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Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Says He Will Halt Immigration; Markets Dip as Oil Prices Crater Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Says He Will Halt Immigration; Markets Dip as Oil Prices Crater
(32 minutes later)
President Trump’s late-night announcement on Twitter that he plans to “temporarily suspend immigration into the United States” could dramatically reduce the number of people from foreign countries who can come to America to join family members or accept job opportunities.President Trump’s late-night announcement on Twitter that he plans to “temporarily suspend immigration into the United States” could dramatically reduce the number of people from foreign countries who can come to America to join family members or accept job opportunities.
While the White House has provided few details, the idea is an attempt to reduce competition for jobs as states reopen from the coronavirus shutdown.While the White House has provided few details, the idea is an attempt to reduce competition for jobs as states reopen from the coronavirus shutdown.
But there are many unanswered questions: Under normal circumstances, hundreds of thousands of people immigrate to the United States each year, but the administration could exempt large groups of workers from the ban, including farm laborers, health care workers and perhaps high-tech employees. That would reduce the number of people the order applies to.But there are many unanswered questions: Under normal circumstances, hundreds of thousands of people immigrate to the United States each year, but the administration could exempt large groups of workers from the ban, including farm laborers, health care workers and perhaps high-tech employees. That would reduce the number of people the order applies to.
It’s also unclear what legal authority the president will claim to shut off immigration, even temporarily. 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. And the timing and duration of a possible executive order is also uncertain. The order could come as soon as Tuesday, though probably later in the week.It’s also unclear what legal authority the president will claim to shut off immigration, even temporarily. 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. And the timing and duration of a possible executive order is also uncertain. The order could come as soon as Tuesday, though probably later in the week.
And if it stays in place for months or even longer — something Mr. Trump’s tweet and a similar one from his press secretary did not make clear — it stands to be a centerpiece of the president’s efforts to energize his core supporters as he faces re-election this fall.And if it stays in place for months or even longer — something Mr. Trump’s tweet and a similar one from his press secretary did not make clear — it stands to be a centerpiece of the president’s efforts to energize his core supporters as he faces re-election this fall.
Mr. Trump justified the drastic move as a necessary step to protect American workers from foreign competition once the nation’s economy begins to recover from the shutdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak.Mr. Trump justified the drastic move as a necessary step to protect American workers from foreign competition once the nation’s economy begins to recover from the shutdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
“In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter late Monday night. “I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!”“In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter late Monday night. “I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!”
The announcement came only hours after the president and several members of his administration had presented lengthy, and at times defensive, explanations of their effort to provide states with the widespread testing they will need to reopen their economies. And it followed announcements by a small group of governors — led by three Republicans in the South — that they were taking the first steps toward doing just that.The announcement came only hours after the president and several members of his administration had presented lengthy, and at times defensive, explanations of their effort to provide states with the widespread testing they will need to reopen their economies. And it followed announcements by a small group of governors — led by three Republicans in the South — that they were taking the first steps toward doing just that.
But the president’s late-night announcement signaled his most wide-ranging attempt yet to seal the country off from the rest of the world.But the president’s late-night announcement signaled his most wide-ranging attempt yet to seal the country off from the rest of the world.
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has said that health concerns justified moving swiftly to bar asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants from entering the country, alarming immigration advocates who have said that Mr. Trump and his advisers are using a pandemic to broaden hard-line policies.In recent weeks, the Trump administration has said that health concerns justified moving swiftly to bar asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants from entering the country, alarming immigration advocates who have said that Mr. Trump and his advisers are using a pandemic to broaden hard-line policies.
“As President Trump has said, ‘Decades of record immigration have produced lower wages and higher unemployment for our citizens, especially for African-American and Latino workers,’” said Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary.“As President Trump has said, ‘Decades of record immigration have produced lower wages and higher unemployment for our citizens, especially for African-American and Latino workers,’” said Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary.
