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US reaches 3m confirmed Covid-19 cases as Pence pushes for schools to reopen – live US reaches 3m confirmed Covid-19 cases as Pence pushes for schools to reopen – live
(32 minutes later)
Johns Hopkins tracker confirms US has hit 3m mark, representing about a quarter of the world’s total casesJohns Hopkins tracker confirms US has hit 3m mark, representing about a quarter of the world’s total cases
A dispatch from our west coast office, on California’s regathering storm and Governor Gavin Newsom’s moves to ride it:
California reported more than 9,000 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, a new high in daily cases. New cases actually topped 11,000, said Newsom, though he attributed about 2,000 to a reporting backlog.
The state is seeing red flags across the board. In the past two weeks, hospitalizations have risen to 6,100, a 44% increase. Admissions to intensive care have climbed by 34%.
While testing is up, so is the percentage of positive cases, which has risen above 7%. In the early weeks of the pandemic, the state’s positivity rate topped 40%, largely due to scarcity of tests that meant only those showing clear signs of infection could access testing.
This week, the state added three counties to a “watch list” of areas where public health experts closely monitor case spikes and hospital capacity.
Carmela Coyle, president and chief executive of the California Hospital Association, said doctors have learned a lot in the past four months.
“We’re preparing to surge, but we’re going to surge differently this time. We have different tools, and we’ve learned a lot about how to care for Covid-positive patients. We’re putting less patients on ventilators; we have remdesivir.”,
That is a therapeutic drug that has been found to shorten the time to recovery in adults hospitalized with Covid-19.
Public health officials continue to field questions on who is getting sick. While Newsom has previously pointed to the “young and invincible” who fail to take safety precautions because they feel immune, on Wednesday he recognized the toll the pandemic has taken on “essential workers”.
“There’s a little bit of mythology about reopening the economy,” he said, adding that while some of the state previously shut down, 60% of its economy kept moving. Those who kept working outside the home included farmworkers, grocery store employees and others doing jobs that are “overrepresented in the black and brown community”, Newsom said.
According to state public health data, Latinos represent an outsized portion of cases.
The New York Times has published stunning and upsetting details of transcripts from police body cameras worn during the killing of George Floyd, an African American man, in Minneapolis on 25 May.
Floyd’s death set off protests against police brutality and structural racism which continue to fuel a national reckoning on race and American identity.
Derek Chauvin, the officer who kneeled on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, is charged with murder. Three others are charged with aiding and abetting murder.
According to the Times, the transcripts are included in court filings by lawyers for former officer Thomas Lane, seeking to have charges against him thrown out.
Floyd told officers he could not breathe more than 20 times. “I can’t breathe” was already a slogan of the Black Lives Matter movement, since the death in an illegal chokehold of Eric Garner on Staten Island in 2014.
“Come on, man,” Floyd says in one published transcript. “Oh, oh. I cannot breathe. I cannot breathe. They’ll kill me. They’ll kill me. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.”
Lane is recorded asking Chauvin if Floyd should be turned over, and saying he is worried Floyd may be having a medical emergency.
Chauvin responds: “Well that’s why we got the ambulance coming.”
“OK, I suppose,” Lane replies, later adding: “I think he’s passing out.”
In another comment recorded in the transcripts, Floyd says: “Momma, I love you. Tell my kids I love them. I’m dead.”
The arrest was over a report that Floyd had used a counterfeit $20 bill at a grocery store.
McEnany repeatedly links school closures to child abuse, saying studies show reporting of such abuse falls when schools are closed. It’s not very sensitive, at best, to make that her go-to reason for arguing schools should reopen, when teachers unions, parents, administrators and most other interested groups simply want to reopen as soon as possible but as safely as possible too.
We haven’t got to Mary Trump’s book yet, oddly.
McEanany promises “a safe event, a good event” in Jacksonville next month when the Republican convention comes to town. With covid cases spiking in Florida, that might be a clip which is repeated.
Trump mentioned the White House was “flexible” about Jacksonville earlier – McEnany doesn’t say the convention could switch elsewhere or even back to Charlotte, North Carolina.
McEnany is about to leave, so she reads out information about the mayor of Kansas City writing to the governor about increased violent crime and an initiative from Attorney General William Barr to tackle it. It’s called Operation LeGend, and it’s named after a four-year-old who was killed in gun violence in Kansas City in June.
And another brief briefing is done.
On Trump’s taxes and financial records – what happens if the supreme court rules against him? McEnany won’t answer.
