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Coronavirus Live Updates: Senate Democrats Block Aid Package, Seeking Stronger Protections for Workers Coronavirus Live Updates: Senate Democrats Block Aid Package, Seeking Stronger Protections for Workers
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
Senate Democrats again blocked action on a $1.8 trillion economic stabilization package on Monday as talks continued with the Trump administration to resolve differences.Senate Democrats again blocked action on a $1.8 trillion economic stabilization package on Monday as talks continued with the Trump administration to resolve differences.
Tempers flared in the Senate as senators and senior Trump administration officials scrambled to strike a deal on a nearly $2 trillion economic rescue measure to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, with Democrats blocking action on the package until they could secure stronger protections for workers and restrictions for bailed-out businesses.Tempers flared in the Senate as senators and senior Trump administration officials scrambled to strike a deal on a nearly $2 trillion economic rescue measure to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, with Democrats blocking action on the package until they could secure stronger protections for workers and restrictions for bailed-out businesses.
“Are you kidding me?” Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, demanded on the Senate floor. “This is not a juicy political opportunity, this is a national emergency.”“Are you kidding me?” Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, demanded on the Senate floor. “This is not a juicy political opportunity, this is a national emergency.”
The extraordinary scene unfolded the day after Democrats blocked action on the measure, which is emerging as the largest economic stimulus measure in modern history. The vote on Sunday evening shook markets around the globe and infuriated Republicans who said it ignored bipartisan talks that had yielded substantial compromises over the outlines of the measure. At the heart of the impasse is a $425 billion fund created by the bill that the Federal Reserve could leverage for loans to assist broad groups of distressed companies, and an additional $75 billion it would provide for industry-specific loans. Democrats have raised concerns that the funds do not have rules for transparency or enough guardrails to make sure companies do not use the funds to enrich themselves or take government money and lay off workers. They also argue the measure would give Mr. Mnuchin too much discretion to decide which companies receive the funds, calling the proposal a “slush fund” for the administration.
As the legislation is currently written, Mr. Mnuchin would not have to disclose the recipients until six months after the loans were disbursed. Some Democrats also objected to loopholes in the legislation they said could allow Mr. Trump’s real estate empire to take advantage of the federal aid.
The Democratic leader told reporters shortly after midnight that the bill as currently written would give bailouts to major corporations without accountability and that it would not provide enough funding to health care workers on the front lines.
The extraordinary scene on Monday unfolded the after Democrats blocked action on Sunday on the measure, which is emerging as the largest economic stimulus measure in modern history. The vote on Sunday evening shook markets around the globe and infuriated Republicans who said it ignored bipartisan talks that had yielded substantial compromises over the outlines of the measure.
The testy exchanges overshadowed an urgent set of negotiations that continued behind the scenes between Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, and Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, to iron out the remaining differences.The testy exchanges overshadowed an urgent set of negotiations that continued behind the scenes between Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, and Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, to iron out the remaining differences.
“We Democrats are trying to get things done, not making partisan speech after partisan speech,” Mr. Schumer said on the Senate floor, pointing out he had met repeatedly with Mr. Mnuchin and Eric Ueland, the White House legislative affairs director, over the last 24 hours.“We Democrats are trying to get things done, not making partisan speech after partisan speech,” Mr. Schumer said on the Senate floor, pointing out he had met repeatedly with Mr. Mnuchin and Eric Ueland, the White House legislative affairs director, over the last 24 hours.
“Our goal is to reach a deal today, and we are hopeful, even confident, that we will meet that goal.”“Our goal is to reach a deal today, and we are hopeful, even confident, that we will meet that goal.”
Mr. Mnuchin declined to provide specifics, but said the two sides were “very close” to a deal. “We are knocking down the issues,” he said. “We have been working all morning and we are not leaving until we have a deal.”Mr. Mnuchin declined to provide specifics, but said the two sides were “very close” to a deal. “We are knocking down the issues,” he said. “We have been working all morning and we are not leaving until we have a deal.”
At the heart of the impasse is a $425 billion fund created by the bill that the Federal Reserve could leverage for loans to assist broad groups of distressed companies, and an additional $75 billion it would provide for industry-specific loans. Democrats have raised concerns that the funds do not have rules for transparency or enough guardrails to make sure companies do not use the funds to enrich themselves or take government money and lay off workers. They also argue the measure would give Mr. Mnuchin too much discretion to decide which companies receive the funds, calling the proposal a “slush fund” for the administration.
As the legislation is currently written, Mr. Mnuchin would not have to disclose the recipients until six months after the loans were disbursed. Some Democrats also objected to loopholes in the legislation they said could allow Mr. Trump’s real estate empire to take advantage of the federal aid.
The Democratic leader told reporters shortly after midnight that the bill as currently written would give bailouts to major corporations without accountability and that it would not provide enough funding to health care workers on the front lines.