Past studies have shown that suspending immigration does not help with joblessness in the United States.Past studies have shown that suspending immigration does not help with joblessness in the United States.
Under the kind of executive order the president described, the Trump administration would no longer approve any applications from foreigners to live and work in the United States for an undetermined period of time — effectively shutting down the legal immigration system in the same way the president has long advocated closing the borders to illegal immigration.Under the kind of executive order the president described, the Trump administration would no longer approve any applications from foreigners to live and work in the United States for an undetermined period of time — effectively shutting down the legal immigration system in the same way the president has long advocated closing the borders to illegal immigration.
Workers who have for years received visas to perform specialized jobs in the United States would also be denied permission to arrive, though workers in some industries deemed critical could be exempted from the ban, people familiar with the president’s decision said.Workers who have for years received visas to perform specialized jobs in the United States would also be denied permission to arrive, though workers in some industries deemed critical could be exempted from the ban, people familiar with the president’s decision said.
The number of visas issued to foreigners abroad looking to immigrate to the United States has declined by about 25 percent in the past three years, to 462,422 in the 2019 fiscal year, from 617,752 in 2016.The number of visas issued to foreigners abroad looking to immigrate to the United States has declined by about 25 percent in the past three years, to 462,422 in the 2019 fiscal year, from 617,752 in 2016.
Even before the pandemic, the president and some of his most hard-line advisers had been eager to reduce legal immigration even more, arguing that Mr. Trump’s “America First” campaign pledge should be seen as protecting native-born Americans from having to compete with foreign workers.Even before the pandemic, the president and some of his most hard-line advisers had been eager to reduce legal immigration even more, arguing that Mr. Trump’s “America First” campaign pledge should be seen as protecting native-born Americans from having to compete with foreign workers.
Stephen Miller, the architect of the president’s immigration agenda, has pushed repeatedly for regulations and executive actions that would limit the amount of immigration that is allowed each year.Stephen Miller, the architect of the president’s immigration agenda, has pushed repeatedly for regulations and executive actions that would limit the amount of immigration that is allowed each year.
Stocks on Wall Street fell for a second day, as global markets retreated and oil prices continued their record slide.Stocks on Wall Street fell for a second day, as global markets retreated and oil prices continued their record slide.
The S & P 500 dropped about 1.7 percent in early trading Tuesday, adding to a nearly 2 percent drop on Monday. Major European markets were 1 percent to 3 percent lower after a similar decline in Asia.The S & P 500 dropped about 1.7 percent in early trading Tuesday, adding to a nearly 2 percent drop on Monday. Major European markets were 1 percent to 3 percent lower after a similar decline in Asia.
With few places left to store all the crude the world is producing, oil prices have collapsed. On Monday, the price of one oil benchmark dipped below zero for the first time, meaning some holders were ready to pay people to take a barrel off their hands.With few places left to store all the crude the world is producing, oil prices have collapsed. On Monday, the price of one oil benchmark dipped below zero for the first time, meaning some holders were ready to pay people to take a barrel off their hands.
While quirks in how oil is traded accounted for the negative price, it also reflected low global demand for fuel, signaling predictions that much of the world’s economy will remain frozen for some time.While quirks in how oil is traded accounted for the negative price, it also reflected low global demand for fuel, signaling predictions that much of the world’s economy will remain frozen for some time.
The most closely watched price for oil in the United States, for a futures contract stipulating delivery of West Texas Intermediate crude in June, was trading just under $16 a barrel, well away from negative territory but still down about 22 percent. Brent crude, the global benchmark, dropped about 18 percent, to $20.90 a barrel.The most closely watched price for oil in the United States, for a futures contract stipulating delivery of West Texas Intermediate crude in June, was trading just under $16 a barrel, well away from negative territory but still down about 22 percent. Brent crude, the global benchmark, dropped 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 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 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.
