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Coronavirus Live Updates: Oil Prices Plummet; Testing Is a Sticking Point for Aid Deal Coronavirus Live Updates: Oil Prices Plummet; Testing Is a Sticking Point for Aid Deal
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The coronavirus may be killing people who are not infected by depriving them of desperately needed treatment, said Dr. Bruce Lowell, an internist in Great Neck, N.Y.The coronavirus may be killing people who are not infected by depriving them of desperately needed treatment, said Dr. Bruce Lowell, an internist in Great Neck, N.Y.
“People are still having heart attacks, people are still having strokes,” he said. “I feel as if there is no awareness of anything other than Covid.”“People are still having heart attacks, people are still having strokes,” he said. “I feel as if there is no awareness of anything other than Covid.”
The virus has sickened hundreds of thousands of Americans, killed tens of thousands of them and forced millions into unemployment. But the pandemic has also shaken every aspect of health care, including cancer, organ transplants and even brain surgery.The virus has sickened hundreds of thousands of Americans, killed tens of thousands of them and forced millions into unemployment. But the pandemic has also shaken every aspect of health care, including cancer, organ transplants and even brain surgery.
Beds, blood, doctors, nurses and ventilators are in short supply; operating rooms are being turned into intensive care units; surgeons have been redeployed to treat people who cannot breathe. Even if there is room for other patients, medical centers hesitate to bring them in unless necessary, for fear of infecting them — or of health workers being infected by them. Patients themselves are afraid to set foot in the hospital even if they are really sick.Beds, blood, doctors, nurses and ventilators are in short supply; operating rooms are being turned into intensive care units; surgeons have been redeployed to treat people who cannot breathe. Even if there is room for other patients, medical centers hesitate to bring them in unless necessary, for fear of infecting them — or of health workers being infected by them. Patients themselves are afraid to set foot in the hospital even if they are really sick.
Early on, as the coronavirus loomed, many hospitals halted elective surgery. Knee replacements, face lifts and most hernias could wait. So could checkups and routine mammograms.Early on, as the coronavirus loomed, many hospitals halted elective surgery. Knee replacements, face lifts and most hernias could wait. So could checkups and routine mammograms.
But some conditions fall into a gray zone of medical risk. While they may not be emergencies, many illnesses could become life threatening or leave patients with permanent disabilities if they are not quickly treated. Doctors and patients alike are confronted with a worrisome future: How long is too long to postpone medical care or treatment?But some conditions fall into a gray zone of medical risk. While they may not be emergencies, many illnesses could become life threatening or leave patients with permanent disabilities if they are not quickly treated. Doctors and patients alike are confronted with a worrisome future: How long is too long to postpone medical care or treatment?
Nearly one in four cancer patients reported delays in their care because of the pandemic, including access to in-person appointments, imaging, surgery and other services, according to a recent survey by the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network.Nearly one in four cancer patients reported delays in their care because of the pandemic, including access to in-person appointments, imaging, surgery and other services, according to a recent survey by the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network.
Patrick Carr, a sociology professor at Rutgers University, died on April 16, after blood rationing prevented him from getting enough transfusions to allow him to receive chemotherapy for a relapse of the blood cancer multiple myeloma. He was 53.Patrick Carr, a sociology professor at Rutgers University, died on April 16, after blood rationing prevented him from getting enough transfusions to allow him to receive chemotherapy for a relapse of the blood cancer multiple myeloma. He was 53.
His wife, Maria Kefalas, considers him a forgotten victim of the coronavirus.His wife, Maria Kefalas, considers him a forgotten victim of the coronavirus.
“I’m not saying he would have beaten the cancer,” said Ms. Kefalas, a professor of sociology at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. “I’m saying it wouldn’t have been four months, this precipitous decline, fighting for blood, fighting for hospice nurses.”“I’m not saying he would have beaten the cancer,” said Ms. Kefalas, a professor of sociology at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. “I’m saying it wouldn’t have been four months, this precipitous decline, fighting for blood, fighting for hospice nurses.”
“People like my husband now are dying not because of Covid,” she said, “but because the health care system just cracked open and swallowed them up.”“People like my husband now are dying not because of Covid,” she said, “but because the health care system just cracked open and swallowed them up.”
A dispute over President Trump’s handling of coronavirus testing has emerged as one of the final sticking points standing in the way of an agreement between Congress and the administration to provide $450 billion to replenish a loan program for small businesses and more funding for hospitals.A dispute over President Trump’s handling of coronavirus testing has emerged as one of the final sticking points standing in the way of an agreement between Congress and the administration to provide $450 billion to replenish a loan program for small businesses and more funding for hospitals.
Negotiations between the Trump administration and Democrats to reach a final deal were not expected to finish Monday, congressional officials said, as they worked to resolve the disagreement. But Senate leaders scheduled a session for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, signaling optimism that they could resolve the issue and quickly approve the measure without a formal vote that would require senators to return to Washington.Negotiations between the Trump administration and Democrats to reach a final deal were not expected to finish Monday, congressional officials said, as they worked to resolve the disagreement. But Senate leaders scheduled a session for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, signaling optimism that they could resolve the issue and quickly approve the measure without a formal vote that would require senators to return to Washington.
