thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-17--Florida Megachurch Cancels Services Amid Coronavirus Outbreak [UPDATE]

“ Our faith remains in Jesus , and we know that these are times for faith and not fear , so we encourage you to spend time with God daily , read the Word and encourage one another , ” the church said in its update .
“ Join us in praying for an end to this pandemic .
We will resume normal weekend services at our campuses as soon as we are able.
” South Florida pastor Guillermo Maldonado painted a stark picture for congregants at his megachurch last Sunday .
People who had skipped services that day were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , he suggested , while the folks who came to services were true and faithful believers .
“ I just want to tell you , I ’ m so proud of you , that you don ’ t let the devil and fear cripple you , ” Maldonado told congregants gathered at King Jesus International Ministry , according to a video captured by the progressive website Right Wing Watch .
“ Do you believe God would bring his people to his house to be contagious with the virus ?
Of course not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no virus can stand.
” As one of the most prominent Hispanic evangelical leaders in the nation , Maldonado ’ s challenge for faithful people to attend church amid a global pandemic carries weight .
He is a televangelist and the lead pastor of a 7,000-seat megachurch in a Miami suburb that draws even more attendees at nine satellite campuses .
As of Tuesday evening , it doesn ’ t appear that the church is planning to cancel in-person worship , despite requests from local and federal authorities to avoid large gatherings to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The pastor ’ s Sunday observations came as houses of worship across the country took unprecedented steps to curb the spread of COVID-19 , the illness resulting from the novel coronavirus .
Churches , mosques , synagogues and temples canceled services this weekend and moved meetings online in order to promote social distancing in their communities .
In Miami , Catholic Archbishop Thomas Wenski issued a memo last week stating that “ given these extraordinary circumstances , ” he is releasing Catholics from the obligation of going to Mass .
On Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Methodist Church has suspended worship through the end of March .
“ We will be meeting because now more than ever God is empowering his church to show the world the power of Jesus Christ , ” Pastor Frank Hechevarria said in an Instagram video Saturday .
King Jesus Church announced on Monday that it was taking extra steps to disinfect its buildings .
It encouraged older adults or those with underlying medical conditions to stay at home and self-quarantine .
And during a live-streamed “ night of prayer and intercession against COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out recent guidelines suggested by President Donald Trump on how to prevent the virus from spreading — including by avoiding groups of over 10 people .
But as of Tuesday , there was no indication on the church ’ s website that upcoming Sunday services have been canceled .
King Jesus International Ministry did not respond to HuffPost ’ s request for comment .
The church ’ s online calendar also suggests that Sunday services will be going forward as planned .
“ This world is in turmoil , in anxiety .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not conform to this world , ” he said , quoting a verse from the book of Romans .
He compared the spread of COVID-19 to stories of plagues in the Bible .
Just as God saved the Jewish people from a plague afflicting the ancient Egyptians , God will exempt true believers from the new coronavirus , Maldonado said .
This teaching ― that God guarantees health , wealth and blessings to true believers and that these things are signs of God ’ s favor ― is often referred to as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been criticized as heresy in many branches of American Christianity , it has attracted some members of Trump ’ s inner circle .
The president ’ s spiritual adviser , Paula White , is widely considered to be a proponent of prosperity gospel .