Payment for the wall did not come up when Trump met President Lopez Obrador earlier, McEnany adds, adding that she has nothing new on the new attempt to trash Daca, the order which protects undocumented migrants brought into the US as children. Immigration “came up briefly” in the Mexico meeting, she says, but she won’t get into their private conversations.
“I’m not going to get ahead of the president” could be McEnany’s catchphrase, and obviously it’s quite wise because no one ever knows what Trump is going to say next. She brings it out twice, on China/Hong Kong and Israel/Palestine.“I’m not going to get ahead of the president” could be McEnany’s catchphrase, and obviously it’s quite wise because no one ever knows what Trump is going to say next. She brings it out twice, on China/Hong Kong and Israel/Palestine.
What did Trump mean about taking funding from schools when he tweeted about it this morning? Nothing from McEnany first time – a repeat that Trump wants more money for schools in the next relief bill. Second time, McEnany just insists Trump wants students back in schools all at the same time, and it’s for the children’s own goods.What did Trump mean about taking funding from schools when he tweeted about it this morning? Nothing from McEnany first time – a repeat that Trump wants more money for schools in the next relief bill. Second time, McEnany just insists Trump wants students back in schools all at the same time, and it’s for the children’s own goods.
McEnany is asked about the children’s safety – she says Trump will stand up to teachers’ unions who want to keep schools closed. They don’t, of course, but they do want to keep teachers and children safe during a pandemic.McEnany is asked about the children’s safety – she says Trump will stand up to teachers’ unions who want to keep schools closed. They don’t, of course, but they do want to keep teachers and children safe during a pandemic.
McEnany is asked when Trump will detail his plans for a second term. She says he is looking to “substantially bump up money for education” in the immediate term, in the context of further coronavirus stimulus or relief payments.McEnany is asked when Trump will detail his plans for a second term. She says he is looking to “substantially bump up money for education” in the immediate term, in the context of further coronavirus stimulus or relief payments.
Might he speak about it this Saturday in New Hampshire? McEnany says Trump will be talking about rebuilding the economy, among “conservative policies he’s looking at for a second term”.Might he speak about it this Saturday in New Hampshire? McEnany says Trump will be talking about rebuilding the economy, among “conservative policies he’s looking at for a second term”.
About the rally in New Hampshire, a reporter refers to a surge in Covid cases in Tulsa after a rally there last month. Why does Trump not require masks at his rallies?About the rally in New Hampshire, a reporter refers to a surge in Covid cases in Tulsa after a rally there last month. Why does Trump not require masks at his rallies?
McEnany says CDC guidelines are that masks are “recommended not required” and that is why the campaign makes them available but not mandatory at its events.McEnany says CDC guidelines are that masks are “recommended not required” and that is why the campaign makes them available but not mandatory at its events.
The first question is about why Donald Trump hasn’t answered questions from White House reporters in two weeks, which McEnany neatly dodges.The first question is about why Donald Trump hasn’t answered questions from White House reporters in two weeks, which McEnany neatly dodges.
She is then asked about why coronavirus task force member Anthony Fauci isn’t appearing at briefings or on TV very much. She reels off stats about when Fauci did appear recently, the last date being 29 June. She is asked if Trump has confidence in Fauci but dodges the question – which is potentially the same as a no.She is then asked about why coronavirus task force member Anthony Fauci isn’t appearing at briefings or on TV very much. She reels off stats about when Fauci did appear recently, the last date being 29 June. She is asked if Trump has confidence in Fauci but dodges the question – which is potentially the same as a no.
Trump attacked Fauci this morning – here’s the report on that – and has clashed with the CDC over schools reopening plans. McEnany says Trump doesn’t like “several” of the CDC guidelines about reopening and confirms they will be remade.Trump attacked Fauci this morning – here’s the report on that – and has clashed with the CDC over schools reopening plans. McEnany says Trump doesn’t like “several” of the CDC guidelines about reopening and confirms they will be remade.
New guidelines are due next week. McEnany says this is not because Trump didn’t like them but says he expressed his opinion on Twitter for all to see. Reporters are on this one like a dog with a new toy, but McEnany is deflecting with relative ease. Trump “stands on the side of parents who want to see their kids back in school”, she says.New guidelines are due next week. McEnany says this is not because Trump didn’t like them but says he expressed his opinion on Twitter for all to see. Reporters are on this one like a dog with a new toy, but McEnany is deflecting with relative ease. Trump “stands on the side of parents who want to see their kids back in school”, she says.