Also on Monday, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Democrat of Minnesota, said that her husband, John Bessler, had tested positive for the coronavirus. Ms. Klobuchar, writing in a post on Medium, said that she and her husband have been in different places for the past two weeks, and that because 14 days had elapsed since she saw him, she was following her doctor’s guidance and not getting a test for the virus while there is a shortage of tests in the country.Also on Monday, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Democrat of Minnesota, said that her husband, John Bessler, had tested positive for the coronavirus. Ms. Klobuchar, writing in a post on Medium, said that she and her husband have been in different places for the past two weeks, and that because 14 days had elapsed since she saw him, she was following her doctor’s guidance and not getting a test for the virus while there is a shortage of tests in the country.
With a recession looming and the economy breaking down day by day in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic, investors have been looking to leaders in Washington to cushion the economic impact of business closures, factory shutdowns and mass layoffs.With a recession looming and the economy breaking down day by day in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic, investors have been looking to leaders in Washington to cushion the economic impact of business closures, factory shutdowns and mass layoffs.
On Monday, they got some help, but not enough.On Monday, they got some help, but not enough.
The Federal Reserve said it would vastly expand its efforts to shore up businesses and keep markets functioning, but lawmakers hit another wall in their attempt to push a record-breaking fiscal stimulus package through Congress.The Federal Reserve said it would vastly expand its efforts to shore up businesses and keep markets functioning, but lawmakers hit another wall in their attempt to push a record-breaking fiscal stimulus package through Congress.
Senate Democrats blocked the progress of the nearly $2 trillion government rescue package for a second time as they continued to negotiate for stronger protections for workers and restrictions for bailed-out businesses.Senate Democrats blocked the progress of the nearly $2 trillion government rescue package for a second time as they continued to negotiate for stronger protections for workers and restrictions for bailed-out businesses.
The S&P 500 fell about 3 percent Monday, adding to a 15 percent plunge last week as traders remained cautious about the Fed’s ability to shift the trajectory of an economy that appears to be in free-fall because of the coronavirus crisis.The S&P 500 fell about 3 percent Monday, adding to a 15 percent plunge last week as traders remained cautious about the Fed’s ability to shift the trajectory of an economy that appears to be in free-fall because of the coronavirus crisis.
The Federal Reserve said it would buy as much government-backed debt as it needs to keep financial markets functioning, and unrolled a series of programs meant to shore up both large and small businesses — a whatever-it-takes effort to cushion the economic blow of the pandemic.The Federal Reserve said it would buy as much government-backed debt as it needs to keep financial markets functioning, and unrolled a series of programs meant to shore up both large and small businesses — a whatever-it-takes effort to cushion the economic blow of the pandemic.
“Aggressive efforts must be taken across the public and private sectors to limit the losses to jobs and incomes and to promote a swift recovery once the disruptions abate,” the central bank said in a statement on Monday, adding that the Fed was “using its full range of authorities to provide powerful support for the flow of credit to American families and businesses.”“Aggressive efforts must be taken across the public and private sectors to limit the losses to jobs and incomes and to promote a swift recovery once the disruptions abate,” the central bank said in a statement on Monday, adding that the Fed was “using its full range of authorities to provide powerful support for the flow of credit to American families and businesses.”
The Fed this month resurrected a huge bond-buying program — last used in response to the 2008 financial crisis — saying that it would spend $700 billion on Treasury securities and $200 billion in mortgage-backed debt. On Monday, the central bank said it would not limit its purchases, instead buying “in the amounts needed to support smooth market functioning.”The Fed this month resurrected a huge bond-buying program — last used in response to the 2008 financial crisis — saying that it would spend $700 billion on Treasury securities and $200 billion in mortgage-backed debt. On Monday, the central bank said it would not limit its purchases, instead buying “in the amounts needed to support smooth market functioning.”
Trading was volatile again Monday, with stocks falling as much as 5 percent. Major indexes in Europe were also lower, while stocks in Asia had already ended the day lower before the Fed announced its new plans.Trading was volatile again Monday, with stocks falling as much as 5 percent. Major indexes in Europe were also lower, while stocks in Asia had already ended the day lower before the Fed announced its new plans.
As President Trump suggested that he would soon re-evaluate the federal guidance urging social distancing, more states moved Monday to impose their own sweeping stay-at-home orders, which will soon cover more than 100 million Americans in more than a dozen states.As President Trump suggested that he would soon re-evaluate the federal guidance urging social distancing, more states moved Monday to impose their own sweeping stay-at-home orders, which will soon cover more than 100 million Americans in more than a dozen states.
The divide burst into public view after Mr. Trump suggested that his patience with some of the disruptive measures taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus might be limited, writing on Twitter Sunday night that “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF.”The divide burst into public view after Mr. Trump suggested that his patience with some of the disruptive measures taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus might be limited, writing on Twitter Sunday night that “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF.”
