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

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/apr/14/coronavirus-us-live-donald-trump-briefing-deaths-rise-cuomo-fauci-latest-news-updates

The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 17 Version 18
US coronavirus death toll passes 25,000 – live US coronavirus death toll passes 25,000 – live
(32 minutes later)
New York accounts for about 40% of all deaths in the country, with more than 10,000 recorded in the state so farNew York accounts for about 40% of all deaths in the country, with more than 10,000 recorded in the state so far
Between 10 and 20 percent of coronavirus cases are health workers, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But doctors, nurses and other medical professionals infected with the virus tended to be hospitalized at lower rates than other patients.
Here’s more from the AP:
White House coronavirus briefing shortly
We’re awaiting Donald Trump and his coronavirus task force’s regular press/public briefing, which was due to begin at 5pm ET but, as is becoming very typical, running late.
Yesterday it kicked off at around 5.50pm and lasted almost two and a half hours, probably a record. It was also extraordinary.
Tonight it’s planned to take place in the rose garden at the White House. Reporters are already in place on spaced-out chairs on the lawn.
Sometimes it starts at 5.15, sometimes 5.25....so do stick around. We’ll have a live feed, live-blogging and some contemporaneous fact-checking, and other coverage.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
The US coronavirus death toll has surpassed 25,000. The US has confirmed nearly 600,000 cases of coronavirus across the country, and 25,239 Americans have died of the virus.The US coronavirus death toll has surpassed 25,000. The US has confirmed nearly 600,000 cases of coronavirus across the country, and 25,239 Americans have died of the virus.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said Trump was “clearly spoiling for a fight” on reopening the economy. Cuomo said Trump’s claim that he has “total” authority to reopen the economy is “factually wrong,” and the governor emphasized he would not be pressured into reopening the economy before it was safe to do so.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said Trump was “clearly spoiling for a fight” on reopening the economy. Cuomo said Trump’s claim that he has “total” authority to reopen the economy is “factually wrong,” and the governor emphasized he would not be pressured into reopening the economy before it was safe to do so.
California governor Gavin Newsom established criteria for reopening the economy. Newsom declined to set a date for relaxing California’s stay-at-home order, but he said the state needs to expand testing and develop a system for contact tracing before restrictions can be eased.California governor Gavin Newsom established criteria for reopening the economy. Newsom declined to set a date for relaxing California’s stay-at-home order, but he said the state needs to expand testing and develop a system for contact tracing before restrictions can be eased.
Barack Obama officially endorsed Joe Biden’s presidential bid. Obama said Biden “has all the qualities we need in a president right now,” and he indicated he would soon stump for his former vice president on the campaign trail.Barack Obama officially endorsed Joe Biden’s presidential bid. Obama said Biden “has all the qualities we need in a president right now,” and he indicated he would soon stump for his former vice president on the campaign trail.
Dr Anthony Fauci said the country would likely not be ready to start reopening the economy in the next couple of weeks. The infectious disease expert emphasized that the nation needed to develop a robust system to test and track coronavirus patients before easing social distancing guidelines. “We have to have something in place that is efficient and that we can rely on, and we’re not there yet,” Fauci said.Dr Anthony Fauci said the country would likely not be ready to start reopening the economy in the next couple of weeks. The infectious disease expert emphasized that the nation needed to develop a robust system to test and track coronavirus patients before easing social distancing guidelines. “We have to have something in place that is efficient and that we can rely on, and we’re not there yet,” Fauci said.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The 2017 sale of Republican senator Richard Burr’s Washington town home to a lobbyist and longtime donor is attracting scutiny.The 2017 sale of Republican senator Richard Burr’s Washington town home to a lobbyist and longtime donor is attracting scutiny.
ProPublica reports:ProPublica reports:
If Green purchased the home at an above market price, it could be considered a gift to Burr, which could run afoul of Senate ethics rules.If Green purchased the home at an above market price, it could be considered a gift to Burr, which could run afoul of Senate ethics rules.
