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Coronavirus US news: New York breaks its record for largest single-day Covid-19 death toll Coronavirus US news: New York breaks its record for largest single-day Covid-19 death toll
(32 minutes later)
Cuomo says state recorded 799 deaths Wednesday, but state recorded lowest number of new hospitalizations since crisis beganCuomo says state recorded 799 deaths Wednesday, but state recorded lowest number of new hospitalizations since crisis began
Nearly 50 emergency room doctors from New York City’s public hospitals have written an open letter to residents, urging people not to “cut corners,” when physical distancing, hand-washing and self-isolating.
“Every day, our emergency departments are overflowing with patients newly infected with COVID-19, many starving for oxygen and on the brink of death,” the doctors wrote. “Many are older, but some are young. Many have pre-existing medical problems, but some do not.
While we’re constantly searching for new treatments and better ways to care for our patients, too many are dying despite our best efforts. These patients are also our friends, families, and colleagues,” said the letter.
The bullet point letter repeated many of the public health messages of recent days. The disease is more contagious than previously thought, mimics the flu, can be spread asymptomatically, for example. It urged people to wash their hands, to assume they have Covid-19 if they show any symptoms at all, however mild, and to isolate from family members.
Millions of people are already taking these measures – but not diligently enough to stop the surge of patients coming to emergency rooms.
“Many of you have taken the steps above to protect yourself and others and we thank you. You are literally saving lives. But many of you have not – or continue to cut corners. This virus does not respect what we do ‘most of the time,’” the doctors wrote.
“Fellow New Yorkers, we need to do more!”
House speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell for trying to pass a coronavirus relief bill without holding a vote.
In consultation with the Trump administration, McConnell tried to get the bill, which would have allocated $250 billion in additional funds, approved by unanimous consent.
But Democratic senators objected to the proposal, calling for an extra $250 billion for hospitals and state and local governments. The bill was not able to pass, and senators won’t have a chance to take it up again until the pro forma session on Monday.
House minority leader Kevin McCarthy called the Democrats’ objection “disgusting,” but Pelosi said the fault lied with McConnell for not conferring with Democrats about the bill.
Pelosi said treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin had “asked for a quarter of a trillion dollars in 48 hours with no data,” and McConnell had honored that request. The House speaker dismissed McConnell’s efforts today as a political “stunt” and called for more bipartisan deliberations over the timing and content of the bill.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in his daily briefing, just said that the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on the New York economy are expected to be “more devastating” than the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks “by far”.New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in his daily briefing, just said that the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on the New York economy are expected to be “more devastating” than the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks “by far”.
New York state is bracing for a hit to its revenues of between $10 billion and $15 billion, with the focus being on the business ghost town that currently is New York City - the city that never sleeps, the crossroads of the world, etc - which is eerily still with non-essential businesses closed and folks on ‘stay home’ orders.New York state is bracing for a hit to its revenues of between $10 billion and $15 billion, with the focus being on the business ghost town that currently is New York City - the city that never sleeps, the crossroads of the world, etc - which is eerily still with non-essential businesses closed and folks on ‘stay home’ orders.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo expressed cautious optimism about signs that the state is flattening the curve of coronavirus cases.New York governor Andrew Cuomo expressed cautious optimism about signs that the state is flattening the curve of coronavirus cases.
However, the governor warned that the state’s progress could be undone if social distancing practices are relaxed too quickly.However, the governor warned that the state’s progress could be undone if social distancing practices are relaxed too quickly.
“Remember, the 1918 Spanish flu came in three waves,” Cuomo said. “We’re on the first wave. Everybody is assuming, well, once we get through this, we’re done. I wouldn’t be so quick to assume that. This virus has been ahead of us from day one.”“Remember, the 1918 Spanish flu came in three waves,” Cuomo said. “We’re on the first wave. Everybody is assuming, well, once we get through this, we’re done. I wouldn’t be so quick to assume that. This virus has been ahead of us from day one.”
New York broke its record for the largest single-day coronavirus death toll for the third consecutive day, governor Andrew Cuomo announced at his daily briefing.New York broke its record for the largest single-day coronavirus death toll for the third consecutive day, governor Andrew Cuomo announced at his daily briefing.
