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Coronavirus Live Updates: In Senate Hearing, Top Officials Paint Bleak Picture of Pandemic Coronavirus Live Updates: In Senate Hearing, Top Officials Paint Bleak Picture of Pandemic
(about 1 hour later)
Leaders of the Trump administration’s coronavirus response painted a grim picture on Tuesday of the months ahead, warning a Senate panel that the United States did not yet have control over the pandemic and lacked crucial capabilities to contain an inevitable surge in cases that could arise if the nation moved too quickly to reopen the economy. Two of the federal government’s top health officials painted a grim picture of the months ahead on Tuesday, warning a Senate committee that the coronavirus pandemic was far from contained, just a day after President Trump declared that “we have met the moment and we have prevailed.”
A day after President Trump declared, “We have met the moment, and we have prevailed,” the experts warned of dire consequences if states did not proceed with caution in reopening. The officials — Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, and Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — predicted dire consequences if the nation reopened its economy too soon, noting that the United States still lacked critical testing capacity and the ability to trace the contacts of those infected.
“We are not out of the woods yet,” said Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “but we are more prepared.” If economic interests were allowed to override public health concerns, Dr. Fauci warned, “there is a real risk that you will trigger an outbreak that you may not be able to control.” That could result not only in “some suffering and death that could be avoided,” he said, “but could even set you back on the road to trying to get economic recovery.”
Dr. Redfield’s remark, during a high-profile — and partially virtual — hearing before the Senate’s health committee, along with comments from Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, made clear that the country was still facing steep challenges in responding to the pandemic. Dr. Fauci’s remarks, along with those of Dr. Redfield, contradicted Mr. Trump’s growing insistence that the nation has put the coronavirus behind it.
They warned that a vaccine would not be ready in time for the new school year and conceded that the country still lacked an adequate contact tracing infrastructure to monitor the spread of Covid-19. The officials told senators that outbreaks in other parts of the world would surely reach the United States, and they emphasized the importance of erring on the side of caution in dealing with an unpredictable and potentially lethal disease. The comments appeared to rattle the markets, driving the S&P 500 down as investors weighed the potential of a second wave of infections against Mr. Trump’s promises that the economy would bounce back once stay-at-home restrictions were lifted. Worrisome reports of spikes in infections in countries like China, South Korea and Germany, where lockdowns had been lifted, seemed to confirm the American officials’ fears.
“If we do not respond in an adequate way when the fall comes, given that it is without a doubt that there will be infections that will be in the community, then we run the risk of having a resurgence,” Dr. Fauci said. “I would hope that by that time, in the fall, that we would have more than enough to respond adequately. But if we don’t, there will be problems.” The doctors’ downbeat assessments came as the death toll in the United States surpassed 81,000, and on a day when all three branches of government continued to adapt to new realities brought about by the virus.
The two were among four government doctors — the others were Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and Adm. Brett P. Giroir, the assistant secretary for health — who testified remotely during the hearing. Senator Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee, who like Drs. Fauci, Redfield and Hahn is in quarantine after being exposed to the virus, presided from his den in Maryville, Tenn., with his dog sleeping in the background. Senator Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee, who like Dr. Fauci and Dr. Redfield is in quarantine after being exposed to the coronavirus, presided as the committee’s chairman from his home in Maryville, Tenn.
The downbeat assessments came as the death toll in the United States surpassed 81,000 — a figure that Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, noted was “45 times the rate of South Korea.” At the same time, the Supreme Court’s justices were gathering by telephone to referee a constitutional dispute between the president and Congress. At the White House, aides and reporters wearing masks were tested for the virus, and Vice President Mike Pence kept away from the president.
Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, criticized Admiral Giroir for saying on Monday that the United States was doing twice the per capita rate of testing than South Korea. At least 25 countries were testing more on a per-capita basis than the United States, including Germany, Russia, Spain, Canada, Switzerland, according to statistics compiled by Our World in Data. It seemed that managing risk was the order of the day. Dr. Fauci told senators that coronavirus therapeutics and a vaccine would almost certainly not be ready in time for the new school year, and that outbreaks in other parts of the world would surely reach the United States. Dr. Redfield pleaded with senators to build up the nation’s public health infrastructure.
“I understand that politicians are going to frame data in a way that’s most positive politically. Of course, I don’t expect that from admirals,” Mr. Romney said. Later, he added, “I find our testing record nothing to celebrate whatsoever.” “We are not out of the woods yet,” he said.
The hearing was the first chance lawmakers had to publicly question the officials in Congress since Mr. Trump declared a national emergency two months ago. In the most sweeping sign yet of the effect of the pandemic on American higher education, the chancellor of California State University, the nation’s largest four-year public university system, said on Tuesday that classes at its 23 campuses would be canceled for the fall semester, with instruction taking place almost exclusively online.
