'Glimmers of progress:' Pres. Trump tempers officials' grave assessments on COVID-19 with optimism
WASHINGTON — The U.S. surgeon general said Sunday, April 5 that Americans should brace for levels of tragedy reminiscent of the Sept. 11 attacks and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, while the nation’s infectious disease chief warned that the new coronavirus may never be completely eradicated from the globe.Those were some of the most grim assessments yet for the immediate future and beyond.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. surgeon general said Sunday, April 5 that Americans should brace for levels of tragedy reminiscent of the Sept. 11 attacks and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, while the nation’s infectious disease chief warned that the new coronavirus may never be completely eradicated from the globe.Those were some of the most grim assessments yet for the immediate future and beyond.
President Trump warns US is facing 'toughest' weeks ahead
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned Saturday that the county could be headed into its “toughest” weeks yet as the coronavirus death toll mounts, but at the same time he expressed growing impatience with social distancing guidelines and said he’s eager to get the country reopened and its stalled economy back on track.“There will be a lot of death, unfortunately,” President Trump said in a somber start to his daily briefing on the pandemic. "There will be death.”Joining President Trump were Vice President Mike Pence, virus task force coordinator Dr.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned Saturday that the county could be headed into its “toughest” weeks yet as the coronavirus death toll mounts, but at the same time he expressed growing impatience with social distancing guidelines and said he’s eager to get the country reopened and its stalled economy back on track.“There will be a lot of death, unfortunately,” President Trump said in a somber start to his daily briefing on the pandemic. "There will be death.”Joining President Trump were Vice President Mike Pence, virus task force coordinator Dr.
President Trump speaks with sports commissioners about COVID-19 response, community work
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump met by phone with many U.S. pro sports leaders Saturday to discuss how that industry has been affected by the global coronavirus pandemic, saying he was looking forward to the resumption of competitions “as soon as we can.”The NBA, NHL, NFL and Major League Baseball were all represented on the call by their commissioners — Adam Silver, Gary Bettman, Roger Goodell and Rob Manfred, respectively.“I want fans back in the arenas,” President Trump said later in a briefing at the White House. “I think it’s ...
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump met by phone with many U.S. pro sports leaders Saturday to discuss how that industry has been affected by the global coronavirus pandemic, saying he was looking forward to the resumption of competitions “as soon as we can.”The NBA, NHL, NFL and Major League Baseball were all represented on the call by their commissioners — Adam Silver, Gary Bettman, Roger Goodell and Rob Manfred, respectively.“I want fans back in the arenas,” President Trump said later in a briefing at the White House. “I think it’s ...
President Trump fires watchdog who handled Ukraine complaint
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump abruptly fired the inspector general of the intelligence community, sidelining an independent watchdog who played a pivotal role in his impeachment even as his White House struggles with the deepening coronavirus pandemic.President Trump informed the House and Senate intelligence committees late Friday of his decision to fire Michael Atkinson, according to letters obtained by The Associated Press.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump abruptly fired the inspector general of the intelligence community, sidelining an independent watchdog who played a pivotal role in his impeachment even as his White House struggles with the deepening coronavirus pandemic.President Trump informed the House and Senate intelligence committees late Friday of his decision to fire Michael Atkinson, according to letters obtained by The Associated Press.
Face masks recommended, though President Trump says he won't wear one
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says his administration is encouraging many Americans to wear face masks in public, though he stresses that the recommendation is optional and is conceding that he will not be complying with it.The new guidelines encourage people to use more rudimentary covering like T-shirts, bandannas and non-medical masks.The new recommendations are set to be announced at a time when states are bracing for critical shortfalls like those that other parts of the world have experienced.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says his administration is encouraging many Americans to wear face masks in public, though he stresses that the recommendation is optional and is conceding that he will not be complying with it.The new guidelines encourage people to use more rudimentary covering like T-shirts, bandannas and non-medical masks.The new recommendations are set to be announced at a time when states are bracing for critical shortfalls like those that other parts of the world have experienced.
Trump administration moves toward promoting broader use of face masks
WASHINGTON — Washing your hands, not touching your face and keeping your distance.
WASHINGTON — Washing your hands, not touching your face and keeping your distance.
