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Coronavirus Live Updates: One After Another, States Are Ordering Residents to Mostly Stay Indoors Coronavirus Live Updates: One After Another, States Are Ordering Residents to Mostly Stay Indoors
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
One by one, localities and now some of the nation’s biggest states are beginning to limit people’s movements as they struggle to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus before fast-growing caseloads overwhelm their hospitals.One by one, localities and now some of the nation’s biggest states are beginning to limit people’s movements as they struggle to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus before fast-growing caseloads overwhelm their hospitals.
In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo moved Friday to sharply limit outdoor activity across the state, including by ordering nonessential businesses to keep all of their workers home. His wide-ranging executive order, which takes effect on Sunday at 8 p.m., was issued as the number of known cases in the state jumped to over 7,800.In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo moved Friday to sharply limit outdoor activity across the state, including by ordering nonessential businesses to keep all of their workers home. His wide-ranging executive order, which takes effect on Sunday at 8 p.m., was issued as the number of known cases in the state jumped to over 7,800.
“These provisions will be enforced,” Mr. Cuomo said at a briefing in Albany. “These are not helpful hints.”“These provisions will be enforced,” Mr. Cuomo said at a briefing in Albany. “These are not helpful hints.”
Then, within the space of an hour Friday afternoon, several other big states followed suit. Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut issued an order similar to Mr. Cuomo’s, and Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said he planned to order on Saturday that all nonessential businesses in that state shut down as well.Then, within the space of an hour Friday afternoon, several other big states followed suit. Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut issued an order similar to Mr. Cuomo’s, and Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said he planned to order on Saturday that all nonessential businesses in that state shut down as well.
And in Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a statewide “stay at home” order on Friday, asking all 12 million residents to leave the house only when necessary. All nonessential businesses must also stop operating under the order, which is effective at 5 p.m. Saturday.And in Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a statewide “stay at home” order on Friday, asking all 12 million residents to leave the house only when necessary. All nonessential businesses must also stop operating under the order, which is effective at 5 p.m. Saturday.
“I don’t come to this decision easily,” Mr. Pritzker said at an afternoon news conference. “I fully recognize that, in some cases, I am choosing between people’s lives and saving people’s livelihood. But ultimately, you can’t have a livelihood if you don’t have your life.”“I don’t come to this decision easily,” Mr. Pritzker said at an afternoon news conference. “I fully recognize that, in some cases, I am choosing between people’s lives and saving people’s livelihood. But ultimately, you can’t have a livelihood if you don’t have your life.”
Their moves were announced as California woke up Friday to new rules closing the state’s nonessential retail shops and sharply limiting outdoor movement, after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Californians — all 40 million of them — to stay in their houses as much as possible. There was initially confusion there over how the order would be enforced and interpreted, but Californians were told they could still take walks and leave their neighborhoods to hike or go to the beach, as long as they were able to practice social distancing.Their moves were announced as California woke up Friday to new rules closing the state’s nonessential retail shops and sharply limiting outdoor movement, after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Californians — all 40 million of them — to stay in their houses as much as possible. There was initially confusion there over how the order would be enforced and interpreted, but Californians were told they could still take walks and leave their neighborhoods to hike or go to the beach, as long as they were able to practice social distancing.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans also issued a stay at home order on Friday, asking the city’s 390,000 residents to go out for “critical needs only.”
With bars shut down and Bourbon Street emptied out, the order took the shut down in New Orleans a step further, putting the city in line with the states that have limited movements.
“We’re saying the same thing: the more people who stay home, the more lives that we will save,” Ms. Cantrell said on Friday afternoon.
States and localities announced the new rules as the death toll in the United States surpassed 200, and as Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., recorded their first deaths. There have now been deaths in more than half the states, with the most in Washington State, New York and California.States and localities announced the new rules as the death toll in the United States surpassed 200, and as Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., recorded their first deaths. There have now been deaths in more than half the states, with the most in Washington State, New York and California.
State and local officials are trying to strike a balance between giving residents the leeway to shop and take the occasional much-needed walk, while doing what they can to slow the spread of infections.State and local officials are trying to strike a balance between giving residents the leeway to shop and take the occasional much-needed walk, while doing what they can to slow the spread of infections.
It still remained to be seen how the new orders would be enforced, and how effective they would prove. Even after Italy imposed limitations on movements, it found itself confronting the worst coronavirus outbreak in Europe. When the vice president of the Chinese Red Cross, Sun Shuopeng, recently visited Milan, he suggested that the Italian authorities had not gone far enough.It still remained to be seen how the new orders would be enforced, and how effective they would prove. Even after Italy imposed limitations on movements, it found itself confronting the worst coronavirus outbreak in Europe. When the vice president of the Chinese Red Cross, Sun Shuopeng, recently visited Milan, he suggested that the Italian authorities had not gone far enough.
New York will allow healthy people under age 70 to go out for groceries and medicines, and to exercise and walk outside, as long as they stay six feet away from others. Mass transit will continue to run so that healthcare workers and other people with other essential jobs can get to work, but people will be urged not to use it unless absolutely necessary. Nonessential gatherings of any size will be banned.New York will allow healthy people under age 70 to go out for groceries and medicines, and to exercise and walk outside, as long as they stay six feet away from others. Mass transit will continue to run so that healthcare workers and other people with other essential jobs can get to work, but people will be urged not to use it unless absolutely necessary. Nonessential gatherings of any size will be banned.