It was a starkly different message from the one being given by many health experts — and by state and local officials on the front lines of the fast-spreading outbreak, many of whom are urging more people to stay home to try to save lives.It was a starkly different message from the one being given by many health experts — and by state and local officials on the front lines of the fast-spreading outbreak, many of whom are urging more people to stay home to try to save lives.
On Monday states including Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Oregon became the latest to announce sweeping directives to keep more people home to try to slow the spread of the virus before it overwhelms the capacities of their hospitals to treat the sick.On Monday states including Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Oregon became the latest to announce sweeping directives to keep more people home to try to slow the spread of the virus before it overwhelms the capacities of their hospitals to treat the sick.
“Stay at home,” Gov. Eric Holcomb of Indiana, a Republican, said Monday as he issued an order aimed to keep people indoors in his state, which he noted was in line with what other states were doing. “I’m telling you, the next two weeks are critical.”“Stay at home,” Gov. Eric Holcomb of Indiana, a Republican, said Monday as he issued an order aimed to keep people indoors in his state, which he noted was in line with what other states were doing. “I’m telling you, the next two weeks are critical.”
But at the White House, in recent days, there has been a growing sentiment that medical experts were being allowed to set policy that has hurt the economy, and there has been a push to find ways to let people start returning to work.But at the White House, in recent days, there has been a growing sentiment that medical experts were being allowed to set policy that has hurt the economy, and there has been a push to find ways to let people start returning to work.
Writing on Twitter Sunday night, Mr. Trump added that: “AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO!”Writing on Twitter Sunday night, Mr. Trump added that: “AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO!”
The White House issued guidance last week urging Americans to avoid large gatherings, to work from home and to maintain distance from one another for an initial 15-day period.The White House issued guidance last week urging Americans to avoid large gatherings, to work from home and to maintain distance from one another for an initial 15-day period.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, an infectious diseases expert and a member of the White House coronavirus task force, has said in interviews that he believed it would take several more weeks before people can start going about their lives in a more normal fashion. Other infectious disease experts suggest even harsher measures than social distancing are required to truly beat back the outbreaks in the United States.Dr. Anthony Fauci, an infectious diseases expert and a member of the White House coronavirus task force, has said in interviews that he believed it would take several more weeks before people can start going about their lives in a more normal fashion. Other infectious disease experts suggest even harsher measures than social distancing are required to truly beat back the outbreaks in the United States.
The president’s interest in potentially easing some of the social behavior guidelines met with pushback from one of his close allies, Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina.The president’s interest in potentially easing some of the social behavior guidelines met with pushback from one of his close allies, Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina.
“President Trump’s best decision was stopping travel from China early on,” Mr. Graham tweeted on Monday. “I hope we will not undercut that decision by suggesting we back off aggressive containment policies within the United States.”“President Trump’s best decision was stopping travel from China early on,” Mr. Graham tweeted on Monday. “I hope we will not undercut that decision by suggesting we back off aggressive containment policies within the United States.”
And on Monday morning the U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, issued a stark warning in an appearance on NBC: “This week, it’s going to get bad,” he said, urging more Americans to take social distancing seriously.And on Monday morning the U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, issued a stark warning in an appearance on NBC: “This week, it’s going to get bad,” he said, urging more Americans to take social distancing seriously.
Governors of both parties, fearing that the fast spread of the virus will soon clog their hospitals and leave them with too few ventilators to keep critically ill patients alive, continued to take action on their own, following in the footsteps of states including California, Illinois and New York that moved last week to try to keep residents home and close nonessential businesses.Governors of both parties, fearing that the fast spread of the virus will soon clog their hospitals and leave them with too few ventilators to keep critically ill patients alive, continued to take action on their own, following in the footsteps of states including California, Illinois and New York that moved last week to try to keep residents home and close nonessential businesses.
“If we all do our part and simply stay home, we have a shot,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan said at a news conference on Monday, citing a study that projected that 70 percent of Michigan’s 10 million residents could become infected if nothing changed.“If we all do our part and simply stay home, we have a shot,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan said at a news conference on Monday, citing a study that projected that 70 percent of Michigan’s 10 million residents could become infected if nothing changed.
Ms. Whitmer, who is among a handful of Democratic governors who have exchanged jabs with President Trump over the virus, said that the action was necessary, in part, because of a lack of response from the federal government.Ms. Whitmer, who is among a handful of Democratic governors who have exchanged jabs with President Trump over the virus, said that the action was necessary, in part, because of a lack of response from the federal government.
“Without a comprehensive national strategy, we, the states, must take action,” she said.“Without a comprehensive national strategy, we, the states, must take action,” she said.
