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Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump’s Proposed Immigration Order Caught Officials Off Guard Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump’s Proposed Immigration Order Caught Officials Off Guard
(32 minutes later)
President Trump’s late-night tweet announcing a suspension of immigration into the United States caught some top Homeland Security officials off guard even as the legal authority for the move was already being evaluated on Tuesday by lawyers at the Department of Justice, according to people familiar with the looming announcement.President Trump’s late-night tweet announcing a suspension of immigration into the United States caught some top Homeland Security officials off guard even as the legal authority for the move was already being evaluated on Tuesday by lawyers at the Department of Justice, according to people familiar with the looming announcement.
Attorneys in the Office of Legal Counsel, which reviews executive orders to make sure they comply with the law, are examining the president’s proposed plan, according to Justice Department officials. It is not clear how long the review will take or when Mr. Trump intends to make the formal announcement, though an announcement is expected this week.Attorneys in the Office of Legal Counsel, which reviews executive orders to make sure they comply with the law, are examining the president’s proposed plan, according to Justice Department officials. It is not clear how long the review will take or when Mr. Trump intends to make the formal announcement, though an announcement is expected this week.
Mr. Trump’s tweet, in which he said that he intended to “temporarily suspend immigration into the United States,” left many questions unanswered. The White House provided few details about what would be a drastic move to close the country to people seeking to move to America to work or join family members, but cast the announcement as an attempt to reduce competition for jobs as states reopen from the coronavirus shutdown.Mr. Trump’s tweet, in which he said that he intended to “temporarily suspend immigration into the United States,” left many questions unanswered. The White House provided few details about what would be a drastic move to close the country to people seeking to move to America to work or join family members, but cast the announcement as an attempt to reduce competition for jobs as states reopen from the coronavirus shutdown.
It’s was unclear what legal authority the president will claim to shut off immigration, even temporarily. In the recent past, he has cited health emergency powers to restrict asylum at the southern border and the White House has repeatedly invoked broad executive powers in immigration law to impose travel bans.It’s was unclear what legal authority the president will claim to shut off immigration, even temporarily. In the recent past, he has cited health emergency powers to restrict asylum at the southern border and the White House has repeatedly invoked broad executive powers in immigration law to impose travel bans.
A Homeland Security official said that the executive order was still being drafted on Tuesday and that details of the potential ban, including on specific exemptions, were subject to change. Officials said the effort was being coordinated by Stephen Miller, the architect of the president’s immigration agenda, and a handful of his allies, including the chief of policy and strategy for Citizenship and Immigration Services, Robert Law.A Homeland Security official said that the executive order was still being drafted on Tuesday and that details of the potential ban, including on specific exemptions, were subject to change. Officials said the effort was being coordinated by Stephen Miller, the architect of the president’s immigration agenda, and a handful of his allies, including the chief of policy and strategy for Citizenship and Immigration Services, Robert Law.
But officials declined to provide a draft of the order. Under normal circumstances, hundreds of thousands of people immigrate to the United States each year, who could be subject to the ban. But the administration could exempt large groups of workers from the order, including farm laborers, health care workers and perhaps high-tech employees. That would reduce the number of people the order applies to.But officials declined to provide a draft of the order. Under normal circumstances, hundreds of thousands of people immigrate to the United States each year, who could be subject to the ban. But the administration could exempt large groups of workers from the order, including farm laborers, health care workers and perhaps high-tech employees. That would reduce the number of people the order applies to.
Congressional aides say Mr. Trump’s immigration ban is unlikely to affect guest farm workers because they are essential workers. Migrant workers on the H2-A program make up 10 percent of farmworkers in the U.S. The Trump administration has published a rule that allows workers on the program to stay beyond the three-year maximum period. But guest workers may soon see a $2-$5 decrease in their wages, a move the administration thinks will lead to more aid for American farmworkers, according to early news reports.
More than 1 million people obtained lawful permanent residence in 2018 although many of those applicants were already in the United States and proceeding through the immigration process. The number of visas issued to foreigners abroad looking to immigrate to the United States has declined by about 25 percent, to 462,422 in the 2019 fiscal year from 617,752 in 2016.More than 1 million people obtained lawful permanent residence in 2018 although many of those applicants were already in the United States and proceeding through the immigration process. The number of visas issued to foreigners abroad looking to immigrate to the United States has declined by about 25 percent, to 462,422 in the 2019 fiscal year from 617,752 in 2016.
The unprecedented price plunge that hit the main U.S. oil benchmark on Monday spread to other parts of the oil market on Tuesday as traders realized that output remains far too high and storage is running out.The unprecedented price plunge that hit the main U.S. oil benchmark on Monday spread to other parts of the oil market on Tuesday as traders realized that output remains far too high and storage is running out.
