Esper told reporters, adding he had put five expeditionary units on prepare to deploy orders. | |
“Once that’s confirmed, we will look to sending to other places.” | |
Esper, who also announced more security restrictions at the Pentagon but said he aimed to keep the building open to media, added that he has not been tested for the coronavirus but was having his temperature checked. He said if US troops show symptoms of infection by the coronavirus, they will be tested. | |
A former field organizer for Michael Bloomberg’s short-lived presidential campaign has filed a lawsuit against the former 2020 candidate’s campaign arguing that it had breached its contract with thousands of Bloomberg staffers by not keeping them employed through November. | A former field organizer for Michael Bloomberg’s short-lived presidential campaign has filed a lawsuit against the former 2020 candidate’s campaign arguing that it had breached its contract with thousands of Bloomberg staffers by not keeping them employed through November. |
The class-action lawsuit, filed Monday in the New York southern district court by former Miami field organizer Donna Wood, follows Bloomberg laying off huge swaths of his campaign operation last week. Bloomberg has previously promised to pay his team through November, even if he dropped out of the presidential election, which he did following a poor showing in the set of early March Super Tuesday states. | The class-action lawsuit, filed Monday in the New York southern district court by former Miami field organizer Donna Wood, follows Bloomberg laying off huge swaths of his campaign operation last week. Bloomberg has previously promised to pay his team through November, even if he dropped out of the presidential election, which he did following a poor showing in the set of early March Super Tuesday states. |
After he dropped out Bloomberg planned to form a political action committee, a super Pac, to support Democrats and help organize across the country. But late last week the former New York mayor changed his mind on that as well and instead transferred $18m to the Democratic National Committee and fired hundreds of field organizers. | After he dropped out Bloomberg planned to form a political action committee, a super Pac, to support Democrats and help organize across the country. But late last week the former New York mayor changed his mind on that as well and instead transferred $18m to the Democratic National Committee and fired hundreds of field organizers. |
Those staffers had been previously told they would be guaranteed employment through the November presidential election. | Those staffers had been previously told they would be guaranteed employment through the November presidential election. |
A request for comment has been sent to the Bloomberg campaign. | A request for comment has been sent to the Bloomberg campaign. |
In the lawsuit, Outten & Golden LLP and Shavitz Group PA, Wood’s attorneys, argue that the Bloomberg campaign in “contravention of its promise of continued employment through November 2020 and in the face of a worldwide pandemic and likely global recession” fired the “vast majority of its field organizers and other campaign personnel. | In the lawsuit, Outten & Golden LLP and Shavitz Group PA, Wood’s attorneys, argue that the Bloomberg campaign in “contravention of its promise of continued employment through November 2020 and in the face of a worldwide pandemic and likely global recession” fired the “vast majority of its field organizers and other campaign personnel. |
Those employees were under the impression that Bloomberg, a billionaire worth over $60 billion, would be able to comfortably employ the operation for the rest of the year and they would be able to keep their health benefits and salaries. The employees had been promised health, vision, and dental benefits as part of their employment. | Those employees were under the impression that Bloomberg, a billionaire worth over $60 billion, would be able to comfortably employ the operation for the rest of the year and they would be able to keep their health benefits and salaries. The employees had been promised health, vision, and dental benefits as part of their employment. |
Aviation and telecommunications giant Boeing has announced it is temporarily closing factories in Seattle due to the coronavirus. | Aviation and telecommunications giant Boeing has announced it is temporarily closing factories in Seattle due to the coronavirus. |
The production shut-down is one of the biggest disruptions yet in US manufacturing as state and federal authorities attempt to control its spread. Several Boeing employees have tested positive for COVID-19.“These actions are being taken to ensure the well-being of employees, their families and the local community, and will include an orderly shutdown consistent with the requirements of its customers,” Boeing said in a statement. | The production shut-down is one of the biggest disruptions yet in US manufacturing as state and federal authorities attempt to control its spread. Several Boeing employees have tested positive for COVID-19.“These actions are being taken to ensure the well-being of employees, their families and the local community, and will include an orderly shutdown consistent with the requirements of its customers,” Boeing said in a statement. |
Republican Senator Rand Paul has issued a statement on his Covid-19 diagnoses and responding to criticism that he did not self-quarantine after being tested. | Republican Senator Rand Paul has issued a statement on his Covid-19 diagnoses and responding to criticism that he did not self-quarantine after being tested. |
