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| Coronavirus US live: Trump demands churches, synagogues and mosques reopen 'right now' | Coronavirus US live: Trump demands churches, synagogues and mosques reopen 'right now' |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| President threatens to override governors if they don’t comply with his request, while speaking at the White House Friday | President threatens to override governors if they don’t comply with his request, while speaking at the White House Friday |
| The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports on San Francisco’s first sanctioned tent encampment for homeless individuals: | |
| The Safe Sleeping Village is one of San Francisco’s new officially sanctioned homeless encampments, a rare initiative announced by Mayor London Breed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Occupants of the 70 tents spaced out in socially distanced, painted squares in the shadow of City Hall have access to steady meals, electricity to charge their phones, toilets, fresh water, hand-washing stations, healthcare – and those much-desired showers. | |
| But for many, the project comes as too little, too late. | |
| Breed launched the plan earlier this month as a solution to a homelessness crisis compounded by an outbreak. With shelters no longer taking in new guests during the pandemic and forced to reduce capacity by 76% to adhere by social distancing guidelines, the number of tents throughout the city had leapt by at least 71%.In the historically underserved Tenderloin neighborhood, a low-income community in the heart of the city experiencing the brunt of the crisis, tents have increased by 258%. | |
| The Trump administration has sent a letter to the mayor of Los Angeles saying the federal government is concerned that the city’s “arbitrary and heavy-handed approach” to shelter-in-place regulations could be “unlawful”. | |
| The warning letter to LA’s mayor, Eric Garcetti, came from Eric S Dreiband, the assistant attorney general for the civil rights division of the US justice department, the LA Times reported. Dreiband wrote: | |
| California had one of the earliest lockdowns in the US and has continued to take relatively cautious steps toward reopening. LA and the surrounding region remain the state’s primary hotspot for Covid-19 cases, and the DoJ letter came the same day that the White House coronavirus task force resource coordinator Deborah Birx said she was concerned about persistent high numbers of cases in LA, Washington DC and Chicago. | |
| Earlier this month, LA officials moved to make “minor adjustments” to lockdown rules, allowing some brick-and-mortar business to start curbside pickup, including music stores, bookshops, florists and clothing stores. In LA, residents must wear face coverings when they leave their homes and will be near other people. | |
| This first phase of reopening, LA officials said, is the beginning of “a slow and gradual change to a new reality” for Angelenos. | |
| The mayor’s office didn’t immediately comment on the DoJ letter, the Times reported. More on the Covid crisis in LA: | |
| Following questions today about Trump’s lack of an annual physical exam, despite the fact that he’s taking hydroxychloroquine (an anti-malaria drug linked to heart irregularities), here’s a look back at November 2019 when Trump had an unscheduled visit to the hospital: | Following questions today about Trump’s lack of an annual physical exam, despite the fact that he’s taking hydroxychloroquine (an anti-malaria drug linked to heart irregularities), here’s a look back at November 2019 when Trump had an unscheduled visit to the hospital: |
| At the time, he denied he had a heart attack. As we noted in November, there were unanswered questions about his health and the hospital trip: | At the time, he denied he had a heart attack. As we noted in November, there were unanswered questions about his health and the hospital trip: |
| More reading here: | More reading here: |
| Tara Reade said she is looking for a new attorney. | Tara Reade said she is looking for a new attorney. |
| Following the announcement this morning that the attorney Douglas H Wigdor was no longer representing Joe Biden’s accuser, two weeks after he had taken her on as a client. Reade, through a spokesperson, told a BuzzFeed News reporter that she was “currently seeking counsel with PR support”: | Following the announcement this morning that the attorney Douglas H Wigdor was no longer representing Joe Biden’s accuser, two weeks after he had taken her on as a client. Reade, through a spokesperson, told a BuzzFeed News reporter that she was “currently seeking counsel with PR support”: |
| In his earlier statement, Wigdor said his decision to no longer represent her was “by no means a reflection on whether then-Senator Biden sexually assaulted Ms Reade”. | In his earlier statement, Wigdor said his decision to no longer represent her was “by no means a reflection on whether then-Senator Biden sexually assaulted Ms Reade”. |
| From our global coronavirus blog: | From our global coronavirus blog: |
| The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has treated 1,300 coronavirus patients with the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which a study has tied to an increased risk of death. | The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has treated 1,300 coronavirus patients with the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which a study has tied to an increased risk of death. |
| The Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who received the information from the VA in response to questions he submitted on the issue, said he was “deeply troubled” by the data. | The Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who received the information from the VA in response to questions he submitted on the issue, said he was “deeply troubled” by the data. |
| Trump has urged use of hydroxychloroquine against the virus and recently said he has been taking it himself, despite evidence that the treatment could be harmful. | Trump has urged use of hydroxychloroquine against the virus and recently said he has been taking it himself, despite evidence that the treatment could be harmful. |
