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Coronavirus US: 61,492 new cases recorded, second highest day on record – live updates Coronavirus US: 61,492 new cases recorded, second highest day on record – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Alabama, Maine and Texas to vote in primaries today as Covid-19 numbers keep risingAlabama, Maine and Texas to vote in primaries today as Covid-19 numbers keep rising
Adm. Brett Giroir has been doing the TV round this morning, and gave a pretty snappy response when he was asked about the accusation that Donald Trump retweeted yesterday that the CDC and “most” doctors were lying about the coronavirus outbreak.Adm. Brett Giroir has been doing the TV round this morning, and gave a pretty snappy response when he was asked about the accusation that Donald Trump retweeted yesterday that the CDC and “most” doctors were lying about the coronavirus outbreak.
Asked directly on NBC’s Today whether the CDC and other doctors are lying, Giroir, a top member of the White House coronavirus task force, said that mistakes have been made and that public guidance is updated when more is learned about the virus, “but none of us lie. We are completely transparent with the American people.”Asked directly on NBC’s Today whether the CDC and other doctors are lying, Giroir, a top member of the White House coronavirus task force, said that mistakes have been made and that public guidance is updated when more is learned about the virus, “but none of us lie. We are completely transparent with the American people.”
Trump has said on several occasion that the virus will “just disappear.” Giroir said that is unlikely “unless we take active steps to make it disappear.” He appealed to people to wear masks, practice social distancing and to avoid bars and other tightly packed areas.Trump has said on several occasion that the virus will “just disappear.” Giroir said that is unlikely “unless we take active steps to make it disappear.” He appealed to people to wear masks, practice social distancing and to avoid bars and other tightly packed areas.
Asked by NBC News if he was bothered by the White House’s treatment of Dr Anthony Fauci over the last few days - the president has singled him out for criticism and there has been a negative briefing operation about him - Giroir didn’t answer directly, but said “none of us are always right and that’s just the way things are.”Asked by NBC News if he was bothered by the White House’s treatment of Dr Anthony Fauci over the last few days - the president has singled him out for criticism and there has been a negative briefing operation about him - Giroir didn’t answer directly, but said “none of us are always right and that’s just the way things are.”
Giroir also appeared to disagree with Trump and education secretary Betsy DeVos over school reopenings. Giroir said it was important to “get the virus under control” first. “And if we get the virus under better control, clearly kids can get back into school safely,” he said.Giroir also appeared to disagree with Trump and education secretary Betsy DeVos over school reopenings. Giroir said it was important to “get the virus under control” first. “And if we get the virus under better control, clearly kids can get back into school safely,” he said.
You can watch the interview segment here: Trump testing czar Brett Giroir – ‘None of us lie’ about coronavirus crisisYou can watch the interview segment here: Trump testing czar Brett Giroir – ‘None of us lie’ about coronavirus crisis
Richard Wolffe has a new column for us today - where he argues that Donald Trump may be no good at leading America – but he’s really, really good at lyingRichard Wolffe has a new column for us today - where he argues that Donald Trump may be no good at leading America – but he’s really, really good at lying
Read it here: Richard Wolffe – Trump may be no good at leading America – but he’s really, really good at lyingRead it here: Richard Wolffe – Trump may be no good at leading America – but he’s really, really good at lying
Associated Press are reporting that the US government on Tuesday carried out the first federal execution in almost two decades, putting to death a man who killed an Arkansas family in the 1990s in a plot to build a whites-only nation in the Pacific Northwest. The execution came over the objection of the victim’s family.Associated Press are reporting that the US government on Tuesday carried out the first federal execution in almost two decades, putting to death a man who killed an Arkansas family in the 1990s in a plot to build a whites-only nation in the Pacific Northwest. The execution came over the objection of the victim’s family.
Daniel Lewis Lee, 47, of Yukon, Oklahoma, died by lethal injection at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana.Daniel Lewis Lee, 47, of Yukon, Oklahoma, died by lethal injection at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana.
