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Coronavirus Live Updates: White House Seeks $850 Billion Stimulus as E.U. Bans Most Travelers Coronavirus Live Updates: White House Seeks $850 Billion Stimulus as E.U. Bans Most Travelers
(30 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
European leaders voted Tuesday to close off at least 26 countries to nearly all visitors from the rest of the world for at least 30 days in a bid to arrest the spread of the coronavirus, starting a long stretch of isolation like nothing in modern European history outside wartime.European leaders voted Tuesday to close off at least 26 countries to nearly all visitors from the rest of the world for at least 30 days in a bid to arrest the spread of the coronavirus, starting a long stretch of isolation like nothing in modern European history outside wartime.
The travel ban — which Britain did not plan to participate in — represented the first coordinated response to the epidemic by the European Union to the growing crisis.The travel ban — which Britain did not plan to participate in — represented the first coordinated response to the epidemic by the European Union to the growing crisis.
Special exceptions would be made for European citizens and residents coming home, although some countries were asking them to self-isolate for two weeks, in some cases away from their families. Medical professionals and scientists would be exempt from the measures, as would people living in one European country and commuting to another for work.Special exceptions would be made for European citizens and residents coming home, although some countries were asking them to self-isolate for two weeks, in some cases away from their families. Medical professionals and scientists would be exempt from the measures, as would people living in one European country and commuting to another for work.
It was the most dramatic action on a day that the Continent continued to grapple with the growing coronavirus crisis, as some countries restricted the movements of their citizens and others proposed relief packages to try to contain the economic damage.It was the most dramatic action on a day that the Continent continued to grapple with the growing coronavirus crisis, as some countries restricted the movements of their citizens and others proposed relief packages to try to contain the economic damage.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, announced a €200 billion relief aid package on Tuesday — equivalent to one of fifth of Spain’s gross domestic product — to help alleviate the economic impact of the pandemic. The situation in Spain continued to grow more dire. At least 491 people have died in the country and there have been 11,178 confirmed cases.Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, announced a €200 billion relief aid package on Tuesday — equivalent to one of fifth of Spain’s gross domestic product — to help alleviate the economic impact of the pandemic. The situation in Spain continued to grow more dire. At least 491 people have died in the country and there have been 11,178 confirmed cases.
The death of Spain’s youngest known victim so far, Francisco García, 21, struck a chord with the nation. Mr. García, a soccer coach from Málaga, did not know he had an underlying condition when he went to the hospital. But he was soon hit with a double dose of bad news: he was infected with coronavirus and he had leukemia. He died on Sunday.The death of Spain’s youngest known victim so far, Francisco García, 21, struck a chord with the nation. Mr. García, a soccer coach from Málaga, did not know he had an underlying condition when he went to the hospital. But he was soon hit with a double dose of bad news: he was infected with coronavirus and he had leukemia. He died on Sunday.
In France, the government announced a relief package that would include postponing or slashing taxes, a government guarantee of loans for companies, and more than $1.1 billion for small businesses and independent contractors.In France, the government announced a relief package that would include postponing or slashing taxes, a government guarantee of loans for companies, and more than $1.1 billion for small businesses and independent contractors.
Germany raced to bring home thousands of its citizens, its government spending more than $55 million on logistics and flights as nations tighten their borders and travel of any kind becomes exceedingly difficult. Turkey reported its first death due to coronavirus. And the Russian government prepared to block most foreigners from entering the country starting Wednesday. Moscow banned events of more than 50 people and ordered schools closed starting Saturday.Germany raced to bring home thousands of its citizens, its government spending more than $55 million on logistics and flights as nations tighten their borders and travel of any kind becomes exceedingly difficult. Turkey reported its first death due to coronavirus. And the Russian government prepared to block most foreigners from entering the country starting Wednesday. Moscow banned events of more than 50 people and ordered schools closed starting Saturday.
In France, the sanctuary in Lourdes, a major Catholic pilgrimage site that is visited by millions every year, was closed until further notice. And in Britain, Queen Elizabeth II planned to leave for Windsor Castle for Easter on Thursday, a week earlier than planned, and the palace announced that she would likely remain there after the holiday ends.In France, the sanctuary in Lourdes, a major Catholic pilgrimage site that is visited by millions every year, was closed until further notice. And in Britain, Queen Elizabeth II planned to leave for Windsor Castle for Easter on Thursday, a week earlier than planned, and the palace announced that she would likely remain there after the holiday ends.
