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Coronavirus Live Updates: Business Leaders Call for More Testing to Reopen U.S. Coronavirus Live Updates: Business Leaders Call for More Testing to Reopen U.S.
(32 minutes later)
When the first conference call of President Trump’s economic advisory council on reopening the economy was held Wednesday morning, several business executives echoed a cry that health officials and state and local leaders have been making for weeks, according to two participants: The country needs more testing. When President Trump’s economic advisory council held its first conference call Wednesday morning, several business executives echoed a cry that health officials and state and local leaders have been making for weeks, according to two participants: The country needs more testing.
During the call with business leaders from retail, banking, financial services, hospitality and other industries, each executive was given a minute or two to provide his or her overview of what was needed to reopen the economy, according to the participants, who were granted anonymity to describe private communications. There appeared to be a wide consensus that more virus testing was needed to track who was infected and who might have immunity before employees could return to work. According to the participants, who were granted anonymity to describe private communications, there appeared to be a wide consensus that more virus testing was needed to track who was infected and who might have immunity before employees could return to work. But another issue of great concern, one of the participants said, was the need to address the liability companies could face if employees were to get sick after returning.
But another issue of great concern to the executives on the call, one of the participants said, was the need to address the liability companies could face if employees were to get sick after returning to work. Workers who felt that they were brought back too soon or were not placed in an adequately safe environment could sue en masse. Details of the call were first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Workers who felt that they were brought back too soon or were not placed in an adequately safe environment could sue en masse. Details of the call were first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Asked about their call for more tests — after the slow rollout of testing hampered the nation’s ability to identify the outbreak and combat it — Mr. Trump said Wednesday evening that he agreed. But he cast it as something that the states should be working on — which was something of a departure from his insistence this week that the president calls the shots when it comes to major decisions about the pandemic. Asked about the executives’ call for more tests, Mr. Trump said Wednesday evening that he agreed. But he cast it as something that the states should be working on, a departure from his insistence this week that the president calls the shots when it comes to major decisions about the pandemic.
“It’s what I want too, and we have great tests, and we want the states to administer these tests for the most part,” Mr. Trump said.“It’s what I want too, and we have great tests, and we want the states to administer these tests for the most part,” Mr. Trump said.
Some executives were unable to join the call because of scheduling conflicts. David M. Solomon, the chief executive of Goldman Sachs, who was leading his own quarterly earnings call at the same time as the White House call, was one of them. The lack of testing capacity has emerged as a signature failure of the Trump administration’s response, and it now threatens to hamper efforts for an eventual reopening of the country’s economy.
In an indication of his own viewpoint, Mr. Solomon — who noted during his earnings call that he had spoken to about 100 chief executives who were Goldman clients about the effects of the virus — said that “unless people feel safe and secure and confident around the virus, the economic impact will continue in some way, shape or form.” Senate Democrats on Wednesday unveiled a $30 billion plan to ramp up testing, saying they would push to include it in the next round of government relief. Democrats said the plan, which would include free testing and reporting mechanisms for testing and tracing, would be essential to reopening.
The White House began notifying members of Congress on Wednesday afternoon that they had been selected to serve on another task force to advise Mr. Trump on reopening the country. This one would be composed of Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate.
In emails sent to offices on Capitol Hill, the White House Legislative Affairs Office did not so much invite the lawmakers — numbering at least a dozen — to participate in the task force as inform them that they were expected to serve.
Senate Democrats on Wednesday unveiled a $30 billion plan to vastly ramp up the development, manufacturing and distribution of testing across the country, saying they would push to include it in the next round of government relief.
Democrats said the national blueprint, which would include free testing and reporting mechanisms for testing and tracing, would be essential to eventually reopening the country.
“Each state can’t have its own separate plan,” Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, said in a telephone news conference with reporters. “We need a national plan.”“Each state can’t have its own separate plan,” Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, said in a telephone news conference with reporters. “We need a national plan.”
The proposal would require the Trump administration to develop and enforce a national strategy to expand the country’s testing capacity and develop tests, and mandate widespread reporting about testing results, including tracking the demographics of people who tested positive.
It comes as the lack of testing capacity has emerged as a signature failure of the Trump administration’s response and now threatens to hamper efforts across the country to plan for an eventual reopening of the economy.
In California, officials say ramping up testing is a major priority before they can begin lifting stay-at-home orders there. Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles announced Tuesday that anyone with symptoms could get a test in one day.In California, officials say ramping up testing is a major priority before they can begin lifting stay-at-home orders there. Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles announced Tuesday that anyone with symptoms could get a test in one day.
The state’s rate of infection and the number of deaths have been substantially lower than rates in other areas, but testing has been slower there than in New York, according to The Covid-19 Tracking Project.The state’s rate of infection and the number of deaths have been substantially lower than rates in other areas, but testing has been slower there than in New York, according to The Covid-19 Tracking Project.
President Trump’s public campaign against the World Health Organization — and his order to freeze all money to the group in the middle of a pandemic — is the culmination of mounting anger among his White House advisers, Republican lawmakers and conservative news media about the organization’s lavish praise of China’s response to the coronavirus. Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the coronavirus response coordinator for the White House, offered a road map on Wednesday on which states could be the first to ease stay-at-home orders and reopen businesses — a target date that President Trump said could be before May 1.
Mr. Trump’s decision to attack the W.H.O., a unit of the United Nations, comes as he is under intense fire at home for his administration’s failure to respond aggressively to the virus, which as of Wednesday had claimed more than 25,000 lives in the United States and infected at least 600,000 people in all 50 states. “We do have nine states that have less than 1,000 cases and less than 30 new cases per day,” Dr. Birx said during the daily news briefing in the Rose Garden.