The action on Monday was mostly in the futures contract for West Texas Intermediate crude to be delivered in May, which fell into deep negative territory. In other words, some traders were willing to pay buyers to take oil off their hands. The price of that contract actually rose on Tuesday, but wavered between positive and negative territory.The action on Monday was mostly in the futures contract for West Texas Intermediate crude to be delivered in May, which fell into deep negative territory. In other words, some traders were willing to pay buyers to take oil off their hands. The price of that contract actually rose on Tuesday, but wavered between positive and negative territory.
Other parts of the oil market were slammed on Tuesday. The West Texas Intermediate contract for June delivery was down about 22 percent, to about $15.93 a barrel, and Brent crude, the international benchmark, was down about 18 percent, to $20.90 a barrel.Other parts of the oil market were slammed on Tuesday. The West Texas Intermediate contract for June delivery was down about 22 percent, to about $15.93 a barrel, and Brent crude, the international benchmark, was down about 18 percent, to $20.90 a barrel.
These eye-popping price slides underscore the industry’s disarray as the coronavirus pandemic decimates the global economy. The volatile prices are “an illustration of how broken” the market is, said Paola Rodríguez-Masiu, an oil analyst at Rystad Energy, a consulting firm.These eye-popping price slides underscore the industry’s disarray as the coronavirus pandemic decimates the global economy. The volatile prices are “an illustration of how broken” the market is, said Paola Rodríguez-Masiu, an oil analyst at Rystad Energy, a consulting firm.
Demand for oil is disappearing, and despite a deal by Saudi Arabia, Russia and other nations to cut production, the world is running out of places to put all the oil being pumped out — about 100 million barrels a day. At the start of the year, oil sold for over $60 a barrel.Demand for oil is disappearing, and despite a deal by Saudi Arabia, Russia and other nations to cut production, the world is running out of places to put all the oil being pumped out — about 100 million barrels a day. At the start of the year, oil sold for over $60 a barrel.
Refineries are unwilling to turn oil into gasoline, diesel and other products because so few people are commuting or taking airplane flights, and international trade has slowed sharply. Oil is already being stored on barges and in any nook and cranny companies can find. One of the better parts of the oil business these days is owning storage tankers.Refineries are unwilling to turn oil into gasoline, diesel and other products because so few people are commuting or taking airplane flights, and international trade has slowed sharply. Oil is already being stored on barges and in any nook and cranny companies can find. One of the better parts of the oil business these days is owning storage tankers.
On Tuesday, President Trump said on Twitter that he was asking administration officials to “formulate a plan that will make funds available” to help the oil and gas industry. He has previously asked Congress for $3 billion to purchase oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve but lawmakers did not include it in last month’s $2.2 trillion stimulus package.On Tuesday, President Trump said on Twitter that he was asking administration officials to “formulate a plan that will make funds available” to help the oil and gas industry. He has previously asked Congress for $3 billion to purchase oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve but lawmakers did not include it in last month’s $2.2 trillion stimulus package.
Lawmakers and Trump administration officials raced on Tuesday to finalize an agreement on a nearly $500 billion relief package that would revive a depleted loan program for distressed small businesses and provide funds for hospitals and testing, hoping to speed it through the Senate by late afternoon.Lawmakers and Trump administration officials raced on Tuesday to finalize an agreement on a nearly $500 billion relief package that would revive a depleted loan program for distressed small businesses and provide funds for hospitals and testing, hoping to speed it through the Senate by late afternoon.
With the Senate set to convene at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, leaders in both parties scrambled to seal a compromise that could pass muster with all 100 senators, a requirement since the chamber is in recess and able to act only on consensus bills. Mr. Trump urged both chambers to quickly approve the agreement, writing on Twitter that once he signed the legislation into law, discussions would begin over providing relief for state and local governments, infrastructure investments and other provisions to combat the pandemic.With the Senate set to convene at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, leaders in both parties scrambled to seal a compromise that could pass muster with all 100 senators, a requirement since the chamber is in recess and able to act only on consensus bills. Mr. Trump urged both chambers to quickly approve the agreement, writing on Twitter that once he signed the legislation into law, discussions would begin over providing relief for state and local governments, infrastructure investments and other provisions to combat the pandemic.
Negotiators were coalescing around a deal that would provide $310 billion to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program, which offers guarantees for forgivable loans to small businesses if the majority of the money is used to retain employees. The emerging agreement would also add $60 billion for the Small Business Administration’s disaster relief fund, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing. The emerging agreement would also add $60 billion for the Small Business Administration’s disaster relief fund and farms and other agriculture enterprises would now be considered eligible.Negotiators were coalescing around a deal that would provide $310 billion to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program, which offers guarantees for forgivable loans to small businesses if the majority of the money is used to retain employees. The emerging agreement would also add $60 billion for the Small Business Administration’s disaster relief fund, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing. The emerging agreement would also add $60 billion for the Small Business Administration’s disaster relief fund and farms and other agriculture enterprises would now be considered eligible.
There would also be $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing.There would also be $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing.
Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the minority leader, indicated that the White House had agreed to some concessions, including a proposal to establish a national coronavirus testing system, but it was unclear what the terms of that agreement would be. Mr. Trump has resisted the idea, and Republicans in Congress had pushed states to take charge of their own testing, wary of placing the political onus on the administration.Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the minority leader, indicated that the White House had agreed to some concessions, including a proposal to establish a national coronavirus testing system, but it was unclear what the terms of that agreement would be. Mr. Trump has resisted the idea, and Republicans in Congress had pushed states to take charge of their own testing, wary of placing the political onus on the administration.
Even if the Senate were able to approve the legislation on Tuesday, the House would not take action on the measure until Thursday morning to allow lawmakers time to return to Washington for a recorded vote on the legislation.Even if the Senate were able to approve the legislation on Tuesday, the House would not take action on the measure until Thursday morning to allow lawmakers time to return to Washington for a recorded vote on the legislation.
As early as Thursday, the House could take action to modify the chamber’s rules to allow remote voting by proxy for the first time in institutional history. The move for the speaker, who had initially resisted it. But it is an acknowledgment that the pandemic, by forcing Congress into an extended recess, has made that position untenable. As early as Thursday, the House could take action to modify the chamber’s rules to allow remote voting by proxy for the first time in institutional history. The move was a reversal for the speaker, who had initially resisted it. But it is an acknowledgment that the pandemic, by forcing Congress into an extended recess, has made that position untenable.
A plan by Georgia’s governor to begin reopening the state faced widespread criticism on Tuesday as public health experts — backed by some elected officials in both parties — warned that the virus had not leveled off enough to ease restrictions imposed to curb its spread.A plan by Georgia’s governor to begin reopening the state faced widespread criticism on Tuesday as public health experts — backed by some elected officials in both parties — warned that the virus had not leveled off enough to ease restrictions imposed to curb its spread.
Gov. Brian Kemp said Monday that he would allow certain businesses, including gyms, nail and hair salons, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors, to begin operating as soon as Friday. Under Mr. Kemp’s approach, which he said he approved because he believed the situation had sufficiently stabilized, dine-in restaurants, theaters and other entertainment venues could resume operations next Monday.Gov. Brian Kemp said Monday that he would allow certain businesses, including gyms, nail and hair salons, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors, to begin operating as soon as Friday. Under Mr. Kemp’s approach, which he said he approved because he believed the situation had sufficiently stabilized, dine-in restaurants, theaters and other entertainment venues could resume operations next Monday.
But some Georgia mayors, barred from issuing their own restrictions, urged residents to ignore the reopenings sanctioned by Mr. Kemp and stay at home.But some Georgia mayors, barred from issuing their own restrictions, urged residents to ignore the reopenings sanctioned by Mr. Kemp and stay at home.
Mr. Kemp is not alone among governors in seeking to relax restrictions. South Carolina is pressing ahead with a partial reopening on Tuesday, just two weeks after restrictions were put in place, of retail shops that had been deemed “nonessential,” such as sporting goods, book and craft stores. Beaches also were allowed to reopen in the state, which has recorded nearly 4,000 cases and more than 100 deaths.Mr. Kemp is not alone among governors in seeking to relax restrictions. South Carolina is pressing ahead with a partial reopening on Tuesday, just two weeks after restrictions were put in place, of retail shops that had been deemed “nonessential,” such as sporting goods, book and craft stores. Beaches also were allowed to reopen in the state, which has recorded nearly 4,000 cases and more than 100 deaths.
The governors of Ohio and Tennessee have also taken early steps toward reopening their states. Mr. Kemp, though, was the target of some of the most ferocious criticism on Tuesday.The governors of Ohio and Tennessee have also taken early steps toward reopening their states. Mr. Kemp, though, was the target of some of the most ferocious criticism on Tuesday.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta, the capital and the site of a recent surge in cases, told ABC News that she would keep asking “people to continue to stay home, follow the science and exercise common sense.”Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta, the capital and the site of a recent surge in cases, told ABC News that she would keep asking “people to continue to stay home, follow the science and exercise common sense.”
On CNN, Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. of Augusta said that he had been caught off guard by the governor’s decision and questioned the wisdom of it.On CNN, Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. of Augusta said that he had been caught off guard by the governor’s decision and questioned the wisdom of it.
He pointed out that gyms, barbershops and salons were “places where we’re all in close proximity to one another,” adding, that “without a series of educational efforts to those industries, it’s going to be extremely difficult for us to continue to flatten the curve.”He pointed out that gyms, barbershops and salons were “places where we’re all in close proximity to one another,” adding, that “without a series of educational efforts to those industries, it’s going to be extremely difficult for us to continue to flatten the curve.”
Mr. Kemp, who has been keen to help alleviate the economic anguish the statewide restrictions helped create, said that stores were not reopening for “business as usual,” noting that social distancing rules still must be enforced, and that businesses should check employees’ temperatures for fevers and ramp up sanitation efforts.Mr. Kemp, who has been keen to help alleviate the economic anguish the statewide restrictions helped create, said that stores were not reopening for “business as usual,” noting that social distancing rules still must be enforced, and that businesses should check employees’ temperatures for fevers and ramp up sanitation efforts.