“I didn’t do it,” Lee said before he was executed. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I’m not a murderer. You’re killing an innocent man.”“I didn’t do it,” Lee said before he was executed. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I’m not a murderer. You’re killing an innocent man.”
The decision to move forward with the execution - the first by the Bureau of Prisons since 2003 - drew scrutiny from civil rights groups and the relatives of Lee’s victims, who had sued to try to halt it, citing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.The decision to move forward with the execution - the first by the Bureau of Prisons since 2003 - drew scrutiny from civil rights groups and the relatives of Lee’s victims, who had sued to try to halt it, citing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
A late night 5-4 vote by the supreme court allowed the execution to proceed.A late night 5-4 vote by the supreme court allowed the execution to proceed.
Executions on the federal level have been rare and the government has put to death only three defendants since restoring the federal death penalty in 1988, most recently in 2003.Executions on the federal level have been rare and the government has put to death only three defendants since restoring the federal death penalty in 1988, most recently in 2003.
Joe Biden is putting his first general election ad out in Texas today - a state which has been solidly Republican since 1980 but which polling numbers recently suggest may be in play in November. It’s tight, but some polls have even shown Biden with a lead.Joe Biden is putting his first general election ad out in Texas today - a state which has been solidly Republican since 1980 but which polling numbers recently suggest may be in play in November. It’s tight, but some polls have even shown Biden with a lead.
Texas is one of the states being hardest hit with coronavirus at the moment, and that’s the focus of the ad, which is titled “Tough”.Texas is one of the states being hardest hit with coronavirus at the moment, and that’s the focus of the ad, which is titled “Tough”.
In it, Biden says:In it, Biden says:
The spot will also air in North Carolina, Florida and Arizona.
Away from coronavirus for a moment, there’s still an election to be fought, and today Texas, Alabama and Maine have primaries going on. With the main attraction settled as Trump vs Biden, and the impact of Covid-19, there are a little more low-key than normal.Away from coronavirus for a moment, there’s still an election to be fought, and today Texas, Alabama and Maine have primaries going on. With the main attraction settled as Trump vs Biden, and the impact of Covid-19, there are a little more low-key than normal.
There are still a few interesting battles to watch out for though.There are still a few interesting battles to watch out for though.
Jeff Sessions is trying to re-ignite his political career in Alabama, where he is in a run-off with former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville for a chance to unseat vulnerable Democratic Sen. Doug Jones. Given their high profile falling out, it is no surprise that Donald Trump has endorsed Tuberville.Jeff Sessions is trying to re-ignite his political career in Alabama, where he is in a run-off with former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville for a chance to unseat vulnerable Democratic Sen. Doug Jones. Given their high profile falling out, it is no surprise that Donald Trump has endorsed Tuberville.
Former White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson is also putting himself out there. He finished second in the 15-person field earlier in the year, and now is up against Josh Winegarner. The prize is a seat in a heavily-Republican district.Former White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson is also putting himself out there. He finished second in the 15-person field earlier in the year, and now is up against Josh Winegarner. The prize is a seat in a heavily-Republican district.
