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Coronavirus US live: White House directs staff to wear masks, but Trump will be exempt Coronavirus US live: White House directs staff to wear masks, but Trump will be exempt
(32 minutes later)
President makes vague claim numbers ‘going down almost everywhere’ as New York Times database finds decreases in just 14 of 50 statesPresident makes vague claim numbers ‘going down almost everywhere’ as New York Times database finds decreases in just 14 of 50 states
Trump has just made some fantastic boasts about how well the United States has done on coronavirus testing, writes Guardian reporter Tom McCarthy.
It’s true that the United States has recorded more coronavirus tests than any other country and that the United States appears to be moving ahead in per capita testing. Those are great developments. But unfortunately they do not mean that America’s testing regime is on par with other countries.
For one thing, the United States is a huge country, with a population about seven times that of South Korea. Many more tests need to be conducted here. It’s also telling that the White House says that less than 10% of tests are positive. Does that mean that a smaller proportion of Americans are positive – or that the US is testing the wrong people?
Unlike South Korea, Vietnam, China and other countries that have had success at containing the virus, the United States has not, in most places, stood up consistent contact tracing for positive cases – meaning that the country has a blind spot to outbreaks, and that the selection of patients tested is relatively random.
As for the death rate in the United States versus Germany and other places – unfortunately, unlike Germany and other places, the number of confirmed deaths in the United States, a number the US appears to track less carefully than Germany, is still climbing.
If you go hunting you don’t brag about how many times you shot – you brag about how many ducks you bagged. Trump is bragging about shots fired. And his numbers of tests do not seem to represent numbers of people tested – repeat tests for certain people, such as health care workers and other people on the front lines (and people in positions of power in Washington) make the per capita number in the United States larger than it is in fact. In fact, most people do not have access to testing through the workplace, and quality daily testing is not in reach for most of America.
Finally, unlike other countries, the United States has not paired its testing program with a supported isolation program. That means that outbreaks can accelerate undetected, as health officials mostly are not searching the network of contacts of positive cases, and people in contact with positive cases, who could be asymptomatic carriers,
For a second time, Trump was asked why the White House staff is able to be tested daily when that is still not available for the American people. He balks at the framing of the question and tells the reporter that it’s a catch-22 and the White House would face criticism if senior officials weren’t frequently tested.
“You know what, if we didn’t get the test ...you’d be up complaining why aren’t you getting tests for the White House?” Trump said. “We can’t win.”
He then told her: “I understand you very well – better than you understand yourself.”
Trump is now taking questions.
The first question was about the White House staff who tested positive for Covid-19.
“I don’t think the system broke down at all,” he said. He said the person who tested positive “will be fine” and will be “out of quarantine very soon”.
He says it is “shocking”, given the number of people who come in and out of the White House every day, how few positive cases there have been. He adds: “I’ve felt no vulnerability whatsoever.”
Asked when Americans can get tested every day like his senior staff can, Trump said it would be “very soon.”
“We’re leaving that up to the governors,” Trump said when asked how Americans should feel about going back to work without more testing capacity. He then argues that some governors are going too slow to lift their restrictions.
Trump says it was his decision to require all White House staffers to begin wearing masks.
Trump declared victory over what he has called the “invisible enemy” as Covid-19 deaths surpasses 80,000.
“We have met the moment and we have prevailed,” Trump, flanked by ventilators and testing supplies, said during a briefing in the Rose Garden on Monday. He later clarified he was discussing testing.
He boasted that the US’s testing capacity is “unmatched and unrivaled anywhere in the world and it’s not even close.” He said the US has been running 300,000 tests per day but according to the COVID Tracking Project, the US has only administered more than 300,000 tests on four days since it began recording new tests on 28 February.
“We’re opening and we’re starting and there’s enthusiasm like I haven’t seen in a long time,” Trump said.
He also went on a little tangent about the wall, which he said is still being built.