As the growing economic toll of the coronavirus became clearer, the White House said that it supported the idea of sending cash payments directly to Americans as part of a broader $850 billion stimulus proposal that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin discussed Tuesday with Republicans on Capitol Hill.As the growing economic toll of the coronavirus became clearer, the White House said that it supported the idea of sending cash payments directly to Americans as part of a broader $850 billion stimulus proposal that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin discussed Tuesday with Republicans on Capitol Hill.
Mr. Mnuchin said at a briefing that the administration would talk to Congress about sending checks to Americans over the next two weeks to cushion the economic blow of the pandemic. “The president has instructed me we have to do this now,” he said at a briefing.Mr. Mnuchin said at a briefing that the administration would talk to Congress about sending checks to Americans over the next two weeks to cushion the economic blow of the pandemic. “The president has instructed me we have to do this now,” he said at a briefing.
It was a shift in priority for the administration, which has been advocating a payroll tax cut, and it came as the coronavirus ground large swaths of the economy to a halt, cost an increasing number of people their jobs and sent the markets reeling. Marriott International, the giant hotel chain, said Tuesday that it is starting to furlough what it expected will be tens of thousands of employees as it closes hotel properties around the world.It was a shift in priority for the administration, which has been advocating a payroll tax cut, and it came as the coronavirus ground large swaths of the economy to a halt, cost an increasing number of people their jobs and sent the markets reeling. Marriott International, the giant hotel chain, said Tuesday that it is starting to furlough what it expected will be tens of thousands of employees as it closes hotel properties around the world.
Mr. Mnuchin said that the Trump administration favors making direct payments quickly, noting that the effects of a payroll tax cut would take months to reach people.Mr. Mnuchin said that the Trump administration favors making direct payments quickly, noting that the effects of a payroll tax cut would take months to reach people.
Mr. Mnuchin later told Senators that about $250 billion of the stimulus plan would cover the cost of sending checks to Americans to replace lost wages, according to people familiar with his proposal.Mr. Mnuchin later told Senators that about $250 billion of the stimulus plan would cover the cost of sending checks to Americans to replace lost wages, according to people familiar with his proposal.
Over lunch in an office building across from the Capitol, the Treasury secretary privately told Republicans that he envisioned the direct payments covering two weeks of pay and going out by the end of April, with additional checks possible if the national emergency persists, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe a private discussion.Over lunch in an office building across from the Capitol, the Treasury secretary privately told Republicans that he envisioned the direct payments covering two weeks of pay and going out by the end of April, with additional checks possible if the national emergency persists, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe a private discussion.
After the session, Mr. Mnuchin declined to publicly put a dollar figure on the payments, telling reporters only that, “it is a big number.” Earlier at the White House, he said the proposal would be targeted so it would not go to the highest earners, such as those making $1 million or more.After the session, Mr. Mnuchin declined to publicly put a dollar figure on the payments, telling reporters only that, “it is a big number.” Earlier at the White House, he said the proposal would be targeted so it would not go to the highest earners, such as those making $1 million or more.
Mr. Trump, who spent his morning heckling individual state governors on Twitter, struck a tone of coordination and cooperation in the briefing room. Mr. Trump, who has been fixating on the fluctuating markets behind closed doors, emphasized that many of his administration’s actions have been taken in order to bolster the economy.Mr. Trump, who spent his morning heckling individual state governors on Twitter, struck a tone of coordination and cooperation in the briefing room. Mr. Trump, who has been fixating on the fluctuating markets behind closed doors, emphasized that many of his administration’s actions have been taken in order to bolster the economy.
“The best thing we can do is get rid of the virus,” Mr. Trump said. “Once it is gone, it will pop back up like nobody has seen — that is my opinion.”
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“The best thing we can do is get rid of the virus,” Mr. Trump said. “Once it is gone, it will pop back up like nobody has seen — that is my opinion.”
Mr. Mnuchin also said that Mr. Trump had instructed him to allow for the deferment of tax payments, interest free and penalty free for 90 days, which he said would inject $300 billion into the economy.Mr. Mnuchin also said that Mr. Trump had instructed him to allow for the deferment of tax payments, interest free and penalty free for 90 days, which he said would inject $300 billion into the economy.