The development, he said, was “a small step forward and should be treated as such.”The development, he said, was “a small step forward and should be treated as such.”
But Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, still expressed alarm, writing on Twitter that he feared “our friends and neighbors in Georgia are going too fast too soon.”But Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, still expressed alarm, writing on Twitter that he feared “our friends and neighbors in Georgia are going too fast too soon.”
“We respect Georgia’s right to determine its own fate, but we are all in this together,” Mr. Graham wrote. “What happens in Georgia will impact us in South Carolina.”“We respect Georgia’s right to determine its own fate, but we are all in this together,” Mr. Graham wrote. “What happens in Georgia will impact us in South Carolina.”
Georgia has recorded more than 19,000 confirmed cases, and more than 770 deaths, with the majority of the cases concentrated in the counties making up the Atlanta area, which have a combined total of more than 6,000 cases and 200 deaths.Georgia has recorded more than 19,000 confirmed cases, and more than 770 deaths, with the majority of the cases concentrated in the counties making up the Atlanta area, which have a combined total of more than 6,000 cases and 200 deaths.
As other states moved to ease restrictions, Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, a Republican, said Tuesday that schools in his state would remain closed through the end of the school year. “It’s the right thing to do considering the facts on the ground associated with the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.As other states moved to ease restrictions, Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, a Republican, said Tuesday that schools in his state would remain closed through the end of the school year. “It’s the right thing to do considering the facts on the ground associated with the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Two new studies using antibody testing to assess how many people have been infected turned up numbers higher than some experts had expected.Two new studies using antibody testing to assess how many people have been infected turned up numbers higher than some experts had expected.
Both studies were performed in California: one among residents of Santa Clara County, south of San Francisco, and the other among residents of Los Angeles County. In both cases, the estimates of the number of people infected countrywide were far higher than the number of confirmed cases.Both studies were performed in California: one among residents of Santa Clara County, south of San Francisco, and the other among residents of Los Angeles County. In both cases, the estimates of the number of people infected countrywide were far higher than the number of confirmed cases.
In the Santa Clara County study, researchers tested 3,330 volunteers for antibodies indicating exposure. Roughly 1.5 percent were positive. After adjustments intended to account for differences between the sample and the population of the county as a whole, the researchers estimated that the prevalence of antibodies fell between 2.5 percent and a bit more than 4 percent.In the Santa Clara County study, researchers tested 3,330 volunteers for antibodies indicating exposure. Roughly 1.5 percent were positive. After adjustments intended to account for differences between the sample and the population of the county as a whole, the researchers estimated that the prevalence of antibodies fell between 2.5 percent and a bit more than 4 percent.
That means that between 48,000 and 81,000 people were infected in Santa Clara County by early April, the researchers concluded.That means that between 48,000 and 81,000 people were infected in Santa Clara County by early April, the researchers concluded.
In Los Angeles County, researchers conducted antibody tests for two days at six drive-through test sites in early April and estimated that between 2.8 percent to 5.6 percent of the county’s adult population carried antibodies. If accurate, that would mean that 220,000 to 442,000 residents have been exposed.In Los Angeles County, researchers conducted antibody tests for two days at six drive-through test sites in early April and estimated that between 2.8 percent to 5.6 percent of the county’s adult population carried antibodies. If accurate, that would mean that 220,000 to 442,000 residents have been exposed.
By comparison, only 8,000 cases had been confirmed in the county at that time the testing was done.By comparison, only 8,000 cases had been confirmed in the county at that time the testing was done.
Antibody studies in other countries have produced similar numbers, noted Dr. John Ioannidis, a professor of medicine at Stanford University and an author of the paper on Santa Clara County.Antibody studies in other countries have produced similar numbers, noted Dr. John Ioannidis, a professor of medicine at Stanford University and an author of the paper on Santa Clara County.
If the numbers prove accurate, he added, the virus may be much less deadly than originally expected, with a fatality rate more closely resembling that of a bad flu strain than a pandemic of profound lethality.If the numbers prove accurate, he added, the virus may be much less deadly than originally expected, with a fatality rate more closely resembling that of a bad flu strain than a pandemic of profound lethality.
Neither report has been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal, and both pieces of research have met with criticism. Both relied on volunteers, which may have skewed the results, and the investigators say they are now probing their data to see how significant this bias may have been.Neither report has been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal, and both pieces of research have met with criticism. Both relied on volunteers, which may have skewed the results, and the investigators say they are now probing their data to see how significant this bias may have been.
They maintain, though, that so-called participation bias would not alter the data enough to negate the overall conclusions.They maintain, though, that so-called participation bias would not alter the data enough to negate the overall conclusions.
Many widely available antibody tests have been found to be inaccurate. The investigators say they validated the accuracy of the tests they used beforehand, and argue that the tests could not be so much in error as to invalidate the conclusions.Many widely available antibody tests have been found to be inaccurate. The investigators say they validated the accuracy of the tests they used beforehand, and argue that the tests could not be so much in error as to invalidate the conclusions.