The Guardian’s Vivian Ho sends this dispatch from the Golden State:The Guardian’s Vivian Ho sends this dispatch from the Golden State:
The California legislature and their counterparts in other western states have written the federal government asking for $1tn in relief, governor Gavin Newsom said Monday. The ask comes after Newsom announced that California would have a projected budget shortfall of $54.3bn because of the economic devastation wrought by the pandemic. In California alone, 4.5 million people have filed for unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance since 12 March, with the state distributing $13.1bn. “The challenge is enormous and it’s one that’s presented to us not just in the state of California, but is one that will be felt across the United States and all around the world,” Newsom said. “These are challenging times and they require a collaborative spirit.” California joins the other states in the western pact - Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Colorado - in writing to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, asking for assistance. Just 90 days ago, California had a projected $6bn budget surplus.The California legislature and their counterparts in other western states have written the federal government asking for $1tn in relief, governor Gavin Newsom said Monday. The ask comes after Newsom announced that California would have a projected budget shortfall of $54.3bn because of the economic devastation wrought by the pandemic. In California alone, 4.5 million people have filed for unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance since 12 March, with the state distributing $13.1bn. “The challenge is enormous and it’s one that’s presented to us not just in the state of California, but is one that will be felt across the United States and all around the world,” Newsom said. “These are challenging times and they require a collaborative spirit.” California joins the other states in the western pact - Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Colorado - in writing to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, asking for assistance. Just 90 days ago, California had a projected $6bn budget surplus.
The White House began requiring all staffers entering the West Wing to wear a facial covering from today.The White House began requiring all staffers entering the West Wing to wear a facial covering from today.
That’s according to two sources familiar with the decision, NBC reports, and aides have been asked to avoid going there “unless you absolutely need to conduct in-person business in the West Wing,” according to a memo sent to staffers.That’s according to two sources familiar with the decision, NBC reports, and aides have been asked to avoid going there “unless you absolutely need to conduct in-person business in the West Wing,” according to a memo sent to staffers.
Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control has been that any employees who are exposed to the virus should be wearing a mask in the workplace for 14 days after any contact with a person who tests positive.Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control has been that any employees who are exposed to the virus should be wearing a mask in the workplace for 14 days after any contact with a person who tests positive.
White House staffers returned in the morning to a thoroughly cleaned West Wing and new protocols around testing and masks.White House staffers returned in the morning to a thoroughly cleaned West Wing and new protocols around testing and masks.
Meanwhile the president is not going to wear a mask while in the West Wing/Oval Office and he has avoided wearing a mask completely, while Mike Pence has avoided wearing one almost completely and they have done very little to promote the idea, Trump pouring cold water on it when first announcing that public health experts recommended it, saying he chose not to.Meanwhile the president is not going to wear a mask while in the West Wing/Oval Office and he has avoided wearing a mask completely, while Mike Pence has avoided wearing one almost completely and they have done very little to promote the idea, Trump pouring cold water on it when first announcing that public health experts recommended it, saying he chose not to.
NBC adds that Secret Service members in close proximity to the president have begun wearing masks and visitors were asked additional questions before entering the White House grounds about whether they’d been experiencing any symptoms in addition to temperature checks. Staffers who are in regular, close contact with the president — roughly a dozen people — are also being tested daily.NBC adds that Secret Service members in close proximity to the president have begun wearing masks and visitors were asked additional questions before entering the White House grounds about whether they’d been experiencing any symptoms in addition to temperature checks. Staffers who are in regular, close contact with the president — roughly a dozen people — are also being tested daily.
The Mooch protests!The Mooch protests!
Here’s Anthony Scaramucci on Twitter. He was the White House communications director for 10 days in 2017 before being fired and has since become a popular pundit on TV critiquing the Trump administration’s performance.Here’s Anthony Scaramucci on Twitter. He was the White House communications director for 10 days in 2017 before being fired and has since become a popular pundit on TV critiquing the Trump administration’s performance.
The White House has directed staff working in the West Wing, where the daily operations of Donald Trump’s administration are carried out, to wear masks at all times in the building, except when they are at their own desks, a senior administration official confirmed on Monday, Reuters reports.The White House has directed staff working in the West Wing, where the daily operations of Donald Trump’s administration are carried out, to wear masks at all times in the building, except when they are at their own desks, a senior administration official confirmed on Monday, Reuters reports.