The Trump administration is also supporting a request for $50 billion in economic relief for the airline industry as part of the broader package.The Trump administration is also supporting a request for $50 billion in economic relief for the airline industry as part of the broader package.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said several State Department employees — “you can count them on one hand,” he said — worldwide have tested positive for the coronavirus. But he did not say where those people were working.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said several State Department employees — “you can count them on one hand,” he said — worldwide have tested positive for the coronavirus. But he did not say where those people were working.
The president reiterated an earlier request for Americans not to hoard food supplies, and again outlined the guidelines put in place by his administration on Monday, which include not congregating in groups over 10 and working from home when possible.The president reiterated an earlier request for Americans not to hoard food supplies, and again outlined the guidelines put in place by his administration on Monday, which include not congregating in groups over 10 and working from home when possible.
Mr. Trump, who repeatedly downplayed the contagiousness and lethality of the virus, also asserted that he “felt this was a pandemic long before it was a pandemic.”Mr. Trump, who repeatedly downplayed the contagiousness and lethality of the virus, also asserted that he “felt this was a pandemic long before it was a pandemic.”
The White House moved as the Federal Reserve announced Tuesday that it would try to keep credit flowing to households and businesses by buying up commercial paper, short term promissory notes companies use to fund themselves.The White House moved as the Federal Reserve announced Tuesday that it would try to keep credit flowing to households and businesses by buying up commercial paper, short term promissory notes companies use to fund themselves.
“This Fed facility ensures that companies can get the overnight funding they need to meet short-term obligations like payroll,” said Ernie Tedeschi, policy economist at Evercore ISI, calling it “obviously a positive step, obviously necessary.”“This Fed facility ensures that companies can get the overnight funding they need to meet short-term obligations like payroll,” said Ernie Tedeschi, policy economist at Evercore ISI, calling it “obviously a positive step, obviously necessary.”
There were signs of support in Congress for the idea of sending direct payments. A group of Senate Democrats, led by Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, had earlier proposed legislation to send as much as $4,500 to nearly every adult and child in the United States this year, as part of a sustained government income-support program to counter the economic slowdown from coronavirus.There were signs of support in Congress for the idea of sending direct payments. A group of Senate Democrats, led by Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, had earlier proposed legislation to send as much as $4,500 to nearly every adult and child in the United States this year, as part of a sustained government income-support program to counter the economic slowdown from coronavirus.
Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said on Tuesday that the Pentagon will make available to the Department of Health and Human Services up to 5 million N95 masks, which can be used to help protect health workers and vulnerable people against the virus. The first 1 million, he said, would be available immediately.Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said on Tuesday that the Pentagon will make available to the Department of Health and Human Services up to 5 million N95 masks, which can be used to help protect health workers and vulnerable people against the virus. The first 1 million, he said, would be available immediately.
The Pentagon is also making available 2,000 ventilators for hospitals, a number that would likely fall far short of the expected need.The Pentagon is also making available 2,000 ventilators for hospitals, a number that would likely fall far short of the expected need.
“When you look at how many people who may need it, 2,000 doesn’t put much of a dent into it,” he said.“When you look at how many people who may need it, 2,000 doesn’t put much of a dent into it,” he said.
While the military has infrastructure to help, there are limits. Field hospitals and the hospital ships Comfort and Mercy are designed for trauma wounds, not viruses, and doctors would have to be assigned from elsewhere to staff them.While the military has infrastructure to help, there are limits. Field hospitals and the hospital ships Comfort and Mercy are designed for trauma wounds, not viruses, and doctors would have to be assigned from elsewhere to staff them.
The ships, each with a 1,000-bed capacity, have helped in natural disasters like tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes, not quarantines.The ships, each with a 1,000-bed capacity, have helped in natural disasters like tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes, not quarantines.
Defense Department officials said that one possibility for the Comfort would be to station in New York Harbor and absorb non-coronavirus cases in New York, which would then presumably free up hospital beds in Manhattan to attend to infectious cases from the coronavirus — if they are called.Defense Department officials said that one possibility for the Comfort would be to station in New York Harbor and absorb non-coronavirus cases in New York, which would then presumably free up hospital beds in Manhattan to attend to infectious cases from the coronavirus — if they are called.
