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Coronavirus US live: Trump claims to invoke production act to force companies to make ventilators Coronavirus US live: House passes $2tn economic stimulus package
(32 minutes later)
Trump has invoked the Defense Production Act in a series of tweets urging General Motors to take the lead in manufacturing ventilators Vote was threatened to be delayed by a Republican representative, but will now go on to Trump who has voiced his approval
The House just passed the $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.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.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.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.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.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: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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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 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.”“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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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: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.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.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.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.
Cuomo says New York will require 140,000 hospital beds and 40,000 intensive care unit beds with ventilators at the apex. Currently, the state has 53,000 regular hospital beds and 3,000 ICU beds.Cuomo says New York will require 140,000 hospital beds and 40,000 intensive care unit beds with ventilators at the apex. Currently, the state has 53,000 regular hospital beds and 3,000 ICU beds.
To meet the need, Cuomo says they will seek to build another four temporary hospitals working with the US army corps of engineers.To meet the need, Cuomo says they will seek to build another four temporary hospitals working with the US army corps of engineers.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s daily briefing is under way from the Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side, which has been temporarily repurposed as a hospital for Covid-19 patients.New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s daily briefing is under way from the Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side, which has been temporarily repurposed as a hospital for Covid-19 patients.
Cuomo says New York City schools will stay closed for at least another two weeks until at least 15 April.Cuomo says New York City schools will stay closed for at least another two weeks until at least 15 April.
He adds that he expects the demand for hospitalization to peak in 21 days and the state is creating a stockpile of medical equipment in preparation for that “apex” accordingly.He adds that he expects the demand for hospitalization to peak in 21 days and the state is creating a stockpile of medical equipment in preparation for that “apex” accordingly.
“We collect, it we hold, if a hospital needs, a region needs it, then we deploy it,” he says.“We collect, it we hold, if a hospital needs, a region needs it, then we deploy it,” he says.
California lawmaker Adam Schiff, chairman of the intelligence committee, voiced support for the $2tn package on Friday morning, telling CNN that he emerged from self-isolation to do so.California lawmaker Adam Schiff, chairman of the intelligence committee, voiced support for the $2tn package on Friday morning, telling CNN that he emerged from self-isolation to do so.
“We cannot see what course this virus will take,” Schiff said as the debate continued on the House floor. “Many months of sacrifice and self-discipline will lie ahead for the American people. We will be tested. And we will prevail.”“We cannot see what course this virus will take,” Schiff said as the debate continued on the House floor. “Many months of sacrifice and self-discipline will lie ahead for the American people. We will be tested. And we will prevail.”
Former US secretary of state John Kerry has unloaded on Kentucky lawmaker Thomas Massie for his role in holding up the relief bill, finding rare common ground with Donald Trump along the way.Former US secretary of state John Kerry has unloaded on Kentucky lawmaker Thomas Massie for his role in holding up the relief bill, finding rare common ground with Donald Trump along the way.
A bit of history between the pair: Massie infamously attempted to discredit Kerry’s credentials on climate change during a house oversight and reform committee hearing last year.A bit of history between the pair: Massie infamously attempted to discredit Kerry’s credentials on climate change during a house oversight and reform committee hearing last year.
New York representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, whose district has been devastated by the pandemic, rips into the corporate welfare deeply embedded the $2tn bill on the House floor.New York representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, whose district has been devastated by the pandemic, rips into the corporate welfare deeply embedded the $2tn bill on the House floor.
The congresswoman’s district includes Elmhurst Hospital, where at least 13 patients died from coronavirus in a 24-hour span earlier this week.The congresswoman’s district includes Elmhurst Hospital, where at least 13 patients died from coronavirus in a 24-hour span earlier this week.
“Our community’s reality is this country’s future if we don’t do anything,” said says. “Hospital workers do not have protective equipment. We don’t have the necessary ventilators. We have to go into this vote eyes wide open. What did the Senate majority fight for? One of the largest corporate bailouts with as few strings as possible in American history. Shameful!”“Our community’s reality is this country’s future if we don’t do anything,” said says. “Hospital workers do not have protective equipment. We don’t have the necessary ventilators. We have to go into this vote eyes wide open. What did the Senate majority fight for? One of the largest corporate bailouts with as few strings as possible in American history. Shameful!”