And certain essential businesses will be allowed to remain open, including: grocers, health care providers, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, banks, hardware stores, laundromats, child-care providers, auto repair, utilities, warehouses and distributors, plumbers and other skilled contractors, animal-care providers, transportation providers, construction companies and many kinds of manufacturers.And certain essential businesses will be allowed to remain open, including: grocers, health care providers, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, banks, hardware stores, laundromats, child-care providers, auto repair, utilities, warehouses and distributors, plumbers and other skilled contractors, animal-care providers, transportation providers, construction companies and many kinds of manufacturers.
The S&P 500 fell about 4 percent, after rising earlier in the day, as the mood in financial markets grew increasingly dour.The S&P 500 fell about 4 percent, after rising earlier in the day, as the mood in financial markets grew increasingly dour.
It was another sharp turn in a market that has come to be characterized by dizzying changes in direction over the past month as investors have grappled with the barrage of developments.It was another sharp turn in a market that has come to be characterized by dizzying changes in direction over the past month as investors have grappled with the barrage of developments.
Friday’s drop meant that the Dow Jones industrial average closed below where it stood on the day before Mr. Trump was inaugurated, erasing the so-called “Trump bump” that the president has cited as evidence of the success of his presidency. The S&P 500 isn’t far from that mark as well.Friday’s drop meant that the Dow Jones industrial average closed below where it stood on the day before Mr. Trump was inaugurated, erasing the so-called “Trump bump” that the president has cited as evidence of the success of his presidency. The S&P 500 isn’t far from that mark as well.
Stocks have collapsed about 35 percent in a month, wiping out trillions in value, and their decline on Friday came as the Federal Reserve made yet another move — this time, the backstopping of municipal money market mutual funds — to try to stabilize the economy.Stocks have collapsed about 35 percent in a month, wiping out trillions in value, and their decline on Friday came as the Federal Reserve made yet another move — this time, the backstopping of municipal money market mutual funds — to try to stabilize the economy.
Under the plan announced on Friday, the Fed will accept short-term, highly-rated municipal debt as loan collateral in one of its emergency programs. That will give banks an incentive to buy such debt from money market mutual funds, allowing them to offload the securities to come up with cash quickly, and it could keep the funds, popular investments among ordinary people and companies, from crashing as investors cash out.Under the plan announced on Friday, the Fed will accept short-term, highly-rated municipal debt as loan collateral in one of its emergency programs. That will give banks an incentive to buy such debt from money market mutual funds, allowing them to offload the securities to come up with cash quickly, and it could keep the funds, popular investments among ordinary people and companies, from crashing as investors cash out.
At a White House briefing on Friday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that border closures to nonessential travelers from Canada and Mexico would go into effect at midnight on Saturday.At a White House briefing on Friday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that border closures to nonessential travelers from Canada and Mexico would go into effect at midnight on Saturday.
Mr. Pompeo also reiterated that the State Department had implemented a Level 4 travel advisory warning Americans against traveling abroad. He said U.S. citizens “should arrange immediate return” unless they intend to remain abroad for an extended time. “If you choose to travel, it may well be fairly disruptive,” he said.Mr. Pompeo also reiterated that the State Department had implemented a Level 4 travel advisory warning Americans against traveling abroad. He said U.S. citizens “should arrange immediate return” unless they intend to remain abroad for an extended time. “If you choose to travel, it may well be fairly disruptive,” he said.
President Trump suggested that immigration would strain health care systems.President Trump suggested that immigration would strain health care systems.
“During a global pandemic they threaten to create a public storm that would spread the infection to our border agents, migrants and the public at large,” Mr. Trump said, referring to people seeking to enter the country.“During a global pandemic they threaten to create a public storm that would spread the infection to our border agents, migrants and the public at large,” Mr. Trump said, referring to people seeking to enter the country.
Speaking on a day when the worldwide death toll stood at more than 10,000, including more than 200 in the U.S., Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that there was a “fundamental public health reason” for closing the northern and southern borders. “Understand that: There’s a public health reason for doing that.”Speaking on a day when the worldwide death toll stood at more than 10,000, including more than 200 in the U.S., Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that there was a “fundamental public health reason” for closing the northern and southern borders. “Understand that: There’s a public health reason for doing that.”
Both Mr. Trump and Mr. Pompeo used the term “Chinese virus,” continuing their efforts to rename a virus that causes a disease public health experts purposely named Covid-19 to avoid the spread of blame and xenophobia.Both Mr. Trump and Mr. Pompeo used the term “Chinese virus,” continuing their efforts to rename a virus that causes a disease public health experts purposely named Covid-19 to avoid the spread of blame and xenophobia.
The term has angered Chinese officials and a wide range of critics, and China experts say labeling the virus that way will only ratchet up tensions between the two countries, while resulting in the kind of xenophobia that American leaders should discourage. Asian-Americans have reported incidents of racial slurs and physical abuse because of the erroneous perception that China is the cause of the virus.The term has angered Chinese officials and a wide range of critics, and China experts say labeling the virus that way will only ratchet up tensions between the two countries, while resulting in the kind of xenophobia that American leaders should discourage. Asian-Americans have reported incidents of racial slurs and physical abuse because of the erroneous perception that China is the cause of the virus.