A new Havard analysis shows that many parts of the United States will have far too few hospital beds if the new coronavirus continues to spread widely and nothing is done to expand capacity.
In 40 percent of markets around the country, hospitals would not be able to make enough room for all the patients who became ill with Covid-19, even if they could completely empty their beds of other patients. That statistic assumes that 40 percent of adults become infected with the virus over 12 months, a scenario described as “moderate” by the team behind the calculations.
These numbers are not exact predictions and reflect a worst-case scenario, since they do not take into account the efforts hospitals can make to quickly increase capacity during an emergency. Around the country, hospitals have begun canceling elective operations and speeding home patients with less critical ailments. Those efforts could increase the number of free beds available for coronavirus patients.
Yet the Harvard estimates suggest that the coronavirus outbreak could require significantly more resources. In hard-hit Italy, hospitals have been rationing care for older patients who are severely ill with the virus.
Stocks rose on Tuesday, lifted by the latest emergency measure from the Federal Reserve to keep money flowing through the economy and rebounding from Wall Street’s sharpest drop since the outbreak of the coronavirus.Stocks rose on Tuesday, lifted by the latest emergency measure from the Federal Reserve to keep money flowing through the economy and rebounding from Wall Street’s sharpest drop since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
After suffering their worst day in decades, stocks bounced back on Tuesday as Washington policymakers talked up plans to try to cushion an economy careening toward a deep recession driven by the coronavirus outbreak.After suffering their worst day in decades, stocks bounced back on Tuesday as Washington policymakers talked up plans to try to cushion an economy careening toward a deep recession driven by the coronavirus outbreak.
The S&P 500 rose about 6 percent, rebounding from a 12 percent collapse on Monday, which was its steepest drop since 1987.The S&P 500 rose about 6 percent, rebounding from a 12 percent collapse on Monday, which was its steepest drop since 1987.
But the tone of the trading was tentative. The best performing parts of the market were traditionally defensive areas, such as the utilities and consumer staples, where investors hide out during trying economic times. And, reflecting concern about the global economy, oil prices fell.But the tone of the trading was tentative. The best performing parts of the market were traditionally defensive areas, such as the utilities and consumer staples, where investors hide out during trying economic times. And, reflecting concern about the global economy, oil prices fell.
Early trading was unsteady, and stocks briefly fell into negative territory. They then surged after the Federal Reserve said it would use its emergency lending powers to try to keep credit flowing to households and businesses in the United States by buying up commercial paper.Early trading was unsteady, and stocks briefly fell into negative territory. They then surged after the Federal Reserve said it would use its emergency lending powers to try to keep credit flowing to households and businesses in the United States by buying up commercial paper.
There are few historical parallels for the shock waves created by the outbreak. From still-closed factories in China, to Western nations where millions of people are living in a state of semi-house arrest, most of the engines that keep the global economy aloft have simultaneously sputtered to a halt.There are few historical parallels for the shock waves created by the outbreak. From still-closed factories in China, to Western nations where millions of people are living in a state of semi-house arrest, most of the engines that keep the global economy aloft have simultaneously sputtered to a halt.
Bus service in Detroit was halted after drivers, fearing for their safety, balked at leaving their garages. In North Carolina’s Outer Banks, some officials said they would establish checkpoints to turn away visitors. And Florida moved to ban beach groups of more than 10, after photos showed packed Gulf Coast beaches this week during Spring Break.Bus service in Detroit was halted after drivers, fearing for their safety, balked at leaving their garages. In North Carolina’s Outer Banks, some officials said they would establish checkpoints to turn away visitors. And Florida moved to ban beach groups of more than 10, after photos showed packed Gulf Coast beaches this week during Spring Break.
The spread of the coronavirus continued to upend life in America on Tuesday in ways large and small, as the number of confirmed cases continued to climb. That figure surpassed 5,000 as testing, which was initially limited, has expanded, according to a New York Times database that is tracking every identified case in the country. At least 95 people have died.The spread of the coronavirus continued to upend life in America on Tuesday in ways large and small, as the number of confirmed cases continued to climb. That figure surpassed 5,000 as testing, which was initially limited, has expanded, according to a New York Times database that is tracking every identified case in the country. At least 95 people have died.