ABC News first reported that a new memo directed everyone who enters the wing to cover their faces.ABC News first reported that a new memo directed everyone who enters the wing to cover their faces.
With Trump’s valet and Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary both testing positive for the deadly coronavirus last week, pressure is growing for the White House to take further steps in protecting the health of country’s 73-year-old president.With Trump’s valet and Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary both testing positive for the deadly coronavirus last week, pressure is growing for the White House to take further steps in protecting the health of country’s 73-year-old president.
Trump was reported to be “lava-level” angry last week when White House staffers started testing positive. He has yet to be seen in public wearing a mask.Trump was reported to be “lava-level” angry last week when White House staffers started testing positive. He has yet to be seen in public wearing a mask.
The president will be exempted from wearing a mask in the White House, the Washington Post reports, per aides.The president will be exempted from wearing a mask in the White House, the Washington Post reports, per aides.
Across the country, governors are lifting restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.Across the country, governors are lifting restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Here’s a round up of some recent action in the states:Here’s a round up of some recent action in the states:
US health officials identified more than 5,000 additional deaths in New York City between March and early May that may have been “directly or indirectly” caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday.US health officials identified more than 5,000 additional deaths in New York City between March and early May that may have been “directly or indirectly” caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday.
New York is the center of the outbreak in the US, accounting for nearly a third of all the fatalities in the country. The report, which comes as allies of the president accuse officials and the media of exaggerating the death toll, strongly suggests that the official total is an underestimate of deaths attributable to the pandemic.New York is the center of the outbreak in the US, accounting for nearly a third of all the fatalities in the country. The report, which comes as allies of the president accuse officials and the media of exaggerating the death toll, strongly suggests that the official total is an underestimate of deaths attributable to the pandemic.
Between March 11 and May 2, New York health officials reported 32,107 deaths to the CDC, which is 24,172 more deaths than the seasonal norm.Between March 11 and May 2, New York health officials reported 32,107 deaths to the CDC, which is 24,172 more deaths than the seasonal norm.
Of these deaths, 13,831 were confirmed by a lab to have been caused by Covid-19 while an additional 5,048 were categorized as probable cases based on the patients’ symptoms and other factors, the report found.Of these deaths, 13,831 were confirmed by a lab to have been caused by Covid-19 while an additional 5,048 were categorized as probable cases based on the patients’ symptoms and other factors, the report found.
That leaves an additional 5,293 deaths (or 22% of the total excess deaths) that were not previously identified as confirmed or probably coronavirus cases.That leaves an additional 5,293 deaths (or 22% of the total excess deaths) that were not previously identified as confirmed or probably coronavirus cases.
The total number of confirmed and probable Covid-19 deaths might not include coronavirus cases in which the person “did not access diagnostic testing, tested falsely negative, or became infected after testing negative, died outside of a health care setting, or for whom COVID-19 was not suspected by a health care provider as a cause of death,” the report said.The total number of confirmed and probable Covid-19 deaths might not include coronavirus cases in which the person “did not access diagnostic testing, tested falsely negative, or became infected after testing negative, died outside of a health care setting, or for whom COVID-19 was not suspected by a health care provider as a cause of death,” the report said.
It adds that people with underlying chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are risk factors for severe cases of Covid-19, and thus their deaths may not have been recognized as resulting from the coronavirus.It adds that people with underlying chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are risk factors for severe cases of Covid-19, and thus their deaths may not have been recognized as resulting from the coronavirus.
Illinois governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, says he will work from home after a senior member of his staff has tested positive for coronavirus.Illinois governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, says he will work from home after a senior member of his staff has tested positive for coronavirus.
In a statement, Pritzker’s office said all employees including the governor will work from home “for an appropriate isolation period,” in accordance with safety guidelines issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The statement, however, did not specify the duration of time Pritzker and his team would work from home.In a statement, Pritzker’s office said all employees including the governor will work from home “for an appropriate isolation period,” in accordance with safety guidelines issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The statement, however, did not specify the duration of time Pritzker and his team would work from home.
