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Coronavirus US live: Cuomo announces plan to reopen New York and other states Coronavirus US live: Cuomo announces plan to reopen New York and other states
(32 minutes later)
New York’s governor and several other governors of north-eastern states discuss regionally coordinated plan to reopen the economyNew York’s governor and several other governors of north-eastern states discuss regionally coordinated plan to reopen the economy
Washington, Oregon and California said they would work together to establish a west coast plan to reopen the economy.
In a joint statement, Washington governor Jay Inslee, California governor Gavin Newsom and Oregon governor Kate Brown said they would prioritize residents’ health when deciding how to ease “stay at home” orders.
“We are announcing that California, Oregon and Washington have agreed to work together on a shared approach for reopening our economies – one that identifies clear indicators for communities to restart public life and business,” the statement said.
The governors also made clear that they would not allow politics to drive the decisions about reopening the economy, while Trump reportedly looks to open the economy by the end of the month, despite concerns from health experts.
The governors’ statement comes shortly after New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced several Northeast governors are forming a working group to determine when to reopen the economy.
Trump’s reelection campaign released a statement attacking Joe Biden after he was endorsed by his former primary rival Bernie Sanders.
“This is further proof that even though Bernie Sanders won’t be on the ballot in November, his issues will be,” Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement.
“And while Biden is the Democrat establishment’s candidate, President Trump remains the disruptor candidate who has brought change to Washington.”
Democrats are looking to unify supporters around Biden now that Sanders has endorsed him, which could present a formidable threat to Trump in November.
Interesting news from Brazil, via the Associated Press and perhaps also of interest to Donald Trump and supporters who think US doctors should be prescribing hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, as a treatment for Covid-19:
Here’s Julia Carrie Wong’s in-depth look at US support for the use of hydroxychloroquine:
Here’s an edited version of the rest of the AP report:
Tom Phillips has more from Rio de Janeiro on Bolsonaro and the Covid-19 crisis:
Martin Pengelly here again for a little bit, while Joanie takes a well-deserved break.Martin Pengelly here again for a little bit, while Joanie takes a well-deserved break.
We’re still expecting a White House briefing at 5pm ET, after two days without one over the Easter weekend.We’re still expecting a White House briefing at 5pm ET, after two days without one over the Easter weekend.
Trump felt moved this morning to put out a statement, via spokesman Hogan Gidley, dampening speculation that he might be about to fire Dr Anthony Fauci, leading public health expert, coronavirus task force member and live contender for most trusted man in America.Trump felt moved this morning to put out a statement, via spokesman Hogan Gidley, dampening speculation that he might be about to fire Dr Anthony Fauci, leading public health expert, coronavirus task force member and live contender for most trusted man in America.
Here’s why people were worried…Here’s why people were worried…
… followed by Daniel Strauss’s report from Washington today:… followed by Daniel Strauss’s report from Washington today:
You’d also think the chances of a testy Trump gripping the podium and aiming barbs at CNN, the New York Times and anyone else within range might be increased by reaction in the Twittersphere to the president’s claim this morning to have the authority to reopen the US economy over the heads of state governors.You’d also think the chances of a testy Trump gripping the podium and aiming barbs at CNN, the New York Times and anyone else within range might be increased by reaction in the Twittersphere to the president’s claim this morning to have the authority to reopen the US economy over the heads of state governors.
Here’s a representative tweet, from University of Texas law professor Steve Vladeck:Here’s a representative tweet, from University of Texas law professor Steve Vladeck:
New York governor Andrew Cuomo and several other governors of north-eastern states convened a conference call this afternoon, to discuss a regionally coordinated plan to reopen the economy.New York governor Andrew Cuomo and several other governors of north-eastern states convened a conference call this afternoon, to discuss a regionally coordinated plan to reopen the economy.
Cuomo said the state governments’ decisions about how to reopen the economy would be “guided by experts, data and science” and would not be done “in a political way”.Cuomo said the state governments’ decisions about how to reopen the economy would be “guided by experts, data and science” and would not be done “in a political way”.
The conference call comes as Trump has said he has the authority to reopen the economy on a federal level, a claim that has been contradicted by constitutional experts.The conference call comes as Trump has said he has the authority to reopen the economy on a federal level, a claim that has been contradicted by constitutional experts.