On Monday morning, Mr. Trump posted a video on Twitter in which members of his coronavirus task force called for more social distancing — but then retweeted his earlier post about not letting the cure be worse than the problem itself.On Monday morning, Mr. Trump posted a video on Twitter in which members of his coronavirus task force called for more social distancing — but then retweeted his earlier post about not letting the cure be worse than the problem itself.
A growing number of officials have urged Mr. Trump to use the Defense Production Act to compel industry to produce desperately-needed masks and ventilators, or to take over the distribution of critical goods so states are not forced to compete against one another in bidding wars.A growing number of officials have urged Mr. Trump to use the Defense Production Act to compel industry to produce desperately-needed masks and ventilators, or to take over the distribution of critical goods so states are not forced to compete against one another in bidding wars.
The Trump administration has sent mixed signals on using the act. At one point last week Mr. Trump claimed that he had used it, but he later said that he was against doing so, arguing that the market would come through on its own.The Trump administration has sent mixed signals on using the act. At one point last week Mr. Trump claimed that he had used it, but he later said that he was against doing so, arguing that the market would come through on its own.
On Monday, Vice President Mike Pence reiterated the administration’s opposition to using the measure during a conference call with governors. “Industry is stepping up like never before,” Mr. Pence said on the call, a recording of which was obtained by The New York Times.On Monday, Vice President Mike Pence reiterated the administration’s opposition to using the measure during a conference call with governors. “Industry is stepping up like never before,” Mr. Pence said on the call, a recording of which was obtained by The New York Times.
As New York became the center of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said he would issue an emergency order requiring the state’s hospitals to increase their capacities by at least 50 percent.As New York became the center of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said he would issue an emergency order requiring the state’s hospitals to increase their capacities by at least 50 percent.
The order was a mandatory directive from the state, Mr. Cuomo said, adding “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say try to reach a 100 percent increase but you must reach a 50 percent increase.”The order was a mandatory directive from the state, Mr. Cuomo said, adding “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say try to reach a 100 percent increase but you must reach a 50 percent increase.”
Data released Monday indicated that the state accounts for roughly 6 percent of coronavirus cases worldwide.Data released Monday indicated that the state accounts for roughly 6 percent of coronavirus cases worldwide.
The jump stemmed from both the rapid growth of the outbreak and a significant increase in testing in the state. Health officials emphasized that testing was revealing how quickly the virus had spread.The jump stemmed from both the rapid growth of the outbreak and a significant increase in testing in the state. Health officials emphasized that testing was revealing how quickly the virus had spread.
There are now 20,909 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state and at least 157 deaths.There are now 20,909 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state and at least 157 deaths.
Moving to stem the crisis on multiple fronts, Mr. Cuomo pleaded with federal officials to nationalize the manufacturing of medical supplies and ordered New York City to crack down on people congregating in public. He suggested that some streets could be closed to traffic, allowing pedestrians more space.Moving to stem the crisis on multiple fronts, Mr. Cuomo pleaded with federal officials to nationalize the manufacturing of medical supplies and ordered New York City to crack down on people congregating in public. He suggested that some streets could be closed to traffic, allowing pedestrians more space.
The governor announced measures intended to prepare for a wave of patients, including setting up temporary hospitals in three New York City suburbs and erecting a large medical bivouac in the Jacob Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side.The governor announced measures intended to prepare for a wave of patients, including setting up temporary hospitals in three New York City suburbs and erecting a large medical bivouac in the Jacob Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side.
Already, hospitals across the New York region are reporting a surge of coronavirus patients and a looming shortage of critical supplies like ventilators and masks.Already, hospitals across the New York region are reporting a surge of coronavirus patients and a looming shortage of critical supplies like ventilators and masks.
Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York told CNN on Monday that hospitals had only “days” to get critical supplies before doctors will be unable to save the lives of those who might otherwise survive.Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York told CNN on Monday that hospitals had only “days” to get critical supplies before doctors will be unable to save the lives of those who might otherwise survive.
Among those who have contracted the virus in the state: Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced film producer who was convicted in February of rape and other sex crimes.Among those who have contracted the virus in the state: Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced film producer who was convicted in February of rape and other sex crimes.
He was being held in isolation at the Wende Correction Facility near Buffalo, according to the two people who spoke anonymously to discuss a private medical matter.He was being held in isolation at the Wende Correction Facility near Buffalo, according to the two people who spoke anonymously to discuss a private medical matter.
Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany tested negative for the virus days after being exposed to an infected doctor, a spokesman said on Monday.Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany tested negative for the virus days after being exposed to an infected doctor, a spokesman said on Monday.
