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Coronavirus US live: House passes $2.2tn economic stimulus package Coronavirus US live: House passes $2.2tn economic stimulus package
(32 minutes later)
Vote was threatened to be delayed by a Republican representative, but will now go on to Trump who has voiced his approvalVote was threatened to be delayed by a Republican representative, but will now go on to Trump who has voiced his approval
Navy hospital ship docks in Los Angeles
The Mercy hospital ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday, ready to help California meet an expected surge on hospital beds and provide space to treat patients.
Docked ships serve as a backdrop as California governor Gavin Newsom joined Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti to host an afternoon press conference in front of docked ships, underway now.
The Mercy, a Navy hospital ship, has about 800 medical staffers, 1,000 hospital beds and 12 operating rooms.
The ship will be used to provide care for patients who don’t have Covid-19 so space in hospitals can be used for patients battling the virus.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said earlier this week the state will need to add 50,000 hospital beds to help the state prevent a surge on hospitals, like the one now overwhelming New York hospitals.
Newsom also announced Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced a temporary ban on evictions statewide for those affected by the coronavirus. The order prevents landlords from evicting tenants for not paying, and extends through May 31 and covers those who’ve lost work due to the outbreak.
Fourth US representative tests positive for Covid-19
A fourth member of the US House of Representatives has been tested positive for Covid-19. US representative Mike Kelly, a Republican from Pennsylvania, says that he tested positive and is experience mild flu-like symptoms. Kelly is at his home in Pennsylvania.
Kelly is the fourth member of the House, and the fifth member of Congress, to test positive for Covid-19.
Louisiana reports 119 dead from Covid-19
Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards has just concluded his daily press briefing and reported the state’s largest day-on-day death toll increase.
119 people have now died from Covid-19, an increase of 39 in 24 hours.
There are 2,746 cases of the virus in the state, 441 more than yesterday, marking a 19% increase. This is not the sharpest increase in confirmed cases of the virus in the state, but the governor adds that there was less testing yesterday than the day before.
“We are doing everything within our power to respond to this crisis,” Edwards said. “We remain on the growth curve, the trajectory that we don’t like.” The state is still on track to reach hospital capacity by the first week of April. “[The] trajectory suggests won’t be able to cope,” Edwards said.
In an indication of the scale of the crisis and the difficulty the state is facing, Edwards says he has requested 12,000 additional ventilators, 5,000 from the national stockpile and the rest from the private sector. He has received just 192.
The state requested federal assistance to create four, 250 bed new hospital units. It was approved for half of those.
Edwards say that to date no state inmates have tested positive for Covid-19. Louisiana has the highest rate of incarceration anywhere in the United States.
The White House just confirmed that it is invoking the Defense Production Act to require General Motors to start making ventilators.The White House just confirmed that it is invoking the Defense Production Act to require General Motors to start making ventilators.
United Airlines says layoffs are expectedUnited Airlines says layoffs are expected
United Airlines says that it expects to conduct layoffs as a result of the dramatic drop in flights the airline has seen in the last few weeks, according to CNBC. The number of people laid off has yet to be announced.United Airlines says that it expects to conduct layoffs as a result of the dramatic drop in flights the airline has seen in the last few weeks, according to CNBC. The number of people laid off has yet to be announced.
This is in spite of the stimulus package Congress just passed, and the president will be signing in a few minutes, that will give commercial airline carriers $50bn in loans.This is in spite of the stimulus package Congress just passed, and the president will be signing in a few minutes, that will give commercial airline carriers $50bn in loans.
“The global economy has taken a big hit, and we don’t expect travel demand to snap back for some time,” United CEO Oscar Munoz said in a statement. The company said it has had to cut scheduled flights by 60% and they expect planes to fly at 20% full or less.“The global economy has taken a big hit, and we don’t expect travel demand to snap back for some time,” United CEO Oscar Munoz said in a statement. The company said it has had to cut scheduled flights by 60% and they expect planes to fly at 20% full or less.
Donald Trump will be signing the stimulus package at 4pm this afternoon.Donald Trump will be signing the stimulus package at 4pm this afternoon.
The signing will be followed by a news conference at 5pm.The signing will be followed by a news conference at 5pm.
Donald Trump just released an ad called “Hope” that uses sound bytes from various public figures that make it appear they are praising the president for his efforts combating Covid-19.Donald Trump just released an ad called “Hope” that uses sound bytes from various public figures that make it appear they are praising the president for his efforts combating Covid-19.