Trump administration pledges crackdown on black-market medical gear
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s administration is looking to crack down on a growing black market of medical supplies.The national Defense Production Act policy coordinator, Peter Navarro, says there is a "black market springing up" to drive up prices of protective gear.He said the federal government would step in to stop the practice.But President Trump added that states would remain the primary purchaser of medical supplies and that the federal government would remain in a backup role.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s administration is looking to crack down on a growing black market of medical supplies.The national Defense Production Act policy coordinator, Peter Navarro, says there is a "black market springing up" to drive up prices of protective gear.He said the federal government would step in to stop the practice.But President Trump added that states would remain the primary purchaser of medical supplies and that the federal government would remain in a backup role.
'First things, let’s put out the fire:' Record jobless claims but Dems, GOP divide over rescue bill
WASHINGTON — Fresh data on Thursday that detailed a record avalanche of unemployment claims offered no signs of easing the rift between Democrats and Republicans over the need for new legislation financing infrastructure and other job-creation programs.With the coronavirus barreling across the country and sending the economy into a deep freeze, the report that 6.6 million people filed for jobless benefits last week made congressional action “even more critical,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters.
WASHINGTON — Fresh data on Thursday that detailed a record avalanche of unemployment claims offered no signs of easing the rift between Democrats and Republicans over the need for new legislation financing infrastructure and other job-creation programs.With the coronavirus barreling across the country and sending the economy into a deep freeze, the report that 6.6 million people filed for jobless benefits last week made congressional action “even more critical,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters.
WASHINGTON — Dr.
Report: Increased security for Dr. Anthony Fauci after threats received
BETHESDA, Md. -- The nation's top infectious disease expert is under increased security after receiving threats, according to The Washington Post.Dr.
BETHESDA, Md. -- The nation's top infectious disease expert is under increased security after receiving threats, according to The Washington Post.Dr.
Poll: Less than 1/2 of Americans approve of federal pandemic response
WASHINGTON — Americans give high marks to state and local governments for their handling of the fast-moving coronavirus pandemic that has swiftly remade everyday life.
WASHINGTON — Americans give high marks to state and local governments for their handling of the fast-moving coronavirus pandemic that has swiftly remade everyday life.
New Marquette Law poll shows strong support for government actions to control COVID-19
MILWAUKEE – A new Marquette Law School poll of Wisconsin registered voters released on Wednesday, April 1 finds strong support for government actions to control the coronavirus pandemic, even as the poll also shows these actions to be having a substantial financial impact on voters.Eighty-six percent say that it was appropriate to close schools and businesses, and restrict public gatherings, while 10 percent say that this was an overreaction to the pandemic.
MILWAUKEE – A new Marquette Law School poll of Wisconsin registered voters released on Wednesday, April 1 finds strong support for government actions to control the coronavirus pandemic, even as the poll also shows these actions to be having a substantial financial impact on voters.Eighty-six percent say that it was appropriate to close schools and businesses, and restrict public gatherings, while 10 percent say that this was an overreaction to the pandemic.
President Trump administration rules gun shops 'essential' amid virus
WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration has ruled that gun shops are considered “essential” businesses that should remain open as other businesses are closed to try to stop the spread of coronavirus.
WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration has ruled that gun shops are considered “essential” businesses that should remain open as other businesses are closed to try to stop the spread of coronavirus.
President Trump says 'life and death' at stake in following guidelines
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned Americans to brace for a “hell of a bad two weeks” ahead as the White House projected there could be 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the U.S. from the coronavirus pandemic even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained.Public health officials stressed Tuesday that the number could be less if people across the country bear down on keeping their distance from one another.“We really believe we can do a lot better than that,” said Dr.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned Americans to brace for a “hell of a bad two weeks” ahead as the White House projected there could be 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the U.S. from the coronavirus pandemic even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained.Public health officials stressed Tuesday that the number could be less if people across the country bear down on keeping their distance from one another.“We really believe we can do a lot better than that,” said Dr.
MADISON – Gov.
'Hospitals without walls:' Pres. Trump's admin makes health care changes to address patient surge
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's administration announced temporary regulatory waivers that allow hospitals to provide care at other locations to make room for patients.It’s called “hospitals without walls.”“They could use a college dormitory, a gymnasium,” Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma said Tuesday, March 31.The new program is creating room for critical coronavirus cases while continuing to give uninfected patients the care they need.“It allows hospitals to provide services off-site,” Verma added.Verma said the agency is changing the rules to pay for patients’ treatment outside of hospitals and clinics, with FEMA helping expand hospital space in states across the country.Verma said this initiative adds to the work they have done and allows more involvement on the local level.“What we want to do is empower local communities to start thinking about this and to use the resources that they already have in their community," she said.The CMS waivers will allow hospitals to transfer uninfected patients to the sites, making room for those testing positive for coronavirus.As far as filling the new spaces with supplies, Verma said they want to make sure health care workers have the tools they need to save lives.“FEMA sent a very special force of people that are working to find supplies.