The director general of the organization on Wednesday expressed dismay that Mr. Trump was calling to halt its funding as it fights the pandemic. She did not list the states, but data compiled by The New York Times suggested that they were Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia.
“W.H.O. is not only fighting Covid-19,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “We’re also working to address polio, measles, malaria, Ebola, H.I.V., tuberculosis, malnutrition, cancer, diabetes, mental health and many other diseases and conditions.” Governors and mayors would make the call on lifting restrictions after receiving guidance from the federal government, which would be announced Thursday, Dr. Birx said.
Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, praised the organization on Wednesday in tones at odds with the president’s harsh criticism. He told “CBS This Morning” that questions about the W.H.O.’s pandemic response should be left until “after we get through this.” Moments earlier, Mr. Trump said that governors, whom he did not name, were “chomping at the bit to get going.” But Dr. Birx warned that it was no time for Americans to become complacent about social distancing.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi sharply denounced Mr. Trump’s call to halt funding, promising on Wednesday to “swiftly challenge” the move and calling it “dangerous” and “illegal.” “I will remind the people again: This is a highly contagious virus. Social gatherings, coming together — there is a chance an asymptomatic person can spread it unknowingly,” she said. “Don’t have that dinner party for 20 yet.”
Congress had already appropriated funding to the organization, but the Trump administration has previously diverted allocated funds to other programs without the legislative branch signing off. Dr. Birx said the task force was closely monitoring the situation in Rhode Island, where public health officials had reported more than 3,500 cases statewide and more than 800 in Providence as of Wednesday. The state’s location between New York and Boston had contributed to the spike in cases, Dr. Birx said: “They’re caught between two incredible hot spots in the country.”
The president’s decision came amid concerns about the W.H.O.’s approach to China. Inside the West Wing, officials said, there was near-unanimous agreement among the president’s advisers that the W.H.O. was heavily influenced by the Chinese government and too slow to sound the alarm because it trusted China’s assurances that the virus was under control and did not pose a global threat.
That belief has been amplified by some of the president’s top allies in Congress and the right-wing news media, who share deep suspicions about the Chinese government and were furious when W.H.O. officials said aggressive action by China was crucial to slowing the spread of the virus outside its borders.
President Trump, furious over government vacancies he said were hindering his administration’s coronavirus response, threatened on Wednesday to invoke a never-before-used presidential power to adjourn Congress so he could fill the positions temporarily himself.President Trump, furious over government vacancies he said were hindering his administration’s coronavirus response, threatened on Wednesday to invoke a never-before-used presidential power to adjourn Congress so he could fill the positions temporarily himself.
The top Senate Republican quickly let it be known that would not happen.The top Senate Republican quickly let it be known that would not happen.
Days after insisting he had “total” authority to supersede governors’ decisions about whether to reopen their states, Mr. Trump floated the unprecedented step during a White House news conference as he lashed out at Democrats for opposing his nominees. He demanded that Republican leaders immediately call the Senate back into session to confirm them, or take a recess for an extended period of time so he could install stopgap appointees without a vote, a practice known as a recess appointment.Days after insisting he had “total” authority to supersede governors’ decisions about whether to reopen their states, Mr. Trump floated the unprecedented step during a White House news conference as he lashed out at Democrats for opposing his nominees. He demanded that Republican leaders immediately call the Senate back into session to confirm them, or take a recess for an extended period of time so he could install stopgap appointees without a vote, a practice known as a recess appointment.
The House and Senate have both taken extended recesses amid the pandemic, convening at least every few days for so-called pro forma sessions — brief meetings that last mere minutes and require the presence of only one lawmaker — to keep their chambers technically in session even though they are not doing business. The maneuver is routine in the Senate to prevent presidents from making recess appointments, which they can do if the Senate is in recess for 10 days or more.The House and Senate have both taken extended recesses amid the pandemic, convening at least every few days for so-called pro forma sessions — brief meetings that last mere minutes and require the presence of only one lawmaker — to keep their chambers technically in session even though they are not doing business. The maneuver is routine in the Senate to prevent presidents from making recess appointments, which they can do if the Senate is in recess for 10 days or more.
“The current practice of leaving town while conducting phony pro forma sessions is a dereliction of duty the American people can’t afford during this crisis,” Mr. Trump said on Wednesday. “They have been warned.”“The current practice of leaving town while conducting phony pro forma sessions is a dereliction of duty the American people can’t afford during this crisis,” Mr. Trump said on Wednesday. “They have been warned.”
If the Senate did not do his bidding, Mr. Trump said, he would use the “very strong power” afforded to him by the Constitution to force an adjournment. He appeared to be referring to Article II of the Constitution, which gives the president the power to adjourn Congress until a time of his choosing if the House and Senate are unable to agree on when they should go out of session.If the Senate did not do his bidding, Mr. Trump said, he would use the “very strong power” afforded to him by the Constitution to force an adjournment. He appeared to be referring to Article II of the Constitution, which gives the president the power to adjourn Congress until a time of his choosing if the House and Senate are unable to agree on when they should go out of session.
But there is currently no disagreement between the two chambers — they have already agreed to adjourn on Jan. 3, 2021 — and the office of Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, suggested in a statement on Wednesday evening that he was not inclined to change that.But there is currently no disagreement between the two chambers — they have already agreed to adjourn on Jan. 3, 2021 — and the office of Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, suggested in a statement on Wednesday evening that he was not inclined to change that.
A spokesman said Mr. McConnell had spoken with the president earlier in the day about Senate Democrats’ “unprecedented obstruction” of his nominees and that he shared Mr. Trump’s “frustration with the process.”A spokesman said Mr. McConnell had spoken with the president earlier in the day about Senate Democrats’ “unprecedented obstruction” of his nominees and that he shared Mr. Trump’s “frustration with the process.”