Florida to set up checkpoints to intercept travelers coming from Gulf CoastFlorida to set up checkpoints to intercept travelers coming from Gulf Coast
At a press conference just now, Florida governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state will be setting up checkpoints at major entryways into the state from the Gulf Coast. The state has been trying to intercept travelers coming from hotspot areas, including New York and Louisiana.At a press conference just now, Florida governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state will be setting up checkpoints at major entryways into the state from the Gulf Coast. The state has been trying to intercept travelers coming from hotspot areas, including New York and Louisiana.
DeSantis ordered schools, bars and restaurants closed, but he has been criticized for not ordering nonessential workers to stay at home. Florida has nearly 3,000 cases of the illness with a death toll of 35.DeSantis ordered schools, bars and restaurants closed, but he has been criticized for not ordering nonessential workers to stay at home. Florida has nearly 3,000 cases of the illness with a death toll of 35.
Third House rep tests positive for Covid-19Third House rep tests positive for Covid-19
Joe Cunningham, a Democratic representative from South Carolina, said that he tested positive for Covid-19.Joe Cunningham, a Democratic representative from South Carolina, said that he tested positive for Covid-19.
Cunningham, who is in self-quarantine at his home South Carolina, said that he started to lose his sense of smell and taste, which are potential symptoms of the illness.Cunningham, who is in self-quarantine at his home South Carolina, said that he started to lose his sense of smell and taste, which are potential symptoms of the illness.
He is the third member of the House to test positive for Covid-19. Two other representatives, one from Florida and another from Utah, said they tested positive last week.He is the third member of the House to test positive for Covid-19. Two other representatives, one from Florida and another from Utah, said they tested positive last week.
Workers at McDonald’s, Waffle House and other fast-food and retail outlets have gone on strike today across Durham and Raleigh in North Carolina in protest against unsafe working conditions, lost hours and pay cuts.Workers at McDonald’s, Waffle House and other fast-food and retail outlets have gone on strike today across Durham and Raleigh in North Carolina in protest against unsafe working conditions, lost hours and pay cuts.
The workers are demanding increased safety protocols and payment for lost hours as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.The workers are demanding increased safety protocols and payment for lost hours as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fast-food companies have been designated as essential services and can remain open, but the strikers say they have treated their workers as anything but essential, failing to protect them against infections and laying them off as soon as they are not needed.Fast-food companies have been designated as essential services and can remain open, but the strikers say they have treated their workers as anything but essential, failing to protect them against infections and laying them off as soon as they are not needed.
“Frontline workers like us are getting hit the hardest right now,” said Rita Blalock, a McDonald’s cook in Raleigh. “McDonald’s is calling itself an “essential business’ but isn’t providing us with the essential protections we need to be safe at work.”“Frontline workers like us are getting hit the hardest right now,” said Rita Blalock, a McDonald’s cook in Raleigh. “McDonald’s is calling itself an “essential business’ but isn’t providing us with the essential protections we need to be safe at work.”
We wrote about this escalating issue earlier this month. Read our story here:We wrote about this escalating issue earlier this month. Read our story here:
Four passengers aboard Zaandam cruise ship dead from flu-like symptomsFour passengers aboard Zaandam cruise ship dead from flu-like symptoms
Four passengers of the Zaandam cruise ship have died from what appears to be Covid-19, according to the Miami Herald. About 150 passengers on the ship, which is awaiting permission to pass through the Panama Canal, with the end destination of Port Everglades in Florida, have developed flu-like symptoms. Carnival Corp. is the owner of the ship.Four passengers of the Zaandam cruise ship have died from what appears to be Covid-19, according to the Miami Herald. About 150 passengers on the ship, which is awaiting permission to pass through the Panama Canal, with the end destination of Port Everglades in Florida, have developed flu-like symptoms. Carnival Corp. is the owner of the ship.
The captain of the ship announced the deaths to crew members and passengers Friday afternoon and said that healthy passengers would be evacuated onto a nearby sister ship.The captain of the ship announced the deaths to crew members and passengers Friday afternoon and said that healthy passengers would be evacuated onto a nearby sister ship.
Cruise ships have been a hotbed for the spread of Covid-19, starting with the Diamond Princess, which was quarantined off the coast of Japan in early February and saw more than 700 people onboard infected. At least 25 other cruise ships have seen confirmed cases onboard.Cruise ships have been a hotbed for the spread of Covid-19, starting with the Diamond Princess, which was quarantined off the coast of Japan in early February and saw more than 700 people onboard infected. At least 25 other cruise ships have seen confirmed cases onboard.