The doctor had vaccinated Ms. Merkel against pneumonia on Friday. The chancellor has been isolating herself at home since learning that the doctor was infected on Sunday, and she will receive more tests to confirm the results. The first days after exposure may be too early to detect an infection.The doctor had vaccinated Ms. Merkel against pneumonia on Friday. The chancellor has been isolating herself at home since learning that the doctor was infected on Sunday, and she will receive more tests to confirm the results. The first days after exposure may be too early to detect an infection.
News that Ms. Merkel had been exposed to the virus sent ripples of unease through a country that has been guided by her through a series of crises over the past 14 years.News that Ms. Merkel had been exposed to the virus sent ripples of unease through a country that has been guided by her through a series of crises over the past 14 years.
But for now, the government has assured Germans that it is business as usual: On Monday morning, Ms. Merkel led a conference call with her cabinet from her Berlin apartment to discuss the biggest peace-time stimulus package Germany has ever seen.But for now, the government has assured Germans that it is business as usual: On Monday morning, Ms. Merkel led a conference call with her cabinet from her Berlin apartment to discuss the biggest peace-time stimulus package Germany has ever seen.
Ms. Merkel has been among the world leaders urging residents to practice social distancing.Ms. Merkel has been among the world leaders urging residents to practice social distancing.
“Do what is right for our country,” Ms. Merkel told people in Germany on Sunday, after introducing measures that limit groups in public to just two people, aside from families — at a safe distance. “Show reason and heart,” she said.“Do what is right for our country,” Ms. Merkel told people in Germany on Sunday, after introducing measures that limit groups in public to just two people, aside from families — at a safe distance. “Show reason and heart,” she said.
In some places, fines have been introduced for people who break the rules. In the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, people who unnecessarily leave their homes can face fines of up to 25,000 euros, about $26,700.In some places, fines have been introduced for people who break the rules. In the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, people who unnecessarily leave their homes can face fines of up to 25,000 euros, about $26,700.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia said on Sunday that if people didn’t comply with social distancing measures, he was ready to introduce “far more draconian measures,” after crowds thronged Australia’s beaches over the weekend.Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia said on Sunday that if people didn’t comply with social distancing measures, he was ready to introduce “far more draconian measures,” after crowds thronged Australia’s beaches over the weekend.
Local leaders in some Italian towns and regions have taken to the streets to demand that residents return home and called out those who fail to adhere. Vincenzo De Luca, the president of the regional government of Campania, issued a threat in a video message to those planning to throw graduation: “We will send the police over, with flamethrowers.”Local leaders in some Italian towns and regions have taken to the streets to demand that residents return home and called out those who fail to adhere. Vincenzo De Luca, the president of the regional government of Campania, issued a threat in a video message to those planning to throw graduation: “We will send the police over, with flamethrowers.”
Alain Thirion, a top security official at France’s interior ministry, told reporters in Paris on Sunday that the police had carried out checks on over 1.7 million people and that over 90,000 of them were in violation of a mandatory lockdown. Repeat offenders could face up to €3,700 in fines and six months in prison, under legislation passed on Sunday by France’s Parliament.Alain Thirion, a top security official at France’s interior ministry, told reporters in Paris on Sunday that the police had carried out checks on over 1.7 million people and that over 90,000 of them were in violation of a mandatory lockdown. Repeat offenders could face up to €3,700 in fines and six months in prison, under legislation passed on Sunday by France’s Parliament.
France has reported nearly 20,000 confirmed cases, and 860 deaths.
Planners for the Democratic National Convention are looking at contingency options in case the mid-July gathering in Milwaukee can’t take place because of the coronavirus, officials said on Monday for the first time.Planners for the Democratic National Convention are looking at contingency options in case the mid-July gathering in Milwaukee can’t take place because of the coronavirus, officials said on Monday for the first time.
“As we navigate the unprecedented challenge of responding to the coronavirus, we’re exploring a range of contingency options to ensure we can deliver a successful convention without unnecessary risk to public health,” said Katie Peters, a convention spokeswoman.“As we navigate the unprecedented challenge of responding to the coronavirus, we’re exploring a range of contingency options to ensure we can deliver a successful convention without unnecessary risk to public health,” said Katie Peters, a convention spokeswoman.
“This is a very fluid situation — and the convention is still more than three months away. We are committed to sharing updates with the public in the coming weeks and months as our plans continue to take shape.”“This is a very fluid situation — and the convention is still more than three months away. We are committed to sharing updates with the public in the coming weeks and months as our plans continue to take shape.”
