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Amid Warnings of a Coronavirus ‘Pearl Harbor,’ Governors Walk a Fine Line Amid Warnings of a Coronavirus ‘Pearl Harbor,’ Governors Walk a Fine Line
(3 days later)
As the surgeon general told the nation to brace for “our Pearl Harbor moment” of cascading coronavirus deaths this week, several governors said on Sunday that their states were in urgent need of federal help and complained that they had been left to compete for critical equipment in the absence of a consistent strategy and coordination from the Trump administration.As the surgeon general told the nation to brace for “our Pearl Harbor moment” of cascading coronavirus deaths this week, several governors said on Sunday that their states were in urgent need of federal help and complained that they had been left to compete for critical equipment in the absence of a consistent strategy and coordination from the Trump administration.
Some clearly walked a delicate path, criticizing what they saw as an erratic, inadequate federal response, while also trying to avoid alienating the White House as states vie with one another for resources both from Washington and on the market that can mean the difference between life and death.Some clearly walked a delicate path, criticizing what they saw as an erratic, inadequate federal response, while also trying to avoid alienating the White House as states vie with one another for resources both from Washington and on the market that can mean the difference between life and death.
“I’m grateful for the help that we’ve gotten,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, a Democrat, said in an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.” But she also expressed her alarm over what she described as “not having a national strategy where there is one policy for the country as opposed to a patchwork based on who the governor is.”“I’m grateful for the help that we’ve gotten,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, a Democrat, said in an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.” But she also expressed her alarm over what she described as “not having a national strategy where there is one policy for the country as opposed to a patchwork based on who the governor is.”
The result, she added, “is creating a more porous situation where Covid-19 will go longer and more people will get sick.”The result, she added, “is creating a more porous situation where Covid-19 will go longer and more people will get sick.”
Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, also a Democrat, was more blunt in his depiction of a chaotic federal response.Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, also a Democrat, was more blunt in his depiction of a chaotic federal response.
“This is ludicrous that we do not have a national effort in this,” Mr. Inslee said in an interview on “Meet the Press” on NBC. “To say, ‘we’re a backup’ — I mean, the surgeon general alluded to Pearl Harbor. Can you imagine if Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, ‘I’ll be right behind you, Connecticut. Good luck building those battleships’?”“This is ludicrous that we do not have a national effort in this,” Mr. Inslee said in an interview on “Meet the Press” on NBC. “To say, ‘we’re a backup’ — I mean, the surgeon general alluded to Pearl Harbor. Can you imagine if Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, ‘I’ll be right behind you, Connecticut. Good luck building those battleships’?”
President Trump at a news conference on Sunday tried to balance the grim short-term prognosis with a more optimistic view of the fight against the pandemic. He said he saw “light at the end of the tunnel” as his administration marshaled the “full power of the American government and American enterprise.” And he dismissed criticism from some governors as mere politics. Instead, Mr. Trump said he had worked in close concert with governors as the federal government has sent out ventilators, masks, gloves and gowns across the country.President Trump at a news conference on Sunday tried to balance the grim short-term prognosis with a more optimistic view of the fight against the pandemic. He said he saw “light at the end of the tunnel” as his administration marshaled the “full power of the American government and American enterprise.” And he dismissed criticism from some governors as mere politics. Instead, Mr. Trump said he had worked in close concert with governors as the federal government has sent out ventilators, masks, gloves and gowns across the country.
“We have the best doctors, the best military leaders and the best logistics professionals anywhere in the world, and we’re orchestrating a massive federal response unlike anything our country has ever seen or done,” Mr. Trump said.“We have the best doctors, the best military leaders and the best logistics professionals anywhere in the world, and we’re orchestrating a massive federal response unlike anything our country has ever seen or done,” Mr. Trump said.
The back and forth came as federal officials have projected a particularly bad week ahead, as many Americans prepared to observe Passover and Easter without traditional services or family gatherings. Three major metropolitan areas — New York, Detroit and New Orleans — have seen death rates rise rapidly, and other states are anticipating a peak in cases later this month.The back and forth came as federal officials have projected a particularly bad week ahead, as many Americans prepared to observe Passover and Easter without traditional services or family gatherings. Three major metropolitan areas — New York, Detroit and New Orleans — have seen death rates rise rapidly, and other states are anticipating a peak in cases later this month.