“It’s not racist at all,” Mr. Trump said on Wednesday, explaining his rationale. “It comes from China, that’s why.”“It’s not racist at all,” Mr. Trump said on Wednesday, explaining his rationale. “It comes from China, that’s why.”
On Thursday, a Washington Post photographer took an image of Mr. Trump’s speech materials on the White House podium that showed the word “coronavirus” crossed out and “Chinese” replaced in Sharpie.On Thursday, a Washington Post photographer took an image of Mr. Trump’s speech materials on the White House podium that showed the word “coronavirus” crossed out and “Chinese” replaced in Sharpie.
Deborah L. Birx, who is leading the administration’s coronavirus response, detailed a “concerning trend” from Italy: the mortality rate in males is twice as high as females in every age group affected by the virus.”Deborah L. Birx, who is leading the administration’s coronavirus response, detailed a “concerning trend” from Italy: the mortality rate in males is twice as high as females in every age group affected by the virus.”
A similar disparity was evident in China, where researchers found that the death rate for men, 2.8 percent, was higher than for women, at 1.7 percent. Men in both China and Italy smoke at higher rates than women, although the gender disparity is not nearly as great in Italy. Other factors, such as women’s generally more robust immune systems, may also be at play.A similar disparity was evident in China, where researchers found that the death rate for men, 2.8 percent, was higher than for women, at 1.7 percent. Men in both China and Italy smoke at higher rates than women, although the gender disparity is not nearly as great in Italy. Other factors, such as women’s generally more robust immune systems, may also be at play.
Dr. Birx said that people under age 20 have been sickened by the disease, but that the majority have recovered to date. “This should alert all of us to continue our vigilance to protect our Americans that are in nursing homes,” Dr. Birx said.Dr. Birx said that people under age 20 have been sickened by the disease, but that the majority have recovered to date. “This should alert all of us to continue our vigilance to protect our Americans that are in nursing homes,” Dr. Birx said.
Mr. Trump said that the Education Department would suspend standardized testing for schools across the country, and that interest on federally held student loans would be suspended.Mr. Trump said that the Education Department would suspend standardized testing for schools across the country, and that interest on federally held student loans would be suspended.
Regarding the northern U.S. border, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada would start returning rather than quarantining asylum seekers who cross from the United States outside of formal border points.Regarding the northern U.S. border, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada would start returning rather than quarantining asylum seekers who cross from the United States outside of formal border points.
During the hourlong briefing, Mr. Trump grew increasingly confrontational with reporters who asked him to detail his message to Americans who were shaken by their lives being upended and scared at the spread of the virus.During the hourlong briefing, Mr. Trump grew increasingly confrontational with reporters who asked him to detail his message to Americans who were shaken by their lives being upended and scared at the spread of the virus.
“It is a bad signal that you are putting out to the American people,” he admonished a reporter from NBC who asked what the president would say to frightened citizens. “You want to get back to reporting instead of sensationalism. Let’s see if it works. I happen to feel good about it. Who knows. I have been right a lot. Let’s see what happens.”“It is a bad signal that you are putting out to the American people,” he admonished a reporter from NBC who asked what the president would say to frightened citizens. “You want to get back to reporting instead of sensationalism. Let’s see if it works. I happen to feel good about it. Who knows. I have been right a lot. Let’s see what happens.”
Mr. Trump signaled Friday that the federal government was mobilizing industry to provide urgently needed resources to help halt the spread of the virus, but he did not specify what steps he had taken after days of conflicting messages about his intentions.Mr. Trump signaled Friday that the federal government was mobilizing industry to provide urgently needed resources to help halt the spread of the virus, but he did not specify what steps he had taken after days of conflicting messages about his intentions.
On Friday, he said without evidence that he was using the Defense Production Act to help acquire “millions of masks.”On Friday, he said without evidence that he was using the Defense Production Act to help acquire “millions of masks.”
“The states are having a hard time getting them,” Mr. Trump said at a news conference at the White House. “We are using the act for things like this.”“The states are having a hard time getting them,” Mr. Trump said at a news conference at the White House. “We are using the act for things like this.”
If Mr. Trump’s pledge comes to pass, after weeks of promises that failed to materialize, the supplies could relieve the strain on state and local governments. But at times, the president seemed to suggest that private industry was already stepping up, without being compelled by the government.If Mr. Trump’s pledge comes to pass, after weeks of promises that failed to materialize, the supplies could relieve the strain on state and local governments. But at times, the president seemed to suggest that private industry was already stepping up, without being compelled by the government.
“We are literally being besieged in a beautiful way by companies that want to do the work and help our country,” Mr. Trump said. “We have not had a problem with that at all.”“We are literally being besieged in a beautiful way by companies that want to do the work and help our country,” Mr. Trump said. “We have not had a problem with that at all.”