New York recorded 799 deaths from coronavirus yesterday, bringing the state’s total death toll to 7,067. New York has lost about the same number of people to coronavirus as the UK.New York recorded 799 deaths from coronavirus yesterday, bringing the state’s total death toll to 7,067. New York has lost about the same number of people to coronavirus as the UK.
Cuomo said the state would be bringing in additional funeral directors to help deal with the surge of deaths.Cuomo said the state would be bringing in additional funeral directors to help deal with the surge of deaths.
As the state mourns the loss of several thousand New Yorkers, there are also signs that social distancing is flattening the curve.As the state mourns the loss of several thousand New Yorkers, there are also signs that social distancing is flattening the curve.
Yesterday, the state recorded the lowest number of new hospitalizations since the crisis started. The number of ICU admissions and intubations are also down.Yesterday, the state recorded the lowest number of new hospitalizations since the crisis started. The number of ICU admissions and intubations are also down.
“We are saving lives by what we are doing today,” Cuomo said.“We are saving lives by what we are doing today,” Cuomo said.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo is holding his daily briefing on the state’s response to the coronavirus crisis.New York governor Andrew Cuomo is holding his daily briefing on the state’s response to the coronavirus crisis.
The governor noted it has been 18 days since the state’s “stay at home” order went into effect, even though it may feel like “a lifetime” ago.The governor noted it has been 18 days since the state’s “stay at home” order went into effect, even though it may feel like “a lifetime” ago.
Cuomo also said hospitalizations in New York are currently lower than many projections initially predicted, applauding healthcare professionals and other first responders for their work.Cuomo also said hospitalizations in New York are currently lower than many projections initially predicted, applauding healthcare professionals and other first responders for their work.
“We’re flattening the curve so far,” Cuomo said of social distancing measures, emphasizing that New Yorkers cannot get complacent now.“We’re flattening the curve so far,” Cuomo said of social distancing measures, emphasizing that New Yorkers cannot get complacent now.
The Guardian’s David Smith and Emily Holden report:The Guardian’s David Smith and Emily Holden report:
Faced with not one but two crises – public health and economic – Trump and his allies are advancing their agenda, whether in plain sight as a direct response to the pandemic, or under cover while the nation is deeply distracted.Faced with not one but two crises – public health and economic – Trump and his allies are advancing their agenda, whether in plain sight as a direct response to the pandemic, or under cover while the nation is deeply distracted.
Trump touts his wall on the Mexican border almost daily and emphasizes national borders, even though the coronavirus paid them no heed. He has attacked voting rights, assailed federal watchdogs, shredded regulations and signed a bill that hands billions of dollars to corporations while resisting congressional oversight.Trump touts his wall on the Mexican border almost daily and emphasizes national borders, even though the coronavirus paid them no heed. He has attacked voting rights, assailed federal watchdogs, shredded regulations and signed a bill that hands billions of dollars to corporations while resisting congressional oversight.
“Most Americans are not tracking these at all,” said Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota. “The crisis has created a blizzard condition in which information and criticism is not breaking through. It’s a perfect storm for Trump to push his agenda. You can hear ideologues saying: this is our moment, do not delay.”“Most Americans are not tracking these at all,” said Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota. “The crisis has created a blizzard condition in which information and criticism is not breaking through. It’s a perfect storm for Trump to push his agenda. You can hear ideologues saying: this is our moment, do not delay.”
Just as George W Bush’s administration exploited 9/11 to expand government powers and threaten civil liberties such as freedom of speech and due process, Trump’s White House scents political opportunity in a national crisis.Just as George W Bush’s administration exploited 9/11 to expand government powers and threaten civil liberties such as freedom of speech and due process, Trump’s White House scents political opportunity in a national crisis.
The office of Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the White House coronavirus task force, has blocked CNN from access to health experts in an effort to pressure the network to carry the full daily White House briefing.The office of Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the White House coronavirus task force, has blocked CNN from access to health experts in an effort to pressure the network to carry the full daily White House briefing.
CNN reports:CNN reports:
Many news organizations, including the Guardian, have taken to fact-checking the president’s briefings in real time, after Trump repeatedly made misstatements about the federal government’s response to coronavirus.Many news organizations, including the Guardian, have taken to fact-checking the president’s briefings in real time, after Trump repeatedly made misstatements about the federal government’s response to coronavirus.
The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:
Georgia is moving its presidential primary for a second time. The state’s presidential primary contest election, originally scheduled for March 24 is being pushed back from May 19 to June 9.Georgia is moving its presidential primary for a second time. The state’s presidential primary contest election, originally scheduled for March 24 is being pushed back from May 19 to June 9.