Candace Valenzuela is in the running for a Democratic nomination in Texas. Should she win and get elected, she would be the first Afro Latina in CongressCandace Valenzuela is in the running for a Democratic nomination in Texas. Should she win and get elected, she would be the first Afro Latina in Congress
There’s more here: CNN – Primary elections and runoffs in Texas, Alabama and Maine: 9 things to watch in Tuesday’s down-ballot racesThere’s more here: CNN – Primary elections and runoffs in Texas, Alabama and Maine: 9 things to watch in Tuesday’s down-ballot races
Geoffrey Kabaservice has written for us this morning about how he is not surprised about Florida’s reaction to the Covid-19 crisis. He identifies several factors peculiar to the state which may have had an impact:Geoffrey Kabaservice has written for us this morning about how he is not surprised about Florida’s reaction to the Covid-19 crisis. He identifies several factors peculiar to the state which may have had an impact:
Kabaservice also wonders about the long-term implications for US politicsKabaservice also wonders about the long-term implications for US politics
Read it here: Geoffrey Kabaservice – I’m from Florida. Our coronavirus crisis doesn’t surprise meRead it here: Geoffrey Kabaservice – I’m from Florida. Our coronavirus crisis doesn’t surprise me
Yesterday evening Orange County education leaders voted to recommend reopening schools without the mandatory use of masks or increased social distancing - although they do suggest there should be daily temperature checks, frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer, alongside the nightly disinfection of classroomsYesterday evening Orange County education leaders voted to recommend reopening schools without the mandatory use of masks or increased social distancing - although they do suggest there should be daily temperature checks, frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer, alongside the nightly disinfection of classrooms
Jocelyn Gecker has been reporting for Associated Press from California on the school reopening debate. As she puts it, on one side are parents saying, let kids be kids. They object to masks and social distancing in classrooms arguing both could hurt their children’s well-being.On the other side are parents and teachers who call for safeguards that would have been unimaginable before the coronavirus pandemic: part-time school, face coverings for all or a fully online curriculum.Jocelyn Gecker has been reporting for Associated Press from California on the school reopening debate. As she puts it, on one side are parents saying, let kids be kids. They object to masks and social distancing in classrooms arguing both could hurt their children’s well-being.On the other side are parents and teachers who call for safeguards that would have been unimaginable before the coronavirus pandemic: part-time school, face coverings for all or a fully online curriculum.
“Don’t tell me my kid has to wear a mask,” Kim Sherman, a mother of three in the central California city of Clovis who describes herself as very conservative and very pro-Trump, told Gecker. “I don’t need to be dictated to to tell me how best to raise my kids.”“Don’t tell me my kid has to wear a mask,” Kim Sherman, a mother of three in the central California city of Clovis who describes herself as very conservative and very pro-Trump, told Gecker. “I don’t need to be dictated to to tell me how best to raise my kids.”
Some parents have threatened to pull their children and the funding they provide if masks are required. Hillary Salway, a mother of three in Orange County, California, is part of a vocal minority calling for schools to fully open with “normal social interaction.”Some parents have threatened to pull their children and the funding they provide if masks are required. Hillary Salway, a mother of three in Orange County, California, is part of a vocal minority calling for schools to fully open with “normal social interaction.”
If the district requires masks for her son’s kindergarten class, she says, “I don’t know if my son will be starting his educational career in the public school system this fall.”If the district requires masks for her son’s kindergarten class, she says, “I don’t know if my son will be starting his educational career in the public school system this fall.”
She wants him to feel free to hug his teacher and friends and can’t imagine sending him to a school where he’ll get reprimanded for sharing a toy. She started a petition last month urging her district to “keep facial expressions visually available” and helped organize a protest of over 100 people outside the district office, with signs saying, “No to masks, Yes to recess,” and “Let me breathe.”She wants him to feel free to hug his teacher and friends and can’t imagine sending him to a school where he’ll get reprimanded for sharing a toy. She started a petition last month urging her district to “keep facial expressions visually available” and helped organize a protest of over 100 people outside the district office, with signs saying, “No to masks, Yes to recess,” and “Let me breathe.”
Supporters argue that face coverings are ineffective, give a false sense of security, and are potentially detrimental.Supporters argue that face coverings are ineffective, give a false sense of security, and are potentially detrimental.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says masks may help prevent infected people from spreading the virus to others and urged students and teachers to wear them whenever feasible. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered Californians to wear them in public.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says masks may help prevent infected people from spreading the virus to others and urged students and teachers to wear them whenever feasible. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered Californians to wear them in public.