Final approval of an agreement to replenish a loan program for small businesses will not occur until at least Thursday, as negotiators struggled through the night Monday to resolve the final details of what is likely to be nearly $500 billion in aid for small businesses, hospitals and testing.Final approval of an agreement to replenish a loan program for small businesses will not occur until at least Thursday, as negotiators struggled through the night Monday to resolve the final details of what is likely to be nearly $500 billion in aid for small businesses, hospitals and testing.
With the Senate scheduled to convene a procedural session Tuesday afternoon, lawmakers were racing to reach agreement on what was intended to be an interim package to shore up a $2 trillion stimulus package signed into law last month. While the administration had asked for $250 billion for a loan program to help distressed small businesses, Democrats pursued additional aid for hospitals, testing and state and local governments.With the Senate scheduled to convene a procedural session Tuesday afternoon, lawmakers were racing to reach agreement on what was intended to be an interim package to shore up a $2 trillion stimulus package signed into law last month. While the administration had asked for $250 billion for a loan program to help distressed small businesses, Democrats pursued additional aid for hospitals, testing and state and local governments.
Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, said he was confident that the Senate would be able to approve a bipartisan agreement during the Tuesday afternoon procedural session, saying “there’s still a few more i’s to dot and t’s to cross, but we have a deal.”Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, said he was confident that the Senate would be able to approve a bipartisan agreement during the Tuesday afternoon procedural session, saying “there’s still a few more i’s to dot and t’s to cross, but we have a deal.”
Mr. Schumer, speaking on CNN, said that he, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, spoke well after midnight to reach agreement on outstanding issues. As of Tuesday morning, multiple aides said there was not yet agreement on a final text that could be voted on the Senate floor, but progress had been made in discussions.Mr. Schumer, speaking on CNN, said that he, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, spoke well after midnight to reach agreement on outstanding issues. As of Tuesday morning, multiple aides said there was not yet agreement on a final text that could be voted on the Senate floor, but progress had been made in discussions.
But Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the majority leader, notified lawmakers late Monday that even if an agreement is reached in time for the Senate to pass the measure on Tuesday, the earliest the House will take action is Thursday morning — a day later than House leadership had hoped. House Republicans are expected to force a recorded vote, meaning lawmakers will have to return to Washington in order to send the measure to the president’s desk.But Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the majority leader, notified lawmakers late Monday that even if an agreement is reached in time for the Senate to pass the measure on Tuesday, the earliest the House will take action is Thursday morning — a day later than House leadership had hoped. House Republicans are expected to force a recorded vote, meaning lawmakers will have to return to Washington in order to send the measure to the president’s desk.
Funding for the small business loan program, known as the Paycheck Protection Program, has lapsed during the impasse, leaving millions of small businesses in limbo without federal assistance.Funding for the small business loan program, known as the Paycheck Protection Program, has lapsed during the impasse, leaving millions of small businesses in limbo without federal assistance.
Negotiators are still working to reach agreement on a Democratic demand to include a provision that would require the establishment of a national testing strategy. Republicans are wary of placing the onus of such a strategy on the administration, and want states to decide their own strategies.Negotiators are still working to reach agreement on a Democratic demand to include a provision that would require the establishment of a national testing strategy. Republicans are wary of placing the onus of such a strategy on the administration, and want states to decide their own strategies.
In a decision that has drawn criticism from public health experts and business owners, governors in several states across the South and West have decided to relax stay-at-home orders and allow some businesses to reopen. Despite warnings from public health experts that the coronavirus has not leveled off enough to ease restrictions imposed to curb its spread, the governors of several states pressed ahead with plans to relax stay-at-home orders and allowed some businesses to reopen, decisions that have drawn immense criticism.
Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia said on Monday that he was joining the governors of several other states, including Tennessee, South Carolina and Ohio, in moving in that direction, despite warnings that the coronavirus has not leveled off enough to ease restrictions imposed to curb its spread. South Carolina was the first state to push forward with a partial reopening 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 of the virus and more than 100 deaths.