Their message was starkly different from the self-congratulatory one the president has delivered as he has repeatedly urged an end to stay-at-home orders and, as he calls it, a “transition to greatness.”
Under questioning from senators, Dr. Fauci cautioned that if the country reopened prematurely, “the consequences could be really serious.”
As it unfolded, Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law and an adviser to his re-election campaign, insisted that the Trump campaign would hold the Republican National Convention as planned in Charlotte, N.C., in August.
“We don’t plan on canceling our convention,” Ms. Trump told reporters in a conference call on Tuesday. “We plan on going ahead with it.”
In the most sweeping sign yet of the effect of the pandemic on American higher education, the chancellor of California State University, the nation’s largest four-year public university system, said Tuesday that classes at its 23 campuses would be canceled for the fall semester, with instruction taking place almost exclusively online.
Most of the nation’s colleges and universities have gone out of their way to say that they intend to reopen with in-person classes in the fall. But they are also making backup plans for online classes, and some could announce in the weeks to come that they are following Cal State’s lead.Most of the nation’s colleges and universities have gone out of their way to say that they intend to reopen with in-person classes in the fall. But they are also making backup plans for online classes, and some could announce in the weeks to come that they are following Cal State’s lead.
Addressing a meeting of the system’s board of trustees, the chancellor, Timothy P. White, allowed for the possibility of exceptions. If health and safety precautions permit, clinical classes in the nursing program, for example, could be held in person, he said, as could certain science labs and other essential instruction. Addressing a meeting of the system’s board of trustees, the chancellor, Timothy P. White, allowed for the possibility of exceptions. If health and safety precautions permit, clinical classes in the nursing program could be held in person, he said, as could certain science labs and other essential instruction.
But for most undergraduate students enrolled at the Cal States, as they are known, classes will continue virtually, as they have since campuses closed.But for most undergraduate students enrolled at the Cal States, as they are known, classes will continue virtually, as they have since campuses closed.
“Our university, when open without restrictions and fully in person, as is the traditional norm of the past, is a place where over 500,000 people come together in close and vibrant proximity with each other on a daily basis,” Mr. White said. “That approach, sadly, just isn’t in the cards now as I have described.” “Our university, when open without restrictions and fully in person, as is the traditional norm of the past, is a place where over 500,000 people come together in close and vibrant proximity with each other on a daily basis,” Mr. White said. “That approach, sadly, just isn’t in the cards now.”
As California has slowly started to reopen, the state has achieved relatively low infection rates and a milestone of one million tests despite previously sluggish efforts. But infections and deaths have stabilized at a steady rate. The state on Tuesday published guidelines for the eventual reopening of restaurants, detailing the distance required between tables among other requirements. Each of the state’s 58 counties has the option to reopen at a slower pace based on local conditions. In Los Angeles County, stay-at-home orders in some form will continue for another three months, the public health director said Tuesday. As California has slowly started to reopen, the state has achieved relatively low infection rates and a milestone of one million tests despite previously sluggish efforts. But infections and deaths have stabilized at a steady rate. In Los Angeles County, stay-at-home orders in some form will continue for another three months, the public health director said on Tuesday.
The Chronicle of Higher Education has been keeping a running tally of colleges’ plans. Only a handful have said they are leaning toward online-only classes, including Wayne State University in Detroit, a virus hot spot, and Sierra College in California. The Chronicle of Higher Education has been keeping a tally of colleges’ plans. Only a handful have said they are leaning toward online-only classes, including Wayne State University in Detroit, a virus hot spot, and Sierra College in California.
A few say they are planning a hybrid model, and a vast majority say they are planning for in-person classes. Brown University’s president, Christina Paxson, said in a New York Times Op-Ed last month that reopening campuses this fall “should be a national priority.”A few say they are planning a hybrid model, and a vast majority say they are planning for in-person classes. Brown University’s president, Christina Paxson, said in a New York Times Op-Ed last month that reopening campuses this fall “should be a national priority.”
McGill University in Montreal, one of Canada’s most prestigious universities, announced on Monday that it would offer most of its courses online in September, underscoring the logistical challenges facing global universities.
Senators at the hearing on Tuesday emphasized the importance of ramping up testing, as the Trump administration said it was preparing to provide states with supplies for millions of tests.Senators at the hearing on Tuesday emphasized the importance of ramping up testing, as the Trump administration said it was preparing to provide states with supplies for millions of tests.