The staff member was asymptomatic but tested positive last week, the office said. Pritzker, who had been in close proximity to the employee, and all other members of his staff have tested negative.The staff member was asymptomatic but tested positive last week, the office said. Pritzker, who had been in close proximity to the employee, and all other members of his staff have tested negative.
“I want to assure you that the governor’s office is very much still fully operational & all aspects of the executive branch will function as they have been,” Pritzker wrote on Twitter. “No matter what challenges come our way, the people of Illinois have the resolve to get through this—together.”“I want to assure you that the governor’s office is very much still fully operational & all aspects of the executive branch will function as they have been,” Pritzker wrote on Twitter. “No matter what challenges come our way, the people of Illinois have the resolve to get through this—together.”
A majority of Americans do not support the protests against stay-at-home orders and restrictions aimed at stemming the spread the coronavirus, according to a new survey from the University of Chicago Divinity School and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.A majority of Americans do not support the protests against stay-at-home orders and restrictions aimed at stemming the spread the coronavirus, according to a new survey from the University of Chicago Divinity School and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
The poll also showed that while support for such restrictions remains strong, the number has dipped in recent weeks. These findings match the results of another poll released today by Monmouth University.The poll also showed that while support for such restrictions remains strong, the number has dipped in recent weeks. These findings match the results of another poll released today by Monmouth University.
According to the AP survey, 55% of Americans disapprove of the protests that have popped up in some states while 31% approve of the demonstrations. Unsurprisingly, Democrats are more likely than Republicans to disapprove of the protests, which have been organized with right-wing groups and often feature Trump campaign insignia.According to the AP survey, 55% of Americans disapprove of the protests that have popped up in some states while 31% approve of the demonstrations. Unsurprisingly, Democrats are more likely than Republicans to disapprove of the protests, which have been organized with right-wing groups and often feature Trump campaign insignia.
Meanwhile, the survey found that 67% of Americans are in favor of orders requiring bars and restaurants to close, down from 76% in the earlier poll.Meanwhile, the survey found that 67% of Americans are in favor of orders requiring bars and restaurants to close, down from 76% in the earlier poll.
The poll also suggested declining support for requiring Americans to limit gatherings to 10 people or fewer. Support to 75% from 82%. A similar trend was found for limitations on nonessential medical care, which dropped to 57% from 68%.The poll also suggested declining support for requiring Americans to limit gatherings to 10 people or fewer. Support to 75% from 82%. A similar trend was found for limitations on nonessential medical care, which dropped to 57% from 68%.
Nearly 2,000 former Justice Department employees are calling on Attorney General William Barr to resign, arguing in an open letter that he has “once again assaulted the rule of law” by moving to drop the case against Michael Flynn, the president’s former national security adviser.Nearly 2,000 former Justice Department employees are calling on Attorney General William Barr to resign, arguing in an open letter that he has “once again assaulted the rule of law” by moving to drop the case against Michael Flynn, the president’s former national security adviser.
In the open letter, organized by the nonprofit group Protect Democracy and published online on Monday, the lawyers assert that Barr’s actions are “extraordinarily rare, if not unprecedented.”In the open letter, organized by the nonprofit group Protect Democracy and published online on Monday, the lawyers assert that Barr’s actions are “extraordinarily rare, if not unprecedented.”
“If any of us, or anyone reading this statement who is not a friend of the President, were to lie to federal investigators in the course of a properly predicated counterintelligence investigation, and admit we did so under oath, we would be prosecuted for it,” they write.“If any of us, or anyone reading this statement who is not a friend of the President, were to lie to federal investigators in the course of a properly predicated counterintelligence investigation, and admit we did so under oath, we would be prosecuted for it,” they write.
The letter is signed by former justice department attorneys who worked for Republican and Democratic administrations, the vast majority of whom were former career officials and not political appointees. A February letter, which received more than 2,600 signatures, called on Barr to resign after he intervened to reduce the sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone, a longtime friend and political ally of the president.The letter is signed by former justice department attorneys who worked for Republican and Democratic administrations, the vast majority of whom were former career officials and not political appointees. A February letter, which received more than 2,600 signatures, called on Barr to resign after he intervened to reduce the sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone, a longtime friend and political ally of the president.
