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Coronavirus US live: Trump holds press briefing as White House reverses decision Coronavirus US live: Trump holds briefing after previously canceling it
(32 minutes later)
Coronavirus task force briefing had been called off following Trump’s suggestion last week that virus be treated with disinfectantCoronavirus task force briefing had been called off following Trump’s suggestion last week that virus be treated with disinfectant
Trump spoke briefly and generally about the pandemic before introducing a group of CEOs who are choosing not to identify themselves by name. First up was Quest Diagnostics CEO Steve Rusckowski, who boasted that his company is now running 50,000 tests per day. Asked if he takes any responsibility for reports of people ingesting disinfectant after his own remarks, Trump says: “No, I don’t.”
We’ve moved on to questions from the press.
A reporter asks why the HHS secretary, Alex Azar, hasn’t been fired.
Trump says it’s an unfair question and attacks Democratic politicians.
Brett Giroir, the HHS assistant secretary, is now discussing an eight-part plan for testing. Apparently we are on step eight.
Trump spoke again about testing, and has introduced Dr Birx to discuss a “blueprint” for states to expand testing.
We also heard from Krogers, Walmart, and Rite-Aid. Now we’re back to the president.
The CEO of CVS Health just announced that the pharmacy chain will expand testing to 1,000 CVS facilities in May. For context, there are nearly 10,000 CVS locations across the US, so this means that approximately one out of 10 CVS locations will have testing capacity by next month.
Next is the Walgreens CEO, who says they will triple testing capacity, but does not provide hard numbers.
Trump spoke briefly and generally about the pandemic before introducing a group of CEOs who are choosing not to identify themselves by name. First up was the Quest Diagnostics CEO, Steve Rusckowski, who boasted that his company is now running 50,000 tests per day.
Donald Trump has just come out to start the briefing, alongside Mike Pence.Donald Trump has just come out to start the briefing, alongside Mike Pence.
Computer issues at the Small Business Administration have slowed down the process for the second round of loan applications for the government’s small business relief program, the AP reports.Computer issues at the Small Business Administration have slowed down the process for the second round of loan applications for the government’s small business relief program, the AP reports.
The SBA was supposed to begin accepting applications for $310bn in funding today, after the intial $349bn in funding for the program was used up in just two weeks. Banks had thousands of applications from small businesses ready to go today, according to the report, but are now struggling to send the applications through to the government computer system.The SBA was supposed to begin accepting applications for $310bn in funding today, after the intial $349bn in funding for the program was used up in just two weeks. Banks had thousands of applications from small businesses ready to go today, according to the report, but are now struggling to send the applications through to the government computer system.
These loans are designed to protect jobs by offering forgiveness for the money small business owners spend on payroll.These loans are designed to protect jobs by offering forgiveness for the money small business owners spend on payroll.
For more on the challenges entrepreneurs facing under stay-at-home orders, my colleagues on the West Coast spoke to five small business owners:For more on the challenges entrepreneurs facing under stay-at-home orders, my colleagues on the West Coast spoke to five small business owners:
Hello everyone, this is Julia Carrie Wong in Oakland, California, taking over the liveblog for the rest of the afternoon.Hello everyone, this is Julia Carrie Wong in Oakland, California, taking over the liveblog for the rest of the afternoon.
We’re waiting to hear from Donald Trump, who is expected to hold a White House briefing shortly. In the meantime, my colleague Daniel Strauss has written about the various groups of states that are uniting to form new regional partnerships to combat the coronavirus.We’re waiting to hear from Donald Trump, who is expected to hold a White House briefing shortly. In the meantime, my colleague Daniel Strauss has written about the various groups of states that are uniting to form new regional partnerships to combat the coronavirus.
Here’s a look at what’s happened so far today.Here’s a look at what’s happened so far today.
Donald Trump is due to hold a press conference shortly. This was scheduled after the White House initially canceled the briefing.Donald Trump is due to hold a press conference shortly. This was scheduled after the White House initially canceled the briefing.