McEnany begins with a statement about the Mexican president’s visit, talking up Trump’s leadership in regards to a country he … hasn’t always been very nice about, and which hasn’t paid for his wall like he said it would … and the USMCA, the trade deal also involving Canada the president pursued to replace Nafta.McEnany begins with a statement about the Mexican president’s visit, talking up Trump’s leadership in regards to a country he … hasn’t always been very nice about, and which hasn’t paid for his wall like he said it would … and the USMCA, the trade deal also involving Canada the president pursued to replace Nafta.
Here comes Kayleigh McEnany. The thing about McEnany’s White House press briefings is they tend to be, well, brief. She’s late out for this one but it’s eyes down for, this blogger hopes at least, something less onerous than an old-fashioned coronavirus taskforce briefing, the kind where Trump played all the hits for two hours and more and somehow still left them wanting. Some of them. Sometimes.Here comes Kayleigh McEnany. The thing about McEnany’s White House press briefings is they tend to be, well, brief. She’s late out for this one but it’s eyes down for, this blogger hopes at least, something less onerous than an old-fashioned coronavirus taskforce briefing, the kind where Trump played all the hits for two hours and more and somehow still left them wanting. Some of them. Sometimes.
Six taskforces designed to unify the Democratic party after a contentious primary have submitted policy recommendations to Joe Biden, pushing the presumptive nominee to adopt more ambitious proposals on issues from climate change to criminal justice reform.Six taskforces designed to unify the Democratic party after a contentious primary have submitted policy recommendations to Joe Biden, pushing the presumptive nominee to adopt more ambitious proposals on issues from climate change to criminal justice reform.
The taskforces were appointed in April to forge a consensus between the party establishment and its activist base in six key policy areas: climate change, criminal justice reform, the economy, education, healthcare and immigration.The taskforces were appointed in April to forge a consensus between the party establishment and its activist base in six key policy areas: climate change, criminal justice reform, the economy, education, healthcare and immigration.
The working groups combined supporters of Biden’s rival, Bernie Sanders, with Biden allies and staff. Biden has remained opposed to many of the boldest policy demands from progressives, including Medicare for All, a Green New Deal and the Defund the Police movement. But he has signaled an openness to broadening his platform.The working groups combined supporters of Biden’s rival, Bernie Sanders, with Biden allies and staff. Biden has remained opposed to many of the boldest policy demands from progressives, including Medicare for All, a Green New Deal and the Defund the Police movement. But he has signaled an openness to broadening his platform.
In response to the compounding crises of the coronavirus, its economic fallout and social unrest in response to police brutality against black Americans, Biden has expanded his policy ambitions – at least rhetorically – and insisted that the “blinders” have come off and more Americans are open to big ideas.In response to the compounding crises of the coronavirus, its economic fallout and social unrest in response to police brutality against black Americans, Biden has expanded his policy ambitions – at least rhetorically – and insisted that the “blinders” have come off and more Americans are open to big ideas.
A 110-page policy document will be submitted to the Democratic National Committee to consider as it designs the platform ahead of the convention in August.A 110-page policy document will be submitted to the Democratic National Committee to consider as it designs the platform ahead of the convention in August.
“For the millions of Americans facing hardship due to President Trump’s failed coronavirus response, this election offers the chance to usher in a stronger, fairer economy that works for our working families,” Biden said in a statement.“For the millions of Americans facing hardship due to President Trump’s failed coronavirus response, this election offers the chance to usher in a stronger, fairer economy that works for our working families,” Biden said in a statement.
“I commend the taskforces for their service and helping build a bold, transformative platform for our party and for our country. And I am deeply grateful to Senator Sanders for working together to unite our party and deliver real, lasting change for generations to come.”“I commend the taskforces for their service and helping build a bold, transformative platform for our party and for our country. And I am deeply grateful to Senator Sanders for working together to unite our party and deliver real, lasting change for generations to come.”
Sanders said: “While Joe Biden and I, and our supporters, have strong disagreements about some of the most important issues facing our country, we also understand that we must come together in order to defeat Donald Trump, the most dangerous president in modern American history.Sanders said: “While Joe Biden and I, and our supporters, have strong disagreements about some of the most important issues facing our country, we also understand that we must come together in order to defeat Donald Trump, the most dangerous president in modern American history.
“Though the end result is not what I or my supporters would have written alone, the taskforces have created a good policy blueprint that will move this country in a much-needed progressive direction and substantially improve the lives of working families.”“Though the end result is not what I or my supporters would have written alone, the taskforces have created a good policy blueprint that will move this country in a much-needed progressive direction and substantially improve the lives of working families.”
Martin Pengelly here, minding the shop for a bit until my west coast colleagues come on stream at 5pm ET.Martin Pengelly here, minding the shop for a bit until my west coast colleagues come on stream at 5pm ET.
