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| Stalemate Over Small-Business Aid Deepens as Officials Warn of Funding Lapse | Stalemate Over Small-Business Aid Deepens as Officials Warn of Funding Lapse |
| (7 days later) | |
| WASHINGTON — A stalemate over an emergency infusion of cash to help small businesses battered by the coronavirus pandemic intensified on Monday after Democratic leaders doubled down on demands for additional money for state and local governments, hospitals, food assistance and rapid testing. | WASHINGTON — A stalemate over an emergency infusion of cash to help small businesses battered by the coronavirus pandemic intensified on Monday after Democratic leaders doubled down on demands for additional money for state and local governments, hospitals, food assistance and rapid testing. |
| With Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, insisting on adding to the Trump administration’s request to inject $250 billion into the loan program, it is unclear whether lawmakers can reach a consensus this week even as officials warn that the program could run out of funds as early as Friday. | With Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, insisting on adding to the Trump administration’s request to inject $250 billion into the loan program, it is unclear whether lawmakers can reach a consensus this week even as officials warn that the program could run out of funds as early as Friday. |
| The impasse over what was intended to be an interim emergency package before another broader stimulus deal comes as businesses say they have yet to receive a majority of the billions slated for the program. The National Governors Association also called on Saturday for Congress to allocate an additional $500 billion to states to help offset state revenue shortfalls, more than double what Democrats initially demanded. | The impasse over what was intended to be an interim emergency package before another broader stimulus deal comes as businesses say they have yet to receive a majority of the billions slated for the program. The National Governors Association also called on Saturday for Congress to allocate an additional $500 billion to states to help offset state revenue shortfalls, more than double what Democrats initially demanded. |
| “We have real problems facing this country, and it’s time for the Republicans to quit the political posturing by proposing bills they know will not pass either chamber and get serious and work with us toward a solution,” Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Schumer said in a joint statement. | “We have real problems facing this country, and it’s time for the Republicans to quit the political posturing by proposing bills they know will not pass either chamber and get serious and work with us toward a solution,” Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Schumer said in a joint statement. |
| Negotiations are further complicated because the pandemic has kept lawmakers away from Washington, requiring additional procedural hurdles to approve legislation and giving any one lawmaker the ability to block it. House leaders announced on Monday that a scheduled return to Capitol Hill would be further delayed until May 4. The Senate is still set to convene in a week. | Negotiations are further complicated because the pandemic has kept lawmakers away from Washington, requiring additional procedural hurdles to approve legislation and giving any one lawmaker the ability to block it. House leaders announced on Monday that a scheduled return to Capitol Hill would be further delayed until May 4. The Senate is still set to convene in a week. |
| With a majority of lawmakers reluctant to return to Washington, Senate Republicans tried to approve the additional funds for the loan program, known as the Paycheck Protection Program, on Thursday during a procedural session. But Democrats blocked the maneuver, arguing that the legislation needed to include additional funds as well as conditions to ensure that the loan money was distributed fairly to small businesses. | With a majority of lawmakers reluctant to return to Washington, Senate Republicans tried to approve the additional funds for the loan program, known as the Paycheck Protection Program, on Thursday during a procedural session. But Democrats blocked the maneuver, arguing that the legislation needed to include additional funds as well as conditions to ensure that the loan money was distributed fairly to small businesses. |
| Republicans, led by President Trump, have said they would prefer to negotiate any additional funds and changes in future legislation. During a brief procedural session in the Senate on Monday, lawmakers did not try to push through the administration’s request, which would have required unanimous approval from all 100 senators without the full chamber present. | Republicans, led by President Trump, have said they would prefer to negotiate any additional funds and changes in future legislation. During a brief procedural session in the Senate on Monday, lawmakers did not try to push through the administration’s request, which would have required unanimous approval from all 100 senators without the full chamber present. |
| Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, and Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the minority leader, said over the weekend that they would continue to push for stand-alone funding for small businesses. “Republicans reject Democrats’ reckless threat to continue blocking job-saving funding unless we renegotiate unrelated programs which are not in similar peril,” they said. | Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, and Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the minority leader, said over the weekend that they would continue to push for stand-alone funding for small businesses. “Republicans reject Democrats’ reckless threat to continue blocking job-saving funding unless we renegotiate unrelated programs which are not in similar peril,” they said. |