Cuomo said each state would name a public health official and an economic development official to serve on a working group alongside each governor’s chief of staff, and the group will design a reopening plan that considers both health and economic concerns.Cuomo said each state would name a public health official and an economic development official to serve on a working group alongside each governor’s chief of staff, and the group will design a reopening plan that considers both health and economic concerns.
“Let’s be smart, let’s be cooperative and let’s learn from each other,” Cuomo said.“Let’s be smart, let’s be cooperative and let’s learn from each other,” Cuomo said.
Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo added: “The reality is, this virus doesn’t care about state borders, and our response shouldn’t either.”Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo added: “The reality is, this virus doesn’t care about state borders, and our response shouldn’t either.”
Bernie Sanders’ endorsment of Joe Biden comes three months earlier in the election cycle than Sanders’s eventual 2016 endorsement of Hillary Clinton.Bernie Sanders’ endorsment of Joe Biden comes three months earlier in the election cycle than Sanders’s eventual 2016 endorsement of Hillary Clinton.
A number of Clinton’s supports criticized Sanders for not endorsing the nominee earlier, and some cited the late endorsement as one factor in Clinton’s eventual loss to Trump.A number of Clinton’s supports criticized Sanders for not endorsing the nominee earlier, and some cited the late endorsement as one factor in Clinton’s eventual loss to Trump.
Bernie Sanders has endorsed rival Joe Biden, days after dropping out of the Democratic primary and effectively ensuring that Biden will be the party’s standard-bearer in November.Bernie Sanders has endorsed rival Joe Biden, days after dropping out of the Democratic primary and effectively ensuring that Biden will be the party’s standard-bearer in November.
“Today I am asking all Americans, I’m asking every Democrat, I’m asking every Independent, I’m asking a lot of Republicans, to come together to support your candidacy, which I endorse,” Sanders said, appearing on a livestream with Biden.“Today I am asking all Americans, I’m asking every Democrat, I’m asking every Independent, I’m asking a lot of Republicans, to come together to support your candidacy, which I endorse,” Sanders said, appearing on a livestream with Biden.
Biden, appearing moved by the endorsement, thanked Sanders. “If I am the nominee, which it looks like you just made me...” Biden said, adding, “I’m going to need you. Not just to win the campaign, but to govern.”Biden, appearing moved by the endorsement, thanked Sanders. “If I am the nominee, which it looks like you just made me...” Biden said, adding, “I’m going to need you. Not just to win the campaign, but to govern.”
Sanders said their campaigns have set up joint task forces to work together on progressive priorities including on issues related to healthcare, climate change and criminal justice reform.Sanders said their campaigns have set up joint task forces to work together on progressive priorities including on issues related to healthcare, climate change and criminal justice reform.
“It’s no great secret out there, Joe, that you and I have our differences. And we’re not going to paper them over, that’s real,” Sanders said. “But I hope that these task forces will come together utilizing the best minds...to work out real solutions to these very, very important problems.”“It’s no great secret out there, Joe, that you and I have our differences. And we’re not going to paper them over, that’s real,” Sanders said. “But I hope that these task forces will come together utilizing the best minds...to work out real solutions to these very, very important problems.”
The campaign billed the event as a livestream on the economic response to the coronavirus pandemic featuring a “special guest.” Moments into the broadcast from Biden’s Delaware home, Sanders beamed into the conversation from his home in Burlington.The campaign billed the event as a livestream on the economic response to the coronavirus pandemic featuring a “special guest.” Moments into the broadcast from Biden’s Delaware home, Sanders beamed into the conversation from his home in Burlington.
Bernie Sanders announced his endorsement of Joe Biden during a virtual livestream on the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.Bernie Sanders announced his endorsement of Joe Biden during a virtual livestream on the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“So today, I am asking all Americans, I’m asking every Democrat, I’m asking every Independent, I’m asking a lot of Republicans, to come together in this campaign to support your candidacy, which I endorse,” Sanders said alongside Biden.“So today, I am asking all Americans, I’m asking every Democrat, I’m asking every Independent, I’m asking a lot of Republicans, to come together in this campaign to support your candidacy, which I endorse,” Sanders said alongside Biden.
