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Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Says He Wants to Open U.S. ‘by Easter’ as His Team Tells Fleeing New Yorkers to Self-Quarantine Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Says He Wants to Open U.S. ‘by Easter’ as His Team Tells Fleeing New Yorkers to Self-Quarantine
(30 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
Experts on the White House Coronavirus Task Force expressed alarm on Tuesday over infection rates in New York City, and advised people who have passed through or left the city to place themselves into 14-day quarantine.Experts on the White House Coronavirus Task Force expressed alarm on Tuesday over infection rates in New York City, and advised people who have passed through or left the city to place themselves into 14-day quarantine.
Dr. Deborah Birx, the coronavirus response coordinator, said new infection hot spots on Long Island indicate that people leaving the city are already spreading the virus.Dr. Deborah Birx, the coronavirus response coordinator, said new infection hot spots on Long Island indicate that people leaving the city are already spreading the virus.
“Everybody who was in New York should be self-quarantining for the next 14 days to ensure the virus doesn’t spread to others no matter where they have gone, whether it’s Florida, North Carolina or out to far reaches of Long Island,” she said.“Everybody who was in New York should be self-quarantining for the next 14 days to ensure the virus doesn’t spread to others no matter where they have gone, whether it’s Florida, North Carolina or out to far reaches of Long Island,” she said.
New York City is now being treated the way parts of China and Europe have been viewed, as an epidemiological hot zone. On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida expanded his efforts to quarantine visitors from New York, saying he would sign an order extending a self-isolation requirement to anyone who had traveled from the New York area in the last three weeks. Dr. Birx said that about 60 percent of all the new cases in the country were coming out of the metro New York area.New York City is now being treated the way parts of China and Europe have been viewed, as an epidemiological hot zone. On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida expanded his efforts to quarantine visitors from New York, saying he would sign an order extending a self-isolation requirement to anyone who had traveled from the New York area in the last three weeks. Dr. Birx said that about 60 percent of all the new cases in the country were coming out of the metro New York area.
“New York City definitely is a very hot spot,” President Trump said.“New York City definitely is a very hot spot,” President Trump said.
Vice President Mike Pence made it clear that New York City is now the nation’s epicenter: “We have to deal with the New York metropolitan area as a high-risk area,” he said, telling New Yorkers, “We are with you.”Vice President Mike Pence made it clear that New York City is now the nation’s epicenter: “We have to deal with the New York metropolitan area as a high-risk area,” he said, telling New Yorkers, “We are with you.”
Even as nations from Britain to India declare nationwide economic lockdowns, President Trump said he “would love to have the country opened up, and just raring to go, by Easter,” less than three weeks away, a goal that top health professionals have called far too quick.Even as nations from Britain to India declare nationwide economic lockdowns, President Trump said he “would love to have the country opened up, and just raring to go, by Easter,” less than three weeks away, a goal that top health professionals have called far too quick.
“I think it’s possible, why not?” he said with a shrug.“I think it’s possible, why not?” he said with a shrug.
Participating in a town hall hosted by Fox News on Tuesday, he expressed outrage about having to “close the country” to curb the spread of the coronavirus and indicated that his guidelines on business shutdowns and social distancing would soon be lifted.Participating in a town hall hosted by Fox News on Tuesday, he expressed outrage about having to “close the country” to curb the spread of the coronavirus and indicated that his guidelines on business shutdowns and social distancing would soon be lifted.
“I gave it two weeks,” he said, adding, “We can socially distance ourselves and go to work.”“I gave it two weeks,” he said, adding, “We can socially distance ourselves and go to work.”
But at a late afternoon news conference, he softened his tone, saying his priority is the health and safety of the American people.But at a late afternoon news conference, he softened his tone, saying his priority is the health and safety of the American people.
At the news conference, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, sought to refine Mr. Trump’s Easter timeline, saying it would not pertain to hot spots like New York. There could be “flexibility in different areas” based on data, he said.At the news conference, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, sought to refine Mr. Trump’s Easter timeline, saying it would not pertain to hot spots like New York. There could be “flexibility in different areas” based on data, he said.
”We need to know what’s going on in those areas in the country where there isn’t an obvious outbreak,” Dr. Fauci said. “It’s a flexible situation.””We need to know what’s going on in those areas in the country where there isn’t an obvious outbreak,” Dr. Fauci said. “It’s a flexible situation.”
Other health experts, however, have warned that a patchwork state-by-state approach alone could not contain a virus that doesn’t respect state borders.Other health experts, however, have warned that a patchwork state-by-state approach alone could not contain a virus that doesn’t respect state borders.
Both Mr. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence said that a lockdown had never been under consideration for the United States. Mr. Pence told Fox News viewers that talk of it was misinformation that has circulated online.Both Mr. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence said that a lockdown had never been under consideration for the United States. Mr. Pence told Fox News viewers that talk of it was misinformation that has circulated online.
“I can tell you that at no point has the White House coronavirus task force discussed a nationwide lockdown,” he said, answering a question from a viewer on the phone.“I can tell you that at no point has the White House coronavirus task force discussed a nationwide lockdown,” he said, answering a question from a viewer on the phone.
