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Coronavirus US live: New York suffers highest single-day death toll Coronavirus US live: New York suffers highest single-day death toll
(32 minutes later)
Governor Andrew Cuomo holds daily press conference, warning as deaths continue to rise that a return to normal life would depend on testingGovernor Andrew Cuomo holds daily press conference, warning as deaths continue to rise that a return to normal life would depend on testing
Voting continues in Wisconsin today, a bizarre and alarming situation you can read more about here, in a report from our voting rights reporter Sam Levine:
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel files a very telling picture and accompanying reportage. It’s live blog is here…
Here’s where the day stands so far:
New York saw the biggest single-day increase in its coronavirus death toll. The state has recorded 5,489 deaths linked to the virus, up from 4,758 a day earlier. New York accounts for about half of all coronavirus deaths in the US.
The White House communications team has been overhauled. Press secretary Stephanie Grisham, who never held a single White House briefing, is being replaced by Trump campaign spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany.
Trump has reportedly removed a Pentagon official tapped to oversee the coronavirus relief effort from his post. Acting Pentagon inspector general Glenn Fine was supposed to oversee implementation of the $2 trillion coronavirus bill, but a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed he is no longer on the accountability committee.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Trump has reportedly removed a Pentagon offical who was supposed to oversee implementation of the $2 trillion coronavirus bill from his post.Trump has reportedly removed a Pentagon offical who was supposed to oversee implementation of the $2 trillion coronavirus bill from his post.
Politico reports:Politico reports:
The move comes just four days after Trump ousted Michael Atkinson, the inspector general of the intelligence community who designated the whistleblower complaint that kicked off the impeachment inquiry to be an “urgent concern.”The move comes just four days after Trump ousted Michael Atkinson, the inspector general of the intelligence community who designated the whistleblower complaint that kicked off the impeachment inquiry to be an “urgent concern.”
A billboard urging Iowa governor Kim Reynolds to implement a stay-at-home order will be circling the state capitol on a loop today, courtesy of a nationwide group of doctors.A billboard urging Iowa governor Kim Reynolds to implement a stay-at-home order will be circling the state capitol on a loop today, courtesy of a nationwide group of doctors.
Iowa is one of eight states which has not instituted a statewide order, despite pleas from mayors across the state. The Committee to Protect Medicare, an organization of doctors which advocates for health care for all, has dispatched a billboard to Des Moines to pressure Reynolds into action.Iowa is one of eight states which has not instituted a statewide order, despite pleas from mayors across the state. The Committee to Protect Medicare, an organization of doctors which advocates for health care for all, has dispatched a billboard to Des Moines to pressure Reynolds into action.
“We know that physical distancing is the number one thing we can do to limit the spread of the virus, limit the impact it has on individuals, but really limit the impact it has on hospitals in general so they don’t get overwhelmed beyond their capacity,” said Rob Davidson, a Michigan-based ER doctor and executive director of the Committee to Protect Medicare.“We know that physical distancing is the number one thing we can do to limit the spread of the virus, limit the impact it has on individuals, but really limit the impact it has on hospitals in general so they don’t get overwhelmed beyond their capacity,” said Rob Davidson, a Michigan-based ER doctor and executive director of the Committee to Protect Medicare.
“It’s imperative that from the top of leadership statewide and nationally citizens understand the imperative to not be gathering in groups,” Davidson said.“It’s imperative that from the top of leadership statewide and nationally citizens understand the imperative to not be gathering in groups,” Davidson said.
The group is also calling for Donald Trump to instigate a nationwide shelter-in-place, something Trump has so far resisted. On Friday the Iowa Board of Medicine voted to recommend a stay-at-home order, while the Iowa Medical Society has made the same request.The group is also calling for Donald Trump to instigate a nationwide shelter-in-place, something Trump has so far resisted. On Friday the Iowa Board of Medicine voted to recommend a stay-at-home order, while the Iowa Medical Society has made the same request.