In New York, where the death toll has climbed to over 4,000 people, with more than 122,000 confirmed cases, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Sunday that there were indications of “slight plateauing.” But he noted that it was too soon to say whether the changes in the numbers were indicative of a trend.In New York, where the death toll has climbed to over 4,000 people, with more than 122,000 confirmed cases, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Sunday that there were indications of “slight plateauing.” But he noted that it was too soon to say whether the changes in the numbers were indicative of a trend.
In Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards said his state could run out of ventilators as soon as Thursday. And Mr. Cuomo described the logistical struggle in New York to get hospitals the equipment they need.In Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards said his state could run out of ventilators as soon as Thursday. And Mr. Cuomo described the logistical struggle in New York to get hospitals the equipment they need.
“I can’t say to a hospital, ‘I will send you all the supplies you need, I will send you all the ventilators you need,’” he said in a briefing on Sunday. “We don’t have them. It’s not an exercise. It’s not a drill. It’s just a statement of reality. You’re going to have to shift and deploy resources to different locations based on the need of that location.”“I can’t say to a hospital, ‘I will send you all the supplies you need, I will send you all the ventilators you need,’” he said in a briefing on Sunday. “We don’t have them. It’s not an exercise. It’s not a drill. It’s just a statement of reality. You’re going to have to shift and deploy resources to different locations based on the need of that location.”
The increasingly dire need for ventilators and protective equipment has touched off a race between states, cities and hospitals to buy up the equipment. In a conference call with the nation’s governors last month, Mr. Trump told the states that the federal government would be backing them, but that they should try to procure their medical supplies themselves.The increasingly dire need for ventilators and protective equipment has touched off a race between states, cities and hospitals to buy up the equipment. In a conference call with the nation’s governors last month, Mr. Trump told the states that the federal government would be backing them, but that they should try to procure their medical supplies themselves.
“We’ve been outbid by another state after we had the order confirmed, so yes, that has been challenging for us,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, a Republican, said on “Meet the Press.” “But we recognize that the federal government has said, ‘We’re your backstop. You’ve got to get out there and compete.’ And it literally is a global jungle that we’re competing in now.”“We’ve been outbid by another state after we had the order confirmed, so yes, that has been challenging for us,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, a Republican, said on “Meet the Press.” “But we recognize that the federal government has said, ‘We’re your backstop. You’ve got to get out there and compete.’ And it literally is a global jungle that we’re competing in now.”
Governors have aired their frustration as they called on the Trump administration to do more, like using the federal Defense Production Act more aggressively to ramp up manufacturing of the necessary equipment or putting in effect a national stay-at-home order. Many governors have been tempered in their criticisms, acknowledging the need for a solid working relationship with the president as the crisis continued to grow.Governors have aired their frustration as they called on the Trump administration to do more, like using the federal Defense Production Act more aggressively to ramp up manufacturing of the necessary equipment or putting in effect a national stay-at-home order. Many governors have been tempered in their criticisms, acknowledging the need for a solid working relationship with the president as the crisis continued to grow.
But in interviews on the Sunday morning talk shows, some ventured further as they pushed for the administration to take stronger action.But in interviews on the Sunday morning talk shows, some ventured further as they pushed for the administration to take stronger action.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, who is also a Democrat, accused the Trump administration of not reacting quickly enough to the warnings of the seriousness of the virus released by intelligence agencies in January and February.Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, who is also a Democrat, accused the Trump administration of not reacting quickly enough to the warnings of the seriousness of the virus released by intelligence agencies in January and February.
“If they had started in February building ventilators, getting ready for this pandemic,” Mr. Pritzker said on CNN’s “State of the Union,” “we would not have the problems we are having today and, frankly, very many fewer people would die.”“If they had started in February building ventilators, getting ready for this pandemic,” Mr. Pritzker said on CNN’s “State of the Union,” “we would not have the problems we are having today and, frankly, very many fewer people would die.”
Officials at virtually every level redoubled their efforts on Sunday to prepare the nation for a surge in illnesses and deaths, warning of an emergency that will most likely be among the most calamitous that Americans have faced. Already, more than 9,000 people have died because of the virus in the United States, a number that some experts said understates the deaths so far. Federal officials said projections showed the toll could climb to at least 100,000 people.Officials at virtually every level redoubled their efforts on Sunday to prepare the nation for a surge in illnesses and deaths, warning of an emergency that will most likely be among the most calamitous that Americans have faced. Already, more than 9,000 people have died because of the virus in the United States, a number that some experts said understates the deaths so far. Federal officials said projections showed the toll could climb to at least 100,000 people.