Burr recently attracted ethical scrutiny for his stock activity in February, when he was receiving briefings on the coronavirus outbreak, which raised concerns that he had attempted to profit off a public health emergency.Burr recently attracted ethical scrutiny for his stock activity in February, when he was receiving briefings on the coronavirus outbreak, which raised concerns that he had attempted to profit off a public health emergency.
Moreover, there’s this!
If you need to know who Carole Baskin, of Tiger King fame/infamy is, cast your eye over this:
New York City’s coronavirus death toll surged past 10,000 after officials added in people who were suspected to have died of the virus but were never tested.New York City’s coronavirus death toll surged past 10,000 after officials added in people who were suspected to have died of the virus but were never tested.
The New York Times reports:The New York Times reports:
New York state already accounted for about 40% of all coronavirus deaths in the country, with governor Andrew Cuomo saying today that the state’s death toll has reached 10,834.New York state already accounted for about 40% of all coronavirus deaths in the country, with governor Andrew Cuomo saying today that the state’s death toll has reached 10,834.
The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports on the latest from California:The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports on the latest from California:
California governor Gavin Newsom unveiled the plan to reopen the economy as the state experienced a record number of covid-related deaths: 758.California governor Gavin Newsom unveiled the plan to reopen the economy as the state experienced a record number of covid-related deaths: 758.
State models still predict that California will experience its peak in hospitalizations mid-May. “We are sober about the fact that we’re still seeing in increase, modest though it may be, in hospitalizations,” Newsom said. “We are not out of the woods yet. We are not spiking the ball yet. But we are also acknowledging that this is not going to be a permanent state.”State models still predict that California will experience its peak in hospitalizations mid-May. “We are sober about the fact that we’re still seeing in increase, modest though it may be, in hospitalizations,” Newsom said. “We are not out of the woods yet. We are not spiking the ball yet. But we are also acknowledging that this is not going to be a permanent state.”
Newsom warned that even when he modifies the order and the state is allowed to return to “normal,” the new normal may still be different. Waiters at restaurants may wear masks and gloves. Gatherings of more than 100 will still be unlikely without a vaccine.Newsom warned that even when he modifies the order and the state is allowed to return to “normal,” the new normal may still be different. Waiters at restaurants may wear masks and gloves. Gatherings of more than 100 will still be unlikely without a vaccine.
“There’s no light switch here,” he said. “I would argue it’s more like a dimmer.” He predicted in two weeks, should the state see a continual decline in hospitalizations, he may have a better idea of when he may begin modifying the order.“There’s no light switch here,” he said. “I would argue it’s more like a dimmer.” He predicted in two weeks, should the state see a continual decline in hospitalizations, he may have a better idea of when he may begin modifying the order.
“We can’t get ahead of ourselves,” Newsom said. “Let’s not make a mistake of pulling the plug too early, as much as we all want to. I don’t want to make a political decision that puts people’s lives at risk, puts the economy at risk.”“We can’t get ahead of ourselves,” Newsom said. “Let’s not make a mistake of pulling the plug too early, as much as we all want to. I don’t want to make a political decision that puts people’s lives at risk, puts the economy at risk.”
The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports on the latest from California:The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports on the latest from California:
California governor Gavin Newsom provided a pragmatic glimpse into the future of the state on Tuesday, admitting that though there was no specific timeline for when he will lift the stay-at-home order, “there is a ray of optimism that this too shall pass.”California governor Gavin Newsom provided a pragmatic glimpse into the future of the state on Tuesday, admitting that though there was no specific timeline for when he will lift the stay-at-home order, “there is a ray of optimism that this too shall pass.”