The popular St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York City and Boston were canceled — as they were in Dublin, where people were encouraged to celebrate the day online using the hashtag #StPatricksDayTogether. Many bars and pubs around the United States were closed before the holiday, shutting them down on what is traditionally one of their busiest days of the year.The popular St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York City and Boston were canceled — as they were in Dublin, where people were encouraged to celebrate the day online using the hashtag #StPatricksDayTogether. Many bars and pubs around the United States were closed before the holiday, shutting them down on what is traditionally one of their busiest days of the year.
In Northern California, residents of seven counties began their new cloistered life under a “shelter in place” order that took effect Tuesday — keeping them home except for essential reasons, including buying food and caring for pets, in some of the nation’s most restrictive measures.In Northern California, residents of seven counties began their new cloistered life under a “shelter in place” order that took effect Tuesday — keeping them home except for essential reasons, including buying food and caring for pets, in some of the nation’s most restrictive measures.
As nervous people around the nation picked the shelves of many stores clean, Amazon moved to meet the surge in demand for household staples and medical supplies by pulling back on stocking items like consumer electronics and toys. And after several days of closing non-essential businesses, some essential ones began to close as well: On Tuesday, Social Security’s field office network were closed to the public in most situations until further notice.
The bus problem in Detroit began Tuesday morning when drivers showed up to their garages but then refused to drive, leaving passengers stranded. The city issued a statement saying that because of a driver shortage, there would be no service at all.The bus problem in Detroit began Tuesday morning when drivers showed up to their garages but then refused to drive, leaving passengers stranded. The city issued a statement saying that because of a driver shortage, there would be no service at all.
Glenn Tolbert, the president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, which represents the drivers, said that some drivers had reported to work early in the morning and found that the buses weren’t adequately cleaned. The state’s order that restaurants and bars to switch to take-out service, and that hospitals severely restrict visitors, deprived drivers of the places they would go to visit restrooms and wash their hands, he said.Glenn Tolbert, the president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, which represents the drivers, said that some drivers had reported to work early in the morning and found that the buses weren’t adequately cleaned. The state’s order that restaurants and bars to switch to take-out service, and that hospitals severely restrict visitors, deprived drivers of the places they would go to visit restrooms and wash their hands, he said.
“We just didn’t feel that the city, although they were making an effort, was doing enough to protect us and the public,” Mr. Tolbert said.“We just didn’t feel that the city, although they were making an effort, was doing enough to protect us and the public,” Mr. Tolbert said.
Some parts of the country moved to keep out visitors.Some parts of the country moved to keep out visitors.
In Dare County, N.C., which includes much of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, officials said they would set up checkpoints to turn away visitors. And in Maine, an island in Penobscot Bay called North Haven, which is reachable only by boat or aircraft, moved to limit access to year-round residents, saying that it did not have the resources to handle even a few cases and was hours from the nearest hospital.In Dare County, N.C., which includes much of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, officials said they would set up checkpoints to turn away visitors. And in Maine, an island in Penobscot Bay called North Haven, which is reachable only by boat or aircraft, moved to limit access to year-round residents, saying that it did not have the resources to handle even a few cases and was hours from the nearest hospital.
“People don’t understand how fragile we are if something catastrophic happened because we don’t have quick access,” Kathleen Macy, a lifelong resident and town clerk, said Tuesday. “We’re a pretty hardy bunch, but we’ve never had this situation before.”“People don’t understand how fragile we are if something catastrophic happened because we don’t have quick access,” Kathleen Macy, a lifelong resident and town clerk, said Tuesday. “We’re a pretty hardy bunch, but we’ve never had this situation before.”
In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, moved to shut down bars and nightclubs, following similar closures in other states, and limited the size of beach groups. Some localities went further: Miami-Dade County, the largest in the state, will also close all restaurants, banquet halls and cafeterias, except for take-out. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott activated the National Guard on Tuesday, but did not deploy any guardsmen.In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, moved to shut down bars and nightclubs, following similar closures in other states, and limited the size of beach groups. Some localities went further: Miami-Dade County, the largest in the state, will also close all restaurants, banquet halls and cafeterias, except for take-out. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott activated the National Guard on Tuesday, but did not deploy any guardsmen.
