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Coronavirus US live: New York governor warns parks could be closed if social distancing is ignored Coronavirus US live: New York governor warns parks could be closed if social distancing is ignored
(30 minutes later)
Andrew Cuomo warns that more shutdowns to curb public gatherings may be imminent, lashing out at defiant New YorkersAndrew Cuomo warns that more shutdowns to curb public gatherings may be imminent, lashing out at defiant New Yorkers
Olympic president takes cue from Trump in coronavirus delay
The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, had been taking plenty of criticism for his delay in postponing the Tokyo 2020 games, which were due to start on 24 July. Bach is citing an interest figure, not noted for his sports or medical expertise in his defence: US president Donald Trump
“In the last couple of weeks the measures of many governments, they were limited until middle of April, some beginning of May,” Bach said in a conference call with reporters on Wednesday. “You have maybe seen the latest declarations there in the United States from President Trump about the prospect of, middle of April, there being able to lift many restrictions.”
Trump may not be the best witness for Bach to call in his defence.
The US president said on 12 March he thought that the Olympics should be delayed. The IOC is now looking for dates in 2021 when the Games can take place.
Lindsey Grahams’ great coronavirus concern: freeloading American workers
South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham has “great concerns” about the coronavirus outbreak’s impact on the American economy and its workers.
When it comes to the $2tn stimulus package the US senate is set to pass this afternoon, the senator appeared most concerned about Americans being incentivized to receive unemployment benefits.
“In the name of compassion, we have tried to incentivize people to be on unemployment,” Graham told Politico.
Graham added he’s somewhat optimistic that Americans won’t use a global health pandemic that’s creating a national economic crisis as an opportunity to freeload off the government, adding “I hope I’m wrong.”
Ouch.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo revealed in a press conference Wednesday that the state’s efforts to limit public gatherings and promote social distancing appear to be working to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic.
In the briefing, Cuomo pointed to the increased time hospitalizations have taken to double as evidence efforts to control population density are working.
“To the extent people say ‘boy these are burdensome requirements,’ the evidence suggests they have slowed the hospitalizations,” he said. “The arrows are headed in the right direction.”
Cuomo added, however, that the numbers are “almost too good to be true,” and aren’t enough to flatten the projected upward curve in peak cases.
In his latest briefing on the state’s response to a growing coronavirus outbreak, New York governor Andrew Cuomo updated the latest number of cases and provided key health developments, including:In his latest briefing on the state’s response to a growing coronavirus outbreak, New York governor Andrew Cuomo updated the latest number of cases and provided key health developments, including:
31,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York state31,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York state
12% of patients with positive tests are hospitalized12% of patients with positive tests are hospitalized
3% of hospitalized patients are in ICU3% of hospitalized patients are in ICU
Those in ICU are predominantly senior citizenThose in ICU are predominantly senior citizen
“These are the people we love and we’re going to do everything we can to take care of them,” Cuomo said.“These are the people we love and we’re going to do everything we can to take care of them,” Cuomo said.
Cuomo says the state needs 140,000 hospital beds but currently only has 53,000, adding that the “apex” of hospital needs in the state could be in approximately 21 days away.Cuomo says the state needs 140,000 hospital beds but currently only has 53,000, adding that the “apex” of hospital needs in the state could be in approximately 21 days away.
But the “single greatest challenge,” he said, will be the 30,000 ventilators the state will also need.But the “single greatest challenge,” he said, will be the 30,000 ventilators the state will also need.
So far, 40,000 medical professionals have volunteered for a “surge health force” to aid in the growing pandemic, according to New York governor Andrew Cuomo.So far, 40,000 medical professionals have volunteered for a “surge health force” to aid in the growing pandemic, according to New York governor Andrew Cuomo.
In his latest coronavirus briefing, the governor noted more than 2200 doctors and 2400 nurse practitioners have signed up to volunteer amid a shortage of health professionals and supplies.In his latest coronavirus briefing, the governor noted more than 2200 doctors and 2400 nurse practitioners have signed up to volunteer amid a shortage of health professionals and supplies.