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UPDATE: March 18 — King Jesus International Ministry has suspended public gatherings until further notice in response to “specific requests of the CDC,” a notice on the church’s website announced.
“Our faith remains in Jesus, and we know that these are times for faith and not fear, so we encourage you to spend time with God daily, read the Word and encourage one another,” the church said in its update. “Join us in praying for an end to this pandemic. We will resume normal weekend services at our campuses as soon as we are able.”
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South Florida pastor Guillermo Maldonado painted a stark picture for congregants at his megachurch last Sunday. People who had skipped services that day were caving in to fear of the new coronavirus, he suggested, while the folks who came to services were true and faithful believers.
“I just want to tell you, I’m so proud of you, that you don’t let the devil and fear cripple you,” Maldonado told congregants gathered at King Jesus International Ministry, according to a video captured by the progressive website Right Wing Watch. “Do you believe God would bring his people to his house to be contagious with the virus? Of course not ... in the presence of God, no virus can stand.”
As one of the most prominent Hispanic evangelical leaders in the nation, Maldonado’s challenge for faithful people to attend church amid a global pandemic carries weight. He is a televangelist and the lead pastor of a 7,000-seat megachurch in a Miami suburb that draws even more attendees at nine satellite campuses.
As of Tuesday evening, it doesn’t appear that the church is planning to cancel in-person worship, despite requests from local and federal authorities to avoid large gatherings to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
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Guillermo Maldonado speaks to evangelical supporters in Miami on Jan. 3, 2020. REUTERS/Eva Marie Uzcategui
The pastor’s Sunday observations came as houses of worship across the country took unprecedented steps to curb the spread of COVID-19, the illness resulting from the novel coronavirus. Churches, mosques, synagogues and temples canceled services this weekend and moved meetings online in order to promote social distancing in their communities.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced new restrictions for bars, restaurants and universities on Tuesday. There are now over 190 cases of coronavirus in the state, the Miami Herald reported, including 35 cases tied to Miami-Dade County.
In Miami, Catholic Archbishop Thomas Wenski issued a memo last week stating that “given these extraordinary circumstances,” he is releasing Catholics from the obligation of going to Mass. On Monday, the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church has suspended worship through the end of March.
Before Sunday’s meeting, Maldonado used social media to urge his congregants to come to church in person on March 15, the Miami Herald reports. At least two assistant leaders also echoed that call.
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“We will be meeting because now more than ever God is empowering his church to show the world the power of Jesus Christ,” Pastor Frank Hechevarria said in an Instagram video Saturday.
King Jesus Church announced on Monday that it was taking extra steps to disinfect its buildings. It encouraged older adults or those with underlying medical conditions to stay at home and self-quarantine. And during a live-streamed “night of prayer and intercession against COVID-19,” Maldonado and his team read out recent guidelines suggested by President Donald Trump on how to prevent the virus from spreading — including by avoiding groups of over 10 people.
Maldonado said his church is paying attention and will follow what the authorities are suggesting.
But as of Tuesday, there was no indication on the church’s website that upcoming Sunday services have been canceled. King Jesus International Ministry did not respond to HuffPost’s request for comment. The church’s online calendar also suggests that Sunday services will be going forward as planned.
On Tuesday afternoon, a receptionist who picked up the phone at the megachurch’s Miami campus told HuffPost that services will take place as scheduled on Sunday.
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“This is what the government is recommending,” Maldonado said on Monday about the president’s guidelines. “But now, let’s go back to what God is saying.”
“This world is in turmoil, in anxiety. The Bible says this, that we will not conform to this world,” he said, quoting a verse from the book of Romans.
He compared the spread of COVID-19 to stories of plagues in the Bible. Just as God saved the Jewish people from a plague afflicting the ancient Egyptians, God will exempt true believers from the new coronavirus, Maldonado said.
“If somebody says, ‘I’m Christian and I have the virus,’ again, where is your faith?” he said. “Do you believe the promises?”
Guillermo Maldonado (left) and other evangelical leaders pray for President Donald Trump at an evangelical rally in Miami on Jan. 3, 2020. Eva Marie Uzcategui / Reuters
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This teaching ― that God guarantees health, wealth and blessings to true believers and that these things are signs of God’s favor ― is often referred to as the “prosperity gospel.” While it has been criticized as heresy in many branches of American Christianity, it has attracted some members of Trump’s inner circle. The president’s spiritual adviser, Paula White, is widely considered to be a proponent of prosperity gospel.
In January, Trump paid a visit to Maldonado’s church to rally his evangelical base. In the days leading up to the visit, Maldonado sought to reassure undocumented members of his congregation that they wouldn’t risk deportation by coming to see the president.
“I ask you: Do you think I would do something where I would endanger my people? I’m not that dumb,” the pastor said in December.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Trump Dodges Accountability For Medical Supply Crisis By Blaming States

“ Governors are supposed to be doing a lot of this work , ” he said .
“ The federal government ’ s not supposed to be out there buying vast amounts of items and then shipping .
You know , we ’ re not a shipping clerk .
We ’ ll help out wherever we can.
” The president ’ s remarks about governors being the ones obliged to deal with mask and ventilators shortages were reminiscent of his Friday comment that “ I don ’ t take responsibility at all ” for complaints by state officials about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease caused by the new coronavirus .
As HuffPost reported on Tuesday , the federal government has a number of tools to spur the production of ventilators .
Overall , the Trump administration ’ s response to the outbreak has fallen short .
The president denied and downplayed the grave public health risk for weeks and has been slow to mobilize the full power of the federal government despite a rapidly growing number of infections and deaths .
Asked about reports of chaos surrounding the coronavirus testing efforts , Trump discounted any such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very good things on the ground , ” he said , without providing any specifics .
The president ’ s Thursday comments came as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 10,491 cases of coronavirus in the U.S. , an increase of 3,404 from its previous count , and that the death toll had risen by 53 to 150 .
Trump ’ s hands-off message appeared a reversal of his announcement on Wednesday that he had signed the Defense Production Act ( DPA ) as part of an effort to ramp up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Thursday , he said he would only utilize the DPA if it should be absolutely needed .
Vice President Mike Pence , who visited with surgical-mask maker 3M Co. this week , denied a mask shortage exists for medical workers in his comments at the briefing .
“ They ’ re in the marketplace now .
We ’ re going to make it clear to governors ... that those resources are now there , ” he said .
The CDC earlier this week recommended that health care professionals use “ homemade masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not available .
Keep up with the latest updates on the coronavirus at our live blog .

Pressed by a reporter Thursday on the dire shortage of medical supplies and testing to deal with the coronavirus, President Donald Trump deflected responsibility for the crisis and instead put the burden on governors.
Speaking at what’s become a daily White House press briefing on the pandemic, Trump insisted that states should take the lead in supplying the badly needed medical equipment and protective items, despite the federal government’s vastly greater resources and capabilities.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Senator Dumped Up to $1.6 Million of Stock After Reassuring Public About Coronavirus Preparedness