Democrats are pushing to include a requirement in the agreement, which includes $25 billion for testing, that the government establish a national testing strategy, according to people familiar with the ongoing negotiations who asked for anonymity to disclose details.Democrats are pushing to include a requirement in the agreement, which includes $25 billion for testing, that the government establish a national testing strategy, according to people familiar with the ongoing negotiations who asked for anonymity to disclose details.
Democrats have said that a national testing strategy is crucial to combating the further spread of the coronavirus and allowing states to plan for eventual reopening. Republicans, wary of placing the political onus on the administration to devise and carry out such a strategy, have argued that states should set their own plans.Democrats have said that a national testing strategy is crucial to combating the further spread of the coronavirus and allowing states to plan for eventual reopening. Republicans, wary of placing the political onus on the administration to devise and carry out such a strategy, have argued that states should set their own plans.
Mr. Trump appeared to reject the Democrats’ proposal on Monday, saying that they were “playing a very dangerous political game” by focusing on testing. “States, not the Federal Government, should be doing the Testing,” the president wrote on Twitter.Mr. Trump appeared to reject the Democrats’ proposal on Monday, saying that they were “playing a very dangerous political game” by focusing on testing. “States, not the Federal Government, should be doing the Testing,” the president wrote on Twitter.
Negotiators were also still haggling over the terms of the $300 billion in new aid for small businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program, which is designed to allow companies that keep paying their employees to receive forgivable loans underwritten by the federal government.Negotiators were also still haggling over the terms of the $300 billion in new aid for small businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program, which is designed to allow companies that keep paying their employees to receive forgivable loans underwritten by the federal government.
Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, on Monday accused Democrats of “prolonging their discussions with the administration” and delaying final agreement. “It is past time to get this done for the country,” he said.Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, on Monday accused Democrats of “prolonging their discussions with the administration” and delaying final agreement. “It is past time to get this done for the country,” he said.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin gave broad outlines on CNN on Sunday of a final package: $300 billion to replenish the emergency fund, called the Paycheck Protection Program; $50 billion for the Small Business Administration’s disaster relief fund; $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin gave broad outlines on CNN on Sunday of a final package: $300 billion to replenish the emergency fund, called the Paycheck Protection Program; $50 billion for the Small Business Administration’s disaster relief fund; $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing.
Mr. Mnuchin and Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, told Republican senators in a conference call Sunday afternoon that they would not include additional aid for state and local governments. President Trump told reporters “that will be in our next negotiation.”Mr. Mnuchin and Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, told Republican senators in a conference call Sunday afternoon that they would not include additional aid for state and local governments. President Trump told reporters “that will be in our next negotiation.”
In a separate television appearance on Sunday morning, Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the minority leader, suggested negotiations were going well.In a separate television appearance on Sunday morning, Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the minority leader, suggested negotiations were going well.
“We’ve made very good progress, and I’m very hopeful we could come to an agreement tonight or early tomorrow morning,” Mr. Schumer said, appearing shortly after Mr. Mnuchin on the CNN show “State of the Union.” Mr. Schumer said the White House was “going along with” some of the Democrats’ requests, “so we feel pretty good.”“We’ve made very good progress, and I’m very hopeful we could come to an agreement tonight or early tomorrow morning,” Mr. Schumer said, appearing shortly after Mr. Mnuchin on the CNN show “State of the Union.” Mr. Schumer said the White House was “going along with” some of the Democrats’ requests, “so we feel pretty good.”
But while Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the majority leader, notified lawmakers that a vote in the House could come as early as Wednesday, it was unclear how quickly the two sides could reach agreement.But while Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the majority leader, notified lawmakers that a vote in the House could come as early as Wednesday, it was unclear how quickly the two sides could reach agreement.
Senate leaders are hoping to approve any deal during a procedural session as early as this week in order to avoid having lawmakers back in Washington before their scheduled May 4 return — a maneuver that would require agreement from all 100 senators.Senate leaders are hoping to approve any deal during a procedural session as early as this week in order to avoid having lawmakers back in Washington before their scheduled May 4 return — a maneuver that would require agreement from all 100 senators.
Oil prices tumbled on Monday as the economic crisis set off by the pandemic continued to destroy demand for energy and as concerns grew that storage tanks in the United States were near capacity and unable to hold all the unused crude.Oil prices tumbled on Monday as the economic crisis set off by the pandemic continued to destroy demand for energy and as concerns grew that storage tanks in the United States were near capacity and unable to hold all the unused crude.
Oil that is scheduled to be delivered in June fell 12 percent Monday to about $22 a barrel, but at the same time a benchmark to be delivered next month was essentially deemed worthless. Owing largely to a quirk in the way that oil prices are set, the May benchmark actually fell into negative territory, suggesting people who had oil to sell were willing to pay to have it taken off their hands.Oil that is scheduled to be delivered in June fell 12 percent Monday to about $22 a barrel, but at the same time a benchmark to be delivered next month was essentially deemed worthless. Owing largely to a quirk in the way that oil prices are set, the May benchmark actually fell into negative territory, suggesting people who had oil to sell were willing to pay to have it taken off their hands.
The problem is that the United States is running out of places to store its oil, which is already being stockpiled on barges at sea and in any nook and cranny companies can find in their facilities. Traders are now worrying that even this space is running out. Under futures contracts, West Texas Intermediate — the American benchmark for oil prices — is delivered to Cushing, Okla., but investors are worried that there will be no place there to put it.The problem is that the United States is running out of places to store its oil, which is already being stockpiled on barges at sea and in any nook and cranny companies can find in their facilities. Traders are now worrying that even this space is running out. Under futures contracts, West Texas Intermediate — the American benchmark for oil prices — is delivered to Cushing, Okla., but investors are worried that there will be no place there to put it.
