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Coronavirus US live: Cuomo pledges to 'tell the truth' in meeting with Trump on testing Coronavirus US live: Cuomo pledges to 'tell the truth' in meeting with Trump on testing
(32 minutes later)
New York governor says White House meeting will focus on role of federal government in testing: ‘I think in many ways, we’re talking past each other’New York governor says White House meeting will focus on role of federal government in testing: ‘I think in many ways, we’re talking past each other’
The Trump campaign has released a statement on the president’s planned executive order banning immigration, even though no one appears to have seen the executive order yet.
“Preventing further entrance of people potentially infected with the virus is an additional safety measure for the country,” Tim Murtaugh, the communications director of the Trump campaign, said in a statement.
“The usual suspects are sniping from the sidelines, but they have always cared more about scoring political points against the President than they do about anything else.”
The White House also released a statement praising the planned order, but there are very few details on what the exact wording of the order would be or what impact (if any) it would have considering most visa processing has already been halted because of the pandemic.
The executive order may be the White House’s attempt to shift focus away from widespread criticism of Trump’s handling of the crisis overall. A new poll released today showed 54% of Americans give Trump a negative review on how he has handled the pandemic so far.
Trump has sent a tweet urging members of the Senate and the House to pass the next coronavirus relief bill, which is expected to include money for the small business loan program known as the Paycheck Protection Program, as well as funding for hospitals and testing.
The president said after he signed this interim relief bill, discussions would turn toward securing more money for state and local governments, as well as funding infrastructure projects and exploring possible payroll taxes.
The National Governors Association has said states need $500 billion to address the current crisis, and state leaders, including New York governor Andrew Cuomo, have criticized Congress for not including state funding in this relief bill.
“I think it’s a terrible mistake not to provide funding for the states,” Cuomo said at his briefing today.
Nurses protested outside the White House this morning at shortages of personal protective equipment as they continue to confront the rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the US.
The latest figures are almost 790,000 confirmed cases in the US and more than 42,000 deaths so far.
Protests against social, educational and business norms are planned today in North Carolina. As happened in Colorado over the weekend, some health care workers stood in protest against the protest in NC today.
The administration’s top public health and infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci, has warned against a rush to reopen states for anything like normal life.
This:
And this. The editorial from the Charlotte Observer, NC, headlined “Stay home, ReOpenNC protesters”.
Donald Trump’s private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, is temporarily laying off 153 workers because of the new coronavirus, according to a notice posted this week to a state website.Donald Trump’s private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, is temporarily laying off 153 workers because of the new coronavirus, according to a notice posted this week to a state website.
The club’s director of human resources, Janine Gill, wrote in a letter to state and local officials that Mar-a-Lago began halting business last month as a result of mandated closures issued in Palm Beach County in response to the virus’s spread in South Florida, The Associated Press writes.The club’s director of human resources, Janine Gill, wrote in a letter to state and local officials that Mar-a-Lago began halting business last month as a result of mandated closures issued in Palm Beach County in response to the virus’s spread in South Florida, The Associated Press writes.
The furloughs are temporary but the club doesn’t know when it will resume regular operations, Gill said.The furloughs are temporary but the club doesn’t know when it will resume regular operations, Gill said.
None of the workers are unionized.None of the workers are unionized.
It isn’t the only Trump resort in Florida to furlough workers.It isn’t the only Trump resort in Florida to furlough workers.
The Trump National Doral Miami resort where Trump initially wanted to host this year’s Group of Seven (G7) summit also has temporarily laid off 560 workers.The Trump National Doral Miami resort where Trump initially wanted to host this year’s Group of Seven (G7) summit also has temporarily laid off 560 workers.
The furloughed workers at Mar-a-Lago include bartenders, cooks, dishwashers, drivers, attendants, housekeepers, servers and valet attendants.The furloughed workers at Mar-a-Lago include bartenders, cooks, dishwashers, drivers, attendants, housekeepers, servers and valet attendants.
Mar-a-Lago serves as Trump’s refuge from Washington, and the president often spends his time there mixing work, business and pleasure in the company of dues-paying members.Mar-a-Lago serves as Trump’s refuge from Washington, and the president often spends his time there mixing work, business and pleasure in the company of dues-paying members.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Andrew Cuomo said his White House meeting with Trump today would focus on testing. The New York governor promised to “tell the truth” about the role the federal government must play in addressing the current crisis, especially now that states need to substantially expand testing capacity.Andrew Cuomo said his White House meeting with Trump today would focus on testing. The New York governor promised to “tell the truth” about the role the federal government must play in addressing the current crisis, especially now that states need to substantially expand testing capacity.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer predicted the chamber would approve the next coronavirus relief bill today. The bill is expected to include $350 billion for the small business loan program known as the Paycheck Protection Program, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing.Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer predicted the chamber would approve the next coronavirus relief bill today. The bill is expected to include $350 billion for the small business loan program known as the Paycheck Protection Program, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing.
