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Coronavirus US live: Biden says Trump plan to relax physical distancing could be 'catastrophic' Coronavirus US live: Biden says Trump plan to relax physical distancing could be 'catastrophic'
(32 minutes later)
Democratic presidential candidate criticizes Trump’s comments about rolling back guidelines and sending Americans back to workDemocratic presidential candidate criticizes Trump’s comments about rolling back guidelines and sending Americans back to work
A Seattle NPR affiliate announced late Tuesday it is opting out of airing US president Donald Trump’s daily briefings on the coronavirus pandemic. In a tweet thread announcing their decision, KUOW Public Radio cited “a pattern of false or misleading information.”
The local radio affiliate joined a growing list of media outlets who are vowing not to air the administration’s press conferences. Both the CDC and FDA have had to release corrections or clarifications to the Trump’s comments on public health guidance and vaccine availability.
From Vanity Fair:
Trump has now has started telling Americans to get back to work, much to the dismay of health experts.
Anthony Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, even offered blunt contradictions of Trump’s coronavirus guidance, telling Science magazine Trump “could lead to some misunderstanding about what the facts are about a given subject”.
Former vice president, Joe Biden, lashed out at Donald Trump Wednesday over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak, insisting the president “downplayed the seriousness of this crisis for weeks.”
“As a result, this virus will hit all of us harder than it otherwise might have hit us, and it’s going to take us longer to recover,” he said. The vice president also criticized Trump for a delayed mobilization of American companies to help provide needed medical supplies and personnel.
Biden went on to reject Trump’s call to reopen America and get back to work by Easter:
“I’d like to say, ‘Let’s get back to work next Friday.’ That’d be wonderful. But it can’t be arbitrary,” he said. “If we don’t do that, we’re going to find ourselves worse off economically.”
Carly Fiorina: Corporations don’t need a bailout
Former Republican presidential candidate, Carly Fiorina, isn’t a fan of an economic stimulus package to combat the coronavirus outbreak, telling MSNBC:
The businesswoman and former CEO of Hewlett-Packard went on to suggest the US government should allow corporations like airliners to go into bankruptcy.
Fiorina comment’s are in sharp contrast with some Republican lawmakers.
Earlier Wednesday, Republican senators Lindsey Graham, Ben Sasse and Tim Scott directed their concerns over the bill as it related to possible American workers freeloading off government unemployment benefits.
The AP is reporting the 12th and final democratic debate scheduled for April is unlikely to happen as the party increasing accepts former vice president Joe Biden as the presumptive nominee:The AP is reporting the 12th and final democratic debate scheduled for April is unlikely to happen as the party increasing accepts former vice president Joe Biden as the presumptive nominee:
The AP added there’s no evidence that Biden’s camp is clamoring for a debate. Vermont senator Bernie Sanders announced late Tuesday he’d take part in a schedule debate.The AP added there’s no evidence that Biden’s camp is clamoring for a debate. Vermont senator Bernie Sanders announced late Tuesday he’d take part in a schedule debate.
But there’s doubt among both campaigns that one will occur.But there’s doubt among both campaigns that one will occur.
How do Indigenous tribes fair in the coronavirus bailout?How do Indigenous tribes fair in the coronavirus bailout?
Native American sovereign nations have been sidelined in previous economic bailouts and health emergencies. So how do they fare in the $2tn emergency Covid-19 rescue package?Native American sovereign nations have been sidelined in previous economic bailouts and health emergencies. So how do they fare in the $2tn emergency Covid-19 rescue package?
It’s a good start, according to Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.It’s a good start, according to Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
The deal will establish an $8bn ring-fenced tribal government relief fund which should provide tribes with flexible ‘one stop’ direct access to Covid-19 dollars for economic recovery and continuation of essential government services - depending on what each tribe needs.The deal will establish an $8bn ring-fenced tribal government relief fund which should provide tribes with flexible ‘one stop’ direct access to Covid-19 dollars for economic recovery and continuation of essential government services - depending on what each tribe needs.
The direct part is crucial as tribes do not have guaranteed direct access to many state and federal resources during emergencies including the national stockpile of medicines and medical equipment.The direct part is crucial as tribes do not have guaranteed direct access to many state and federal resources during emergencies including the national stockpile of medicines and medical equipment.
