This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/apr/03/coronavirus-live-news-us-donald-trump-latest

The article has changed 24 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
US coronavirus live: Cuomo to seize ventilators from owners to give to hospitals in need US coronavirus live: Cuomo to seize ventilators from owners to give to hospitals in need
(32 minutes later)
Cuomo says ‘We don’t have enough ventilators – period’ and issues order that allows him to take medical equipment from hospitals that are less overwhelmedCuomo says ‘We don’t have enough ventilators – period’ and issues order that allows him to take medical equipment from hospitals that are less overwhelmed
CNN host Brooke Baldwin announced she has tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the second CNN host this week to announce a diagnosis. Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin said $875 million in small business loans have already been processed as part of the Paycheck Protection Program created by the $2 trillion stimulus package.
That $875 million represents a small fraction of the $349 billion the program, which began accepting application today, is expected to distribute.
Some major banks are already reporting a flood of applications that raised concerns about how small businesses would be able to quickly receive the much-needed funds.
Bank of America said it received 10,000 applications by 10 am ET, and some banks have not even opened their application portals yet.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi has issued a statement calling for another bill to build on the $2 trillion stimulus package to help Americans who are suffering financially during the coronavirus pandemic.
“The acceleration of the coronavirus demands that we double down on the downpayment we made in CARES by passing a CARES 2 package,” Pelosi said in a statement. “We must extend and expand this bipartisan legislation to meet the needs of the American people.”
The Democratic speaker called for more direct payments to American families, additional funding to process unemployment claims and resources for the overwhelmed healthcare system. The statement comes one day after the labor department announced nearly 10 million people have filed for unemployment benefits in the past two weeks.
“The coronavirus is moving swiftly, and our communities cannot afford for us to wait,” Pelosi said.
The speaker added that Demorats will also continue working on a potential infrastructure package, which she has referred to as “phase four” of Congress’ coronavirus response.
CNN host Brooke Baldwin said she has tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the second CNN host this week to announce a diagnosis.
“I am OKAY,” Baldwin wrote on Instagram, noting she has no underlying conditions to complicate her illness. “It came on suddenly yesterday afternoon. Chills, aches, fever.”“I am OKAY,” Baldwin wrote on Instagram, noting she has no underlying conditions to complicate her illness. “It came on suddenly yesterday afternoon. Chills, aches, fever.”
CNN host Chris Cuomo, the brother of New York governor Andrew Cuomo, announced earlier this week that he had also been diagnosed with the virus.CNN host Chris Cuomo, the brother of New York governor Andrew Cuomo, announced earlier this week that he had also been diagnosed with the virus.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he would sign an executive order to seize ventilators from hospitals with fewer coronavirus cases. The order, which will allow the state to redistribute ventilators to overwhelmed hospitals, comes as New York reported its highest single-day increase yet in the coronavirus death toll.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he would sign an executive order to seize ventilators from hospitals with fewer coronavirus cases. The order, which will allow the state to redistribute ventilators to overwhelmed hospitals, comes as New York reported its highest single-day increase yet in the coronavirus death toll.
Congressman Adam Schiff has drafted a bill to form a commission to probe the coronavirus response. Schiff said the purpose of the commission would to gather lessons for future crises, but Trump dismissed the idea of a commission yesterday as a Democratic “witch-hunt.”Congressman Adam Schiff has drafted a bill to form a commission to probe the coronavirus response. Schiff said the purpose of the commission would to gather lessons for future crises, but Trump dismissed the idea of a commission yesterday as a Democratic “witch-hunt.”
The unemployment rate rose to 4.4% as the US reported 701,000 job losses. The figure is only expected to rise in the coming months, with the Congressional Budget Office predicting unemployment will surpass 10% this financial quarter.The unemployment rate rose to 4.4% as the US reported 701,000 job losses. The figure is only expected to rise in the coming months, with the Congressional Budget Office predicting unemployment will surpass 10% this financial quarter.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The Guardian’s Stephanie Kirchgaessner reports:The Guardian’s Stephanie Kirchgaessner reports:
The removal of a US naval captain who expressed alarm over sailors on his ship because of the threat of the Covid-19 virus may have violated whistleblower protection laws, according to a lawyer who has studied the issue.The removal of a US naval captain who expressed alarm over sailors on his ship because of the threat of the Covid-19 virus may have violated whistleblower protection laws, according to a lawyer who has studied the issue.