For vulnerable people, like those in nursing homes, the virus is a terrible new threat, the researchers said in interviews. But the new data suggest most adults will experience milder to asymptomatic infections.For vulnerable people, like those in nursing homes, the virus is a terrible new threat, the researchers said in interviews. But the new data suggest most adults will experience milder to asymptomatic infections.
Little is known about the transmissibility of the virus from asymptomatic adults, however. That may complicate scientific understanding of the virus’ spread.Little is known about the transmissibility of the virus from asymptomatic adults, however. That may complicate scientific understanding of the virus’ spread.
Still, with better estimates of the virus’s prevalence, it may be possible to reopen society in a rational manner, said Neeraj Sood, vice dean of research at the University of Southern California Price School of Public Policy and an author of the Los Angeles County report.Still, with better estimates of the virus’s prevalence, it may be possible to reopen society in a rational manner, said Neeraj Sood, vice dean of research at the University of Southern California Price School of Public Policy and an author of the Los Angeles County report.
“We can model the scenarios,” he said. “We should not make decisions just based on I.C.U. mortality,” adding, “I would want whoever makes the decision to make it holistically and based on the best evidence.”“We can model the scenarios,” he said. “We should not make decisions just based on I.C.U. mortality,” adding, “I would want whoever makes the decision to make it holistically and based on the best evidence.”
American department stores, once all-powerful shopping meccas that anchored malls and Main Streets across the country, have been dealt blow after blow in the past decade. J.C. Penney and Sears were upended by hedge funds. Macy’s has been closing stores and cutting corporate staff. Barneys New York filed for bankruptcy last year.American department stores, once all-powerful shopping meccas that anchored malls and Main Streets across the country, have been dealt blow after blow in the past decade. J.C. Penney and Sears were upended by hedge funds. Macy’s has been closing stores and cutting corporate staff. Barneys New York filed for bankruptcy last year.
But nothing compares to the shock the weakened industry has taken from the coronavirus pandemic. The sales of clothing and accessories fell by more than half in March, a trend that is expected to only get worse in April. The entire executive team at Lord & Taylor was let go this month. Nordstrom has canceled orders and put off paying its vendors. The Neiman Marcus Group, the most glittering of the American department store chains, is expected to declare bankruptcy in the coming days, the first major retailer felled during the current crisis.But nothing compares to the shock the weakened industry has taken from the coronavirus pandemic. The sales of clothing and accessories fell by more than half in March, a trend that is expected to only get worse in April. The entire executive team at Lord & Taylor was let go this month. Nordstrom has canceled orders and put off paying its vendors. The Neiman Marcus Group, the most glittering of the American department store chains, is expected to declare bankruptcy in the coming days, the first major retailer felled during the current crisis.
It is not likely to be the last.It is not likely to be the last.
“The department stores, which have been failing slowly for a very long time, really don’t get over this,” said Mark A. Cohen, the director of retail studies at Columbia University’s Business School. “The genre is toast and looking at the other side of this, there are very few who are likely to survive.”“The department stores, which have been failing slowly for a very long time, really don’t get over this,” said Mark A. Cohen, the director of retail studies at Columbia University’s Business School. “The genre is toast and looking at the other side of this, there are very few who are likely to survive.”
At a time when retailers should be putting in orders for the all-important holiday shopping season, stores are furloughing tens of thousands of corporate and store employees, hoarding cash and desperately planning how to survive this crisis. The specter of mass default is being discussed not just behind closed doors but in analysts’ future models. Whether that happens, no one doubts that the upheaval caused by the pandemic will permanently alter both the retail landscape and the relationships of brands with the stores that sell them.At a time when retailers should be putting in orders for the all-important holiday shopping season, stores are furloughing tens of thousands of corporate and store employees, hoarding cash and desperately planning how to survive this crisis. The specter of mass default is being discussed not just behind closed doors but in analysts’ future models. Whether that happens, no one doubts that the upheaval caused by the pandemic will permanently alter both the retail landscape and the relationships of brands with the stores that sell them.
Milwaukee health officials said they had identified at least seven people who contracted the coronavirus after participating in Election Day on April 7, which was held after the governor’s attempt to postpone the vote for health reasons was blocked in court.
The seven people were the first identified by Milwaukee officials, who contend that the number may be higher as they are still conducting testing. Six of the cases they identified were Milwaukee voters; the seventh was a poll worker. Other cities have not reported any cases tied to voting yet.
Wisconsin went ahead with in-person voting after the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature refused to postpone the election or expand vote by mail. Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, tried to postpone it unilaterally, but was blocked in court.
Dr. Jeanette Kowalik, the Milwaukee health commissioner, said in a statement that the data was still incomplete because some patients may have declined to provide complete information, were delayed in presenting symptoms, or experienced delays in testing and processing. She added that they were looking at any new cases that began after April 7, as the incubation period is 14 days, which ends April 21.