One person with knowledge of the discussions said Monday that “intensive scenario-planning” was taking place among officials from the Democratic National Committee, the convention committee and the Milwaukee host committee, who were all determining what to do about the convention, which is scheduled for July 13 to July 16 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.One person with knowledge of the discussions said Monday that “intensive scenario-planning” was taking place among officials from the Democratic National Committee, the convention committee and the Milwaukee host committee, who were all determining what to do about the convention, which is scheduled for July 13 to July 16 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Among the complicating factors are the uncertain nature of the professional basketball season — the arena hosting the convention is home to the Milwaukee Bucks, a top N.B.A. team likely to play deep into the playoffs if the league’s season were to restart — and how the party’s delegates will be selected. Delegates in most states are elected to the national convention from state conventions, but many state conventions, scheduled for late spring and early summer, are also being postponed.Among the complicating factors are the uncertain nature of the professional basketball season — the arena hosting the convention is home to the Milwaukee Bucks, a top N.B.A. team likely to play deep into the playoffs if the league’s season were to restart — and how the party’s delegates will be selected. Delegates in most states are elected to the national convention from state conventions, but many state conventions, scheduled for late spring and early summer, are also being postponed.
Several states have moved or have proposed moving their primaries to June 2, which is quickly becoming a major date on the Democratic primary calendar.Several states have moved or have proposed moving their primaries to June 2, which is quickly becoming a major date on the Democratic primary calendar.
That will now include Rhode Island, too. Gov. Gina Raimondo will sign an executive order to move the state’s presidential primary election from April 28 to and conduct it “primarily by mail ballot,” she said on Monday. The Rhode Island secretary of state said mail ballot applications would be sent to all registered voters.That will now include Rhode Island, too. Gov. Gina Raimondo will sign an executive order to move the state’s presidential primary election from April 28 to and conduct it “primarily by mail ballot,” she said on Monday. The Rhode Island secretary of state said mail ballot applications would be sent to all registered voters.
Rhode Island is the eighth state to postpone its presidential primary amid the coronavirus outbreak. Pennsylvania may soon become the ninth: The state legislature was busy Monday discussing a bill to do so, according to a spokesman for the majority leader.Rhode Island is the eighth state to postpone its presidential primary amid the coronavirus outbreak. Pennsylvania may soon become the ninth: The state legislature was busy Monday discussing a bill to do so, according to a spokesman for the majority leader.
Overwhelmed by demand for an experimental treatment for coronavirus, the drug maker Gilead abruptly shut down its emergency access program, leaving doctors and families scrambling for answers.Overwhelmed by demand for an experimental treatment for coronavirus, the drug maker Gilead abruptly shut down its emergency access program, leaving doctors and families scrambling for answers.
The company said it was setting up a broader access program that could try to help more people, but some said the transition is leaving ill patients with fewer options.The company said it was setting up a broader access program that could try to help more people, but some said the transition is leaving ill patients with fewer options.
“We know nothing,” said Genny Allard, the mother of Jack Allard, a 25-year-old New Jersey resident who is in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator at Hackensack Meridian Health JFK Medical Center in Edison, N.J.“We know nothing,” said Genny Allard, the mother of Jack Allard, a 25-year-old New Jersey resident who is in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator at Hackensack Meridian Health JFK Medical Center in Edison, N.J.
“I’m just, like, apoplectic at this point. I have a kid who is sick and the doctor wants to give him the next medicine that is supposed to help.”“I’m just, like, apoplectic at this point. I have a kid who is sick and the doctor wants to give him the next medicine that is supposed to help.”
The drug, remdesivir, is being studied in several large-scale clinical trials around the world, including a huge trial announced last week by the World Health Organization. But the results have not been reported yet, and it is still unclear whether the drug works against the coronavirus. It was studied to treat Ebola, but did not work well enough against that virus.The drug, remdesivir, is being studied in several large-scale clinical trials around the world, including a huge trial announced last week by the World Health Organization. But the results have not been reported yet, and it is still unclear whether the drug works against the coronavirus. It was studied to treat Ebola, but did not work well enough against that virus.
There is no known treatment for the new coronavirus.There is no known treatment for the new coronavirus.
Over the last week, President Trump has repeatedly referred to remdesivir and other drugs, like two long-used malaria drugs, as potential game-changers, despite pushback by top health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Fauci has corrected Mr. Trump in blunt ways during the daily White House briefings, saying that there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the drugs will work against the virus.Over the last week, President Trump has repeatedly referred to remdesivir and other drugs, like two long-used malaria drugs, as potential game-changers, despite pushback by top health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Fauci has corrected Mr. Trump in blunt ways during the daily White House briefings, saying that there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the drugs will work against the virus.
An estimated 13,500 Americans abroad have asked the State Department for help getting back to the United States as borders are closed and flights are canceled, two senior department officials said on Monday.
About 5,700 additional U.S. citizens and legal residents have already been brought back on flights organized by the State Department, the officials said. They urged Americans abroad to decide whether they could remain living overseas for an extended period of time. If not, they should try to return to the United States immediately, in case commercial flights are shut down, one of them said.
The officials briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, citing State Department protocols.