Brooke Aston Harper, a liberal parent who attended a particularly spirited Orange County education board meeting recently, said it was “horrifying” that speakers were “imposing their small worldview on all of us.”Brooke Aston Harper, a liberal parent who attended a particularly spirited Orange County education board meeting recently, said it was “horrifying” that speakers were “imposing their small worldview on all of us.”
“I’m not looking for a fight, I just want us to take precautions,” said Harper, whose children are 4 and 6.She also started a petition, calling on schools to follow state guidelines that include masks for teachers and students, constant social distancing on campuses and other measures.“I’m not looking for a fight, I just want us to take precautions,” said Harper, whose children are 4 and 6.She also started a petition, calling on schools to follow state guidelines that include masks for teachers and students, constant social distancing on campuses and other measures.
“For each school board, the question is going to be: What does our community want, and who is the loudest?” she said.“I will be wearing a mask, a face shield, possibly gloves, and I’m even considering getting some type of body covering to wear,” says Stacey Pugh, a fifth-grade teacher in suburban Houston. She hopes her Aldine district will mandate masks for students. “Come the fall, we’re going to be the front-line workers,” said Pugh.“For each school board, the question is going to be: What does our community want, and who is the loudest?” she said.“I will be wearing a mask, a face shield, possibly gloves, and I’m even considering getting some type of body covering to wear,” says Stacey Pugh, a fifth-grade teacher in suburban Houston. She hopes her Aldine district will mandate masks for students. “Come the fall, we’re going to be the front-line workers,” said Pugh.
Many small, rural communities argue they shouldn’t have to comply with the same rules as big cities, where infection rates are higher.Many small, rural communities argue they shouldn’t have to comply with the same rules as big cities, where infection rates are higher.
Craig Guensler, superintendent of a small district in California’s mostly rural Yuba County, says officials will try to follow state mandates. They have spent $25,000 on what he calls “spit guards, for lack of a better term” - clear Plexiglas dividers to separate desks at Wheatland Unified School District’s four schools.Craig Guensler, superintendent of a small district in California’s mostly rural Yuba County, says officials will try to follow state mandates. They have spent $25,000 on what he calls “spit guards, for lack of a better term” - clear Plexiglas dividers to separate desks at Wheatland Unified School District’s four schools.
Eighty-five percent of parents said in a survey they want their kids in school full time. Officials will space out desks as much as possible but still expect up to 28 in each classroom, Guensler said. Many parents are adamant their children not wear masks, and he suspects they will find loopholes if California requires them.Eighty-five percent of parents said in a survey they want their kids in school full time. Officials will space out desks as much as possible but still expect up to 28 in each classroom, Guensler said. Many parents are adamant their children not wear masks, and he suspects they will find loopholes if California requires them.
“Our expectation is we’re going to get pummelled with pediatricians writing notes, saying, ‘My child can’t wear a mask,’” he said.“Our expectation is we’re going to get pummelled with pediatricians writing notes, saying, ‘My child can’t wear a mask,’” he said.
Talking of fall reopenings, vice president Mike Pence is due in Baton Rouge, Louisiana today, and one of the items on his agenda is a visit to Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium to discuss colleges reopening, and how to get college sport up and running again.Talking of fall reopenings, vice president Mike Pence is due in Baton Rouge, Louisiana today, and one of the items on his agenda is a visit to Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium to discuss colleges reopening, and how to get college sport up and running again.
His visit comes as the state becomes one of the nation’s coronavirus hotspots. It has seen an 18% increase in reported new daily cases over the last week, and has had nearly 80,000 confirmed cases since its first positive coronavirus test in March. Public health experts, though, say the actual infection rate is likely much higher.His visit comes as the state becomes one of the nation’s coronavirus hotspots. It has seen an 18% increase in reported new daily cases over the last week, and has had nearly 80,000 confirmed cases since its first positive coronavirus test in March. Public health experts, though, say the actual infection rate is likely much higher.