Mr. Trump fell back on his comparison of the coronavirus to the flu, saying that despite losing thousands of people to the flu, “We don’t turn the country off.”Mr. Trump fell back on his comparison of the coronavirus to the flu, saying that despite losing thousands of people to the flu, “We don’t turn the country off.”
States including California, Maryland, Illinois and Washington have declared stay-at-home or shutdown orders, but other states have been looking for directives from the Trump administration. And countries in Asia are beginning to see a resurgence of coronavirus after easing up on restrictions.States including California, Maryland, Illinois and Washington have declared stay-at-home or shutdown orders, but other states have been looking for directives from the Trump administration. And countries in Asia are beginning to see a resurgence of coronavirus after easing up on restrictions.
For governors and mayors who have been trying to educate people about the urgent need to stay home and maintain social distance, Mr. Trump’s recent statements suggesting that such measures may be going too far threatened to make their jobs more difficult.For governors and mayors who have been trying to educate people about the urgent need to stay home and maintain social distance, Mr. Trump’s recent statements suggesting that such measures may be going too far threatened to make their jobs more difficult.
“Some of the messaging is pretty confusing,” Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican who moved this week to close nonessential businesses in his state, said in an interview Tuesday morning on CNN, before the president announced his new Easter goal. “I think it’s not just it doesn’t match with what we’re doing here in Maryland. Some of the messaging coming out of the administration doesn’t match.”“Some of the messaging is pretty confusing,” Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican who moved this week to close nonessential businesses in his state, said in an interview Tuesday morning on CNN, before the president announced his new Easter goal. “I think it’s not just it doesn’t match with what we’re doing here in Maryland. Some of the messaging coming out of the administration doesn’t match.”
Mr. Hogan, the chairman of the bipartisan National Governors Association, said that health officials suggest that the virus’s peak could be weeks or months away. “We’re just trying to take the best advice that we can from the scientists and all the experts, and making the decisions that we believe are necessary for our states,” he said.Mr. Hogan, the chairman of the bipartisan National Governors Association, said that health officials suggest that the virus’s peak could be weeks or months away. “We’re just trying to take the best advice that we can from the scientists and all the experts, and making the decisions that we believe are necessary for our states,” he said.
As the Fox News town hall meeting was getting underway Tuesday, three leading medical and health organizations urged Americans to stay home to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.As the Fox News town hall meeting was getting underway Tuesday, three leading medical and health organizations urged Americans to stay home to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
“We are honored to serve and put our lives on the front line to protect and save as many lives as possible,” the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association and American Nurses Association wrote in an open letter. “But we need your help.”“We are honored to serve and put our lives on the front line to protect and save as many lives as possible,” the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association and American Nurses Association wrote in an open letter. “But we need your help.”
Mr. Trump has struck a remarkably different tone from other world leaders. In Italy, which has more coronavirus deaths than any other country, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced on Tuesday that he was raising the fines on people who defy the lockdown order.Mr. Trump has struck a remarkably different tone from other world leaders. In Italy, which has more coronavirus deaths than any other country, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced on Tuesday that he was raising the fines on people who defy the lockdown order.
And in France, a scientific council that has been advising President Emmanuel Macron on the epidemic said that it was “indispensable” that authorities extend confinement measures beyond the initial 15-day period, possibly for a full six weeks.And in France, a scientific council that has been advising President Emmanuel Macron on the epidemic said that it was “indispensable” that authorities extend confinement measures beyond the initial 15-day period, possibly for a full six weeks.
Given a microphone for nearly two hours, Mr. Trump also used a town hall on Fox News for politics. Within moments of going live, he went after his likely foe in November, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
He referred to him as “Sleepy Joe” and claimed that Mr. Biden did not know what the word “xenophobic” meant when he criticized Mr. Trump’s approach to the spreading coronavirus.
Responding to Mr. Trump in an interview on CNN, Mr. Biden said, “What a piece of work.” In the interview, Mr. Biden criticized the president for not responding more quickly to the threat of the virus and urged him to “let the scientists speak.”
“He should stop talking and start listening to the medical experts,” Mr. Biden said. “You talk about having an economic crisis, you want an economic crisis, watch this spike. Watch the number of dead go up.”
A person under the age of 18 died from the disease caused by the coronavirus, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said on Tuesday, becoming one of the youngest victims in the United States.A person under the age of 18 died from the disease caused by the coronavirus, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said on Tuesday, becoming one of the youngest victims in the United States.
A Los Angeles County official who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter indicated that a teenager had died, saying the victim “was a young person but not a very young person.”A Los Angeles County official who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter indicated that a teenager had died, saying the victim “was a young person but not a very young person.”
The death in Los Angeles County, Calif., was the first known instance of a minor dying from the coronavirus in the United States. Some states, including New York, which has the most deaths in the country, have not reported the ages of most victims.The death in Los Angeles County, Calif., was the first known instance of a minor dying from the coronavirus in the United States. Some states, including New York, which has the most deaths in the country, have not reported the ages of most victims.
The young victim was from Lancaster, Calif., officials said. They did not provide any more details about whether the person had underlying health conditions.The young victim was from Lancaster, Calif., officials said. They did not provide any more details about whether the person had underlying health conditions.
