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| US coronavirus live: Florida governor issues stay-home order after weeks of resistance | US coronavirus live: Florida governor issues stay-home order after weeks of resistance |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Ron DeSantis says Floridians must stay at home for 30 days, while Pence says ‘Italy may be most comparable to the US at this point’ – follow it live | Ron DeSantis says Floridians must stay at home for 30 days, while Pence says ‘Italy may be most comparable to the US at this point’ – follow it live |
| The nation’s strategic stockpile of personal protective equipment is nearly depleted, a Department of Homeland Security official has told the Washington Post. | |
| An official anonymously told the Post, “The stockpile was designed to respond to handful of cities. It was never built or designed to fight a 50-state pandemic.” | |
| The White House has repeatedly assured state government’s there is personal protective equipment for workers during the pandemic, but many have said they have not received the supplies they need and have turned to the private market. | |
| Nurses and doctors have protested in front of hospitals, begged on social media, and turned to charities and GoFundMe campaigns for equipment. N95 masks have been particularly hard to find, but workers are also short on gowns, gloves and face shields. | |
| “This is not only a US government problem. The supply chain for PPE worldwide has broken down, and there is a lot of price gouging happening,” the official said. | |
| In turn, many states and local governments have been outbid by international competitors, as US suppliers ship equipment abroad. | |
| Nancy Pelosi criticized Trump and Mitch McConnell for suggesting impeachment distracted the government from responding earlier to coronavirus. | |
| “I think that’s an admission that perhaps the president and the majority leader cannot handle the job,” Pelosi told CNN. | |
| “We have a life and death situation in our country and they should not try to hide behind an excuse for why they did not take action, but it does admit that they did not take action.” | |
| McConnell told a conservative radio host yesterday that the impeachment inquiry and trial “diverted the attention of the government, because everything, every day was all about impeachment.” | |
| Trump later agreed, saying his impeachment “probably did” distract him from responding to the virus, but he still gave himself high marks for his handling of the crisis. | |
| “Did it divert my attention? I think I’m getting A+’s for the way I handled myself during a phony impeachment, OK?” Trump said. | |
| The president has been widely criticized for previously downplaying the threat of the virus, suggesting it would miraculously “disappear” without having much effect on the country. | |
| Less than half of Americans approve of how Trump has responded to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new poll. | |
| The AP/NORC poll found that 44% of Americans support Trump’s handling of the pandemic, which mirrors his 43% approval rating. | |
| Trump’s approval rating has actually inched upward since the pandemic started, but his numbers still trail those of local and state leaders. | |
| More than half of Americans say they support how their individual states have responded to the pandemic. | |
| The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from California: | The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from California: |
| California schools will be unable to reopen for the rest of the school year because of coronavirus, the state superintendent said Tuesday. | California schools will be unable to reopen for the rest of the school year because of coronavirus, the state superintendent said Tuesday. |
| In a letter to local county school officials, California superintendent Tony Thurmond confirmed what officials have been warning parents and students across the state to prepare for since 98.8% of the state’s schools shut down two weeks prior in an effort to curb the spread of the virus, putting 6.1 million students out of school. | In a letter to local county school officials, California superintendent Tony Thurmond confirmed what officials have been warning parents and students across the state to prepare for since 98.8% of the state’s schools shut down two weeks prior in an effort to curb the spread of the virus, putting 6.1 million students out of school. |
| “The need for safety through social distancing warrants that we continue to keep our school campuses closed to students during this pandemic,” California superintendent Tony Thurmond wrote. | “The need for safety through social distancing warrants that we continue to keep our school campuses closed to students during this pandemic,” California superintendent Tony Thurmond wrote. |
| The school year in California typically runs from the end of August to the beginning of June. | The school year in California typically runs from the end of August to the beginning of June. |
| The school closures have put a significant strain on families now tasked with ensuring their children follow along with distance learning, or online learning. Thurmond noted that the schools remaining closed should “in no way suggest that school is over for the year” and that local school districts should focus on delivering education through distance learning. | The school closures have put a significant strain on families now tasked with ensuring their children follow along with distance learning, or online learning. Thurmond noted that the schools remaining closed should “in no way suggest that school is over for the year” and that local school districts should focus on delivering education through distance learning. |
| California also has the highest population of homeless students in the nation, with the National Center for Homeless Education tallying 263,000 students in its latest study. For many of these students, school is the only stability they have in their lives. | California also has the highest population of homeless students in the nation, with the National Center for Homeless Education tallying 263,000 students in its latest study. For many of these students, school is the only stability they have in their lives. |