Bill Clark via Getty Images UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 04 : Sen. Richard Burr , R-N.C. , walks through Statuary Hall to the House chamber before the start of President Donald Trumps State of the Union address on Tuesday , February 4 , 2020 .
( Photo By Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call , Inc via Getty Images ) Soon after he offered public assurances that the government was ready to battle the coronavirus , the powerful chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee , Richard Burr , sold off a significant percentage of his stocks , unloading between $ 582,029 and $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 in 29 separate transactions .
As the head of the intelligence committee , Burr , a North Carolina Republican , has access to the government ’ s most highly classified information about threats to America ’ s security .
His committee was receiving daily coronavirus briefings around this time , according to a Reuters story .
On Thursday , Burr came under fire after NPR obtained a secret recording from Feb. 27 , in which the lawmaker gave a VIP group at an exclusive social club a much more dire preview of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he had told the public .
“ Senator Burr filed a financial disclosure form for personal transactions made several weeks before the U.S. and financial markets showed signs of volatility due to the growing coronavirus outbreak , ” his spokesperson said .
“ As the situation continues to evolve daily , he has been deeply concerned by the steep and sudden toll this pandemic is taking on our economy.
” Burr is not a particularly wealthy member of the Senate : Roll Call estimated his net worth at $ 1.7 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly shaped his financial fortunes and spared him from some of the pain that many Americans are now facing .
He was one of the authors of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act , which shapes the nation ’ s response to public health threats like the coronavirus .
Burr ’ s office did not respond to requests for comment about what sort of briefing materials , if any , on the coronavirus threat Burr may have seen as chair of the intelligence committee before his selling spree .
According to the NPR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ luncheon held at the Capitol Hill Club : “ There ’ s one thing that I can tell you about this : It is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history ...
It is probably more akin to the 1918 pandemic.
” He warned that companies might have to curtail their employees ’ travel , that schools could close and that the military might be mobilized to compensate for overwhelmed hospitals .
The luncheon was organized by the Tar Heel Circle , a club for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are charged up to $ 10,000 for membership and are promised “ interaction with top leaders and staff from Congress , the administration , and the private sector.
” Burr ’ s public comments had been considerably less dire .
In a Feb. 7 op-ed that he co-authored with another senator , he assured the public that “ the United States today is better prepared than ever before to face emerging public health threats , like the coronavirus.
” He wrote , “ No matter the outbreak or threat , Congress and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gaps in its readiness efforts and improving its response capabilities.
” Burr was one of just three senators who in 2012 opposed the bill that explicitly barred lawmakers and their staff from using nonpublic information for trades and required regular disclosure of those trades .
In opposing the bill , Burr argued at the time that insider trading laws already applied to members of Congress .
President Barack Obama signed the bill , known as the STOCK Act , that year .
Stock transactions of lawmakers are reported in ranges .
Burr ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest stock selling day of at least the past 14 months , according to a ProPublica review of Senate records .
Unlike his typical disclosure reports , which are a mix of sales and purchases , all of the transactions were sales .
His biggest sales included companies that are among the most vulnerable to an economic slowdown .
He dumped up to $ 150,000 worth of shares of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts , a chain based in the United States that has lost two-thirds of its value .
And he sold up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stay America , an economy hospitality chain .
Shares of that company are now worth less than half of what they did at the time Burr sold .

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Soon after he offered public assurances that the government was ready to battle the coronavirus, the powerful chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Richard Burr, sold off a significant percentage of his stocks, unloading between $582,029 and $1.56 million of his holdings on Feb. 13 in 29 separate transactions.
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As the head of the intelligence committee, Burr, a North Carolina Republican, has access to the government’s most highly classified information about threats to America’s security. His committee was receiving daily coronavirus briefings around this time, according to a Reuters story.
A week after Burr’s sales, the stock market began a sharp decline and has lost about 30% since.
On Thursday, Burr came under fire after NPR obtained a secret recording from Feb. 27, in which the lawmaker gave a VIP group at an exclusive social club a much more dire preview of the economic impact of the coronavirus than what he had told the public.
“Senator Burr filed a financial disclosure form for personal transactions made several weeks before the U.S. and financial markets showed signs of volatility due to the growing coronavirus outbreak,” his spokesperson said. “As the situation continues to evolve daily, he has been deeply concerned by the steep and sudden toll this pandemic is taking on our economy.”
Burr is not a particularly wealthy member of the Senate: Roll Call estimated his net worth at $1.7 million in 2018, indicating that the February sales significantly shaped his financial fortunes and spared him from some of the pain that many Americans are now facing.
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He was one of the authors of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, which shapes the nation’s response to public health threats like the coronavirus. Burr’s office did not respond to requests for comment about what sort of briefing materials, if any, on the coronavirus threat Burr may have seen as chair of the intelligence committee before his selling spree.
According to the NPR report, Burr told attendees of the luncheon held at the Capitol Hill Club: “There’s one thing that I can tell you about this: It is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history ... It is probably more akin to the 1918 pandemic.”
He warned that companies might have to curtail their employees’ travel, that schools could close and that the military might be mobilized to compensate for overwhelmed hospitals.
The luncheon was organized by the Tar Heel Circle, a club for businesses and organizations in North Carolina that are charged up to $10,000 for membership and are promised “interaction with top leaders and staff from Congress, the administration, and the private sector.”
Burr’s public comments had been considerably less dire. In a Feb. 7 op-ed that he co-authored with another senator, he assured the public that “the United States today is better prepared than ever before to face emerging public health threats, like the coronavirus.” He wrote, “No matter the outbreak or threat, Congress and the federal government have been vigilant in identifying gaps in its readiness efforts and improving its response capabilities.”
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Members of Congress are required by law to disclose their securities transactions.
Burr was one of just three senators who in 2012 opposed the bill that explicitly barred lawmakers and their staff from using nonpublic information for trades and required regular disclosure of those trades. In opposing the bill, Burr argued at the time that insider trading laws already applied to members of Congress. President Barack Obama signed the bill, known as the STOCK Act, that year.
Stock transactions of lawmakers are reported in ranges. Burr’s Feb. 13 selling spree was his largest stock selling day of at least the past 14 months, according to a ProPublica review of Senate records. Unlike his typical disclosure reports, which are a mix of sales and purchases, all of the transactions were sales.
His biggest sales included companies that are among the most vulnerable to an economic slowdown. He dumped up to $150,000 worth of shares of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, a chain based in the United States that has lost two-thirds of its value. And he sold up to $100,000 of shares of Extended Stay America, an economy hospitality chain. Shares of that company are now worth less than half of what they did at the time Burr sold.
The assets come from accounts that are held by Burr, belong to his spouse or are jointly held.
Do you have access to information about the coming corporate and economic bailouts that should be public? Email Robert at robert.faturechi@propublica.org or reach him on Signal/WhatsApp at 213-271-7217. Here’s how to send tips and documents to ProPublica securely.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Correspondent Dragged For Asking Trump If The Term 'Chinese Food' Is Racist