“Each loss we experience in L.A. County is tragic, and we are sending our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones who’ve had to endure this tragedy,” Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said in a statement. “Covid-19 does not discriminate by age, race or income level.”“Each loss we experience in L.A. County is tragic, and we are sending our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones who’ve had to endure this tragedy,” Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said in a statement. “Covid-19 does not discriminate by age, race or income level.”
In the United States, as of Tuesday afternoon, there have been at least 52,215 cases of coronavirus confirmed by lab tests and 675 deaths, according to a New York Times database.In the United States, as of Tuesday afternoon, there have been at least 52,215 cases of coronavirus confirmed by lab tests and 675 deaths, according to a New York Times database.
While the risk of dying is significantly higher in older people, C.D.C. data on nearly 2,500 of the first recorded cases in the United States has shown that younger adults made up a significant portion of coronavirus hospitalizations.While the risk of dying is significantly higher in older people, C.D.C. data on nearly 2,500 of the first recorded cases in the United States has shown that younger adults made up a significant portion of coronavirus hospitalizations.
Children are also at risk. In Georgia, a 12-year-old girl who has Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, was placed on a ventilator this week.Children are also at risk. In Georgia, a 12-year-old girl who has Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, was placed on a ventilator this week.
As the outbreak picked up pace in New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who had adopted a friendly tone toward Mr. Trump, came close on Tuesday to chastising the federal government, which he said had so far sent only 400 much-needed ventilators to New York City.As the outbreak picked up pace in New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who had adopted a friendly tone toward Mr. Trump, came close on Tuesday to chastising the federal government, which he said had so far sent only 400 much-needed ventilators to New York City.
“You want a pat on the back for sending 400 ventilators,” Mr. Cuomo said. “What are we going to do with 400 ventilators when we need 30,000 ventilators?”“You want a pat on the back for sending 400 ventilators,” Mr. Cuomo said. “What are we going to do with 400 ventilators when we need 30,000 ventilators?”
The response from Mr. Trump was swift. The president lashed out at Mr. Cuomo, whose daily briefings have gained national attention as fact-based counters to Mr. Trump’s own. “I watch him on this show complaining,” Mr. Trump said, before criticizing Mr. Cuomo for earlier failing to buy ventilators at “a great price.”The response from Mr. Trump was swift. The president lashed out at Mr. Cuomo, whose daily briefings have gained national attention as fact-based counters to Mr. Trump’s own. “I watch him on this show complaining,” Mr. Trump said, before criticizing Mr. Cuomo for earlier failing to buy ventilators at “a great price.”
Mr. Cuomo, speaking at the Javits Center in Manhattan, which the Army Corps is retrofitting into a 1,000-bed emergency hospital, said the rate of new coronavirus infections in New York is doubling about every three days. “We haven’t flattened the curve,” he said.Mr. Cuomo, speaking at the Javits Center in Manhattan, which the Army Corps is retrofitting into a 1,000-bed emergency hospital, said the rate of new coronavirus infections in New York is doubling about every three days. “We haven’t flattened the curve,” he said.
The peak of infection in New York could come in as little as two to three weeks, far earlier than previously anticipated, Mr. Cuomo said, putting an even bigger strain on the health care system than officials had feared. The governor said the state now projects that it may need as many as 140,000 hospital beds to house virus patients, up from the 110,000 projected a few days ago. As of now, only 53,000 are available.The peak of infection in New York could come in as little as two to three weeks, far earlier than previously anticipated, Mr. Cuomo said, putting an even bigger strain on the health care system than officials had feared. The governor said the state now projects that it may need as many as 140,000 hospital beds to house virus patients, up from the 110,000 projected a few days ago. As of now, only 53,000 are available.
“Those are troubling and astronomical numbers,” he said.“Those are troubling and astronomical numbers,” he said.
As of Tuesday morning, New York State had 25,665 cases, with at least 157 deaths.As of Tuesday morning, New York State had 25,665 cases, with at least 157 deaths.
There were around 15,000 cases in New York City alone.There were around 15,000 cases in New York City alone.
“We have a positive case today from someone who attended a ‘coronavirus party,’” Gov. Andy Beshear, Democrat of Kentucky, said during a news conference from Frankfort, the state’s capital, on Tuesday afternoon. “This is one that makes me mad, and it should make you mad.”“We have a positive case today from someone who attended a ‘coronavirus party,’” Gov. Andy Beshear, Democrat of Kentucky, said during a news conference from Frankfort, the state’s capital, on Tuesday afternoon. “This is one that makes me mad, and it should make you mad.”
“No more of these anywhere, statewide, ever, for any reason,” he said.“No more of these anywhere, statewide, ever, for any reason,” he said.
Mr. Beshear did not provide many details about the scenario, but said the party was attended by young adults in their 20s — “I guess, thinking they were invincible, flaunting the mass gathering prohibition,” he said.Mr. Beshear did not provide many details about the scenario, but said the party was attended by young adults in their 20s — “I guess, thinking they were invincible, flaunting the mass gathering prohibition,” he said.
“We are battling for the health and even the lives of our parents and our grandparents,” he went on. “Don’t be so callous as to intentionally go to something and expose yourself to something that can kill other people. We ought to be much better than that.”“We are battling for the health and even the lives of our parents and our grandparents,” he went on. “Don’t be so callous as to intentionally go to something and expose yourself to something that can kill other people. We ought to be much better than that.”