The White House did not immediately respond to inquiries asking for examples of companies or industries that have been compelled under the law to spur production, as Mr. Trump claimed.The White House did not immediately respond to inquiries asking for examples of companies or industries that have been compelled under the law to spur production, as Mr. Trump claimed.
Some of the president’s advisers have privately said they share conservatives’ longstanding opposition of government intervention and oppose using the law, and the president again suggested his own ambivalence toward using it.Some of the president’s advisers have privately said they share conservatives’ longstanding opposition of government intervention and oppose using the law, and the president again suggested his own ambivalence toward using it.
At the same time, the president has faced increasing pressure from government officials and the health care industry to find a way to speed up new supplies.At the same time, the president has faced increasing pressure from government officials and the health care industry to find a way to speed up new supplies.
Before Mr. Trump’s appearance on Friday, New York City’s mayor warned that the city was within weeks of running out of crucial supplies, with doctors and nurses confronting dwindling stocks of protective gear and hospitals facing shortages of lifesaving ventilators.Before Mr. Trump’s appearance on Friday, New York City’s mayor warned that the city was within weeks of running out of crucial supplies, with doctors and nurses confronting dwindling stocks of protective gear and hospitals facing shortages of lifesaving ventilators.
And medical leaders in Washington State, which has the highest number of coronavirus deaths in the country, have begun preparing a bleak triage strategy to determine which patients may have to be denied complete medical care in the event that the health system becomes overwhelmed in the coming weeks.And medical leaders in Washington State, which has the highest number of coronavirus deaths in the country, have begun preparing a bleak triage strategy to determine which patients may have to be denied complete medical care in the event that the health system becomes overwhelmed in the coming weeks.
There have now been deaths in more than half the states, with the most in Washington State, New York and California.There have now been deaths in more than half the states, with the most in Washington State, New York and California.
The American Red Cross normally supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, but more than 4,500 of its blood drives had been canceled, resulting in nearly 150,000 fewer donations.The American Red Cross normally supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, but more than 4,500 of its blood drives had been canceled, resulting in nearly 150,000 fewer donations.
Typically, the Red Cross needs to receive 13,000 blood donations daily, so it has already lost around 11 days of stock. Red blood cells are viable for 42 days, platelets for only five, so new donations are essential.Typically, the Red Cross needs to receive 13,000 blood donations daily, so it has already lost around 11 days of stock. Red blood cells are viable for 42 days, platelets for only five, so new donations are essential.
“It’s an unprecedented situation,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of biomedical services at the Red Cross. “We are already actively triaging units, determining which hospitals can and can’t get blood.” “It’s an unprecedented situation,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of biomedical services at the Red Cross. “We are already actively triaging units, determining which hospitals can and can’t get blood.”
While donor blood is not being used to treat coronavirus patients, transfusions are still needed for cases such as trauma, organ transplants or complications of childbirth.While donor blood is not being used to treat coronavirus patients, transfusions are still needed for cases such as trauma, organ transplants or complications of childbirth.
“The worst case scenario could be a bleeding young patient who was in a car accident, and there’s no blood,” said Dr. Young. “We’re not quite there yet, but that is the ultimate fear.”“The worst case scenario could be a bleeding young patient who was in a car accident, and there’s no blood,” said Dr. Young. “We’re not quite there yet, but that is the ultimate fear.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain on Friday told cafes, pubs and restaurants to close as his country fell into line with many other European nations in a shutdown designed to try to curb the spread of the virus. Italy reported 627 new coronavirus deaths on Friday, its highest number in a single day, bringing its death toll above 4,000. Spain became the second European nation to register more than 1,000 deaths, and officials there warned that the country’s health care system could soon be overwhelmed.
Nightclubs, theaters, gyms, movie theaters and sports and leisure facilities must also close from Friday night, and the measures will apply across the country after agreements with the authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. French officials continued to tighten restrictions on movements ahead of the expected peak of the epidemic there. In Germany, authorities in the southern state of Bavaria issued an order asking people to stay indoors in most cases — the most far-reaching measure in the country, which had been appealing to people’s sense of public duty and reason to keep them at home.
Mr. Johnson, who had resisted taking such drastic steps for several days, told a news conference that the move was essential to avoid unnecessary social contact. He added that the more effective such measures were, the better protected the country’s health system would be and the faster the economy would ultimately recover. And Britain, which had resisted the kind of wide scale closures that many other nations adopted days ago, reluctantly agreed to shutter one of the symbols of the nation: the pub. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the country’s cafes, pubs and restaurants to close Friday night, along with nightclubs, theaters, gyms, movie theaters and sports and leisure facilities.
The measures will apply throughout the United Kingdom, after agreements were reached with the authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“We have a real threat to our country and to the ability of our National Health Service to manage it,” said Mr. Johnson, who added that he would keep the transportation network open.“We have a real threat to our country and to the ability of our National Health Service to manage it,” said Mr. Johnson, who added that he would keep the transportation network open.
The announcement came as the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said that the government would help pay a big part of the wages of those unable to work because of the shutdown. Up to 80 percent of the pay of those workers could be covered, said Mr. Sunak, who added that welfare provision would increase. His announcement came as the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said that the government would help pay a big part of the wages of those unable to work. Up to 80 percent of the pay of those workers could be covered, said Mr. Sunak, who added that welfare provision would increase.