Before the election, thousands of poll workers, many of whom are older and are considered high risk for the coronavirus, said they would not be able to work during the in-person election, resulting in a severely depleted election staff in many parts of the state. Milwaukee drastically cut its polling locations to just five, from 180, and voters across the city cited waits of well over two hours throughout the day.
The direct connection of contracting the virus from in-person voting in Wisconsin could further increase calls across the country for an expansion of vote by mail and absentee voting for the November elections.
Senate Democrats have opened a formal inquiry into the decision to put Mr. Trump’s name on economic stimulus checks amid speculation that the move might delay payments to millions of Americans.Senate Democrats have opened a formal inquiry into the decision to put Mr. Trump’s name on economic stimulus checks amid speculation that the move might delay payments to millions of Americans.
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, sent Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin a letter on Tuesday seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding the decision and what impact it would have on the timing of the checks going in the mail.Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, sent Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin a letter on Tuesday seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding the decision and what impact it would have on the timing of the checks going in the mail.
Mr. Mnuchin said on Sunday that it was his idea to have Mr. Trump’s name added to the memo line of the checks.Mr. Mnuchin said on Sunday that it was his idea to have Mr. Trump’s name added to the memo line of the checks.
Mr. Wyden said that his staff asked Treasury officials twice about the matter during briefings that they gave to lawmakers and they had no answer.Mr. Wyden said that his staff asked Treasury officials twice about the matter during briefings that they gave to lawmakers and they had no answer.
“If adding the signature was in fact your idea that information could have already been made available to Congress,” Mr. Wyden wrote to Mr. Mnuchin.“If adding the signature was in fact your idea that information could have already been made available to Congress,” Mr. Wyden wrote to Mr. Mnuchin.
“To set the record straight, I request details about how you made this decision to benefit the president politically, which may delay the delivery of critical funds to millions of Americans struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table.”“To set the record straight, I request details about how you made this decision to benefit the president politically, which may delay the delivery of critical funds to millions of Americans struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table.”
The letter notes that no president’s name has ever appeared on a disbursement from the Internal Revenue Service. It asks several questions about who authorized the policy change, who will benefit from the decision and what effect it had on timing of disbursement.The letter notes that no president’s name has ever appeared on a disbursement from the Internal Revenue Service. It asks several questions about who authorized the policy change, who will benefit from the decision and what effect it had on timing of disbursement.
Mr. Trump’s name will appear in the memo portion of the check because he is not authorized to sign such disbursements.Mr. Trump’s name will appear in the memo portion of the check because he is not authorized to sign such disbursements.
Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have insisted that there will be no delay in sending the checks, which are supposed to start being mailed this week.Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have insisted that there will be no delay in sending the checks, which are supposed to start being mailed this week.
Mr. Trump said last week that he believed “people will be very happy to get a big, fat, beautiful check” with his name on it.Mr. Trump said last week that he believed “people will be very happy to get a big, fat, beautiful check” with his name on it.
Mr. Trump and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York will meet Tuesday afternoon in the Oval Office, a rare face-to-face session for two leaders whose relations during the crisis have been alternately antagonistic and conciliatory. Mr. Trump said the governor had requested the meeting.Mr. Trump and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York will meet Tuesday afternoon in the Oval Office, a rare face-to-face session for two leaders whose relations during the crisis have been alternately antagonistic and conciliatory. Mr. Trump said the governor had requested the meeting.
Mr. Cuomo, who announced 481 more fatalities, said he expected the meeting to focus on testing and the related roles of the federal and state governments. The latest state’s official daily death toll, significantly below almost all of last week’s, brought the overall total to at least 14,828.) Total hospitalizations were “basically flat,” he said, and the number of intubations declined. New York would begin to allow elective treatment in hospitals in parts of the state that were less battered, he said.Mr. Cuomo, who announced 481 more fatalities, said he expected the meeting to focus on testing and the related roles of the federal and state governments. The latest state’s official daily death toll, significantly below almost all of last week’s, brought the overall total to at least 14,828.) Total hospitalizations were “basically flat,” he said, and the number of intubations declined. New York would begin to allow elective treatment in hospitals in parts of the state that were less battered, he said.
On testing, officials were faced with “a situation where you need everyone to work together and you need to understand quickly who is in a better position to do what,” he said.On testing, officials were faced with “a situation where you need everyone to work together and you need to understand quickly who is in a better position to do what,” he said.
Mr. Cuomo has not embraced Mr. Trump’s calls for a rapid reopening of the U.S. and has insisted that increased testing would be key to lifting restrictions and reopening the state’s economy. The governor repeated that he agreed with the federal government’s position that testing should be left to the states.Mr. Cuomo has not embraced Mr. Trump’s calls for a rapid reopening of the U.S. and has insisted that increased testing would be key to lifting restrictions and reopening the state’s economy. The governor repeated that he agreed with the federal government’s position that testing should be left to the states.