Pence is also scheduled to meet with Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, members of the congressional delegation, and state health officials to talk about the state’s response to Covid-19, report the Associated Press.Pence is also scheduled to meet with Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, members of the congressional delegation, and state health officials to talk about the state’s response to Covid-19, report the Associated Press.
“Louisiana has been on the radar, literally front and center, of the White House Coronavirus Task Force since the very beginning. We’ve never come off of that radar,” Edwards said. “I think that’s a big reason why the vice president chose to come to Baton Rouge and to Louisiana.”“Louisiana has been on the radar, literally front and center, of the White House Coronavirus Task Force since the very beginning. We’ve never come off of that radar,” Edwards said. “I think that’s a big reason why the vice president chose to come to Baton Rouge and to Louisiana.”
In response to the spike in virus cases and hospitalizations, the Democratic governor enacted a statewide mask mandate for people ages 8 and older that took effect Monday. He also returned bars to take-out and delivery only. Restaurants, casinos, gyms, salons and other businesses remain open with occupancy restrictions.In response to the spike in virus cases and hospitalizations, the Democratic governor enacted a statewide mask mandate for people ages 8 and older that took effect Monday. He also returned bars to take-out and delivery only. Restaurants, casinos, gyms, salons and other businesses remain open with occupancy restrictions.
There’s some new figures from Ipsos/Mori this morning having surveyed the American public about their attitude to coronavirus.There’s some new figures from Ipsos/Mori this morning having surveyed the American public about their attitude to coronavirus.
One the headline numbers is that a large majority of parents - 71% - say sending their child to school in the fall is a large or moderate risk. The Trump administration has been pushing hard for school to reopen, but it doesn’t seem like they are carrying the public with them on the issue. Only 8% reported thinking there was ‘no risk’.One the headline numbers is that a large majority of parents - 71% - say sending their child to school in the fall is a large or moderate risk. The Trump administration has been pushing hard for school to reopen, but it doesn’t seem like they are carrying the public with them on the issue. Only 8% reported thinking there was ‘no risk’.
Masks have also been a contentious issue. Ipsos/Mori found that 62% of people report wearing a mask at all times when leaving the home, with an additional 23% saying they sometimes wearing a mask. This is, Ipsos/Mori say, the highest level of mask use since tracking began in April.Masks have also been a contentious issue. Ipsos/Mori found that 62% of people report wearing a mask at all times when leaving the home, with an additional 23% saying they sometimes wearing a mask. This is, Ipsos/Mori say, the highest level of mask use since tracking began in April.
The figures are based on 1,063 interviews which took place between 10 July and 13 July.The figures are based on 1,063 interviews which took place between 10 July and 13 July.
You can read the full report here: Ipsos/Mori – Despite seeing great risk, Americans slow to make major changes to deal with Covid-19You can read the full report here: Ipsos/Mori – Despite seeing great risk, Americans slow to make major changes to deal with Covid-19
Kenya Evelyn has been in Washington for us reporting on the multiple factors that are putting Black and Latino Americans disproportionately at risk of contracting and dying of Covid-19.Kenya Evelyn has been in Washington for us reporting on the multiple factors that are putting Black and Latino Americans disproportionately at risk of contracting and dying of Covid-19.
Read it here: ‘A slap in the face’: how racial bias dogs US coronavirus response at every levelRead it here: ‘A slap in the face’: how racial bias dogs US coronavirus response at every level
One of the things about the spread of the coronavirus is that it has not been even across the country. Some states have been badly affected and are approaching their full ICU capacity - others seem relatively unscathed. The Washington Post has been tracking which states currently have the highest new daily incidences of Covid-19 cases per capita.One of the things about the spread of the coronavirus is that it has not been even across the country. Some states have been badly affected and are approaching their full ICU capacity - others seem relatively unscathed. The Washington Post has been tracking which states currently have the highest new daily incidences of Covid-19 cases per capita.