And on that note .
Major left-wing news media , even in this room , have teamed up with Chinese @ @ @ @ @ they are claiming that you are racist for making these claims about Chinese virus .
@ @ @ @ @ media players , just to oppose you , are consistently siding with foreign state propaganda @ @ @ @ @ Latin gangs and cartels .
And they work right here at the White House with @ @ @ @ @ your team .

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A journalist for a very-pro-Donald Trump cable network is being dragged on Twitter after asking the president a truly terrible question during Thursday’s press conference regarding the coronavirus.
Although the World Health Organization has cautioned leaders against stigmatizing an area or ethnic group by using it as the name of a disease, Trump has repeatedly referred to COVID-19 as the “Chinese Virus.”
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As a result, he’s been slammed for potentially encouraging discrimination against people of Asian heritage.
Chanel Rion, a correspondent for One America News Network — a small cable network known as the outlet for people who think Fox News is too liberal — decided to take “whataboutism” to its breaking point by asking Trump a softball question.
“Do you consider the use of the term ‘Chinese food’ racist? Because it’s food that originates in China and has roots in China?” Rion asked.
But she didn’t stop there, not when there were other dubious right-wing conspiracy theories to promote:
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And on that note. Major left-wing news media, even in this room, have teamed up with Chinese Communist Party narratives, and they are claiming that you are racist for making these claims about Chinese virus. Is it alarming that major media players, just to oppose you, are consistently siding with foreign state propaganda, Islamic state radicalism, Latin gangs and cartels. And they work right here at the White House with direct access to you and your team.
Trump seemed to appreciate the opportunity to respond to a question that allowed him to bash the media for asking him relevant questions about how his administration is handling the coronavirus crisis.
“It amazes me when I read the things that I read. It amazes me when I read The Wall Street Journal, which is so negative,” he said, taking the opportunity to also bash The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Trump then accused the press of using “different slogans and different concepts almost every week trying to catch something.”
After the president claimed that the press was dishonest, Rion chimed in, “They’re more than dishonest, they’re siding with state propaganda,” according to Mediaite.
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But some Twitter users thought Rion sounded like the person siding with state propaganda.
These right-wing media outlets want to bash China and bow to Trump, but they ironically sound exactly like Chinese state media groveling to Xi Jinping https://t.co/qnhaoz8mLf — Lee Fang (@lhfang) March 19, 2020
In fact, others noticed that Rion has been known to spread Chinese propaganda herself, such as a dubious conspiracy theory that COVID-19 was “genetically engineered as a Bio-Weapon at the Univ. of North Carolina BSL-3 Lab,” according to RawStory.
This is amazing. The reporter who just accused the media of spouting Chinese propaganda literally suggested coronavirus had come from the United States ... which is a central claim of Chinese propaganda. https://t.co/x0inFfF2xF — Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) March 19, 2020
Some people wondered if the exchange between Trump and Rion was planned in advance.
She was set up with that question, no doubt. Citing evil press coverage gave IQ45 one more chance to bemoan how he is treated in press coverage and to pahimself heartily on his own back for being so damned great, best ever. How does that arm stay in its socket?? — Onedayatatime (@lolapearl0521) March 19, 2020
That theory may have validity based on this tweet that Rion posted yesterday suggesting “fireworks” might happen at Thursday’s press briefing.
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Unbelievable SPIN.
Media attacking @KellyannePolls on Pres. Trump's use of "ChinaVirus" - insisting offense; omitting the fact China's propaganda machine is currently BLAMING the US for THEIR virus.
Prepare for 11:30am fireworks watch @OANN
P.S. I'm Asian. Facts don't offend. — Chanel Rion OAN (@ChanelRion) March 18, 2020
After the exchange, Rion admitted that some of her media colleagues weren’t impressed, but, hey, she owned the libs, right?
Ah, workplace drama... ever so incomplete without that dash of anonymous passive aggression.
Welcome to the basement. pic.twitter.com/s7minUhwpa — Chanel Rion OAN (@ChanelRion) March 19, 2020
Earlier this week, the White House defended using “Chinese Virus” to describe COVID-19, citing other examples such as the Spanish flu and the West Nile Virus as epidemics with location-based names. However, WHO has advised since 2015 to avoid naming diseases after places to “minimize unnecessary negative effects on nations, economies and people.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Rachel Maddow Names And Shames The 7 States Not 'Doing Much At All' About Coronavirus