And across the globe, the actors Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, were released from an Australian hospital and will remain in self-isolation after being treated for Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, their son said in a video statement on Monday.And across the globe, the actors Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, were released from an Australian hospital and will remain in self-isolation after being treated for Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, their son said in a video statement on Monday.
Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City said that residents should prepare for the possibility of a “shelter in place” order to be announced in the next 48 hours, as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in New York City neared 1,000.Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City said that residents should prepare for the possibility of a “shelter in place” order to be announced in the next 48 hours, as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in New York City neared 1,000.
Mr. de Blasio said that a decision on such an order, which would require coordination between the city and New York State, had not been made. But he said he believed that kind of recommendation, which is in place in San Francisco, would be “the right guidance.”Mr. de Blasio said that a decision on such an order, which would require coordination between the city and New York State, had not been made. But he said he believed that kind of recommendation, which is in place in San Francisco, would be “the right guidance.”
New York City has already come to a halt, but a “shelter in place” recommendation would be a major escalation in restrictions on public life. The mayor did not elaborate on what a “shelter in place” order would look like in practice.New York City has already come to a halt, but a “shelter in place” recommendation would be a major escalation in restrictions on public life. The mayor did not elaborate on what a “shelter in place” order would look like in practice.
Mr. de Blasio said that the city was rushing to add more hospital beds.Mr. de Blasio said that the city was rushing to add more hospital beds.
The city’s public transportation system, the largest in North America, was seeking a $4 billion federal bailout as the pandemic set off an extraordinary free fall in ridership.The city’s public transportation system, the largest in North America, was seeking a $4 billion federal bailout as the pandemic set off an extraordinary free fall in ridership.
In a letter on Tuesday to New York’s congressional delegation, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the city’s subway and buses and two commuter railroads, said that subway ridership had plunged 60 percent and bus ridership had fallen 49 percent on Monday compared with the same day last year.In a letter on Tuesday to New York’s congressional delegation, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the city’s subway and buses and two commuter railroads, said that subway ridership had plunged 60 percent and bus ridership had fallen 49 percent on Monday compared with the same day last year.
With states postponing upcoming primaries to avoid congregating during the coronavirus pandemic, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez on Tuesday urged the states left to vote to conduct all vote-by-mail contests.With states postponing upcoming primaries to avoid congregating during the coronavirus pandemic, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez on Tuesday urged the states left to vote to conduct all vote-by-mail contests.
“In order to ensure the voices of voters are heard, the DNC is urging the remaining primary states to use a variety of other critical mechanisms that will make voting easier and safer for voters and election officials alike,” Mr. Perez said. “The simplest tool is vote by mail, which is already in use in a number of states and should be made available to all registered voters.”“In order to ensure the voices of voters are heard, the DNC is urging the remaining primary states to use a variety of other critical mechanisms that will make voting easier and safer for voters and election officials alike,” Mr. Perez said. “The simplest tool is vote by mail, which is already in use in a number of states and should be made available to all registered voters.”
Voters did not go to the polls Tuesday in Ohio, where the presidential primary was postponed after state officials declared a public health emergency — but the primaries in Arizona, Florida and Illinois went ahead as scheduled.Voters did not go to the polls Tuesday in Ohio, where the presidential primary was postponed after state officials declared a public health emergency — but the primaries in Arizona, Florida and Illinois went ahead as scheduled.
And Maryland became the fifth state to postpone its primary election to prevent the spread of coronavirus: Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Tuesday that the April 28 primary would instead be held on June 2.And Maryland became the fifth state to postpone its primary election to prevent the spread of coronavirus: Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Tuesday that the April 28 primary would instead be held on June 2.
In states that went ahead with their elections — even after the White House urged people to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people — officials took steps to try to keep voters and poll workers safe. In Arizona, some counties offered curbside pickup outside precincts Tuesday so that voters could turn in their ballots without having to enter crowded polling sites.In states that went ahead with their elections — even after the White House urged people to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people — officials took steps to try to keep voters and poll workers safe. In Arizona, some counties offered curbside pickup outside precincts Tuesday so that voters could turn in their ballots without having to enter crowded polling sites.