“We continue to believe that it would be best for the integrity of the Justice Department and for our democracy for Attorney General Barr to step aside,” they wrote. “In the meantime, we call on Congress to hold the Attorney General accountable.”“We continue to believe that it would be best for the integrity of the Justice Department and for our democracy for Attorney General Barr to step aside,” they wrote. “In the meantime, we call on Congress to hold the Attorney General accountable.”
The letter urges Congress must formally censure Barr “for his repeated assaults on the rule of law in doing the President’s personal bidding rather than acting in the public interest”.The letter urges Congress must formally censure Barr “for his repeated assaults on the rule of law in doing the President’s personal bidding rather than acting in the public interest”.
“Our democracy depends on a Department of Justice that acts as an independent arbiter of equal justice, not as an arm of the president’s political apparatus,” they write,“Our democracy depends on a Department of Justice that acts as an independent arbiter of equal justice, not as an arm of the president’s political apparatus,” they write,
The Michigan capitol commission delayed a decision on whether to ban guns from the state’s capitol building, an issue that arose after members of an armed militia joined a demonstration against the governor’s stay-at-home order last month.The Michigan capitol commission delayed a decision on whether to ban guns from the state’s capitol building, an issue that arose after members of an armed militia joined a demonstration against the governor’s stay-at-home order last month.
The commission was due to vote today but instead said they needed more time to consider the matter. During the meeting, which was held on Zoom, the videoconferencing service, the group decided to establish a committee to further study the issue, including any legal implications.The commission was due to vote today but instead said they needed more time to consider the matter. During the meeting, which was held on Zoom, the videoconferencing service, the group decided to establish a committee to further study the issue, including any legal implications.
A little update on Michael Cohen, from The Guardian’s Martin Pengelly.A little update on Michael Cohen, from The Guardian’s Martin Pengelly.
Exciting news from the Daily Beast – if you’re like me and find books about American politics under Trump exciting. If you’re not, look away now.Exciting news from the Daily Beast – if you’re like me and find books about American politics under Trump exciting. If you’re not, look away now.
Former Trump lawyer and fixer turned federal-prisoner-not-released-during-the-pandemic-as-first-seemed-likely, Michael Cohen is writing a tell-all book about his former boss, which we knew already. But the Beast reveals that Rosie O’Donnell, one of Trump’s favourite targets for invective and misogynistic abuse, is helping.Former Trump lawyer and fixer turned federal-prisoner-not-released-during-the-pandemic-as-first-seemed-likely, Michael Cohen is writing a tell-all book about his former boss, which we knew already. But the Beast reveals that Rosie O’Donnell, one of Trump’s favourite targets for invective and misogynistic abuse, is helping.
“Michael and I talked a lot about how he got involved in Trump,” O’Donnell told the Beast, “how it’s a cult, and what role he played not only in Trump Inc but also Trump’s own family, including how much he dealt with Barron and Melania.“Michael and I talked a lot about how he got involved in Trump,” O’Donnell told the Beast, “how it’s a cult, and what role he played not only in Trump Inc but also Trump’s own family, including how much he dealt with Barron and Melania.
“One thing he said to me that was shocking was that one of the nicest people he’s ever met in his life is Melania Trump. He said, ‘I swear to you. She’s a great mother, she’s a great woman, and she’s in a predicament with him and doing her best to get through it.’”“One thing he said to me that was shocking was that one of the nicest people he’s ever met in his life is Melania Trump. He said, ‘I swear to you. She’s a great mother, she’s a great woman, and she’s in a predicament with him and doing her best to get through it.’”
Cohen has a lot to tell if he chooses and if Trump fails to stop him publishing:Cohen has a lot to tell if he chooses and if Trump fails to stop him publishing:
Concern about contracting the coronavirus has fallen even as more Americans report knowing someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, according to a new Monmouth University poll.Concern about contracting the coronavirus has fallen even as more Americans report knowing someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, according to a new Monmouth University poll.
The survey found that 42% of Americans are very concerned that a family member will get seriously ill from the coronavirus, down from 50% in April.The survey found that 42% of Americans are very concerned that a family member will get seriously ill from the coronavirus, down from 50% in April.