“The leader pledged to find ways to confirm nominees considered mission-critical to the Covid-19 pandemic, but under Senate rules that will take consent from Leader Schumer,” the spokesman added, referring to the minority leader, Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York.“The leader pledged to find ways to confirm nominees considered mission-critical to the Covid-19 pandemic, but under Senate rules that will take consent from Leader Schumer,” the spokesman added, referring to the minority leader, Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York.
Even if successful, Mr. Trump’s actions were likely to prompt a challenge in the courts. “There’s a reason why this power has *never* been exercised before,” Stephen I. Vladeck, a constitutional law professor at the University of Texas, wrote on Twitter.Even if successful, Mr. Trump’s actions were likely to prompt a challenge in the courts. “There’s a reason why this power has *never* been exercised before,” Stephen I. Vladeck, a constitutional law professor at the University of Texas, wrote on Twitter.
Millions of high school students across the country will be able to take at-home, digital versions of the SAT and ACT, the widely used standardized tests for college admissions, if the pandemic forces schools to remain closed in the fall.
The College Board, which administers the SAT, gave few details in an announcement on Wednesday about what the at-home test would look like or how it would differ from the traditional test, which is normally taken on paper in a highly secure setting under the watchful eyes of proctors.
The organization has already announced that it will administer Advanced Placement tests at home in May because of the virus, which forced the cancellation of SAT testing dates this spring, including into June, The College Board said on Wednesday. The A.P. tests — a kind of dress rehearsal for the fall — will be open book and truncated to 45 minutes from about three hours. The College Board’s counterpart, the ACT, also said Wednesday that it would offer an at-home option.
The proposal for at-home testing is an implicit admission that the pandemic is threatening the industry’s test delivery and business model. Over the last month, a growing number of colleges have announced that they will suspend the requirement for applicants to submit standardized test results because of the disruption caused by the virus, accelerating a trend that was already taking place.
Standardized tests have been widely criticized for exacerbating economic inequality. Critics say they penalize children from poor families who have less access to practice tests, preparation materials and tutors to help raise their scores — and that at-home options would make accessibility worse.
“It’s different if you’re taking the test in a one-room apartment with 17 relatives in the background,” said Akil Bello, a senior director at FairTest, an organization that opposes the use of standardized tests in college admissions.
The College Board, a nonprofit that brings in more than $1 billion in revenue a year, said in a statement on Wednesday that it would strive to make the SAT “accessible to all,” acknowledging that “families hit hardest are often those with the fewest resources.” But it did not specify how it planned to address those disparities.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said Wednesday that he would order people statewide to don facial coverings while in public if they were unable to stay six feet away from others. The measure will take effect on Saturday.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said Wednesday that he would order people statewide to don facial coverings while in public if they were unable to stay six feet away from others. The measure will take effect on Saturday.
“If you’re going to be in public and you cannot maintain social distancing, then have a mask and put the mask on,” said Mr. Cuomo, who held out the possibility of civil penalties for violations.“If you’re going to be in public and you cannot maintain social distancing, then have a mask and put the mask on,” said Mr. Cuomo, who held out the possibility of civil penalties for violations.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said in a statement on Wednesday that all subway riders in New York City would be required to wear face coverings when using public transit beginning Friday.The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said in a statement on Wednesday that all subway riders in New York City would be required to wear face coverings when using public transit beginning Friday.
The C.D.C. recommends that people wear cloth face coverings to prevent transmission of the virus, which primarily spreads through droplets generated when, for instance, an infected person coughs or sneezes. The recommendation, which is intended to protect not those covering their faces but those around them, came after research showed that many people were infected but did not show symptoms. (Public health officials have warned against buying or hoarding the N95 masks needed by health care workers.)The C.D.C. recommends that people wear cloth face coverings to prevent transmission of the virus, which primarily spreads through droplets generated when, for instance, an infected person coughs or sneezes. The recommendation, which is intended to protect not those covering their faces but those around them, came after research showed that many people were infected but did not show symptoms. (Public health officials have warned against buying or hoarding the N95 masks needed by health care workers.)
Health officials have urged people to combine face coverings with adhering to social-distancing rules, suggesting that one tactic did not replace the need for the other. Further complicating the matter, scientists agree that while six feet is a sensible and useful minimum distance for people to separate when possible, some say that farther away would be better.Health officials have urged people to combine face coverings with adhering to social-distancing rules, suggesting that one tactic did not replace the need for the other. Further complicating the matter, scientists agree that while six feet is a sensible and useful minimum distance for people to separate when possible, some say that farther away would be better.
Sneezes, for instance, can propel droplets a lot farther than six feet, according to a recent study, and as a Times 3-D simulation shows.Sneezes, for instance, can propel droplets a lot farther than six feet, according to a recent study, and as a Times 3-D simulation shows.
Earlier Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New York City grocery stores should begin to require customers to wear face coverings to enter. But Mr. Cuomo’s action went further, and a spokeswoman for the governor said his order was the “next logical step” building on the mayor’s move.Earlier Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New York City grocery stores should begin to require customers to wear face coverings to enter. But Mr. Cuomo’s action went further, and a spokeswoman for the governor said his order was the “next logical step” building on the mayor’s move.
Mr. Cuomo’s announcement came soon after he said that the virus had killed at least 752 people in New York on Tuesday, swelling the state’s official death toll to at least 11,586.Mr. Cuomo’s announcement came soon after he said that the virus had killed at least 752 people in New York on Tuesday, swelling the state’s official death toll to at least 11,586.