Donald Trump and Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador have been speaking to reporters in the Rose Garden, where the pool report reveals the press corps was “spaced out and sweating profusely”.Donald Trump and Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador have been speaking to reporters in the Rose Garden, where the pool report reveals the press corps was “spaced out and sweating profusely”.
“POTUS promised to keep it short due to the heat”, the report adds, although Amlo certainly went on a bit with his remarks.“POTUS promised to keep it short due to the heat”, the report adds, although Amlo certainly went on a bit with his remarks.
From the outside, the White House has today seemed at times to be planning a Schrödinger’s press briefing, both scheduled and cancelled at the same time. For the moment it’s scheduled again, at 4.30pm.From the outside, the White House has today seemed at times to be planning a Schrödinger’s press briefing, both scheduled and cancelled at the same time. For the moment it’s scheduled again, at 4.30pm.
Kayleigh McEnany can expect questions about the coronavirus pandemic, Mary Trump’s book, Amlo’s visit and more. If precedent is anything to go by, reporters can expect the White House press secretary to deliver a forceful opening statement, combative answers and a scripted walk-off.Kayleigh McEnany can expect questions about the coronavirus pandemic, Mary Trump’s book, Amlo’s visit and more. If precedent is anything to go by, reporters can expect the White House press secretary to deliver a forceful opening statement, combative answers and a scripted walk-off.
That’s it from me today. My Guardian colleagues will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My Guardian colleagues will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
The number of US cases of coronavirus has surpassed 3 million. The country has confirmed far more cases than any other country in the world and now accounts for about a quarter of global cases.The number of US cases of coronavirus has surpassed 3 million. The country has confirmed far more cases than any other country in the world and now accounts for about a quarter of global cases.
Vice President Mike Pence urged schools to reopen despite the pandemic, echoing comments from Trump. During a White House coronavirus task force briefing at the US department of education, Pence said, “It’s time for us to get our kids back to school.” But many school officials are expressing doubts about their ability to safely reopen their doors.Vice President Mike Pence urged schools to reopen despite the pandemic, echoing comments from Trump. During a White House coronavirus task force briefing at the US department of education, Pence said, “It’s time for us to get our kids back to school.” But many school officials are expressing doubts about their ability to safely reopen their doors.
Trump threatened to withhold funding from schools that don’t reopen. The president also criticized the school reopening guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “very tough” and “expensive.”Trump threatened to withhold funding from schools that don’t reopen. The president also criticized the school reopening guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “very tough” and “expensive.”
The supreme court sided with the Trump administration in a birth control case. In a 7-2 decision written by conservative justice Clarence Thomas, the court ruled that the administration was allowed to expand exemptions to private employers seeking to opt out of the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive coverage mandate.The supreme court sided with the Trump administration in a birth control case. In a 7-2 decision written by conservative justice Clarence Thomas, the court ruled that the administration was allowed to expand exemptions to private employers seeking to opt out of the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive coverage mandate.
Lt Col Alexander Vindman, a key witness in the Trump impeachment inquiry, announced he was retiring from the US Army. Vindman’s lawyer said he made the decision to retire after more than 21 years of service because the White House had launched a “campaign of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation” against him.Lt Col Alexander Vindman, a key witness in the Trump impeachment inquiry, announced he was retiring from the US Army. Vindman’s lawyer said he made the decision to retire after more than 21 years of service because the White House had launched a “campaign of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation” against him.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Facebook announced it is removing 54 accounts and 50 pages linked to former Trump associate Roger Stone, who is expected to report to prison next week.Facebook announced it is removing 54 accounts and 50 pages linked to former Trump associate Roger Stone, who is expected to report to prison next week.
Reuters has more details on the decision:Reuters has more details on the decision:
The latest move by Facebook comes as several social media companies take steps to crack down on hate speech on their platforms, often attracting criticism from the president and his allies.The latest move by Facebook comes as several social media companies take steps to crack down on hate speech on their platforms, often attracting criticism from the president and his allies.
The National Governors Association is calling on the White House to renew the public health emergency declaration for the coronavirus pandemic, which is currently set to expire on July 25.The National Governors Association is calling on the White House to renew the public health emergency declaration for the coronavirus pandemic, which is currently set to expire on July 25.
“The public health emergency facing every state is far from over. Despite months of response to the coronavirus pandemic, many states have hit record numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases, causing many governors to pause or roll back re-openings,” the NGA said in a statement.“The public health emergency facing every state is far from over. Despite months of response to the coronavirus pandemic, many states have hit record numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases, causing many governors to pause or roll back re-openings,” the NGA said in a statement.