California is preparing to enter a new “optimistic” phase of the coronavirus crisis, one where “we begin to transition into suppression, ultimately on our way to herd immunity and ultimately to a vaccine,” Newsom said. It’s in this phase that conversations about reopening the state and returning to normal operations will begin, he said.California is preparing to enter a new “optimistic” phase of the coronavirus crisis, one where “we begin to transition into suppression, ultimately on our way to herd immunity and ultimately to a vaccine,” Newsom said. It’s in this phase that conversations about reopening the state and returning to normal operations will begin, he said.
“This phase is one where science, where public health, not politics, must be the guide,” Newsom said.“This phase is one where science, where public health, not politics, must be the guide,” Newsom said.
He outlined the six indicators that the state must consider before modifying the stay-at-home order:He outlined the six indicators that the state must consider before modifying the stay-at-home order:
The ability to expand testing and address contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed.The ability to expand testing and address contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed.
The ability to protect the most vulnerable populations - seniors, the homeless, and those with underlying medical conditions - from infection and spread.The ability to protect the most vulnerable populations - seniors, the homeless, and those with underlying medical conditions - from infection and spread.
The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges.The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges.
The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand.The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand.
The ability for businesses, schools, parks, playgrounds, child care facilities and coastlines to support physical distancing.The ability for businesses, schools, parks, playgrounds, child care facilities and coastlines to support physical distancing.
The ability to determine when to reinstitute “more vigorous controls”, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.The ability to determine when to reinstitute “more vigorous controls”, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.
At a Pentagon briefing today, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Gen Mark Milley, was asked about reports and rumours that the coronavirus could have originated in a Chinese laboratory.At a Pentagon briefing today, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Gen Mark Milley, was asked about reports and rumours that the coronavirus could have originated in a Chinese laboratory.
Republican senator Tom Cotton has raised the possibility that the outbreak could have come from a safety lapse at a microbiology lab, or might even be engineered as a bioweapon. The Washington Post foreign affairs columnist Josh Rogin reported today about state department cables from 2018 in which US diplomats expressed concern about safety at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which was conducting studies on bat-borne coronavirus strains.Republican senator Tom Cotton has raised the possibility that the outbreak could have come from a safety lapse at a microbiology lab, or might even be engineered as a bioweapon. The Washington Post foreign affairs columnist Josh Rogin reported today about state department cables from 2018 in which US diplomats expressed concern about safety at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which was conducting studies on bat-borne coronavirus strains.
“There’s a lot of rumour and speculation in a wide variety of media, blog sites, etc,” Milley told reporters. “It should be no surprise to you that we’ve taken a keen interest in that, and we’ve had a lot of intelligence look at that. And I would just say at this point, it’s inconclusive, although the weight of evidence seems to indicate natural. But we don’t know for certain.”“There’s a lot of rumour and speculation in a wide variety of media, blog sites, etc,” Milley told reporters. “It should be no surprise to you that we’ve taken a keen interest in that, and we’ve had a lot of intelligence look at that. And I would just say at this point, it’s inconclusive, although the weight of evidence seems to indicate natural. But we don’t know for certain.”
A Pew Research Center poll released yesterday showed that about a third of Americans believe coronavirus was most likely created by humans in a laboratory, while 43% say it most likely came about naturally.A Pew Research Center poll released yesterday showed that about a third of Americans believe coronavirus was most likely created by humans in a laboratory, while 43% say it most likely came about naturally.
The treasury department is launching a free app for Americans to track the status of their direct payments from the stimulus package.The treasury department is launching a free app for Americans to track the status of their direct payments from the stimulus package.
Treasury officials have urged Americans to make sure they have a direct deposit on file with the IRS to ensure quick delivery of the money, which is starting to be distributed this week.Treasury officials have urged Americans to make sure they have a direct deposit on file with the IRS to ensure quick delivery of the money, which is starting to be distributed this week.
Singles earning up to $75,000 a year will receive $1,200, and couples making up to $150,000 will receive $2,400. The check value decreases with salaries over those thresholds.Singles earning up to $75,000 a year will receive $1,200, and couples making up to $150,000 will receive $2,400. The check value decreases with salaries over those thresholds.