Reynolds has defended the lack of a ban, saying she had ordered schools and some businesses to close and asked people not to gather in groups of ten or more. On Tuesday she expanded the list of businesses which will be forced to close, adding malls, museums and outdoor and indoor playgrounds, but other businesses including golf courses are allowed to remain open.Reynolds has defended the lack of a ban, saying she had ordered schools and some businesses to close and asked people not to gather in groups of ten or more. On Tuesday she expanded the list of businesses which will be forced to close, adding malls, museums and outdoor and indoor playgrounds, but other businesses including golf courses are allowed to remain open.
Iowa had 946 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Monday night, with 25 deaths.Iowa had 946 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Monday night, with 25 deaths.
Republican senator Rand Paul is volunteering at a local hospital after recovering from coronavirus.Republican senator Rand Paul is volunteering at a local hospital after recovering from coronavirus.
The Kentucky senator, who has a medical degree from Duke University, was criticized for continuing to visit the Capitol as he awaited the results of a coronavirus test.The Kentucky senator, who has a medical degree from Duke University, was criticized for continuing to visit the Capitol as he awaited the results of a coronavirus test.
Critics accused Paul of putting the health of lawmakers, staffers and other Capitol Hill employees at risk by not quarantining after he took the test.Critics accused Paul of putting the health of lawmakers, staffers and other Capitol Hill employees at risk by not quarantining after he took the test.
Paul defended his actions, saying it was his “extra precaution” of seeking a test even though he showed no symptoms that alerted colleagues to his diagnosis.Paul defended his actions, saying it was his “extra precaution” of seeking a test even though he showed no symptoms that alerted colleagues to his diagnosis.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said he would work to expand the $350 billion small business loan program created by the stimulus package.Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said he would work to expand the $350 billion small business loan program created by the stimulus package.
“I will work with Secretary Mnuchin and Leader Schumer and hope to approve further funding for the Paycheck Protection Program by unanimous consent or voice vote during the next scheduled Senate session on Thursday,” McConnell said in a statement.“I will work with Secretary Mnuchin and Leader Schumer and hope to approve further funding for the Paycheck Protection Program by unanimous consent or voice vote during the next scheduled Senate session on Thursday,” McConnell said in a statement.
Senior White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said this morning that $50 billion in loans have already been processed since the Paycheck Protection Program started accepting applications on Friday.Senior White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said this morning that $50 billion in loans have already been processed since the Paycheck Protection Program started accepting applications on Friday.
But banks have reported a deluge of applications for the program, as small business owners fear the funding could run out if they do not get their application approved quickly.But banks have reported a deluge of applications for the program, as small business owners fear the funding could run out if they do not get their application approved quickly.
The proposed additional funds for the program, which could be as much as $200 billion, could help to stem some of that anxiety as the coronavirus pandemic leaves many businesses closed.The proposed additional funds for the program, which could be as much as $200 billion, could help to stem some of that anxiety as the coronavirus pandemic leaves many businesses closed.
Trump campaign spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany will become the new White House press secretary, according to the New York Times.Trump campaign spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany will become the new White House press secretary, according to the New York Times.
The Times reports:The Times reports:
McEnany regularly defended Trump on television during the 2016 race and later joined his reelection campaign as national press secretary.McEnany regularly defended Trump on television during the 2016 race and later joined his reelection campaign as national press secretary.
Last month, McEnany incorrectly predicted that coronavirus would not affect Americans because of the president’s steady leadership:Last month, McEnany incorrectly predicted that coronavirus would not affect Americans because of the president’s steady leadership:
New York governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus.New York governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus.
Here’s some of what he said:Here’s some of what he said:
New York saw the biggest single-day increase in its coronavirus death toll yesterday. New York has now lost 5,489 residents to coronavirus, up from 4,758 a day earlier. That figure represents about half of all coronavirus deaths across the United States.New York saw the biggest single-day increase in its coronavirus death toll yesterday. New York has now lost 5,489 residents to coronavirus, up from 4,758 a day earlier. That figure represents about half of all coronavirus deaths across the United States.