Broader worries are also growing that the deal reached on April 12 between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other producers would not be sufficient to prevent the oil markets from being overwhelmed with a record surplus resulting from collapsing demand because of lockdowns around the world.Broader worries are also growing that the deal reached on April 12 between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other producers would not be sufficient to prevent the oil markets from being overwhelmed with a record surplus resulting from collapsing demand because of lockdowns around the world.
The numbers explain why investors are worried. Under the terms of the arrangement brokered by President Trump, Saudi Arabia, Russia and other countries will cut 9.7 million barrels a day beginning in May. Analysts forecast that oil consumption in April will fall by about three times that.The numbers explain why investors are worried. Under the terms of the arrangement brokered by President Trump, Saudi Arabia, Russia and other countries will cut 9.7 million barrels a day beginning in May. Analysts forecast that oil consumption in April will fall by about three times that.
Oil companies will either have to turn the taps off or see storage rise to tank-busting levels. David Fyfe, the chief economist at Argus Media, a commodities pricing firm, said he expected tank farms around the globe to fill to the brim by mid-May.
A state prison in Ohio is now the largest reported source of virus infections in the United States, according to a New York Times database, continuing a trend of fast-moving outbreaks behind bars.
Oil companies will either have to turn the taps off or see storage rise to tank-busting levels. David Fyfe, chief economist at Argus Media, a commodities pricing firm, expects tank farms around the globe to fill to the brim by the middle of May. Ohio officials said Sunday that at least 1,828 inmates — almost three-quarters of the prison population — had tested positive at the Marion Correctional Institution, a minimum- and medium-security prison about an hour’s drive north of Columbus. That’s more than the number of known cases from a meatpacking plant in South Dakota and an aircraft carrier docked in Guam.
About one out of five confirmed virus cases in Ohio is now connected with the state’s prison system, according to statewide figures. The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said that as of Sunday, at least 2,400 inmates in the system had tested positive, and seven had died of either confirmed or suspected Covid-19 infections.
No deaths have been reported among the prisoners in Marion, but one staff member at the facility has died, and 103 employees have tested positive. The prison announced its first positive case, of an employee, on March 29.
Despite warnings from health officials and attempts to release some inmates to avoid outbreaks, jails, prisons and detention centers have emerged as major coronavirus spreaders. As of Monday, four of the 10 largest-known sources of infection in the United States were correctional facilities, according to Times tracking data.
And even those numbers are most likely a vast undercount, because some state and local agencies have not released information about cases behind bars, and others, including the federal Bureau of Prisons, are not testing everyone who falls ill. In contrast, the Ohio corrections department said it was testing aggressively inside prisons where the virus has been confirmed, extending tests even to prisoners who were not showing symptoms.
At the Cook County Jail in Chicago, more than 600 cases involving inmates and staff members have been tied to the virus, and four inmates have died. At one point last week, that jail was the top-known source of U.S. infections, but other sources have since surpassed it.
And an outbreak at a correctional facility in Goldsboro, N.C., caused cases to spike in Wayne County. More than half of the inmates at the Neuse Correctional Institution — 458 — have tested positive for the virus, county officials said. There have now been 575 cases in the county and six deaths.
Although there have been encouraging signs that the outbreak is beginning to level off in some places, the threat of the virus is continuing to grow in some states and regions.Although there have been encouraging signs that the outbreak is beginning to level off in some places, the threat of the virus is continuing to grow in some states and regions.
Even in places where the number of new cases is beginning to flatten, it is doing so at a very high level: New York, which reported its fewest new cases in a month and its lowest one-day death toll in more than two weeks, still reported 4,726 new cases and 478 new deaths on Monday. And the country has added more than 25,000 new cases a day for the past week. Even in areas where the number of new cases is beginning to flatten, it is doing so at a very high level: New York, which reported its fewest new cases in a month and its lowest one-day death toll in more than two weeks, still reported 4,726 new cases and 478 new deaths on Monday. And the country has added more than 25,000 new cases a day for the past week.
But in some regions there are signs that things are getting worse, not better. But in some regions, there are signs that things are getting worse, not better.
Massachusetts has seen the outbreak hit particularly hard in recent days. It reported 1,705 new cases on Sunday, bringing its total to 38,077, and 146 new deaths, which brought the death toll to 1,706. “We’re right in the middle of the surge now,” Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, said Sunday on CBS’s “Face The Nation.” Massachusetts has been particularly hard hit in recent days. It reported 1,705 new cases on Sunday, bringing its total to 38,077, and 146 new deaths, which brought the death toll to 1,706. “We’re right in the middle of the surge now,” Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, said Sunday on “Face the Nation” on CBS.
Los Angeles County reported 81 deaths on Saturday, its highest one-day death toll.Los Angeles County reported 81 deaths on Saturday, its highest one-day death toll.
“In this last week we have doubled the number of deaths that occurred among L.A. County residents,” Barbara Ferrer, the county’s director of public health, said in a statement on Saturday. Fewer deaths were reported Sunday — 24 — but county officials noted that nearly a thousand new cases had been identified in the previous 48 hours. “In this last week, we have doubled the number of deaths that occurred among L.A. County residents,” Barbara Ferrer, the county’s director of public health, said in a statement on Saturday. Fewer deaths were reported Sunday — 24 — but county officials noted that nearly 1,000 new cases had been identified in the previous 48 hours.