MSNBC ’ s Rachel Maddow on Wednesday said she was “ honestly shocked ” to discover there are still seven states that “ really aren ’ t doing much at all ” to combat the spread of the coronavirus .
Maddow , citing the National Governors Association , said Texas , Tennessee , Oklahoma , Missouri , Mississippi , Idaho and Wyoming had not yet implemented statewide measures in response to the public health crisis .
Maddow noted how , in some places , political leaders had issued “ nonbinding recommendations ” and “ urgings , ” which led some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matters into their own hands and shutter of their own accord .
“ No state-mandated school closures .
No state-mandated limits on large gatherings , ” she said .
“ No state mandates on the operations of businesses like bars and restaurants.
” ( The Oklahoma Board of Education did , in fact , vote on Monday to close public schools statewide until at least April 6 ― a development that hadn ’ t been noted on the National Governors Association website . )
“ Because sure , why not ?
” Maddow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
See how it goes .
No reason to panic , right ?
No reason to hustle .
Let ’ s just see how this plays out , ” she added .
There are seven states that are doing surprisingly little in terms of state-wide mandates to guard against the spread of coronavirus .
pic.twitter.com/b0nGBvZ4Mc — Maddow Blog ( @ MaddowBlog ) March 19 , 2020 This article has been updated to note that the Oklahoma Board of Education voted Monday to close the state ’ s public schools .

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MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow on Wednesday said she was “honestly shocked” to discover there are still seven states that “really aren’t doing much at all” to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Maddow, citing the National Governors Association, said Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Missouri, Mississippi, Idaho and Wyoming had not yet implemented statewide measures in response to the public health crisis.
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Maddow noted how, in some places, political leaders had issued “nonbinding recommendations” and “urgings,” which led some local school districts and businesses to take matters into their own hands and shutter of their own accord.
“No state-mandated school closures. No state-mandated limits on large gatherings,” she said. “No state mandates on the operations of businesses like bars and restaurants.” (The Oklahoma Board of Education did, in fact, vote on Monday to close public schools statewide until at least April 6 ― a development that hadn’t been noted on the National Governors Association website.)
“Because sure, why not?” Maddow added. “Make it up yourself. See how it goes. No reason to panic, right? No reason to hustle. Let’s just see how this plays out,” she added.
Check out the clip here:
There are seven states that are doing surprisingly little in terms of state-wide mandates to guard against the spread of coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/b0nGBvZ4Mc — Maddow Blog (@MaddowBlog) March 19, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Joe Scarborough Explains What Trump Is Really Doing With His Racist Coronavirus Rhetoric

Joe Scarborough , the co-host of MSNBC ’ s “ Morning Joe , ” on Thursday warned people not to let President Donald Trump distract them with his xenophobic description of the coronavirus .
Trump has repeatedly used the racist term “ Chinese Virus ” in recent days , and defended his language at a news conference Wednesday .
World Health Organization guidelines caution leaders not to give geographic labels to diseases to avoid stigmatization .
The United States will be powerfully supporting those industries , like Airlines and others , that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) March 16 , 2020 For the people that are now out of work because of the important and necessary containment policies , for instance the shutting down of hotels , bars and restaurants , money will soon be coming to you .
The onslaught of the Chinese Virus is not your fault !
Will be stronger than ever !
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) March 18 , 2020 I only signed the Defense Production Act to combat the Chinese Virus should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst case scenario in the future .
Hopefully there will be no need , but we are all in this TOGETHER !
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) March 18 , 2020 Scarborough acknowledged Trump ’ s term is “ offensive ” but warned “ liberals and progressives and people in the media ” that the president was “ poking at you.
” “ He wants you to become outraged so you will talk about that instead of talking about tests , so you ’ ll talk about that instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s called a rabbit trail , ” he added .
“ Yes , it is offensive but , again , we can talk about this in November when the election is in full force .
But this is all a distraction .
”

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Joe Scarborough, the co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” on Thursday warned people not to let President Donald Trump distract them with his xenophobic description of the coronavirus.
Trump has repeatedly used the racist term “Chinese Virus” in recent days, and defended his language at a news conference Wednesday. World Health Organization guidelines caution leaders not to give geographic labels to diseases to avoid stigmatization.
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The United States will be powerfully supporting those industries, like Airlines and others, that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus. We will be stronger than ever before! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2020
For the people that are now out of work because of the important and necessary containment policies, for instance the shutting down of hotels, bars and restaurants, money will soon be coming to you. The onslaught of the Chinese Virus is not your fault! Will be stronger than ever! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
I only signed the Defense Production Act to combat the Chinese Virus should we need to invoke it in a worst case scenario in the future. Hopefully there will be no need, but we are all in this TOGETHER! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
Scarborough acknowledged Trump’s term is “offensive” but warned “liberals and progressives and people in the media” that the president was “poking at you.”
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“He wants you to become outraged so you will talk about that instead of talking about tests, so you’ll talk about that instead of talking about ventilators,” Scarborough continued.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Tulsi Gabbard Drops Out Of 2020 Democratic Presidential Race, Endorses Joe Biden