The state government’s tally does not include the more than 3,700 people in New York City who died without being tested and are now presumed to have died of the virus. The state’s fatality count could change, Mr. Cuomo cautioned, as officials worked with nursing homes and other facilities to tally the number of deaths that could be traced to the pandemic.The state government’s tally does not include the more than 3,700 people in New York City who died without being tested and are now presumed to have died of the virus. The state’s fatality count could change, Mr. Cuomo cautioned, as officials worked with nursing homes and other facilities to tally the number of deaths that could be traced to the pandemic.
New York, New Jersey and Maryland are so far the only states to have issued broad orders mandating face coverings in most public settings, according to the most recent information from the National Governors Association.New York, New Jersey and Maryland are so far the only states to have issued broad orders mandating face coverings in most public settings, according to the most recent information from the National Governors Association.
A South Dakota pork plant is now the biggest new, single-source coronavirus hot spot in the country. At least 640 cases have been linked to the Smithfield Foods facility in Sioux Falls, making up some 44 percent of diagnoses in the entire state. One worker has died.A South Dakota pork plant is now the biggest new, single-source coronavirus hot spot in the country. At least 640 cases have been linked to the Smithfield Foods facility in Sioux Falls, making up some 44 percent of diagnoses in the entire state. One worker has died.
The pork plant for decades has offered workers from Africa, East Asia and Latin America a chance at American prosperity. Now that hundreds of workers and their families have fallen ill, many say they are mourning both the sickness surrounding them and the sudden loss of income.The pork plant for decades has offered workers from Africa, East Asia and Latin America a chance at American prosperity. Now that hundreds of workers and their families have fallen ill, many say they are mourning both the sickness surrounding them and the sudden loss of income.
“I can’t wait to go back to work for the simple reason that this is the only thing that supports my family,” said Achut Deng, a Sudanese refugee who in six years worked her way up from a “wizard knife” operator paid $12.75 an hour to a shift lead making $18.70. Now, she is recovering from the coronavirus.“I can’t wait to go back to work for the simple reason that this is the only thing that supports my family,” said Achut Deng, a Sudanese refugee who in six years worked her way up from a “wizard knife” operator paid $12.75 an hour to a shift lead making $18.70. Now, she is recovering from the coronavirus.
“I do feel sorry for everyone who is going through this, I feel sorry for myself,” she said. “But it’s like, I feel better now so I’d rather go back to work.”“I do feel sorry for everyone who is going through this, I feel sorry for myself,” she said. “But it’s like, I feel better now so I’d rather go back to work.”
The Smithfield plant is the latest of several meat processing facilities to close because of the coronavirus. The company has said it will provide 80 hours of paid sick leave to workers during the closing, but those who are used to picking up extra shifts over six and sometimes seven days a week fear the pay will not be enough to cover their needs. In Colorado, four employees of a JBS meatpacking plant died from Covid-19 and at least 102 employees tested positive for the virus, the state confirmed on Wednesday. The state also confirmed the death of a Cargill meatpacking plant employee.
A team of researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has traveled to Sioux Falls to try to learn what could have allowed the outbreak to spiral out of control. And in Iowa, two workers at a Tyson Foods meat processing plant that has been closed since April 6 died from the virus, a company spokeswoman confirmed in an email.
In Colorado, four employees of a JBS meatpacking plant died from Covid-19 and at least 102 employees tested positive for the virus, the state confirmed on Wednesday. It also confirmed the death of a Cargill meatpacking plant employee.
Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the coronavirus response coordinator for the White House, offered a road map on Wednesday on which states could be the first to ease stay-at-home orders and reopen businesses — a target date that President Trump said could be before May 1.
“We do have nine states that have less than 1,000 cases and less than 30 new cases per day,” Dr. Birx said during the daily news briefing in the Rose Garden.
She did not list the states, but data compiled by The New York Times suggested that they were Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia.
Governors and mayors would make the call on lifting restrictions after receiving guidance from the federal government, which would be announced Thursday, Dr. Birx said.
Moments earlier, Mr. Trump said that governors, whom he did not name, were “chomping at the bit to get going.” But Dr. Birx warned that it was no time for Americans to become complacent about social distancing.
“I will remind the people again: This is a highly contagious virus. Social gatherings, coming together — there is a chance an asymptomatic person can spread it unknowingly,” she said. “Don’t have that dinner party for 20 yet.”
Dr. Birx said the task force was closely monitoring the situation in Rhode Island, where public health officials had reported more than 3,500 cases statewide and more than 800 in Providence as of Wednesday. The state’s location between New York and Boston had contributed to the spike in cases, Dr. Birx said: “They’re caught between two incredible hot spots in the country.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said on Wednesday that the state would extend aid to undocumented workers, many of whom harvest the fruits and vegetables Americans eat, care for the sick and build homes, but who have been unable to get federal relief during the pandemic.Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said on Wednesday that the state would extend aid to undocumented workers, many of whom harvest the fruits and vegetables Americans eat, care for the sick and build homes, but who have been unable to get federal relief during the pandemic.
“Ten percent of California’s work force is undocumented,” he said. “And many mixed-status families are having a hard time taking care of their own children, and taking care of you and your loved ones in skilled nursing facilities, on the job site, making sure your food is being procured and distributed.”“Ten percent of California’s work force is undocumented,” he said. “And many mixed-status families are having a hard time taking care of their own children, and taking care of you and your loved ones in skilled nursing facilities, on the job site, making sure your food is being procured and distributed.”