Paul argues that he was displaying no symptoms of Coronavirus before or after he was tested and so did not self-isolate. He says he got tested due to extensive travel and because of his underlying health issues. | Paul argues that he was displaying no symptoms of Coronavirus before or after he was tested and so did not self-isolate. He says he got tested due to extensive travel and because of his underlying health issues. |
The full statement is here: | The full statement is here: |
We’ll look at the markets for the first time today, and my colleague Edward Helmore has this update, which shows the markets continue to dip in the wake of a stalled stimulus package held up in Congress. | We’ll look at the markets for the first time today, and my colleague Edward Helmore has this update, which shows the markets continue to dip in the wake of a stalled stimulus package held up in Congress. |
Despite the Federal Reserve’s announcement it will begin unlimited market support quantitative easing and other programs, the Dow Jones Industrials Average fell more than 400 points, or 2.15%, to 18,761.83 in early trading, with the broader S&P 500 index falling 2%. | Despite the Federal Reserve’s announcement it will begin unlimited market support quantitative easing and other programs, the Dow Jones Industrials Average fell more than 400 points, or 2.15%, to 18,761.83 in early trading, with the broader S&P 500 index falling 2%. |
The latest drops confirm that the Dow is having its worst month since 1931, the first year of the Great Depression. Coupled with a political stand-off over a $1.8bn republican-sponsored stimulus package, markets continued their fall. At midday, the Dow was down 672 points, or 3.5%, at 18,527- a 35% drop on its record high in February. | The latest drops confirm that the Dow is having its worst month since 1931, the first year of the Great Depression. Coupled with a political stand-off over a $1.8bn republican-sponsored stimulus package, markets continued their fall. At midday, the Dow was down 672 points, or 3.5%, at 18,527- a 35% drop on its record high in February. |
And adding to Jessica’s background below, here’s a summary of key news lines from New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s press conference from my colleague Alexandra Villarreal: | And adding to Jessica’s background below, here’s a summary of key news lines from New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s press conference from my colleague Alexandra Villarreal: |
Cuomo has confirmed that coronavirus cases ballooned to more than 20,000 statewide. By far the highest total in the United States. | Cuomo has confirmed that coronavirus cases ballooned to more than 20,000 statewide. By far the highest total in the United States. |
Cuomo said he will issue an emergency order today that requires the state’s hospitals to up their capacity by at least 50%, though he will ask facilities to double their capacity if they can. He said New York needs 110,000 hospital beds, and even with a 50% increase, the state will still be short 35,000 beds. It was not clear how hospitals would achieve this. | Cuomo said he will issue an emergency order today that requires the state’s hospitals to up their capacity by at least 50%, though he will ask facilities to double their capacity if they can. He said New York needs 110,000 hospital beds, and even with a 50% increase, the state will still be short 35,000 beds. It was not clear how hospitals would achieve this. |
Of the 20,875 coronavirus cases in New York, 13% are requiring hospitalization, Cuomo said, adding that 24% of those need access to the ICU. | Of the 20,875 coronavirus cases in New York, 13% are requiring hospitalization, Cuomo said, adding that 24% of those need access to the ICU. |
New York can now test more than 16,000 people for coronavirus per day — more than any other state in the US. Beyond testing, Cuomo said the government will be dispatching “a significant amount” of medical supplies throughout the state to deal with concerns about shortages of medical equipment such as masks and gowns. | New York can now test more than 16,000 people for coronavirus per day — more than any other state in the US. Beyond testing, Cuomo said the government will be dispatching “a significant amount” of medical supplies throughout the state to deal with concerns about shortages of medical equipment such as masks and gowns. |
Cuomo asked New York City yesterday for a plan to control and reduce density by regulating gatherings by young people and congestion in the city’s parks. “My density control measures weren’t enough, that was clear. You could look at a park in Brooklyn, Manhattan. It almost looked like any Saturday, any sunny Saturday, when I went,” Cuomo said. | Cuomo asked New York City yesterday for a plan to control and reduce density by regulating gatherings by young people and congestion in the city’s parks. “My density control measures weren’t enough, that was clear. You could look at a park in Brooklyn, Manhattan. It almost looked like any Saturday, any sunny Saturday, when I went,” Cuomo said. |
The governor also said he’s working on a plan to restart the economy. “It is unsustainable to run this state or run this country with the economy closed down,” he said. | The governor also said he’s working on a plan to restart the economy. “It is unsustainable to run this state or run this country with the economy closed down,” he said. |
Pivoting back to the earlier press conference by New York governor Andrew Cuomo, my colleague Jessica Glenza has a little more background on why the supply chain for respirator mask and other equipment has become such a critical issue: | Pivoting back to the earlier press conference by New York governor Andrew Cuomo, my colleague Jessica Glenza has a little more background on why the supply chain for respirator mask and other equipment has become such a critical issue: |