| A study published on Friday in the medical journal Lancet tied the drug to an increased risk of death in hospitalised patients with Covid-19. | A study published on Friday in the medical journal Lancet tied the drug to an increased risk of death in hospitalised patients with Covid-19. |
| The US is planning a large testing effort involving more than 100,000 volunteers and the most promising vaccine candidates in hopes of producing a safe and effective one by the end of 2020, according to a new report in Reuters. | The US is planning a large testing effort involving more than 100,000 volunteers and the most promising vaccine candidates in hopes of producing a safe and effective one by the end of 2020, according to a new report in Reuters. |
| The scientists involved say they aim to take only months to complete a process that is typically completed in a 10-year time frame. Leading vaccine makers will be sharing data and other resources. Vaccine candidates that prove to be safe in initial studies will be tested in larger trials, and that process will begin in July, Reuters said. | The scientists involved say they aim to take only months to complete a process that is typically completed in a 10-year time frame. Leading vaccine makers will be sharing data and other resources. Vaccine candidates that prove to be safe in initial studies will be tested in larger trials, and that process will begin in July, Reuters said. |
| “If you don’t see a safety problem, you just keep going,” said Dr Larry Corey, with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, who is helping design the trials. | “If you don’t see a safety problem, you just keep going,” said Dr Larry Corey, with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, who is helping design the trials. |
| Here’s the Guardian’s science editor on the long road ahead in the search for an effective vaccine: | Here’s the Guardian’s science editor on the long road ahead in the search for an effective vaccine: |
| Hello – Sam Levin in Los Angeles here, taking over our live coverage for the rest of the day as we head into the long weekend. | Hello – Sam Levin in Los Angeles here, taking over our live coverage for the rest of the day as we head into the long weekend. |
| Trump still hasn’t completed his annual physical six months after he started it, and the White House is declining to explain why, according to an NBC News report. Some are raising questions about the lack of a physical after the president has continued to assert that he is taking the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as protection against coronavirus despite federal regulators warning of potentially serious, even fatal, dangers. | Trump still hasn’t completed his annual physical six months after he started it, and the White House is declining to explain why, according to an NBC News report. Some are raising questions about the lack of a physical after the president has continued to assert that he is taking the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as protection against coronavirus despite federal regulators warning of potentially serious, even fatal, dangers. |
| In early March, when Trump was asked about his physical, he suggested he would complete it in the next three months, telling reporters, “I’m so busy, I can’t do it.” | In early March, when Trump was asked about his physical, he suggested he would complete it in the next three months, telling reporters, “I’m so busy, I can’t do it.” |
| A study out today showed that hydroxychloroquine has increased deaths in patients treated with it in hospitals around the world. More from the Guardian’s health editor: | A study out today showed that hydroxychloroquine has increased deaths in patients treated with it in hospitals around the world. More from the Guardian’s health editor: |
| A report from our west coast office, on California governor Gavin Newsom’s reopening plans in light of Donald Trump’s demand to open houses of worship: | A report from our west coast office, on California governor Gavin Newsom’s reopening plans in light of Donald Trump’s demand to open houses of worship: |
| California has been approaching plans to reopen the state gingerly, but pressure is mounting as business owners, faith leaders and some county officials call on the governor to accelerate. | California has been approaching plans to reopen the state gingerly, but pressure is mounting as business owners, faith leaders and some county officials call on the governor to accelerate. |
| On Friday, speaking from a veteran’s home in Napa county, one that operated through a deadly influenza epidemic a century ago, Gavin Newsom said California was moving quickly but with diligence. By day’s end, he said, he expects to have approved plans for 45 of 58 counties to move further into phases of reopening. | On Friday, speaking from a veteran’s home in Napa county, one that operated through a deadly influenza epidemic a century ago, Gavin Newsom said California was moving quickly but with diligence. By day’s end, he said, he expects to have approved plans for 45 of 58 counties to move further into phases of reopening. |
| Many sectors, including manufacturing, retail and restaurants have already reopened to various degrees. Soon, every sector will be given the green light, provided it can make good on safety protocols the new reality demands. | Many sectors, including manufacturing, retail and restaurants have already reopened to various degrees. Soon, every sector will be given the green light, provided it can make good on safety protocols the new reality demands. |
| Churches and houses of worship are sure to remain a point of tension. Newsom said he and his team have been working with faith leaders to craft plans to welcome back parishioners, depending on church size and other factors. | Churches and houses of worship are sure to remain a point of tension. Newsom said he and his team have been working with faith leaders to craft plans to welcome back parishioners, depending on church size and other factors. |
| But with California just days away from releasing that guidance, Trump muddied the water, deeming houses of worship “essential” and threatening to “override” governors who don’t approve. | But with California just days away from releasing that guidance, Trump muddied the water, deeming houses of worship “essential” and threatening to “override” governors who don’t approve. |