Undocumented workers, the governor noted, paid more than $2.5 billion in local and state taxes last year and are “quite literally putting themselves on the line” in the pandemic, since they are overrepresented in industries that have been deemed essential, such as food service, health care, construction, agriculture and logistics.Undocumented workers, the governor noted, paid more than $2.5 billion in local and state taxes last year and are “quite literally putting themselves on the line” in the pandemic, since they are overrepresented in industries that have been deemed essential, such as food service, health care, construction, agriculture and logistics.
Mr. Newsom said that $75 million would come from the state’s disaster relief fund, and that a network of philanthropic organizations had committed to raise another $50 million.Mr. Newsom said that $75 million would come from the state’s disaster relief fund, and that a network of philanthropic organizations had committed to raise another $50 million.
In a news release, Mr. Newsom’s office said about 150,000 undocumented Californians would receive a one-time cash benefit of $500 per adult, with a household cap of $1,000, to address any needs related to the pandemic.In a news release, Mr. Newsom’s office said about 150,000 undocumented Californians would receive a one-time cash benefit of $500 per adult, with a household cap of $1,000, to address any needs related to the pandemic.
That $125 million sum is not enough, the governor said, “but it’s a good start.”That $125 million sum is not enough, the governor said, “but it’s a good start.”
Millions of high school students across the country will be able to take at-home, digital versions of the SAT and ACT, the widely used standardized tests for college admissions, if the pandemic forces schools to remain closed in the fall.
The College Board, which administers the SAT, gave few details in an announcement on Wednesday about what the at-home test would look like or how it would differ from the traditional test, which is normally taken on paper in a highly secure setting under the watchful eyes of proctors.
The College Board has already announced that it will administer Advanced Placement tests at home in May because of the virus, which forced the cancellation of SAT testing dates this spring, including into June. The A.P. tests — a kind of dress rehearsal for the fall — will be open book and truncated to 45 minutes from about three hours. The College Board’s counterpart, the ACT, said Wednesday that it also would offer an at-home option.
The proposal for at-home testing is an implicit admission that the pandemic is threatening the industry’s test delivery and business model. Over the last month, a growing number of colleges have announced that they will suspend the requirement for applicants to submit standardized test results because of the disruption caused by the virus, accelerating a trend that was already taking place.
Standardized tests have been widely criticized for exacerbating economic inequality. Critics say they penalize children from poor families who have less access to practice tests, preparation materials and tutors to help raise their scores — and that at-home options would make accessibility worse.
The Navy is looking into whether it can reinstate Capt. Brett E. Crozier, who was removed from command of the carrier Theodore Roosevelt after he pleaded for more help fighting a novel coronavirus outbreak aboard his ship, Defense Department officials said on Wednesday.The Navy is looking into whether it can reinstate Capt. Brett E. Crozier, who was removed from command of the carrier Theodore Roosevelt after he pleaded for more help fighting a novel coronavirus outbreak aboard his ship, Defense Department officials said on Wednesday.
Adm. Michael M. Gilday, the chief of naval operations, has indicated that he may reinstate Captain Crozier, who is viewed as a hero by his crew for putting their lives above his career, officials said. Adm. Michael M. Gilday, the chief of naval operations, has indicated that he may reinstate Captain Crozier, who is viewed as a hero by his crew for putting their lives above his career, officials said. A spokesman for Admiral Gilday said in a statement to The Times on Wednesday that he was reviewing the findings of a preliminary investigation into the events surrounding Captain Crozier’s removal.
“No final decisions have been made,” Cmdr. Nate Christensen, a spokesman for Admiral Gilday, said in a statement to The Times on Wednesday. Commander Christensen added that Admiral Gilday was reviewing the findings of a preliminary investigation into the events surrounding Captain Crozier’s removal. President Trump has indicated he also may be open to reassessing the events around Captain Crozier’s firing. He said recently that Captain Crozier “made a mistake,” but he also noted that the captain “had a bad day.”
But Admiral Gilday’s decision could be upended by President Trump, who has not been shy about intervening in military personnel cases. Only five months ago, Mr. Trump fired Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer for opposing the president’s intervention in support of a Navy SEAL accused of murdering a wounded captive with a hunting knife during a deployment to Iraq in 2017.
No one in the Navy wants a repeat of those events, which came complete with Mr. Trump on Twitter admonishing the Navy leadership’s handling of the SEAL case. But Navy officials insist that Admiral Gilday will make a decision based on the findings of the investigation into the Roosevelt crisis, and not on what he thinks the president wants him to do.
Mr. Trump has indicated he may be open to reassessing the events around Captain Crozier’s firing. He said recently that Captain Crozier “made a mistake,” but he also noted that the captain “had a bad day.”
Captain Crozier, who is in isolation on Guam with coronavirus, was removed from command on April 2 by Thomas B. Modly, the acting Navy secretary at the time, a move that drew outrage among the carrier’s crew and across the country and eventually led to Mr. Modly’s resignation.Captain Crozier, who is in isolation on Guam with coronavirus, was removed from command on April 2 by Thomas B. Modly, the acting Navy secretary at the time, a move that drew outrage among the carrier’s crew and across the country and eventually led to Mr. Modly’s resignation.
President Trump’s public campaign against the World Health Organization — and his order to freeze all money to the group in the middle of a pandemic — is the culmination of mounting anger among his White House advisers, Republican lawmakers and conservative news media about the organization’s lavish praise of China’s response to the coronavirus.
Mr. Trump’s decision to attack the W.H.O., a unit of the United Nations, comes as he is under intense fire at home for his administration’s failure to respond aggressively to the virus, which as of Wednesday had claimed more than 25,000 lives in the United States and infected at least 600,000 people. There are cases in all 50 states.