“We’ve got to make Trump a one-term president,” Sanders added. “I will do all that I can to make that happen.”“We’ve got to make Trump a one-term president,” Sanders added. “I will do all that I can to make that happen.”
The presumptive Democratic nominee thanked Sanders for his support, saying his former rival doesn’t get “enough credit” for his accomplishments in the race.The presumptive Democratic nominee thanked Sanders for his support, saying his former rival doesn’t get “enough credit” for his accomplishments in the race.
“If I am the nominee — which it looks like now you just made me — I really need you, not just to win the campaign but to govern,” Biden told Sanders.“If I am the nominee — which it looks like now you just made me — I really need you, not just to win the campaign but to govern,” Biden told Sanders.
Bernie Sanders joined Joe Biden’s livestream today to announce he is endorsing his former rival’s campaign.Bernie Sanders joined Joe Biden’s livestream today to announce he is endorsing his former rival’s campaign.
Sanders dropped out of the race on Wednesday after losing a string of primaries last month, saying Biden’s delegate lead had made “victory virtually impossible.”Sanders dropped out of the race on Wednesday after losing a string of primaries last month, saying Biden’s delegate lead had made “victory virtually impossible.”
Nearly three in ten Americans incorrectly believe that coronavirus was created in a lab, according to a newly released poll.Nearly three in ten Americans incorrectly believe that coronavirus was created in a lab, according to a newly released poll.
According to the Pew Research Center survey, 29% of Americans say coronavirus was most likely created in a lab, while 43% say it most likely came about naturally.According to the Pew Research Center survey, 29% of Americans say coronavirus was most likely created in a lab, while 43% say it most likely came about naturally.
Conspiracy theories about coronavirus have been flourishing in recent weeks. One theory that falsely posits a link between the virus and 5G technology has even led to vandalism of cell towers in Britain.Conspiracy theories about coronavirus have been flourishing in recent weeks. One theory that falsely posits a link between the virus and 5G technology has even led to vandalism of cell towers in Britain.
The White House said Trump has no intention of firing Dr Anthony Fauci, even though the president reshared a tweet last night that called for the health expert’s dismissal.The White House said Trump has no intention of firing Dr Anthony Fauci, even though the president reshared a tweet last night that called for the health expert’s dismissal.
“The media chatter is ridiculous— President Trump is not firing Dr. Fauci,” said deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley. “Dr. Fauci has been and remains a trusted adviser to President Trump.”“The media chatter is ridiculous— President Trump is not firing Dr. Fauci,” said deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley. “Dr. Fauci has been and remains a trusted adviser to President Trump.”
Trump’s retweet about firing Fauci come hours after the infectious disease expert acknowledged in a CNN interview that earlier implementation of social distancing might have saved American lives.Trump’s retweet about firing Fauci come hours after the infectious disease expert acknowledged in a CNN interview that earlier implementation of social distancing might have saved American lives.
“[O]bviously, you could logically say that if you had a process that was ongoing, and you started mitigation earlier, you could have saved lives,” Fauci said. “Obviously, no one is going to deny that. ... But there was a lot of pushback about shutting things down back then.”“[O]bviously, you could logically say that if you had a process that was ongoing, and you started mitigation earlier, you could have saved lives,” Fauci said. “Obviously, no one is going to deny that. ... But there was a lot of pushback about shutting things down back then.”
The White House Correspondents’ Association has rescheduled its annual dinner for August 29, after having to postpone the event because of coronavirus.
“For most of us, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the most important story of our lifetimes,” WHCA president Jonathan Karl of ABC News said in a statement. “We hope our rescheduled 2020 dinner will be a chance to celebrate the kind the important journalism we have seen throughout this crisis.”
The dinner, which was originally scheduled for April 25, will still include comedian Kenan Thompson as the host and Hasan Minhaj as the featured entertainer.
The Senate quickly gaveled out its pro forma session today, without attempting to pass a bill granting additional funds to the small business loan program created by the stimulus package.
Last week, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell tried to pass a bill allocating $250 billion in additional funding to the program by unanimous consent, which would have bypassed a chamber-wide vote.