All of the state’s other statewide contests, which include partisan primaries and judicial races, are being moved to the June date, Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, said in a statement.All of the state’s other statewide contests, which include partisan primaries and judicial races, are being moved to the June date, Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, said in a statement.
Raffensperger noted the decision came after Georgia Governor Brian Kemp extended a state of emergency in the state to May 13, which would cover almost every day of in-person voting allowed for the May 19 contest, Raffensperger noted.Raffensperger noted the decision came after Georgia Governor Brian Kemp extended a state of emergency in the state to May 13, which would cover almost every day of in-person voting allowed for the May 19 contest, Raffensperger noted.
The secretary of state said, “This decision allows our office and county election officials to continue to put in place contingency plans to ensure that voting can be safe and secure when in-person voting begins and prioritizes the health and safety of voters, county election officials, and poll workers.”The secretary of state said, “This decision allows our office and county election officials to continue to put in place contingency plans to ensure that voting can be safe and secure when in-person voting begins and prioritizes the health and safety of voters, county election officials, and poll workers.”
Raffensperger previously began mailing applications for absentee ballots to 6.9 active registered voters in the state. He said Thursday that applications would continue to be accepted for the June 9 primary, even if the voter had requested it for the contest on May 19.Raffensperger previously began mailing applications for absentee ballots to 6.9 active registered voters in the state. He said Thursday that applications would continue to be accepted for the June 9 primary, even if the voter had requested it for the contest on May 19.
Raffensperger faced criticism for his efforts to facilitate vote by mail from Georgia House Speaker David Ralston. He said efforts to make it easier to vote by mail “will be extremely devastating to Republicans and conservatives in Georgia.” After the comments, Raffensperger announced he was setting up a task force to watch against voter fraud with mail-in ballots.Raffensperger faced criticism for his efforts to facilitate vote by mail from Georgia House Speaker David Ralston. He said efforts to make it easier to vote by mail “will be extremely devastating to Republicans and conservatives in Georgia.” After the comments, Raffensperger announced he was setting up a task force to watch against voter fraud with mail-in ballots.
The Senate failed to pass a bill allocating an additional $250 billion to the small business loan program created by last month’s stimulus package.The Senate failed to pass a bill allocating an additional $250 billion to the small business loan program created by last month’s stimulus package.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell tried to pass the bill by unanimous consent, but Senate Democrats objected because they are calling for an extra $250 billion for hospitals and state and local governments.Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell tried to pass the bill by unanimous consent, but Senate Democrats objected because they are calling for an extra $250 billion for hospitals and state and local governments.
McConnell objected to Democrats’ proposed amendement to the bill, making it impossible to pass the bill by unanimous consent.McConnell objected to Democrats’ proposed amendement to the bill, making it impossible to pass the bill by unanimous consent.
The Senate has now adjourned until Monday, when McConnell will have another chance to push the bill through as businessowners fear the program will soon run out of funds.The Senate has now adjourned until Monday, when McConnell will have another chance to push the bill through as businessowners fear the program will soon run out of funds.
Joe Biden holds a 4-point lead over Trump in a new national poll, which comes a day after Bernie Sanders suspended his presidential campaign.Joe Biden holds a 4-point lead over Trump in a new national poll, which comes a day after Bernie Sanders suspended his presidential campaign.
According to the Monmouth University poll, Biden attracts the support of 48% of registered voters, while Trump stands at 44%. The result is similar to Biden’s 3-point lead over Trump in a poll released last month.According to the Monmouth University poll, Biden attracts the support of 48% of registered voters, while Trump stands at 44%. The result is similar to Biden’s 3-point lead over Trump in a poll released last month.
With Sanders dropping our of the race, such head-to-head polls between Trump and Biden have taken on a heightened level of significance as America looks ahead to the general election in November.With Sanders dropping our of the race, such head-to-head polls between Trump and Biden have taken on a heightened level of significance as America looks ahead to the general election in November.
However, national polls do not reflect the state-by-state nature of presidential elections. Hillary Clinton famously won the popular vote in 2016 but lost the electoral college, handing Trump a victory.However, national polls do not reflect the state-by-state nature of presidential elections. Hillary Clinton famously won the popular vote in 2016 but lost the electoral college, handing Trump a victory.