Early evidence suggests Americans are using the money to mostly buy essentials like groceries and gas.Early evidence suggests Americans are using the money to mostly buy essentials like groceries and gas.
The US coronavirus death toll has surpassed 25,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.The US coronavirus death toll has surpassed 25,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
According to Hopkins’ numbers, 25,239 Americans have died of coronavirus, while 592,743 cases have been confirmed across the country.According to Hopkins’ numbers, 25,239 Americans have died of coronavirus, while 592,743 cases have been confirmed across the country.
New York accounts for about 40% of all the deaths in the country, with 10,056 deaths being recorded in the state so far.New York accounts for about 40% of all the deaths in the country, with 10,056 deaths being recorded in the state so far.
Italy has the second-highest number of reported coronavirus deaths at 21,067, while Spain has recorded 18,056 fatalities.Italy has the second-highest number of reported coronavirus deaths at 21,067, while Spain has recorded 18,056 fatalities.
The US death toll surpassed that of Italy over the weekend, making America the worst hit country in the world:The US death toll surpassed that of Italy over the weekend, making America the worst hit country in the world:
Trump will hold a video conference with fellow G7 leaders Thursday to discuss a coordinated response to the coronavirus pandemic.Trump will hold a video conference with fellow G7 leaders Thursday to discuss a coordinated response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Working together, the G7 is taking a whole-of-society approach to tackle the crisis across multiple areas, including health, finance, humanitarian assistance, and science and technology,” said White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere.“Working together, the G7 is taking a whole-of-society approach to tackle the crisis across multiple areas, including health, finance, humanitarian assistance, and science and technology,” said White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere.
The planned video conference is a follow-up to a similar virtual conversation among the world leaders last month, and a third conference is expected in May.The planned video conference is a follow-up to a similar virtual conversation among the world leaders last month, and a third conference is expected in May.
Republican senator Rand Paul said in a tweet that the federal government is not “the ultimate regulator of our lives,” an implicit criticism of Trump’s false claim about having “total” authority to determine when to reopen the economy.Republican senator Rand Paul said in a tweet that the federal government is not “the ultimate regulator of our lives,” an implicit criticism of Trump’s false claim about having “total” authority to determine when to reopen the economy.
Several Republican lawmakers, including senator Marco Rubio and congresswoman Liz Cheney, have pushed back on Trump’s false claim about federal power.Several Republican lawmakers, including senator Marco Rubio and congresswoman Liz Cheney, have pushed back on Trump’s false claim about federal power.
However, both Rubio and Cheney avoided specifically mentioning the president’s name, instead simply arguing that states have the power to determine when and how to reopen their economies.However, both Rubio and Cheney avoided specifically mentioning the president’s name, instead simply arguing that states have the power to determine when and how to reopen their economies.
Joe Biden has released a statement thanking Barack Obama for his endorsement, calling his service as Obama’s vice president one of “the greatest honors of my life.”Joe Biden has released a statement thanking Barack Obama for his endorsement, calling his service as Obama’s vice president one of “the greatest honors of my life.”
“History will record Barack Obama’s years in office as one of the great American presidencies; there is no better partner in the battle for the soul of this nation, and no one I’d rather have standing by my side,” Biden said in the statement. “Jill and I are so thankful to Barack and Michelle for their support — both politically and personally.”“History will record Barack Obama’s years in office as one of the great American presidencies; there is no better partner in the battle for the soul of this nation, and no one I’d rather have standing by my side,” Biden said in the statement. “Jill and I are so thankful to Barack and Michelle for their support — both politically and personally.”
Biden went on to say Obama’s handling of the financial crisis had “showed how a president should lead,” comparing the crisis to the current pandemic.Biden went on to say Obama’s handling of the financial crisis had “showed how a president should lead,” comparing the crisis to the current pandemic.