Gabbard ’ s announcement comes as the coronavirus pandemic drastically changes the presidential race and other 2020 campaigns .
The leading Democratic candidates — Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) — have been forced to suspend typical campaign fixtures such as rallies and door-to-door campaigning as cases of the disease have been reported in all 50 states .
But Gabbard lagged behind much of the crowded 2020 field in polling over the past year , failing to win even 1 % of the vote in Iowa or New Hampshire , the first two states to hold primaries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , the most important day of the Democratic primary race .
Her most successful contest was in American Samoa , an unincorporated U.S. territory where she was born .
The Hawaii representative was the only member of the House to vote “ present ” on the two articles of impeachment during the December vote to impeach President Donald Trump .
She later explained that she “ could not in good conscience vote either yes or no ” on the two articles .
In the days after the historic vote , former Hawaii @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resign her congressional seat .
Abercrombie , a Democrat who served nine terms in the House from 1993 to 2010 , expressed concerns that Gabbard had been unable to juggle her responsibilities as a member of Congress and her presidential campaigning .
Gabbard also clashed with Hillary Clinton shortly before a Democratic primary debate in November .
The former secretary of state suggested the congresswoman was being “ groomed ” by Russia .
In response , Gabbard filed a defamation lawsuit against Clinton , alleging the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee lied about Gabbard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurt her 2020 presidential campaign .
Gabbard did two tours of duty in the Middle East and is currently a major in the National Guard .
She went on to serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee for over six years .
Gabbard was also the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee until 2016 , when she resigned in order to endorse Sanders ’ presidential campaign .
“ There is one main issue that is central to the rest , and that is the issue of war and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she announced her run for office in January .
In 2018 , Gabbard introduced the “ No More Presidential Wars ” act , a resolution that would require the president to seek authorization from Congress in order to engage the military against any enemy .
She also introduced a resolution that would make a “ presidential war ” an impeachable offense .
“ The last time Congress officially declared war was Dec. 8 , 1941 , the day that the United States entered World War II , ” she said at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress has failed to uphold this constitutional responsibility and has ceded this power to the president ― presidents of both parties.
” Gabbard , who has spoken out against “ interventionist wars ” in the past , was heavily criticized for a 2017 meeting with Assad on what her office called a “ fact-finding ” mission .
She said had not initially planned to speak with Assad but “ when the opportunity arose to meet with him , I did so , ” because of the possibility of achieving peace , Gabbard told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Assad was accused by the United States and its allies of using chemical weapons to attack civilians during Syria ’ s civil war .
Gabbard , however , said she didn ’ t think there was enough evidence to hold Assad responsible then and still doesn ’ t now .
“ I think that the evidence needs to be gathered , and , as I have said before , if there is evidence that he has committed war crimes , he should be prosecuted as such , ” Gabbard said at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she regretted the views she previously held and noted her recent support of LGBTQ legislation .
“ I ’ m grateful for those in the LGBTQ+ community who have shared their aloha with me throughout my personal journey , ” she said in January .

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) dropped out of the 2020 Democratic presidential primary race on Thursday and offered her “full support” to former Vice President Joe Biden in his bid for the White House.
Gabbard’s announcement comes as the coronavirus pandemic drastically changes the presidential race and other 2020 campaigns. The leading Democratic candidates — Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) — have been forced to suspend typical campaign fixtures such as rallies and door-to-door campaigning as cases of the disease have been reported in all 50 states.
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But Gabbard lagged behind much of the crowded 2020 field in polling over the past year, failing to win even 1% of the vote in Iowa or New Hampshire, the first two states to hold primaries.
She had a meager showing on Super Tuesday, the most important day of the Democratic primary race. Her most successful contest was in American Samoa, an unincorporated U.S. territory where she was born.
With roughly 29% of the support, she finished a distant second in the territory’s caucuses, behind former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who garnered about 50%. Bloomberg ended his presidential bid a day later.
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Gabbard exited the race having only won two delegates.
As the first female combat veteran ever to run for president and the first American Samoan member of Congress, she was neither a traditional Democrat nor a traditional candidate.
The Hawaii representative was the only member of the House to vote “present” on the two articles of impeachment during the December vote to impeach President Donald Trump. She later explained that she “could not in good conscience vote either yes or no” on the two articles.
In the days after the historic vote, former Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie urged Gabbard to resign her congressional seat. Abercrombie, a Democrat who served nine terms in the House from 1993 to 2010, expressed concerns that Gabbard had been unable to juggle her responsibilities as a member of Congress and her presidential campaigning.
Abercrombie pointed to Gabbard’s “present” votes and frequent absences from the Hill as examples of this imbalance.
Gabbard also clashed with Hillary Clinton shortly before a Democratic primary debate in November. The former secretary of state suggested the congresswoman was being “groomed” by Russia. In response, Gabbard filed a defamation lawsuit against Clinton, alleging the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee lied about Gabbard “with obvious malicious intent” to hurt her 2020 presidential campaign.
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During the November debate, Democrats piled on Gabbard over her support for nationalist and authoritarian foreign leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, as well as her close ties to Fox News, Trump’s favored news network.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) answers questions at a She the People presidential forum at Texas State University in April. Michael Wyke/Associated Press
Gabbard did two tours of duty in the Middle East and is currently a major in the National Guard. She went on to serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee for over six years. Gabbard was also the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee until 2016, when she resigned in order to endorse Sanders’ presidential campaign.
She said she endorsed Sanders at the time because he supported ending unnecessary wars.
“There is one main issue that is central to the rest, and that is the issue of war and peace,” Gabbard said on CNN when she announced her run for office in January.
In 2018, Gabbard introduced the “No More Presidential Wars” act, a resolution that would require the president to seek authorization from Congress in order to engage the military against any enemy. She also introduced a resolution that would make a “presidential war” an impeachable offense.
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“The last time Congress officially declared war was Dec. 8, 1941, the day that the United States entered World War II,” she said at a news conference. “Ever since, Congress has failed to uphold this constitutional responsibility and has ceded this power to the president ― presidents of both parties.”
Gabbard, who has spoken out against “interventionist wars” in the past, was heavily criticized for a 2017 meeting with Assad on what her office called a “fact-finding” mission. She said had not initially planned to speak with Assad but “when the opportunity arose to meet with him, I did so,” because of the possibility of achieving peace, Gabbard told CNN’s Jake Tapper in 2017.
Assad was accused by the United States and its allies of using chemical weapons to attack civilians during Syria’s civil war. Gabbard, however, said she didn’t think there was enough evidence to hold Assad responsible then and still doesn’t now.
“I think that the evidence needs to be gathered, and, as I have said before, if there is evidence that he has committed war crimes, he should be prosecuted as such,” Gabbard said at a CNN town hall in March.
She also came under fire for her former anti-LGBTQ views. Gabbard worked with her father at The Alliance for Traditional Marriage, a political action committee aimed at opposing lawmakers and legislation that promoted gay rights.
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However, Gabbard reversed her public position on LGBTQ rights.
She said she regretted the views she previously held and noted her recent support of LGBTQ legislation. “I’m grateful for those in the LGBTQ+ community who have shared their aloha with me throughout my personal journey,” she said in January.
Gabbard took a progressive stance on most other issues.
She supported transitioning to 100% renewable energy. She wanted to get rid of tuition and fees at four-year public universities, and she supported free community college for everyone. She also advocated for raising the federal minimum wage to $15.
“There are a lot of challenges that are facing the American people that I’m concerned about and that I want to help solve,” she told CNN.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Trump Boasts Of Unproven Coronavirus Treatments Amid Dire Testing And Supply Crisis

