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Coronavirus US live: Pence says White House looking to wind down taskforce as death toll passes 70,000 Coronavirus US live: Pence says White House looking to wind down taskforce as death toll passes 70,000
(32 minutes later)
Vice-president said White House was looking at Memorial Day weekend as a potential target date to transition to agencies managing pandemic responseVice-president said White House was looking at Memorial Day weekend as a potential target date to transition to agencies managing pandemic response
Vice President Mike Pence said the White House was looking at Memorial Day weekend as a potential target data for winding down the coronavirus task force. Republican senator Lamar Alexander said that Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and House speaker Nancy Pelosi should accept Trump’s offer to make rapid coronavirus testing available to lawmakers.
“From a public health point of view, this is not mostly about protecting members of Congress. It is about protecting the people members might infect. Bringing 100 or 535 members from across the country to Washington, D.C.—a coronavirus hotspot—and then sending them home each weekend creates a highly efficient virus spreading machine,” Alexander said in a new statement.
McConnell and Pelosi jointly rejected Trump’s offer this weekend, saying they did not think tests should be used on lawmakers when states were still seeking to expand testing capacity. The attending physician of the Capitol has warned he does not have enough tests to proactively test each member of the Senate, which returned to session yesterday.
“The country will soon be able to test two million Americans each week,” said Alexander, the chair of the Senate health, education, labor and pensions committee. “This is enough to test 535 members of Congress each week before they go home to make sure they don’t spread the disease from a virus hotspot into every section of the country.”
Both Trump and House minority leader Kevin McCarthy have suggested McConnell and Pelosi should reconsider their decision.
Trump’s press secretary has responded to the vice president’s comments that the White House is looking to wind down the coronavirus task force in the coming weeks.
Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the White House would still be “involving medical experts” in decisions related to the coronavirus response.
But McEnany did not push back on Pence’s claim that the White House was looking to wind down the task force by late May or early June.
In comparison, Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, said it was not true that the group was winding down. “I’ve been in every task force meeting, and that’s not what they are doing,” Fauci said.
The discrepancy could indicate the president has not been keeping the task force’s health experts in the loop on potentially disbanding.
Vice President Mike Pence said the White House was looking at Memorial Day weekend in late May as a potential target date for winding down the coronavirus task force.
“I think we’re starting to look at the Memorial Day window, early June window as a time when we could begin to transition back to having our agencies begin to manage -- begin to manage our national response in a more traditional manner,” Pence said.“I think we’re starting to look at the Memorial Day window, early June window as a time when we could begin to transition back to having our agencies begin to manage -- begin to manage our national response in a more traditional manner,” Pence said.
It’s worth noting that one projection shows the country’s daily coronavirus death toll couch reach up to 3,000 by June 1 if social distancing restrictions are relaxed too quickly, meaning it’s possible the task force will be winding down as thousands of Americans are dying every day from the virus.It’s worth noting that one projection shows the country’s daily coronavirus death toll couch reach up to 3,000 by June 1 if social distancing restrictions are relaxed too quickly, meaning it’s possible the task force will be winding down as thousands of Americans are dying every day from the virus.
The vice president added that the White House has already started discussing a potential transition plan with FEMA. “I think we’re having conversations about [winding down the task force] and about what the proper time is for the task force to complete its work and for the ongoing efforts to take place on an agency-by-agency level,” Pence said. “And we’ve already begun to talk about a transition plan with FEMA.”The vice president added that the White House has already started discussing a potential transition plan with FEMA. “I think we’re having conversations about [winding down the task force] and about what the proper time is for the task force to complete its work and for the ongoing efforts to take place on an agency-by-agency level,” Pence said. “And we’ve already begun to talk about a transition plan with FEMA.”
But Dr Deborah Birx, the coordinator of the task force, added to Pence’s comments, “We’ll still keep a close eye on the data because we have very good data now. It took us a while to build that capacity. And we’ll make sure that, you know, we’re watching that at a federal level.”But Dr Deborah Birx, the coordinator of the task force, added to Pence’s comments, “We’ll still keep a close eye on the data because we have very good data now. It took us a while to build that capacity. And we’ll make sure that, you know, we’re watching that at a federal level.”
The US president has alighted from Air Force One in Phoenix, Arizona, and was met by the state’s governor, Doug Ducey, whose tweet Trump earlier retweeted.The US president has alighted from Air Force One in Phoenix, Arizona, and was met by the state’s governor, Doug Ducey, whose tweet Trump earlier retweeted.