Wisconsin continues to count ballots after its chaotic primary on Tuesday, which was disrupted by long lines and fears of spreading coronavirus at polling sites.Wisconsin continues to count ballots after its chaotic primary on Tuesday, which was disrupted by long lines and fears of spreading coronavirus at polling sites.
More than a million absentee ballots have been returned, but the question remains whether turnout overall decreased due to people avoiding in-person voting.More than a million absentee ballots have been returned, but the question remains whether turnout overall decreased due to people avoiding in-person voting.
Some Wisconsin voters said they never received their absentee ballots, which left them with an undesirable choice between not voting at all and risking their health by voting in person.Some Wisconsin voters said they never received their absentee ballots, which left them with an undesirable choice between not voting at all and risking their health by voting in person.
A Wisconsin state senator said yesterday that one post office found three large tubs of unsent absentee ballots the day after the primary.A Wisconsin state senator said yesterday that one post office found three large tubs of unsent absentee ballots the day after the primary.
Senate Democrats are introducing their own coronavirus relief bill in an effort to get more funds for hospitals and state and local governments.Senate Democrats are introducing their own coronavirus relief bill in an effort to get more funds for hospitals and state and local governments.
In consultation with the Trump administration, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is trying to quickly pass a bill allocating an addition $250 billion to the small business loan program created by the stimulus package. The program was originally given $350 billion, but that money appears to be rapidly dwindling.In consultation with the Trump administration, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is trying to quickly pass a bill allocating an addition $250 billion to the small business loan program created by the stimulus package. The program was originally given $350 billion, but that money appears to be rapidly dwindling.
Two Democratic senators, Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, are now introducing their own bill to give additional funds to hospitals and state and local governments, as well as the small business loan program.Two Democratic senators, Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, are now introducing their own bill to give additional funds to hospitals and state and local governments, as well as the small business loan program.
But the conflict is unlikely to produce anything other than a messaging war, considering Republicans control the Senate and can push through their smaller bill, which Democrats are unlikely to oppose.But the conflict is unlikely to produce anything other than a messaging war, considering Republicans control the Senate and can push through their smaller bill, which Democrats are unlikely to oppose.
When acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly traveled to Guam to criticize Captain Brett Crozier to his former crew members, it cost taxpayers approximately $243,000, according to a new report.When acting Navy secretary Thomas Modly traveled to Guam to criticize Captain Brett Crozier to his former crew members, it cost taxpayers approximately $243,000, according to a new report.
Modly resigned earlier this week amid an uproar over his comments about Crozier, who raised concerns about the spread of coronavirus on his ship, the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Crozier was later removed from his post.Modly resigned earlier this week amid an uproar over his comments about Crozier, who raised concerns about the spread of coronavirus on his ship, the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Crozier was later removed from his post.
Modly said that Crozier was either “too naive or too stupid” to command the ship if he did not think his letter expressing alarm would be made public. The acting secretary resigned a day after his comments came to light.Modly said that Crozier was either “too naive or too stupid” to command the ship if he did not think his letter expressing alarm would be made public. The acting secretary resigned a day after his comments came to light.
USA Today reports:USA Today reports:
The Guardian’s Dominic Rushe and Michael Sainato report:The Guardian’s Dominic Rushe and Michael Sainato report:
More than 6.6 million Americans lost their jobs last week with 16 million jobs gone in the last three weeks as the coronavirus pandemic brought the US economy to a standstill, the US labor department confirmed on Thursday.More than 6.6 million Americans lost their jobs last week with 16 million jobs gone in the last three weeks as the coronavirus pandemic brought the US economy to a standstill, the US labor department confirmed on Thursday.
Millions of Americans filed for unemployment benefits again last week as shutdowns across the US led employers to lay off workers in nearly every corner of the job market. Economists had expected 5.25 million Americans to file for unemployment benefits for the week ending 4 April.Millions of Americans filed for unemployment benefits again last week as shutdowns across the US led employers to lay off workers in nearly every corner of the job market. Economists had expected 5.25 million Americans to file for unemployment benefits for the week ending 4 April.