“The next week is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment,” Dr. Jerome M. Adams, the United States surgeon general, said in an interview on “Meet the Press.” “It’s going to be our 9/11 moment. It’s going to be the hardest moment for many Americans in their entire lives, and we really need to understand that if we want to flatten that curve and get through to the other side, everyone needs to do their part.”“The next week is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment,” Dr. Jerome M. Adams, the United States surgeon general, said in an interview on “Meet the Press.” “It’s going to be our 9/11 moment. It’s going to be the hardest moment for many Americans in their entire lives, and we really need to understand that if we want to flatten that curve and get through to the other side, everyone needs to do their part.”
His dire warnings were echoed by Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.His dire warnings were echoed by Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
“This is going to be a bad week,” he said on the news show “Face the Nation.” He added: “It is going to be shocking to some, it certainly is really disturbing to see that, but that’s what’s going to happen before it turns around.”“This is going to be a bad week,” he said on the news show “Face the Nation.” He added: “It is going to be shocking to some, it certainly is really disturbing to see that, but that’s what’s going to happen before it turns around.”
While Dr. Fauci said the mitigation strategies around the country appeared to be having an effect, he pushed back against a suggestion that the outbreak is under control. “I’m not saying we have it under control,” he said. “That would be a false statement. We are struggling to get it under control.”While Dr. Fauci said the mitigation strategies around the country appeared to be having an effect, he pushed back against a suggestion that the outbreak is under control. “I’m not saying we have it under control,” he said. “That would be a false statement. We are struggling to get it under control.”
As needs have shifted, Washington State has decided to return more than 400 ventilators to the Strategic National Stockpile, and Oregon announced that it would send 140 ventilators directly to New York. The Chinese government facilitated the donation of 1,000 more ventilators to New York.As needs have shifted, Washington State has decided to return more than 400 ventilators to the Strategic National Stockpile, and Oregon announced that it would send 140 ventilators directly to New York. The Chinese government facilitated the donation of 1,000 more ventilators to New York.
Simon Johnson, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management who has started an alliance to develop policy proposals to combat the coronavirus, said that countries like Israel and Italy were rapidly buying up China’s extra production capacity, and that the United States was at risk of losing out.Simon Johnson, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management who has started an alliance to develop policy proposals to combat the coronavirus, said that countries like Israel and Italy were rapidly buying up China’s extra production capacity, and that the United States was at risk of losing out.
“What’s going to happen is if the states all go after the P.P.E. individually, it will not get deployed nationally in a way that makes sense,” Professor Johnson said, referring to personal protective equipment. “It’s every man or woman for themselves.”“What’s going to happen is if the states all go after the P.P.E. individually, it will not get deployed nationally in a way that makes sense,” Professor Johnson said, referring to personal protective equipment. “It’s every man or woman for themselves.”
Mr. Pritzker was among the most vocal in arguing that the federal government is falling short in its role of making sure states are getting what they need. He has requested 4,000 ventilators from the federal government and noted that states do not have the same power as the federal government, especially when it comes to use of the Defense Production Act. Illinois has so far received about 450 ventilators.Mr. Pritzker was among the most vocal in arguing that the federal government is falling short in its role of making sure states are getting what they need. He has requested 4,000 ventilators from the federal government and noted that states do not have the same power as the federal government, especially when it comes to use of the Defense Production Act. Illinois has so far received about 450 ventilators.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“There’s no way that we can stockpile in anticipation of a pandemic that no one anticipated, and yet the federal government is responsible for doing precisely that,” Mr. Pritzker said, who added that Illinois’s peak was expected toward the end of April. As of Sunday, Illinois had reported over 11,000 infections and 274 deaths, and has begun setting up makeshift hospitals.“There’s no way that we can stockpile in anticipation of a pandemic that no one anticipated, and yet the federal government is responsible for doing precisely that,” Mr. Pritzker said, who added that Illinois’s peak was expected toward the end of April. As of Sunday, Illinois had reported over 11,000 infections and 274 deaths, and has begun setting up makeshift hospitals.