| For many more, school is the only place where they can access nutritious meals. A number of school districts across the state continued to provide grab-and-go meals for students that needed them during the shut downs. | For many more, school is the only place where they can access nutritious meals. A number of school districts across the state continued to provide grab-and-go meals for students that needed them during the shut downs. |
| California currently has 8,520 positive cases and 180 deaths, according to Covid Tracking. | California currently has 8,520 positive cases and 180 deaths, according to Covid Tracking. |
| Trump said he believes Iran is “planning a sneak attack on U.S. troops and/or assets in Iraq.” | Trump said he believes Iran is “planning a sneak attack on U.S. troops and/or assets in Iraq.” |
| The warning came about an hour after Trump received his intelligence briefing, according to his public schedule. | The warning came about an hour after Trump received his intelligence briefing, according to his public schedule. |
| The president provided little clarity on why he suspected a potential strike, but he said Iran would “pay a very heavy price” if such an attack were carried out. | The president provided little clarity on why he suspected a potential strike, but he said Iran would “pay a very heavy price” if such an attack were carried out. |
| The state of Florida has bent to widespread pressure from Washington and beyond to order all residents to stay at home, as cases of coronavirus have soared there. | The state of Florida has bent to widespread pressure from Washington and beyond to order all residents to stay at home, as cases of coronavirus have soared there. |
| It had been a rough week for Republican Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor and fervent Donald Trump ally who shares the president’s reluctance to use widespread lockdowns as a tool to help contain coronavirus. | It had been a rough week for Republican Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor and fervent Donald Trump ally who shares the president’s reluctance to use widespread lockdowns as a tool to help contain coronavirus. |
| Despite growing pressure from scientists, health officials and political opponents to follow other governors’ leads in shutting down their states entirely, except for essential movements, DeSantis had opted for a piecemeal balance: partial closure in some areas, controversially allowing beaches to remain open and letting cities and counties set their own rules. | Despite growing pressure from scientists, health officials and political opponents to follow other governors’ leads in shutting down their states entirely, except for essential movements, DeSantis had opted for a piecemeal balance: partial closure in some areas, controversially allowing beaches to remain open and letting cities and counties set their own rules. |
| But moments ago the state abandoned its piecemeal efforts and ordered a statewide stay home order. | But moments ago the state abandoned its piecemeal efforts and ordered a statewide stay home order. |
| With 6,741 cases and 85 deaths reported statewide by Wednesday morning, some were concerned that DeSantis’s patchwork of policies would lead to far deadlier consequences than elsewhere - especially with more than 20 percent of the state’s population aged 65 or older. | With 6,741 cases and 85 deaths reported statewide by Wednesday morning, some were concerned that DeSantis’s patchwork of policies would lead to far deadlier consequences than elsewhere - especially with more than 20 percent of the state’s population aged 65 or older. |
| “I’ve called upon the governor to shut down the state. We all stay home, we all do this together,” said Nikki Fried, Florida’s agricultural commissioner and state’s highest elected Democratic official. | “I’ve called upon the governor to shut down the state. We all stay home, we all do this together,” said Nikki Fried, Florida’s agricultural commissioner and state’s highest elected Democratic official. |
| “I’d rather take our approach and save lives because, if he is wrong, the devastation on our state will be felt for a generation. His approach, if it fails, is going to cost lives. I hope I’m wrong, but hope isn’t a policy.” | “I’d rather take our approach and save lives because, if he is wrong, the devastation on our state will be felt for a generation. His approach, if it fails, is going to cost lives. I hope I’m wrong, but hope isn’t a policy.” |
| Opposition to DeSantis’s handling of the coronavirus emergency in Florida had become increasingly vocal in a faltering week that began with the governor banning a reporter from an important press briefing then saw him having to correct himself over a stay-at-home order issued for four of the state’s 67 counties. | Opposition to DeSantis’s handling of the coronavirus emergency in Florida had become increasingly vocal in a faltering week that began with the governor banning a reporter from an important press briefing then saw him having to correct himself over a stay-at-home order issued for four of the state’s 67 counties. |
| On Wednesday morning, US surgeon general Jerome Adams said the federal government’s guidelines for a 30-day social distancing should be taken as an effective stay-home order for the nation. | On Wednesday morning, US surgeon general Jerome Adams said the federal government’s guidelines for a 30-day social distancing should be taken as an effective stay-home order for the nation. |
| New York governor Andrew Cuomo has just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus. | New York governor Andrew Cuomo has just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus. |
| Here’s where the day stands: | Here’s where the day stands: |
| Vice President Mike Pence compared the coronavirus situation in the US to Italy. The comparison sparked concerns, considering Italy has reported more coronavirus deaths than any other country. | Vice President Mike Pence compared the coronavirus situation in the US to Italy. The comparison sparked concerns, considering Italy has reported more coronavirus deaths than any other country. |