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's administration announced temporary regulatory waivers that allow hospitals to provide care at other locations to make room for patients.It’s called “hospitals without walls.”“They could use a college dormitory, a gymnasium,” Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma said Tuesday, March 31.The new program is creating room for critical coronavirus cases while continuing to give uninfected patients the care they need.“It allows hospitals to provide services off-site,” Verma added.Verma said the agency is changing the rules to pay for patients’ treatment outside of hospitals and clinics, with FEMA helping expand hospital space in states across the country.Verma said this initiative adds to the work they have done and allows more involvement on the local level.“What we want to do is empower local communities to start thinking about this and to use the resources that they already have in their community," she said.The CMS waivers will allow hospitals to transfer uninfected patients to the sites, making room for those testing positive for coronavirus.As far as filling the new spaces with supplies, Verma said they want to make sure health care workers have the tools they need to save lives.“FEMA sent a very special force of people that are working to find supplies.
President Trump, other lawmakers call for release of low-risk inmates to protect them from COVID-19
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Bureau of Prisons is changing its guidelines to protect guards and prisoners from coronavirus.Some lawmakers, including President Donald Trump, are even considering releasing low-risk prisoners.While most Americans are trying to stay apart, social distancing is nearly impossible for the nation’s prison population.“Let’s keep in mind, you know, the least of these and make sure they’re being protected and not disposable,” Senator Kamala Harris said.Senator Kamala Harris called on the Federal Bureau of Prisons to release low-risk inmates from their custody and she demanded the department provide details on how it will slow the spread of the virus within its walls.“The incarcerated are not going to be immune to it if they have not taken the appropriate precautionary steps,” Harris said.At a press briefing last week, President Trump said he’s even considering prisoner release.“We’re talking about totally non-violent prisoners, we’re actually looking at that yes,” President Trump said.President Trump said he is considering an executive order to release some prisoners but hasn’t said much about it since.The idea’s getting some pushback and not just from Republicans.“I don’t think that’s where the major emphasis needs to go,” Representative John Garamendi, D-California, said.Democrat John Garamendi says lawmakers should make sure inmates are kept safe but says releasing prisoners goes too far.“Certainly there’s going to be infections in our prisons.
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Bureau of Prisons is changing its guidelines to protect guards and prisoners from coronavirus.Some lawmakers, including President Donald Trump, are even considering releasing low-risk prisoners.While most Americans are trying to stay apart, social distancing is nearly impossible for the nation’s prison population.“Let’s keep in mind, you know, the least of these and make sure they’re being protected and not disposable,” Senator Kamala Harris said.Senator Kamala Harris called on the Federal Bureau of Prisons to release low-risk inmates from their custody and she demanded the department provide details on how it will slow the spread of the virus within its walls.“The incarcerated are not going to be immune to it if they have not taken the appropriate precautionary steps,” Harris said.At a press briefing last week, President Trump said he’s even considering prisoner release.“We’re talking about totally non-violent prisoners, we’re actually looking at that yes,” President Trump said.President Trump said he is considering an executive order to release some prisoners but hasn’t said much about it since.The idea’s getting some pushback and not just from Republicans.“I don’t think that’s where the major emphasis needs to go,” Representative John Garamendi, D-California, said.Democrat John Garamendi says lawmakers should make sure inmates are kept safe but says releasing prisoners goes too far.“Certainly there’s going to be infections in our prisons.
Pres. Trump extends federal social distancing guidance for 30 days as virus spreads
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Bracing the nation for a grim death toll, President Donald Trump on Sunday, March 29 extended the voluntary national shutdown for a month, bowing to public-health experts who told him the coronavirus pandemic could claim over 100,000 lives in the U.S., perhaps significantly more, if not enough is done to fight it.It was a stark shift in tone by the president, who only days ago mused about the country reopening in a few weeks.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Bracing the nation for a grim death toll, President Donald Trump on Sunday, March 29 extended the voluntary national shutdown for a month, bowing to public-health experts who told him the coronavirus pandemic could claim over 100,000 lives in the U.S., perhaps significantly more, if not enough is done to fight it.It was a stark shift in tone by the president, who only days ago mused about the country reopening in a few weeks.