There have been significant workplace-based clusters in North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Kansas, Tennessee and other states, suggesting that the pandemic is just beginning to sink its teeth into some communities. There have been significant workplace-based clusters in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee and other states, suggesting that the pandemic is just beginning to sink into some communities.
And nursing homes and prisons continue to be hot spots. Nursing homes and prisons also continue to be hot spots.
An outbreak at a correctional facility in Goldsboro, N.C., caused cases to spike in Wayne County. More than half of the inmates at the Neuse Correctional Institution — 458 — have tested positive for the virus, county officials said. There have now been 575 cases in the county and six deaths. The executive director of the World Health Organization’s emergencies program warned on Monday that even if a vaccine were quickly developed, manufacturing and distributing it could prove extraordinarily difficult.
There is no approved treatment or vaccine against infection from the coronavirus. More than two dozen companies have announced vaccine programs, and at least three candidates are in human trials.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has warned that a vaccine is at least 18 months away. Other experts say even that timeline is optimistic.
Manufacturers must begin planning to scale up capacities to meet global demand when a successful vaccine is developed, said Dr. Michael Ryan, the executive director of the W.H.O.’s emergencies program.
Billions of people around the globe may eventually need vaccination. Modern vaccines, made with DNA and RNA, require specialized facilities; it is not clear who could make them.
And it will be important that vaccines go where they are most needed, not simply to the countries that can afford them. The W.H.O. is working with government leaders and nonprofits like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to ensure that methods for equitable vaccine distribution will be in place, Dr. Ryan said.
“We’ve worked for over 20 years trying to ensure that products like vaccines are distributed in emergencies on the basis of epidemiological need,” Dr. Ryan said at a news briefing. “We intend to do exactly the same here.”
The organization has a long history of distributing vaccines, including those for meningitis, yellow fever, cholera and polio. Yet mass vaccination campaigns are still logistically difficult and often are met with resistance.
“As a global health architecture, we’re not very good at delivering vaccines in people other than children — in adults,” Dr. Ryan said. “If this is to work, it will require one of the greatest scientific, one of the greatest political, one of the greatest financial, one of the greatest public health operations in a generation.”
When Mr. Trump told governors that they needed to step up their efforts to secure medical supplies, Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, took the entreaty seriously and negotiated with suppliers in South Korea to obtain coronavirus test kits.When Mr. Trump told governors that they needed to step up their efforts to secure medical supplies, Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, took the entreaty seriously and negotiated with suppliers in South Korea to obtain coronavirus test kits.
“The No. 1 problem facing us is lack of testing,” said Mr. Hogan, who has been among the many critics of the Trump administration’s repeated claims that states have adequate testing provided by the federal government. “We can’t open up our states without ramping up testing.”“The No. 1 problem facing us is lack of testing,” said Mr. Hogan, who has been among the many critics of the Trump administration’s repeated claims that states have adequate testing provided by the federal government. “We can’t open up our states without ramping up testing.”
He added: “Luckily we had a very strong relationship with Korea. But it should not have been this difficult.”He added: “Luckily we had a very strong relationship with Korea. But it should not have been this difficult.”
In recent days, his wife, Yumi Hogan, a Korean immigrant who speaks fluent Korean, had been on the phone in the middle of the night helping to secure the final deal with two labs to sell Maryland the tests.In recent days, his wife, Yumi Hogan, a Korean immigrant who speaks fluent Korean, had been on the phone in the middle of the night helping to secure the final deal with two labs to sell Maryland the tests.
On Saturday, the first Korean Air flight to touchdown at Baltimore-Washington International Airport arrived carrying 5,000 test kits — for which the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies gave their seal of approval as the plane was landing.On Saturday, the first Korean Air flight to touchdown at Baltimore-Washington International Airport arrived carrying 5,000 test kits — for which the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies gave their seal of approval as the plane was landing.
“I was frosted because my team was saying that the F.D.A. approval was going to hold it up,” Mr. Hogan said in a telephone interview. “I didn’t care and was going to get the tests anyway.”“I was frosted because my team was saying that the F.D.A. approval was going to hold it up,” Mr. Hogan said in a telephone interview. “I didn’t care and was going to get the tests anyway.”
So far, Maryland has conducted 71,577 tests, while 516 people in the state have died from the virus and infections, at nearly 14,000, continue to rise. The new test kits will give the state the capability to make 500,000 new tests, state officials said.So far, Maryland has conducted 71,577 tests, while 516 people in the state have died from the virus and infections, at nearly 14,000, continue to rise. The new test kits will give the state the capability to make 500,000 new tests, state officials said.
On Saturday, Mr. Hogan, his wife and a group of other state officials greeted the flight to receive the kits. The new tests, once they have passed muster in local labs, will be distributed to the testing centers the state has set up in sporting fields, repurposed vehicle emissions testing centers and other locations.On Saturday, Mr. Hogan, his wife and a group of other state officials greeted the flight to receive the kits. The new tests, once they have passed muster in local labs, will be distributed to the testing centers the state has set up in sporting fields, repurposed vehicle emissions testing centers and other locations.