The rescue package also contains over $2bn in emergency supplemental funding for health, education and housing, including:The rescue package also contains over $2bn in emergency supplemental funding for health, education and housing, including:
$1.032 billion for the chronically underfunded Indian Health Service.$1.032 billion for the chronically underfunded Indian Health Service.
$453 million for essential Tribal government programs including the purchase of protective equipment for emergency personnel - this money will be funneled through the Bureau of Indian Affairs$453 million for essential Tribal government programs including the purchase of protective equipment for emergency personnel - this money will be funneled through the Bureau of Indian Affairs
In a statement, Udall said: “No doubt these are key victories. But the fight to make sure Indian Country isn’t left behind in the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic must continue.In a statement, Udall said: “No doubt these are key victories. But the fight to make sure Indian Country isn’t left behind in the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic must continue.
Congress must do more to respond to the unique Covid-19 related public health and economic crises in Indian Country and to uphold our trust and treaty responsibilities to all American Indians and Alaska Natives.”Congress must do more to respond to the unique Covid-19 related public health and economic crises in Indian Country and to uphold our trust and treaty responsibilities to all American Indians and Alaska Natives.”
There are 574 federally recognised tribal nations located across 35 states within the geographic boundaries of the US, including 229 in Alaska.There are 574 federally recognised tribal nations located across 35 states within the geographic boundaries of the US, including 229 in Alaska.
In 2010, 5.2million people or 1.7% of the total population identified as American Indian or Alaska native, and importantly in election year, 3.1million are of voting age.In 2010, 5.2million people or 1.7% of the total population identified as American Indian or Alaska native, and importantly in election year, 3.1million are of voting age.
Here is a clip of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s warning that Donald Trump’s plan to relax social distancing guidelines by Easter could prove “catastrophic.”Here is a clip of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s warning that Donald Trump’s plan to relax social distancing guidelines by Easter could prove “catastrophic.”
My colleague Joan E Greve was also watching Joe Biden’s virtual press conference, which began with the former vice president expressing his sympathy for young people during the coronavirus pandemic:My colleague Joan E Greve was also watching Joe Biden’s virtual press conference, which began with the former vice president expressing his sympathy for young people during the coronavirus pandemic:
My colleague Lauren Gambino is following Joe Biden’s virtual press conference:My colleague Lauren Gambino is following Joe Biden’s virtual press conference:
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has criticized the Trump administration’s plans to curtail social distancing guidelines in the coming weeks amid anxiety about economic fallout of the coronavirus crisis, saying it could prove “catastrophic”.Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has criticized the Trump administration’s plans to curtail social distancing guidelines in the coming weeks amid anxiety about economic fallout of the coronavirus crisis, saying it could prove “catastrophic”.
“Think about the science — not the science of Wall Street, the science of medicine,” the Democratic frontrunner said in a virtual press conference on Wednesday.“Think about the science — not the science of Wall Street, the science of medicine,” the Democratic frontrunner said in a virtual press conference on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Donald Trump said he was aiming to roll back the guidelines in the coming weeks, not months, to ease pressure on the US economy, and would like to see churches packed on Easter Sunday (12 April).On Tuesday, Donald Trump said he was aiming to roll back the guidelines in the coming weeks, not months, to ease pressure on the US economy, and would like to see churches packed on Easter Sunday (12 April).
Public health officials and state governors have rejected the timeline, cautioning that the outbreak may be worse by then, not better.Public health officials and state governors have rejected the timeline, cautioning that the outbreak may be worse by then, not better.
At his briefing on the G7 video conference this morning, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo also stressed that the US was helping Italy and was ready to do more.At his briefing on the G7 video conference this morning, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo also stressed that the US was helping Italy and was ready to do more.
There has been substantial coverage of Chinese and Russian deliveries of medical supplies to Italy, and speculation that the US is losing soft power.There has been substantial coverage of Chinese and Russian deliveries of medical supplies to Italy, and speculation that the US is losing soft power.
“I made it clear to our G7 partners, especially to our friends in Italy and the rest of Europe, that the United States remains committed to assisting them in all ways possible,” Pompeo said.“I made it clear to our G7 partners, especially to our friends in Italy and the rest of Europe, that the United States remains committed to assisting them in all ways possible,” Pompeo said.
“This past Saturday, the United States Air Force sent a C130 filled with medical supplies to Italy. The US military is also finalizing plans to make some of its excess medical equipment deployed there available to our Italian friends.”“This past Saturday, the United States Air Force sent a C130 filled with medical supplies to Italy. The US military is also finalizing plans to make some of its excess medical equipment deployed there available to our Italian friends.”