“These are difficult times again for our country,” Biden said. “Once again, we need to restore the qualities of presidential leadership President Obama provided — and that is what I intend to do.”“These are difficult times again for our country,” Biden said. “Once again, we need to restore the qualities of presidential leadership President Obama provided — and that is what I intend to do.”
A Liberty University student has filed a lawsuit against the school, accusing university officials of overseeing a “glacially slow” response to coronavirus that put students’ health at risk.A Liberty University student has filed a lawsuit against the school, accusing university officials of overseeing a “glacially slow” response to coronavirus that put students’ health at risk.
“Liberty University is, in a very real sense, profiting from the COVID-19 pandemic—keeping its campus and campus services ‘open’ as a pretext to retain Plaintiff’s and the other Class members’ room, board and campus fees, despite no longer having to incur the full cost of providing those services, all the while putting students’ finances and health at risk,” the plaintiff, identified only as “Student A” in the lawsuit, alleged.“Liberty University is, in a very real sense, profiting from the COVID-19 pandemic—keeping its campus and campus services ‘open’ as a pretext to retain Plaintiff’s and the other Class members’ room, board and campus fees, despite no longer having to incur the full cost of providing those services, all the while putting students’ finances and health at risk,” the plaintiff, identified only as “Student A” in the lawsuit, alleged.
The university’s president, prominent Trump ally Jerry Falwell Jr, downplayed the pandemic for weeks before finally announcing a shift to online instruction on March 23. However, the school has kept its residence halls and dining facilities open, offering students only a $1,000 credit if they chose to leave their campus housing.The university’s president, prominent Trump ally Jerry Falwell Jr, downplayed the pandemic for weeks before finally announcing a shift to online instruction on March 23. However, the school has kept its residence halls and dining facilities open, offering students only a $1,000 credit if they chose to leave their campus housing.
“Liberty’s decision to tell its students that they could remain on campus to continue to use their housing, meal plans, parking, and the benefits of the services and activities for which their fees paid, was not only illusory and empty—because there were no more on-campus classes—but it was also extremely dangerous and irresponsible,” Student A said in the lawsuit.“Liberty’s decision to tell its students that they could remain on campus to continue to use their housing, meal plans, parking, and the benefits of the services and activities for which their fees paid, was not only illusory and empty—because there were no more on-campus classes—but it was also extremely dangerous and irresponsible,” Student A said in the lawsuit.
Good afternoon from New York – Martin Pengelly here again, covering for Joanie while she takes a deserved break.Good afternoon from New York – Martin Pengelly here again, covering for Joanie while she takes a deserved break.
More Cuomo news, in this case about Chris Cuomo, CNN anchor, Covid-19 patient and brother of New York governor Andrew Cuomo.More Cuomo news, in this case about Chris Cuomo, CNN anchor, Covid-19 patient and brother of New York governor Andrew Cuomo.
The headline on the Murdoch-owned New York Post’s write-up of Chris Cuomo’s words on his SiriusXM radio show on Monday night is “Coronavirus-stricken Chris Cuomo trashes CNN gig during radio show meltdown”. And it’s true that the younger Cuomo, who has been in isolation though continuing to work since contracting the coronavirus, seems to be having some vaguely existential thoughts:The headline on the Murdoch-owned New York Post’s write-up of Chris Cuomo’s words on his SiriusXM radio show on Monday night is “Coronavirus-stricken Chris Cuomo trashes CNN gig during radio show meltdown”. And it’s true that the younger Cuomo, who has been in isolation though continuing to work since contracting the coronavirus, seems to be having some vaguely existential thoughts:
The Post also detailed a confrontation Cuomo said he had with a “loser biker” outside his home on Easter Sunday.The Post also detailed a confrontation Cuomo said he had with a “loser biker” outside his home on Easter Sunday.