Captain Brett Crozier was relieved of his command of the USS Theodore Roosevelt days after a letter he wrote, which had warned that an outbreak of the virus aboard the aircraft carrier could lead to deaths, was leaked in the press.Captain Brett Crozier was relieved of his command of the USS Theodore Roosevelt days after a letter he wrote, which had warned that an outbreak of the virus aboard the aircraft carrier could lead to deaths, was leaked in the press.
The letter, first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, warned “if we do not act now, we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset - our sailors”.The letter, first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, warned “if we do not act now, we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset - our sailors”.
Thomas Modly, the Navy secretary, announced Crozier’s dismissal due to loss of confidence and not using his chain of command.Thomas Modly, the Navy secretary, announced Crozier’s dismissal due to loss of confidence and not using his chain of command.
While Modly accused Crozier of creating a “panic”, online videos showed what the Navy Times dubbed a “hero’s farewell”.While Modly accused Crozier of creating a “panic”, online videos showed what the Navy Times dubbed a “hero’s farewell”.
Stephen Kohn, a Washington DC-based attorney who represents whistleblowers (but is not representing Crozier) said military law permitted Crozier to inform officials of “life-threatening conditions” as well as “gross mismanagement” by the US Navy.Stephen Kohn, a Washington DC-based attorney who represents whistleblowers (but is not representing Crozier) said military law permitted Crozier to inform officials of “life-threatening conditions” as well as “gross mismanagement” by the US Navy.
“Consequently, Captain Crozier’s memorandum to the Navy was a protected disclosure under law,” Kohn said.“Consequently, Captain Crozier’s memorandum to the Navy was a protected disclosure under law,” Kohn said.
CNN has reported that the Navy was concerned that Crozier had used an “unsecure system” to email his memo, increasing chances that it could be leaked.CNN has reported that the Navy was concerned that Crozier had used an “unsecure system” to email his memo, increasing chances that it could be leaked.
Kohn said the justification appeared to raise the spectre of illegal retaliation.Kohn said the justification appeared to raise the spectre of illegal retaliation.
“Under military law, whistleblower disclosures made by Captain Crozier would only lose their protection if they were ‘unlawful.’ The Navy has not alleged that any of Captain Crozier’s communications violated the law,” Kohn said.“Under military law, whistleblower disclosures made by Captain Crozier would only lose their protection if they were ‘unlawful.’ The Navy has not alleged that any of Captain Crozier’s communications violated the law,” Kohn said.
Washington may not see its peak of coronavirus hospitalizations until July, mayor Muriel Bowser announced in a briefing on the capital city’s response to the pandemic.Washington may not see its peak of coronavirus hospitalizations until July, mayor Muriel Bowser announced in a briefing on the capital city’s response to the pandemic.
Bowser said Washington would need more than 2,700 new ICU beds by early July to address the surge in hospitalizations. The city has less than 100 ICU beds available now.Bowser said Washington would need more than 2,700 new ICU beds by early July to address the surge in hospitalizations. The city has less than 100 ICU beds available now.
Officials estimate that Washington will see 93,000 cases of coronavirus over the course of the pandemic and up to 1,000 fatalities. More than 700 cases have already been confirmed in the city, and 15 residents have died.Officials estimate that Washington will see 93,000 cases of coronavirus over the course of the pandemic and up to 1,000 fatalities. More than 700 cases have already been confirmed in the city, and 15 residents have died.
Bowser also unsurprisingly confirmed that the city’s schools will not reopen on April 27, as previously hoped, but a final decision on that matter will be issued later.Bowser also unsurprisingly confirmed that the city’s schools will not reopen on April 27, as previously hoped, but a final decision on that matter will be issued later.
The Guardian’s Andrew Roth reports from Moscow:The Guardian’s Andrew Roth reports from Moscow:
Hundreds of US citizens have been stranded in Moscow after an evacuation flight to New York was grounded at the last moment due to a Russian ban on all international flights.Hundreds of US citizens have been stranded in Moscow after an evacuation flight to New York was grounded at the last moment due to a Russian ban on all international flights.