Healthcare workers across the US treating coronavirus patients have been warning for days that they are running out of protective equipment, and pleading for more.On Monday, New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the scramble to supply health workers with more equipment has lead to a state-against-state bidding war, and reiterating his call for the Trump administration to nationalize the production of medical equipment.Before the pandemic hit, Cuomo said New York state paid $0.85 per respirator mask, but the cost was now $7. And that is why he wants the federal government involved.“Order the production of masks and gowns and ventilators,” from private industry, Cuomo said. “Give them a deadline, don’t get into this mad bidding war… The president can do this.” | Healthcare workers across the US treating coronavirus patients have been warning for days that they are running out of protective equipment, and pleading for more.On Monday, New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the scramble to supply health workers with more equipment has lead to a state-against-state bidding war, and reiterating his call for the Trump administration to nationalize the production of medical equipment.Before the pandemic hit, Cuomo said New York state paid $0.85 per respirator mask, but the cost was now $7. And that is why he wants the federal government involved.“Order the production of masks and gowns and ventilators,” from private industry, Cuomo said. “Give them a deadline, don’t get into this mad bidding war… The president can do this.” |
An internal New York Presbyterian Hospital memo, obtained by ABC News, outlined the need starkly. Normally, the hospital system uses 4,000 N95 respirator masks per day. Now, they are using 40,000, the memo says. The usage is expected to rise to 70,000.President Trump has so far refused to invoke the Defense Production Act, a Korean-War era law that allows government to mandate private businesses to produce needed goods during a national emergency. So far, the administration has relied on voluntary efforts from private industry.3M CEO Mike Roman has said the company was urgently ramping up production of N95 respirator masks, and that New York and Washington state would receive half a million masks immediately. | An internal New York Presbyterian Hospital memo, obtained by ABC News, outlined the need starkly. Normally, the hospital system uses 4,000 N95 respirator masks per day. Now, they are using 40,000, the memo says. The usage is expected to rise to 70,000.President Trump has so far refused to invoke the Defense Production Act, a Korean-War era law that allows government to mandate private businesses to produce needed goods during a national emergency. So far, the administration has relied on voluntary efforts from private industry.3M CEO Mike Roman has said the company was urgently ramping up production of N95 respirator masks, and that New York and Washington state would receive half a million masks immediately. |
Schumer first offers his support to senate colleagues and their loved ones who have been diagnosed with Covid-19. | Schumer first offers his support to senate colleagues and their loved ones who have been diagnosed with Covid-19. |
“We’re very close to reaching a deal. We are confident of reaching a deal today,” he says, adding he’s currently in direct negotiations with the White House. | “We’re very close to reaching a deal. We are confident of reaching a deal today,” he says, adding he’s currently in direct negotiations with the White House. |
On the major disagreement between the two parties, namely the nature of unemployment insurance the bill will cover, Schumer says there have been positive developments during negotiations to extend the coverage beyond three months. | On the major disagreement between the two parties, namely the nature of unemployment insurance the bill will cover, Schumer says there have been positive developments during negotiations to extend the coverage beyond three months. |
He argues that Republicans have been pushing a bill that has “large corporate bailouts, with almost no strings attached.” | He argues that Republicans have been pushing a bill that has “large corporate bailouts, with almost no strings attached.” |
“We’ve been guided by one plan: workers first,” he adds. | “We’ve been guided by one plan: workers first,” he adds. |
McConnell described some Democrat’s decision to vote against the stimulus bill as akin to a: “Leftwing episode of supermarket sweep.” | McConnell described some Democrat’s decision to vote against the stimulus bill as akin to a: “Leftwing episode of supermarket sweep.” |
“They ought to be embarrassed Mr President... this is not a juicy political opportunity, this is a national emergency,” he says. | “They ought to be embarrassed Mr President... this is not a juicy political opportunity, this is a national emergency,” he says. |
“Today is the day this has to stop.” | “Today is the day this has to stop.” |
“Republicans understand that a national emergency stands for bipartisanship.” | “Republicans understand that a national emergency stands for bipartisanship.” |
Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader is now speaking to respond. | Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader is now speaking to respond. |
Mitch McConnell is now speaking on the floor of the US senate. He’s tearing into Democratic senators who voted against a stimulus bill last night. | Mitch McConnell is now speaking on the floor of the US senate. He’s tearing into Democratic senators who voted against a stimulus bill last night. |