“The U.S. government must ensure governors, states and territories continue to have all the tools necessary to manage the COVID-19 surge.”“The U.S. government must ensure governors, states and territories continue to have all the tools necessary to manage the COVID-19 surge.”
The group, which represents the governors of all 55 states and territories, said the PHE declaration was needed to ensure states continue to have access to critical resources and funding for testing.The group, which represents the governors of all 55 states and territories, said the PHE declaration was needed to ensure states continue to have access to critical resources and funding for testing.
“Without these options, governors’ ability to protect the health and safety of their residents will be reduced at a critical time,” the NGA statement said.“Without these options, governors’ ability to protect the health and safety of their residents will be reduced at a critical time,” the NGA statement said.
Former Fox News host Shepard Smith is joining CNBC, nine months after leaving his old network following public spats with the president.Former Fox News host Shepard Smith is joining CNBC, nine months after leaving his old network following public spats with the president.
CNBC said Smith will anchor a one-hour news program titled The News with Shepard Smith, which will air at 7pm ET starting in the fall.CNBC said Smith will anchor a one-hour news program titled The News with Shepard Smith, which will air at 7pm ET starting in the fall.
“Information is coming at us from every direction. If we’re not careful life-altering decisions will be made based on half-truth, rumor, misdirection or worse,” CNBC chairman Mark Hoffman said in a statement.“Information is coming at us from every direction. If we’re not careful life-altering decisions will be made based on half-truth, rumor, misdirection or worse,” CNBC chairman Mark Hoffman said in a statement.
“We aim to deliver a nightly program that, in some small way, looks for the signal in all the noise. We’re thrilled that Shep, who’s built a career on an honest fight to find and report the facts, will continue his pursuit of the truth at CNBC.”“We aim to deliver a nightly program that, in some small way, looks for the signal in all the noise. We’re thrilled that Shep, who’s built a career on an honest fight to find and report the facts, will continue his pursuit of the truth at CNBC.”
Smith left Fox News in October after repeatedly criticizing Trump for spreading falsehoods and misinformation, attracting the president’s ire on Twitter.Smith left Fox News in October after repeatedly criticizing Trump for spreading falsehoods and misinformation, attracting the president’s ire on Twitter.
Delivering his final message to Fox viewers, Smith said in Ocrober, “Even in our currently polarized nation, it is my hope that the facts will win the day, that the truth will always matter, that journalism and journalists will thrive.”Delivering his final message to Fox viewers, Smith said in Ocrober, “Even in our currently polarized nation, it is my hope that the facts will win the day, that the truth will always matter, that journalism and journalists will thrive.”
In case you missed it: New York schools plan to reopen this fall by combining some in-person instruction with online learning.In case you missed it: New York schools plan to reopen this fall by combining some in-person instruction with online learning.
“Most schools will not be able to have all their kids in school at the same time,” New York mayor Bill de Blasio said this morning.“Most schools will not be able to have all their kids in school at the same time,” New York mayor Bill de Blasio said this morning.
De Blasio said parents would have the option to keep their children home for online-only instruction, but three quarters of New York parents indicated they wanted their children to return to school in a recent survey.De Blasio said parents would have the option to keep their children home for online-only instruction, but three quarters of New York parents indicated they wanted their children to return to school in a recent survey.
Most students will attend school in person for two to three days a week and take online lessons for the rest of the time.Most students will attend school in person for two to three days a week and take online lessons for the rest of the time.
“When you think about social distancing, you need more space,” de Blasio said. “You’re going to have fewer kids in a classroom, fewer kids in the school building.”“When you think about social distancing, you need more space,” de Blasio said. “You’re going to have fewer kids in a classroom, fewer kids in the school building.”
Shortly after de Blasio announced the plan, New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the proposal would still have to be approved by state officials, as is required for every school district in the state.Shortly after de Blasio announced the plan, New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the proposal would still have to be approved by state officials, as is required for every school district in the state.
The city’s plan is sure to displease Trump, who is pushing for schools to reopen despite lingering concerns about the spread of coronavirus in classrooms.The city’s plan is sure to displease Trump, who is pushing for schools to reopen despite lingering concerns about the spread of coronavirus in classrooms.
Vice President Mike Pence echoed Trump’s position earlier today, saying at the White House coronavirus task force briefing, “It’s time for us to get our kids back to school.”Vice President Mike Pence echoed Trump’s position earlier today, saying at the White House coronavirus task force briefing, “It’s time for us to get our kids back to school.”