The Aeroflot flight was meant to carry US citizens seeking to leave Russia, and then repatriate hundreds of Russians stranded in the United States.The Aeroflot flight was meant to carry US citizens seeking to leave Russia, and then repatriate hundreds of Russians stranded in the United States.
Russia has closed its international borders for most travellers, and this afternoon announced that it would impose a ban on all international flights in and out of Russia as of Saturday morning.Russia has closed its international borders for most travellers, and this afternoon announced that it would impose a ban on all international flights in and out of Russia as of Saturday morning.
The flight cancellation came after passengers had already boarded the flight. Some had been trying to leave Russia for weeks. Others had been living in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport for days, waiting for a chance to leave the country.The flight cancellation came after passengers had already boarded the flight. Some had been trying to leave Russia for weeks. Others had been living in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport for days, waiting for a chance to leave the country.
Nicholas Mackay, a ballet photographer who lives in Russia, said that he has been trying to travel to the United States for several weeks to reach his father, who is sick with cancer.Nicholas Mackay, a ballet photographer who lives in Russia, said that he has been trying to travel to the United States for several weeks to reach his father, who is sick with cancer.
“We were already on the flight, and then a flight attendant came on over the intercom and told us that we are not flying out, the flight is cancelled and all flights are cancelled by the Russian government,” he said by telephone.“We were already on the flight, and then a flight attendant came on over the intercom and told us that we are not flying out, the flight is cancelled and all flights are cancelled by the Russian government,” he said by telephone.
“There’s no information. We’re not even able to get any money back from our flight. We’re only able to change for a different day. A different day is no day, because no one knows when international travel will be OK in this whole situation.”“There’s no information. We’re not even able to get any money back from our flight. We’re only able to change for a different day. A different day is no day, because no one knows when international travel will be OK in this whole situation.”
A US embassy spokesperson said: “The US Embassy is aware of the inexplicable cancellation of today’s Aeroflot flight to New York. The flight was full of US citizens anxious to get home. We are awaiting an explanation from the Russian Federation. We continue to work to find ways to help US citizens return home.”A US embassy spokesperson said: “The US Embassy is aware of the inexplicable cancellation of today’s Aeroflot flight to New York. The flight was full of US citizens anxious to get home. We are awaiting an explanation from the Russian Federation. We continue to work to find ways to help US citizens return home.”
During his daily briefing, New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the temporary hopsital at the Javits Center would be converted into a coronavirus facility because there are so few non-coronavirus cases right now.During his daily briefing, New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the temporary hopsital at the Javits Center would be converted into a coronavirus facility because there are so few non-coronavirus cases right now.
“We don’t have non-Covid people to any great extent in the hospitals,” Cuomo said. “Hospitals have now turned into effectively ICU hospitals for Covid patients.”“We don’t have non-Covid people to any great extent in the hospitals,” Cuomo said. “Hospitals have now turned into effectively ICU hospitals for Covid patients.”
Cuomo’s comments come as reports indicate the Navy hospital ship Comfort, which is in New York to treat non-coronavirus patients, has only received 20 patients so far.Cuomo’s comments come as reports indicate the Navy hospital ship Comfort, which is in New York to treat non-coronavirus patients, has only received 20 patients so far.
Meanwhile, the city’s emergency rooms are overrun with coronavirus patients, and medical professionals are working long hours to confront the surge in cases.Meanwhile, the city’s emergency rooms are overrun with coronavirus patients, and medical professionals are working long hours to confront the surge in cases.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s coronavirus response.New York governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s coronavirus response.
Here’s what he covered:Here’s what he covered:
Cuomo will sign an executive order to allow the state to take ventilators from hospitals with fewer coronavirus cases and give them to hospitals in need. Cuomo pushed back against a reporter who said the state would “seize” the medical equipment, but that seems like an accurate description considering the National Guard will be used for the operation.Cuomo will sign an executive order to allow the state to take ventilators from hospitals with fewer coronavirus cases and give them to hospitals in need. Cuomo pushed back against a reporter who said the state would “seize” the medical equipment, but that seems like an accurate description considering the National Guard will be used for the operation.