Defense One has reported military flights bringing nasal swabs from northern Italy to Memphis on March 16. Pompeo is suggesting it has been two-way traffic.Defense One has reported military flights bringing nasal swabs from northern Italy to Memphis on March 16. Pompeo is suggesting it has been two-way traffic.
The secretary of state also pointed to US charities that are helping, citing the Samaritan’s Purse organisation which he said had set up a 68 field hospital in Cremona, a badly hit city in northern Italy.The secretary of state also pointed to US charities that are helping, citing the Samaritan’s Purse organisation which he said had set up a 68 field hospital in Cremona, a badly hit city in northern Italy.
“This is the American people’s famous generosity, at its finest,” he said.“This is the American people’s famous generosity, at its finest,” he said.
The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has been giving a briefing on the virtual G7 foreign ministers meeting that began by videoconference at 7am (ET). He said the main focus was the coronavirus, which Pompeo made a point of calling the “Wuhan virus”.The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has been giving a briefing on the virtual G7 foreign ministers meeting that began by videoconference at 7am (ET). He said the main focus was the coronavirus, which Pompeo made a point of calling the “Wuhan virus”.
According to a report in Der Spiegel, the G7 ministers have not so far been able to agree on a joint statement because of Pompeo’s insistence that it should refer to the disease as the “Wuhan virus”, a suggestion that was rejected by other members of the group of prosperous democracies.According to a report in Der Spiegel, the G7 ministers have not so far been able to agree on a joint statement because of Pompeo’s insistence that it should refer to the disease as the “Wuhan virus”, a suggestion that was rejected by other members of the group of prosperous democracies.
Asked about the disagreement this morning, Pompeo did not answer directly, but did not deny it.Asked about the disagreement this morning, Pompeo did not answer directly, but did not deny it.
“I always think about these meetings, the right answer is to make sure we have the same message coming out of it,” he said. “I’m confident that when you hear the other six foreign ministers speak, they will have a common understanding of what we talked about today, and we will talk about the things that we have agreement on.”“I always think about these meetings, the right answer is to make sure we have the same message coming out of it,” he said. “I’m confident that when you hear the other six foreign ministers speak, they will have a common understanding of what we talked about today, and we will talk about the things that we have agreement on.”
Donald Trump has called the disease the “China virus”. Although the president has not used the phrase in his last couple of White House briefings, the administration is clearly still seeking to emphasise Chinese culpability.Donald Trump has called the disease the “China virus”. Although the president has not used the phrase in his last couple of White House briefings, the administration is clearly still seeking to emphasise Chinese culpability.
“The Chinese Communist Party poses a substantial threat to our health and way of life, as the Wuhan virus outbreak clearly has demonstrated,” Pompeo said this morning.“The Chinese Communist Party poses a substantial threat to our health and way of life, as the Wuhan virus outbreak clearly has demonstrated,” Pompeo said this morning.
Here’s what the blog has covered so far today:Here’s what the blog has covered so far today:
Congress reached a $2tn stimulus deal with the White House overnight. The senate vote on the biggest US bailout package in history is expected this afternoon.Congress reached a $2tn stimulus deal with the White House overnight. The senate vote on the biggest US bailout package in history is expected this afternoon.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said New York City may be forced to close parks if residents don’t observe social distancing measures, but added that there is some encouraging evidence that the existing guidelines may already be working.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said New York City may be forced to close parks if residents don’t observe social distancing measures, but added that there is some encouraging evidence that the existing guidelines may already be working.
More than 40,000 medical professionals answered Cuomo’s call for a “surge health force” to help existing frontline staff as the state reported more than 30,000 coronavirus cases on Wednesday.More than 40,000 medical professionals answered Cuomo’s call for a “surge health force” to help existing frontline staff as the state reported more than 30,000 coronavirus cases on Wednesday.
Bernie Sanders is still running for president.Bernie Sanders is still running for president.
Sen. Kevin Cramer apologized for calling Nancy Pelosi “retarded”.Sen. Kevin Cramer apologized for calling Nancy Pelosi “retarded”.
Stay tuned for more.Stay tuned for more.
Olympic president takes cue from Trump in coronavirus delayOlympic 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 TrumpThe 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.”“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.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.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 workersLindsey 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.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.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.“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.”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.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.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.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.”“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.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.