A number of US states announced plans to reopen businesses despite concern from state officials and public health experts that they need to ramp up their testing capacity before it’s safe to ease restrictions. Ohio and Texas are among the states that outlined plans to reopen on Monday.A number of US states announced plans to reopen businesses despite concern from state officials and public health experts that they need to ramp up their testing capacity before it’s safe to ease restrictions. Ohio and Texas are among the states that outlined plans to reopen on Monday.
New York state cancelled its Democratic primary, sparking outrage among supporters of Vermont senator Bernie Sanders. Sanders campaign said the state should not get to send a delegation to the convention.New York state cancelled its Democratic primary, sparking outrage among supporters of Vermont senator Bernie Sanders. Sanders campaign said the state should not get to send a delegation to the convention.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the state’s death told was in decline. He will extend the stay-at-home order for some parts of the state, while allowing others to start easing restrictions on May 15.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the state’s death told was in decline. He will extend the stay-at-home order for some parts of the state, while allowing others to start easing restrictions on May 15.
Trump is meeting with business leaders from companies like Walgreens, Rite-Aid and CVS.Trump is meeting with business leaders from companies like Walgreens, Rite-Aid and CVS.
During the meeting, at which everyone abided by social distancing guidelines, Trump said that he had just gotten off the phone with the nation’s governors.During the meeting, at which everyone abided by social distancing guidelines, Trump said that he had just gotten off the phone with the nation’s governors.
“Everybody was very happy, and the testing is going really well,” Trump said of his conversation with the governors, according to media pool report of the event. He added that there was “no complaints.”“Everybody was very happy, and the testing is going really well,” Trump said of his conversation with the governors, according to media pool report of the event. He added that there was “no complaints.”
“Since then, what we’ve achieved is really nothing short of amazing,” he said. “The United States now holds the world record for testing and by a lot.”“Since then, what we’ve achieved is really nothing short of amazing,” he said. “The United States now holds the world record for testing and by a lot.”
Trump said the US conducted more than 5.4m tests so far, which he noted was more than any other country. While true, it overlooks the fact that we lag behind countries like Germany and Canada when looking at tests conducted per million people.Trump said the US conducted more than 5.4m tests so far, which he noted was more than any other country. While true, it overlooks the fact that we lag behind countries like Germany and Canada when looking at tests conducted per million people.
Experts say the US needs to ramp up its daily testing capacity before it is safe to reopen businesses.Experts say the US needs to ramp up its daily testing capacity before it is safe to reopen businesses.
Trump said there are 73 retail sites testing sites in 25 states and that testing in communities of color is ramping up.Trump said there are 73 retail sites testing sites in 25 states and that testing in communities of color is ramping up.
Former Senate majority leader Harry Reid is urging the US to take a “serious, scientific look” at the national security implications on the reported encounters with unidentified aircrafts.Former Senate majority leader Harry Reid is urging the US to take a “serious, scientific look” at the national security implications on the reported encounters with unidentified aircrafts.
Responding to a news article that the Pentagon released three Navy videos showing “unidentified aerial phenomena,” Reid said the new footage only “scratches the surface of research and materials available.”Responding to a news article that the Pentagon released three Navy videos showing “unidentified aerial phenomena,” Reid said the new footage only “scratches the surface of research and materials available.”
As majority leader, the Nevada senator persuaded the Pentagon to set up a program to study the issue.As majority leader, the Nevada senator persuaded the Pentagon to set up a program to study the issue.
“The American people deserve to be informed,” he said on Twitter.“The American people deserve to be informed,” he said on Twitter.
The six northern California counties that led the charge on the first stay-at-home measures in the nation have extended the order through the end of May, writes The Guardian’s Vivian Ho from San Francisco.The six northern California counties that led the charge on the first stay-at-home measures in the nation have extended the order through the end of May, writes The Guardian’s Vivian Ho from San Francisco.