In recent days, Mr. Cuomo has said that one of the main testing obstacles is the availability of the reactive chemicals in test kits known as reagents. He reiterated that the federal government should help in coordinating supply chains for national manufacturers.In recent days, Mr. Cuomo has said that one of the main testing obstacles is the availability of the reactive chemicals in test kits known as reagents. He reiterated that the federal government should help in coordinating supply chains for national manufacturers.
He said on Sunday that test-kit manufacturers have told him that they were unable to supply more reagents to local labs in the state in part because the federal government was telling them which states to distribute reagents to.He said on Sunday that test-kit manufacturers have told him that they were unable to supply more reagents to local labs in the state in part because the federal government was telling them which states to distribute reagents to.
“These manufacturers are regulated by the federal government and the federal government clearly has a role in addressing this crisis,” he said.“These manufacturers are regulated by the federal government and the federal government clearly has a role in addressing this crisis,” he said.
Mr. Cuomo and Mr. Trump have tussled in recent weeks over New York’s need for ventilators, federal aid in the stimulus package, whether governors have the authority to reopen their states’ economies, and even whether Mr. Cuomo has shown sufficient gratitude for the federal help New York has received.Mr. Cuomo and Mr. Trump have tussled in recent weeks over New York’s need for ventilators, federal aid in the stimulus package, whether governors have the authority to reopen their states’ economies, and even whether Mr. Cuomo has shown sufficient gratitude for the federal help New York has received.
At least 28,000 more people have died during the pandemic over the last month than official counts report, a review of mortality data in 11 countries shows — providing a clearer, if still incomplete, picture of the toll of the crisis.At least 28,000 more people have died during the pandemic over the last month than official counts report, a review of mortality data in 11 countries shows — providing a clearer, if still incomplete, picture of the toll of the crisis.
In the last month, far more people died in those countries than in previous years, The New York Times found. The totals include deaths directly caused by Covid-19, as well as those stemming from other illnesses that could not be treated as hospitals became overwhelmed and people could not get medical care.In the last month, far more people died in those countries than in previous years, The New York Times found. The totals include deaths directly caused by Covid-19, as well as those stemming from other illnesses that could not be treated as hospitals became overwhelmed and people could not get medical care.
The numbers undermine the notion that many people who have died from the virus may soon have died anyway. In Paris, more than twice the usual number of people have died each day, far more than at the peak of a bad flu season. In New York City, the number is four times the normal amount.The numbers undermine the notion that many people who have died from the virus may soon have died anyway. In Paris, more than twice the usual number of people have died each day, far more than at the peak of a bad flu season. In New York City, the number is four times the normal amount.
The president on Monday again defended his administration’s handling of testing, insisting the nation had excess capacity for screening even as some governors continued to say that they lacked some crucial materials, including nasal swabs and chemical reagents, required to collect them.The president on Monday again defended his administration’s handling of testing, insisting the nation had excess capacity for screening even as some governors continued to say that they lacked some crucial materials, including nasal swabs and chemical reagents, required to collect them.
In a briefing at the White House, Mr. Trump framed the debates around testing in political terms, saying that Democrats who once asked him for ventilators were now only raising the availability of testing “because they want to be able to criticize.”In a briefing at the White House, Mr. Trump framed the debates around testing in political terms, saying that Democrats who once asked him for ventilators were now only raising the availability of testing “because they want to be able to criticize.”
To make his point, Mr. Trump allowed Vice President Mike Pence, several members of the White House task force and other administration officials to give detailed presentations to reporters about what they said was a surplus of testing capacity. Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the White House response coordinator, displayed a series of slides showing the locations of test centers in various states, and Mr. Trump at one point held up a thick binder that he said contained the locations of 5,000 testing facilities across the nation.To make his point, Mr. Trump allowed Vice President Mike Pence, several members of the White House task force and other administration officials to give detailed presentations to reporters about what they said was a surplus of testing capacity. Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the White House response coordinator, displayed a series of slides showing the locations of test centers in various states, and Mr. Trump at one point held up a thick binder that he said contained the locations of 5,000 testing facilities across the nation.
Still, governors continued to express frustration that they did not have the materials they needed to collect tests for analysis, and for now — in part because of shortages of those testing materials — many localities continue to limit testing to people who meet specific criteria.Still, governors continued to express frustration that they did not have the materials they needed to collect tests for analysis, and for now — in part because of shortages of those testing materials — many localities continue to limit testing to people who meet specific criteria.
But the virus has also been spread widely by people who have few or no symptoms, experts say, so the goal should be to test nearly everyone with mild or severe symptoms, plus an average of 10 people who have been in contact with each person who tests positive for the virus.But the virus has also been spread widely by people who have few or no symptoms, experts say, so the goal should be to test nearly everyone with mild or severe symptoms, plus an average of 10 people who have been in contact with each person who tests positive for the virus.
And a recent estimate by researchers at Harvard University suggested that the United States could not safely reopen the economy unless, over the next month, it triples the number of tests it is currently conducting.And a recent estimate by researchers at Harvard University suggested that the United States could not safely reopen the economy unless, over the next month, it triples the number of tests it is currently conducting.