There are various debates on social media about why the president has chosen his first big trip outside Washington, DC, since late March, when the coronavirus outbreak began escalating in the US, to revolve around visiting a production line.There are various debates on social media about why the president has chosen his first big trip outside Washington, DC, since late March, when the coronavirus outbreak began escalating in the US, to revolve around visiting a production line.
Albeit that it produces masks for medical workers, this trip is not revolving around a hospital, or medical workers who are working in the most trying circumstances outside a war zone, or families in mourning.Albeit that it produces masks for medical workers, this trip is not revolving around a hospital, or medical workers who are working in the most trying circumstances outside a war zone, or families in mourning.
The trip isn’t all about industry, the president is holding a roundtable discussion on supporting Native Americans, then touring Honeywell International mask production assembly line and then giving a speech, before returning to the White House tonight.The trip isn’t all about industry, the president is holding a roundtable discussion on supporting Native Americans, then touring Honeywell International mask production assembly line and then giving a speech, before returning to the White House tonight.
It remains to be seen if he will wear a mask at the Honeywell site.It remains to be seen if he will wear a mask at the Honeywell site.
Dr Rick Bright, the former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority who says he was demoted for refusing to promote hydroxychloroquine, has officially filed his whistleblower complaint with the office of special counsel.Dr Rick Bright, the former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority who says he was demoted for refusing to promote hydroxychloroquine, has officially filed his whistleblower complaint with the office of special counsel.
The AP reports:The AP reports:
In a statement issued late last month, Bright said, “While I am prepared to look at all options and to think ‘outside the box’ for effective treatments, I rightly resisted efforts to provide an unproven drug on demand to the American public.”In a statement issued late last month, Bright said, “While I am prepared to look at all options and to think ‘outside the box’ for effective treatments, I rightly resisted efforts to provide an unproven drug on demand to the American public.”
Lawyers for Bright announced about two weeks ago that he intended to file a whistleblower complaint after being moved from his influential role helping to oversee the production of a coronavirus vaccine to a much smaller role.Lawyers for Bright announced about two weeks ago that he intended to file a whistleblower complaint after being moved from his influential role helping to oversee the production of a coronavirus vaccine to a much smaller role.
Vice President Mike Pence confirmed the New York Times’ report that the White House is having “conversations” about winding down its coronavirus task force.Vice President Mike Pence confirmed the New York Times’ report that the White House is having “conversations” about winding down its coronavirus task force.
Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, denied the report, but it appears the health expert may be out of the loop on the president’s thinking.Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, denied the report, but it appears the health expert may be out of the loop on the president’s thinking.
If the group were disbanded, it would almost certainly intensify concerns that Trump is sidelining health experts as he increasingly focuses on reopening the US economy.If the group were disbanded, it would almost certainly intensify concerns that Trump is sidelining health experts as he increasingly focuses on reopening the US economy.
Dr Anthony Fauci denied that the White House is looking to wind down its coronavirus task force in the coming weeks.Dr Anthony Fauci denied that the White House is looking to wind down its coronavirus task force in the coming weeks.
“That’s not true,” the infectious disease expert told CBS News. “I’ve been in every task force meeting, and that’s not what they are doing.”“That’s not true,” the infectious disease expert told CBS News. “I’ve been in every task force meeting, and that’s not what they are doing.”
Fauci is scheduled to testify before the Senate’s health, education, labor and pensions committee next Tuesday, where senators will almost certainly ask him about the task force’s recent activity.Fauci is scheduled to testify before the Senate’s health, education, labor and pensions committee next Tuesday, where senators will almost certainly ask him about the task force’s recent activity.
The news that Trump is considering winding down the White House coronavirus task force comes as the president has largely abandoned the group’s daily briefings.The news that Trump is considering winding down the White House coronavirus task force comes as the president has largely abandoned the group’s daily briefings.
The president and the health experts on the task force were previoulsy holding daily updates on the coronavirus response, but Trump appears to have dropped the briefings since his infamous suggestion that Americans ingest disinfectants to protect against the virus.The president and the health experts on the task force were previoulsy holding daily updates on the coronavirus response, but Trump appears to have dropped the briefings since his infamous suggestion that Americans ingest disinfectants to protect against the virus.
Trump has increasingly found other venues to take questions from reporters about the coronavirus response, including a White House recognition ceremony for first responders and this morning’s walk out to Marine One before flying to Arizona.Trump has increasingly found other venues to take questions from reporters about the coronavirus response, including a White House recognition ceremony for first responders and this morning’s walk out to Marine One before flying to Arizona.