The fast spread of the virus means that many nations are facing simultaneous shortages of desperately needed medical equipment — from protective garb to beds to ambulances — as their health care systems buckle under ever higher caseloads.
“The health situation in Madrid is critical,” said Ángela Hernández, the deputy secretary general of Amyts, an association of doctors in Madrid.
“There’s a saturation of emergency services,” she said. “We’re no longer in a phase of health alert, but instead of alarm.”
In the Catalonia region, hospital patients are being housed in hotels. Some hospitals in the Basque region have now dedicated most floors to coronavirus cases.
And in France, there is a growing outcry over the scarcity of face masks, with retirement home workers warning that of the mortal danger to residents if their staffs do not receive masks. Jérôme Salomon, a top official at France’s health ministry, said that 35 million had already been distributed, and promised that authorities were ramping up production and distribution.
Health officials in Germany, which has 28,000 intensive care beds, are attempting to increase capacity of by setting up temporary hospitals in empty rehabilitation clinics, hotels and trade fair halls.
After the onset of spring filled Bavaria’s parks and beer gardens with people sitting closely together, the state issued new rules prohibiting people from leaving home except for reasons including grocery shopping, caring for a relative or taking a walk — and only alone or with family members.
“Everyone can and everyone must do their part in this crisis,” the Bavarian governor, Markus Söder, in Munich on Friday. “People are going to die. Corona is not just a flu, it is a new virus.”
Chancellor Angela Merkel is to meet with the leaders of Germany’s 16 states on Sunday to discuss whether similar restrictions are to be put in place across the country, with warnings that people’s behavior on Saturday will be a determining factor.
Bavaria’s new regulations resemble those already in place in neighboring Austria, which Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said they would stay in place until April 13.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Friday that Tax Day would be moved to July 15, giving Americans an additional three months to file their income tax returns.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Friday that Tax Day would be moved to July 15, giving Americans an additional three months to file their income tax returns.
Mr. Mnuchin said that the decision was made at the direction of Mr. Trump.Mr. Mnuchin said that the decision was made at the direction of Mr. Trump.
The Treasury Department had already allowed individuals and companies to defer tax payments to July 15, but said that they were required to file their returns on April 15 as usual.The Treasury Department had already allowed individuals and companies to defer tax payments to July 15, but said that they were required to file their returns on April 15 as usual.
Mr. Mnuchin has said the delay will inject $300 billion of temporary liquidity into the U.S. economy. But he encouraged anyone expecting a refund to file sooner rather than later.Mr. Mnuchin has said the delay will inject $300 billion of temporary liquidity into the U.S. economy. But he encouraged anyone expecting a refund to file sooner rather than later.
Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, said Friday that he aimed to reach a bipartisan agreement in principle by the end of the day on a sweeping $1 trillion economic stabilization plan to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, said Friday that he aimed to reach a bipartisan agreement in principle by the end of the day on a sweeping $1 trillion economic stabilization plan to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
If Mr. McConnell gets his wish, the Senate could vote on the legislation by Monday.If Mr. McConnell gets his wish, the Senate could vote on the legislation by Monday.
He outlined his timeline after a brief bipartisan huddle on Capitol Hill with Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the minority leader, a number of top committee leaders in the Senate, as well as Mr. Mnuchin, Larry Kudlow, the top White House economic adviser, and other Trump administration officials.He outlined his timeline after a brief bipartisan huddle on Capitol Hill with Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the minority leader, a number of top committee leaders in the Senate, as well as Mr. Mnuchin, Larry Kudlow, the top White House economic adviser, and other Trump administration officials.
There is broad agreement on the need for the rescue package, which would be the third round of emergency aid Congress has considered this month to confront the crisis.There is broad agreement on the need for the rescue package, which would be the third round of emergency aid Congress has considered this month to confront the crisis.
But Republicans and Democrats are deeply divided over the details, including which Americans should receive direct payments from the government, how much paid leave employers should have to cover for workers, and what form of assistance to provide to small and large businesses.But Republicans and Democrats are deeply divided over the details, including which Americans should receive direct payments from the government, how much paid leave employers should have to cover for workers, and what form of assistance to provide to small and large businesses.
Mr. McConnell introduced a bill on Thursday that would send checks of up to $1,200 to taxpayers who earn up to $99,000 and offer large corporate tax cuts and loans for businesses and industries. It would also impose curbs on an emergency coronavirus paid leave program enacted this week.Mr. McConnell introduced a bill on Thursday that would send checks of up to $1,200 to taxpayers who earn up to $99,000 and offer large corporate tax cuts and loans for businesses and industries. It would also impose curbs on an emergency coronavirus paid leave program enacted this week.
Following the bipartisan meeting, the senators divided into smaller, bipartisan groups to hash out disagreements over the text, which Democratic leaders had complained favored corporations over workers.Following the bipartisan meeting, the senators divided into smaller, bipartisan groups to hash out disagreements over the text, which Democratic leaders had complained favored corporations over workers.