Mr. Trump has bristled at criticism from governors, saying that he has at different points directed Vice President Mike Pence to stop calling Ms. Whitmer and Mr. Inslee. “I want them to be appreciative,” he said.Mr. Trump has bristled at criticism from governors, saying that he has at different points directed Vice President Mike Pence to stop calling Ms. Whitmer and Mr. Inslee. “I want them to be appreciative,” he said.
The president specifically called out Mr. Pritzker at his news conference on Sunday, saying, “There’s a governor I hear complaining all the time.” Mr. Trump added, “He has not performed well.”The president specifically called out Mr. Pritzker at his news conference on Sunday, saying, “There’s a governor I hear complaining all the time.” Mr. Trump added, “He has not performed well.”
The Trump administration said that its handling of the pandemic was “about saving lives,” rising above politics and acting forcefully in trying to curb the virus’s spread.The Trump administration said that its handling of the pandemic was “about saving lives,” rising above politics and acting forcefully in trying to curb the virus’s spread.
“Every level of government needs to deliver solutions, and that is what we are doing in partnership,” Judd Deere, a White House spokesman, said in a statement on Sunday. “During these difficult times, Americans are receiving comfort, hope and resources from their president, as well as their local officials, because this is an all-of-America effort.”“Every level of government needs to deliver solutions, and that is what we are doing in partnership,” Judd Deere, a White House spokesman, said in a statement on Sunday. “During these difficult times, Americans are receiving comfort, hope and resources from their president, as well as their local officials, because this is an all-of-America effort.”
Ray Mabus, the Democratic governor of Mississippi from 1988 to 1992, said that it was a “moral imperative” for state officials to speak up about getting the supplies and support needed.Ray Mabus, the Democratic governor of Mississippi from 1988 to 1992, said that it was a “moral imperative” for state officials to speak up about getting the supplies and support needed.
“If you don’t speak out, if you are afraid of somehow incurring the wrath of this guy, then I think you’re failing in your duty to the people who elected you.”“If you don’t speak out, if you are afraid of somehow incurring the wrath of this guy, then I think you’re failing in your duty to the people who elected you.”
Still, emergencies have long created tensions between federal, state and local officials. Politicians and analysts said there were added challenges now given the scope of the pandemic and the depths of the nation’s political divides.Still, emergencies have long created tensions between federal, state and local officials. Politicians and analysts said there were added challenges now given the scope of the pandemic and the depths of the nation’s political divides.
“I’d say there’s always a dance between any governor and sitting administration in knowing that you have to draw between the lines and look for ways of working constructively with that administration regardless of your party,” said Mark Sanford, the former South Carolina governor and Republican congressman, who lost his seat in Congress after Mr. Trump endorsed his primary opponent.“I’d say there’s always a dance between any governor and sitting administration in knowing that you have to draw between the lines and look for ways of working constructively with that administration regardless of your party,” said Mark Sanford, the former South Carolina governor and Republican congressman, who lost his seat in Congress after Mr. Trump endorsed his primary opponent.
That said, he added: “This president’s a bit of an outlier as it relates to a perceived slight or the perception of loyalty, and who seems to think things in remarkably personal terms, whether slight was meant, or regardless of intent.”That said, he added: “This president’s a bit of an outlier as it relates to a perceived slight or the perception of loyalty, and who seems to think things in remarkably personal terms, whether slight was meant, or regardless of intent.”
For now, facing the prospect of a brutal few weeks, many governors are arguing for a more aggressive national approach and doing what they can in their own states.For now, facing the prospect of a brutal few weeks, many governors are arguing for a more aggressive national approach and doing what they can in their own states.
Ms. Whitmer, the Michigan governor, contended that a more stringent response now could help contain the pandemic, even if it means sharper immediate economic pain.Ms. Whitmer, the Michigan governor, contended that a more stringent response now could help contain the pandemic, even if it means sharper immediate economic pain.
“The shorter we make it,” she said, “the better for our health and the better for our economy.”“The shorter we make it,” she said, “the better for our health and the better for our economy.”
Mike Baker, Michael Crowley, Ana Swanson and Katie Thomas contributed reporting.Mike Baker, Michael Crowley, Ana Swanson and Katie Thomas contributed reporting.