The White House is reportedly looking to wind down the coronavirus task force in the coming weeks, even as the rate of new coronavirus infections continue to rise in most of the country.The White House is reportedly looking to wind down the coronavirus task force in the coming weeks, even as the rate of new coronavirus infections continue to rise in most of the country.
The New York Times reports:The New York Times reports:
The report comes as the US coronavirus death toll surpassed 70,000, with one projection warning the country’s daily death toll could reach 3,000 by June 1 if social distancing restrictions are relaxed too quickly.The report comes as the US coronavirus death toll surpassed 70,000, with one projection warning the country’s daily death toll could reach 3,000 by June 1 if social distancing restrictions are relaxed too quickly.
The news also comes just hours after the Washington Post reported one volunteer for Kushner’s coronavirus response effort was so alarmed by the team’s mismanagement that the person filed a complaint with the House oversight committee.The news also comes just hours after the Washington Post reported one volunteer for Kushner’s coronavirus response effort was so alarmed by the team’s mismanagement that the person filed a complaint with the House oversight committee.
The US coronavirus death toll has surpassed 70,000, according to the data compiled by Johns Hopkins Univeristy.The US coronavirus death toll has surpassed 70,000, according to the data compiled by Johns Hopkins Univeristy.
According to the university’s numbers, 70,115 Americans have now died of the virus, representing more than a quarter of all coronavirus deaths reported across the world.According to the university’s numbers, 70,115 Americans have now died of the virus, representing more than a quarter of all coronavirus deaths reported across the world.
The US has also reported more cases of the virus than any other country in the world. As of this afternoon, the US has confirmed 1,192,119 cases of coronavirus.The US has also reported more cases of the virus than any other country in the world. As of this afternoon, the US has confirmed 1,192,119 cases of coronavirus.
New York remains the state that has suffered the most coronavirus deaths, losing at least 24,999 residents to the virus. But while New York has recently seen a decrease in its number of coronavirus cases and deaths, other states are still on the rise.New York remains the state that has suffered the most coronavirus deaths, losing at least 24,999 residents to the virus. But while New York has recently seen a decrease in its number of coronavirus cases and deaths, other states are still on the rise.
Today is Cinco de Mayo, and Trump has chosen to celebrate the holiday by retweeting a photo from exactly four years ago showing him eating a taco bowl.
“Remember this?” Trump wrote of the photo, which he first shared during the 2016 campaign. The original caption on the photo says, “The best taco bowls are made in Trump Tower Grill. I love Hispanics!”
When it was first tweeted, the photo quickly became the subject of criticism and mockery, considering Trump began his presidential campaign by saying some Mexican immigrants were “rapists” who brought drugs into the US.
“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best,” Trump said in June 2015. “They’re sending people that have a lot of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”
Former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg criticized Trump for blocking Dr Anthony Fauci from testifying to the House.
Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, warned that blocking the infectious disease expert’s testimony is “a gift for those seeking to discredit American global leadership.”
Buttigieg specificially pointed to an article from a state-run Chinese outlet that argues “this U.S. administration has simply dropped the ball because of either self-conceited arrogance or gross negligence, or both.”
Buttigieg’s warning come hours after Trump said he did not believe Fauci should testify before the Democratic-controlled House because it would be a “set-up.” The expert is scheduled to appear before the Republican-controlled Senate.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the state’s reopening plan would not be a “trade-off” between the economy and public health. “To me, a human life is priceless,” Cuomo said. The governor’s comments came after Trump told reporters this morning, “We did everything right, but now it’s time to go back to work.”
Trump claimed (without any evidence) that Democrats want the government’s response to coronavirus to fail. The president said before leaving for Arizona today, “They frankly want our situation to be unsuccessful, which means death.” Trump added that Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, would not testify before the Democratic-controlled House because it’s a “set-up.”
A poll showed large majorities of Americans oppose reopening most businesses. More than 7 in 10 Americans said movie theaters, nail salons and gyms should not yet reopen in their states, despite Trump’s insistence that the economy must start reopening.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
A volunteer for Jared Kushner’s coronavirus response effort was so worried about the mismanagement of the team that the person reportedly filed a complaint with the House oversight committee.
The Washington Post reports:
The reported complaint will likely intensify concerns about whether the administration is prepared for a potential surge in infections if social distancing restrictions are relaxed too quickly.
Senator Richard Burr, the chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, said he hopes to fast-track the nomination of congressman John Ratcliffe as the director of national intelligence.
“I think he did a very successful job,” Burr said of Ratcliffe’s confirmation hearing this morning. “It’s my intent to run this nomination as quickly through the committee as —possibly next week and then hopefully work with the majority leader to get it to the floor.”