As parts of New York prepare to re-open on Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo says the number of new infections has fallen to the rate it was on March 19, when he says the state “went into the abyss.”As parts of New York prepare to re-open on Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo says the number of new infections has fallen to the rate it was on March 19, when he says the state “went into the abyss.”
New York, which was the worst hit state in the nation, will begin to lift its statewide restrictions on 15 May.New York, which was the worst hit state in the nation, will begin to lift its statewide restrictions on 15 May.
“This is the next big step in this historic journey,” Cuomo said.“This is the next big step in this historic journey,” Cuomo said.
“All the arrows are pointed in the right directions,” he said, noting that the number of hospitalizations and infection rates are in decline. The state is recording about 488 new infections per day, Cuomo says, which is “right about where we started before we went into the heart of this crisis.” There have been 161 new deaths in New York in the last 24 hours.“All the arrows are pointed in the right directions,” he said, noting that the number of hospitalizations and infection rates are in decline. The state is recording about 488 new infections per day, Cuomo says, which is “right about where we started before we went into the heart of this crisis.” There have been 161 new deaths in New York in the last 24 hours.
“We’re coming out of the other side,” Cuomo said. “In many ways, from my point of view, we’re on the other side of the mountain.”“We’re coming out of the other side,” Cuomo said. “In many ways, from my point of view, we’re on the other side of the mountain.”
To open, regions must meet the following criteria:To open, regions must meet the following criteria:
14-day decline in hospitalizations or under 15 new hospitalizations on average per day (across a three-day period.)14-day decline in hospitalizations or under 15 new hospitalizations on average per day (across a three-day period.)
14-day decline in hospitalized deaths or under 5 new deaths on average per day (across a three-day period.)14-day decline in hospitalized deaths or under 5 new deaths on average per day (across a three-day period.)
New hospitalizations - under 2 per 100,000 residents (across a three-day period.)New hospitalizations - under 2 per 100,000 residents (across a three-day period.)
Have at least 30% of hospital beds available in case of a surge in infectionsHave at least 30% of hospital beds available in case of a surge in infections
Have at least 30% of ICU beds available in case of a surge in infectionsHave at least 30% of ICU beds available in case of a surge in infections
Ability to administer 30 tests per 1,000 residents (across a 7-day average of new tests per day.)Ability to administer 30 tests per 1,000 residents (across a 7-day average of new tests per day.)
Presence of 30 contact-tracers per 100,000 residentsPresence of 30 contact-tracers per 100,000 residents
Weeks after right-wing protests erupted in response to states’ stay-at-home orders, there is some evidence that attendees have now contracted the virus.Weeks after right-wing protests erupted in response to states’ stay-at-home orders, there is some evidence that attendees have now contracted the virus.
According to Up North News in Wisconsin, 72 residents who reported attending a large gathering in the past two weeks have tested positive for Covid-19. The state did not ask individuals to specify which event they attended. But two weeks ago, 1,500 people gathered at a rally at the state’s Capitol in Madison in violation of the state’s social distancing restrictions. Photographs of the event show mask-less participants standing next to each other in a large crowd.According to Up North News in Wisconsin, 72 residents who reported attending a large gathering in the past two weeks have tested positive for Covid-19. The state did not ask individuals to specify which event they attended. But two weeks ago, 1,500 people gathered at a rally at the state’s Capitol in Madison in violation of the state’s social distancing restrictions. Photographs of the event show mask-less participants standing next to each other in a large crowd.
At the rally, the paper notes, some speakers said “they were not afraid to die or afraid of the coronavirus, with many hosting signs calling the pandemic a hoax.”At the rally, the paper notes, some speakers said “they were not afraid to die or afraid of the coronavirus, with many hosting signs calling the pandemic a hoax.”
Wisconsin, a battleground state in November, is governed by Tony Evers, a Democrat.Wisconsin, a battleground state in November, is governed by Tony Evers, a Democrat.
Later on Monday, the Michigan state capitol commission will vote on whether to allow firearms in the Capitol building, after demonstrators carried military-style weapons into the building at a recent protest against the governor’s stay-at-home order.Later on Monday, the Michigan state capitol commission will vote on whether to allow firearms in the Capitol building, after demonstrators carried military-style weapons into the building at a recent protest against the governor’s stay-at-home order.