| Lawmakers in both parties acknowledge that the program, which was created as part of the $2 trillion economic stimulus package signed into law last month, will require some fixes and additional funds. A federal judge found on Monday that while “a significant flaw” prevented some small businesses from securing loans because of bank restrictions, “Congress is better positioned to remedy any defects” in the legislation than a court. | Lawmakers in both parties acknowledge that the program, which was created as part of the $2 trillion economic stimulus package signed into law last month, will require some fixes and additional funds. A federal judge found on Monday that while “a significant flaw” prevented some small businesses from securing loans because of bank restrictions, “Congress is better positioned to remedy any defects” in the legislation than a court. |
| But administration officials have warned that the loan program could run out of its original $349 billion allotment as early as Friday, and that additional money is needed before any changes are made to the program. As of Monday, more than 4,600 lenders had been approved for more than $230 billion, according to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and there was concern that banks would stop issuing loans without a guarantee of more cash from the federal government. | But administration officials have warned that the loan program could run out of its original $349 billion allotment as early as Friday, and that additional money is needed before any changes are made to the program. As of Monday, more than 4,600 lenders had been approved for more than $230 billion, according to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and there was concern that banks would stop issuing loans without a guarantee of more cash from the federal government. |
| Mr. Mnuchin remained adamant during a coronavirus task force briefing on Monday that the administration did not support adding other funds or any conditions to the request. “The president and vice president have said: Once we get the S.B.A. done, we can go into another funding bill,” he said, referring to the Small Business Administration, which is overseeing the program. | Mr. Mnuchin remained adamant during a coronavirus task force briefing on Monday that the administration did not support adding other funds or any conditions to the request. “The president and vice president have said: Once we get the S.B.A. done, we can go into another funding bill,” he said, referring to the Small Business Administration, which is overseeing the program. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| It is unclear, however, how much of that money has actually been delivered to small businesses. And while funds are slowly beginning to reach hospitals and governments — Mr. Mnuchin said on Monday that state, tribal and local governments could apply for the first half of coronavirus relief fund payments a week ahead of schedule — Democrats argue that it is clear that more aid will be needed and should be included with the small-business funds. | It is unclear, however, how much of that money has actually been delivered to small businesses. And while funds are slowly beginning to reach hospitals and governments — Mr. Mnuchin said on Monday that state, tribal and local governments could apply for the first half of coronavirus relief fund payments a week ahead of schedule — Democrats argue that it is clear that more aid will be needed and should be included with the small-business funds. |
| “We’ve said to them: Let’s negotiate,” Ms. Pelosi told Democratic lawmakers on a caucus call, according to a person on the call who spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose details of the private conversation. “We all care about small businesses and want them to succeed.” | “We’ve said to them: Let’s negotiate,” Ms. Pelosi told Democratic lawmakers on a caucus call, according to a person on the call who spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose details of the private conversation. “We all care about small businesses and want them to succeed.” |
| “Hopefully, we can come to some terms if they will negotiate,” she added. | “Hopefully, we can come to some terms if they will negotiate,” she added. |
| On the call, Representative Nydia M. Velázquez of New York, the chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, also voiced concern about the administration’s ability to report how many loans had been processed or details about who was borrowing the funds. | On the call, Representative Nydia M. Velázquez of New York, the chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, also voiced concern about the administration’s ability to report how many loans had been processed or details about who was borrowing the funds. |
| The governors association’s chairman, Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, said in a statement on Monday that he spoke with Vice President Mike Pence and the administration about the response to the coronavirus. | The governors association’s chairman, Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, said in a statement on Monday that he spoke with Vice President Mike Pence and the administration about the response to the coronavirus. |
| “I have spoken to the leaders of Congress in both parties about the need for this relief,” Mr. Hogan said. “We have asked the administration to weigh in so that we can break this logjam in the Senate and get this done for the American people.” | “I have spoken to the leaders of Congress in both parties about the need for this relief,” Mr. Hogan said. “We have asked the administration to weigh in so that we can break this logjam in the Senate and get this done for the American people.” |
| Alan Rappeport and Emily Flitter contributed reporting. | Alan Rappeport and Emily Flitter contributed reporting. |