After saying for two days that New York had begun to come down from the plateau where the virus’s spread had slowed, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Monday that officials had begun to ask how long the descent from that extended peak would take.After saying for two days that New York had begun to come down from the plateau where the virus’s spread had slowed, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Monday that officials had begun to ask how long the descent from that extended peak would take.
He said that 478 more people had died in New York, the lowest single-day toll in more than two weeks, bringing the state’s overall death toll from the virus to 14,347. (The state’s tally does not include the more than 3,700 people in New York City who died without being tested and are now presumed to have died of the virus.)He said that 478 more people had died in New York, the lowest single-day toll in more than two weeks, bringing the state’s overall death toll from the virus to 14,347. (The state’s tally does not include the more than 3,700 people in New York City who died without being tested and are now presumed to have died of the virus.)
On Monday, the state started an ambitious effort to test for antibodies among a sample of 3,000 people who had been selected randomly. This and more testing, Mr. Cuomo said, is required to give New York a full picture of the extent of the virus, and would help inform decisions about easing restrictions.On Monday, the state started an ambitious effort to test for antibodies among a sample of 3,000 people who had been selected randomly. This and more testing, Mr. Cuomo said, is required to give New York a full picture of the extent of the virus, and would help inform decisions about easing restrictions.
Without mentioning the president by name, Mr. Cuomo made another appeal for federal funding to help with the testing needed to guide the gradual lifting of restrictions in certain areas — echoing a plea from Republican and Democratic governors across the country. He expressed frustration that the legislation currently under consideration in Washington did not include a funding pipeline to assist states with tests.Without mentioning the president by name, Mr. Cuomo made another appeal for federal funding to help with the testing needed to guide the gradual lifting of restrictions in certain areas — echoing a plea from Republican and Democratic governors across the country. He expressed frustration that the legislation currently under consideration in Washington did not include a funding pipeline to assist states with tests.
As for easing some of the measures put in place to stem the flow of the virus, Mr. Cuomo said it would not be immediate, though he acknowledged the nice weather luring out New Yorkers who have been staying in their homes for weeks.As for easing some of the measures put in place to stem the flow of the virus, Mr. Cuomo said it would not be immediate, though he acknowledged the nice weather luring out New Yorkers who have been staying in their homes for weeks.
He said as more people leave their homes, the infection rate is likely to go up.He said as more people leave their homes, the infection rate is likely to go up.
“When activity increases, infection rate spreads,” Mr. Cuomo warned on Monday, adding that smart decisions now will lead to good outcomes in two weeks.“When activity increases, infection rate spreads,” Mr. Cuomo warned on Monday, adding that smart decisions now will lead to good outcomes in two weeks.
Gathering at schools, parades, concerts, Mr. Cuomo said, “will be madness for people.”Gathering at schools, parades, concerts, Mr. Cuomo said, “will be madness for people.”
President Trump said Sunday night that the administration was preparing to use the Defense Production Act to compel an unspecified U.S. facility to increase production of test swabs by over 20 million per month.President Trump said Sunday night that the administration was preparing to use the Defense Production Act to compel an unspecified U.S. facility to increase production of test swabs by over 20 million per month.
The remarks came during his Sunday evening news conference, after he defended his response to the pandemic amid criticism from governors across the country who have said that there had been an insufficient amount of testing — and a shortage of tests themselves — to justify reopening the economy any time soon.The remarks came during his Sunday evening news conference, after he defended his response to the pandemic amid criticism from governors across the country who have said that there had been an insufficient amount of testing — and a shortage of tests themselves — to justify reopening the economy any time soon.
“We are calling in the Defense Production Act,” Mr. Trump said. He added, “You’ll have so many swabs you won’t know what to do with them.”“We are calling in the Defense Production Act,” Mr. Trump said. He added, “You’ll have so many swabs you won’t know what to do with them.”
He provided no details about what company he was referring to, or when the administration would invoke the act. And his aides did not immediately respond when asked to provide more details.He provided no details about what company he was referring to, or when the administration would invoke the act. And his aides did not immediately respond when asked to provide more details.
“We already have millions coming in,” he said. “In all fairness, governors could get them themselves. But we are going to do it. We’ll work with the governors and if they can’t do it we’ll do it.”“We already have millions coming in,” he said. “In all fairness, governors could get them themselves. But we are going to do it. We’ll work with the governors and if they can’t do it we’ll do it.”
Multiple governors had said on talk shows earlier on Sunday that a shortage of tests was among the most significant hurdles to lifting restrictions in their states.Multiple governors had said on talk shows earlier on Sunday that a shortage of tests was among the most significant hurdles to lifting restrictions in their states.
“We are fighting a biological war,” Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “We have been asked as governors to fight that war without the supplies we need.”“We are fighting a biological war,” Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “We have been asked as governors to fight that war without the supplies we need.”
Mr. Northam was among the governors who said they needed more swabs and reagents required for the test, and urged federal officials to help them get those supplies.Mr. Northam was among the governors who said they needed more swabs and reagents required for the test, and urged federal officials to help them get those supplies.
The governors bristled at claims from the Trump administration that the supply of tests was adequate. On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Vice President Mike Pence said there was “a sufficient capacity of testing across the country today for any state in America,” a claim Mr. Northam, a Democrat, called “delusional.”The governors bristled at claims from the Trump administration that the supply of tests was adequate. On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Vice President Mike Pence said there was “a sufficient capacity of testing across the country today for any state in America,” a claim Mr. Northam, a Democrat, called “delusional.”