More than 6,000 mental health professionals who have volunteered to provide free therapy. Those in need are encouraged to call 1-844.863.9314.More than 6,000 mental health professionals who have volunteered to provide free therapy. Those in need are encouraged to call 1-844.863.9314.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo warned that more shutdowns to curb public gatherings may be imminent. In his daily briefing, the governor once again lashed out at defiant New Yorkers who continue to frequent parks amid a coronavirus pandemic:New York governor Andrew Cuomo warned that more shutdowns to curb public gatherings may be imminent. In his daily briefing, the governor once again lashed out at defiant New Yorkers who continue to frequent parks amid a coronavirus pandemic:
While Cuomo cautioned that stay-at-home regulations are voluntary, he warned that parks, playgrounds and streets could see mandatory closures if New Yorkers continued to ignore calls to self-quarantine.While Cuomo cautioned that stay-at-home regulations are voluntary, he warned that parks, playgrounds and streets could see mandatory closures if New Yorkers continued to ignore calls to self-quarantine.
“If you can reduce the density, you can reduce the spread very quickly,” he said.“If you can reduce the density, you can reduce the spread very quickly,” he said.
Senate coronavirus bill includes $400mn in election assistanceSenate coronavirus bill includes $400mn in election assistance
The Guardian’s Joan E Greve and Sam Levine report:The Guardian’s Joan E Greve and Sam Levine report:
The Senate coronavirus bill includes $400 million in election assistance, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The funds are meant to ensure states can continue to hold fair elections as the country grapples with the pandemic.The Senate coronavirus bill includes $400 million in election assistance, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The funds are meant to ensure states can continue to hold fair elections as the country grapples with the pandemic.
A number of states have had to delay their presidential primaries in recent weeks out of fear of spreading the virus at polling places.A number of states have had to delay their presidential primaries in recent weeks out of fear of spreading the virus at polling places.
Democratic lawmakers and progressive groups have called on states to expand no-excuse absentee voting and vote by mail to protect Americans’ right to vote while respecting the social distancing guidelines outlined by the CDC.Democratic lawmakers and progressive groups have called on states to expand no-excuse absentee voting and vote by mail to protect Americans’ right to vote while respecting the social distancing guidelines outlined by the CDC.
The $400 million allocated in the Senate bill will assist those efforts, but the figure is well short of the $2 billion that the Brennan Center for Justice has said will be needed to ensure the November elections take place on time and in a fair manner.The $400 million allocated in the Senate bill will assist those efforts, but the figure is well short of the $2 billion that the Brennan Center for Justice has said will be needed to ensure the November elections take place on time and in a fair manner.
The figure is also a fraction of the $4 billion House Democrats proposed in their own stimulus package, but it marks an increase from the $140 million originally suggested by Senate Republicans.The figure is also a fraction of the $4 billion House Democrats proposed in their own stimulus package, but it marks an increase from the $140 million originally suggested by Senate Republicans.
Tammy Patrick, a senior advisor at the Democracy Fund who works closely on election administration, said the money would likely be enough to cover some vote by mail costs for sending ballots, such as printing and postage for states scaling up.Tammy Patrick, a senior advisor at the Democracy Fund who works closely on election administration, said the money would likely be enough to cover some vote by mail costs for sending ballots, such as printing and postage for states scaling up.
She said she wasn’t sure if the money would cover central tabulation for states without it as well as signature verification and voter education.She said she wasn’t sure if the money would cover central tabulation for states without it as well as signature verification and voter education.
“It is far too little to fully enable states to do what should be done, but probably enough to do what has to be done,” she said.“It is far too little to fully enable states to do what should be done, but probably enough to do what has to be done,” she said.
Trump claims to be in ‘good conversation,’ cooperation with CuomoTrump claims to be in ‘good conversation,’ cooperation with Cuomo
Donald Trump is rejecting rumors of growing tension with New York governor Andrew Cuomo.Donald Trump is rejecting rumors of growing tension with New York governor Andrew Cuomo.