The extension came down Monday as California governor Gavin Newsom chastised the tens of thousands who packed beachesin southern California during a weekend heatwave, capturing the contrast in regional enforcement of behavioral shifts meant to curb the spread of the virus.The extension came down Monday as California governor Gavin Newsom chastised the tens of thousands who packed beachesin southern California during a weekend heatwave, capturing the contrast in regional enforcement of behavioral shifts meant to curb the spread of the virus.
“This virus doesn’t take the weekends off, this virus doesn’t go home because it’s a beautiful, sunny day along our coast,” Newsom said.”We can’t see the images like we saw, particularly on Saturday in Newport Beach and elsewhere.”“This virus doesn’t take the weekends off, this virus doesn’t go home because it’s a beautiful, sunny day along our coast,” Newsom said.”We can’t see the images like we saw, particularly on Saturday in Newport Beach and elsewhere.”
The northern California order, which includes San Francisco and Santa Clara county, was originally set to expire on 3 May. The six counties issued their order four days before the governor issued his shelter-in-place order, which has no end date. Newsom has hinted in recent weeks that if Californians continue to flatten the curve, he may be able to discuss modifying the order soon.The northern California order, which includes San Francisco and Santa Clara county, was originally set to expire on 3 May. The six counties issued their order four days before the governor issued his shelter-in-place order, which has no end date. Newsom has hinted in recent weeks that if Californians continue to flatten the curve, he may be able to discuss modifying the order soon.
As of Monday, California has had 43,464 positive cases and 1,755 deaths. The state has issued $4.4bn in unemployment insurance payments since 15 March, Newsom said.As of Monday, California has had 43,464 positive cases and 1,755 deaths. The state has issued $4.4bn in unemployment insurance payments since 15 March, Newsom said.
Texas governor Greg Abbott says the state’s stay-at-home order on April 30, with “phase one” of the reopening process beginning on May 1.Texas governor Greg Abbott says the state’s stay-at-home order on April 30, with “phase one” of the reopening process beginning on May 1.
California governor Gavin Newsom says the state is weeks, not months away from starting the process of starting to reopen its economy.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, on Monday outlined what he called the “first steps” to easing the state’s stay-at-home order and re-opening its economy.
The phased-in approach will begin on May 1, when state will allow non-essential surgeries that do not require an overnight stay in the hospital. On May 4, manufacturing, distribution, and construction will reopen following social distancing and other safety guidelines. On May 12, the state will reopen its consumer, retail, and services businesses.
An order restricting gatherings of more than 10 people will remain in place.
DeWine was among the first governors to begin taking steps to shut down businesses in Ohio as the coronavirus began to spread rapidly in March. His Midwestern state cancelled gatherings, forcing the presidential candidates to suspend their campaign events in early March.
The state also postponed its primary, which is now due to take place on Tuesday.
“With a decision like this, there is no easy decision - we have to balance,” he said. “We will be criticized by those who think we shouldn’t open up. We’ll be criticized by those who think we didn’t open up enough. I understand both arguments, but I think we found the sweet spot.”
New York Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is hosting Senator Elizabeth Warren to discuss her Essential Workers Bill of Rights, which she introduced as a framework for the Congressional response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign tore into the New York state board of elections on Monday after it decided to remove the senator from the ballot for the state’s June 23 election, the Guardian’s Sam Levin reports.
The state’s two Democratic election commissioners voted to remove Sanders on Monday, relying on a new provision in state law that allows the board to remove a candidate who actively suspends their campaign. Sanders had urged the board to let him remain on the ballot and had been hoping to gather delegates to gain sway over the party’s platform. His presence on the ballot also may have increased turnout in down ballot primary races.
New York has also long had extremely restrictive voting policies - it had no early voting until last year - and Weaver called on Democrats to investigate “New York’s checkered pattern of voter disenfranchisement.”
The move comes as states are scrambling to figure out how to allow people to vote while protecting their health in the Covid-19 pandemic. New York governor Andrew Cuomo recently issued an executive order requiring the state to send an absentee ballot application to every registered voter in the state.