California congresswoman Katie Porter, who announced on Wednesday that she was self-quarantining after experiencing symptoms related to Covid-19, says her test came back negative and called the news “a relief”.California congresswoman Katie Porter, who announced on Wednesday that she was self-quarantining after experiencing symptoms related to Covid-19, says her test came back negative and called the news “a relief”.
At least two members of the House and one US senator have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, while more than a dozen are self-quarantined after brushes with people who have symptoms or have tested positive for the disease.At least two members of the House and one US senator have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, while more than a dozen are self-quarantined after brushes with people who have symptoms or have tested positive for the disease.
A Los Angeles boy who is believed to be the first teenager in the United States to die from complications due to Covid-19 was denied treatment at an urgent care clinic because he didn’t have health insurance.A Los Angeles boy who is believed to be the first teenager in the United States to die from complications due to Covid-19 was denied treatment at an urgent care clinic because he didn’t have health insurance.
“He didn’t have insurance, so they did not treat him,” says R Rex Parris, the mayor of Lancaster, California. “He had been sick for a few days, he had no previous health conditions. On the Friday before he died, he was healthy, he was socializing with his friends.”“He didn’t have insurance, so they did not treat him,” says R Rex Parris, the mayor of Lancaster, California. “He had been sick for a few days, he had no previous health conditions. On the Friday before he died, he was healthy, he was socializing with his friends.”
Los Angeles County currently has 1,216 Covid-19 cases and 21 deaths, according to the county public health department’s website.Los Angeles County currently has 1,216 Covid-19 cases and 21 deaths, according to the county public health department’s website.
Haley Stevens, a freshman Democratic senator from Michigan whose district has been hit particularly hard by the virus, has been ruled out of order after shouting through the gavel during the House debate on the relief bill.Haley Stevens, a freshman Democratic senator from Michigan whose district has been hit particularly hard by the virus, has been ruled out of order after shouting through the gavel during the House debate on the relief bill.
“To our doctors and nurses, I wear these latex gloves to tell every American: Do not be afraid!” says Stevens, who drove overnight from Michigan for today’s session. “You will see darkness! You will be pushed! Our society needs you to stand together at this time!“To our doctors and nurses, I wear these latex gloves to tell every American: Do not be afraid!” says Stevens, who drove overnight from Michigan for today’s session. “You will see darkness! You will be pushed! Our society needs you to stand together at this time!
Mary Namorato, a New Yorker separated from her daily gym work-out, has filed a lawsuit against New York Sports Clubs, a chain of more than 50 city gyms, for allegedly refusing to refund her membership fees after the coronavirus pandemic forced the company to close earlier this month.Mary Namorato, a New Yorker separated from her daily gym work-out, has filed a lawsuit against New York Sports Clubs, a chain of more than 50 city gyms, for allegedly refusing to refund her membership fees after the coronavirus pandemic forced the company to close earlier this month.
Namorato, who filed the suit on Thursday in Manhattan Federal Court “on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated”, claims New York Sports Clubs (“NYSC”) is “defrauding and stealing from gym members” by continuing to charge gym membership fees to its approximately 605,000 members.Namorato, who filed the suit on Thursday in Manhattan Federal Court “on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated”, claims New York Sports Clubs (“NYSC”) is “defrauding and stealing from gym members” by continuing to charge gym membership fees to its approximately 605,000 members.
The complaint alleges that the chain’s holding company, Town Sports International Holdings, Inc. (“TSI”), has made “it virtually impossible for members to cancel their memberships and has even refused to honor many members’ cancellation requests,” the complaint says.The complaint alleges that the chain’s holding company, Town Sports International Holdings, Inc. (“TSI”), has made “it virtually impossible for members to cancel their memberships and has even refused to honor many members’ cancellation requests,” the complaint says.