Despite previous quips at state governors who’ve questioned his handling of the coronavirus outbreak, the president tweeted Wednesday that cooperation with the governor, including the construction of hospitals to treat the infected, are ‘good.’Despite previous quips at state governors who’ve questioned his handling of the coronavirus outbreak, the president tweeted Wednesday that cooperation with the governor, including the construction of hospitals to treat the infected, are ‘good.’
The remark comes ahead of the Cuomo’s daily briefing, which has developed into the more authoritative alternative to the president’s often disjointed, misinformation-filled press conferences.The remark comes ahead of the Cuomo’s daily briefing, which has developed into the more authoritative alternative to the president’s often disjointed, misinformation-filled press conferences.
Cuomo had received so much praise for his response to the pandemic, some have likened him to a “beacon of hope” amid the Trump administration’s chaos.Cuomo had received so much praise for his response to the pandemic, some have likened him to a “beacon of hope” amid the Trump administration’s chaos.
North Dakota senator Kevin Cramer apologized Wednesday for a late-night tweet in which he used an offensive term to describe Nancy Pelosi, claiming to be “really sorry it happened.”North Dakota senator Kevin Cramer apologized Wednesday for a late-night tweet in which he used an offensive term to describe Nancy Pelosi, claiming to be “really sorry it happened.”
Overnight Tuesday, the Republican senator responded to a video clip of his Democratic rival speaking on the coronavirus relief bill. In it, Cramer referred to the US house speaker as “retarded.”Overnight Tuesday, the Republican senator responded to a video clip of his Democratic rival speaking on the coronavirus relief bill. In it, Cramer referred to the US house speaker as “retarded.”
“It’s a word I just don’t apply to people,” he said. “I can be pretty tough in my rhetoric, but that’s not a word I apply to people for really good obvious reasons.”“It’s a word I just don’t apply to people,” he said. “I can be pretty tough in my rhetoric, but that’s not a word I apply to people for really good obvious reasons.”
Cramer first blamed autocorrect, claiming he meant to type “ridiculous” instead. He said he didn’t notice the actual tweet until he went to draft another tweet.Cramer first blamed autocorrect, claiming he meant to type “ridiculous” instead. He said he didn’t notice the actual tweet until he went to draft another tweet.
Congressional negotiators struck a deal on a $2tn package after days of intense negotiations. Pelosi has yet to respond to the tweet or apology.Congressional negotiators struck a deal on a $2tn package after days of intense negotiations. Pelosi has yet to respond to the tweet or apology.
US Commerce: Manufacturing up before coronavirus outbreakUS Commerce: Manufacturing up before coronavirus outbreak
The US Commerce Department said Wednesday that orders to American factories for big-ticket goods rose by solidly in February, but the gain came before the coronavirus had shut down much of the country.The US Commerce Department said Wednesday that orders to American factories for big-ticket goods rose by solidly in February, but the gain came before the coronavirus had shut down much of the country.
Some analysis suggests the country has already delved into a recession due to the coronavirus outbreak. The most pessimistic forecasts show the gross domestic product plunging by 20% or more in the April-June quarter.Some analysis suggests the country has already delved into a recession due to the coronavirus outbreak. The most pessimistic forecasts show the gross domestic product plunging by 20% or more in the April-June quarter.
Analysts said they expected a sharp deterioration in orders to show up in the March report.Analysts said they expected a sharp deterioration in orders to show up in the March report.
Donald Trump shuttered his own properties while publicly defying calls for businesses to do the same. The Washington Post reports 6 of the president’s top seven clubs and hotels were shut down due to public gathering restrictions.Donald Trump shuttered his own properties while publicly defying calls for businesses to do the same. The Washington Post reports 6 of the president’s top seven clubs and hotels were shut down due to public gathering restrictions.
The move potentially deprived Trump’s businesses of millions of dollars in revenue. From the Post’s David Fahrenthold:The move potentially deprived Trump’s businesses of millions of dollars in revenue. From the Post’s David Fahrenthold:
Critics are calling it no coincidence that Trump’s calls to reopen America come as his businesses begin to feel the economic impact.Critics are calling it no coincidence that Trump’s calls to reopen America come as his businesses begin to feel the economic impact.