In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen ​Whitmer, also a Democrat, said the state could perform “double or triple” the number of tests it is doing now “if we had the swabs or reagents.” ​Gov. Larry Hogan​ of Maryland, a Republican, said that it was “absolutely false” to claim that governors were not acting aggressively enough to pursue as much testing as possible.In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen ​Whitmer, also a Democrat, said the state could perform “double or triple” the number of tests it is doing now “if we had the swabs or reagents.” ​Gov. Larry Hogan​ of Maryland, a Republican, said that it was “absolutely false” to claim that governors were not acting aggressively enough to pursue as much testing as possible.
“It’s not accurate to say there’s plenty of testing out there, and the governors should just get it done,” Mr. Hogan ​said​ on “State of the Union​. ”​ “That’s just not being straightforward.”“It’s not accurate to say there’s plenty of testing out there, and the governors should just get it done,” Mr. Hogan ​said​ on “State of the Union​. ”​ “That’s just not being straightforward.”
There are currently about 150,000 diagnostic tests conducted each day, according to the Covid Tracking Project. Researchers at Harvard estimated last week that to ease restrictions, the nation needed to at least triple that pace of testing.There are currently about 150,000 diagnostic tests conducted each day, according to the Covid Tracking Project. Researchers at Harvard estimated last week that to ease restrictions, the nation needed to at least triple that pace of testing.
Separately, New York will test 3,000 people starting on Monday to see if they have coronavirus antibodies, which would be a signal they have already had the virus.Separately, New York will test 3,000 people starting on Monday to see if they have coronavirus antibodies, which would be a signal they have already had the virus.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Sunday that antibody testing would be key in guiding the reopening of the state, because finding the number of people who had developed antibodies to the virus would help authorities understand the full extent of its spread.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Sunday that antibody testing would be key in guiding the reopening of the state, because finding the number of people who had developed antibodies to the virus would help authorities understand the full extent of its spread.
“That will tell us for the first time what percent of the population actually has had the coronavirus and is now — at least short term — immune to the virus,” Mr. Cuomo said. “This will be the first true snapshot of what we’re really dealing with.”“That will tell us for the first time what percent of the population actually has had the coronavirus and is now — at least short term — immune to the virus,” Mr. Cuomo said. “This will be the first true snapshot of what we’re really dealing with.”
Shake Shack said on Sunday that it was returning a $10 million loan from a federal program to help small businesses amid mounting criticism that large chains had been favored over smaller operators in the program’s rollout to the restaurant industry.Shake Shack said on Sunday that it was returning a $10 million loan from a federal program to help small businesses amid mounting criticism that large chains had been favored over smaller operators in the program’s rollout to the restaurant industry.
The $349 billion stimulus effort, which was distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, was exhausted in just two weeks, with many loans favoring larger companies that were better able to navigate the application process. Major chains like Potbelly and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse were able to secure tens of millions of dollars in loans while other owners were left scrambling to survive the deepening financial crisis.The $349 billion stimulus effort, which was distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, was exhausted in just two weeks, with many loans favoring larger companies that were better able to navigate the application process. Major chains like Potbelly and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse were able to secure tens of millions of dollars in loans while other owners were left scrambling to survive the deepening financial crisis.
Shake Shack, with 189 outlets and nearly 8,000 employees in the United States, said that it would return the funds after securing additional capital through an equity transaction on Friday.Shake Shack, with 189 outlets and nearly 8,000 employees in the United States, said that it would return the funds after securing additional capital through an equity transaction on Friday.
The National Restaurant Association on Monday asked congressional leaders to create a recovery fund for the restaurant industry. In a letter, the trade association said that 8 million restaurant employees had been laid off or furloughed and that the industry had lost $30 billion since March, with another $50 billion expected to disappear by the end of April.The National Restaurant Association on Monday asked congressional leaders to create a recovery fund for the restaurant industry. In a letter, the trade association said that 8 million restaurant employees had been laid off or furloughed and that the industry had lost $30 billion since March, with another $50 billion expected to disappear by the end of April.
“The restaurant industry has been the hardest hit by the coronavirus mandates — suffering more sales and job losses than any other industry in the country,” the letter said. “For an industry with sales that exceed the agriculture, airline, railroad, ground transportation, and spectator sports industries combined, a restaurant relief and recovery program is desperately needed.”“The restaurant industry has been the hardest hit by the coronavirus mandates — suffering more sales and job losses than any other industry in the country,” the letter said. “For an industry with sales that exceed the agriculture, airline, railroad, ground transportation, and spectator sports industries combined, a restaurant relief and recovery program is desperately needed.”
In Pennsylvania, hundreds of protesters massed outside the Capitol in Harrisburg on Monday to call for the loosening of stay-at-home orders so people could return to work.In Pennsylvania, hundreds of protesters massed outside the Capitol in Harrisburg on Monday to call for the loosening of stay-at-home orders so people could return to work.
The Pennsylvania rally, like those at other state capitals in recent days, had many of the trappings of the Tea Party protests of a decade ago. There were calls to end “government tyranny,” Trump 2020 flags were flying and some people embraced conspiracies about Bill Gates, the Microsoft founder, and vaccines. The Pennsylvania rally, like those at other state capitals in recent days, had some of the trappings of the Tea Party protests of a decade ago. This time there were calls to end “government tyranny,” Trump 2020 flags were flying and some people embraced conspiracies about Bill Gates, the Microsoft founder, and vaccines.