As for the gathering, Mr. Beshear said he hoped he’d never have to report on it again.As for the gathering, Mr. Beshear said he hoped he’d never have to report on it again.
“No more of these anywhere, statewide, ever, for any reason,” he said.“No more of these anywhere, statewide, ever, for any reason,” he said.
The case was one of 39 reported on Tuesday, the most Kentucky has reported in a day. Mr. Beshear noted that the state’s government does not have a lot of data at this point. Kentucky has a total of 163 known cases, he said.The case was one of 39 reported on Tuesday, the most Kentucky has reported in a day. Mr. Beshear noted that the state’s government does not have a lot of data at this point. Kentucky has a total of 163 known cases, he said.
The governor also announced all nonlife-sustaining businesses must close to in-person traffic effective 8 p.m. on Thursday.The governor also announced all nonlife-sustaining businesses must close to in-person traffic effective 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Primaries are postponed. Hugs are postponed. The Olympics are postponed.
The November election, everyone seems to agree, cannot be.
“We voted in the middle of a Civil War,” former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the heavy favorite for the Democratic nomination, told supporters at a tele-fundraiser on Sunday. “We voted in the middle of World War I and II. And so, the idea of postponing the electoral process is just — seems to me, out of the question.”
Already, many states have pushed their primaries into June in the hopes of waiting out the worst of the virus. Pennsylvania, slated for April 28, is likely to be next. Senator Bernie Sanders, Mr. Biden’s chief rival, has effectively converted his campaign into a pandemic policy shop and vessel for progressive activism as he confronts a significant delegate deficit. Planners for the Democratic National Convention said this week that they were assessing “contingency options” in case the July gathering cannot go on as planned.
The general election is another matter. No one in a position of relevant authority has proposed moving it, but the subject has instantly become a cause of angst for President Trump’s critics.
Even if he wished to delay the November election, the decision would appear to be out of his hands. Any change to the date would require federal legislation passed by Congress, to say nothing of challenges in the court system.
The prospect of that kind of bipartisan collaboration on an issue of this magnitude is exceedingly slim.
The pandemic has transformed corners of the internet into a bazaar for virus-fighting products that may not even exist.
The New York Times analyzed registrations with Shopify, which allows just about anyone with an email address and a credit card to create retail websites in short order, and found nearly 500 new sites over the past two months with names that include “corona” or “covid.”
One of the new sites marketed an “oxygen concentration” machine for $3,080. Another had the “Corona Necklace Air Purifier,” which for $59 claimed to provide “All Day Protection.” A third offered a $299 pill that promised “Anti-Viral Protection” for 30 days. And sites such as CoronavirusGetHelp.com and test-for-covid19.com marketed home test kits for $29.99 to $79, none of which have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Many of the sellers do not actually possess the goods, nor have they verified that the products are legitimate.
The registrations are part of a larger increase in coronavirus-related activity, said Chad Anderson, senior security researcher at DomainTools, a cyberforensics company. In February, he said, he saw about 100 new websites a day related to the pandemic. Now, the figure is 2,000. Their systems have flagged about half of those as likely related to malware, ransomware or phishing.
A Shopify spokeswoman said the company last week closed more than 4,500 sites related to the virus. She said sites that did not back up the medical claims they made were suspended from the platform. By Monday, nearly all the sites identified by The Times had been removed.
India, the world’s second-most populous country, will order its 1.3 billion people to stay inside their homes for three weeks to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Tuesday.India, the world’s second-most populous country, will order its 1.3 billion people to stay inside their homes for three weeks to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Tuesday.
The extensive lockdown order was declared a day after the authorities there grounded all domestic flights.The extensive lockdown order was declared a day after the authorities there grounded all domestic flights.
Mr. Modi said the decree would take effect at midnight.Mr. Modi said the decree would take effect at midnight.
“There will be a total ban of coming out of your homes,” Mr. Modi said.“There will be a total ban of coming out of your homes,” Mr. Modi said.
“Every district, every lane, every village will be under lockdown,” he said. “If you can’t handle these 21 days, this country will go back 21 years.”“Every district, every lane, every village will be under lockdown,” he said. “If you can’t handle these 21 days, this country will go back 21 years.”
“The only option is social distancing, to remain away from each other,” he said. “There is no way out to escape from coronavirus besides this.”“The only option is social distancing, to remain away from each other,” he said. “There is no way out to escape from coronavirus besides this.”
Left unclear was how Indians would be able to get food and other needed supplies. Mr. Modi alluded vaguely to the government and civil society groups stepping in to help, but offered no details.Left unclear was how Indians would be able to get food and other needed supplies. Mr. Modi alluded vaguely to the government and civil society groups stepping in to help, but offered no details.
Though India’s number of reported coronavirus cases remains relatively low, around 500, the fear is that if the virus hits as it has in the United States, Europe or China, it could be a disaster far bigger than anywhere else.Though India’s number of reported coronavirus cases remains relatively low, around 500, the fear is that if the virus hits as it has in the United States, Europe or China, it could be a disaster far bigger than anywhere else.
Mr. Modi also pledged to spend about $2 billion on medical supplies, isolation rooms, ventilators, intensive care units and training for medical personnel to combat the pandemic.Mr. Modi also pledged to spend about $2 billion on medical supplies, isolation rooms, ventilators, intensive care units and training for medical personnel to combat the pandemic.
As the coronavirus pandemic moves around the globe, world leaders are scrambling to flatten the curve and save lives. But Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has been slow to adopt measures that could slow the virus’s spread.
Even as Mexico documented the first deaths from Covid-19, Mr. López Obrador declined to restrict international travel and encouraged people to leave their homes to eat at restaurants.
“You shouldn’t give in to the panic and psychosis,” he said during a morning press briefing last week. “Not to overdo it, because it affects the economy if we make a hasty and rash decision.”
As of last Friday, the streets of Mexico City were still bustling with shoppers and workers. Few wore masks.
Stephanie Yap strolled with two fellow flight attendants near the Paseo de la Reforma. They had arrived in Mexico City the night before, after stopping in several U.S. cities.
“It’s refreshing for us because we’re coming from a place that’s taking extreme precautions,” Ms. Yap said. “We are on a petri dish most of the time, so I might already be exposed — more likely on the plane already than here.”
Mexico, with its densely populated cities and high rates of poverty, obesity and diabetes, could be particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic. Some doctors are already seeing a rise in Covid-19 patients and are hoping that it’s not too late to prevent a catastrophe on par with Italy.
Top Democrats and Trump administration officials said they were optimistic about finalizing an agreement on Tuesday on a roughly $2 trillion economic stabilization plan to respond to the pandemic, after striking a tentative deal to add oversight requirements for a $500 billion government bailout fund for distressed companies.Top Democrats and Trump administration officials said they were optimistic about finalizing an agreement on Tuesday on a roughly $2 trillion economic stabilization plan to respond to the pandemic, after striking a tentative deal to add oversight requirements for a $500 billion government bailout fund for distressed companies.
“We’re looking forward to closing a bipartisan deal today,” Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, told reporters as he arrived on Capitol Hill for a round of meetings on Tuesday morning.“We’re looking forward to closing a bipartisan deal today,” Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, told reporters as he arrived on Capitol Hill for a round of meetings on Tuesday morning.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said there was “real optimism that we could get something done in the next few hours” after Democrats won crucial concessions from the Trump administration.Speaker Nancy Pelosi said there was “real optimism that we could get something done in the next few hours” after Democrats won crucial concessions from the Trump administration.
In an interview on CNBC, she said the emerging deal would include strict oversight over the bailout fund, including installing an inspector general to monitor it, as well as what Ms. Pelosi described as a congressional panel “appointed by us to provide constraint.” The measures are similar to those put in place as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the centerpiece of the Wall Street bailout enacted in 2008 to respond to the financial meltdown.In an interview on CNBC, she said the emerging deal would include strict oversight over the bailout fund, including installing an inspector general to monitor it, as well as what Ms. Pelosi described as a congressional panel “appointed by us to provide constraint.” The measures are similar to those put in place as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the centerpiece of the Wall Street bailout enacted in 2008 to respond to the financial meltdown.
Democrats had balked at a version of the stimulus measure drafted by Republicans that they were concerned would give the Treasury secretary too much latitude in deciding which companies could receive the funds, and allow him to delay revealing the recipients until six months after the loans were disbursed. They said it would have created a secretive government slush fund controlled by the president and his top advisers, rather than a closely monitored program accountable to taxpayers.Democrats had balked at a version of the stimulus measure drafted by Republicans that they were concerned would give the Treasury secretary too much latitude in deciding which companies could receive the funds, and allow him to delay revealing the recipients until six months after the loans were disbursed. They said it would have created a secretive government slush fund controlled by the president and his top advisers, rather than a closely monitored program accountable to taxpayers.
The agreement was not yet final, and Eric Ueland, the White House legislative affairs director, said staff aides were reviewing the package page by page to nail down final details.The agreement was not yet final, and Eric Ueland, the White House legislative affairs director, said staff aides were reviewing the package page by page to nail down final details.
Terrence McNally, the four-time Tony Award-winning playwright whose outpouring of work for the theater dramatized and domesticated gay life across five decades, died on Tuesday at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Fla. He was 81.
The cause was complications from the coronavirus, a spokesman, Matt Polk, said. He said Mr. McNally had chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and had overcome lung cancer.
Mr. McNally’s Tony Awards attest to his versatility. Two were for books for musicals, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (1993) and “Ragtime” (1998), and two were for plays, and vastly different ones: “Love! Valor! Compassion!” (1995), about gay men who share a vacation house, and “Master Class” (1996), in which the opera diva Maria Callas reflects on her career.
And those prize winners were only a small part of his oeuvre. With 36 plays to his credit, as well as the books for 10 musicals, the librettos for four operas and a handful of screenplays for film and television, Mr. McNally was a remarkably prolific and consistent dramatist.
His career, which began on Broadway in 1963 with an adaptation of “The Lady of the Camellias,” starring Susan Strasberg, continued without much interruption through last year’s revival of his “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune,” starring Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon.
In between, in a series of successes including “The Ritz,” “The Lisbon Traviata,” “Lips Together, Teeth Apart” and “Love! Valour! Compassion!,” Mr. McNally introduced Broadway and Off Broadway audiences to characters and situations that most mainstream theater had previously shunted into comic asides.
The Summer Olympics in Tokyo will be postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.The Summer Olympics in Tokyo will be postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan asked Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, for the postponement and he agreed “100 percent,” Mr. Abe told reporters.Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan asked Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, for the postponement and he agreed “100 percent,” Mr. Abe told reporters.
Tuesday’s decision came after months of internal discussion and mounting pressure from nations and athletes across the world who had urged that the Games, the world’s largest sporting event, be postponed. Government lockdowns to control the pandemic had shut down qualifying tournaments, closed training facilities and kept athletes sequestered at home.Tuesday’s decision came after months of internal discussion and mounting pressure from nations and athletes across the world who had urged that the Games, the world’s largest sporting event, be postponed. Government lockdowns to control the pandemic had shut down qualifying tournaments, closed training facilities and kept athletes sequestered at home.
The postponement came after Olympics officials in the United States, which sends the largest delegations of athletes to the Games, urged a postponement, echoing other influential Olympic committees. Surveys of athletes by sports federations overwhelmingly favored postponing the Games because of the restrictions they were facing in preparing.The postponement came after Olympics officials in the United States, which sends the largest delegations of athletes to the Games, urged a postponement, echoing other influential Olympic committees. Surveys of athletes by sports federations overwhelmingly favored postponing the Games because of the restrictions they were facing in preparing.
Only wars have previously led to such vast changes for the Olympics in 1916, 1940 and 1944.Only wars have previously led to such vast changes for the Olympics in 1916, 1940 and 1944.
Mr. Bach said the coronavirus situation became untenable in recent days as the World Health Organization detailed the acceleration of the virus in Africa, forcing the I.O.C. to shift its focus from whether Japan could be safe at the start of the Games in four months to what was happening immediately in various countries and continents.Mr. Bach said the coronavirus situation became untenable in recent days as the World Health Organization detailed the acceleration of the virus in Africa, forcing the I.O.C. to shift its focus from whether Japan could be safe at the start of the Games in four months to what was happening immediately in various countries and continents.
He said that finalizing the details of a new schedule and negotiating with international federations to make adjustments in the global sports calendar will take time.He said that finalizing the details of a new schedule and negotiating with international federations to make adjustments in the global sports calendar will take time.
“There are a lot of pieces of a huge and very difficult jigsaw puzzle,” he said.“There are a lot of pieces of a huge and very difficult jigsaw puzzle,” he said.
Stocks soared on Tuesday on expectations that Congress was close to producing a stimulus bill to stabilize America’s faltering economy and offer lifelines to industries on the brink of collapse because of the coronavirus.Stocks soared on Tuesday on expectations that Congress was close to producing a stimulus bill to stabilize America’s faltering economy and offer lifelines to industries on the brink of collapse because of the coronavirus.
A plan to bail out companies and send checks of up to $1,200 to Americans had been stalled since Sunday over objections by Democrats. But on Tuesday, top Democrats and Trump administration officials said they were optimistic about finalizing an agreement on a roughly $2 trillion plan.A plan to bail out companies and send checks of up to $1,200 to Americans had been stalled since Sunday over objections by Democrats. But on Tuesday, top Democrats and Trump administration officials said they were optimistic about finalizing an agreement on a roughly $2 trillion plan.
“We’re looking forward to closing a bipartisan deal today,” Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, told reporters as he arrived on Capitol Hill for a round of meetings on Tuesday morning.“We’re looking forward to closing a bipartisan deal today,” Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, told reporters as he arrived on Capitol Hill for a round of meetings on Tuesday morning.
The S&P 500 rose more than 9 percent, and stocks in Europe climbed, led by Germany, where stocks rose more than 10 percent. Those gains followed a similar performance in Asia, where major markets around the region posted increases that ranked among their biggest gains in weeks.The S&P 500 rose more than 9 percent, and stocks in Europe climbed, led by Germany, where stocks rose more than 10 percent. Those gains followed a similar performance in Asia, where major markets around the region posted increases that ranked among their biggest gains in weeks.
The jump was in part a rebound from a difficult stretch for stock investors. On Monday, the S&P 500 fell about 3 percent as Congress struggled to overcome differences on the aid bill and traders remained cautious about the Federal Reserve’s ability to cushion the economy’s fall. Stocks are down almost 30 percent since their peak in February.The jump was in part a rebound from a difficult stretch for stock investors. On Monday, the S&P 500 fell about 3 percent as Congress struggled to overcome differences on the aid bill and traders remained cautious about the Federal Reserve’s ability to cushion the economy’s fall. Stocks are down almost 30 percent since their peak in February.
After a month of mind-bending turns in the market, investors are still fragile and could sour on stocks if the promised deal hits a snag again, or as further evidence of the economic damage caused by containment efforts becomes evident. The U.S. government will report weekly jobless claims on Thursday, and some analysts expect the data to show that millions of Americans became unemployed last week.After a month of mind-bending turns in the market, investors are still fragile and could sour on stocks if the promised deal hits a snag again, or as further evidence of the economic damage caused by containment efforts becomes evident. The U.S. government will report weekly jobless claims on Thursday, and some analysts expect the data to show that millions of Americans became unemployed last week.
Doctors are hoarding medications touted as possible coronavirus treatments by writing prescriptions for themselves and family members, according to pharmacy boards in states across the country.
The stockpiling has become so worrisome in Idaho, Kentucky, Ohio, Nevada, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Texas that the boards in those states have issued emergency restrictions or guidelines on how the drugs can be dispensed at pharmacies. More states are expected to follow suit.
“This is a real issue and it is not some product of a few isolated bad apples,” said Jay Campbell, executive director of the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy.
The medications being prescribed differ slightly from state to state, but include those touted by Mr. Trump at televised briefings as potential breakthrough treatments for the virus, which has killed more than 500 people in the United States and infected at least 43,000.
None of the drugs has been found to be effective in treating coronavirus or been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for such uses. Some of them — including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine — are commonly used to treat malaria, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.
The Chinese province of Hubei, where the coronavirus pandemic began in late December, will on Wednesday begin allowing most of its 60 million residents to leave. The move will end nearly two months of lockdown and send a strong signal of the government’s confidence that its tough measures have worked to control the outbreak.The Chinese province of Hubei, where the coronavirus pandemic began in late December, will on Wednesday begin allowing most of its 60 million residents to leave. The move will end nearly two months of lockdown and send a strong signal of the government’s confidence that its tough measures have worked to control the outbreak.
Wuhan, the provincial capital and the city hardest hit by the virus, will remain sealed off until April 8, though public transportation there will start running again within 24 hours, the government said.Wuhan, the provincial capital and the city hardest hit by the virus, will remain sealed off until April 8, though public transportation there will start running again within 24 hours, the government said.
Still, a resumption of travel, work and normal daily life could renew the virus’s spread, epidemiologists say.Still, a resumption of travel, work and normal daily life could renew the virus’s spread, epidemiologists say.
“We need to worry about a second wave of the outbreak once restrictions are limited,” Malik Peiris, chief of virology at the University of Hong Kong, said. “It is important to be aware of it and monitor it — and be prepared to reimpose these measures if they become necessary in the future.”“We need to worry about a second wave of the outbreak once restrictions are limited,” Malik Peiris, chief of virology at the University of Hong Kong, said. “It is important to be aware of it and monitor it — and be prepared to reimpose these measures if they become necessary in the future.”
Even as the authorities announced the easing of restrictions, new questions were emerging about whether the threat had fully passed.Even as the authorities announced the easing of restrictions, new questions were emerging about whether the threat had fully passed.
Hours before the loosening was announced, officials in Wuhan, after several days of reporting zero new local infections, said a doctor there had tested positive for the virus.Hours before the loosening was announced, officials in Wuhan, after several days of reporting zero new local infections, said a doctor there had tested positive for the virus.
The thinning ranks of doctors and nurses, particularly in Spain, are hampering the ability to fight the pandemic, straining hospitals and raising fears that health workers are spreading the coronavirus.The thinning ranks of doctors and nurses, particularly in Spain, are hampering the ability to fight the pandemic, straining hospitals and raising fears that health workers are spreading the coronavirus.
Across Western Europe, health care professionals have used the language of war to describe a struggle that has left some hospitals on the brink of collapse. In that war, there is no doubt that they are the ones battling on the front lines.Across Western Europe, health care professionals have used the language of war to describe a struggle that has left some hospitals on the brink of collapse. In that war, there is no doubt that they are the ones battling on the front lines.
Extraordinary numbers of health workers are catching the virus and getting sick. More than 30 have died in Italy, France and Spain, and thousands of others have had to self-isolate.Extraordinary numbers of health workers are catching the virus and getting sick. More than 30 have died in Italy, France and Spain, and thousands of others have had to self-isolate.
Spain stands out as the country facing the gravest crisis among its health workers. Out of Spain’s 40,000 confirmed cases, 5,400 — nearly 14 percent — are medical professionals, the health ministry said on Tuesday. No other country has reported health care staff accounting for a double-digit percentage of total infections.Spain stands out as the country facing the gravest crisis among its health workers. Out of Spain’s 40,000 confirmed cases, 5,400 — nearly 14 percent — are medical professionals, the health ministry said on Tuesday. No other country has reported health care staff accounting for a double-digit percentage of total infections.
The same dynamics are starting to take hold in countries like Britain and the United States.The same dynamics are starting to take hold in countries like Britain and the United States.
Medical professionals, of course, are not the only ones afflicted, as Spain, where the number of cases has been doubling every four days, is fast shaping up as Europe’s next center of the contagion. On Tuesday, Spain’s coronavirus toll reached 2,700 dead, the second-highest in Europe after Italy.Medical professionals, of course, are not the only ones afflicted, as Spain, where the number of cases has been doubling every four days, is fast shaping up as Europe’s next center of the contagion. On Tuesday, Spain’s coronavirus toll reached 2,700 dead, the second-highest in Europe after Italy.
The Cuban government has announced a set of drastic measures to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, including ordering tens of thousands of tourists to isolate themselves in their hotel rooms or other rented accommodations.The Cuban government has announced a set of drastic measures to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, including ordering tens of thousands of tourists to isolate themselves in their hotel rooms or other rented accommodations.
There are around 32,000 foreign tourists in Cuba and more than 10,000 Cuban nationals who live abroad and are visiting the island, according to the state-sponsored news site Cuba Debate.There are around 32,000 foreign tourists in Cuba and more than 10,000 Cuban nationals who live abroad and are visiting the island, according to the state-sponsored news site Cuba Debate.
Appearing on television on Monday, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz said that starting Tuesday, all visitors inside the country were banned from walking outside and taxi drivers were prohibited from transporting them anywhere. Tourists staying in private homes would be moved into hotels in an effort to protect visitors and the locals renting out their houses, Mr. Marrero Cruz said. Hotels are under strict surveillance and screen workers and tourists for symptoms twice a day.Appearing on television on Monday, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz said that starting Tuesday, all visitors inside the country were banned from walking outside and taxi drivers were prohibited from transporting them anywhere. Tourists staying in private homes would be moved into hotels in an effort to protect visitors and the locals renting out their houses, Mr. Marrero Cruz said. Hotels are under strict surveillance and screen workers and tourists for symptoms twice a day.
It was unclear how long the mandatory isolation would last and when foreigners would be able to return to their home countries.It was unclear how long the mandatory isolation would last and when foreigners would be able to return to their home countries.
There are 40 confirmed cases of coronavirus on the island, including 17 foreigners, and one death because of the illness. Nearly 38,000 patients are being monitored for symptoms. The government has closed schools and universities until April 20.There are 40 confirmed cases of coronavirus on the island, including 17 foreigners, and one death because of the illness. Nearly 38,000 patients are being monitored for symptoms. The government has closed schools and universities until April 20.
President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has been granted sweeping emergency powers to combat the coronavirus, triggering fears in a nation that spent the 1970s and ’80s under brutal martial law.President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has been granted sweeping emergency powers to combat the coronavirus, triggering fears in a nation that spent the 1970s and ’80s under brutal martial law.
Mr. Duterte, who has drawn international rebuke for his bloody and ruthless war on drugs, said he needed the powers granted to him in the legislation to address the crisis and unlock some $5.4 billion.Mr. Duterte, who has drawn international rebuke for his bloody and ruthless war on drugs, said he needed the powers granted to him in the legislation to address the crisis and unlock some $5.4 billion.
An earlier version of the bill would have allowed Mr. Duterte’s government to take over privately owned businesses. While the version that passed on Tuesday was scaled back, some legislators have worried that Mr. Duterte will abuse the public funds.An earlier version of the bill would have allowed Mr. Duterte’s government to take over privately owned businesses. While the version that passed on Tuesday was scaled back, some legislators have worried that Mr. Duterte will abuse the public funds.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha of Thailand declared a state of emergency, effective on Thursday, to combat the coronavirus, raising similar concerns about a potential abuse of power. Mr. Prayuth, a retired general who led an army coup in 2014, gave himself the authority to impose curfews, censor the media and prevent people from leaving their homes.On Tuesday, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha of Thailand declared a state of emergency, effective on Thursday, to combat the coronavirus, raising similar concerns about a potential abuse of power. Mr. Prayuth, a retired general who led an army coup in 2014, gave himself the authority to impose curfews, censor the media and prevent people from leaving their homes.
Reporting and research were contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, Karen Zraick, Jenny Gross, Maya Salam, Annie Karni, Motoko Rich, Choe Sang-Hun, Ellen Gabler, Elisabetta Povoledo, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Manny Fernandez, Carol Rosenberg, Alan Yuhas, Patricia Mazzei, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Rick Gladstone, Vindu Goel, Jeffrey Gettleman, Kai Schultz, Mujib Mashal, Fahim Abed, Declan Walsh, Hannah Beech, Abdi Latif Dahir, Jason Gutierrez, Raphael Minder, Elian Peltier, Jenny Gross, Julie Hirschfeld Davis, Natalie Kitroeff, Megan Specia, Marc Santora, Iliana Magra, Melissa Eddy, Jason Gutierrez, Hannah Beech, Tiffany May, Sui-Lee Wee, Nicholas Fandos, Sabrina Tavernise, Thomas Fuller, Tim Arango, Jo Becker, John Eligon, Tariq Panja, Thomas Kaplan, Caitlin Dickerson, Miriam Jordan, Annie Correal, Somini Sengupta, Mikayla Bouchard, Gina Kolata and Michael Powell. Reporting and research were contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, Karen Zraick, Jenny Gross, Maya Salam, Brent McDonald, Matt Flegenheimer, Annie Karni, Motoko Rich, Choe Sang-Hun, Ellen Gabler, Elisabetta Povoledo, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Manny Fernandez, Carol Rosenberg, Alan Yuhas, Patricia Mazzei, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Rick Gladstone, Vindu Goel, Jeffrey Gettleman, Kai Schultz, Mujib Mashal, Fahim Abed, Declan Walsh, Hannah Beech, Abdi Latif Dahir, Jason Gutierrez, Raphael Minder, Elian Peltier, Jenny Gross, Julie Hirschfeld Davis, Natalie Kitroeff, Megan Specia, Marc Santora, Iliana Magra, Melissa Eddy, Jason Gutierrez, Hannah Beech, Tiffany May, Sui-Lee Wee, Nicholas Fandos, Sabrina Tavernise, Thomas Fuller, Tim Arango, Jo Becker, John Eligon, Tariq Panja, Thomas Kaplan, Caitlin Dickerson, Miriam Jordan, Annie Correal, Somini Sengupta, Mikayla Bouchard, Gina Kolata and Michael Powell.