Mr. Perez condemned Ohio’s eleventh hour decision to postpone its planned primary. Doing so would not be necessary, he said, if voters could cast ballots by mail. “What happened in Ohio last night has only bred more chaos and confusion, and the Democratic party leadership in Ohio is working tirelessly to protect the right to vote,” he said.Mr. Perez condemned Ohio’s eleventh hour decision to postpone its planned primary. Doing so would not be necessary, he said, if voters could cast ballots by mail. “What happened in Ohio last night has only bred more chaos and confusion, and the Democratic party leadership in Ohio is working tirelessly to protect the right to vote,” he said.
Mick Mulvaney, the outgoing acting White House chief of staff, is in self-quarantine in his home state of South Carolina, after his niece, with whom he shares an apartment in Washington, fell ill and is awaiting test results, according to four people familiar with the matter.Mick Mulvaney, the outgoing acting White House chief of staff, is in self-quarantine in his home state of South Carolina, after his niece, with whom he shares an apartment in Washington, fell ill and is awaiting test results, according to four people familiar with the matter.
Mr. Mulvaney took a test for the coronavirus last week and the results were negative, according to one of the people familiar with the matter. But the results of the test that his niece, Maggie, took are not back yet, the person said.Mr. Mulvaney took a test for the coronavirus last week and the results were negative, according to one of the people familiar with the matter. But the results of the test that his niece, Maggie, took are not back yet, the person said.
Mr. Mulvaney’s niece is a professional fund-raiser who works on a team led by Kimberly Guilfoyle, the head of the Trump Victory finance effort. Ms. Mulvaney, Ms. Guilfoyle and others were all at Mar-a-Lago, President Trump’s private club, the weekend of March 6 for a series of events, including a Republican National Committee fund-raising retreat and Ms. Guilfoyle’s 50th birthday party.Mr. Mulvaney’s niece is a professional fund-raiser who works on a team led by Kimberly Guilfoyle, the head of the Trump Victory finance effort. Ms. Mulvaney, Ms. Guilfoyle and others were all at Mar-a-Lago, President Trump’s private club, the weekend of March 6 for a series of events, including a Republican National Committee fund-raising retreat and Ms. Guilfoyle’s 50th birthday party.
The same weekend, President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil dined with Mr. Trump. One of Mr. Bolsonaro’s aides who was present has since tested positive for coronavirus.The same weekend, President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil dined with Mr. Trump. One of Mr. Bolsonaro’s aides who was present has since tested positive for coronavirus.
Ms. Mulvaney fell ill soon after returning from the weekend, according to three of the people briefed on the matter. She was tested for the virus early last week, but the results still haven’t come back, people familiar with the matter said.Ms. Mulvaney fell ill soon after returning from the weekend, according to three of the people briefed on the matter. She was tested for the virus early last week, but the results still haven’t come back, people familiar with the matter said.
Ms. Mulvaney and people close to her had hoped to avoid her illness becoming a story until they knew the results. But senior White House officials let it be known on Tuesday that Mr. Mulvaney was in self-quarantine.Ms. Mulvaney and people close to her had hoped to avoid her illness becoming a story until they knew the results. But senior White House officials let it be known on Tuesday that Mr. Mulvaney was in self-quarantine.
There are many misunderstandings about social distancing. Can you leave your home? Can you go to the grocery store? We compiled some helpful hints about how to keep safe.There are many misunderstandings about social distancing. Can you leave your home? Can you go to the grocery store? We compiled some helpful hints about how to keep safe.
Find more coverage on how coronavirus is impacting your day-to-day life here.Find more coverage on how coronavirus is impacting your day-to-day life here.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed indignation on Tuesday when asked about a tweet from President Trump referring to the epidemic as the “Chinese Virus.”China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed indignation on Tuesday when asked about a tweet from President Trump referring to the epidemic as the “Chinese Virus.”
“The World Health Organization and the international community are clearly opposed to associating the virus with specific countries and regions, and against stigmatizing it,” a spokesman, Geng Shuang, said, without mentioning Mr. Trump by name. “We urge the U.S. side to immediately correct its mistakes and immediately stop its unjustified accusations against China.”“The World Health Organization and the international community are clearly opposed to associating the virus with specific countries and regions, and against stigmatizing it,” a spokesman, Geng Shuang, said, without mentioning Mr. Trump by name. “We urge the U.S. side to immediately correct its mistakes and immediately stop its unjustified accusations against China.”