New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a top Sanders surrogate, called the decision “completely wrong.”
Coming soon to a living room near you ...
Former first lady Michelle Obama announced that a documentary based on her best selling memoir, Becoming, will be released on Netflix on May 6.
“During this difficult time, I hope you’ll find some inspiration and joy in this film,” she wrote.
Obama has re-emerged lately as an advocate for vote-by-mail, an effort that has gained traction amid the Covid-19 pandemic. She has also been raised as a potential running mate for Joe Biden, who recently said he’d pick her in a “heartbeat” but suspected that she did not want to return to the White House.
Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell will convene the US Senate on May 4.
In a statement on Monday afternoon, McConnell said the Senate, which adjourned last month, must “honor our constitutional duty to the American people.”
He said the Senate must urgently return to Washington to start working on the next round of legislation to help ease the economic strain of the coronavirus pandemic on American families and businesses.
Guardian reporter Vivian Ho sends this report on the death of a 57-year-old California woman who is believed to be the first person to die of coronavirus in the US.
Surprise!
After much back-and-forth the White House has re-scheduled and coronavirus task force briefing that it had previously cancelled after initially scheduling it.
The press conference is scheduled for 5pm EST in the White House Rose Garden.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Trump will “brief the nation” on additional testing guidance and new guidelines for lifting stay-at-home orders.
A spokeswoman for Mike Pence, Alyssa Farah, joked about the changes.
Jesse Ventura is considering a third-party run for president.
In a tweet tagged #MondayThoughts and #MondayMood, the professional wrestler, actor and one-term governor of Minnesota said wondered if he should run for president on the Green Party ticket.
Ventura ran for governor in 1998 as the nominee for the Reform Party and narrowly beat the Democratic and Republican candidates. After his election, Ventura left the party and became a member of the state’s Independence Party.
This is not the first time Ventura has flirted with a third-party run.
He added on Twitter: “I haven’t filed anything. I authorized a letter of interest that was sent on my behalf to the Greens and I’m testing the waters for Green Party nomination. I’m an independent. I’m not a Democrat or a Republican because I know they’re not the solution.”
Two women have come forward publicly to corroborate details of a sexual assault allegation against Joe Biden, according to new reporting from Business Insider.
Tara Reade, a former aide in Biden’s Senate office, alleged that the presumptive Democratic nominee assaulted her in a congressional hallway in 1993. Biden’s campaign has denied the allegation.
In an interview with Business Insider, a former neighbor of Reade’s said Reade shared details of the alleged assault with her in the mid-1990s.
“This happened, and I know it did because I remember talking about it,” the neighbor, Lynda LaCasse, told the website.
The other woman, Lorraine Sanchez, a colleague of Reade’s in the office of a California state senator in the mid-1990s, told the website that she remembers Reade complaining that she had been fired after complaining about a former boss in Washington DC who had sexually harassed her.
In April 2019, Reade was among several women who came forward to accuse Biden of inappropriate behavior or conduct that made them feel uncomfortable. But last month, in a podcast interview with progressive media host Katie Halper, Reade made a much more serious allegation.
She said Biden cornered her in a semi-private corridor on Capitol Hill, pinned her against the wall and digitally penetrated her. She repeated the story to The Intercept, The New York Times and The Washington Post. Reade’s brother and a friend who has remained anonymous have confirmed aspects of her story. Reade also said she told her mother, who is deceased.
This weekend video archive emerged of a woman Reade identified as her mother calling into CNN’s Larry King Live in 1993 to discuss what Reade said was a reference to her claim. The woman’s question is vague but she references her daughter’s “problems” with a prominent senator.
Kate Bedingfield, Biden’s communications director, said in a statement last month: “Women have a right to tell their story, and reporters have an obligation to rigorously vet those claims. We encourage them to do so, because these accusations are false.” Biden has not publicly commented on the story.
Read Business Insider’s full story here.