The director general of the organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Wednesday expressed dismay that Mr. Trump was calling to halt funding as the W.H.O. fights the pandemic.
“W.H.O. is not only fighting Covid-19,” Dr. Ghebreyesus said. “We’re also working to address polio, measles, malaria, Ebola, H.I.V., tuberculosis, malnutrition, cancer, diabetes, mental health and many other diseases and conditions.”
Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, praised the organization on Wednesday in tones at odds with the president’s harsh criticism. He told “CBS This Morning” that questions about the W.H.O.’s pandemic response should be left until “after we get through this.”
The president’s decision came amid concerns about the W.H.O.’s approach to China. Inside the West Wing, officials said, there was near-unanimous agreement among the president’s advisers that the W.H.O. was heavily influenced by the Chinese government and too slow to sound the alarm because it trusted China’s assurances that the virus was under control and did not pose a global threat.
That belief has been amplified by some of the president’s top allies in Congress and the right-wing news media.
Thousands of demonstrators, who remained mostly in vehicles, on Wednesday surrounded the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., accusing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of going too far with stay-at-home orders.Thousands of demonstrators, who remained mostly in vehicles, on Wednesday surrounded the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., accusing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of going too far with stay-at-home orders.
The orders by Ms. Whitmer, a Democrat, are among the strictest in the nation, barring residents from crossing the street to visit neighbors or driving to see friends.The orders by Ms. Whitmer, a Democrat, are among the strictest in the nation, barring residents from crossing the street to visit neighbors or driving to see friends.
The organizers of the demonstration, the Michigan Conservative Coalition and the Michigan Freedom Fund, had asked protesters to honk horns and to display flags and signs. Given the risk of viral transmission when assembling in a crowd, they cautioned drivers not to leave their cars for what they called “Operation Gridlock.”The organizers of the demonstration, the Michigan Conservative Coalition and the Michigan Freedom Fund, had asked protesters to honk horns and to display flags and signs. Given the risk of viral transmission when assembling in a crowd, they cautioned drivers not to leave their cars for what they called “Operation Gridlock.”
But as the sound of car horns filled the air and signs and banners proclaimed “Live Free or Die,” “Make Michigan Work Again” and “We Deem Our Governor Non-Essential,” a few dozen people protested on foot, most of them maskless, in front of the statehouse.But as the sound of car horns filled the air and signs and banners proclaimed “Live Free or Die,” “Make Michigan Work Again” and “We Deem Our Governor Non-Essential,” a few dozen people protested on foot, most of them maskless, in front of the statehouse.
From the top of the steps, they chanted “freedom, freedom, freedom,” waving American flags and at least one “Trump 2020” flag. Earlier, the state police had said that there would be very little enforcement action unless they saw a threat of violence.From the top of the steps, they chanted “freedom, freedom, freedom,” waving American flags and at least one “Trump 2020” flag. Earlier, the state police had said that there would be very little enforcement action unless they saw a threat of violence.
Denny Bradley, 33, told the Detroit News that he was the sole breadwinner for his family and that his employer, an auto supplier, had been shut down for three weeks. He carried a sign that read, “I want to work.”Denny Bradley, 33, told the Detroit News that he was the sole breadwinner for his family and that his employer, an auto supplier, had been shut down for three weeks. He carried a sign that read, “I want to work.”
Michigan has recorded about 27,000 cases of the coronavirus and more than 1,700 deaths. Ms. Whitmer has said the state must stay the course with its decision to close businesses and restrict movement.Michigan has recorded about 27,000 cases of the coronavirus and more than 1,700 deaths. Ms. Whitmer has said the state must stay the course with its decision to close businesses and restrict movement.
Other states have also seen protests in recent days. A demonstration on Tuesday in Raleigh, N.C., resulted in arrests of protesters, some of whom were standing close to one another and carrying signs that said “Reopen N.C.” In Columbus, Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine said last week that he could hear protesters chanting their opposition to his stay-at-home orders, and that he understood their frustration and supported their right to protest.Other states have also seen protests in recent days. A demonstration on Tuesday in Raleigh, N.C., resulted in arrests of protesters, some of whom were standing close to one another and carrying signs that said “Reopen N.C.” In Columbus, Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine said last week that he could hear protesters chanting their opposition to his stay-at-home orders, and that he understood their frustration and supported their right to protest.
Funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, an initiative created by the $2.2 trillion stimulus law to help small businesses weather the crisis, could run out as early as Wednesday night, amid a standoff in Congress over replenishing it.Funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, an initiative created by the $2.2 trillion stimulus law to help small businesses weather the crisis, could run out as early as Wednesday night, amid a standoff in Congress over replenishing it.
“Now 700,000 small business applications are in limbo & no new loans will be made until the game of chicken in Congress ends & additional $ approved,” Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, wrote on Twitter. “Inexcusable.”“Now 700,000 small business applications are in limbo & no new loans will be made until the game of chicken in Congress ends & additional $ approved,” Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, wrote on Twitter. “Inexcusable.”
As of early Wednesday afternoon, more than 1.3 million loans had been approved at a value of close to $300 billion, according to a person with knowledge of the numbers. As of Wednesday evening, more than 1.4 million loans had been approved at a value of more than $315 billion, according to the Small Business Administration.
But congressional leaders and the Trump administration have failed to reach agreement on adding hundreds of billions of dollars to replenish the program, hamstrung by a dispute over whether to enact sweeping changes to how it allocates loans to businesses across the country.But congressional leaders and the Trump administration have failed to reach agreement on adding hundreds of billions of dollars to replenish the program, hamstrung by a dispute over whether to enact sweeping changes to how it allocates loans to businesses across the country.