The mayors of Georgia’s largest cities were among those pushing back, with businesses including gyms, hair and nail salons, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors being allowed to return to operating on Friday. At a news conference on Monday, Gov. Henry McMaster said his decision was guided by science and data, but when pressed about specific data points, said he believed retail owners could reopen “without endangering the population.”
Atlanta’s mayor, Keisha Lance Bottom, urged residents to ignore Mr. Kemp’s order and continue to stay at home, relying on her bully pulpit as mayor because she said she did not have the authority to supersede the governor’s decision inside city limits. Elsewhere, Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia on Monday said he was joining Gov. McMaster and the governors of Tennessee and Ohio in reopening. Beginning Friday, businesses including gyms, nail and hair salons, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors are allowed to return to operating.
“I will continue to use my voice as mayor of Atlanta,” she said in an interview with ABC News shortly after Mr. Kemp’s announcement, “to ask people to continue to stay home, follow the science and exercise common sense.” Georgia has recorded more than 19,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, and more than 770 deaths, with the majority of the cases concentrated in the counties making up the metro Atlanta area, which have a combined total of more than 6,000 cases and 200 deaths.
In an interview with CNN, Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. of Augusta, Georgia’s second-largest city, said that he had been caught off guard by the governor’s decision and questioned the wisdom of it. The mayors of Georgia’s largest cities were among those pushing back. In Atlanta, which according to federal figures recorded a nearly 38 percent spike in cases over the last week, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottom urged residents to ignore Mr. Kemp’s order and continue to stay at home, relying on her bully pulpit as the city’s leader because she does not have the authority to supersede the governor’s decision inside city limits.
“I will continue to use my voice as mayor of Atlanta,” Ms. Bottom said in an interview with ABC News shortly after Mr. Kemp’s announcement, “to ask people to continue to stay home, follow the science and exercise common sense.”
In an interview with 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, “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, “Without a series of educational efforts to those industries, it’s going to be extremely difficult for us to continue to flatten the curve.”
Georgia has recorded more than 19,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with over 770 deaths as of Monday, according to state public health data. The majority of the cases have been concentrated in the counties making up the broader Metropolitan Atlanta area, which have a combined total of more than 6,000 cases and 200 deaths. In his announcement, Mr. Kemp, a Republican, also said that, next Monday, dine-in restaurants, theaters and other entertainment venues could return to operating. He said that he believed that the crisis had leveled off enough to ease restrictions and help alleviate the economic anguish they have helped create.
In his announcement, Mr. Kemp also said that, next Monday, dine-in restaurants, theaters and other entertainment venues could return to operating. He said that he believed that the crisis had leveled off enough to ease restrictions and help alleviate the economic anguish they have helped create.
He 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.He 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.”
Gov. Bill Lee of Tennessee said on Monday that he was not extending his “safer-at-home” order that is set to expire on April 30. That means, according to a statement from his office, “the vast majority of businesses in 89 counties” will be allowed to re-open on May 1, next Friday.
And officials in Ohio have also indicated that businesses there could reopen, as well, beginning next Friday, despite major outbreaks across the state, including a state prison about an hour’s drive north of the capital that has become the largest-known source of coronavirus infections in the United States, continuing a trend of fast-moving outbreaks in crowded, confined spaces.
More than 1,800 inmates — almost three-quarters of the population — have tested positive for the virus at the minimum- and medium-security prison in Marion, Ohio.
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 Washington, a rare face-to-face session for two leaders whose relations during the crisis have been alternately antagonistic and conciliatory.Mr. Trump and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York will meet Tuesday afternoon in Washington, a rare face-to-face session for two leaders whose relations during the crisis have been alternately antagonistic and conciliatory.
Mr. Cuomo said Tuesday morning that he expected the meeting to focus on testing issues and the roles of the federal and state governments in the screenings.Mr. Cuomo said Tuesday morning that he expected the meeting to focus on testing issues and the roles of the federal and state governments in the screenings.