Trump signaled interest in a potential bailout for the oil and gas industry amid dropping oil prices. But the president provided no details on the proposal, which would almost certainly require approval from Congress, where it would face heavy resistence in the Democratic-controlled House.Trump signaled interest in a potential bailout for the oil and gas industry amid dropping oil prices. But the president provided no details on the proposal, which would almost certainly require approval from Congress, where it would face heavy resistence in the Democratic-controlled House.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the country would start reopening its economy on May 4, but he warned the reopening process would be slow and cautious to avoid a surge in coronavirus cases.Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the country would start reopening its economy on May 4, but he warned the reopening process would be slow and cautious to avoid a surge in coronavirus cases.
Italy has enacted some of the strictest lockdown orders in the world to prevent further spread of coronavirus. The country has already recorded more than 24,0000 deaths from the virus, second only to the United States. Italy has enacted some of the strictest lockdown orders in the world to prevent further spread of coronavirus. The country has already recorded more than 24,000 deaths from the virus, second only to the United States.
“I wish I could say: let’s reopen everything. Immediately. We start tomorrow morning ... But such a decision would be irresponsible,” Conte wrote in a Facebook post.“I wish I could say: let’s reopen everything. Immediately. We start tomorrow morning ... But such a decision would be irresponsible,” Conte wrote in a Facebook post.
The prime minister did not specify which businesses would be allowed to reopen first, but he noted the reopening plan would require a “rethinking of modes of transport” to allow people to safely commute.The prime minister did not specify which businesses would be allowed to reopen first, but he noted the reopening plan would require a “rethinking of modes of transport” to allow people to safely commute.
For more updates from around the world, follow the Guardian’s global coronavirus blog:For more updates from around the world, follow the Guardian’s global coronavirus blog:
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Trump he is “feeling better and on the road to recovery” after being diagnosed with coronavirus, according to a White House readout from a call between the two leaders.British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Trump he is “feeling better and on the road to recovery” after being diagnosed with coronavirus, according to a White House readout from a call between the two leaders.
The White House said Johnson and Trump spoke over the phone today about confronting the pandemic and crafting a possible US-UK trade deal.The White House said Johnson and Trump spoke over the phone today about confronting the pandemic and crafting a possible US-UK trade deal.
“President Trump and Prime Minister Johnson reaffirmed their close cooperation through the G7 and G20 to reopen global economies and ensure medical care and supplies reach all those in need,” the readout said.“President Trump and Prime Minister Johnson reaffirmed their close cooperation through the G7 and G20 to reopen global economies and ensure medical care and supplies reach all those in need,” the readout said.
Johnson is also expected to speak to the Queen this week, even though No 10 has insisted the prime minister is not doing any government work as he continues to recover from coronavirus at Chequers.Johnson is also expected to speak to the Queen this week, even though No 10 has insisted the prime minister is not doing any government work as he continues to recover from coronavirus at Chequers.
Joe Biden accused Mike Pence of using Wisconsin as “the backdrop to a political photo opportunity,” as the vice president visits a GE facility in Madison that is helping to make ventilators.Joe Biden accused Mike Pence of using Wisconsin as “the backdrop to a political photo opportunity,” as the vice president visits a GE facility in Madison that is helping to make ventilators.
“The Trump Administration is currently responsible for one of the most significant failures of governance of any administration in modern history,” the presumptive Democratic nominee said in a fiery statement.“The Trump Administration is currently responsible for one of the most significant failures of governance of any administration in modern history,” the presumptive Democratic nominee said in a fiery statement.
Biden noted Pence’s visit “comes as the state is suffering a devastating loss of life to COVID-19, particularly in the African American community, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin workers have filed for unemployment in recent weeks, and Republicans drive dangerous efforts to prematurely end social distancing efforts.”Biden noted Pence’s visit “comes as the state is suffering a devastating loss of life to COVID-19, particularly in the African American community, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin workers have filed for unemployment in recent weeks, and Republicans drive dangerous efforts to prematurely end social distancing efforts.”