The desperate situation reflects the fitful nature of the government’s efforts to carry out the hulking stimulus plan, a measure that was hastily negotiated by Congress and the administration as both faced intense pressure to respond to an extraordinary public health and economic catastrophe. Economists warned at the time that the package allocated too little for small businesses and ran the risk of steering too much of that money away from companies that needed it the most.The desperate situation reflects the fitful nature of the government’s efforts to carry out the hulking stimulus plan, a measure that was hastily negotiated by Congress and the administration as both faced intense pressure to respond to an extraordinary public health and economic catastrophe. Economists warned at the time that the package allocated too little for small businesses and ran the risk of steering too much of that money away from companies that needed it the most.
The small-business loan program — which enjoys broad bipartisan support — was among the first to be unveiled, and its introduction has been plagued with problems even as businesses have inundated banks with requests for a piece of the aid.The small-business loan program — which enjoys broad bipartisan support — was among the first to be unveiled, and its introduction has been plagued with problems even as businesses have inundated banks with requests for a piece of the aid.
Administration officials and congressional Republicans have been pushing for a quick infusion of cash to keep the program going. But while they support the additional spending, Democrats have insisted on attaching new restrictions to ensure the money flows to minority-owned businesses and other companies that are traditionally disadvantaged in the lending market. They also want to add more money for hospitals, food-stamp recipients and state and local governments whose tax collections have plunged as their expenses mount.Administration officials and congressional Republicans have been pushing for a quick infusion of cash to keep the program going. But while they support the additional spending, Democrats have insisted on attaching new restrictions to ensure the money flows to minority-owned businesses and other companies that are traditionally disadvantaged in the lending market. They also want to add more money for hospitals, food-stamp recipients and state and local governments whose tax collections have plunged as their expenses mount.
Republicans have refused to do either, saying that policy debates and additional funding should be considered later in light of the program’s dire state. But Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned again on Wednesday that the Republican proposal would not pass the House, saying in a statement that it failed to address “critical issues.”Republicans have refused to do either, saying that policy debates and additional funding should be considered later in light of the program’s dire state. But Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned again on Wednesday that the Republican proposal would not pass the House, saying in a statement that it failed to address “critical issues.”
Senator Chuck Schumer, the minority leader, spoke on Wednesday with Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, in an effort to restart talks, and their aides were to confer later in the day. But it is unclear if any agreement struck between Democrats and the administration would be palatable to Senate Republicans, particularly with lawmakers scheduled to remain in their respective districts and states until early May.Senator Chuck Schumer, the minority leader, spoke on Wednesday with Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, in an effort to restart talks, and their aides were to confer later in the day. But it is unclear if any agreement struck between Democrats and the administration would be palatable to Senate Republicans, particularly with lawmakers scheduled to remain in their respective districts and states until early May.
Retail sales plunged in March as businesses shuttered from coast to coast and wary shoppers restricted their spending, a drop that was by far the largest in the nearly three decades the government has tracked the data.Retail sales plunged in March as businesses shuttered from coast to coast and wary shoppers restricted their spending, a drop that was by far the largest in the nearly three decades the government has tracked the data.
Total sales, which include retail purchases in stores and online as well as auto and gasoline sales and money spent at bars and restaurants, fell 8.7 percent from the previous month, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.Total sales, which include retail purchases in stores and online as well as auto and gasoline sales and money spent at bars and restaurants, fell 8.7 percent from the previous month, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.
The situation has almost certainly worsened since then. Most states didn’t shut down nonessential businesses until late March or early April.The situation has almost certainly worsened since then. Most states didn’t shut down nonessential businesses until late March or early April.
What happens to retail matters to the broader economy. The sector accounts for more than one in 10 U.S. jobs; only health care employs more. Its stores generate billions of dollars in rent for commercial landlords, ad sales for local media outlets, and sales-tax receipts for state and local governments.What happens to retail matters to the broader economy. The sector accounts for more than one in 10 U.S. jobs; only health care employs more. Its stores generate billions of dollars in rent for commercial landlords, ad sales for local media outlets, and sales-tax receipts for state and local governments.
If retailers survive and can quickly reopen and rehire workers, then the eventual economic recovery could be relatively swift. But the failure of a large share of businesses would lead to prolonged unemployment and a much slower rebound.If retailers survive and can quickly reopen and rehire workers, then the eventual economic recovery could be relatively swift. But the failure of a large share of businesses would lead to prolonged unemployment and a much slower rebound.
But programs meant to support businesses, including government-backed loans and grants to keep businesses afloat, have gotten off to a rocky start.But programs meant to support businesses, including government-backed loans and grants to keep businesses afloat, have gotten off to a rocky start.
“They need lifeboats, and the lifeboats aren’t getting out there fast enough,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton. “This is a time when speed matters more than bureaucracy.”“They need lifeboats, and the lifeboats aren’t getting out there fast enough,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton. “This is a time when speed matters more than bureaucracy.”
Facing the news about the plunge in retail and a slump in factory output, stocks tumbled on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 closing down more than 2 percent. Stocks in Europe were also lower, and Asia had a downbeat day.Facing the news about the plunge in retail and a slump in factory output, stocks tumbled on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 closing down more than 2 percent. Stocks in Europe were also lower, and Asia had a downbeat day.
The retreat came one day after the S&P 500 hit a one-month high. Stocks have been steadily climbing in recent weeks, with the occasional pullback, as investors have begun to focus on the prospect of an eventual rebound from the economic collapse prompted by the pandemic.The retreat came one day after the S&P 500 hit a one-month high. Stocks have been steadily climbing in recent weeks, with the occasional pullback, as investors have begun to focus on the prospect of an eventual rebound from the economic collapse prompted by the pandemic.