Mr. Alexander described a future vaccine or treatment as the “ultimate solution,” but he said “until we have them, all roads back to work and school go through testing. The more tests we conduct, the better we can identify those who are sick and exposed.”Mr. Alexander described a future vaccine or treatment as the “ultimate solution,” but he said “until we have them, all roads back to work and school go through testing. The more tests we conduct, the better we can identify those who are sick and exposed.”
Admiral Giroir, who is overseeing the government’s testing response, testified that the administration was planning to send to states enough swabs for 12.9 million tests over the next four weeks. By September, the country will have the ability to conduct 40 million to 50 million tests per month, he said.Admiral Giroir, who is overseeing the government’s testing response, testified that the administration was planning to send to states enough swabs for 12.9 million tests over the next four weeks. By September, the country will have the ability to conduct 40 million to 50 million tests per month, he said.
He also pointed to new technologies, such as a recently approved antigen test, that could further increase capacity. But his remarks drew skepticism from Democratic senators, including Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the committee’s top Democrat.He also pointed to new technologies, such as a recently approved antigen test, that could further increase capacity. But his remarks drew skepticism from Democratic senators, including Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the committee’s top Democrat.
“This administration has had a record of bringing us broken promises that more supplies and testing are coming, and they don’t,” she said. “And we know that testing needs will persist long past June, long past.”“This administration has had a record of bringing us broken promises that more supplies and testing are coming, and they don’t,” she said. “And we know that testing needs will persist long past June, long past.”
Testing in the United States has been steadily increasing, with nearly 400,000 tests processed on Monday, a daily record, according to The Covid Tracking Project. But that is still not at the level that many public health experts say will be needed to safely reopen society. Some experts have said that two million to three million people per day must be tested in order to quickly identify hot spots and get the virus under control.Testing in the United States has been steadily increasing, with nearly 400,000 tests processed on Monday, a daily record, according to The Covid Tracking Project. But that is still not at the level that many public health experts say will be needed to safely reopen society. Some experts have said that two million to three million people per day must be tested in order to quickly identify hot spots and get the virus under control.
The availability of supplies has improved in recent weeks, and many testing sites are no longer experiencing shortages. But shipping millions of swabs to states does not guarantee that they will immediately begin to scale up testing. Other bottlenecks have also limited the number of tests that can be done, including having enough workers to take samples from patients and enough protective equipment to keep workers safe.The availability of supplies has improved in recent weeks, and many testing sites are no longer experiencing shortages. But shipping millions of swabs to states does not guarantee that they will immediately begin to scale up testing. Other bottlenecks have also limited the number of tests that can be done, including having enough workers to take samples from patients and enough protective equipment to keep workers safe.
A coalition of public health organizations sent a letter to Congress on Monday asking for at least $7.6 billion to increase the contact tracing work force in the United States. The organizations say they need at least 100,000 additional contact tracers, 10,000 supervisors, and 1,600 epidemiologists to rapidly build contact tracing capacity.A coalition of public health organizations sent a letter to Congress on Monday asking for at least $7.6 billion to increase the contact tracing work force in the United States. The organizations say they need at least 100,000 additional contact tracers, 10,000 supervisors, and 1,600 epidemiologists to rapidly build contact tracing capacity.
Dr. Redfield said that the outbreak “went beyond the capacity” of the government’s contact tracing program, telling senators, “we lost containment.”Dr. Redfield said that the outbreak “went beyond the capacity” of the government’s contact tracing program, telling senators, “we lost containment.”
He said the C.D.C. had reprogrammed 500 people nationwide to help build up the contact-tracing capacity the states would need to prepare for the fall and winter.He said the C.D.C. had reprogrammed 500 people nationwide to help build up the contact-tracing capacity the states would need to prepare for the fall and winter.
Senator Richard Burr, Republican of North Carolina, complained that the C.D.C. had been slow to build surveillance tracking abilities for many infectious diseases despite huge sums of money that Congress has provided for the purpose. “I’m hopeful we won’t just talk about surveillance,” Mr. Burr said. “We’ll actually execute it.”Senator Richard Burr, Republican of North Carolina, complained that the C.D.C. had been slow to build surveillance tracking abilities for many infectious diseases despite huge sums of money that Congress has provided for the purpose. “I’m hopeful we won’t just talk about surveillance,” Mr. Burr said. “We’ll actually execute it.”
