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Tracking Trump’s Promises on Responding to the Virus Tracking Trump’s Promises on Responding to the Virus
(3 days later)
Coronavirus testing will be available in commercial parking lots and can be found through a few clicks on a website. Millions of masks and “more ventilators than we need” will be delivered imminently. Monitoring capabilities for the next phase of the pandemic are on the way.Coronavirus testing will be available in commercial parking lots and can be found through a few clicks on a website. Millions of masks and “more ventilators than we need” will be delivered imminently. Monitoring capabilities for the next phase of the pandemic are on the way.
President Trump has made many promises about responding to the coronavirus crisis. But in the month since he declared a national emergency and as he encourages steps toward reopening the economy, many of them remain unfulfilled or works in progress. The number of testing sites operated by big retail chains is still minimal. It is likely to be months before millions of masks reach hospitals. And his own public health officials warn that a comprehensive surveillance system is not yet ready.President Trump has made many promises about responding to the coronavirus crisis. But in the month since he declared a national emergency and as he encourages steps toward reopening the economy, many of them remain unfulfilled or works in progress. The number of testing sites operated by big retail chains is still minimal. It is likely to be months before millions of masks reach hospitals. And his own public health officials warn that a comprehensive surveillance system is not yet ready.
Here’s an assessment of how Mr. Trump’s promises stack up to reality.Here’s an assessment of how Mr. Trump’s promises stack up to reality.
For weeks, the Trump administration has pledged to ramp up testing. Progress has been made, but continues to fall short of specific targets outlined by the president.For weeks, the Trump administration has pledged to ramp up testing. Progress has been made, but continues to fall short of specific targets outlined by the president.
what was saidwhat was said
March 13: “We’ve been in discussions with pharmacies and retailers to make drive-through tests available in the critical locations identified by public health professionals. The goal is for individuals to be able to drive up and be swabbed without having to leave your car.”March 13: “We’ve been in discussions with pharmacies and retailers to make drive-through tests available in the critical locations identified by public health professionals. The goal is for individuals to be able to drive up and be swabbed without having to leave your car.”
Current status: At the March 13 briefing, Mr. Trump thanked the executives of major companies for what he suggested would become a network of drive-through testing locations. A month later, the companies that initially participated in those efforts have so far opened fewer than 20 testing locations out of thousands of stores nationwide. Most are also only available to high-risk populations like emergency medical workers, health care workers and seniors.Current status: At the March 13 briefing, Mr. Trump thanked the executives of major companies for what he suggested would become a network of drive-through testing locations. A month later, the companies that initially participated in those efforts have so far opened fewer than 20 testing locations out of thousands of stores nationwide. Most are also only available to high-risk populations like emergency medical workers, health care workers and seniors.
CVS is operating four sites. Walgreens has one open, with 15 other locations on the way. Walmart has nine. There’s one testing site at a Target parking lot in California. Rite Aid, which joined the efforts after the news conference, has also opened six testing locations, with additional sites opening soon in other states.CVS is operating four sites. Walgreens has one open, with 15 other locations on the way. Walmart has nine. There’s one testing site at a Target parking lot in California. Rite Aid, which joined the efforts after the news conference, has also opened six testing locations, with additional sites opening soon in other states.
what was saidwhat was said
March 13: “Google is helping to develop a website. It’s going to be very quickly done, unlike websites of the past, to determine whether a test is warranted and to facilitate testing at a nearby convenient location.”March 13: “Google is helping to develop a website. It’s going to be very quickly done, unlike websites of the past, to determine whether a test is warranted and to facilitate testing at a nearby convenient location.”
Current status: Google’s coronavirus website does not have the features Mr. Trump listed. It is currently informational, with overviews of symptoms and treatments and links to the websites of the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local health agencies.Current status: Google’s coronavirus website does not have the features Mr. Trump listed. It is currently informational, with overviews of symptoms and treatments and links to the websites of the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local health agencies.
Verily, a company affiliated with Google, did develop a website more in line with Mr. Trump’s description. But its screening tool is available only in select locations in California and Pennsylvania, not nationwide.Verily, a company affiliated with Google, did develop a website more in line with Mr. Trump’s description. But its screening tool is available only in select locations in California and Pennsylvania, not nationwide.
Health care workers have warned about shortages of essential medical devices. In response, Mr. Trump has invoked the Defense Production Act and signed contracts with manufacturers to meet those needs, but delivery of these supplies may not arrive in time to meet the current demand.Health care workers have warned about shortages of essential medical devices. In response, Mr. Trump has invoked the Defense Production Act and signed contracts with manufacturers to meet those needs, but delivery of these supplies may not arrive in time to meet the current demand.