New York has recorded 2,935 deaths linked to coronavirus, up from from 2,373 a day earlier, marking the largest single-day increase in the death toll since the crisis struck the state. New York has also confirmed 102,863 cases of the virus.New York has recorded 2,935 deaths linked to coronavirus, up from from 2,373 a day earlier, marking the largest single-day increase in the death toll since the crisis struck the state. New York has also confirmed 102,863 cases of the virus.
Officials offered a mixed message on whether everyone should wear face coverings to limit the spread of the virus. State health commissioner Howard Zucker noted there was no data to confirm face coverings help prevent transmissions, but Cuomo said it “couldn’t hurt” to wear them.Officials offered a mixed message on whether everyone should wear face coverings to limit the spread of the virus. State health commissioner Howard Zucker noted there was no data to confirm face coverings help prevent transmissions, but Cuomo said it “couldn’t hurt” to wear them.
Cuomo once again expressed bafflement and anger that the state has to rely on China for the production of medical equipment. “It is unbelievable to me that in New York state, in the United States of America, that we can’t make these materials,” Cuomo said.Cuomo once again expressed bafflement and anger that the state has to rely on China for the production of medical equipment. “It is unbelievable to me that in New York state, in the United States of America, that we can’t make these materials,” Cuomo said.
The temporary hospital at the Javits Center will begin receiving coronavirus patients, even though officials originally said the facility would treat non-coronavirus patients. Cuomo said there simply aren’t enough non-coronavirus cases right now to make that plan worthwhile.The temporary hospital at the Javits Center will begin receiving coronavirus patients, even though officials originally said the facility would treat non-coronavirus patients. Cuomo said there simply aren’t enough non-coronavirus cases right now to make that plan worthwhile.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo closed his press conference on a message of hope, saying the state will “find the light” at the end of this crisis.New York governor Andrew Cuomo closed his press conference on a message of hope, saying the state will “find the light” at the end of this crisis.
“This is hard personally,” Cuomo said of the state’s rising coronavirus death toll. “It’s hard to stay in this all day and then it’s hard staying up all night watching the numbers go up … and knowing that you’re in charge of the ship.”“This is hard personally,” Cuomo said of the state’s rising coronavirus death toll. “It’s hard to stay in this all day and then it’s hard staying up all night watching the numbers go up … and knowing that you’re in charge of the ship.”
But the governor emphasized the state would make it through the pandemic. “Once you go through darkness, you will find the light,” Cuomo said. “We will find the light.”But the governor emphasized the state would make it through the pandemic. “Once you go through darkness, you will find the light,” Cuomo said. “We will find the light.”
Moments ago, New York officials painted a mixed picture on whether all residents should wear face coverings to limit the spread of the virus.Moments ago, New York officials painted a mixed picture on whether all residents should wear face coverings to limit the spread of the virus.
“There’s no data to support the effectiveness of face masks,” said Dr Howard Zucker, the New York state health commissioner.“There’s no data to support the effectiveness of face masks,” said Dr Howard Zucker, the New York state health commissioner.
But governor Andrew Cuomo then suggested it might be worth wearing face coverings considering the lack of clear evidence on the matter. “The masks couldn’t hurt,” Cuomo said.But governor Andrew Cuomo then suggested it might be worth wearing face coverings considering the lack of clear evidence on the matter. “The masks couldn’t hurt,” Cuomo said.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo dismissed concerns that the state may be sued over his executive order to take ventilators from hospitals with fewer coronavirus cases.New York governor Andrew Cuomo dismissed concerns that the state may be sued over his executive order to take ventilators from hospitals with fewer coronavirus cases.
“If they want to sue me for borrrowing their excess ventilators to save lives, then let them sue me,” Cuomo said of the plan.“If they want to sue me for borrrowing their excess ventilators to save lives, then let them sue me,” Cuomo said of the plan.
Cuomo noted the state would return the ventilators to their owners or reimburse them for the cost of the equipment.Cuomo noted the state would return the ventilators to their owners or reimburse them for the cost of the equipment.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo pushed back against the word “seize” to describe the redistribution of ventilators from less-stressed hospitals to the hospitals with the most coronavirus cases.New York governor Andrew Cuomo pushed back against the word “seize” to describe the redistribution of ventilators from less-stressed hospitals to the hospitals with the most coronavirus cases.