Over the next five days, the State Department will charter 16 flights across the world to bring home an estimated 1,600 Americans who have asked for help, one of the officials said. There is still room on some of those flights for additional passengers, and Americans can register with the department’s travel enrollment system for information.
In addition to flights chartered by the State Department, the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security are also flying Americans back to the United States on government aircraft, the official said.
On Sunday, Global Guardian, an international security firm, evacuated 144 Americans who were stranded in Honduras. The American military said last week it had evacuated 89 Americans out of Honduras.
The Indian authorities are grounding all domestic flights and putting most of the country, the world’s second most populous, in full lockdown.The Indian authorities are grounding all domestic flights and putting most of the country, the world’s second most populous, in full lockdown.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India remains relatively low — about 400 — but the government wants to lock things down before the virus spikes in the densely populated country. It has steadily tightened restrictions, first ending all international flights and now grounding domestic ones, starting Wednesday at midnight.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India remains relatively low — about 400 — but the government wants to lock things down before the virus spikes in the densely populated country. It has steadily tightened restrictions, first ending all international flights and now grounding domestic ones, starting Wednesday at midnight.
The crackdown has also included religious gatherings. On Saturday, local authorities in Ayodhya said they would block as many as 1 million Hindu pilgrims that had hoped to visit the holy city in northern India starting Wednesday to celebrate the birthday of Ram, one of the most important Hindu gods.The crackdown has also included religious gatherings. On Saturday, local authorities in Ayodhya said they would block as many as 1 million Hindu pilgrims that had hoped to visit the holy city in northern India starting Wednesday to celebrate the birthday of Ram, one of the most important Hindu gods.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted an urgent appeal on Twitter: “Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously,” he said. “Please, save yourself, save your family, follow the instructions seriously.”On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted an urgent appeal on Twitter: “Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously,” he said. “Please, save yourself, save your family, follow the instructions seriously.”
In New Delhi, the capital, the front page of all major newspapers featured a full-page announcement outlining the new restrictions. They reminded residents that the country has a long history of fighting disease, reaching back to the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 that was instituted in British-occupied India to combat the bubonic plague. The law has been used to combat outbreaks of swine flu, cholera and malaria.In New Delhi, the capital, the front page of all major newspapers featured a full-page announcement outlining the new restrictions. They reminded residents that the country has a long history of fighting disease, reaching back to the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 that was instituted in British-occupied India to combat the bubonic plague. The law has been used to combat outbreaks of swine flu, cholera and malaria.
But nothing on this scale has been tried before, and there was some confusion as to the scope of the new edict. For instance, food stores were supposed to be exempted, but in some neighborhoods the police ordered small grocery stores to close.But nothing on this scale has been tried before, and there was some confusion as to the scope of the new edict. For instance, food stores were supposed to be exempted, but in some neighborhoods the police ordered small grocery stores to close.
India was one of the first nations to essentially shut its borders, canceling visas and denying entry to all but a few foreigners. But the containment measures have been imperfect, and fear has started to spread.India was one of the first nations to essentially shut its borders, canceling visas and denying entry to all but a few foreigners. But the containment measures have been imperfect, and fear has started to spread.
The government, hoping that aggressive and swift action will spare the nation, is offering a clear slogan: “Say No to Panic, Say Yes to Precautions.”The government, hoping that aggressive and swift action will spare the nation, is offering a clear slogan: “Say No to Panic, Say Yes to Precautions.”
As countries around the world grapple with shortages in protective equipment, health care workers in Spain are confronting the risks posed by the coronavirus. Doctors, nurses and ambulance drivers make up 12 percent of the country’s coronavirus cases, which by Monday totaled nearly 33,000, including 2,200 deaths.As countries around the world grapple with shortages in protective equipment, health care workers in Spain are confronting the risks posed by the coronavirus. Doctors, nurses and ambulance drivers make up 12 percent of the country’s coronavirus cases, which by Monday totaled nearly 33,000, including 2,200 deaths.
“A nurse cannot work without protection,” Teresa Galindo, who leads a union that represents nurses in the Madrid region, said, adding that she never thought the health service’s resources “could be stretched so far to the limit.”“A nurse cannot work without protection,” Teresa Galindo, who leads a union that represents nurses in the Madrid region, said, adding that she never thought the health service’s resources “could be stretched so far to the limit.”
Videos shared on social media show dire conditions at hospitals in the region, with coughing patients lying on the floor or on beds in corridors, many hooked up to oxygen tanks, as overwhelmed health professionals shuffle past.Videos shared on social media show dire conditions at hospitals in the region, with coughing patients lying on the floor or on beds in corridors, many hooked up to oxygen tanks, as overwhelmed health professionals shuffle past.
“There are people without rooms, sitting in plastic chairs for more than 30 hours,” Javier García, a union representative, told the newspaper El Mundo.“There are people without rooms, sitting in plastic chairs for more than 30 hours,” Javier García, a union representative, told the newspaper El Mundo.