Republican state lawmakers who addressed the crowd called on Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, to relax the restrictions, arguing that with 1.5 million people newly unemployed in the state, the cure was more costly than the disease.Republican state lawmakers who addressed the crowd called on Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, to relax the restrictions, arguing that with 1.5 million people newly unemployed in the state, the cure was more costly than the disease.
“Our new normal does not mean that we will sacrifice our freedoms for our safety,” said State Representative Aaron Bernstein. “We can have a normal where we aren’t locked in our homes like prisoners.”“Our new normal does not mean that we will sacrifice our freedoms for our safety,” said State Representative Aaron Bernstein. “We can have a normal where we aren’t locked in our homes like prisoners.”
A protest planned in Annapolis, Md., on Monday drew only a handful of demonstrators.A protest planned in Annapolis, Md., on Monday drew only a handful of demonstrators.
In recent days President Trump has helped foment the protests, attacking Democratic governors and taking up the slogans of protesters who claim to want to “liberate” their states. And he has defended protesters who have rebelled against state restrictions, threatening to undermine the efforts of his own administration’s public health experts.In recent days President Trump has helped foment the protests, attacking Democratic governors and taking up the slogans of protesters who claim to want to “liberate” their states. And he has defended protesters who have rebelled against state restrictions, threatening to undermine the efforts of his own administration’s public health experts.
Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, a Democrat, likened the message coming from the Trump administration to “schizophrenia” on Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” Facebook said Monday that it had removed some posts on the social network promoting protests calling for the easing of restrictions, after determining that the posts violated state guidelines on social distancing efforts in California, New Jersey and Nebraska.
Polls suggest more Americans are concerned about the health dangers of easing the restrictions too quickly than they are of the economic damage they have wrought. “Unless government prohibits the event during this time, we allow it to be organized on Facebook,” said Andy Stone, a Facebook spokesman. “For this same reason, events that defy government’s guidance on social distancing aren’t allowed on Facebook.”
Facebook said it had reached out to state officials to understand the scope of their orders. The company also said it required posts to make calls for social distancing clear when promoting protests in places where such orders are mandatory.
Polls suggest that more Americans are concerned about the health dangers of easing the restrictions too quickly than they are about the economic damage they have wrought.
An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll taken last week found that 58 percent of American voters said they were more concerned that relaxing stay-at-home restrictions would lead to more deaths than they were that keeping the restrictions would hurt the economy.An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll taken last week found that 58 percent of American voters said they were more concerned that relaxing stay-at-home restrictions would lead to more deaths than they were that keeping the restrictions would hurt the economy.
The poll, of 900 registered voters, was conducted April 13 to 15 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points The poll, of 900 registered voters, was conducted from April 13 to 15 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points
While public health experts have said large gatherings like the protest in Pennsylvania are likely to spread the virus, State Senator Doug Mastriano downplayed those risks. “A quarantine is normally for the sick, but what the heck is going on here, I’m not sick,” he said. While public health experts have said large gatherings like the protest in Pennsylvania are likely to spread the virus, State Senator Doug Mastriano played down those risks. “A quarantine is normally for the sick,” he said, “but what the heck is going on here? I’m not sick.”
The speakers on the Capitol steps were separated from the crowd by barricades, behind which protesters were tightly packed, some wearing masks but most without. An organizer of the event, Chris Dorr, a gun-rights activist from Ohio who started a Facebook group last week to bring people out, said he was not worried about people spreading the virus at the event because he thought there was “a good amount of air flow.”The speakers on the Capitol steps were separated from the crowd by barricades, behind which protesters were tightly packed, some wearing masks but most without. An organizer of the event, Chris Dorr, a gun-rights activist from Ohio who started a Facebook group last week to bring people out, said he was not worried about people spreading the virus at the event because he thought there was “a good amount of air flow.”
Mr. Wolf on Monday extended the state’s shut-down restrictions through May 8 and announced “small steps” aimed at a gradual economic re-opening. At a press briefing he said he had not followed the protest but had a message for participants. “Please, stay safe,’’ he said. “We want to make sure we do everything we can to keep Pennsylvanians safe. That includes you.” Mr. Wolf on Monday extended the state’s shutdown restrictions through May 8 and announced “small steps” aimed at a gradual economic reopening. At a press briefing he said he had not followed the protest but had a message for participants. “Please, stay safe,” he said. “We want to make sure we do everything we can to keep Pennsylvanians safe. That includes you.”
Police departments across the country have seen infections and quarantines thin their ranks. In New York City, one in six officers was out sick or in quarantine this month. The Miami police chief tested positive for the virus last week, saying his “symptoms are mild.”Police departments across the country have seen infections and quarantines thin their ranks. In New York City, one in six officers was out sick or in quarantine this month. The Miami police chief tested positive for the virus last week, saying his “symptoms are mild.”
But few departments have been hit worse than Detroit’s. Out of about 2,800 uniformed officers and civilians who work for the department, at least 180 had tested positive for the virus by late last week, with more than 1,000 quarantined at some point. Chief James Craig tested positive on March 27 and stayed isolated at home until Thursday.But few departments have been hit worse than Detroit’s. Out of about 2,800 uniformed officers and civilians who work for the department, at least 180 had tested positive for the virus by late last week, with more than 1,000 quarantined at some point. Chief James Craig tested positive on March 27 and stayed isolated at home until Thursday.