“It’s sharing of resources,” Cuomo said of the executive order he plans to sign.“It’s sharing of resources,” Cuomo said of the executive order he plans to sign.
But that characterization seems dubious, considering Cuomo said the National Guard would be used to take the ventilators.But that characterization seems dubious, considering Cuomo said the National Guard would be used to take the ventilators.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said 20,000 medical professionals from other parts of the country have volunteered to help the state as it confronts this crisis.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said 20,000 medical professionals from other parts of the country have volunteered to help the state as it confronts this crisis.
Cuomo emphasized the state would send similar aid to “any community in this nation that needs it” once New York passes its peak number of coronavirus cases.Cuomo emphasized the state would send similar aid to “any community in this nation that needs it” once New York passes its peak number of coronavirus cases.
New York mayor Bill de Blasio suggested earlier today that the country needs a national enlistment program for medical professionals to deploy staff to the most stressed regions as the crisis develops.New York mayor Bill de Blasio suggested earlier today that the country needs a national enlistment program for medical professionals to deploy staff to the most stressed regions as the crisis develops.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said ventilators would be seized from less-stressed hospitals to give them to areas where they are “urgently required to save lives.”New York governor Andrew Cuomo said ventilators would be seized from less-stressed hospitals to give them to areas where they are “urgently required to save lives.”
The use of military members to seize medical equipment sends a clear message that New York is entering a new phase of the coronavirus crisis, coming as the state recorded its highest single-day death toll yet.The use of military members to seize medical equipment sends a clear message that New York is entering a new phase of the coronavirus crisis, coming as the state recorded its highest single-day death toll yet.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he would sign an executive order to seize medical equipment from hospitals that are not as overwhelmed with coronavirus patients right now.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he would sign an executive order to seize medical equipment from hospitals that are not as overwhelmed with coronavirus patients right now.
Cuomo said the National Guard would be used to take ventilators and personal protective equipment to help hospitals that are particularly hard hit right now, presumably those in New York City and Long Island.Cuomo said the National Guard would be used to take ventilators and personal protective equipment to help hospitals that are particularly hard hit right now, presumably those in New York City and Long Island.
Cuomo said the equipment would be returned or reimbursed, but the move is likely to spark outcry from hospitals in upstate New York, which has seen fewer coronavirus cases.Cuomo said the equipment would be returned or reimbursed, but the move is likely to spark outcry from hospitals in upstate New York, which has seen fewer coronavirus cases.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the temporary hospital constructed at the Javits Center in Manhattan would now receive coronavirus patients.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the temporary hospital constructed at the Javits Center in Manhattan would now receive coronavirus patients.
The orignal plan was for the convention center to receive non-coronavirus patients to help free up space in the city’s hospitals, but Cuomo said there were simply not enough non-coronavirus patients right now to make that plan worthwhile.The orignal plan was for the convention center to receive non-coronavirus patients to help free up space in the city’s hospitals, but Cuomo said there were simply not enough non-coronavirus patients right now to make that plan worthwhile.
Cuomo also warned that the city is running dangerously low on ventilators. “We don’t have enough,” the governor said. “Period.”Cuomo also warned that the city is running dangerously low on ventilators. “We don’t have enough,” the governor said. “Period.”
Cuomo said yesterady that the state was expected to run out of ventilators in less than a week.Cuomo said yesterady that the state was expected to run out of ventilators in less than a week.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo expressed bafflement and anger that the US cannot produce its own medical materials as hospitals run dangerously low on personal protective equipment.New York governor Andrew Cuomo expressed bafflement and anger that the US cannot produce its own medical materials as hospitals run dangerously low on personal protective equipment.
“It is unbelievable to me that in New York state, in the United States of America, that we can’t make these materials,” Cuomo said.“It is unbelievable to me that in New York state, in the United States of America, that we can’t make these materials,” Cuomo said.
The governor implored companies yesterday to shift production toward medical equipment, promising to pay “a premium” for the materials.The governor implored companies yesterday to shift production toward medical equipment, promising to pay “a premium” for the materials.