Biden’s statement concludes, “The Trump Administration is hoping that Wisconsinites have a short memory.”Biden’s statement concludes, “The Trump Administration is hoping that Wisconsinites have a short memory.”
Wisconsin is seen as a key swing state in the 2020 presidential election, considering Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the state by less than 1 point in 2016.Wisconsin is seen as a key swing state in the 2020 presidential election, considering Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the state by less than 1 point in 2016.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus.New York governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus.
Here’s some of what he covered:Here’s some of what he covered:
Cuomo said his White House meeting with Trump today would focus on testing. Cuomo said he agreed with the president that states should take charge on expanding testing capacity, but he emphasized the federal government still needed to be involved to navigate supply-chain issues. “I think in many ways, we’re talking past each other,” Cuomo said.Cuomo said his White House meeting with Trump today would focus on testing. Cuomo said he agreed with the president that states should take charge on expanding testing capacity, but he emphasized the federal government still needed to be involved to navigate supply-chain issues. “I think in many ways, we’re talking past each other,” Cuomo said.
Cuomo applauded Maryland governor Larry Hogan for obtaining 500,000 tests from South Korea. But Cuomo added he did not think it was realistic for the federal government to expect every state to negotiate with foreign governments over needed medical supplies. “It’s not what states are normally responsible for,” Cuomo said.Cuomo applauded Maryland governor Larry Hogan for obtaining 500,000 tests from South Korea. But Cuomo added he did not think it was realistic for the federal government to expect every state to negotiate with foreign governments over needed medical supplies. “It’s not what states are normally responsible for,” Cuomo said.
Some hospitals in New York will be allowed to resume elective outpatient treatments. Regions of the state where the risk of a coronavirus surge is low may resume the treatments, Cuomo said, noting various parts of the state will be impacted differently by the virus. But the governor’s announcement raised questions about how a regional approach would affect New York’s statewide stay-at-home order.Some hospitals in New York will be allowed to resume elective outpatient treatments. Regions of the state where the risk of a coronavirus surge is low may resume the treatments, Cuomo said, noting various parts of the state will be impacted differently by the virus. But the governor’s announcement raised questions about how a regional approach would affect New York’s statewide stay-at-home order.
Another 481 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, meaning Monday’s daily death toll was flat from Sunday. “We have paid a tremendous price to control this beast,” Cuomo said.Another 481 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, meaning Monday’s daily death toll was flat from Sunday. “We have paid a tremendous price to control this beast,” Cuomo said.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo criticized local leaders pushing to quickly reopen the state in response to political pressure surrounding the stay-at-home order.New York governor Andrew Cuomo criticized local leaders pushing to quickly reopen the state in response to political pressure surrounding the stay-at-home order.
“If you don’t want to take the political heat, you shouldn’t be in the political kitchen, which is called being an elected official in the state of New York,” Cuomo said.“If you don’t want to take the political heat, you shouldn’t be in the political kitchen, which is called being an elected official in the state of New York,” Cuomo said.
As he was leaving the brieing, Cuomo also criticized Congress for not including state funding in the next coronavirus relief bill. The National Governors Association has said states need $500 billion to address the current crisis.As he was leaving the brieing, Cuomo also criticized Congress for not including state funding in the next coronavirus relief bill. The National Governors Association has said states need $500 billion to address the current crisis.
“I think it’s a terrible mistake not to provide funding for the states,” Cuomo said as he departed the briefing to begin his travel to Washington.“I think it’s a terrible mistake not to provide funding for the states,” Cuomo said as he departed the briefing to begin his travel to Washington.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he would not shy away from the truth when he meets with Trump at the White House later today.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he would not shy away from the truth when he meets with Trump at the White House later today.
“Life is a fine line,” Cuomo said. “Being in government is a fine line ... I tell you how I negotiate the fine line: you tell the truth.”“Life is a fine line,” Cuomo said. “Being in government is a fine line ... I tell you how I negotiate the fine line: you tell the truth.”
On the subject of testing, Cuomo said he agreed with Trump that expanding capacity should be mostly left up to the states, but he added the federal government stil needed to be involved.On the subject of testing, Cuomo said he agreed with Trump that expanding capacity should be mostly left up to the states, but he added the federal government stil needed to be involved.
“I think in many ways, we’re talking past each other,” Cuomo said.“I think in many ways, we’re talking past each other,” Cuomo said.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said his White House meeting today with Trump would focus on testing and the role the federal government can play in expanding capacity.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said his White House meeting today with Trump would focus on testing and the role the federal government can play in expanding capacity.