What Was SaidWhat Was Said
March 27: “Within the next 100 days, we will either make or get, in some form, over 100,000 additional units” of ventilators.March 27: “Within the next 100 days, we will either make or get, in some form, over 100,000 additional units” of ventilators.
Current status: According to deadlines set in federal government contracts, which were announced this week, General Motors, Philips, Medtronic, General Electric, Vyaire, Hamilton, Zoll, Hill-Rom and ResMed will provide about 68,700 ventilators to the strategic national stockpile before Mr. Trump’s 100-day timeline. The companies will add another 68,800 by the end of the year.Current status: According to deadlines set in federal government contracts, which were announced this week, General Motors, Philips, Medtronic, General Electric, Vyaire, Hamilton, Zoll, Hill-Rom and ResMed will provide about 68,700 ventilators to the strategic national stockpile before Mr. Trump’s 100-day timeline. The companies will add another 68,800 by the end of the year.
By May 8, a week after Mr. Trump’s target date for reopening the economy, the companies are scheduled to supply about 6,190 ventilators.By May 8, a week after Mr. Trump’s target date for reopening the economy, the companies are scheduled to supply about 6,190 ventilators.
Not long after setting the 100-day goal, Mr. Trump seemed to acknowledge that the speed of ventilator production may not keep pace with initial demand.Not long after setting the 100-day goal, Mr. Trump seemed to acknowledge that the speed of ventilator production may not keep pace with initial demand.
“A lot of them will be coming at a time when we won’t need them as badly, because it takes time,” he said on April 2.“A lot of them will be coming at a time when we won’t need them as badly, because it takes time,” he said on April 2.
What Was SaidWhat Was Said
April 8: “I ordered 500 million masks — 500 N95s and others — and surgical. But we ordered 500 million masks: 300 and 200. And they’re going to be here very shortly.”April 8: “I ordered 500 million masks — 500 N95s and others — and surgical. But we ordered 500 million masks: 300 and 200. And they’re going to be here very shortly.”
Current status: Many of these N95 masks won’t be delivered for months. A spokeswoman for the Health and Human Services Department said the agency would purchase about 600 million N95 masks for the national stockpile over the next 18 months.Current status: Many of these N95 masks won’t be delivered for months. A spokeswoman for the Health and Human Services Department said the agency would purchase about 600 million N95 masks for the national stockpile over the next 18 months.
Honeywell will provide 190 million masks for the stockpile. Production began this week, and the company is starting delivery now, a spokesman said. The estimated completion date for the order, according to its government contract, is September 2021.Honeywell will provide 190 million masks for the stockpile. Production began this week, and the company is starting delivery now, a spokesman said. The estimated completion date for the order, according to its government contract, is September 2021.
Dräger will make almost 50 million masks by the same completion date, according to its contract. Production will begin in September and details are being worked out, a spokesman said.Dräger will make almost 50 million masks by the same completion date, according to its contract. Production will begin in September and details are being worked out, a spokesman said.
The manufacturing giant 3M will produce 190 million masks by October 2021. A spokeswoman for the company said that delivery would begin in May.The manufacturing giant 3M will produce 190 million masks by October 2021. A spokeswoman for the company said that delivery would begin in May.
Moldex-Metric will add 38 million masks to the stockpile by next September 2021, three million of which will be delivered over the next three months, CNN reported. O&M Halyard, which will supply 130 million masks, did not respond to inquiries, but its contract also lists a completion date of September 2021.Moldex-Metric will add 38 million masks to the stockpile by next September 2021, three million of which will be delivered over the next three months, CNN reported. O&M Halyard, which will supply 130 million masks, did not respond to inquiries, but its contract also lists a completion date of September 2021.
Public health officials have said that the next phase of mitigating the virus will require more widespread testing than currently exists as well as the ability to identify where outbreaks are occurring and could occur. These capabilities, however, remain in the works.Public health officials have said that the next phase of mitigating the virus will require more widespread testing than currently exists as well as the ability to identify where outbreaks are occurring and could occur. These capabilities, however, remain in the works.
What Was SaidWhat Was Said
March 26: “We will suggest guidelines categorizing counties as high risk, medium risk or low risk.”March 26: “We will suggest guidelines categorizing counties as high risk, medium risk or low risk.”
Current status: The New York Times was unable to locate publicly accessible guidelines for categorizing counties or a risk assessment that matches Mr. Trump’s description. County-level data does not appear to be available on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal agency that has issued status reports on the spread of the virus.Current status: The New York Times was unable to locate publicly accessible guidelines for categorizing counties or a risk assessment that matches Mr. Trump’s description. County-level data does not appear to be available on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal agency that has issued status reports on the spread of the virus.