| New York has reported more than 83,000 coronavirus cases and 1,941 deaths. Cuomo also announced at his briefing that New York City would close all playgrounds after residents failed to observe social distancing guidelines. | New York has reported more than 83,000 coronavirus cases and 1,941 deaths. Cuomo also announced at his briefing that New York City would close all playgrounds after residents failed to observe social distancing guidelines. |
| The US intelligence community has concluded China under-reported coronavirus cases and deaths, according to a Bloomberg News report. China has reported about 3,300 coronavirus deaths, in comparison to more than 12,000 in Italy. | The US intelligence community has concluded China under-reported coronavirus cases and deaths, according to a Bloomberg News report. China has reported about 3,300 coronavirus deaths, in comparison to more than 12,000 in Italy. |
| The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned. | The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned. |
| New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the New York Police Department will have to “get more aggressive” about enforcing social distancing guidelines. | New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the New York Police Department will have to “get more aggressive” about enforcing social distancing guidelines. |
| The governor has already announced New York City playgrounds will be closed because residents have failed to observe social distancing guidelines there. | The governor has already announced New York City playgrounds will be closed because residents have failed to observe social distancing guidelines there. |
| New York governor Andrew Cuomo said his brother, CNN host Chris Cuomo, is doing well after being diagnosed with coronavirus. | New York governor Andrew Cuomo said his brother, CNN host Chris Cuomo, is doing well after being diagnosed with coronavirus. |
| Cuomo said his brother’s diagnosis showed that anyone can get the virus, even those who are young and generally healthy. | Cuomo said his brother’s diagnosis showed that anyone can get the virus, even those who are young and generally healthy. |
| The governor acknowledged he was “frightened” when he learned of his brother’s diagnosis, even though he is at a much lower risk of developing serious illness. | The governor acknowledged he was “frightened” when he learned of his brother’s diagnosis, even though he is at a much lower risk of developing serious illness. |
| “When he told me he had the coronavirus, it scared me,” Cuomo said. “Even if there is a 1%, 2% chance, it’s frightening. ... Because we are talking about my little brother. This is my best friend.” | “When he told me he had the coronavirus, it scared me,” Cuomo said. “Even if there is a 1%, 2% chance, it’s frightening. ... Because we are talking about my little brother. This is my best friend.” |
| Cuomo said he had the same fears as many of his constituents. “This situation is the same situation for everyone,” Cuomo said. “So yes, I’m frightened for my brother. I’m worried about my brother, as everyone is worried about everyone in their family and everyone they love.” | Cuomo said he had the same fears as many of his constituents. “This situation is the same situation for everyone,” Cuomo said. “So yes, I’m frightened for my brother. I’m worried about my brother, as everyone is worried about everyone in their family and everyone they love.” |
| The governor also applauded his brother for hosting his CNN show last night, anchoring from his basement while he is in quarantine. | The governor also applauded his brother for hosting his CNN show last night, anchoring from his basement while he is in quarantine. |
| “What a gutsy, courageous thing to do,” the governor said of his brother. “My pop would be proud of him.” | “What a gutsy, courageous thing to do,” the governor said of his brother. “My pop would be proud of him.” |
| New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he thought Americans would be living with the consequences of the pandemic for a long time to come. | New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he thought Americans would be living with the consequences of the pandemic for a long time to come. |
| “I don’t think we get back to normal,” Cuomo said. “I think we get to a new normal.” | “I don’t think we get back to normal,” Cuomo said. “I think we get to a new normal.” |
| Cuomo said Americans’ responsibility is to ensure the change brought about by the pandemic will be positive rather than negative. | Cuomo said Americans’ responsibility is to ensure the change brought about by the pandemic will be positive rather than negative. |
| The governor also emphasized that states need to be better prepared for such crises because “something like this will happen again.” | The governor also emphasized that states need to be better prepared for such crises because “something like this will happen again.” |
| New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced New York City playgrounds would be closed due to lack of compliance to social distancing guidelines. | New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced New York City playgrounds would be closed due to lack of compliance to social distancing guidelines. |
| “Compliance is still not where it should be,” Cuomo said. Officials had hoped to keep the playgrounds open, but it became untenable, the governor said. | “Compliance is still not where it should be,” Cuomo said. Officials had hoped to keep the playgrounds open, but it became untenable, the governor said. |
| New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the closure of 10 playgrounds yesterday, but this appears to be an extension of that policy. | New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the closure of 10 playgrounds yesterday, but this appears to be an extension of that policy. |
| Cuomo again told young New Yorkers that they must respect social distancing guidelines in order to mitigate the spread of the virus. | Cuomo again told young New Yorkers that they must respect social distancing guidelines in order to mitigate the spread of the virus. |