Cuomo said he understood why Trump wanted to be left out of the “blame game” surrounding testing insufficiencies, but he emphasized the federal government had a vital role to play in expanding testing.Cuomo said he understood why Trump wanted to be left out of the “blame game” surrounding testing insufficiencies, but he emphasized the federal government had a vital role to play in expanding testing.
“I get the instinct to distance yourself from it, but it is a situation where you need everyone to work together,” Cuomo said.“I get the instinct to distance yourself from it, but it is a situation where you need everyone to work together,” Cuomo said.
He once again applauded Maryland governor Larry Hogan for obtaining 500,000 tests from South Korea, but Cuomo argued it was unrealistic to expect every state to do that.He once again applauded Maryland governor Larry Hogan for obtaining 500,000 tests from South Korea, but Cuomo argued it was unrealistic to expect every state to do that.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo addressed Maryland governor Larry Hogan’s announcement that the state had obtained 500,000 coronavirus tests from South Korea.New York governor Andrew Cuomo addressed Maryland governor Larry Hogan’s announcement that the state had obtained 500,000 coronavirus tests from South Korea.
Cuomo applauded Hogan for thinking “outside the box” and getting “very creative” to help his state, but the governor said the federal government should help states manage those kinds of negotiations to expand testing capacity.Cuomo applauded Hogan for thinking “outside the box” and getting “very creative” to help his state, but the governor said the federal government should help states manage those kinds of negotiations to expand testing capacity.
“It’s not what states are normally responsible for,” Cuomo said. The governor added the federal government should step in to help manage those overseas supply chains.“It’s not what states are normally responsible for,” Cuomo said. The governor added the federal government should step in to help manage those overseas supply chains.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said elective outpatient treatments could resume at some hospitals that do not face a high risk of a coronavirus surge.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said elective outpatient treatments could resume at some hospitals that do not face a high risk of a coronavirus surge.
The Democratic governor has been emphasizing today that various parts of the state will be impacted differently by the virus and will hit their peak number of cases at different points.The Democratic governor has been emphasizing today that various parts of the state will be impacted differently by the virus and will hit their peak number of cases at different points.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced 481 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, as the daily death toll remained flat from Sunday.New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced 481 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, as the daily death toll remained flat from Sunday.
“We have paid a tremendous price to control this beast,” Cuomo said of New York’s death toll, which is higher than that of any other US state.“We have paid a tremendous price to control this beast,” Cuomo said of New York’s death toll, which is higher than that of any other US state.
In some promising news, the number of new coronavirus hospitalizations yesterday fell to 1,300, although the overall number of hospitalizations remained unchanged.In some promising news, the number of new coronavirus hospitalizations yesterday fell to 1,300, although the overall number of hospitalizations remained unchanged.
The number of intubations has also been on a consistent decline in recent days.The number of intubations has also been on a consistent decline in recent days.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo is holding his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus in Buffalo, as the city’s home county sees a high level of hospitalizations.New York governor Andrew Cuomo is holding his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus in Buffalo, as the city’s home county sees a high level of hospitalizations.
Cuomo said much of the state’s coronavirus response so far has focused on downstate New York, particularly New York City, which has seen more than 13,000 deaths from the virus.Cuomo said much of the state’s coronavirus response so far has focused on downstate New York, particularly New York City, which has seen more than 13,000 deaths from the virus.
But Cuomo emphasized the virus “presents a different problem in different parts of the state,” and various regions are hitting their peak number of cases at different points.But Cuomo emphasized the virus “presents a different problem in different parts of the state,” and various regions are hitting their peak number of cases at different points.
Overall, 125 people have died of coronavirus in Buffalo’s Erie County so far.Overall, 125 people have died of coronavirus in Buffalo’s Erie County so far.
Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams criticized the state’s Republican governor, Brian Kemp, for allowing a number of businesses to reopen starting Friday.Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams criticized the state’s Republican governor, Brian Kemp, for allowing a number of businesses to reopen starting Friday.
“There’s nothing about this that makes sense,” Abrams told MSNBC this morning. “The mayors of Atlanta, Albany and Savannah have all questioned the wisdom of doing this. And the fact is the governor didn’t consult with mayors before making this decision.”“There’s nothing about this that makes sense,” Abrams told MSNBC this morning. “The mayors of Atlanta, Albany and Savannah have all questioned the wisdom of doing this. And the fact is the governor didn’t consult with mayors before making this decision.”