“Officers were going out left and right,” said a veteran with more than 20 years of experience, who asked that his name be withheld because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. “There were a few days that it became overwhelming.”“Officers were going out left and right,” said a veteran with more than 20 years of experience, who asked that his name be withheld because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. “There were a few days that it became overwhelming.”
The head of the homicide department died. So did a 911 operator and a volunteer police chaplain. As recently as Thursday, nine people from the department remained hospitalized.The head of the homicide department died. So did a 911 operator and a volunteer police chaplain. As recently as Thursday, nine people from the department remained hospitalized.
Officers patrolling the streets and investigating crimes said that the virus had ratcheted up stress and disrupted all the standard rhythms of police work. Instead of roll call, officers get temperature checks and an envelope with the day’s orders. They give arrested people masks and wipe down patrol cars after every encounter.Officers patrolling the streets and investigating crimes said that the virus had ratcheted up stress and disrupted all the standard rhythms of police work. Instead of roll call, officers get temperature checks and an envelope with the day’s orders. They give arrested people masks and wipe down patrol cars after every encounter.
“I have to come into work concerned about whether I’m going to be the next victim or not,” said Officer Marc Perez, fresh out of the police academy, after a recent patrol shift through Northwest Detroit. “There’s only so much an officer can do to prevent himself from coming into contact with that actual virus. Every day is stressful for me.”“I have to come into work concerned about whether I’m going to be the next victim or not,” said Officer Marc Perez, fresh out of the police academy, after a recent patrol shift through Northwest Detroit. “There’s only so much an officer can do to prevent himself from coming into contact with that actual virus. Every day is stressful for me.”
The Federal Reserve could soon expand its municipal bond-buying plans after announcing earlier this month its first-ever campaign to bolster the market for state and local debt.The Federal Reserve could soon expand its municipal bond-buying plans after announcing earlier this month its first-ever campaign to bolster the market for state and local debt.
Fed officials said on April 9 that they would use their emergency lending powers to begin purchasing municipal bonds, pledging to buy up to $500 billion from states and the biggest cities and counties. While the central bank has yet to announce a start date, its plans have met with both hope and criticism.Fed officials said on April 9 that they would use their emergency lending powers to begin purchasing municipal bonds, pledging to buy up to $500 billion from states and the biggest cities and counties. While the central bank has yet to announce a start date, its plans have met with both hope and criticism.
New Jersey is already gearing up to tap the program. Some lawmakers — including Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, a Democrat and the majority leader, and Senator Mike Crapo, Republican of Idaho — and analysts have questioned it, saying it does not go far enough.New Jersey is already gearing up to tap the program. Some lawmakers — including Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, a Democrat and the majority leader, and Senator Mike Crapo, Republican of Idaho — and analysts have questioned it, saying it does not go far enough.
The Fed made clear from the outset that it could do more, saying that it would continue to monitor markets and that it would “evaluate whether additional measures are needed to support the flow of credit and liquidity to state and local governments.”The Fed made clear from the outset that it could do more, saying that it would continue to monitor markets and that it would “evaluate whether additional measures are needed to support the flow of credit and liquidity to state and local governments.”
Snapping up municipal debt is a new frontier for the Fed, which has spent decades treating municipal bond-buying as a bright line that should not be crossed. Purchasing state and local debt amounts to bankrolling local political decisions, a move that could open officials up to criticism if the money is poorly deployed.Snapping up municipal debt is a new frontier for the Fed, which has spent decades treating municipal bond-buying as a bright line that should not be crossed. Purchasing state and local debt amounts to bankrolling local political decisions, a move that could open officials up to criticism if the money is poorly deployed.
But as the economy continues its steep downturn, causing growth to plummet in a way unseen since the Great Depression, the Fed chair, Jerome H. Powell, and his colleagues have been breaking all of their own rules — taking a “move fast and save the economy” approach, despite the consequences that might follow.But as the economy continues its steep downturn, causing growth to plummet in a way unseen since the Great Depression, the Fed chair, Jerome H. Powell, and his colleagues have been breaking all of their own rules — taking a “move fast and save the economy” approach, despite the consequences that might follow.
We asked experts to answer questions about places where coronavirus lurks (or doesn’t).We asked experts to answer questions about places where coronavirus lurks (or doesn’t).
Keep up with developments in the coronavirus crisis with our team of international correspondents.Keep up with developments in the coronavirus crisis with our team of international correspondents.
Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Emily Cochrane, Michael Cooper, John Eligon, Christina Goldbaum, Russell Goldman, Denise Grady, Winnie Hu, Neil MacFarquhar, Sarah Mervosh, Austin Ramzy, Alan Rappeport, Stanley Reed, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Jeanna Smialek, Jennifer Steinhauer, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Vanessa Swales and David Yaffe-Bellamy. Reporting was contributed by Davey Alba, Alan Blinder, Emily Cochrane, Michael Cooper, Scott Dodd, John Eligon, Trip Gabriel, Christina Goldbaum, Russell Goldman, Denise Grady, Winnie Hu, Neil MacFarquhar, Sarah Mervosh, Austin Ramzy, Alan Rappeport, Stanley Reed, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Knvul Sheikh, Jeanna Smialek, Jennifer Steinhauer, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Vanessa Swales, Timothy Williams and David Yaffe-Bellamy.