Hotels and exhibition centers are being converted into field hospitals. The aid organization Doctors Without Borders has set up a 100-bed unit on a university campus in Madrid, and the army is deploying to take patients to hospitals and alleviate the burden on the health sector.Hotels and exhibition centers are being converted into field hospitals. The aid organization Doctors Without Borders has set up a 100-bed unit on a university campus in Madrid, and the army is deploying to take patients to hospitals and alleviate the burden on the health sector.
The city hall of Madrid is preparing to transform an indoors ice skating ring into an emergency morgue, local media reported on Monday.The city hall of Madrid is preparing to transform an indoors ice skating ring into an emergency morgue, local media reported on Monday.
Spain is also racing to cope with a shortage of tests, so the number of infected may be far higher than the reported caseload. Hundreds of thousands of new test kits will be handed out in the coming days, the authorities say, and health professionals will be the first to be tested.Spain is also racing to cope with a shortage of tests, so the number of infected may be far higher than the reported caseload. Hundreds of thousands of new test kits will be handed out in the coming days, the authorities say, and health professionals will be the first to be tested.
Boeing plans to announce on Monday that it will temporarily shut down its operations in Washington State, where the company has two major factories and several smaller sites, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus among its tens of thousands of employees in the region, according to three people familiar with the matter.Boeing plans to announce on Monday that it will temporarily shut down its operations in Washington State, where the company has two major factories and several smaller sites, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus among its tens of thousands of employees in the region, according to three people familiar with the matter.
The factories will close for two weeks and all of the 70,000 employees will continue to receive paychecks during that time, according to two of the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal decisions. Boeing is in contact with the Pentagon to determine how to handle its work on the KC-46 tanker and P-8 military aircraft, which are made in the Washington factories.The factories will close for two weeks and all of the 70,000 employees will continue to receive paychecks during that time, according to two of the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal decisions. Boeing is in contact with the Pentagon to determine how to handle its work on the KC-46 tanker and P-8 military aircraft, which are made in the Washington factories.
For now, the company’s other major production facilities, in Missouri, South Carolina, Arizona and Pennsylvania, will remain open.For now, the company’s other major production facilities, in Missouri, South Carolina, Arizona and Pennsylvania, will remain open.
More than 30 Boeing employees have tested positive, with the majority in Washington, the company said. Nearly 2,000 workers have been sent home to remain in isolation after possible exposure.More than 30 Boeing employees have tested positive, with the majority in Washington, the company said. Nearly 2,000 workers have been sent home to remain in isolation after possible exposure.
Boeing workers there have been complaining about the conditions on the factory floors, where several employees have been taken away in ambulances and cleaning supplies are scarce, according to three current employees who spoke on the condition of anonymity. A petition to shut down a plant in Everett, the company’s largest facility, has received more than 8,200 signatures.Boeing workers there have been complaining about the conditions on the factory floors, where several employees have been taken away in ambulances and cleaning supplies are scarce, according to three current employees who spoke on the condition of anonymity. A petition to shut down a plant in Everett, the company’s largest facility, has received more than 8,200 signatures.
It is reasonable to feel anxious and worried about the news. Today, we hope to offer you ideas for a small respite.It is reasonable to feel anxious and worried about the news. Today, we hope to offer you ideas for a small respite.
Reporting and research were contributed by Michael Cooper, Eileen Sullivan, Katie Robertson, Sarah Mervosh, Ellen Barry, Katie Thomas, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Michael Gold, Katrin Bennhold, Jonathan Martin, Adam Goldman, Hari Kumar, Jeffrey Gettleman, Vindu Goel, Lara Jakes, Reid Epstein, Karen Zraick, Elian Peltier, Aurelien Breeden, Raphael Minder, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Melissa Eddy, Jeanna Smialek, Ian Austen, Mariel Padilla, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Katie Van Syckle, Jesse McKinley, Emily Cochrane, Jim Tankersley, Nick Corasaniti, Stephanie Saul, Kate Taylor, Tiffany May and Mike Baker.Reporting and research were contributed by Michael Cooper, Eileen Sullivan, Katie Robertson, Sarah Mervosh, Ellen Barry, Katie Thomas, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Michael Gold, Katrin Bennhold, Jonathan Martin, Adam Goldman, Hari Kumar, Jeffrey Gettleman, Vindu Goel, Lara Jakes, Reid Epstein, Karen Zraick, Elian Peltier, Aurelien Breeden, Raphael Minder, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Melissa Eddy, Jeanna Smialek, Ian Austen, Mariel Padilla, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Katie Van Syckle, Jesse McKinley, Emily Cochrane, Jim Tankersley, Nick Corasaniti, Stephanie Saul, Kate Taylor, Tiffany May and Mike Baker.