“Senator McConnell’s bill is not pro-worker at all — it puts corporations ahead of people,” Mr. Schumer said. “We need workers first.” But he added of the negotiation, “We must make it work, and we will.”“Senator McConnell’s bill is not pro-worker at all — it puts corporations ahead of people,” Mr. Schumer said. “We need workers first.” But he added of the negotiation, “We must make it work, and we will.”
Spain on Friday became the second European nation to register more than 1,000 deaths, and officials warned that the country’s health care system could soon be overwhelmed even as doctors were already being forced to choose which patients to save.
“Admitting someone may mean denying the entry to someone else who may benefit more,” a Spanish organization that represents intensive care providers wrote in a report released on Thursday. It recommended prioritizing patients with more than two years of life expectancy, and taking “social value” into account.
“The health situation in Madrid is critical,” said Ángela Hernández, the deputy secretary general of Amyts, an association of doctors in Madrid, which so far has accounted for most of the 1,000 deaths nationwide. She listed several problems, including shortages of protective gear for health care workers and a lack of ambulances.
“There’s a saturation of emergency services,” she said. “We’re no longer in a phase of health alert, but instead of alarm.”
In the Catalonia region, hospital patients are being housed in hotels. Some hospitals in the Basque region have now dedicated most floors to coronavirus cases.
Italy registered 1,000 deaths a week ago, and this week it surpassed China in nationwide fatalities, with more than 3,400 deaths so far. Across Europe, hospitals are racing to prepare for an influx of coronavirus patients that experts say will swell in the next week.
Health officials in Germany are attempting to increase the country’s capacity of 28,000 intensive care beds by setting up temporary hospitals in empty rehabilitation clinics, hotels and trade fair halls.
Lothar Wieler, president of the Robert Koch Institute for public health, warned that Germany was facing “exponential growth” and a similar situation to the one seen in Italy.
France has called in the military to build temporary hospitals even as health care workers have warned that they do not have enough protective gear, including face masks.
In Britain, letters are being sent to thousands of former doctors and nurses asking them to rejoin the National Health Service.
Doctors in Spain said they were increasingly unable to treat older patients in intensive care units.
“We have to choose whom we intubate,” said one doctor working in an emergency room in Madrid, who requested anonymity because he wasn’t allowed to comment publicly. “We can’t use it on everyone any more.”
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said Friday that she would grant requests from any state that wants to suspend federally mandated standardized testing, and the department said that “a state that deems it necessary should proceed with cancelling its statewide” testing.Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said Friday that she would grant requests from any state that wants to suspend federally mandated standardized testing, and the department said that “a state that deems it necessary should proceed with cancelling its statewide” testing.
The moves came after groups representing state and district leaders pressured the department to expedite waivers from the high-stakes exams, as nearly every state had decided to shut down their systems for weeks. As of Friday morning, 45 states have closed schools, according to Education Week, which has been tracking district shutdowns.The moves came after groups representing state and district leaders pressured the department to expedite waivers from the high-stakes exams, as nearly every state had decided to shut down their systems for weeks. As of Friday morning, 45 states have closed schools, according to Education Week, which has been tracking district shutdowns.
“Students need to be focused on staying healthy and continuing to learn,” Ms. DeVos said in a statement. “Teachers need to be able to focus on remote learning and other adaptations. Neither students nor teachers need to be focused on high-stakes tests during this difficult time. Students are simply too unlikely to be able to perform their best in this environment.”“Students need to be focused on staying healthy and continuing to learn,” Ms. DeVos said in a statement. “Teachers need to be able to focus on remote learning and other adaptations. Neither students nor teachers need to be focused on high-stakes tests during this difficult time. Students are simply too unlikely to be able to perform their best in this environment.”
Ms. DeVos also announced that all borrowers with federally held student loans will automatically have their interest rates set to 0 percent for at least 60 days. Those borrowers can also apply to suspend their payments for at least two months, the department said.Ms. DeVos also announced that all borrowers with federally held student loans will automatically have their interest rates set to 0 percent for at least 60 days. Those borrowers can also apply to suspend their payments for at least two months, the department said.
The state government had previously told nonessential businesses in New York City to keep 75 percent of their workers home, bringing one of the busiest cities in the world to a grinding halt. On Friday, cases in New York State topped 7,000, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo told all residents to stay indoors as much as possible and ordered all nonessential businesses to keep workers home.The state government had previously told nonessential businesses in New York City to keep 75 percent of their workers home, bringing one of the busiest cities in the world to a grinding halt. On Friday, cases in New York State topped 7,000, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo told all residents to stay indoors as much as possible and ordered all nonessential businesses to keep workers home.
Luca di Pietro, who owns five restaurants in Manhattan, described the pain of telling his staff that his restaurants would be closing.Luca di Pietro, who owns five restaurants in Manhattan, described the pain of telling his staff that his restaurants would be closing.
“There is no money, there is no money to pay salaries,” he said, becoming emotional. “It pains me greatly to let people down.”“There is no money, there is no money to pay salaries,” he said, becoming emotional. “It pains me greatly to let people down.”
Indiana’s primary elections have been suspended until June 2, joining several states that have pushed back their voting. The presidential primary was originally scheduled for May 5.Indiana’s primary elections have been suspended until June 2, joining several states that have pushed back their voting. The presidential primary was originally scheduled for May 5.