Instacart workers plan nationwide strikeInstacart workers plan nationwide strike
Instacart workers are planning a nationwide strike beginning Monday, until the company gives them hazard pay, safety gear and paid leave for sick and at-risk employees.They want an additional $5 per order and an automatic tip of 10%, and they are asking for hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and sprays and soap. They also want workers who are at higher risk because of pre-existing conditions or require self-quarantine to get “an extension and expansion of pay.”Instacart has offered workers up to two weeks of paid leave if they test positive for Covid-19, but tests are in short supply. The offer lasts only until April 8, according to Vice.The Instacart Shoppers and Gig Workers Collective said their requests have so far been ignored.“Instacart has turned this pandemic into a PR campaign, portraying itself the hero of families that are sheltered-in-place, isolated, or quarantined,” a Medium post from organizers said. “Instacart has still not provided essential protections to Shoppers on the front lines that could prevent them from becoming carriers, falling ill themselves, or worse. Instacart’s promise to pay Shoppers up to 14 days of pay if diagnosed or placed in mandatory quarantine not only falls short, but isn’t even being honored.”Instacart is currently trying to hire 300,000 additional workers to meet higher demand.Instacart workers are planning a nationwide strike beginning Monday, until the company gives them hazard pay, safety gear and paid leave for sick and at-risk employees.They want an additional $5 per order and an automatic tip of 10%, and they are asking for hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and sprays and soap. They also want workers who are at higher risk because of pre-existing conditions or require self-quarantine to get “an extension and expansion of pay.”Instacart has offered workers up to two weeks of paid leave if they test positive for Covid-19, but tests are in short supply. The offer lasts only until April 8, according to Vice.The Instacart Shoppers and Gig Workers Collective said their requests have so far been ignored.“Instacart has turned this pandemic into a PR campaign, portraying itself the hero of families that are sheltered-in-place, isolated, or quarantined,” a Medium post from organizers said. “Instacart has still not provided essential protections to Shoppers on the front lines that could prevent them from becoming carriers, falling ill themselves, or worse. Instacart’s promise to pay Shoppers up to 14 days of pay if diagnosed or placed in mandatory quarantine not only falls short, but isn’t even being honored.”Instacart is currently trying to hire 300,000 additional workers to meet higher demand.
The company just posted what appears to be a response to news of the strike on Medium, emphasizing the measures the company has taken in response to Covid-19.The company just posted what appears to be a response to news of the strike on Medium, emphasizing the measures the company has taken in response to Covid-19.
“Communities across North America are facing challenges brought by this uncertain time, and we’re immensely grateful for all that you do to support families and people in need by delivering their groceries and everyday goods,” Instacart said in its statement.“Communities across North America are facing challenges brought by this uncertain time, and we’re immensely grateful for all that you do to support families and people in need by delivering their groceries and everyday goods,” Instacart said in its statement.
The bill – the largest stimulus package in US history – went through a tumultuous journey through Congress, though it is expected to go into law once Donald Trump signs it.
Senate Republicans drafted the bill last week and went through around-the-clock negotiations with Senate Democrats and the White House to get everyone on the same page.
There was a lot of disagreement over how much money to give corporations and what kind of oversight would be given for federal loans. Democrats also called for more aid to hospitals and state and local governments whose budgets have been wrecked by coronavirus response. The Senate managed to pass the bill on Wednesday.
But just yesterday, Thomas Massie, a Republican representative from Kentucky, threatened to hold up the voting of the bill by calling for a recorded tally of votes for the bill in the House.
That would require representatives to go back to Congress, though many have left the Hill because of the quick spread of Covid-19.
Massie was sharply criticized by his Republican and Democratic colleagues who were eager to get the bill passed as quickly as possible.
When Massie voiced his desire to hold a vote, Anthony Brown, the presiding officer, ruled that Massie did not have enough support for
Quick recap of what’s in the stimulus package: It’s worth over $2tn and provides various aids to corporations, businesses and individuals. The main components are:
Direct payment to most Americans – up to $1,200 per taxpayer.
$250bn to bolster unemployment insurance.
Over $350bn in loans for small businesses that may be forgiven if firms use them to keep workers on payroll.
$500bn in aid for hard-hit industries and states and $50bn for airlines.
$130bn in aid to hospitals.
$150bn to help state and local governments
The House just passed the $2.2tn stimulus package after a Republican representative threatened to delay the vote this morning.
The bill will now go to Donald Trump, who has voiced his approval of the bill.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo held his daily public briefing on Friday with not just press and a television audience but soldiers brought up from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to assist the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The briefing was held at the Jacob Javits conference center on the far west side of midtown Manhattan, where a field hospital with more than 1,000 beds is being prepared.