Dr. Redfield said a national surveillance system for the virus was being developed with a special focus on nursing homes, where a third of the nation’s deaths have taken place. Facilities must report all infections in both residents and staff members to the public health authorities and notify family members there are cases, Dr. Redfield said. He was uncertain about the timing of carrying out the guidelines, however, saying, “I’m pretty confident it’s operational, but I need to double check just to make sure.”Dr. Redfield said a national surveillance system for the virus was being developed with a special focus on nursing homes, where a third of the nation’s deaths have taken place. Facilities must report all infections in both residents and staff members to the public health authorities and notify family members there are cases, Dr. Redfield said. He was uncertain about the timing of carrying out the guidelines, however, saying, “I’m pretty confident it’s operational, but I need to double check just to make sure.”
Scientists hope to know by late fall or early winter whether they have at least one possible effective vaccine, Dr. Fauci told the senators. But he cautioned, “Even at the top speed we’re going, we don’t see a vaccine playing in the ability of individuals to get back to school this term.”Scientists hope to know by late fall or early winter whether they have at least one possible effective vaccine, Dr. Fauci told the senators. But he cautioned, “Even at the top speed we’re going, we don’t see a vaccine playing in the ability of individuals to get back to school this term.”
Dr. Fauci emphasized the importance of having “multiple winners,” meaning more than one vaccine available, to provide “global availability.” He repeated his cautious optimism that an effective vaccine would be developed but said there was no guarantee that would happen.Dr. Fauci emphasized the importance of having “multiple winners,” meaning more than one vaccine available, to provide “global availability.” He repeated his cautious optimism that an effective vaccine would be developed but said there was no guarantee that would happen.
“You can have everything you think that’s in place, and you don’t induce the kind of immune response that turns out to be protective, and durably protective,” he said. “So, one, the big unknown is it will be effective.” Another concern is “disease enhancement,” the possibility that a vaccine could induce an immune response that would make the illness worse.“You can have everything you think that’s in place, and you don’t induce the kind of immune response that turns out to be protective, and durably protective,” he said. “So, one, the big unknown is it will be effective.” Another concern is “disease enhancement,” the possibility that a vaccine could induce an immune response that would make the illness worse.
“We want to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Dr. Fauci said, adding that he was hopeful there would be a vaccine candidate with some degree of efficacy that would induce the kind of herd immunity that would protect the population as a whole. He said developing a vaccine in the next year to two years was “definitely not a long shot,” adding, “it is more likely than not that we will.”“We want to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Dr. Fauci said, adding that he was hopeful there would be a vaccine candidate with some degree of efficacy that would induce the kind of herd immunity that would protect the population as a whole. He said developing a vaccine in the next year to two years was “definitely not a long shot,” adding, “it is more likely than not that we will.”
Whether a vaccine would be available to everyone for free was a different matter. Admiral Giroir said people “should gain access to it,” but he was not in control of that aspect. “I will certainly advocate that everyone is able to receive the vaccine regardless of income or other circumstance.”Whether a vaccine would be available to everyone for free was a different matter. Admiral Giroir said people “should gain access to it,” but he was not in control of that aspect. “I will certainly advocate that everyone is able to receive the vaccine regardless of income or other circumstance.”
Dr. Redfield said that an expansive new set of C.D.C. guidelines for states to reopen schools, businesses and religious institutions would be released “soon,” but he would not specify a White House effort to revise or scuttle them.Dr. Redfield said that an expansive new set of C.D.C. guidelines for states to reopen schools, businesses and religious institutions would be released “soon,” but he would not specify a White House effort to revise or scuttle them.
“Soon isn’t terribly helpful,” Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, replied in a heated exchange about whether his state, which has a stay-at-home order expiring in the next few days, would know how to properly reopen.“Soon isn’t terribly helpful,” Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, replied in a heated exchange about whether his state, which has a stay-at-home order expiring in the next few days, would know how to properly reopen.
White House and senior health officials rejected the C.D.C. recommendations over concerns that they were overly prescriptive, infringed on religious rights and risked further damaging the economy.White House and senior health officials rejected the C.D.C. recommendations over concerns that they were overly prescriptive, infringed on religious rights and risked further damaging the economy.
Mr. Murphy said the guidelines that the White House released in April for opening the country were “criminally vague.” The directions called for states to have a “downward trajectory of positive tests” or a “downward trajectory of documented cases” of the virus over two weeks.Mr. Murphy said the guidelines that the White House released in April for opening the country were “criminally vague.” The directions called for states to have a “downward trajectory of positive tests” or a “downward trajectory of documented cases” of the virus over two weeks.
Mr. Trump has publicly encouraged some states that have not met those standards to begin the process for reopening. In more than half of states easing restrictions last week, case counts were trending upward, the proportion of positive test results was rising, or both.Mr. Trump has publicly encouraged some states that have not met those standards to begin the process for reopening. In more than half of states easing restrictions last week, case counts were trending upward, the proportion of positive test results was rising, or both.