Cuomo said restarting the state’s economy would depend on testing. The governor emphasized the state needs to scale up testing to help determine which residents have coronavirus antibodies and are unlikely to contract the virus again before the economy can restart.Cuomo said restarting the state’s economy would depend on testing. The governor emphasized the state needs to scale up testing to help determine which residents have coronavirus antibodies and are unlikely to contract the virus again before the economy can restart.
Cuomo asked all residents to continue respecting social distancing restrictions, as some residents start asking when normal life might be able to resume. “I get it, but it’s only been 37 days,” Cuomo said. “Our behavior affects the number of cases.”Cuomo asked all residents to continue respecting social distancing restrictions, as some residents start asking when normal life might be able to resume. “I get it, but it’s only been 37 days,” Cuomo said. “Our behavior affects the number of cases.”
The Navy hospital ship Comfort will have 500 beds available for coronavirus patients. Cuomo called the president yesterday to ask him to allow the ship to start accepting coronavirus patients, a request that Trump granted. However, the shift to treating coronavirus patients means the ship will have to cut its number of hospital beds in half, from 1,000 to 500.The Navy hospital ship Comfort will have 500 beds available for coronavirus patients. Cuomo called the president yesterday to ask him to allow the ship to start accepting coronavirus patients, a request that Trump granted. However, the shift to treating coronavirus patients means the ship will have to cut its number of hospital beds in half, from 1,000 to 500.
Governor Andrew Cuomo urged New Yorkers to remember that each coronavirus death represents a human being who had a family.Governor Andrew Cuomo urged New Yorkers to remember that each coronavirus death represents a human being who had a family.
“I guess one could get numb to the numbers,” Cuomo said. “For myself, I can tell you, the last thing I do is get numb.”“I guess one could get numb to the numbers,” Cuomo said. “For myself, I can tell you, the last thing I do is get numb.”
The governor noted mourning in the state is intensifying as the death toll rises. “The pain is increasing. The grief is increasing,” Cuomo said. “How you could get numb to any of this, I can’t imagine.”The governor noted mourning in the state is intensifying as the death toll rises. “The pain is increasing. The grief is increasing,” Cuomo said. “How you could get numb to any of this, I can’t imagine.”
Cuomo said that he was proud of the work the state’s healthcare system has done to save every possible person from dying of coronavirus.Cuomo said that he was proud of the work the state’s healthcare system has done to save every possible person from dying of coronavirus.
“You can’t save everyone,” Cuomo said. “This virus is very good at what it does, and it kills vulnerable people. ... We can’t stop that. The question is, are you saving everyone you can save?”“You can’t save everyone,” Cuomo said. “This virus is very good at what it does, and it kills vulnerable people. ... We can’t stop that. The question is, are you saving everyone you can save?”
The governor added, “I don’t see the numbness, and I don’t think New Yorkers see the numbness.”The governor added, “I don’t see the numbness, and I don’t think New Yorkers see the numbness.”
New York governor Andrew Cuomo applauded the work of medical professionals as the state grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.New York governor Andrew Cuomo applauded the work of medical professionals as the state grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.
“What they have done is incredible, just incredible,” Cuomo said.“What they have done is incredible, just incredible,” Cuomo said.
The governor also thanked other essential workers, such as transit employees, who have continued to report to work.The governor also thanked other essential workers, such as transit employees, who have continued to report to work.
“They know what they’re exposing themselves to, and they still do it,” Cuomo said. “God bless them.”“They know what they’re exposing themselves to, and they still do it,” Cuomo said. “God bless them.”
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said residents must avoid holding large funerals as the state’s coroanvirus death toll rises.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said residents must avoid holding large funerals as the state’s coroanvirus death toll rises.
“These social distancing regulations are not just ‘please.’ They’re regulations,” said Cuomo, who doubled the fine for violating the “stay at home” order yesterday.“These social distancing regulations are not just ‘please.’ They’re regulations,” said Cuomo, who doubled the fine for violating the “stay at home” order yesterday.