In the proposed guidance for reopening that the White House made public on Thursday, the administration stated that governors could implement plans to reopen their economies on a statewide or county-by-county approach, at their discretion. The plan provided no additional detail.In the proposed guidance for reopening that the White House made public on Thursday, the administration stated that governors could implement plans to reopen their economies on a statewide or county-by-county approach, at their discretion. The plan provided no additional detail.
The C.D.C. does report cases by state and provides a “transmission level” map for countries. In its guidance for travel within the United States, the agency recommends consulting “your destination’s local health department website for more information.”The C.D.C. does report cases by state and provides a “transmission level” map for countries. In its guidance for travel within the United States, the agency recommends consulting “your destination’s local health department website for more information.”
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
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.
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.
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.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
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.
A letter to hospital administrators by Alex M. Azar II, the secretary of health and human services, and released last week sought data “reported at the facility and county level of detail rather than just a total statewide summary.”A letter to hospital administrators by Alex M. Azar II, the secretary of health and human services, and released last week sought data “reported at the facility and county level of detail rather than just a total statewide summary.”
More than a dozen Democrats in the House of Representatives wrote to Mr. Azar and other officials on April 9 asking about those guidelines, and noted that “county-level data are currently not reported by C.D.C. or other federal agencies.” An aide to one of the lawmakers said that they had not heard back.More than a dozen Democrats in the House of Representatives wrote to Mr. Azar and other officials on April 9 asking about those guidelines, and noted that “county-level data are currently not reported by C.D.C. or other federal agencies.” An aide to one of the lawmakers said that they had not heard back.
Asked for an update on the guidelines, the Health and Human Services Department directed inquiries to the White House, which did not respond.Asked for an update on the guidelines, the Health and Human Services Department directed inquiries to the White House, which did not respond.
What Was SaidWhat Was Said
March 27: “Widespread surveillance testing will allow us to monitor the spread of the virus, and we’re doing that quite accurately.”March 27: “Widespread surveillance testing will allow us to monitor the spread of the virus, and we’re doing that quite accurately.”
Current status: The C.D.C. has had trouble establishing a surveillance system that could provide the government with information to guide whether to allow more people back to work and school in different parts of the country. Using a network of health care providers around the country, it began posting weekly updates in April, including the collection and reporting of data on test results, emergency department and outpatient visits, hospitalization rates and deaths. Other key elements to monitor the spread of the virus, however, remain in the works.Current status: The C.D.C. has had trouble establishing a surveillance system that could provide the government with information to guide whether to allow more people back to work and school in different parts of the country. Using a network of health care providers around the country, it began posting weekly updates in April, including the collection and reporting of data on test results, emergency department and outpatient visits, hospitalization rates and deaths. Other key elements to monitor the spread of the virus, however, remain in the works.
For example, blood tests that show exposure to coronavirus through detecting the presence of antibodies are in development. But Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said this week that more research was needed to verify the validity of those tests.For example, blood tests that show exposure to coronavirus through detecting the presence of antibodies are in development. But Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said this week that more research was needed to verify the validity of those tests.
“I know people are anxious to say, ‘Well, we’ll give you a passport that says you’re antibody-positive, you can go to work and you’re protected.’ The worst possibility that would happen is if we’re actually wrong about that” and those people get infected, he told The Associated Press.“I know people are anxious to say, ‘Well, we’ll give you a passport that says you’re antibody-positive, you can go to work and you’re protected.’ The worst possibility that would happen is if we’re actually wrong about that” and those people get infected, he told The Associated Press.
Experts have also warned of an insufficient capacity to trace the movement and contacts of people who have tested positive for the virus. The recognition that many people who are infected never show symptoms has presented another challenge.Experts have also warned of an insufficient capacity to trace the movement and contacts of people who have tested positive for the virus. The recognition that many people who are infected never show symptoms has presented another challenge.
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, a nonprofit organization that represents public health agencies across the country, has estimated that the contact tracing work force among state and local agencies stood at 2,200 — and an additional 100,000 employees are needed.The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, a nonprofit organization that represents public health agencies across the country, has estimated that the contact tracing work force among state and local agencies stood at 2,200 — and an additional 100,000 employees are needed.
Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the C.D.C., told NPR last week that his agency had more than 600 people in the field helping with the effort, “but we are going to have to substantially amplify that.”Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the C.D.C., told NPR last week that his agency had more than 600 people in the field helping with the effort, “but we are going to have to substantially amplify that.”
Curious about the accuracy of a claim? Email factcheck@nytimes.com.Curious about the accuracy of a claim? Email factcheck@nytimes.com.