There is growing consensus among modelers estimating the number of cases and deaths from the virus in the next few weeks. But this convergence of estimates — 31,000 to 42,000 additional deaths through mid-June, for roughly 120,000 total deaths in the United States — comes as shifts in public policy are likely to create new uncertainty about the path of the pandemic after that.There is growing consensus among modelers estimating the number of cases and deaths from the virus in the next few weeks. But this convergence of estimates — 31,000 to 42,000 additional deaths through mid-June, for roughly 120,000 total deaths in the United States — comes as shifts in public policy are likely to create new uncertainty about the path of the pandemic after that.
Three weeks ago, predictions from five popular models were widely divergent. Now, their outputs look far more similar.Three weeks ago, predictions from five popular models were widely divergent. Now, their outputs look far more similar.
The researchers who created them say that they are getting better at understanding the dynamics of the pandemic as Americans largely shelter in place, and that improved knowledge could explain the growing consensus of the models. The near-term future of the pandemic is also a little easier to imagine, with deaths flattening instead of growing rapidly.The researchers who created them say that they are getting better at understanding the dynamics of the pandemic as Americans largely shelter in place, and that improved knowledge could explain the growing consensus of the models. The near-term future of the pandemic is also a little easier to imagine, with deaths flattening instead of growing rapidly.
But politicians are starting to ease restrictions on public gatherings and business activities, which is likely to lead to changes in behavior and to increased transmission of the disease. By how much is still unclear.But politicians are starting to ease restrictions on public gatherings and business activities, which is likely to lead to changes in behavior and to increased transmission of the disease. By how much is still unclear.
New York State health officials are investigating about 100 cases of a rare and dangerous inflammatory syndrome that afflicts children and appears to be connected to the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Tuesday.New York State health officials are investigating about 100 cases of a rare and dangerous inflammatory syndrome that afflicts children and appears to be connected to the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Tuesday.
So far, three deaths in the state have been linked to the illness, which is known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome and causes life-threatening inflammation in critical organs, he said.So far, three deaths in the state have been linked to the illness, which is known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome and causes life-threatening inflammation in critical organs, he said.
More than half of the state’s pediatric inflammatory syndrome cases — 57 percent — involved children ages 5 to 14.More than half of the state’s pediatric inflammatory syndrome cases — 57 percent — involved children ages 5 to 14.
Earlier in the day, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that 52 cases of the syndrome had been reported in New York City, with 10 potential cases also being evaluated.Earlier in the day, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that 52 cases of the syndrome had been reported in New York City, with 10 potential cases also being evaluated.
The dead included a 5-year-old boy who died last week in New York City, a 7-year-old boy and an 18-year-old girl, Mr. Cuomo said.The dead included a 5-year-old boy who died last week in New York City, a 7-year-old boy and an 18-year-old girl, Mr. Cuomo said.
“This is a truly disturbing situation,” Mr. Cuomo said at his daily news briefing. “And I know parents around the state and around the country are very concerned about this, and they should be.”“This is a truly disturbing situation,” Mr. Cuomo said at his daily news briefing. “And I know parents around the state and around the country are very concerned about this, and they should be.”
The pediatric illness began to appear in the region in recent weeks, and doctors and researchers are investigating how and why it affects children. Connecticut reported its first cases on Monday. As of Tuesday, six children in the state were being treated for the ailment, officials said. As of Monday, health officials in New Jersey said they were investigating eight potential cases of the syndrome.The pediatric illness began to appear in the region in recent weeks, and doctors and researchers are investigating how and why it affects children. Connecticut reported its first cases on Monday. As of Tuesday, six children in the state were being treated for the ailment, officials said. As of Monday, health officials in New Jersey said they were investigating eight potential cases of the syndrome.
At a Senate hearing on Tuesday in Washington, Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, and Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, one of the government’s top medical experts, had a tense exchange about whether children should return to school. Mr. Paul noted that the mortality rate in children was low and suggested that schools should be reopened by district.At a Senate hearing on Tuesday in Washington, Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, and Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, one of the government’s top medical experts, had a tense exchange about whether children should return to school. Mr. Paul noted that the mortality rate in children was low and suggested that schools should be reopened by district.
“As much as I respect you, Dr. Fauci, I don’t think you’re the end all, I don’t think you’re the one person who gets to make the decision,” Mr. Paul said.“As much as I respect you, Dr. Fauci, I don’t think you’re the end all, I don’t think you’re the one person who gets to make the decision,” Mr. Paul said.