“This is one of those thankless tasks,” said Mr. Cuomo, who added that 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.”“This is one of those thankless tasks,” said Mr. Cuomo, who added that 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.”
The Oval Office meeting, which Mr. Trump said Monday that the governor had requested, will come hours after Mr. Cuomo announced 481 more fatalities in New York, significantly below the single-day death tolls of the previous week. It brought the state’s official death toll to at least 14,828. But total hospitalizations were “basically flat,” Mr. Cuomo said Tuesday, and the number of intubations declined. The Oval Office meeting, which Mr. Trump said Monday that the governor had requested, will come hours after Mr. Cuomo announced 481 more fatalities in New York, significantly below almost all of the single-day death tolls of the previous week. It brought the state’s official death toll to at least 14,828. But total hospitalizations were “basically flat,” Mr. Cuomo said Tuesday, and the number of intubations declined.
The governor also said that New York would begin to allow elective treatment in hospitals in parts of the state that were less battered by the virus.The governor also said that New York would begin to allow elective treatment in hospitals in parts of the state that were less battered by the virus.
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.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.
Hours before he was set to meet with Mr. Trump, Mr. Cuomo repeated that he agreed with the federal government’s position that testing should be left to the states.Hours before he was set to meet with Mr. Trump, Mr. Cuomo 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 obstacles to doing more tests 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 obstacles to doing more tests 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 New York 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 New York 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,” Mr. Cuomo said.“These manufacturers are regulated by the federal government and the federal government clearly has a role in addressing this crisis,” Mr. Cuomo 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.
“Life is a fine line,” Mr. Cuomo said after he was asked how he would approach the meeting with the president. “Being in government is a fine line. Everything is a fine line.”
At least 28,000 more people have died during the coronavirus 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 coronavirus 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 coronavirus 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 coronavirus 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.”
Testing has also emerged as a sticking point in negotiations between Congress and the administration on small-business aid, with Democrats pushing for a national strategy and Republicans, wary of placing the onus on the White House to devise and carry one out, arguing that states should set their own plans.Testing has also emerged as a sticking point in negotiations between Congress and the administration on small-business aid, with Democrats pushing for a national strategy and Republicans, wary of placing the onus on the White House to devise and carry one out, arguing that states should set their own plans.
To make his point, Mr. Trump allowed Vice President Mike Pence, several members of the White House coronavirus 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 coronavirus 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 coronavirus 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 coronavirus 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. An average of 146,000 people per day have been tested for the coronavirus nationally so far this month, according to the Covid Tracking Project, a volunteer-driven initiative from the newsmagazine The Atlantic. The Harvard researchers estimate that the number of daily tests performed between now and mid-May should be 500,000 to 700,000 if the economy is to reopen by then.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. An average of 146,000 people per day have been tested for the coronavirus nationally so far this month, according to the Covid Tracking Project, a volunteer-driven initiative from the newsmagazine The Atlantic. The Harvard researchers estimate that the number of daily tests performed between now and mid-May should be 500,000 to 700,000 if the economy is to reopen by then.
The mayors of Georgia’s largest cities are pushing back against Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to begin easing stay-at-home restrictions across the state, starting on Friday with gyms, hair and nail salons, bowling alleys, tattoo parlors, among other businesses. Attorney General William P. Barr defended President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday amid bipartisan criticism of testing failures, contradictory assertions on his authority and other issues, saying that the president has provided “superb and very common sensical” guidance and has “never” done anything to indicate that he does not respect the Constitution.
Atlanta’s mayor, Keisha Lance Bottom, urged residents to ignore Mr. Kemp’s order and continue to stay at home, relying on her bully pulpit as mayor because she said she did not have the authority to supersede the governor’s decision inside city limits. “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.
“I will continue to use my voice as mayor of Atlanta,” she told ABC News shortly after Mr. Kemp’s announcement, “to ask people to continue to stay home, follow the science and exercise common sense.” 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.”