Wall street opens with boost from late-night stimulus newsWall street opens with boost from late-night stimulus news
Stocks opened higher on Wednesday following the overnight announcement that US senate leaders and the White House reached a deal to stimulate a slumping economy from the coronavirus outbreak with nearly $2tn in aid.Stocks opened higher on Wednesday following the overnight announcement that US senate leaders and the White House reached a deal to stimulate a slumping economy from the coronavirus outbreak with nearly $2tn in aid.
From the AP:From the AP:
The AP added that “market volatility is likely to continue both up and down until the severity of the outbreak eases.” Stay up-to-date on the latest business news by following our business live blog.The AP added that “market volatility is likely to continue both up and down until the severity of the outbreak eases.” Stay up-to-date on the latest business news by following our business live blog.
The Bernie Sanders campaign wants to remind you:The Bernie Sanders campaign wants to remind you:
The Vermont senator will take part in an upcoming primary debate, if it isn’t cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.The Vermont senator will take part in an upcoming primary debate, if it isn’t cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
As the Washington Post’s Sean Sullivan reported, it’s former US vice president Joe Biden’s timid responses to the growing outbreak that may be the reason why Sanders remains in the race.As the Washington Post’s Sean Sullivan reported, it’s former US vice president Joe Biden’s timid responses to the growing outbreak that may be the reason why Sanders remains in the race.
March 15’s debate between Sanders and frontrunner Biden was held without a live audience. It’s unclear, however, if and when the next debate, scheduled for April, will happen at all.March 15’s debate between Sanders and frontrunner Biden was held without a live audience. It’s unclear, however, if and when the next debate, scheduled for April, will happen at all.
Trump celebrates Romney’s negative coronavirus test on TwitterTrump celebrates Romney’s negative coronavirus test on Twitter
Donald Trump’s has taken his defiance to coronavirus fears to another level, mockingly commenting on the statuses of former rivals and political figures on Twitter.Donald Trump’s has taken his defiance to coronavirus fears to another level, mockingly commenting on the statuses of former rivals and political figures on Twitter.
Early this morning, the president tweeted a sarcastically congratulatory note for Utah senator Mitt Romney, who announced he’s tested negative for the virus.Early this morning, the president tweeted a sarcastically congratulatory note for Utah senator Mitt Romney, who announced he’s tested negative for the virus.
Also in Trump’s crosshairs was Michael Avenatti, the former attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels, who sued the president over a non-disclosure agreement related to a hush, $130,000 payment for her silence over an extramarital affair.Also in Trump’s crosshairs was Michael Avenatti, the former attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels, who sued the president over a non-disclosure agreement related to a hush, $130,000 payment for her silence over an extramarital affair.
Perhaps Trump is emboldened by a new gallup poll showing 60% of Americans approve of his handling of the coronavirus outbreak, 49 % approve of his job performance overall.Perhaps Trump is emboldened by a new gallup poll showing 60% of Americans approve of his handling of the coronavirus outbreak, 49 % approve of his job performance overall.
Overnight, the White House and US senate leaders struck a deal for a $2tn economic stimulus package amid the coronavirus pandemic.Overnight, the White House and US senate leaders struck a deal for a $2tn economic stimulus package amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Ladies and gentleman, we are done,” White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland announced shortly before 1am ET. “We have a deal.”“Ladies and gentleman, we are done,” White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland announced shortly before 1am ET. “We have a deal.”
From CNN:From CNN:
Good day, I’m Kenya Evelyn kicking off the our US politics/coronavirus liveblog.Good day, I’m Kenya Evelyn kicking off the our US politics/coronavirus liveblog.
We’re following the latest out of Washington as Donald Trump congratulates his former rival Mitt Romney for testing negative.We’re following the latest out of Washington as Donald Trump congratulates his former rival Mitt Romney for testing negative.
Plus we’re covering the outbreak as nationwide criticism of the administration grows as the number of people who test positive grows.Plus we’re covering the outbreak as nationwide criticism of the administration grows as the number of people who test positive grows.
Stay tuned.Stay tuned.