Dr. Fauci gave a pointed response: “I have never made myself out to be the end all and only voice in this,” he said. “I’m a scientist, a physician and a public health official. I give advice on the best scientific evidence.”Dr. Fauci gave a pointed response: “I have never made myself out to be the end all and only voice in this,” he said. “I’m a scientist, a physician and a public health official. I give advice on the best scientific evidence.”
Dr. Fauci warned that in making decisions about school openings, officials should not be “cavalier in thinking that children are completely immune to the deleterious effects” of Covid-19.Dr. Fauci warned that in making decisions about school openings, officials should not be “cavalier in thinking that children are completely immune to the deleterious effects” of Covid-19.
Representative Maxine Waters, Democrat of California, said she recently lost a sister to Covid-19, framing it as a reminder of the lethal nature of the virus for African-Americans.Representative Maxine Waters, Democrat of California, said she recently lost a sister to Covid-19, framing it as a reminder of the lethal nature of the virus for African-Americans.
Ms. Waters, 81, a member and the former head of the Congressional Black Caucus, announced her sister’s death in a recent interview with the African-American news website theGrio.Ms. Waters, 81, a member and the former head of the Congressional Black Caucus, announced her sister’s death in a recent interview with the African-American news website theGrio.
“It is one of the most painful things that I’ve ever had to experience in my life,” Ms. Waters said. “She had suffered. And so we are going through a very difficult time. It was not easy, but in many ways, I’m so glad she’s out of pain.”“It is one of the most painful things that I’ve ever had to experience in my life,” Ms. Waters said. “She had suffered. And so we are going through a very difficult time. It was not easy, but in many ways, I’m so glad she’s out of pain.”
Ms. Waters, who grew up in St. Louis and was the fifth of 13 children, raised largely by a single mother, did not elaborate on the name or age of her sister who died.Ms. Waters, who grew up in St. Louis and was the fifth of 13 children, raised largely by a single mother, did not elaborate on the name or age of her sister who died.
But in a speech last month on the House floor supporting the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, Ms. Waters said she was dedicating the legislation to her “dear sister who is dying in a hospital in St. Louis, Mo., right now infected by the coronavirus.”But in a speech last month on the House floor supporting the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, Ms. Waters said she was dedicating the legislation to her “dear sister who is dying in a hospital in St. Louis, Mo., right now infected by the coronavirus.”
Ms. Waters’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.Ms. Waters’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.
Ms. Waters, the chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, told theGrio that African-Americans had been acutely affected by the virus and warned that they needed to protect themselves.Ms. Waters, the chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, told theGrio that African-Americans had been acutely affected by the virus and warned that they needed to protect themselves.
A disproportionate number of black Americans have been infected and killed by the coronavirus, according to data released by several states and cities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised health care professionals to be aware of the disparity and to not let bias influence treatment options for patients.A disproportionate number of black Americans have been infected and killed by the coronavirus, according to data released by several states and cities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised health care professionals to be aware of the disparity and to not let bias influence treatment options for patients.
Ms. Waters is not the only member of Congress to lose a sibling to Covid-19. Last month, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts, announced that her eldest brother, Donald Reed Herring, 86, had died in Oklahoma after contracting the virus.Ms. Waters is not the only member of Congress to lose a sibling to Covid-19. Last month, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts, announced that her eldest brother, Donald Reed Herring, 86, had died in Oklahoma after contracting the virus.
Guidelines introduced by many states, cities and businesses mandating that store customers wear masks have led to violent confrontations across the United States, with some customers who have refused to comply arrested in California, Georgia and Pennsylvania.Guidelines introduced by many states, cities and businesses mandating that store customers wear masks have led to violent confrontations across the United States, with some customers who have refused to comply arrested in California, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
In Michigan, the authorities said one dispute over a mask escalated into a fatality, with three people charged in the killing of a security guard who was shot on May 1 after asking a customer to wear a mask at a Family Dollar store in Flint.In Michigan, the authorities said one dispute over a mask escalated into a fatality, with three people charged in the killing of a security guard who was shot on May 1 after asking a customer to wear a mask at a Family Dollar store in Flint.
Some people say they oppose any mask order on ideological grounds as government overreach; some find the masks uncomfortable, and some just get angry.Some people say they oppose any mask order on ideological grounds as government overreach; some find the masks uncomfortable, and some just get angry.
In one of the latest episodes, two men were arrested on Monday after a melee at a Target in Van Nuys, Calif., that left one employee with a broken arm.In one of the latest episodes, two men were arrested on Monday after a melee at a Target in Van Nuys, Calif., that left one employee with a broken arm.