“At a time when New Yorkers are using all their efforts to help one another and make sacrifices necessary to meet the daily challenges associated with a the health and economic crisis created by the novel coronavirus are suffering, TSI is defrauding and stealing from customers.”“At a time when New Yorkers are using all their efforts to help one another and make sacrifices necessary to meet the daily challenges associated with a the health and economic crisis created by the novel coronavirus are suffering, TSI is defrauding and stealing from customers.”
In contrast, other New York gyms, including Equinox, Planet Fitness and Blink Fitness have announced that gym membership charges have been suspended due to gym closures, Namorato’s legal representataives said.In contrast, other New York gyms, including Equinox, Planet Fitness and Blink Fitness have announced that gym membership charges have been suspended due to gym closures, Namorato’s legal representataives said.
“We are standing up for all New Yorkers who are being taken advantage of, lied to and stolen from by New York Sports Clubs,” said lawyer David Gottlieb, a partner at Wigdor LLC.“We are standing up for all New Yorkers who are being taken advantage of, lied to and stolen from by New York Sports Clubs,” said lawyer David Gottlieb, a partner at Wigdor LLC.
“We specifically ask the New York State attorney general’s office to join us in this fight to send a message not only to NYSC but to all businesses that this form of fraudulent opportunism has no place in our state and will not be tolerated, particularly during a health and economic crisis.”“We specifically ask the New York State attorney general’s office to join us in this fight to send a message not only to NYSC but to all businesses that this form of fraudulent opportunism has no place in our state and will not be tolerated, particularly during a health and economic crisis.”
Representatives of New York Sports Club, and its parent company, Town Sports International LLC, did not return requests for comment.Representatives of New York Sports Club, and its parent company, Town Sports International LLC, did not return requests for comment.
Good morning, this is Bryan Armen Graham in New York, covering the latest on the coronavirus in the US and American politics.Good morning, this is Bryan Armen Graham in New York, covering the latest on the coronavirus in the US and American politics.
The US House of representatives is set to pass a $2.2tn package later Friday to ease the coronavirus pandemic’s devastating toll on the economy and healthcare system following a 96-0 vote in the Senate, though the actions of a single lawmaker could delay proceedings by several hours.The US House of representatives is set to pass a $2.2tn package later Friday to ease the coronavirus pandemic’s devastating toll on the economy and healthcare system following a 96-0 vote in the Senate, though the actions of a single lawmaker could delay proceedings by several hours.
Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie, who has voiced his opposition the bill, has threatened to demand a roll call vote, which would hold up passage until most lawmakers return to Washington for a vote, prompting backlash at a time when Americans have been urged to self-quarantine or maintain distance from one another.Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie, who has voiced his opposition the bill, has threatened to demand a roll call vote, which would hold up passage until most lawmakers return to Washington for a vote, prompting backlash at a time when Americans have been urged to self-quarantine or maintain distance from one another.
“Heading to Washington to vote on pandemic legislation. Because of one Member of Congress refusing to allow emergency action entire Congress must be called back to vote in House,” New York representative Peter King wrote on Twitter. “Risk of infection and risk of legislation being delayed. Disgraceful. Irresponsible.”“Heading to Washington to vote on pandemic legislation. Because of one Member of Congress refusing to allow emergency action entire Congress must be called back to vote in House,” New York representative Peter King wrote on Twitter. “Risk of infection and risk of legislation being delayed. Disgraceful. Irresponsible.”
Elsewhere, Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and will have to work leading the government’s efforts to tackle the pandemic in isolation.Elsewhere, Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and will have to work leading the government’s efforts to tackle the pandemic in isolation.
In a video posted on Twitter, the prime minister confirmed he had developed mild symptoms – “a temperature and persistent cough” – over the last 24 hours and, on the advice of the chief medical officer, he took a test which returned positive for coronavirus.In a video posted on Twitter, the prime minister confirmed he had developed mild symptoms – “a temperature and persistent cough” – over the last 24 hours and, on the advice of the chief medical officer, he took a test which returned positive for coronavirus.
Johnson, 55, said he was now self-isolating and working from home. He said thanks to “the wizardry of modern technology” he would continue to lead the national fightback against the virus.Johnson, 55, said he was now self-isolating and working from home. He said thanks to “the wizardry of modern technology” he would continue to lead the national fightback against the virus.