“The right of citizens to elect their leaders in a free and open election is one of the cornerstones of America,” Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said. “In order to balance that right with the safety of county employees, poll workers and voters, delaying Indiana’s primary election is the right move as we continue to do all we can to protect Hoosiers’ health.”
Officials also announced that the state would expand the option to vote by mail to all voters for the upcoming primary election, and that any mail-in ballots previously printed with a May 5 date on them would still be valid.Officials also announced that the state would expand the option to vote by mail to all voters for the upcoming primary election, and that any mail-in ballots previously printed with a May 5 date on them would still be valid.
The state will also give medical professionals authority to act as traveling election boards to help voting in nursing homes and among hospital patients. And it will allow family members of absentee voters to drop off their ballots, even if they don’t reside together.The state will also give medical professionals authority to act as traveling election boards to help voting in nursing homes and among hospital patients. And it will allow family members of absentee voters to drop off their ballots, even if they don’t reside together.
Chinese health experts visiting Italy warned that the country may not be taking the stringent lockdown measures seriously enough, even as outside aid groups begin to set up systems to lend support.
The number of coronavirus deaths in Italy passed the total for China on Thursday. And as new infections in China continued to drop, numbers across Europe have exploded.
On a visit to Milan, the vice president of the Chinese Red Cross, Sun Shuopeng, chided Italians for not taking restrictive measures more seriously. The situation in the northern region of Lombardy region, which has been hit hardest by the outbreak, echoed that in Wuhan, China, during the peak of its epidemic, he said.
Italy was the first Western country to introduce lockdown measures, following the model established by the Chinese government. But Mr. Sun said the Italian authorities had not gone far enough.
In Milan, public transportation was still moving, and people were still on the streets.
“We need to close the town,” Mr. Sun added, prompting Attilio Fontana, the president of Lombardy, to nod vigorously. Mr. Fontana has been pushing the national government to adopt stricter lockdown measures.
With hospitals overwhelmed, aid groups have also begun setting up in Italy. Samaritan’s Purse, the international Christian relief agency, opened a field hospital on Friday in Cremona to deal with the overflow patients.
Ken Isaacs, vice president of programs and government relations for the aid group, described the situation in the region as “horrific” and “a raging fire.”
The agency had already sent equipment and disaster relief personnel, including doctors and nurses to work with the Italian medical staff.
“They’re so exhausted,” Mr. Isaacs said of the medical workers. “We’ve brought some hope.”
Reaching out to provide assistance or charity in this trying time can ease your own anxiety too. Consider supporting local businesses, safely donating blood or reaching out in more creative ways.Reaching out to provide assistance or charity in this trying time can ease your own anxiety too. Consider supporting local businesses, safely donating blood or reaching out in more creative ways.
A global arms race for a coronavirus vaccine is underway.A global arms race for a coronavirus vaccine is underway.
In the three months since the virus began its deadly spread, China, Europe and the United States have all set off at a sprint to become the first to produce a vaccine. But while there is cooperation on many levels — including among companies that are ordinarily fierce competitors — hanging over the effort is the shadow of a nationalistic opportunity for the winner to potentially gain the upper hand in dealing with the economic and geostrategic fallout from the crisis.In the three months since the virus began its deadly spread, China, Europe and the United States have all set off at a sprint to become the first to produce a vaccine. But while there is cooperation on many levels — including among companies that are ordinarily fierce competitors — hanging over the effort is the shadow of a nationalistic opportunity for the winner to potentially gain the upper hand in dealing with the economic and geostrategic fallout from the crisis.
What began as a question of scientific accolades, the patents and ultimately the revenue from a successful vaccine have become a broader issue of urgent national security. And behind the scramble is a harsh reality: Any vaccine that proves potent against the coronavirus is sure to be in short supply as governments try to ensure that their own people are first in line.What began as a question of scientific accolades, the patents and ultimately the revenue from a successful vaccine have become a broader issue of urgent national security. And behind the scramble is a harsh reality: Any vaccine that proves potent against the coronavirus is sure to be in short supply as governments try to ensure that their own people are first in line.
In China, 1,000 scientists are at work on a vaccine, and the issue has already been militarized: Researchers affiliated with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences have developed what is considered the nation’s front-runner candidate for success and is recruiting volunteers for clinical trials.In China, 1,000 scientists are at work on a vaccine, and the issue has already been militarized: Researchers affiliated with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences have developed what is considered the nation’s front-runner candidate for success and is recruiting volunteers for clinical trials.
Mr. Trump has talked with pharmaceutical executives about making sure a vaccine is produced on American soil, to assure the United States controls its supplies. German government officials said they believed he tried to lure a German company, CureVac, to do its research and production in the United States.Mr. Trump has talked with pharmaceutical executives about making sure a vaccine is produced on American soil, to assure the United States controls its supplies. German government officials said they believed he tried to lure a German company, CureVac, to do its research and production in the United States.
The company has denied it received a takeover offer, but its lead investor made clear that some kind of approach had been made.The company has denied it received a takeover offer, but its lead investor made clear that some kind of approach had been made.