Most Senate Democrats are unlikely to support Ratcliffe’s nomination, especially considering Trump previously rescinded the congressman’s DNI nomination over concerns about his record.
But Ratcliffe still faces a good chance of confirmation considering Republicans control the Senate and have largely signaled support for his nomination.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo asked, “How much is a human life worth?” at his daily press conference, implicitly criticizing states which have rushed to reopen their economies in recent weeks.
“The faster we reopen the lower the economic costs, but the higher the human costs because the more lives lost. That, my friends, is the decision we are really making,” said Cuomo.
“To me ... a human life is priceless,” Cuomo later added. “Our reopening plan doesn’t have a trade-off.” New York’s reopening plan, he said, would have a “circuit breaker” to reimpose restrictions if the coronavirus begins to rapidly spread and send people into hospitals.
He also called on federal leaders to provide aid to states. Economic restrictions have blown state budgets wide open. The virus left New York with a $13bn deficit.
“The debate now is – the blue states have the coronavirus… the Republicans are saying we don’t want to give money to the blue states,” said Cuomo. The virus, he said, doesn’t kill Democrats or Republicans, “It kills Americans.”
He added, “If we can’t get past this now, when can we ever get past it?”
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the projection showing up to 3,000 daily coronavirus deaths by June 1 was “based on faulty assumptions.”
“The Johns Hopkins’ study being pushed around by the media as factual is based on faulty assumptions and is in no way representative of any federal government projections and, as Johns Hopkins stated, should not be taken as a forecast,” McEnany said in a statement.
She went on to echo Trump’s comments moments ago, saying, “This ‘study’ considered zero mitigation, meaning it was conducted as though no federal guidelines were in place, no contract tracing, no expansion of testing, while removing all shelter in place protocols laid out in the phased approach of the Opening Up America Again guidelines for individuals with co-morbidities.”
Justin Lessler, the epidemiologist who created the model, did say that the projection “was not in any way intended to be a forecast,” but he added that the numbers demonstrated how infections could spiral out of control if social distancing restrictions are relaxed too quickly. “There are reopening scenarios where it could get out of control very quickly,” Lessler said.
Wearing a mask in public, keeping distance from others and frequently washing your hands may have a compounded benefit – persuading others in your community to do the same.
Social cues from friends and family – in addition to guidance from health officials – are important to encouraging Americans to take precautions to avoid spreading the coronavirus, according to recent research.
The findings come from Yale’s Program on Climate Change Communication, who has made similar conclusions about how perceived social norms drive individual action to thwart the climate crisis.
The working paper, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, says this “horizontal” communication is key, particularly for Americans who don’t trust information from authorities. “The conventional approach to promoting preventive behaviors in a public health crisis is ‘top-down’ communication from authority figures, opinion leaders, and mainstream media Outlets,” the paper says. “However, some traditional, official information sources are perceived as partisan. This means that for some audiences, critical information about recommended behaviors comes from sources they do not trust.”
People surveyed were more likely to engage in certain protective behaviors if they thought their friends and family members were as well. At the top of the list were: no longer shaking hands, covering their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing, keeping six feet from others and washing hands.
Trump said he would wear a mask in Arizona, where he will visit a facility that has been producing face masks to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
Asked about whether he would cover his face, the president told reporters, “I think it’s a mask facility, right? If it’s a mask facility, I will, yeah. I don’t know if it’s a mask facility.”
According to the president’s public schedule, he will paricipate in a tour of the company Honeywell’s mask production assembly line in Phoenix, Arizona.
Trump has been generally resistant to wearing a mask, even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that Americans cover their faces to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Vice President Mike Pence was also criticized last week for not wearing a mask while visiting the Mayo Clinic facilities in Minnesota, despite the clinic’s requirement to do so. Pence later acknowledged he should have worn a mask during the visit.
Trump made a fair amount of news while taking questions from reporters before leaving for his trip to Arizona, where he will visit a facility producing face masks.
The president was asked about the internal document obtained by the New York Times, which included a projection indicating the country’s daily coronavirus death toll could reach 3,000 by June 1.
Trump claimed that projection assumed no efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus, so it would not be accurate. “That’s a report with no mitigation,” Trump said. “But we’re doing a lot of mitigation.”
But the creator of the projection said yesterday that the numbers, while not finalized, represent the potential effects of states reopening too quickly. “There are reopening scenarios where it could get out of control very quickly,” epidemiologist Justin Lessler said.
And yet moments ago, Trump once again expressed support for states starting to relax social distancing restrictions, despite concerns that it could cause a surge in infections. “We did everything right, but now it’s time to go back to work,” Trump said.