In an interview with 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. 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.
He pointed out that gyms, barbershops and salons were “places where we’re all in close proximity to one another,” adding, “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. 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.
Georgia has recorded more than 19,000 confirmed cases, with over 770 deaths as of Monday, according to state data. The majority of the cases have been concentrated in the counties making up the broader Atlanta area, which have a combined total of more than 6,000 cases and 200 deaths. Mr. Barr was more critical of local governments and urged them to find ways to safely ease restrictions on residents.
Mr. Kemp, a Republican, announced the move on Monday, when the governors of Tennessee, South Carolina, Ohio and Colorado also laid out early steps to reopen businesses or relax restrictions. States must ensure “that whatever burdens it’s putting on our constitutional liberties are strictly necessary to deal with the problem,” Mr. Barr said. “We’re moving into a period where we have to do a better job of targeting the measures we’re deploying to deal with this virus.”
In his announcement, Mr. Kemp also said that dine-in restaurants, theaters and other entertainment venues could return to operating next Monday. He said that he believed that the crisis had leveled off enough to ease restrictions and help alleviate the economic anguish they have helped create.
He 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 House could take action as early as Thursday to modify the chamber’s rules to allow remote voting by proxy for the first time in institutional history.The House could take action as early as Thursday to modify the chamber’s rules to allow remote voting by proxy for the first time in institutional history.
Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the majority leader, notified lawmakers that they would most likely vote on the rules change when they returned to Washington to vote on a package to replenish a lapsed loan program for small businesses and provide additional aid for hospitals and testing.Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the majority leader, notified lawmakers that they would most likely vote on the rules change when they returned to Washington to vote on a package to replenish a lapsed loan program for small businesses and provide additional aid for hospitals and testing.
With the agreement unfinished as of early Tuesday, the earliest the House will return to vote is Thursday morning, Mr. Hoyer said in a notice sent shortly before midnight.With the agreement unfinished as of early Tuesday, the earliest the House will return to vote is Thursday morning, Mr. Hoyer said in a notice sent shortly before midnight.
The move toward remote voting by proxy is a stark shift for Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, who had initially resisted it. But it is an acknowledgment that the coronavirus pandemic, by forcing Congress into an extended recess, has made that position untenable.The move toward remote voting by proxy is a stark shift for Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, who had initially resisted it. But it is an acknowledgment that the coronavirus pandemic, by forcing Congress into an extended recess, has made that position untenable.
Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the Rules Committee chairman who had been studying the issue, recommended voting by proxy to Democrats during a private caucus call last week. It would allow lawmakers who could not travel to the Capitol to give specific instructions on each vote to a colleague authorized to vote on their behalf.Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the Rules Committee chairman who had been studying the issue, recommended voting by proxy to Democrats during a private caucus call last week. It would allow lawmakers who could not travel to the Capitol to give specific instructions on each vote to a colleague authorized to vote on their behalf.
“This is what we’re comfortable with doing now that I think poses the least amount of risk,” Mr. McGovern told The Times on Thursday. “For those who feel they want to be here and engage in debate, they can come back, but for those members who are in states where they are instructed not to leave their homes or not to travel, they can still participate.”“This is what we’re comfortable with doing now that I think poses the least amount of risk,” Mr. McGovern told The Times on Thursday. “For those who feel they want to be here and engage in debate, they can come back, but for those members who are in states where they are instructed not to leave their homes or not to travel, they can still participate.”
With the House expected to act on more legislation to counter the virus and its economic toll, and as partisan division over the response to the pandemic continues to intensify, House Republicans have indicated that they will continue to request roll call votes and require all lawmakers to return to Capitol Hill — a maneuver that remote voting would essentially nullify.With the House expected to act on more legislation to counter the virus and its economic toll, and as partisan division over the response to the pandemic continues to intensify, House Republicans have indicated that they will continue to request roll call votes and require all lawmakers to return to Capitol Hill — a maneuver that remote voting would essentially nullify.