Michigan is also a battleground state led by Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer,Michigan is also a battleground state led by Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer,
In between re-tweeting and amplifying conspiracies about his predecessor, Trump also remarked on the state of coronavirus spread in the US. Let’s unpack that Tweet.In between re-tweeting and amplifying conspiracies about his predecessor, Trump also remarked on the state of coronavirus spread in the US. Let’s unpack that Tweet.
Trump says “coronavirus numbers are looking MUCH better, going down almost everywhere.”Trump says “coronavirus numbers are looking MUCH better, going down almost everywhere.”
Here’s what we know. Nearly 1,330,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus in the US, more than any other nation on the planet, and at least 79,500 have died, according to a Johns Hopkins database.Here’s what we know. Nearly 1,330,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus in the US, more than any other nation on the planet, and at least 79,500 have died, according to a Johns Hopkins database.
Trump’s assessment is vague – “coronavirus numbers” could mean many things. But here’s what we know.Trump’s assessment is vague – “coronavirus numbers” could mean many things. But here’s what we know.
According to a New York Times database, new cases are decreasing in just 14 states of 50 states. Among them are densely populated states like New York and Michigan, which were among the hardest hit. The list also includes sparsely-populated states like Montana and Alaska.According to a New York Times database, new cases are decreasing in just 14 states of 50 states. Among them are densely populated states like New York and Michigan, which were among the hardest hit. The list also includes sparsely-populated states like Montana and Alaska.
New cases are still rising in nine US states, including states like Arizona that is pressing ahead with its re-opening on Monday. In the remaining states, the growth rate of new cases has remained relatively steady.New cases are still rising in nine US states, including states like Arizona that is pressing ahead with its re-opening on Monday. In the remaining states, the growth rate of new cases has remained relatively steady.
There is no national strategy for re-opening beyond general guidelines issued by the White House, which have largely been ignored by the president and Republican-led states that moved without meeting the requirements laid out in the guidance.There is no national strategy for re-opening beyond general guidelines issued by the White House, which have largely been ignored by the president and Republican-led states that moved without meeting the requirements laid out in the guidance.
On Monday, Trump slammed Pennsylvania, a battleground state led by a Democratic governor, for not moving faster to reopen its economy. In the tweet, he broadened his attack to accused Democrats across the country of intentionally slowing their states’ return to normalcy to hurt his chances of re-election.On Monday, Trump slammed Pennsylvania, a battleground state led by a Democratic governor, for not moving faster to reopen its economy. In the tweet, he broadened his attack to accused Democrats across the country of intentionally slowing their states’ return to normalcy to hurt his chances of re-election.
Trump has loudly pressured states to re-open, sparring with Democratic governors who are proceeding more cautiously. He has also encouraged support for right-wing protests against social distancing restrictions.Trump has loudly pressured states to re-open, sparring with Democratic governors who are proceeding more cautiously. He has also encouraged support for right-wing protests against social distancing restrictions.
The Associated Press has reported that top White House officials for weeks suppressed guidelines for re-opening the economy drafted by the nation’s top disease control experts.The Associated Press has reported that top White House officials for weeks suppressed guidelines for re-opening the economy drafted by the nation’s top disease control experts.
Public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedly spend weeks preparing guidance to help schools, child care centers, businesses, bars and restaurants reopen. Their plan featured a phased re-opening, that advised “communities as a whole on testing, contact tracing and other fundamental infection control measures.”Public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedly spend weeks preparing guidance to help schools, child care centers, businesses, bars and restaurants reopen. Their plan featured a phased re-opening, that advised “communities as a whole on testing, contact tracing and other fundamental infection control measures.”
Robert Redfield, the CDC director, defended the decision not to release the guidance, saying in a statement that he had not formally approved the guidance. Redfield’s statement contradicts his own internal emails that were leaked to the AP.Robert Redfield, the CDC director, defended the decision not to release the guidance, saying in a statement that he had not formally approved the guidance. Redfield’s statement contradicts his own internal emails that were leaked to the AP.