“Now is not the time for large religious gatherings,” Cuomo said. “You do no one a service by making this worse and infecting more people.”“Now is not the time for large religious gatherings,” Cuomo said. “You do no one a service by making this worse and infecting more people.”
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he understood the frustration of residents who are asking when social distancing might come to an end.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he understood the frustration of residents who are asking when social distancing might come to an end.
“This is like Groundhog Day living through this bizarre reality that we’re in,” Cuomo said.“This is like Groundhog Day living through this bizarre reality that we’re in,” Cuomo said.
But the governor emphasized residents will need to continue to be patient in order to protect their loved ones and neighbors from contracting the virus.But the governor emphasized residents will need to continue to be patient in order to protect their loved ones and neighbors from contracting the virus.
“I get it, but it’s only been 37 days,” Cuomo said. “Our behavior affects the number of cases.”“I get it, but it’s only been 37 days,” Cuomo said. “Our behavior affects the number of cases.”
Cuomo also noted the 1918 flu epidemic peaked in New York for six months, killing 30,000 of the state’s residents. “Social distancing is working,” Cuomo said. “I know that it’s hard, but we have to keep doing it.”Cuomo also noted the 1918 flu epidemic peaked in New York for six months, killing 30,000 of the state’s residents. “Social distancing is working,” Cuomo said. “I know that it’s hard, but we have to keep doing it.”
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said officials would look ahead to restarting the economy, but the governor noted the state is not there yet because coronavirus deaths are still happening at a high rate.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said officials would look ahead to restarting the economy, but the governor noted the state is not there yet because coronavirus deaths are still happening at a high rate.
Cuomo said the determination of when and how to restart the economy would depend on testing, particularly testing to confirm if people have coronavirus antibodies in their system and are likely immune to the virus.Cuomo said the determination of when and how to restart the economy would depend on testing, particularly testing to confirm if people have coronavirus antibodies in their system and are likely immune to the virus.
The governor said New York would need to scale up its testing capacity to test a large number of residents and announced the state would invest in testing companies working to expand capacity.The governor said New York would need to scale up its testing capacity to test a large number of residents and announced the state would invest in testing companies working to expand capacity.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the capacity of the Navy hospital ship Comfort would decrease now that it is going to start accepting coronavirus patients.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the capacity of the Navy hospital ship Comfort would decrease now that it is going to start accepting coronavirus patients.
Cuomo asked Trump yesterday to allow the Comfort to start taking coronavirus patients to provide some relief to overwhelmed emergency rooms in New York, a request that the president granted.Cuomo asked Trump yesterday to allow the Comfort to start taking coronavirus patients to provide some relief to overwhelmed emergency rooms in New York, a request that the president granted.
But Cuomo said the number of hospital beds on the Comfort would decrease from 1,000 to 500 now that the ship will be treating coronavirus patients.But Cuomo said the number of hospital beds on the Comfort would decrease from 1,000 to 500 now that the ship will be treating coronavirus patients.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo is holding his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus.New York governor Andrew Cuomo is holding his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus.
The governor noted the three-day average of hospitalizations is down, indicating the state is “reaching a plateau in the total number of hospitalizations.”The governor noted the three-day average of hospitalizations is down, indicating the state is “reaching a plateau in the total number of hospitalizations.”
But the New York death toll continues to steeply rise. The state has now recorded 5,489 deaths, up from 4,758 a day earlier. Those 731 deaths represent the highest single-day increase in the death toll since the crisis started.But the New York death toll continues to steeply rise. The state has now recorded 5,489 deaths, up from 4,758 a day earlier. Those 731 deaths represent the highest single-day increase in the death toll since the crisis started.
New York also still has the highest number of cases of any US state, with 138,836 cases of coronavirus already confirmed.New York also still has the highest number of cases of any US state, with 138,836 cases of coronavirus already confirmed.