The Senate appears unlikely to follow suit, though senators are discussing how to manage remote hearings and stay connected while scattered across the country until at least May 4.The Senate appears unlikely to follow suit, though senators are discussing how to manage remote hearings and stay connected while scattered across the country until at least May 4.
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.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.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.”“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.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.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.
Less than a month ago, the stock market was in free fall, as a torrent of bad news about the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout drove investors to dump stocks. Just as swiftly, the market has rebounded, even as millions of people lose their jobs every week and the country is destined for a recession.
Can the rally be trusted? Here’s some advice on managing your emotions during the lockdown.
The word on Wall Street is a tentative yes. More people are embracing the idea that stocks have “bottomed” — investor parlance for the lowest the market will go — and won’t fall below the depths they reached on March 23, when the S & P 500 stock index was 34 percent below its high from just over a month earlier.
Don’t celebrate just yet: Even if they don’t anticipate another sharp plunge, most observers hardly expect the market to soar, either. Investors who are wading back into the water are getting confusing signals: Quarterly earnings are shrinking and corporate reports provide few clues about the future, while rising stock prices are hard to square with the mounting toll of the economic collapse.
What’s more, the combination of rising shares and reduced profits is making the market look incredibly expensive, according to a metric widely used by investors to value the market, the price-to-earnings ratio.
“Right now, you’re kind of in this no man’s land, purgatory,” said Brian Belski, chief investment strategist with BMO Capital Markets.
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.
As the coronavirus outbreak has rapidly remade American education, teachers are facing extraordinary demands, and their unions are seeking new protections, asserting the power they have amassed over the last few years.As the coronavirus outbreak has rapidly remade American education, teachers are facing extraordinary demands, and their unions are seeking new protections, asserting the power they have amassed over the last few years.
Unlike many other college-educated workers, teachers are unaccustomed to spending the day tethered to screens. Many work under meticulously negotiated contracts that detail their work hours, break times, and rules for how they engage with administrators — contracts that now seem all but irrelevant with students and teachers confined to their homes.Unlike many other college-educated workers, teachers are unaccustomed to spending the day tethered to screens. Many work under meticulously negotiated contracts that detail their work hours, break times, and rules for how they engage with administrators — contracts that now seem all but irrelevant with students and teachers confined to their homes.
As the realities of online education have become starkly apparent, unions are fighting to counter demands that they consider unreasonable.As the realities of online education have become starkly apparent, unions are fighting to counter demands that they consider unreasonable.
They have called for restrictions on the number of hours and days that teachers would be required to work from home during the pandemic. They have also pushed back against the expectation that teachers conduct lessons live at fixed times, and on the ability of principals to sit in on lessons conducted over Zoom or other video platforms.They have called for restrictions on the number of hours and days that teachers would be required to work from home during the pandemic. They have also pushed back against the expectation that teachers conduct lessons live at fixed times, and on the ability of principals to sit in on lessons conducted over Zoom or other video platforms.
But they are also trying not to jeopardize the public support they won, including in red states, during massive walkouts in 2018 and 2019 that shut down schools places such as Oklahoma, West Virginia, Chicago and Los Angeles.But they are also trying not to jeopardize the public support they won, including in red states, during massive walkouts in 2018 and 2019 that shut down schools places such as Oklahoma, West Virginia, Chicago and Los Angeles.
“Teachers are actually working harder right now than they ever have,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, a national union. “A lot of superintendents are attempting to make remote learning act like what happened in schools,” she said — something that may be impossible.“Teachers are actually working harder right now than they ever have,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, a national union. “A lot of superintendents are attempting to make remote learning act like what happened in schools,” she said — something that may be impossible.
Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Marc Santora, Allison McCann, Jin Wu, Karen Barrow, Michael Cooper, Dana Goldstein, Miriam Jordan, Matt Phillips, Rick Rojas, Katie Rogers, Eliza Shapiro, 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, 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.