Hong Kong saw its biggest daily jump in confirmed coronavirus infections on Friday, as the city grappled with a second wave of cases in travelers returning from abroad as well as some local transmissions.Hong Kong saw its biggest daily jump in confirmed coronavirus infections on Friday, as the city grappled with a second wave of cases in travelers returning from abroad as well as some local transmissions.
The city reported 48 new infections on Friday, bringing its total to 256. Most new patients had recently traveled to Europe, North America or Southeast Asia, a spokeswoman for the department of health said at a news conference Friday.The city reported 48 new infections on Friday, bringing its total to 256. Most new patients had recently traveled to Europe, North America or Southeast Asia, a spokeswoman for the department of health said at a news conference Friday.
The sudden spike in Hong Kong came as Taiwan confirmed 27 new cases and its second death from the coronavirus on Friday. Singapore also saw a record high of 47 new infections on Wednesday, driven by imported cases as residents returned from overseas.The sudden spike in Hong Kong came as Taiwan confirmed 27 new cases and its second death from the coronavirus on Friday. Singapore also saw a record high of 47 new infections on Wednesday, driven by imported cases as residents returned from overseas.
Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong have been lauded for their strategies in keeping the epidemics at bay, but health officials and residents are gearing up for a longer fight.Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong have been lauded for their strategies in keeping the epidemics at bay, but health officials and residents are gearing up for a longer fight.
The Hong Kong health authorities are also looking into a string of cases potentially linked to the nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fong, which includes many bars and gyms and is popular with expatriates. Several restaurants in the city have begun to refuse entry to anyone who has traveled abroad in the past 14 days.The Hong Kong health authorities are also looking into a string of cases potentially linked to the nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fong, which includes many bars and gyms and is popular with expatriates. Several restaurants in the city have begun to refuse entry to anyone who has traveled abroad in the past 14 days.
Cathay Pacific, the main Hong Kong airline, said on Friday it would scrap 96 percent of its passenger flights in April and May as the pandemic brought travel to a virtual shutdown. HK Express, a low-cost carrier owned by Cathay, plans to suspend all flight operations from March 23 to April 30.Cathay Pacific, the main Hong Kong airline, said on Friday it would scrap 96 percent of its passenger flights in April and May as the pandemic brought travel to a virtual shutdown. HK Express, a low-cost carrier owned by Cathay, plans to suspend all flight operations from March 23 to April 30.
The health authorities in Australia are trying to track down thousands of passengers who left a Princess Cruise ship in Sydney on Thursday after four people tested positive for the new coronavirus.The health authorities in Australia are trying to track down thousands of passengers who left a Princess Cruise ship in Sydney on Thursday after four people tested positive for the new coronavirus.
Three passengers, one of whom is in serious condition, and one crew member from the Ruby Princess were confirmed to have the virus.Three passengers, one of whom is in serious condition, and one crew member from the Ruby Princess were confirmed to have the virus.
The ship tested 13 people who displayed symptoms but allowed 2,700 passengers to disembark before the results were known. Of the known cases, one person was a passenger who was not tested onboard but later visited a hospital after feeling sick.The ship tested 13 people who displayed symptoms but allowed 2,700 passengers to disembark before the results were known. Of the known cases, one person was a passenger who was not tested onboard but later visited a hospital after feeling sick.
The ship, which was traveling from New Zealand to Australia, has been quarantined off the eastern coast of Australian with about 1,100 crew members on board.The ship, which was traveling from New Zealand to Australia, has been quarantined off the eastern coast of Australian with about 1,100 crew members on board.
Reporting and research were contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, Katie Rogers, Maggie Haberman, Emily Cochrane, Andy Newman, Kenneth P. Vogel, Catie Edmondson, Jesse Drucker, Monica Davey, Raphael Minder, Elaine Yu, Motoko Rich, Elian Peltier, Megan Specia, Marc Santora, Ian Austen, Elisabetta Povoledo, Katie Robertson, Aurelien Breeden, Melissa Eddy, Edward Wong, David E. Sanger, David D. Kirkpatrick, Erica L. Green, Roni Caryn Rabin, Sui-Lee Wee, Katrin Bennhold, Richard Pérez-Peña, Tim Arango, Jill Cowan, Sarah Mervosh, Stephen Castle, Nick Corasaniti, Nancy Wartik, Jim Tankersley, Alan Rappeport, Maya Salam, David Zucchino, Isabella Kwai and Dan Barry.Reporting and research were contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, Katie Rogers, Maggie Haberman, Emily Cochrane, Andy Newman, Kenneth P. Vogel, Catie Edmondson, Jesse Drucker, Monica Davey, Raphael Minder, Elaine Yu, Motoko Rich, Elian Peltier, Megan Specia, Marc Santora, Ian Austen, Elisabetta Povoledo, Katie Robertson, Aurelien Breeden, Melissa Eddy, Edward Wong, David E. Sanger, David D. Kirkpatrick, Erica L. Green, Roni Caryn Rabin, Sui-Lee Wee, Katrin Bennhold, Richard Pérez-Peña, Tim Arango, Jill Cowan, Sarah Mervosh, Stephen Castle, Nick Corasaniti, Nancy Wartik, Jim Tankersley, Alan Rappeport, Maya Salam, David Zucchino, Isabella Kwai and Dan Barry.