| If America sees 100,000 deaths in the coronavirus pandemic, projections show New York could lose 16,000 of its residents, governor Andrew Cuomo said. | If America sees 100,000 deaths in the coronavirus pandemic, projections show New York could lose 16,000 of its residents, governor Andrew Cuomo said. |
| Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said yesterday that Americans should prepare for 100,000 fatalities across the country. | Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said yesterday that Americans should prepare for 100,000 fatalities across the country. |
| Cuomo emphasized New York is suffering the most from the virus right now, but he predicted other states would soon be in similarly dire situations. | Cuomo emphasized New York is suffering the most from the virus right now, but he predicted other states would soon be in similarly dire situations. |
| “Look at us today, see yourself tomorrow,” Cuomo said of Americans living in other states. | “Look at us today, see yourself tomorrow,” Cuomo said of Americans living in other states. |
| New York governor Andrew Cuomo noted there are several different projections on when the state will hit the peak of this crisis. | New York governor Andrew Cuomo noted there are several different projections on when the state will hit the peak of this crisis. |
| Some projections say the apex of the crisis will come in seven days, and others say it will come in six weeks. | Some projections say the apex of the crisis will come in seven days, and others say it will come in six weeks. |
| The model Cuomo has cited is a moderate projection, predicting the apex will come in late April. | The model Cuomo has cited is a moderate projection, predicting the apex will come in late April. |
| New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the coronavirus crisis is expected to hit its peak in the state at the end of April. | New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the coronavirus crisis is expected to hit its peak in the state at the end of April. |
| That would mean at least another month of rising coronavirus cases and deaths, but the governor noted the projection model shifts as more data is received. | That would mean at least another month of rising coronavirus cases and deaths, but the governor noted the projection model shifts as more data is received. |
| Cuomo said the timing of the apex of the crisis would depend upon how well New Yorkers respected social distancing guidelines. | Cuomo said the timing of the apex of the crisis would depend upon how well New Yorkers respected social distancing guidelines. |
| New York has confirmed 83,712 cases of coronavirus, marking an increase of 7,917 since yesterday, New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced. | New York has confirmed 83,712 cases of coronavirus, marking an increase of 7,917 since yesterday, New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced. |
| The virus has now claimed 1,941 lives in New York state, up from 1,550 yesterday. | The virus has now claimed 1,941 lives in New York state, up from 1,550 yesterday. |
| Cuomo noted many people are looking for answers about when this crisis will end, but he said it’s currently impossible to say. “Nobody knows what’s going to happen,” Cuomo said. | Cuomo noted many people are looking for answers about when this crisis will end, but he said it’s currently impossible to say. “Nobody knows what’s going to happen,” Cuomo said. |
| Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders called on Wisconsin to delay its presidential primary, scheduled for next week, because of the coronavirus pandemic. | Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders called on Wisconsin to delay its presidential primary, scheduled for next week, because of the coronavirus pandemic. |
| “People should not be forced to put their lives on the line to vote, which is why 15 states are now following the advice of public health experts and delaying their elections,” Sanders said in a statement. “We urge Wisconsin to join them.” | “People should not be forced to put their lives on the line to vote, which is why 15 states are now following the advice of public health experts and delaying their elections,” Sanders said in a statement. “We urge Wisconsin to join them.” |
| Sanders suggested Wisconsin officials should expand remote voting options for primary voters. “The state should delay Tuesday’s vote, extend early voting and work to move entirely to vote-by-mail,” Sanders said. “While we wait for a decision, we urge our supporters to vote-by-mail.” | Sanders suggested Wisconsin officials should expand remote voting options for primary voters. “The state should delay Tuesday’s vote, extend early voting and work to move entirely to vote-by-mail,” Sanders said. “While we wait for a decision, we urge our supporters to vote-by-mail.” |
| Wisconsin Democrats and civil rights groups have already sued the state, demanding that officials ease requirements to obtain an absentee ballot. | Wisconsin Democrats and civil rights groups have already sued the state, demanding that officials ease requirements to obtain an absentee ballot. |
| Vice President Mike Pence closed his CNN interview by emphasizing that Americans’ daily actions can make a real difference in the pandemic. | Vice President Mike Pence closed his CNN interview by emphasizing that Americans’ daily actions can make a real difference in the pandemic. |
| “There are challenging days ahead, but your future is in your hands,” Pence said. | “There are challenging days ahead, but your future is in your hands,” Pence said. |
| The vice president pointed to early evidence that social distancing measures and stay at home orders in places like Washington state and California are already helping to curb the number of coronavirus cases. | The vice president pointed to early evidence that social distancing measures and stay at home orders in places like Washington state and California are already helping to curb the number of coronavirus cases. |
| “We will get through this,” Pence said, ending on an optimistic note. | “We will get through this,” Pence said, ending on an optimistic note. |