President Trump: No quarantine, but travel advisory for NY, CT and NJ
NORFOLK, Va. — President Donald Trump backed away from calling for a quarantine for coronavirus hotspots in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, instead directing Saturday night that a “strong Travel Advisory” be issued to stem the spread of the outbreak.After consulting with the White House task force leading the federal response and the governors of the three affected states, President Trump said: "I have asked the @CDCgov to issue a strong Travel Advisory, to be administered by the Governors, in consultation with the Federal Government.
NORFOLK, Va. — President Donald Trump backed away from calling for a quarantine for coronavirus hotspots in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, instead directing Saturday night that a “strong Travel Advisory” be issued to stem the spread of the outbreak.After consulting with the White House task force leading the federal response and the governors of the three affected states, President Trump said: "I have asked the @CDCgov to issue a strong Travel Advisory, to be administered by the Governors, in consultation with the Federal Government.
President Trump boosts virus aid, warns governors to be 'appreciative'
WASHINGTON — After days of desperate pleas from the nation’s governors, President Donald Trump took a round of steps to expand the federal government’s role in helping produce critically needed supplies to fight the coronavirus pandemic even as he warned the leaders of hard-hit states not to cross him.“I want them to be appreciative,” President Trump said Friday after the White House announced that he would be using the powers granted to him under the Korean War-era Defense Production Act to try to compel auto giant General Motors to produce ventilators.Yet President Trump — who hours earlier had suggested the need for the devices was being overblown — rejected any criticism of the federal government's response to a ballooning public health crisis that a month ago he predicted would be over by now.“We have done a hell of a job," President Trump said, as he sent an ominous message to state and local leaders who have been urging the federal government to do more to help them save lives.President Trump said he had instructed Vice President Mike Pence not to call the governors of Washington or Michigan — two coronavirus hotspots — because of their public criticism. “If they don’t treat you right, I don't call,” Trump said.The comments came after President Trump unveiled a slew of executive actions to bolster states' capacities to respond to the pandemic, including authorizing Defense Secretary Mark Esper to call up an unspecified number of federal reservists to help with the coronavirus response.Friday's invocation “should demonstrate clearly to all that we will not hesitate to use the full authority of the federal government to combat this crisis," President Trump said.President Trump had been saying for more than a week that he was reluctant to use the Defense Production Act — even after he invoked it — because companies were already doing what he wanted and he didn't need arm-twisting to make them comply.Yet President Trump continued to suggest that states' own failures were to blame for the needed intervention. “Normally these would be bought for states, just so you understand,” he said.The president has been under growing pressure from the nation's governors to do more to bolster supplies, despite the perceived risks of speaking out.
WASHINGTON — After days of desperate pleas from the nation’s governors, President Donald Trump took a round of steps to expand the federal government’s role in helping produce critically needed supplies to fight the coronavirus pandemic even as he warned the leaders of hard-hit states not to cross him.“I want them to be appreciative,” President Trump said Friday after the White House announced that he would be using the powers granted to him under the Korean War-era Defense Production Act to try to compel auto giant General Motors to produce ventilators.Yet President Trump — who hours earlier had suggested the need for the devices was being overblown — rejected any criticism of the federal government's response to a ballooning public health crisis that a month ago he predicted would be over by now.“We have done a hell of a job," President Trump said, as he sent an ominous message to state and local leaders who have been urging the federal government to do more to help them save lives.President Trump said he had instructed Vice President Mike Pence not to call the governors of Washington or Michigan — two coronavirus hotspots — because of their public criticism. “If they don’t treat you right, I don't call,” Trump said.The comments came after President Trump unveiled a slew of executive actions to bolster states' capacities to respond to the pandemic, including authorizing Defense Secretary Mark Esper to call up an unspecified number of federal reservists to help with the coronavirus response.Friday's invocation “should demonstrate clearly to all that we will not hesitate to use the full authority of the federal government to combat this crisis," President Trump said.President Trump had been saying for more than a week that he was reluctant to use the Defense Production Act — even after he invoked it — because companies were already doing what he wanted and he didn't need arm-twisting to make them comply.Yet President Trump continued to suggest that states' own failures were to blame for the needed intervention. “Normally these would be bought for states, just so you understand,” he said.The president has been under growing pressure from the nation's governors to do more to bolster supplies, despite the perceived risks of speaking out.