The former Democratic legislator warned the move could endanger the employees of businesses looking to reopen later this week.The former Democratic legislator warned the move could endanger the employees of businesses looking to reopen later this week.
“The responsibility of a business owner is to first protect your workers,” Abrams said. “That cannot happen when you have a nail salon, when there’s no possible way for that technician to be distant from their customer, when you are running a restaurant that requires face-to-face service.”“The responsibility of a business owner is to first protect your workers,” Abrams said. “That cannot happen when you have a nail salon, when there’s no possible way for that technician to be distant from their customer, when you are running a restaurant that requires face-to-face service.”
Abrams similarly criticized Kemp’s decision in a tweet yesterday after he announced his plan, calling the move “dangerously incompetent.”Abrams similarly criticized Kemp’s decision in a tweet yesterday after he announced his plan, calling the move “dangerously incompetent.”
Abrams also addressed the rampant speculation about whether presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden might select her as his running mate for the November election.Abrams also addressed the rampant speculation about whether presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden might select her as his running mate for the November election.
“All I can say is that if asked to serve, I’d be honored,” Abrams said.“All I can say is that if asked to serve, I’d be honored,” Abrams said.
The White House released a statement on Trump’s tweet about plans to ban all immigration amid the coronavirus pandemic.The White House released a statement on Trump’s tweet about plans to ban all immigration amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“President Trump is committed to protecting the health and economic well-being of American citizens as we face unprecedented times,” said newly installed White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.“President Trump is committed to protecting the health and economic well-being of American citizens as we face unprecedented times,” said newly installed White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.
“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.’ At a time when Americans are looking to get back to work, action is necessary.”“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.’ At a time when Americans are looking to get back to work, action is necessary.”
Economists disagree on whether immigration actually depresses wages, with some saying it affects certain groups of workers and others saying it has a very minor (if any) effect.Economists disagree on whether immigration actually depresses wages, with some saying it affects certain groups of workers and others saying it has a very minor (if any) effect.
And as the Wall Street Journal has noted, Trump’s proposal to ban all immigration amid the pandemic would have very little impact considering most visa processing has already been halted as a result of the crisis.And as the Wall Street Journal has noted, Trump’s proposal to ban all immigration amid the pandemic would have very little impact considering most visa processing has already been halted as a result of the crisis.
The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:
At least 7 Milwaukee residents so far have contracted Covid-19 as a result of “election-related” activities, the city’s health commissioner said Monday. Six of the people were voters and one was a poll worker, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.At least 7 Milwaukee residents so far have contracted Covid-19 as a result of “election-related” activities, the city’s health commissioner said Monday. Six of the people were voters and one was a poll worker, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Jeanette Kowalik, the Milwaukee health commissioner, said in an email the city only had 30% of the data from April 7, the date of the election, onward, and hoped to have more information by the end of the week. State health officials said Monday they have not seen evidence linking Covid-19 cases related to the election, according to the Journal Sentinel.Jeanette Kowalik, the Milwaukee health commissioner, said in an email the city only had 30% of the data from April 7, the date of the election, onward, and hoped to have more information by the end of the week. State health officials said Monday they have not seen evidence linking Covid-19 cases related to the election, according to the Journal Sentinel.
Wisconsin Republicans faced heavy criticism for refusing to call off in-person voting for the state’s April 7 election. Many saw that effort as a political calculation -- fewer people would turn out because of the virus, which would benefit a Republican-backed candidate for the state supreme court. That calculation ultimately proved to be incorrect. Daniel Kelly, the Republican-backed candidate, wound up losing his seat on the supreme court to Jill Karofsky, a liberal challenger.Wisconsin Republicans faced heavy criticism for refusing to call off in-person voting for the state’s April 7 election. Many saw that effort as a political calculation -- fewer people would turn out because of the virus, which would benefit a Republican-backed candidate for the state supreme court. That calculation ultimately proved to be incorrect. Daniel Kelly, the Republican-backed candidate, wound up losing his seat on the supreme court to Jill Karofsky, a liberal challenger.
Wisconsin officials say 4,499 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the state so far, and 230 have died because of the virus. Nearly 60% of those deaths have been in Milwaukee, which has accounted for nearly half of the cases in the state.Wisconsin officials say 4,499 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the state so far, and 230 have died because of the virus. Nearly 60% of those deaths have been in Milwaukee, which has accounted for nearly half of the cases in the state.