But I’m going to single out what Cuomo, 49, said about the state of US politics today: he is growing weary of “talking to Democrats about things that I don’t really believe they mean” and “talking to Republicans about them parroting things they feel they have to say”.But I’m going to single out what Cuomo, 49, said about the state of US politics today: he is growing weary of “talking to Democrats about things that I don’t really believe they mean” and “talking to Republicans about them parroting things they feel they have to say”.
The Post also reports that Cuomo “also wants to stop analyzing the president, ‘who we all know is full of shit by design’.”The Post also reports that Cuomo “also wants to stop analyzing the president, ‘who we all know is full of shit by design’.”
As it happens, the Post wrote “s–t”. The Guardian knows of no such Puritan strictures.As it happens, the Post wrote “s–t”. The Guardian knows of no such Puritan strictures.
Donald Trump has attacked Chris Cuomo before – of course he has. So we might expect further tweets or maybe remarks at today’s White House briefing, which is scheduled for 5pm. Yesterday’s session of podium-pounding before the Brady briefing room bunch was, well, what it was. David Smith’s superb sketch is here:Donald Trump has attacked Chris Cuomo before – of course he has. So we might expect further tweets or maybe remarks at today’s White House briefing, which is scheduled for 5pm. Yesterday’s session of podium-pounding before the Brady briefing room bunch was, well, what it was. David Smith’s superb sketch is here:
My write-up of Donald Trump and Andrew Cuomo’s bizarre back and forth about Mutiny on the Bounty and Alexander Hamilton, meanwhile, is here.My write-up of Donald Trump and Andrew Cuomo’s bizarre back and forth about Mutiny on the Bounty and Alexander Hamilton, meanwhile, is here.
The Architect of the Capitol is requiring agency staffers to wear face coverings at the Capitol, but the guidance will not extend to lawmakers and their staff.The Architect of the Capitol is requiring agency staffers to wear face coverings at the Capitol, but the guidance will not extend to lawmakers and their staff.
Roll Call reports:Roll Call reports:
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and House majority leader Steny Hoyer have both announced that the chambers will likely not return to session until May 4 at the earliest.Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and House majority leader Steny Hoyer have both announced that the chambers will likely not return to session until May 4 at the earliest.
Update: This post has been updated with more information on the guidance.Update: This post has been updated with more information on the guidance.
Dr Anthony Fauci acknowledged that the daily White House briefings on the response to coronavirus have become “really draining.”Dr Anthony Fauci acknowledged that the daily White House briefings on the response to coronavirus have become “really draining.”
“If I had been able to just make a few comments and then go to work, that would have really been much better,” Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, told the AP.“If I had been able to just make a few comments and then go to work, that would have really been much better,” Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, told the AP.
Yesterday’s briefing, during which Trump falsely claimed he has “total” authority to reopen the economy, ran for nearly two and a half hours. “It isn’t the idea of being there and answering questions, which I really think is important for the American public,” Fauci said. “It’s the amount of time.”Yesterday’s briefing, during which Trump falsely claimed he has “total” authority to reopen the economy, ran for nearly two and a half hours. “It isn’t the idea of being there and answering questions, which I really think is important for the American public,” Fauci said. “It’s the amount of time.”
Some news networks have started cutting away from the briefing before it’s over to feature analysis and fact-checking of the president’s comments, which has angered the White House.Some news networks have started cutting away from the briefing before it’s over to feature analysis and fact-checking of the president’s comments, which has angered the White House.
Trump has made more than 18,000 false or misleading claims since taking office, according to an analysis by the Washington Post.Trump has made more than 18,000 false or misleading claims since taking office, according to an analysis by the Washington Post.
Since the first confirmed coronavirus case in the US was confirmed on January 20, the president has been making an average of about 23 false or misleading claims a day.Since the first confirmed coronavirus case in the US was confirmed on January 20, the president has been making an average of about 23 false or misleading claims a day.
The Post reports:The Post reports: