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Coronavirus Live Updates: Despite Pushback, Trump Suggests Testing No Longer an Issue Coronavirus Live Updates: Despite Pushback, Trump Suggests Testing No Longer an Issue
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
President Trump told governors on a conference call Monday that he “hasn’t heard about testing in weeks,” suggesting that a chronic lack of kits to test people for the coronavirus is no longer a problem. But governors painted a different picture on the ground.President Trump told governors on a conference call Monday that he “hasn’t heard about testing in weeks,” suggesting that a chronic lack of kits to test people for the coronavirus is no longer a problem. But governors painted a different picture on the ground.
Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana, a Democrat, explained that officials in his state were attempting to do “contact tracing” — tracking down people who have come into contact with those who have tested positive — but they were struggling because “we don’t have adequate tests,” according to an audio recording of the conversation obtained by The New York Times.Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana, a Democrat, explained that officials in his state were attempting to do “contact tracing” — tracking down people who have come into contact with those who have tested positive — but they were struggling because “we don’t have adequate tests,” according to an audio recording of the conversation obtained by The New York Times.
“Literally we are one day away, if we don’t get test kits from the C.D.C., that we wouldn’t be able to do testing in Montana,” said Mr. Bullock, alluding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Literally we are one day away, if we don’t get test kits from the C.D.C., that we wouldn’t be able to do testing in Montana,” said Mr. Bullock, alluding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mr. Trump initially said that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, could respond to the question, but then quickly offered a rejoinder. “I haven’t heard about testing in weeks,” the president said. “We’ve tested more now than any nation in the world. We’ve got these great tests and we’re coming out with a faster one this week.” Reiterating his point, Mr. Trump added: “I haven’t heard about testing being a problem.”Mr. Trump initially said that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, could respond to the question, but then quickly offered a rejoinder. “I haven’t heard about testing in weeks,” the president said. “We’ve tested more now than any nation in the world. We’ve got these great tests and we’re coming out with a faster one this week.” Reiterating his point, Mr. Trump added: “I haven’t heard about testing being a problem.”
Many people who have symptoms of the virus are still finding it difficult to be tested, and many who have been tested are waiting more than a week to get results. The failures of the federal government to adequately develop testing supplies for the contagion have been well-documented by The Times and other news outlets, reports that have rankled Mr. Trump.Many people who have symptoms of the virus are still finding it difficult to be tested, and many who have been tested are waiting more than a week to get results. The failures of the federal government to adequately develop testing supplies for the contagion have been well-documented by The Times and other news outlets, reports that have rankled Mr. Trump.
Although testing has picked up since a series of setbacks left the United States behind, governors have continued to warn in recent days that their response is still hampered by shortages, including of basic supplies like swabs. Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington State told CNN Sunday that “we have a desperate need for the testing kits.” And Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia warned last week that there was a shortage of testing materials in his state.Although testing has picked up since a series of setbacks left the United States behind, governors have continued to warn in recent days that their response is still hampered by shortages, including of basic supplies like swabs. Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington State told CNN Sunday that “we have a desperate need for the testing kits.” And Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia warned last week that there was a shortage of testing materials in his state.
The president has recently taken to pointing to the volume of tests that have been administered — a misleading figure since, according to health experts, the more relevant figure is how many people are being tested per capita. In that regard, the United States still lags well behind other nations like South Korea.The president has recently taken to pointing to the volume of tests that have been administered — a misleading figure since, according to health experts, the more relevant figure is how many people are being tested per capita. In that regard, the United States still lags well behind other nations like South Korea.
A White House spokesman, Hogan Gidley, described the call this way: “The governors praised President Trump’s leadership, assistance and quick action to address this national crisis, and the president told the governors he would make sure that whatever they may need, he would direct his team to provide.”A White House spokesman, Hogan Gidley, described the call this way: “The governors praised President Trump’s leadership, assistance and quick action to address this national crisis, and the president told the governors he would make sure that whatever they may need, he would direct his team to provide.”
On the call, Mr. Trump mostly let a number of governors, Democrat and Republican, do the talking and frequently deferred to his advisers on their questions and suggestions. For the most part, the governors thanked the president and Vice President Mike Pence for their assistance and only gently offered criticism about the federal response.On the call, Mr. Trump mostly let a number of governors, Democrat and Republican, do the talking and frequently deferred to his advisers on their questions and suggestions. For the most part, the governors thanked the president and Vice President Mike Pence for their assistance and only gently offered criticism about the federal response.
But Mr. Bullock, who is running for the Senate this fall against an incumbent Republican, was more blunt than some of the other state executives about Montana’s need for federal help.But Mr. Bullock, who is running for the Senate this fall against an incumbent Republican, was more blunt than some of the other state executives about Montana’s need for federal help.
After Mr. Trump’s claim that the lack of tests was no longer a problem, Admiral Brett Giroir, the assistant secretary for health heading the testing effort nationally, jumped in to address the availability of “point-of-care” testing and the prospect of a new test which will issue results in a matter of minutes. He said such tests will soon be available in all 50 states.After Mr. Trump’s claim that the lack of tests was no longer a problem, Admiral Brett Giroir, the assistant secretary for health heading the testing effort nationally, jumped in to address the availability of “point-of-care” testing and the prospect of a new test which will issue results in a matter of minutes. He said such tests will soon be available in all 50 states.
Other governors also made clear to Mr. Trump that they needed more supplies, if somewhat more delicately. Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina, a Democrat, told Mr. Trump: “As much as you can send us is very much appreciated.”Other governors also made clear to Mr. Trump that they needed more supplies, if somewhat more delicately. Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina, a Democrat, told Mr. Trump: “As much as you can send us is very much appreciated.”
That prompted the president to note that “we have a lot of planes coming in” and that “Boeing gave us their big, monster cargo plane, it’s the biggest cargo plane in the world.”That prompted the president to note that “we have a lot of planes coming in” and that “Boeing gave us their big, monster cargo plane, it’s the biggest cargo plane in the world.”
Mr. Cooper was more direct on the matter of social distancing, telling the president: “Just wanted to, during this next month, to implore you to tell people to take this seriously and tell people that social and physical distancing is going to be critical.”Mr. Cooper was more direct on the matter of social distancing, telling the president: “Just wanted to, during this next month, to implore you to tell people to take this seriously and tell people that social and physical distancing is going to be critical.”
At his news conference Monday evening, Mr. Trump said he hoped the media would have listened to the call because the governors were uniformly expressing their appreciation for his administration’s efforts.At his news conference Monday evening, Mr. Trump said he hoped the media would have listened to the call because the governors were uniformly expressing their appreciation for his administration’s efforts.
Speaking in a White House Rose Garden news conference, President Trump boasted that so many American companies were now producing ventilators, the United States would soon have supplies to send to hard-hit Europe.Speaking in a White House Rose Garden news conference, President Trump boasted that so many American companies were now producing ventilators, the United States would soon have supplies to send to hard-hit Europe.
Citing reports that Ford and GE Healthcare plan would produce 50,000 ventilators in 100 days. Mr. Trump said 10 American companies were quickly increasing ventilator production. Citing reports that Ford and GE Healthcare plan would produce 50,000 ventilators in 100 days, Mr. Trump said 10 American companies were quickly increasing ventilator production.
“As we outpace what we need, we’re going to be sending them to Italy, we’re going to be sending them to France, we’re going to be sending them to Spain, where they have tremendous problems, and other countries as we can,” he said.“As we outpace what we need, we’re going to be sending them to Italy, we’re going to be sending them to France, we’re going to be sending them to Spain, where they have tremendous problems, and other countries as we can,” he said.
He went on, “We’re going to be sending approximately $100 million worth of things, of surgical and medical and hospital things to Italy.”He went on, “We’re going to be sending approximately $100 million worth of things, of surgical and medical and hospital things to Italy.”
His promises seem to indicate that shortages of ventilators, surgical masks and other personal protective equipment will soon be ending.His promises seem to indicate that shortages of ventilators, surgical masks and other personal protective equipment will soon be ending.
He repeated his claim that the government still has 10,000 ventilators in reserve.He repeated his claim that the government still has 10,000 ventilators in reserve.
“I think we’re going to be in very good shape,” he said.“I think we’re going to be in very good shape,” he said.
Asked about Virginia’s decision to extend a stay-at-home order into June, Mr. Trump said he has “talked about” a national stay-at-home order for the entire United States, but added: “It’s pretty unlikely I would think at this time.”Asked about Virginia’s decision to extend a stay-at-home order into June, Mr. Trump said he has “talked about” a national stay-at-home order for the entire United States, but added: “It’s pretty unlikely I would think at this time.”
Mr. Trump lashed out at a CNN reporter who asked about his repeated mistaken assurances in recent weeks that the virus would be contained and could “go away” as early as April.Mr. Trump lashed out at a CNN reporter who asked about his repeated mistaken assurances in recent weeks that the virus would be contained and could “go away” as early as April.
“You look at those individual statements, they are all true statements,” Mr. Trump told the reporter, Jim Acosta. Mr. Trump suggested that he had been trying to reassure Americans.“You look at those individual statements, they are all true statements,” Mr. Trump told the reporter, Jim Acosta. Mr. Trump suggested that he had been trying to reassure Americans.
“I could cause panic much better than even you,” he told Mr. Acosta, visibly irritated. “I would make you look like a minor league player. But I don’t want to do that.”“I could cause panic much better than even you,” he told Mr. Acosta, visibly irritated. “I would make you look like a minor league player. But I don’t want to do that.”
“I’m very proud. It’s almost a miracle the way it’s all come together,” he added. “And instead of asking a nasty, snarky question like that, you should ask a real question.”“I’m very proud. It’s almost a miracle the way it’s all come together,” he added. “And instead of asking a nasty, snarky question like that, you should ask a real question.”
He then attacked Yamiche Alcindor of PBS’s “News Hour” for pointing out that while the United States may have tested more people than any other country, it still lags per capita. That was a “really snarky question,” he said, suggesting she should be congratulating her government.He then attacked Yamiche Alcindor of PBS’s “News Hour” for pointing out that while the United States may have tested more people than any other country, it still lags per capita. That was a “really snarky question,” he said, suggesting she should be congratulating her government.
Mr. Trump’s coronavirus briefings have become showcases, not only for himself but for his political supporters and cooperative corporations. On Monday, he turned the podium over to several corporate CEOs, including the chief executives of Proctor & Gamble, Jockey International and United Technologies.Mr. Trump’s coronavirus briefings have become showcases, not only for himself but for his political supporters and cooperative corporations. On Monday, he turned the podium over to several corporate CEOs, including the chief executives of Proctor & Gamble, Jockey International and United Technologies.
Among those corporate heavyweights was his friend and political supporter Michael Lindell, founder of Minnesota-based MyPillow Inc. and a member of Mr. Trump’s Mar a Lago resort club who has called him “the greatest president in history.”Among those corporate heavyweights was his friend and political supporter Michael Lindell, founder of Minnesota-based MyPillow Inc. and a member of Mr. Trump’s Mar a Lago resort club who has called him “the greatest president in history.”
Mr. Lindell said during his speaking turn in Monday’s briefing that, before Mr. Trump’s election, the nation “had turned its back on God,” urging Americans to read Bibles during their extended time at home.Mr. Lindell said during his speaking turn in Monday’s briefing that, before Mr. Trump’s election, the nation “had turned its back on God,” urging Americans to read Bibles during their extended time at home.
“God gave us grace on Nov. 8, 2016, to change the course we were on,” he said, adding, “Our president gave us so much hope.”“God gave us grace on Nov. 8, 2016, to change the course we were on,” he said, adding, “Our president gave us so much hope.”
“I did not know he was going to do that,” Mr. Trump said after Mr. Lindell’s remarks. “But he is a friend of mine, and I do appreciate it.”“I did not know he was going to do that,” Mr. Trump said after Mr. Lindell’s remarks. “But he is a friend of mine, and I do appreciate it.”
The Food and Drug Administration granted emergency approval this weekend permitting the use of two long-used malaria drugs to treat patients who are hospitalized with coronavirus, despite scant evidence that the drugs would be effective against the virus.
The decision allows companies to donate supplies of two related drugs — hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine — to the Strategic National Stockpile. The drugs will then be distributed to hospitals for use in patients who have coronavirus. The generic drug maker Sandoz, a division of Novartis, donated 30 million pills of hydroxychloroquine and Bayer donated one million doses of chloroquine. Other companies are ramping up their production of the drugs and may donate more supplies, the federal government said.
Teva has also said it is donating six million pills of hydroxychloroquine to be used in U.S. hospitals.
Mr. Trump has frequently touted the use of the drugs, describing them as a potential “game changer” in the pandemic, although there is only anecdotal evidence that they are effective. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and other experts, have been far more cautious in saying that evidence is still needed to know if they work.
However, since there are no treatments for the virus, many hospitals are already using the drugs on severely ill patients. The drugs have been on the market for decades and one, hydroxychloroquine, is also used for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
The decision by the F.D.A., issued on Saturday but announced by the Department of Health and Human Services on Sunday, will allow hospitals to use the drugs on patients when enrolling them in clinical trials is not possible. Doctors must report on how they were used, including documenting any harmful side effects. Patients and doctors will also receive a fact sheet explaining that the drug’s efficacy in treating coronavirus is not known.
By restricting hospital use of the drugs to those taken from the national stockpile, the move also eases pressure on the rest of the supply chain. Both drugs have recently gone into shortage, making it difficult for patients who rely on them for other conditions to get access.
Austria will require all residents to wear face masks when they shop for groceries starting this week, joining the growing ranks of experts who have questioned the prevailing guidance that healthy people don’t need to wear masks.
The World Health Organization asserts that masks should only be worn by people who are sick and those who are caring for them, and that there is little data showing that they protect the general public in everyday life. But some experts and government officials say they could offer some protection.
The debate over protective masks for healthy citizens has created tensions as protective gear, including N-95 masks, has been in woefully short supply for front-line medical workers, leading officials to try to discourage hoarding and panic-buying by people all over the world.
At the same time, some places that adopted nearly universal mask-wearing and intensive social distancing early on, like Hong Kong, were able to contain their outbreaks. George Gao, the director-general of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, has called not wearing face masks “the big mistake in the U.S. and Europe.”
At a news conference on Monday, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the W.H.O.’s acting head of emerging diseases, reiterated the organization’s position: “In the community, we don’t recommend wearing masks unless you yourself are sick. The masks that we recommend are for people who are at home and who are sick and for those individuals who are caring for those people.”
As the toll of the coronavirus continued to mount — overwhelming hospitals and sickening health care workers, spreading through jails, playing havoc with the economy and making deadly inroads in more cities — federal lawmakers and Trump administration officials turned their attention Monday to new measures to try to contain the fallout.As the toll of the coronavirus continued to mount — overwhelming hospitals and sickening health care workers, spreading through jails, playing havoc with the economy and making deadly inroads in more cities — federal lawmakers and Trump administration officials turned their attention Monday to new measures to try to contain the fallout.
In a sign of how fast the virus is upending life in the United States, officials in Washington were already beginning to chart the next phase of the government’s response on Monday — just days after enacting a $2 trillion stabilization plan, the largest economic stimulus package in modern American history. Here’s what is happening: In a sign of how fast the virus is upending life in the United States, officials in Washington were already beginning to chart the next phase of the government’s response on Monday — just days after enacting a $2 trillion stabilization plan, the largest economic stimulus package in modern American history.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, said in an interview Monday that state and local government urgently need more resources, and that it was only a matter of time before Congress would act on a fourth relief measure. “So this isn’t about how fast we can do it, it’s how fast we must do it,” she said.Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, said in an interview Monday that state and local government urgently need more resources, and that it was only a matter of time before Congress would act on a fourth relief measure. “So this isn’t about how fast we can do it, it’s how fast we must do it,” she said.
Macy’s said Monday that with stores closed and sales down, it would furlough the majority of its 125,000 employees, and oil prices hit their lowest levels since 2002, as the sharp economic contraction caused demand for oil to evaporate.Macy’s said Monday that with stores closed and sales down, it would furlough the majority of its 125,000 employees, and oil prices hit their lowest levels since 2002, as the sharp economic contraction caused demand for oil to evaporate.
Mr. Trump suggested, without citing evidence, that he and his advisers expected the number of people who test positive to peak around Easter. (On Sunday he retreated from his earlier hope to get the country back to normal by Easter and extended federal guidelines urging social distancing through April 30, citing figures from his advisers that showed that 200,000 people could die from the virus even with aggressive action.)
A 1,000-bed Navy hospital ship, the Comfort, docked in Manhattan Monday morning to free up beds in the city’s overwhelmed hospitals so they can treat more coronavirus patients, and doctors and nurses warned that increasing numbers of their colleagues were getting sick.
Infections are mounting in jails and prisons, where social distancing is impossible and sanitizer is widely banned, prompting authorities across the country to move to release thousands of inmates.
Representative Nydia M. Velasquez, Democrat of New York, announced that she had received a diagnosis of “presumed coronavirus infection” after becoming ill early Sunday morning. Ms. Velasquez, 67, was at the Capitol on Friday, when the House cleared the $2 trillion stimulus law, and later attended a ceremony with senior lawmakers to mark its enrollment. She said her symptoms were mild and the attending physician of the Capitol advised her not to be tested or to see a doctor at the moment. At least six members of Congress have tested positive for the disease.Representative Nydia M. Velasquez, Democrat of New York, announced that she had received a diagnosis of “presumed coronavirus infection” after becoming ill early Sunday morning. Ms. Velasquez, 67, was at the Capitol on Friday, when the House cleared the $2 trillion stimulus law, and later attended a ceremony with senior lawmakers to mark its enrollment. She said her symptoms were mild and the attending physician of the Capitol advised her not to be tested or to see a doctor at the moment. At least six members of Congress have tested positive for the disease.
The Marine Corps stopped sending new recruits to its boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., for the foreseeable future after a coronavirus outbreak there infected more than 20 recruits.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews failing to comply with government instructions to contain the coronavirus are causing it to spread so quickly that Israeli officials are considering blockading entire communities to protect the wider population.Ultra-Orthodox Jews failing to comply with government instructions to contain the coronavirus are causing it to spread so quickly that Israeli officials are considering blockading entire communities to protect the wider population.
The virus is mushrooming in ultra-Orthodox communities as much as four to eight times faster than elsewhere in Israel.The virus is mushrooming in ultra-Orthodox communities as much as four to eight times faster than elsewhere in Israel.
In the Tel Aviv suburb of Bnei Brak, where 95 percent of the residents are ultra-Orthodox, the number of confirmed cases nearly doubled in the last three days, from 267 on Friday to 508 on Monday. The total was nearly that of Jerusalem, whose population is four times bigger.In the Tel Aviv suburb of Bnei Brak, where 95 percent of the residents are ultra-Orthodox, the number of confirmed cases nearly doubled in the last three days, from 267 on Friday to 508 on Monday. The total was nearly that of Jerusalem, whose population is four times bigger.
Experts attribute the proliferation among the ultra-Orthodox to overcrowding and large families, deep distrust of state authority, ignorance of the health risks among religious leaders, an aversion to electronic and secular media and a zealous devotion to a way of life centered on communal activity.Experts attribute the proliferation among the ultra-Orthodox to overcrowding and large families, deep distrust of state authority, ignorance of the health risks among religious leaders, an aversion to electronic and secular media and a zealous devotion to a way of life centered on communal activity.
All of which add up to stiff resistance to heeding social distancing orders that require people to stay home except for vital errands and prohibit meeting in groups, including for prayer. These rules threaten fundamental activities for the ultra-Orthodox including worship, religious study and the observance of life-cycle events like funerals and weddings.All of which add up to stiff resistance to heeding social distancing orders that require people to stay home except for vital errands and prohibit meeting in groups, including for prayer. These rules threaten fundamental activities for the ultra-Orthodox including worship, religious study and the observance of life-cycle events like funerals and weddings.
Similar conflicts have arisen in the United States. In Florida, Sheriff Chad Chronister of Hillsborough County said he had obtained an arrest warrant for Rev. Rodney Howard-Browne, the pastor of a Pentecostal megachurch, for “intentionally and repeatedly” defying emergency orders mandating that people maintain social distance and stay at home. Mr. Howard-Browne on Sunday held two church services, each filled with hundreds of parishioners.Similar conflicts have arisen in the United States. In Florida, Sheriff Chad Chronister of Hillsborough County said he had obtained an arrest warrant for Rev. Rodney Howard-Browne, the pastor of a Pentecostal megachurch, for “intentionally and repeatedly” defying emergency orders mandating that people maintain social distance and stay at home. Mr. Howard-Browne on Sunday held two church services, each filled with hundreds of parishioners.
While many states have issued stay-at-home directives to try to slow the virus’s spread — with Maryland and Virginia becoming the latest to do so on Monday — in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, had resisted the step, favoring local action over statewide mandates.While many states have issued stay-at-home directives to try to slow the virus’s spread — with Maryland and Virginia becoming the latest to do so on Monday — in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, had resisted the step, favoring local action over statewide mandates.
But on Monday Governor DeSantis said that he would sign an order codifying a patchwork of local rules urging residents in the densely-populated southeast corner of the state — including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties — to stay home.But on Monday Governor DeSantis said that he would sign an order codifying a patchwork of local rules urging residents in the densely-populated southeast corner of the state — including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties — to stay home.
Local Florida governments have taken wildly different approaches to restricting interactions. While the city of Jacksonville shut down its beaches, St. Johns County to the south did not. A striking photo taken over the weekend showed bare beaches on one side of the county line and crowded sand on the other. (St. Johns County later closed its shoreline.)Local Florida governments have taken wildly different approaches to restricting interactions. While the city of Jacksonville shut down its beaches, St. Johns County to the south did not. A striking photo taken over the weekend showed bare beaches on one side of the county line and crowded sand on the other. (St. Johns County later closed its shoreline.)
Roughly three out of four Americans are or will soon be under instructions to stay indoors, as states and localities try to curb the spread of the coronavirus before their hospitals are overwhelmed.Roughly three out of four Americans are or will soon be under instructions to stay indoors, as states and localities try to curb the spread of the coronavirus before their hospitals are overwhelmed.
Virginia and Maryland both issued new statewide orders on Monday.Virginia and Maryland both issued new statewide orders on Monday.
“We are no longer asking or suggesting that Marylanders stay home — we are directing them to do so,” Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, said.“We are no longer asking or suggesting that Marylanders stay home — we are directing them to do so,” Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, said.
And in Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, ordered all residents to stay home, closing the state’s beaches and campgrounds and insisting that people only go out for food, supplies, work or medical care.And in Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, ordered all residents to stay home, closing the state’s beaches and campgrounds and insisting that people only go out for food, supplies, work or medical care.
“I want everyone to hear me: Stay home,” Mr. Northam, a Democrat, said.“I want everyone to hear me: Stay home,” Mr. Northam, a Democrat, said.
In Detroit, 35 people with the illness have died in less than two weeks. The police chief has tested positive, and more than 500 police officers are in quarantine.In Detroit, 35 people with the illness have died in less than two weeks. The police chief has tested positive, and more than 500 police officers are in quarantine.
The virus could place a unique burden on Detroit, a city of 670,000 people where three out of 10 residents live in poverty, a large number have asthma and other chronic diseases, and hospitals are already overwhelmed.The virus could place a unique burden on Detroit, a city of 670,000 people where three out of 10 residents live in poverty, a large number have asthma and other chronic diseases, and hospitals are already overwhelmed.
Federal authorities are investigating stock trades made by Senator Richard M. Burr, Republican of North Carolina, in the weeks before Americans began taking seriously the threat of the coronavirus and before markets plummeted, according to reports.Federal authorities are investigating stock trades made by Senator Richard M. Burr, Republican of North Carolina, in the weeks before Americans began taking seriously the threat of the coronavirus and before markets plummeted, according to reports.
The Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission are reviewing a rush of stock sales Mr. Burr made in mid-February that potentially saved him thousands of dollars in losses, CNN and other news outlets reported. The New York Times has not independently confirmed the investigation.The Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission are reviewing a rush of stock sales Mr. Burr made in mid-February that potentially saved him thousands of dollars in losses, CNN and other news outlets reported. The New York Times has not independently confirmed the investigation.
Mr. Burr has insisted that he made the sales based purely on public reporting, but as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions panel, Mr. Burr had early, regular access to top government officials monitoring the virus as it spread in China and then around the world. Investigators would likely work to untangle if any of that information shared with him as a senator prompted his decision.Mr. Burr has insisted that he made the sales based purely on public reporting, but as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions panel, Mr. Burr had early, regular access to top government officials monitoring the virus as it spread in China and then around the world. Investigators would likely work to untangle if any of that information shared with him as a senator prompted his decision.
Lawmakers are legally barred from relying on nonpublic information to buy or sell stocks, but such cases can be difficult to prove and no one has ever been charged under the 2012 statute outlawing the practice.Lawmakers are legally barred from relying on nonpublic information to buy or sell stocks, but such cases can be difficult to prove and no one has ever been charged under the 2012 statute outlawing the practice.
Mr. Burr’s lawyer, Alice Fisher, reiterated on Monday that the senator had only traded based on public information, which is legal. She said he would cooperate with any inquiry into his actions.Mr. Burr’s lawyer, Alice Fisher, reiterated on Monday that the senator had only traded based on public information, which is legal. She said he would cooperate with any inquiry into his actions.
The Food and Drug Administration granted emergency approval this weekend permitting the use of two long-used malaria drugs to treat patients who are hospitalized with coronavirus, despite scant evidence that the drugs would be effective against the virus.
The decision allows companies to donate supplies of two related drugs — hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine — to the Strategic National Stockpile. The drugs will then be distributed to hospitals for use in patients who have coronavirus. The generic drug maker Sandoz, a division of Novartis, donated 30 million pills of hydroxychloroquine and Bayer donated one million doses of chloroquine. Other companies are ramping up their production of the drugs and may donate more supplies, the federal government said.
Teva has also said it is donating six million pills of hydroxychloroquine to be used in U.S. hospitals.
Mr. Trump has frequently touted the use of the drugs, describing them as a potential “game changer” in the pandemic, although there is only anecdotal evidence that they are effective. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and other experts, have been far more cautious in saying that evidence is still needed to know if they work.
However, since there are no treatments for the virus, many hospitals are already using the drugs on severely ill patients. The drugs have been on the market for decades and one, hydroxychloroquine, is also used for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
The decision by the F.D.A., issued on Saturday but announced by the Department of Health and Human Services on Sunday, will allow hospitals to use the drugs on patients when enrolling them in clinical trials is not possible. Doctors must report on how they were used, including documenting any harmful side effects. Patients and doctors will also receive a fact sheet explaining that the drug’s efficacy in treating coronavirus is not known.
By restricting hospital use of the drugs to those taken from the national stockpile, the move also eases pressure on the rest of the supply chain. Both drugs have recently gone into shortage, making it difficult for patients who rely on them for other conditions to get access.
The virus is spreading quickly in America’s jails and prisons, where social distancing is impossible and sanitizer is widely banned, prompting authorities across the country to release thousands of inmates to try to slow the infection and save lives.The virus is spreading quickly in America’s jails and prisons, where social distancing is impossible and sanitizer is widely banned, prompting authorities across the country to release thousands of inmates to try to slow the infection and save lives.
By Sunday, the Rikers Island jail complex in New York City had at least 139 confirmed cases of the virus. A week ago, the Cook County jail in Chicago had two diagnoses; by Sunday, 101 inmates and a dozen sheriff’s deputies had tested positive. And at least 38 inmates and employees in the federal prison system have the virus, with one prisoner dead in Louisiana.By Sunday, the Rikers Island jail complex in New York City had at least 139 confirmed cases of the virus. A week ago, the Cook County jail in Chicago had two diagnoses; by Sunday, 101 inmates and a dozen sheriff’s deputies had tested positive. And at least 38 inmates and employees in the federal prison system have the virus, with one prisoner dead in Louisiana.
“It’s very concerning as a parent,” said William Brewer Jr., whose son is serving time for robbery in Virginia. “He’s in there sleeping in an open bay with 60 other people. There’s no way they can isolate and get six feet between each other.”“It’s very concerning as a parent,” said William Brewer Jr., whose son is serving time for robbery in Virginia. “He’s in there sleeping in an open bay with 60 other people. There’s no way they can isolate and get six feet between each other.”
Defense lawyers, elected officials, health experts and even some prosecutors have warned that efforts to release inmates and stop the spread are moving too slowly in the face of a contagion that has so far infected more than 142,000 people in the United States, with more than 2,300 deaths.Defense lawyers, elected officials, health experts and even some prosecutors have warned that efforts to release inmates and stop the spread are moving too slowly in the face of a contagion that has so far infected more than 142,000 people in the United States, with more than 2,300 deaths.
“By keeping more people in the jails, you are increasing the overall number of people who contract the virus,” and the demand for hospital beds, ventilators and other lifesaving resources, said David E. Patton, head of the federal public defender’s office in New York City, which represents nearly half of the 2,500 inmates in the city’s two federal jails. “They are playing roulette with people’s lives.”“By keeping more people in the jails, you are increasing the overall number of people who contract the virus,” and the demand for hospital beds, ventilators and other lifesaving resources, said David E. Patton, head of the federal public defender’s office in New York City, which represents nearly half of the 2,500 inmates in the city’s two federal jails. “They are playing roulette with people’s lives.”
Rikers Island, in New York, has provided a case study in the difficulty of balancing public safety and public health concerns. On Sunday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said about 650 people had been released. Still, the rate of infection in the city’s jails has continued to climb, and by Monday, 167 inmates, 114 correction staff and 23 health workers had tested positive. Two correction staff members have died and a handful of inmates have been hospitalized.Rikers Island, in New York, has provided a case study in the difficulty of balancing public safety and public health concerns. On Sunday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said about 650 people had been released. Still, the rate of infection in the city’s jails has continued to climb, and by Monday, 167 inmates, 114 correction staff and 23 health workers had tested positive. Two correction staff members have died and a handful of inmates have been hospitalized.
China says it has all but halted the spread of the new coronavirus, with fewer infections than the United States, Italy or Spain, and a far lower death rate than some European countries.China says it has all but halted the spread of the new coronavirus, with fewer infections than the United States, Italy or Spain, and a far lower death rate than some European countries.
But are those claims true?But are those claims true?
Increasingly serious questions have been raised about whether China is concealing the extent of the epidemic — both nationally and specifically in the restive Xinjiang province — and the death toll, particularly in Wuhan, the city where it began.Increasingly serious questions have been raised about whether China is concealing the extent of the epidemic — both nationally and specifically in the restive Xinjiang province — and the death toll, particularly in Wuhan, the city where it began.
The answers will have profound repercussions as the country begins to lift lockdowns and restart its economy, risking a flare-up. China has held itself up as a model for others to follow, but if that model is not what it seems, the implications are global. Lives are at stake, as well as the battered credibility of the Communist Party government, dented again in recent days by claims that China had supplied faulty equipment to other countries.The answers will have profound repercussions as the country begins to lift lockdowns and restart its economy, risking a flare-up. China has held itself up as a model for others to follow, but if that model is not what it seems, the implications are global. Lives are at stake, as well as the battered credibility of the Communist Party government, dented again in recent days by claims that China had supplied faulty equipment to other countries.
China’s official count of more than 82,000 confirmed coronavirus cases excludes people who test positive but show no symptoms. They are added only if they get sick.China’s official count of more than 82,000 confirmed coronavirus cases excludes people who test positive but show no symptoms. They are added only if they get sick.
Caixin, an influential Chinese newsmagazine, on Sunday urged the government to disclose those numbers. The magazine’s commentary came after confirmation of a case in Henan Province, apparently spread by a person who was asymptomatic and not counted in the official tally.Caixin, an influential Chinese newsmagazine, on Sunday urged the government to disclose those numbers. The magazine’s commentary came after confirmation of a case in Henan Province, apparently spread by a person who was asymptomatic and not counted in the official tally.
The government acknowledges few cases in Xinjiang, where hundreds of thousands of people, primarily Uighur Muslims, are held in indoctrination camps. People in the region question the figures, but the government enforces a near-blackout on news from Xinjiang.
Since January, doubts have been aired about the number of dead reported, particularly in Wuhan, where more than 2,500 of the official national count of about 3,300 deaths took place. Caixin reported recently that many thousands of urns were sent to funeral homes in Wuhan, suggesting a much higher toll.
Early in the epidemic, when hospitals were inundated, many people in Wuhan grew sick and either recovered or died without ever being tested.
Struggling to give its beleaguered medical workers a fighting chance to combat a virus that has torn through their own ranks in recent weeks, Spanish officials said on Monday that they would impose even more rigorous restrictions on residents’ movements, calling for a national period of “hibernation.”Struggling to give its beleaguered medical workers a fighting chance to combat a virus that has torn through their own ranks in recent weeks, Spanish officials said on Monday that they would impose even more rigorous restrictions on residents’ movements, calling for a national period of “hibernation.”
The officials compared the tighter restrictions to those imposed in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus was first detected last year. The measures there were perhaps the most draconian attempted anywhere in the world so far.The officials compared the tighter restrictions to those imposed in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus was first detected last year. The measures there were perhaps the most draconian attempted anywhere in the world so far.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain said at the weekend that the tighter lockdown was needed to avoid the collapse of saturated hospitals in Madrid and a few other regions of the country.Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain said at the weekend that the tighter lockdown was needed to avoid the collapse of saturated hospitals in Madrid and a few other regions of the country.
“The most important thing is to slow down the number of people in hospitals, in the intensive care units,” he said. “I’m thinking especially of Madrid, where they are under a lot of pressure.”“The most important thing is to slow down the number of people in hospitals, in the intensive care units,” he said. “I’m thinking especially of Madrid, where they are under a lot of pressure.”
The new restrictions — allowing only “essential workers” to leave their homes — will last until at least April 9 and come on top of the lockdown that was imposed on March 14.The new restrictions — allowing only “essential workers” to leave their homes — will last until at least April 9 and come on top of the lockdown that was imposed on March 14.
Spain reported more than 812 new deaths on Monday, bringing the country’s death toll to nearly 7,400.Spain reported more than 812 new deaths on Monday, bringing the country’s death toll to nearly 7,400.
While Spanish hospitals were on the edge of collapse, Italian officials hoped that the burden on medical facilities might be starting to ease.While Spanish hospitals were on the edge of collapse, Italian officials hoped that the burden on medical facilities might be starting to ease.
Luca Richeldi, a clinical pneumologist at the Gemelli hospital in Rome and a member of the government’s scientific advisory committee, said that the number of deaths had dropped every day over the weekend and that the number of new patients needing critical care had also gone down to 50, from 124.Luca Richeldi, a clinical pneumologist at the Gemelli hospital in Rome and a member of the government’s scientific advisory committee, said that the number of deaths had dropped every day over the weekend and that the number of new patients needing critical care had also gone down to 50, from 124.
“With our behavior, we save lives,” he said.“With our behavior, we save lives,” he said.
The April 3 deadline of the national lockdown would certainly be extended, Italian government officials said.The April 3 deadline of the national lockdown would certainly be extended, Italian government officials said.
The health minister, Roberto Speranza, said that the government measures “will certainly be prolonged, and we will require a sacrifice that I don’t think will be too short.”The health minister, Roberto Speranza, said that the government measures “will certainly be prolonged, and we will require a sacrifice that I don’t think will be too short.”
In a televised interview Sunday night, he said that the crisis was far from over and that decisions would be made with the input of the government’s scientific advisory board, which was meeting on Monday.In a televised interview Sunday night, he said that the crisis was far from over and that decisions would be made with the input of the government’s scientific advisory board, which was meeting on Monday.
“There are some encouraging signals,” especially from the worst hit areas, Mr. Speranza said. “But it is not enough.” Opening up too soon, he added, could “burn everything we’ve obtained until now.”“There are some encouraging signals,” especially from the worst hit areas, Mr. Speranza said. “But it is not enough.” Opening up too soon, he added, could “burn everything we’ve obtained until now.”
In Britain, Dr. Jenny Harries, the deputy chief medical officer, said it could be six months or more before a return to normal, with lockdowns being reassessed every three weeks. She said that if the strategy was successful, the country could effectively limit the peak of cases in the short term, but that measures would have to continue.In Britain, Dr. Jenny Harries, the deputy chief medical officer, said it could be six months or more before a return to normal, with lockdowns being reassessed every three weeks. She said that if the strategy was successful, the country could effectively limit the peak of cases in the short term, but that measures would have to continue.
“We must not then revert to our regular way of living, that would be quite dangerous,” she said during a Sunday evening news conference.“We must not then revert to our regular way of living, that would be quite dangerous,” she said during a Sunday evening news conference.
In emergency rooms and intensive care units throughout New York City, typically dispassionate medical professionals are feeling panicked as increasing numbers of their colleagues get sick.In emergency rooms and intensive care units throughout New York City, typically dispassionate medical professionals are feeling panicked as increasing numbers of their colleagues get sick.
“I feel like we’re all just being sent to slaughter,” said Thomas Riley, a nurse at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, who has contracted the virus, along with his husband.“I feel like we’re all just being sent to slaughter,” said Thomas Riley, a nurse at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, who has contracted the virus, along with his husband.
Medical workers are still showing up day after day to face overflowing emergency rooms, earning them praise as heroes. Thousands of volunteers have signed up to join their colleagues. Two nurses in city hospitals have died. Medical workers are still showing up day after day to face overflowing emergency rooms, earning them praise as heroes. But doctors and nurses said they can look overseas for a dark glimpse of the risk they are facing — especially when protective gear has been in short supply.
On Monday, New York’s governor said that 1,218 people had died, and that 9,517 people in the state were hospitalized with the virus.
But doctors and nurses said they can look overseas for a dark glimpse of the risk they are facing — especially when protective gear has been in short supply.
In China, more than 3,000 doctors were infected, nearly half of them in Wuhan, where the pandemic began, according to Chinese government statistics. Li Wenliang, the Chinese doctor who first tried to raise the alarm about Covid-19, eventually died of it.In China, more than 3,000 doctors were infected, nearly half of them in Wuhan, where the pandemic began, according to Chinese government statistics. Li Wenliang, the Chinese doctor who first tried to raise the alarm about Covid-19, eventually died of it.
In Italy, the number of infected heath care workers is now twice the Chinese total, and the National Federation of Orders of Surgeons and Dentists has compiled a list of 50 who have died. Nearly 14 percent of Spain’s confirmed coronavirus cases are medical professionals.In Italy, the number of infected heath care workers is now twice the Chinese total, and the National Federation of Orders of Surgeons and Dentists has compiled a list of 50 who have died. Nearly 14 percent of Spain’s confirmed coronavirus cases are medical professionals.
William P. Jaquis, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said the situation across the country was too fluid to begin tracking such data, but he said he expected the danger to intensify.
“Doctors are getting sick everywhere,” he said.
On Sunday night, Mr. Trump appeared to suggest that New York hospitals were hoarding — or doing something else improper — with protective gear like their surgical masks, saying that he did not believe they really needed the increases in supplies they claim are necessary to protect doctors and nurses treating coronavirus patients.
“Something’s going on. And you ought to look into it as reporters. Where are the masks going — are they going out the back door?” Mr. Trump said. “Somebody should probably look into that because I just don’t see from a practical standpoint how that’s possible to go from that to that, and we have that happening in numerous places.”
On Monday Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said that he did not know what the president was talking about.
“I don’t know what he’s trying to say,” Mr. Cuomo said. “If he wants to make an accusation, then let him make an accusation but I don’t know what he’s trying to say by inference.”
Mr. Cuomo also stressed that he remained focused on preparing for the virus to hit at full strength in New York, saying that the worst was yet to come.
“If you wait to prepare for a storm to hit, it is too late,” he said. “You have to prepare before the storm hits. And in this case the storm is when you hit that high point, when you hit that apex. How do you know when you’re going to get there? You don’t.”
Stocks on Wall Street rose on Monday as investors bid up shares of health care companies as they reported progress on products that could help with the outbreak.Stocks on Wall Street rose on Monday as investors bid up shares of health care companies as they reported progress on products that could help with the outbreak.
The S&P 500 climbed more than 3 percent, adding to a strong showing last week. The S&P 500 had risen 10 percent last week after a three day run that was its best since 1933, amid relief over Washington’s $2 trillion spending plan.The S&P 500 climbed more than 3 percent, adding to a strong showing last week. The S&P 500 had risen 10 percent last week after a three day run that was its best since 1933, amid relief over Washington’s $2 trillion spending plan.
Gainers on Monday included Johnson & Johnson, which said it had identified a lead candidate for a vaccine for the virus and planned to ramp up both production and clinical testing. Also, Abbott Laboratories rose on reports that it had said a new test that could detect the virus in five minutes had been cleared for use by the Food and Drug Administration.Gainers on Monday included Johnson & Johnson, which said it had identified a lead candidate for a vaccine for the virus and planned to ramp up both production and clinical testing. Also, Abbott Laboratories rose on reports that it had said a new test that could detect the virus in five minutes had been cleared for use by the Food and Drug Administration.
But there were lingering signs of caution in the financial markets. In the oil market, brent crude, the international benchmark, fell more than 6 percent to roughly $26 a barrel on Monday. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, was down more than 5 percent with prices hovering around $20.25 in early afternoon trading. Earlier this morning the price had briefly dropped below $20 a barrel, a level not seen in almost 20 years.But there were lingering signs of caution in the financial markets. In the oil market, brent crude, the international benchmark, fell more than 6 percent to roughly $26 a barrel on Monday. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, was down more than 5 percent with prices hovering around $20.25 in early afternoon trading. Earlier this morning the price had briefly dropped below $20 a barrel, a level not seen in almost 20 years.
Oil has also been hammered by a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, two of the largest oil producers, but analysts say that it is far outweighed by the collapse in demand caused by the pandemic.Oil has also been hammered by a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, two of the largest oil producers, but analysts say that it is far outweighed by the collapse in demand caused by the pandemic.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Richard Pérez-Peña, Karen Zraick, Nick Fandos, Mihir Zaveri, Jonathan Martin, Maggie Haberman, Sarah Mervosh, Patricia Mazzei, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Elisabetta Povoledo, Raphael Minder, Melissa Eddy, Mary M. Chapman, Julie Bosman, John Eligon, Elian Peltier, Isabel Kershner, Ali Watkins, Stephen Castle, Marc Santora, Mark Landler, David M. Halbfinger, Michael D. Shear, Thomas Fuller, Megan Specia, Austin Ramzy, Neil Vigdor, Kate Taylor, Vivian Yee, Mike Baker, Rick Rojas, Sapna Maheshwari, Vanessa Swales, Michael Levenson, Aimee Ortiz, Suhasini Raj, Stanley Reed, Knvul Sheikh and Kai Schultz.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Richard Pérez-Peña, Karen Zraick, Mihir Zaveri, Jonathan Martin, Maggie Haberman, Sarah Mervosh, Patricia Mazzei, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Elisabetta Povoledo, Raphael Minder, Melissa Eddy, Mary M. Chapman, Julie Bosman, John Eligon, Elian Peltier, Isabel Kershner, Ali Watkins, Stephen Castle, Marc Santora, Mark Landler, David M. Halbfinger, Michael D. Shear, Thomas Fuller, Megan Specia, Austin Ramzy, Neil Vigdor, Kate Taylor, Vivian Yee, Mike Baker, Rick Rojas, Sapna Maheshwari, Vanessa Swales, Michael Levenson, Aimee Ortiz, Suhasini Raj, Stanley Reed and Kai Schultz.