President Donald Trump on Thursday ignored urgent concerns about the federal government ’ s ramshackle handling of the coronavirus outbreak , instead using a press conference to make vague or misleading claims about potential treatments while touting his administration ’ s supposed accomplishments in handling the crisis .
Testing for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , is still lagging far behind demand ; testing sites are overwhelmed and chaotic ; hospitals are facing shortages of ventilators ; and reserves of basic supplies like swabs are running out .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or scarves if there were no more masks , and Trump on Monday told governors seeking medical equipment such as respirators to “ try getting it yourselves.
” Trump ’ s presser did little to address these pressing issues .
He started the press conference by referring to the coronavirus as the “ Chinese virus ” and shoehorned in his frequent claim that he defeated the self-described Islamic State .
Much of Trump ’ s presser then focused on potential vaccines and treatment drugs in the works , continually claiming that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red tape ― suggesting these medical solutions were highly promising and coming soon .
But prospective treatments for any disease can fail in studies , which has already happened with potential coronavirus drugs .
Although doctors and researchers around the world are rapidly attempting to find ways to mitigate COVID-19 , so far there is no proven treatment .
The estimated production time for an effective vaccine is around 12 to 18 months , according to medical experts , and a Department of Health and Human Services report last week warned lawmakers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months or longer.
” Trump repeatedly singled out one potential treatment drug during the press conference , the anti-malarial Chloroquine , which he falsely suggested had been approved for use against COVID-19 .
“ It ’ s been approved , they took it down from many , many months to immediate , ” Trump said .
“ We ’ re gon na make that drug available.
” But the Food and Drug Administration has not approved Chloroquine for treating the coronavirus , an FDA spokesperson confirmed to Bloomberg News .
Instead , Chloroquine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its primary intended use .
Shortly after Trump claimed that the drug had shown “ very , very encouraging results , ” FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn took a much more restrained approach at the press conference , emphasizing that the drug needed to be tested to see if it could work in treating coronavirus .
“ That ’ s a drug that the president has directed us to take a closer look at as to whether an expanded use approach ... benefits patients , ” Hahn said .
“ We want to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial , a large pragmatic clinical trial.
” Hahn said that the drug was also approved for treating an arthritis condition , and added that therapies take months to develop .
But Trump pressed on , minutes later claiming that “ if chloroquine or hydroxy chloroquine works , or any of the other things they ’ re looking at that are not quite as far out , if they work , the numbers are going to come down very rapidly.
” Gilead issued a statement to an MSNBC reporter hours later stating “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data at this time ― it is not approved anywhere globally and has not been demonstrated to be effective or safe for any use .
”