In some places, including Ohio and Stillwater, Okla., the level of threats and anger prompted officials to rescind their orders, even though the C.D.C. recommends wearing face coverings in many instances to help slow the spread of the virus.In some places, including Ohio and Stillwater, Okla., the level of threats and anger prompted officials to rescind their orders, even though the C.D.C. recommends wearing face coverings in many instances to help slow the spread of the virus.
Though some may bristle at the imposition of wearing a mask, confrontations driven by the concept of liberty are misguided, legal experts said, overlooking the fact that the guidelines are designed to protect the public.Though some may bristle at the imposition of wearing a mask, confrontations driven by the concept of liberty are misguided, legal experts said, overlooking the fact that the guidelines are designed to protect the public.
“I never had a right to do something that could injure the health of my neighbors,” said Wendy Parmet, the director of the Center for Health Policy and Law at Northeastern University.“I never had a right to do something that could injure the health of my neighbors,” said Wendy Parmet, the director of the Center for Health Policy and Law at Northeastern University.
Recent flyovers by the Blue Angels to honor medical workers have drawn large crowds flouting social-distancing recommendations in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., causing the Navy to actively discourage Midwesterners from gathering to watch the spectacle over their skies on Tuesday.Recent flyovers by the Blue Angels to honor medical workers have drawn large crowds flouting social-distancing recommendations in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., causing the Navy to actively discourage Midwesterners from gathering to watch the spectacle over their skies on Tuesday.
The squad flew over Chicago, Detroit and Indianapolis, where many residents seemed to take that advice to heart, with social media filled with videos shot from backyards, apartments and parking lots. Still, there was some evidence of people clustering to stare at the skies.The squad flew over Chicago, Detroit and Indianapolis, where many residents seemed to take that advice to heart, with social media filled with videos shot from backyards, apartments and parking lots. Still, there was some evidence of people clustering to stare at the skies.
The lives of tens of thousands of foreign nationals on skilled-worker visas, such as H-1Bs, have been upended by the economic fallout of the pandemic. Many have been waiting in a backlog for several years to obtain permanent legal residency through their employer. Now, they face the prospect of swift deportation if they are furloughed or laid off from their jobs.The lives of tens of thousands of foreign nationals on skilled-worker visas, such as H-1Bs, have been upended by the economic fallout of the pandemic. Many have been waiting in a backlog for several years to obtain permanent legal residency through their employer. Now, they face the prospect of swift deportation if they are furloughed or laid off from their jobs.
The Trump administration is expected within the next few weeks to halt the issuance of new H-1Bs and the H-2B, the visa for seasonal employment. The new measures under review, according to two current and two former government immigration officials, would also eliminate a program that enables foreign graduates of American universities to remain in the country and work.The Trump administration is expected within the next few weeks to halt the issuance of new H-1Bs and the H-2B, the visa for seasonal employment. The new measures under review, according to two current and two former government immigration officials, would also eliminate a program that enables foreign graduates of American universities to remain in the country and work.
The tightening work rules come as unemployment in the U.S. soared last month to 14.7 percent, the highest level on record, and as calls escalated in Congress for Americans to be given priority for jobs.The tightening work rules come as unemployment in the U.S. soared last month to 14.7 percent, the highest level on record, and as calls escalated in Congress for Americans to be given priority for jobs.
“Given the extreme lack of available jobs for American job-seekers as portions of our economy begin to reopen, it defies common sense to admit additional foreign guest workers to compete for such limited employment,” a group of Republican senators said this week in a letter calling for a suspension of new visas to guest workers who have not yet entered the country.“Given the extreme lack of available jobs for American job-seekers as portions of our economy begin to reopen, it defies common sense to admit additional foreign guest workers to compete for such limited employment,” a group of Republican senators said this week in a letter calling for a suspension of new visas to guest workers who have not yet entered the country.
For those already rooted in the U.S., the consequences of canceling the existing visas are “life-altering,” said Shev Dalal-Dheini, the director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “They have been thrown into limbo.”For those already rooted in the U.S., the consequences of canceling the existing visas are “life-altering,” said Shev Dalal-Dheini, the director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “They have been thrown into limbo.”
California’s system of community colleges has sued the Education Department, seeking to overturn guidelines issued by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos that would deny virus relief to undocumented students, including those under federal protection who are known as Dreamers.California’s system of community colleges has sued the Education Department, seeking to overturn guidelines issued by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos that would deny virus relief to undocumented students, including those under federal protection who are known as Dreamers.
The lawsuit, which was filed on Monday, says that Ms. DeVos’s guidance about distributing more than $6 billion in emergency relief for students was in violation of the intent of Congress.The lawsuit, which was filed on Monday, says that Ms. DeVos’s guidance about distributing more than $6 billion in emergency relief for students was in violation of the intent of Congress.