| This week, more than 1,200 pastors in California said they would resume in-person services this month in defiance of Newsom’s stay-at-home order. | This week, more than 1,200 pastors in California said they would resume in-person services this month in defiance of Newsom’s stay-at-home order. |
| Even as case rates statewide appear to have stabilized, hospitals in Imperial county, in southern California, are stretching resources to cope with a surge in cases. | Even as case rates statewide appear to have stabilized, hospitals in Imperial county, in southern California, are stretching resources to cope with a surge in cases. |
| Last week, Newsom said, the county was using more than 70% of its ventilators. Plans are in motion to dispatch a 125-bed field hospital to help alleviate pressure, Newsom said. | Last week, Newsom said, the county was using more than 70% of its ventilators. Plans are in motion to dispatch a 125-bed field hospital to help alleviate pressure, Newsom said. |
| Newsom appeared unmoved by a legal challenge to the state’s plan to move forward with mail-in ballots for the November election. | Newsom appeared unmoved by a legal challenge to the state’s plan to move forward with mail-in ballots for the November election. |
| “We’re on firm legal ground. Vote by mail is not novel in the state of California, nor was it in the recent special election” said Newsom. | “We’re on firm legal ground. Vote by mail is not novel in the state of California, nor was it in the recent special election” said Newsom. |
| “Public health is a nonpartisan issue”. | “Public health is a nonpartisan issue”. |
| Joe Biden has apologised for his comment earlier today that if African Americans “have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black”. At the same time, Donald Trump is seeking to press home Republican attacks on the matter. | Joe Biden has apologised for his comment earlier today that if African Americans “have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black”. At the same time, Donald Trump is seeking to press home Republican attacks on the matter. |
| “I shouldn’t have been such a wise guy,” Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, said on a call with the US Black Chambers, an African-American business group. “I shouldn’t have been so cavalier.” | “I shouldn’t have been such a wise guy,” Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, said on a call with the US Black Chambers, an African-American business group. “I shouldn’t have been so cavalier.” |
| The president, meanwhile, retweeted Senator Tim Scott’s view that Biden’s comments “are the most arrogant and condescending thing I’ve heard in a very long time” and commended an African American Fox News host, Harris Faulkner, as “A GREAT AMERICAN”. | The president, meanwhile, retweeted Senator Tim Scott’s view that Biden’s comments “are the most arrogant and condescending thing I’ve heard in a very long time” and commended an African American Fox News host, Harris Faulkner, as “A GREAT AMERICAN”. |
| Faulkner said Biden’s comment was “more than just a little offensive, it is short sighted, it is a blind spot for this former vice-president. He should’ve got up immediately on whatever venue, microphone he had.” | Faulkner said Biden’s comment was “more than just a little offensive, it is short sighted, it is a blind spot for this former vice-president. He should’ve got up immediately on whatever venue, microphone he had.” |
| She then read a statement from Black Voices for Trump. The statement was authored by Katrina Pierson, a Trump spokeswoman who spoke to reporters with Senator Scott earlier and according to the New York Times “grew defensive in response to questions about Mr Trump’s own history of racist remarks”. | She then read a statement from Black Voices for Trump. The statement was authored by Katrina Pierson, a Trump spokeswoman who spoke to reporters with Senator Scott earlier and according to the New York Times “grew defensive in response to questions about Mr Trump’s own history of racist remarks”. |
| The Times added: | The Times added: |
| At the White House earlier, Donald Trump cited “liquor stores and abortion clinics” as services some governors have deemed essential and allowed to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic. | At the White House earlier, Donald Trump cited “liquor stores and abortion clinics” as services some governors have deemed essential and allowed to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic. |
| “It’s not right,” the president said, announcing his decision to “call houses of worship essential” and call upon governors to allow such places “to open right now”. | “It’s not right,” the president said, announcing his decision to “call houses of worship essential” and call upon governors to allow such places “to open right now”. |
| Trump does not like liquor. He is a teetotaler, and vocally so, and claims never to have taken a drink. | Trump does not like liquor. He is a teetotaler, and vocally so, and claims never to have taken a drink. |
| Trump does not like abortion, vocally so since he declared his run for the presidential nomination of a party committed to achieving its end. | Trump does not like abortion, vocally so since he declared his run for the presidential nomination of a party committed to achieving its end. |
| Back in 2016, however, he wasn’t very vocal when a New York Times columnist asked if any woman he had been involved with had ever had an abortion. | Back in 2016, however, he wasn’t very vocal when a New York Times columnist asked if any woman he had been involved with had ever had an abortion. |
| “Such an interesting question,” Trump told Maureen Dowd. “So what’s your next question?” | “Such an interesting question,” Trump told Maureen Dowd. “So what’s your next question?” |
| There’s also the perennial question of just how religious Trump is, and what support for him says about evangelical Christians in particular. Here’s John S Gardner’s review of a recent attempt to make the Christian case for Trump: | There’s also the perennial question of just how religious Trump is, and what support for him says about evangelical Christians in particular. Here’s John S Gardner’s review of a recent attempt to make the Christian case for Trump: |