But they’ve also been confronted by a number of developments that highlight just how badly the economy is faring right now.But they’ve also been confronted by a number of developments that highlight just how badly the economy is faring right now.
Children in Denmark returned to school and day care on Wednesday after five weeks of closings, as the country began to ease its restrictive measures to curb the spread of the virus.Children in Denmark returned to school and day care on Wednesday after five weeks of closings, as the country began to ease its restrictive measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Denmark was one of a handful of European countries that have slowly and tentatively begun lifting constraints on daily life this week, providing an early litmus test of whether Western countries can gingerly restart their economies and restore basic freedoms without another round of infections.Denmark was one of a handful of European countries that have slowly and tentatively begun lifting constraints on daily life this week, providing an early litmus test of whether Western countries can gingerly restart their economies and restore basic freedoms without another round of infections.
The pandemic passed 2 million confirmed cases and 120,000 deaths worldwide on Wednesday — bleak markers that experts say vastly understate the true spread and toll of the contagion because of a lack of testing.The pandemic passed 2 million confirmed cases and 120,000 deaths worldwide on Wednesday — bleak markers that experts say vastly understate the true spread and toll of the contagion because of a lack of testing.
The figures have roughly doubled in 13 days and continue to grow steadily.The figures have roughly doubled in 13 days and continue to grow steadily.
Outbreaks in many parts of the world are still considered far from their peaks, but some European countries are beginning to ease their restrictions.Outbreaks in many parts of the world are still considered far from their peaks, but some European countries are beginning to ease their restrictions.
Italy, the epicenter of Europe’s crisis, reopened some bookshops and children’s clothing stores on Tuesday. Spain allowed workers to return to factories and construction sites, despite a daily death toll that remains over 500. The Finnish government on Wednesday was set to reopen the borders of the southern region of Uusimaa, which includes Helsinki, the capital. The area has been sealed off since March 28.Italy, the epicenter of Europe’s crisis, reopened some bookshops and children’s clothing stores on Tuesday. Spain allowed workers to return to factories and construction sites, despite a daily death toll that remains over 500. The Finnish government on Wednesday was set to reopen the borders of the southern region of Uusimaa, which includes Helsinki, the capital. The area has been sealed off since March 28.
In Moscow, new measures requiring anyone leaving their home to show a digital pass backfired, leaving subway stations clogged with throngs of rush-hour travelers waiting for police officers to check their papers.In Moscow, new measures requiring anyone leaving their home to show a digital pass backfired, leaving subway stations clogged with throngs of rush-hour travelers waiting for police officers to check their papers.
In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced Wednesday that there would be a gradual loosening of restrictions, with some small shops allowed to open starting Monday. But she cautioned that the lockdown would remain largely in place for an additional 20 days, along with strict social distancing rules banning contact among more than two people who were not from the same household. Schools would stay closed for another three weeks.In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced Wednesday that there would be a gradual loosening of restrictions, with some small shops allowed to open starting Monday. But she cautioned that the lockdown would remain largely in place for an additional 20 days, along with strict social distancing rules banning contact among more than two people who were not from the same household. Schools would stay closed for another three weeks.
In Denmark, the slow return began as the number of hospital admissions remained far below capacity across the country. By Tuesday, 380 patients were being treated in Danish hospitals, down from 535 at the peak of the outbreak in the country on April 1.In Denmark, the slow return began as the number of hospital admissions remained far below capacity across the country. By Tuesday, 380 patients were being treated in Danish hospitals, down from 535 at the peak of the outbreak in the country on April 1.
“It’s better than we dared hope for,” Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at a news briefing on Tuesday.“It’s better than we dared hope for,” Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at a news briefing on Tuesday.
There’s only so much togetherness anyone needs, and after a month of living together, your family most likely has had its share of rocky moments. We have some advice for problems such as navigating your stuck-together relationship and handling cooped-up children.There’s only so much togetherness anyone needs, and after a month of living together, your family most likely has had its share of rocky moments. We have some advice for problems such as navigating your stuck-together relationship and handling cooped-up children.
Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Karen Barrow, Alan Blinder, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Ben Casselman, Kenneth Chang, Emily Cochrane, Helene Cooper, Michael Cooper, Jill Cowan, Julie Hirschfeld Davis, Jesse Drucker, Catie Edmondson, John Eligon, Nicholas Fandos, Sheri Fink, Emily Flitter, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, James Gorman, Maggie Haberman, Anemona Hartocollis, Adeel Hassan, Annie Karni, Kate Kelly, Sapna Maheshwari, Aimee Ortiz, Roni Rabin, Alan Rappeport, William K. Rashbaum, Michael Rothfeld, Marc Santora, Eric Schmitt, Michael D. Shear, Knvul Sheikh, Eileen Sullivan, Jim Tankersley, Sabrina Tavernise and Neil Vigdor. Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Karen Barrow, Alan Blinder, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Ben Casselman, Kenneth Chang, Emily Cochrane, Helene Cooper, Michael Cooper, Jill Cowan, Julie Hirschfeld Davis, Jesse Drucker, Catie Edmondson, John Eligon, Nicholas Fandos, Sheri Fink, Emily Flitter, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, James Gorman, Maggie Haberman, Anemona Hartocollis, Adeel Hassan, Annie Karni, Kate Kelly, Sapna Maheshwari, Aimee Ortiz, Roni Rabin, Alan Rappeport, William K. Rashbaum, Michael Rothfeld, Marc Santora, Eric Schmitt, Michael D. Shear, Knvul Sheikh, Eileen Sullivan, Jim Tankersley, Sabrina Tavernise and Neil Vigdor.