We covered some of Cuomo’s conference earlier, and a lot of news has broken since then. But in summary, he warned that the situation will worsen in New York, especially in the city.
Cuomo expects the apex of cases to be reached in 21 days’ time.
He said the death toll had surged, up to 519 on Friday morning from 280 on Wednesday, because coronavirus patients in acute condition who had been on ventilators for the last three weeks hadn’t survived.
“The longer you are on a ventilator the less likely that you are goin got come off that ventilator,” he said.
Warning that the death toll in the state, but especially the city, will rise, Cuomo said: “It’s bad news, it’s tragic news, it’s the worst news.”
A senior member of the city government in Washington, DC, has died from the coronavirus.
The capital’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, announced Friday that George Valentine, deputy director of the mayor’s office of legal counsel, had died that morning, The Associated Press writes.
Bowser said Valentine’s death was “devastating for everybody” and that contact tracing was in progress to determine who Valentine may have come into contact with and who might have been exposed to him.
According to his LinkedIn page, Valentine came to the mayor’s office just over a year ago after spending more than 15 years with the Washington, DC, Attorney General’s office.
Bowser said he was admitted to a hospital and diagnosed with Covid-19 on Wednesday.
Here’s a summary of this morning’s happenings as I hand off to Lauren Aratani for the afternoon:
Kentucky representative’s move to delay passage of $2.2tn relief package thwarted. The attempt by maverick congressman Thomas Massie to demand a roll call vote and hold up passage of until most lawmakers return to Washington has apparently been spoiled with a quorum having reported to the House chamber for a vote on Friday afternoon.
Andrew Cuomo says New York schools will be closed another two weeks. The New York governor said in Friday’s daily briefing that schools in the state will be open no earlier than 15 April and warned the demand for hospitalization will peak in 21 days and the state is creating a stockpile of medical equipment in preparation for that “apex” accordingly.
Boris Johnson says he’s tested positive for coronavirus. The UK prime minister and health secretary say they have mild symptoms and will continue to lead Covid-19 response in isolation.
Trump invokes Defense Production Act in urging GM to manufacture ventilators. The US has invoked the Defense Production Act in a series of tweets urging General Motors to take the lead in manufacturing ventilators.
Congresspeople have occupied spaces in the public gallery above the House chamber floor to maintain social distancing while establishing the quorum of 216 members necessary to vote for the $2.2tn coronavirus relief bill.
A notice has just gone out to House members saying that enough members are present and a vote is likely to be requested within the hour.
People who can’t afford April’s or May’s rent thanks to Covid-19 crisis unemployment are being asked to hang a white sheet outside their homes to demand a rent strike.
The protest movement, which started in Montreal last week and has already spread across Canada and the US, demands governments pause housing payments while the pandemic ravages people’s ability to earn income.
“We want landlords and tenants to come together in asking the government for cancellation of rent payments and cancellation of mortgage payments, including interest, for the duration of the health emergency,” said Sunny Doyle, one of the organizers of White Sheets For the Rent Strike.
“We can’t be putting people in individualized fights with their landlords, where the power relations aren’t equal.”
Doyle said her landlady hung a huge white sheet off the side of the triplex they share. She said even those who can afford their rent are invited to hang a sheet in support.
With many provinces now under lockdown, Canada anticipates it will see four million jobless claims by the time the Covid-19 crisis is over.
This week, the Canadian government announced a $2,000 monthly benefit for citizens put out of work by the virus.
It’s official: Kentucky congressman Thomas Massie will hold up the $2.2tn relief bill, refusing to back down in spite of backlash from Donald Trump.
Massie will force the house to take a recorded vote on the stimulus plan, a move that will prolong but ultimately not stop the rescue package from passing.
In a series of 11 tweets, Massie outlined his rationale for making his colleagues returning to Washington in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
The bill has the votes to pass and the president has said he would sign it. Trump tried to dissuade the Massie from holding up the vote.
In a series of tweets on Friday morning, he assailed Massie as a “third rate Grandstander” and “a disaster for America, and for the Great State of Kentucky!” Trump also suggested Republicans should “throw Massie out” of the party.
Massie’s statement reads in full:
Donald Trump has invoked the Defense Production Act in a series of tweets urging General Motors to take the lead in manufacturing ventilators.
The Defense Production Act gives the president powers to direct domestic industrial production to provide essential materials and goods needed in a national security crisis.
It allows the president to require businesses and corporations to prioritise and accept contracts for required materials and services. It also allows the president to provide incentives for the domestic industrial base to expand the production and supply of critical materials and goods, according to a 2 March report by the Congressional Research Service.