“This is the moment to debate new regulations that have nothing to do with this crisis,” he says, arguing his colleagues are pushing regulations against certain industries that are not relevant to the coronavirus crisis. | “This is the moment to debate new regulations that have nothing to do with this crisis,” he says, arguing his colleagues are pushing regulations against certain industries that are not relevant to the coronavirus crisis. |
You can watch along live here: | You can watch along live here: |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V9u-MlU2Tw&list=PL_sEtMR4aiVftiSK1mP2yYZclCNaU5lza | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V9u-MlU2Tw&list=PL_sEtMR4aiVftiSK1mP2yYZclCNaU5lza |
Governors in Michigan and Massachusetts became the latest state executives to order statewide stay at home orders. | Governors in Michigan and Massachusetts became the latest state executives to order statewide stay at home orders. |
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said on Monday that the restrictions would go into effect on Tuesday at noon and will be in effect until at least April 7. | Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said on Monday that the restrictions would go into effect on Tuesday at noon and will be in effect until at least April 7. |
Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a news release on Monday morning saying her order would come into effect on Tuesday morning and would remain in place for at least another three weeks. | Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a news release on Monday morning saying her order would come into effect on Tuesday morning and would remain in place for at least another three weeks. |
As with other stay-at-home orders, essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open. | As with other stay-at-home orders, essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open. |
Other states that have issued similar orders include: California, New York, Louisiana, Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. | Other states that have issued similar orders include: California, New York, Louisiana, Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. |
Cuomo ends his press conference by playing two videos recorded by famous New Yorkers Robert De Niro and Danny DeVito, urging state residents to stay inside. | Cuomo ends his press conference by playing two videos recorded by famous New Yorkers Robert De Niro and Danny DeVito, urging state residents to stay inside. |
The full videos are below: | The full videos are below: |
There was a lot in that press conference, so I’ll condense it all into a series of top lines in the next post. | There was a lot in that press conference, so I’ll condense it all into a series of top lines in the next post. |
Cuomo confirms his administration is examining clemency for older inmates in the state’s prison system. | Cuomo confirms his administration is examining clemency for older inmates in the state’s prison system. |
He also adds that, as of today, no frontline medical worker, should go without masks or other protective wear. This follows an earlier announcement from manufacturers that a large order of respirator masks was being delivered to New York today: | He also adds that, as of today, no frontline medical worker, should go without masks or other protective wear. This follows an earlier announcement from manufacturers that a large order of respirator masks was being delivered to New York today: |
“Today we can get masks to anyone who needs them. And gowns. I can’t promise that for next week or the week after... today there is no-one we can’t cover,” he says. | “Today we can get masks to anyone who needs them. And gowns. I can’t promise that for next week or the week after... today there is no-one we can’t cover,” he says. |
Cuomo says that coronavirus pandemic should serve as a lesson for the state on how to be better prepared for another outbreak in the future. | Cuomo says that coronavirus pandemic should serve as a lesson for the state on how to be better prepared for another outbreak in the future. |
“We have to learn from this, because we were not ready to deal with it... let’s at least learn from this to prepare for the next situation.” | “We have to learn from this, because we were not ready to deal with it... let’s at least learn from this to prepare for the next situation.” |
He ends his prepared remarks by ending on a positive. | He ends his prepared remarks by ending on a positive. |
“Life is going to be quieter for the next months,” he says, adding it was a “blessing” that he would be forced to spend more time in isolation with his family and children. | “Life is going to be quieter for the next months,” he says, adding it was a “blessing” that he would be forced to spend more time in isolation with his family and children. |
An addendum to the post below: | An addendum to the post below: |
There are now 12,305 confirmed cases in New York City, further confirmation that the five boroughs are a major Covid-19 hotspot. | There are now 12,305 confirmed cases in New York City, further confirmation that the five boroughs are a major Covid-19 hotspot. |
Cuomo says that New York state now has 20,875 confirmed Covid-19 cases, including 5,707 cases confirmed today. | Cuomo says that New York state now has 20,875 confirmed Covid-19 cases, including 5,707 cases confirmed today. |
13% of those cases have required hospitalization, with 24% of those hospitalized needed ICU care. | 13% of those cases have required hospitalization, with 24% of those hospitalized needed ICU care. |
There have now been 157 coronavirus deaths in the state. | There have now been 157 coronavirus deaths in the state. |
“New York has by far the greatest need in the country,” he says, urging the US government to direct funding to the state. | “New York has by far the greatest need in the country,” he says, urging the US government to direct funding to the state. |
“Fund the need.” | “Fund the need.” |