The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday said it had granted emergency approval to the first in-home test for the virus, a nasal swab kit that will be sold by LabCorp. It would first be made available to health care and other front-line workers, the company said, and then to consumers “in the coming weeks.”The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday said it had granted emergency approval to the first in-home test for the virus, a nasal swab kit that will be sold by LabCorp. It would first be made available to health care and other front-line workers, the company said, and then to consumers “in the coming weeks.”
Attorney General William P. Barr defended the president’s handling of the pandemic on Tuesday amid bipartisan criticism of testing failures, contradictory assertions on his authority and other issues, saying that Mr. Trump has provided “superb and very common sensical” guidance and has “never” done anything to indicate that he does not respect the Constitution.Attorney General William P. Barr defended the president’s handling of the pandemic on Tuesday amid bipartisan criticism of testing failures, contradictory assertions on his authority and other issues, saying that Mr. Trump has provided “superb and very common sensical” guidance and has “never” done anything to indicate that he does not respect the Constitution.
“When you actually look at his record, his actions have been well within the traditional rules of law and have been litigated patiently through the court system,” Mr. Barr said of the president during an interview with the radio host Hugh Hewitt.“When you actually look at his record, his actions have been well within the traditional rules of law and have been litigated patiently through the court system,” Mr. Barr said of the president during an interview with the radio host Hugh Hewitt.
Mr. Barr acknowledged that Mr. Trump’s decision to let governors create a state-by-state patchwork of responses to the virus “can be a messy business,” but that it is “a better approach than trying to dictate everything from Washington.”Mr. Barr acknowledged that Mr. Trump’s decision to let governors create a state-by-state patchwork of responses to the virus “can be a messy business,” but that it is “a better approach than trying to dictate everything from Washington.”
Mr. Trump has refrained from fully using his executive authorities under the Constitution, relying instead “mainly on statutes that give him emergency authority,” Mr. Barr added.Mr. Trump has refrained from fully using his executive authorities under the Constitution, relying instead “mainly on statutes that give him emergency authority,” Mr. Barr added.
Mr. Barr’s comments were in keeping with his longstanding, robust defense of the president’s actions, including his efforts to end the Russia investigation and his dealings with Ukraine that prompted impeachment.Mr. Barr’s comments were in keeping with his longstanding, robust defense of the president’s actions, including his efforts to end the Russia investigation and his dealings with Ukraine that prompted impeachment.
It was a stealth transaction, arranged through “someone who knew someone who knew someone,” taking place at an undisclosed location in an unnamed mid-Atlantic state. The getaway vehicles were disguised as food service delivery trucks, and they traveled separate routes back to Massachusetts to avoid detection.
Those were the lengths that a hospital system in Springfield, Mass., went to this month to procure urgently needed masks for workers treating a growing number of patients with the coronavirus.
“Some of this might seem over the top,” said Dr. Andrew W. Artenstein, the chief physician executive of Baystate Health, a four-hospital system in Springfield. “But with the entire Northeast in the throes of the early stages of a surge, our concern was that if we’re transporting scarce equipment, there would be some risk it might not make it back.”
As state and federal officials consider how and when to allow public life to start up again, supplies like personal protective equipment for health care workers — seen as essential if coronavirus surges re-emerge — remain in dangerously short supply. An intense and chaotic scramble continues to unfold as hospitals, cities and states go out on their own to compete for masks and gowns, with uneven and shifting coordination by the federal government.
In one example, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California has refused to provide details — even to state lawmakers — of a nearly $1 billion deal to buy hundreds of millions of masks from China. But there are also reports of deals getting upended at the last minute, either from countries offering higher prices or from federal agencies stepping in and seizing goods.
As each week of the pandemic passes, it is not unusual to experience unusual emotions. Social isolation is causing feelings of extreme loneliness for many. Panic attacks have become more common, too. Here are some strategies that might be helpful in trying to cope.As each week of the pandemic passes, it is not unusual to experience unusual emotions. Social isolation is causing feelings of extreme loneliness for many. Panic attacks have become more common, too. Here are some strategies that might be helpful in trying to cope.
Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Marc Santora, Allison McCann, Jin Wu, Karen Barrow, Michael Cooper, Gina Kolata, Katie Thomas, Dana Goldstein, Miriam Jordan, Matt Phillips, Rick Rojas, Katie Rogers, Eliza Shapiro, Katie Benner, Michael D. Shear, Emily Cochrane, Katharine Q. Seelye, Andrew Jacobs, Jo Becker, Tim Arango and Alan Rappeport.Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Marc Santora, Allison McCann, Jin Wu, Karen Barrow, Michael Cooper, Gina Kolata, Katie Thomas, Dana Goldstein, Miriam Jordan, Matt Phillips, Rick Rojas, Katie Rogers, Eliza Shapiro, Katie Benner, Michael D. Shear, Emily Cochrane, Katharine Q. Seelye, Andrew Jacobs, Jo Becker, Tim Arango and Alan Rappeport.