Nearly two months after a coronavirus outbreak in central China escalated into a national emergency, the country’s daily count of new, local infections has approached tantalizingly close to zero.Nearly two months after a coronavirus outbreak in central China escalated into a national emergency, the country’s daily count of new, local infections has approached tantalizingly close to zero.
Just one new locally originated infection was reported on Monday, according to the Chinese National Health Commission’s daily update of new coronavirus cases. The new case was in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak.Just one new locally originated infection was reported on Monday, according to the Chinese National Health Commission’s daily update of new coronavirus cases. The new case was in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak.
Over the past week, Greece has closed schools, cafes, bars and restaurants. When Greeks scrambled to the country’s beaches, the government closed them too. It will shut most shops from Wednesday.Over the past week, Greece has closed schools, cafes, bars and restaurants. When Greeks scrambled to the country’s beaches, the government closed them too. It will shut most shops from Wednesday.
But for days, leaders of the Greek Orthodox resisted calls to suspend services. So the government was forced to take action, despite the risks of challenging a powerful institution that is deeply tied to the nation’s sense of itself.But for days, leaders of the Greek Orthodox resisted calls to suspend services. So the government was forced to take action, despite the risks of challenging a powerful institution that is deeply tied to the nation’s sense of itself.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said there was no choice. “The protection of public health requires clear decisions,” he wrote on Twitter.Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said there was no choice. “The protection of public health requires clear decisions,” he wrote on Twitter.
Four deaths have been attributed to coronavirus in Greece with 352 infections on Monday, with cases centered in Athens.Four deaths have been attributed to coronavirus in Greece with 352 infections on Monday, with cases centered in Athens.
Beyond the capital, there have been growing concerns over a possible coronavirus outbreak at camps on the five Aegean Islands that host some 50,000 migrants in intensely overcrowded conditions.Beyond the capital, there have been growing concerns over a possible coronavirus outbreak at camps on the five Aegean Islands that host some 50,000 migrants in intensely overcrowded conditions.
A 6-year-old girl died on Monday when a fire broke out at the notoriously cramped Moria camp on Lesbos.A 6-year-old girl died on Monday when a fire broke out at the notoriously cramped Moria camp on Lesbos.
Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, called for the evacuation of those living in the camps where whole families are packed tightly into confined quarters.Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, called for the evacuation of those living in the camps where whole families are packed tightly into confined quarters.
The international medical humanitarian organization warned that lack of adequate sanitation and limited medical care made the risk of the virus spreading extremely high.The international medical humanitarian organization warned that lack of adequate sanitation and limited medical care made the risk of the virus spreading extremely high.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Katie Rogers, Karen Zraick, Anton Troianovski, Matthew Haag, Sean Plambeck, Patricia Mazzei, Adeel Hassan, Kate Taylor, Catie Edmondson, Christina Goldbaum, Reid J. Epstein, Steven Lee Myers, Alan Rappeport, Emily Cochrane, Melissa Eddy, Raphael Minder, Aurelien Breeden, Marc Santora, Helene Cooper, Megan Specia, Jonathan Martin, Richard C. Paddock, Maya Salam, Neil Vigdor, Nick Corasaniti, Stephanie Saul, Tiffany May, Patricia Cohen, Jeffrey Gettleman, Suhasini Raj, Karan Deep Singh, Kai Schultz, Niki Kitsantonis and Jim Tankersley. Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Katie Rogers, Karen Zraick, Anton Troianovski, Matthew Haag, Sean Plambeck, Patricia Mazzei, Adeel Hassan, Kate Taylor, Catie Edmondson, Christina Goldbaum, Reid J. Epstein, Steven Lee Myers, Margot Sanger-Katz, Sarah Kliff, Alicia Parlapiano, Alan Rappeport, Emily Cochrane, Melissa Eddy, Raphael Minder, Aurelien Breeden, Marc Santora, Helene Cooper, Megan Specia, Jonathan Martin, Richard C. Paddock, Maya Salam, Neil Vigdor, Nick Corasaniti, Stephanie Saul, Tiffany May, Patricia Cohen, Jeffrey Gettleman, Suhasini Raj, Karan Deep Singh, Kai Schultz, Niki Kitsantonis and Jim Tankersley.