But Senate Democrats objected to McConnell’s proposal, demanding that the bill also include an extra $250 billion for hospitals and state and local governments. McConnell objected to that, and the bill failed to advance.
Afterwards, Republicans accused Democrats of playing partisan games while small businesses suffer, while House speaker Nancy Pelosi said McConnell’s move was a political “stunt” aimed at avoiding bipartisan negotiations.
Democrats and Republicans agree on one thing: the $2 trillion stimulus package passed last month will need additional funding to help the country weather this crisis.
Here’s where things stand today so far:
New York’s coronavirus death toll has surpassed 10,000, governor Andrew Cuomo announced at his daily birefing. An additional 671 New Yorkers died of the virus yesterday, even as hospitalizations in the state begin to plateau.
Trump dubiously claimed he has the power to restart the economy at the federal level. Constitutional experts have said that power lies with governors, many of whom have expressed concerns about relaxing “stay at home” orders too quickly.
A sailor from the USS Theodore Roosevelt has died of coronavirus. The former commander of the aircraft carrier raised concerns about the spread of coronavirus on the ship, and he was later removed from his post. More than 500 crew members have now tested positive for the virus.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
It’s been one month since Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, and many of his key promises remain unfulfilled.
An in-depth NPR investigation found many of the pledges that Trump made in his March 13 Rose Garden speech have only been parially realized, while others have gone completely ignored.
NPR reports:
Independent congressman Justin Amash pushed back against Trump’s claim that he has the authority to reopen the economy at the federal level, an assertion that is also challenged by constitutional experts.
Amash, who left the Republican party over his opposition to Trump, told the president in a tweet, “Put down the authoritarianism and read the Constitution.”
As NBC News noted, the ability to force businesses to close in the face of a public heath crisis is considered a “police power,” which the Constitution reserves for states.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo has just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus.
Here’s some of what he covered:
New York’s coronavirus death toll has surpassed 10,000. Cuomo announced that 671 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, bringing the state’s total death toll to 10,056, far exceeding that of any other US state.
Cuomo said he believes “the worst is over,” but he warned that the state’s progress could be quickly undone if New Yorkers become “reckless” about social distancing.
Cuomo and other Northeast governors will make an announcement this afternoon. Cuomo said he wants to ensure there is coordination across the region once states start to reopen their economies.
Cuomo said he “can’t imagine” Trump will fire Dr Anthony Fauci. The governor said Fauci had been an “extraordinary” asset in the fight against coronavirus and he could not imagine he would be fired, even though Trump reshared a tweet last night suggesting the infectious disease expert should be dismissed.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he “can’t imagine” that Trump will fire Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert.
Cuomo applauded Fauci as an “extroadionary” asset in the country’s fight against coronavirus. “I think Dr Fauci is great. I think Americans trust him,” Cuomo siad.
“As crazy as things get in this world ... I can’t imagine that that would ever happen,” Cuomo said of Trump firing Fauci.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said the number of coronavirus cases in New York will quickly go up if residents become “reckless” about social distancing.
“I’m not confident that the worst is over,” Cuomo said. “The worst can be over, and it is over, unless we do something reckless.”
Cuomo ackowledged the numbers suggest a plateauing of cases, but he added, “Whatever those numbers say is a direct result of what we do.”
The governor, who issued a statwide “stay at home” order about a month ago, also emphasized that “a lot of pain and suffering” had to happen for the state to flatten the curve.
Governor Andrew Cuomo emphasized that no New Yorker should take positive signs about the curve flattening as permission to ease social distancing.
“That’s why I’ve said the exact opposite 57 times,” Cuomo told a reporter who asked whether he worried New Yorkers would now abandon social distancing restrictions.
Cuomo said he has sent a message of “stay the course” at “an annoying, repetitive level” because he wants to ensure the state does not reverse the progress it has made.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the state will continue dealing with its coronavirus crisis until a vaccine is developed, which will likely not happen for 12 to 18 months.
“But there will be points between now and then when we can feel more confident,” Cuomo said.
The governor said he wanted New Yorkers to understand that although the worst might be behind them, precautions will need to be taken for many months to come, even if restrictions are somewhat eased.