The guidance was issued by the department last month, after Congress passed the $2 trillion CARES Act to help Americans recoup financial damages caused by the pandemic.The guidance was issued by the department last month, after Congress passed the $2 trillion CARES Act to help Americans recoup financial damages caused by the pandemic.
The Education Department said that only students who were eligible for federal financial aid could share in the $6.25 billion pot — a restriction that effectively excludes more than half of the 1.5 million students enrolled in California’s 115 community colleges for the spring semester, said Eloy Ortiz Oakley, the system’s chancellor.The Education Department said that only students who were eligible for federal financial aid could share in the $6.25 billion pot — a restriction that effectively excludes more than half of the 1.5 million students enrolled in California’s 115 community colleges for the spring semester, said Eloy Ortiz Oakley, the system’s chancellor.
Among them, Mr. Oakley said in a statement, are veterans, citizens who never completed a financial aid application, students who lacked high school diplomas and some 70,000 undocumented students.Among them, Mr. Oakley said in a statement, are veterans, citizens who never completed a financial aid application, students who lacked high school diplomas and some 70,000 undocumented students.
Albany, a city of 75,000 in southwest Georgia, emerged as a virus hot spot after a pair of funerals led to hundreds of cases. In response to a push by Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, to reopen the state, pastors across Albany have united to keep their doors closed.Albany, a city of 75,000 in southwest Georgia, emerged as a virus hot spot after a pair of funerals led to hundreds of cases. In response to a push by Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, to reopen the state, pastors across Albany have united to keep their doors closed.
“We cannot go back to business as usual,” said Orson Burton, a pastor who lost members of his congregation, including his father-in-law. “These are not numbers, these are souls.”“We cannot go back to business as usual,” said Orson Burton, a pastor who lost members of his congregation, including his father-in-law. “These are not numbers, these are souls.”
Mr. Burton is on a mission to keep people at home, through door-to-door visits and online sermons. He has joined a coalition of about 30 pastors who have decided to keep their churches closed out of fears that they will be hit with a second wave of the virus.Mr. Burton is on a mission to keep people at home, through door-to-door visits and online sermons. He has joined a coalition of about 30 pastors who have decided to keep their churches closed out of fears that they will be hit with a second wave of the virus.
Their effort is backed by the city’s elected leaders — who passed a resolution encouraging people to continue staying at home — and by doctors at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, the only hospital in the Albany region.Their effort is backed by the city’s elected leaders — who passed a resolution encouraging people to continue staying at home — and by doctors at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, the only hospital in the Albany region.
“It could happen again in a heartbeat,” said Dr. James Black, the head of the emergency department at the hospital.“It could happen again in a heartbeat,” said Dr. James Black, the head of the emergency department at the hospital.
There’s always room for a little bit of nature indoors, no matter how small a space you have. And if all else fails, opt for some fake plants. Here are some tips to consider if you want to add a splash of green to your surroundings.There’s always room for a little bit of nature indoors, no matter how small a space you have. And if all else fails, opt for some fake plants. Here are some tips to consider if you want to add a splash of green to your surroundings.
Officials in Wuhan, China — where the virus emerged last year — ordered that all residents be tested after six new cases were found.Officials in Wuhan, China — where the virus emerged last year — ordered that all residents be tested after six new cases were found.
Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Alan Blinder, Quoctrung Bui, Nicholas Casey, Catie Edmondson, Thomas Fuller, Michael Gold, Maggie Haberman, Anemona Hartocollis, Shawn Hubler, Miriam Jordan, Sheila Kaplan, Annie Karni, Josh Katz, Neil MacFarquhar, Alicia Parlapiano, Michael Paulson, Robin Pogrebin, Linda Qiu, Alan Rappeport, Margot Sanger-Katz, Marc Santora, Noam Scheiber, Michael D. Shear, Liam Stack, Matt Stevens, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Vanessa Swales, Katie Thomas, Neil Vigdor, David Waldstein, and Noah Weiland.Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Alan Blinder, Quoctrung Bui, Nicholas Casey, Catie Edmondson, Thomas Fuller, Michael Gold, Maggie Haberman, Anemona Hartocollis, Shawn Hubler, Miriam Jordan, Sheila Kaplan, Annie Karni, Josh Katz, Neil MacFarquhar, Alicia Parlapiano, Michael Paulson, Robin Pogrebin, Linda Qiu, Alan Rappeport, Margot Sanger-Katz, Marc Santora, Noam Scheiber, Michael D. Shear, Liam Stack, Matt Stevens, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Vanessa Swales, Katie Thomas, Neil Vigdor, David Waldstein, and Noah Weiland.