In the previous two weeks the shutdowns cost close to 10 million people their jobs. Layoffs that started in the restaurant and leisure industries have now spread to include manufacturing, construction and even healthcare. Job losses are rising in every state and economists are predicting the unemployment rate will soon reach 15% or higher, levels unseen since before the second world war.In the previous two weeks the shutdowns cost close to 10 million people their jobs. Layoffs that started in the restaurant and leisure industries have now spread to include manufacturing, construction and even healthcare. Job losses are rising in every state and economists are predicting the unemployment rate will soon reach 15% or higher, levels unseen since before the second world war.
The largest increases were in California (up 871,992), New York (up 286,596), Michigan (up 176,329) and Florida (up 154,171).The largest increases were in California (up 871,992), New York (up 286,596), Michigan (up 176,329) and Florida (up 154,171).
But while the numbers are stark, economists cautioned it was too early to say what the long-term impact of Covid-19 will be on the economy.But while the numbers are stark, economists cautioned it was too early to say what the long-term impact of Covid-19 will be on the economy.
“These figures don’t reflect a lack of demand,” said Dean Baker, visiting professor and senior economist at the University of Utah. During the last recession in 2008 unemployment reached close to 10% as the economy fell into recession. “That wasn’t in our control. This is literally in our control,” said Baker. “We are deliberately shutting down the economy.”“These figures don’t reflect a lack of demand,” said Dean Baker, visiting professor and senior economist at the University of Utah. During the last recession in 2008 unemployment reached close to 10% as the economy fell into recession. “That wasn’t in our control. This is literally in our control,” said Baker. “We are deliberately shutting down the economy.”
Trump is reportedly planning to form a second coronavirus task force focused on reopening the US economy.Trump is reportedly planning to form a second coronavirus task force focused on reopening the US economy.
The Washington Post reports:The Washington Post reports:
News of the second taskforce – and the late April deadline – comes as health experts like Dr Anthony Fauci urge caution in declaring the virus to be defeated as encouraging signs indicate the US is starting to flatten the curve of cases.News of the second taskforce – and the late April deadline – comes as health experts like Dr Anthony Fauci urge caution in declaring the virus to be defeated as encouraging signs indicate the US is starting to flatten the curve of cases.
Good morning, live blog readers.Good morning, live blog readers.
There have been some promising signs in recent days that the US is starting to flatten the curve of its number of coronavirus cases, even as the death toll continues to climb.There have been some promising signs in recent days that the US is starting to flatten the curve of its number of coronavirus cases, even as the death toll continues to climb.
New York, the state with the most coronavirus cases, is seeing a decline in the rate of hospitalizations, and a frequently cited model decreased its projected number of overall deaths in the country to 60,000.New York, the state with the most coronavirus cases, is seeing a decline in the rate of hospitalizations, and a frequently cited model decreased its projected number of overall deaths in the country to 60,000.
At the daily White House briefing yesterday, Donald Trump sounded bullish on the perspective of soon reopening the economy, as reports indicate that he hopes to be able to relax physical distancing restrictions by the end of April.At the daily White House briefing yesterday, Donald Trump sounded bullish on the perspective of soon reopening the economy, as reports indicate that he hopes to be able to relax physical distancing restrictions by the end of April.
“Aspirationally, I said let’s see if we can do it at Easter, but I said it would be very tough, and I was criticised for that,” Trump said. “But I don’t think we’re going to be very far behind and some of these models are looking like Easter’s going to be a very important date anyway because of the curve. It’s hitting the top and it’s starting to come down.”“Aspirationally, I said let’s see if we can do it at Easter, but I said it would be very tough, and I was criticised for that,” Trump said. “But I don’t think we’re going to be very far behind and some of these models are looking like Easter’s going to be a very important date anyway because of the curve. It’s hitting the top and it’s starting to come down.”
But this morning, Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, was hesitant to say that New York has flattened the curve, emphasizing that several days’ data will be needed.But this morning, Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, was hesitant to say that New York has flattened the curve, emphasizing that several days’ data will be needed.
“I don’t want to junmp the gun on that,” Fauci said when asked whether New York had flattened the curve. “But I think that is the case.”“I don’t want to junmp the gun on that,” Fauci said when asked whether New York had flattened the curve. “But I think that is the case.”
He added, “I’m always very cautious about jumping the gun and saying, ‘Well, we have turned the corner.’ But I think we are really looking at the beginning of that, which would really be very encouraging. We need that right now.”He added, “I’m always very cautious about jumping the gun and saying, ‘Well, we have turned the corner.’ But I think we are really looking at the beginning of that, which would really be very encouraging. We need that right now.”