Florida – 52 new daily cases per 100,000 residentsFlorida – 52 new daily cases per 100,000 residents
Arizona – 48Arizona – 48
Louisiana – 42Louisiana – 42
South Carolina – 34South Carolina – 34
Texas – 33Texas – 33
Georgia – 32Georgia – 32
Alabama – 30Alabama – 30
Idaho – 28Idaho – 28
Tennessee – 28Tennessee – 28
Nevada – 27Nevada – 27
Mississippi – 26Mississippi – 26
Arkansas – 23Arkansas – 23
Utah – 21Utah – 21
California – 21California – 21
The states least affected at the moment, with six or fewer new daily cases are Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wyoming, Hawaii, New Hampshire and Maine.The states least affected at the moment, with six or fewer new daily cases are Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wyoming, Hawaii, New Hampshire and Maine.
Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are also experiencing very low new daily case figures at the moment - three or fewer - though these states are coming down from very high peaks earlier in the year.Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are also experiencing very low new daily case figures at the moment - three or fewer - though these states are coming down from very high peaks earlier in the year.
Bear in mind though that for once the Donald Trump argument about the more you test, the more you detect, is in play here. If there are two states with the same baseline incidence of Covid-19, the state with the more efficient testing regime will discover more of the cases. The numbers are still a useful guide though for the comparative impact on each state.Bear in mind though that for once the Donald Trump argument about the more you test, the more you detect, is in play here. If there are two states with the same baseline incidence of Covid-19, the state with the more efficient testing regime will discover more of the cases. The numbers are still a useful guide though for the comparative impact on each state.
Hi, welcome to our live coverage of US politics and the coronavirus crisis for today. Here’s a quick run-through of the key points from yesterday and overnight, and a little bit of what we can expect today. There’s quite a bit on.Hi, welcome to our live coverage of US politics and the coronavirus crisis for today. Here’s a quick run-through of the key points from yesterday and overnight, and a little bit of what we can expect today. There’s quite a bit on.
There’s no coronavirus respite in sight. Yesterday the US recorded 61,492 new Covid-19 cases, the second highest day on record. Montana, North Dakota, Hawaii, Alaska and Idaho are among states seeing the fastest daily increases.There’s no coronavirus respite in sight. Yesterday the US recorded 61,492 new Covid-19 cases, the second highest day on record. Montana, North Dakota, Hawaii, Alaska and Idaho are among states seeing the fastest daily increases.
Alabama, Maine and Texas have their primaries today. Jeff Sessions is running against Tommy Tuberville for a shot at his old seat in AlabamaAlabama, Maine and Texas have their primaries today. Jeff Sessions is running against Tommy Tuberville for a shot at his old seat in Alabama
Roger Stone spoke to Fox News in his first interview since commutationRoger Stone spoke to Fox News in his first interview since commutation
Mary Trump’s explosive book about the president comes out today - yesterday a judge ruled that she was no longer gagged from talking about it or promoting itMary Trump’s explosive book about the president comes out today - yesterday a judge ruled that she was no longer gagged from talking about it or promoting it
Ghislane Maxwell is due to appear in court via a video linkGhislane Maxwell is due to appear in court via a video link
Also in court, a judge permanently blocked Georgia’s six-week abortion ban, ruling that it violates the constitutionAlso in court, a judge permanently blocked Georgia’s six-week abortion ban, ruling that it violates the constitution
Joe Biden will be announcing the environmental components of his “Build back better” policy platform later onJoe Biden will be announcing the environmental components of his “Build back better” policy platform later on
Donald Trump is meeting Mike Pompeo this afternoon. Presumably China will be high up the agenda after the Chinese government imposed retaliatory sanctions on some US officials yesterdayDonald Trump is meeting Mike Pompeo this afternoon. Presumably China will be high up the agenda after the Chinese government imposed retaliatory sanctions on some US officials yesterday
I’m Martin Belam and I’ll be with you for the next few hours. You can get in touch with me at martin.belam@theguardian.comI’m Martin Belam and I’ll be with you for the next few hours. You can get in touch with me at martin.belam@theguardian.com