Joe Biden said he would like Bernie Sanders to be “part of the journey,” although not his running mate, if he wins the Democratic nomination.Joe Biden said he would like Bernie Sanders to be “part of the journey,” although not his running mate, if he wins the Democratic nomination.
Biden has a significant lead in the delegate count, but Sanders remains in the race, despite an increasingly narrow path to the nomination.Biden has a significant lead in the delegate count, but Sanders remains in the race, despite an increasingly narrow path to the nomination.
Asked whether Sanders should drop out, Biden told the “Today” show, “No, I wouldn’t presume to do that. ... It’s a hard, hard decision and Bernie has a lot of really devoted followers. It’s a difficult decision to make. But it’s his to make. I’m not going to suggest what he should do.”Asked whether Sanders should drop out, Biden told the “Today” show, “No, I wouldn’t presume to do that. ... It’s a hard, hard decision and Bernie has a lot of really devoted followers. It’s a difficult decision to make. But it’s his to make. I’m not going to suggest what he should do.”
Biden made clear that if he wins the nomination, he would seek Sanders’ input on the issues that fueled the progressive senator’s campaign.Biden made clear that if he wins the nomination, he would seek Sanders’ input on the issues that fueled the progressive senator’s campaign.
“If I’m the nominee I can tell you one thing: I would very much want Bernie to be part of the journey, not as a vice presidential nominee but just engaging in all the things that he’s worked so hard to do, many of which I agree with,” Biden said.“If I’m the nominee I can tell you one thing: I would very much want Bernie to be part of the journey, not as a vice presidential nominee but just engaging in all the things that he’s worked so hard to do, many of which I agree with,” Biden said.
The former vice president applauded Sanders for his “incredible following,” as the frontrunner tries to convince his rival’s supporters to back him in the general election.The former vice president applauded Sanders for his “incredible following,” as the frontrunner tries to convince his rival’s supporters to back him in the general election.
Biden also said he did not think the November election should be delayed or postponed because of coroanvirus, even as today’s rocky primary in Wisconsin raises questions about how to safely conduct in-person voting amid a pandemic.Biden also said he did not think the November election should be delayed or postponed because of coroanvirus, even as today’s rocky primary in Wisconsin raises questions about how to safely conduct in-person voting amid a pandemic.
The White House has confirmed Stephanie Grisham is leaving her role as press secretary to rejoin the first lady’s team.The White House has confirmed Stephanie Grisham is leaving her role as press secretary to rejoin the first lady’s team.
“My replacements will be announced in the coming days and I will stay in the West Wing to help with a smooth transition for as long as needed,” Grisham said in a statement released by the White House.“My replacements will be announced in the coming days and I will stay in the West Wing to help with a smooth transition for as long as needed,” Grisham said in a statement released by the White House.
Grisham served as both press secretary and communications director in the Trump White House, so it appears two people may be taking on those roles now.Grisham served as both press secretary and communications director in the Trump White House, so it appears two people may be taking on those roles now.
Grisham will serve as the first lady’s chief of staff and spokesperson. The White House statement noted that Melania Trump’s previous chief of staff, Lindsay Reynolds, resigned earlier this week to spend time with family.Grisham will serve as the first lady’s chief of staff and spokesperson. The White House statement noted that Melania Trump’s previous chief of staff, Lindsay Reynolds, resigned earlier this week to spend time with family.
Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor predicted the state’s presidential primary today would be a “Shit Show.”Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor predicted the state’s presidential primary today would be a “Shit Show.”
The Democratic official’s tweet comes a day after the Wisconsin Supreme Court blocked governor Tony Evers’ executive order to cancel in-person voting out of concern about spreading coronavirus.The Democratic official’s tweet comes a day after the Wisconsin Supreme Court blocked governor Tony Evers’ executive order to cancel in-person voting out of concern about spreading coronavirus.
The number of polling sites across the state has nosedived because so many poll workers have quit, and voters are already reporting long lines as they try to cast their ballots.The number of polling sites across the state has nosedived because so many poll workers have quit, and voters are already reporting long lines as they try to cast their ballots.