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President Donald Trump on Thursday ignored urgent concerns about the federal government’s ramshackle handling of the coronavirus outbreak, instead using a press conference to make vague or misleading claims about potential treatments while touting his administration’s supposed accomplishments in handling the crisis.
It was another data point showing that the president’s focus is on public relations, not management of a worsening catastrophe.
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Testing for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, is still lagging far behind demand; testing sites are overwhelmed and chaotic; hospitals are facing shortages of ventilators; and reserves of basic supplies like swabs are running out. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised health care workers this week to use bandanas or scarves if there were no more masks, and Trump on Monday told governors seeking medical equipment such as respirators to “try getting it yourselves.”
Trump’s presser did little to address these pressing issues. He started the press conference by referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus” and shoehorned in his frequent claim that he defeated the self-described Islamic State. Much of Trump’s presser then focused on potential vaccines and treatment drugs in the works, continually claiming that he was making “exciting progress” and cutting red tape ― suggesting these medical solutions were highly promising and coming soon.
But prospective treatments for any disease can fail in studies, which has already happened with potential coronavirus drugs. Although doctors and researchers around the world are rapidly attempting to find ways to mitigate COVID-19, so far there is no proven treatment. The estimated production time for an effective vaccine is around 12 to 18 months, according to medical experts, and a Department of Health and Human Services report last week warned lawmakers to plan for the pandemic lasting “18 months or longer.”
Trump repeatedly singled out one potential treatment drug during the press conference, the anti-malarial Chloroquine, which he falsely suggested had been approved for use against COVID-19.
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“It’s been approved, they took it down from many, many months to immediate,” Trump said. “We’re gonna make that drug available.”
But the Food and Drug Administration has not approved Chloroquine for treating the coronavirus, an FDA spokesperson confirmed to Bloomberg News. Instead, Chloroquine is approved for treatment of malaria ― its primary intended use.
Shortly after Trump claimed that the drug had shown “very, very encouraging results,” FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn took a much more restrained approach at the press conference, emphasizing that the drug needed to be tested to see if it could work in treating coronavirus.
“That’s a drug that the president has directed us to take a closer look at as to whether an expanded use approach ... benefits patients,” Hahn said. “We want to do that in the setting of a clinical trial, a large pragmatic clinical trial.”
Hahn said that the drug was also approved for treating an arthritis condition, and added that therapies take months to develop. But Trump pressed on, minutes later claiming that “if chloroquine or hydroxy chloroquine works, or any of the other things they’re looking at that are not quite as far out, if they work, the numbers are going to come down very rapidly.”
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A day earlier, Trump favorite Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host, aired a questionable segment in which his guest praised chloroquine.
Trump also told reporters during the conference on Thursday that a drug from the pharmaceutical company Gilead, called Remdesivir, is “essentially approved.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Trump Tried To 'Gaslight' About Coronavirus Again. Twitter Users Weren't Having It.

The President says this “ snuck up on us ” re : coronavirus .
No , it didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ YOU ignored it .
You called the reaction to it a Democratic “ hoax ” @ @ @ @ @ and you ’ re just now taking it seriously .
It may have snuck up @ @ @ @ @ ’ t sneak up on US .

The President says this “snuck up on us” re: coronavirus.
No, it didn’t sneak up on US. YOU ignored it. You called the reaction to it a Democratic “hoax”.
This began in January and you’re just now taking it seriously.
It may have snuck up on YOU. It didn’t sneak up on US.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Clueless Spring Breakers Vow To Party On Despite Coronavirus Warnings

Some young spring breakers insist the party ’ s on and they ’ re planning to keep at it despite pleas from health authorities to help stop the spread of the coronavirus .
“ If I get corona , I get corona , ” Brady Sluder , an Ohio resident on spring break in Florida , told Reuters .
“ At the end of the day , I ’ m not gon na let it stop me from partying.
” Footage from Florida over the weekend showed packed beaches even though last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds and keep in small groups as “ social distancing ” measures to hinder the spread of the virus .
Early reports suggested that younger people may be less susceptible to COVID-19 .
However , new data from the CDC showed that nearly 40 % of those who required hospitalization for the infection were between the ages of 20 and 54 .
Even if they don ’ t get sick , people in this age group could pass the virus on to more vulnerable populations , especially older people .
“ You have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect the vulnerable , ” Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said on CNN on Wednesday .
“ You do that , interestingly , by not letting yourself get infected.
” As of Wednesday , more than 9,400 Americans have been infected and 150 have died .
Interviews with some of the spring breakers showed that they didn ’ t seem too concerned .
“ This virus ain ’ t that serious , ” Atlantis Walker of Indiana told Reuters .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like hunger and poverty .
We need to address that.
” “ If I get corona , I get corona .
At the end of the day , I 'm not gon na let it stop me from partying ” : Spring breakers are still flocking to Miami , despite coronavirus warnings .
https : //t.co/KoYKI8zNDH pic.twitter.com/rfPfea1LrC — CBS News ( @ CBSNews ) March 18 , 2020

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Some young spring breakers insist the party’s on and they’re planning to keep at it despite pleas from health authorities to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“If I get corona, I get corona,” Brady Sluder, an Ohio resident on spring break in Florida, told Reuters. “At the end of the day, I’m not gonna let it stop me from partying.”
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He was hardly alone.
Footage from Florida over the weekend showed packed beaches even though last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other authorities issued warnings to avoid crowds and keep in small groups as “social distancing” measures to hinder the spread of the virus.
Clearwater Beach, Florida is PACKED today despite "social distancing" recommendations.
We Americans sure can be a dumb lot...pic.twitter.com/LRU06h2d03 — Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) March 16, 2020
Early reports suggested that younger people may be less susceptible to COVID-19. However, new data from the CDC showed that nearly 40% of those who required hospitalization for the infection were between the ages of 20 and 54. Even if they don’t get sick, people in this age group could pass the virus on to more vulnerable populations, especially older people.
“You have a responsibility ― a societal responsibility ― to protect the vulnerable,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said on CNN on Wednesday. “You do that, interestingly, by not letting yourself get infected.”
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As of Wednesday, more than 9,400 Americans have been infected and 150 have died.
Interviews with some of the spring breakers showed that they didn’t seem too concerned.
“This virus ain’t that serious,” Atlantis Walker of Indiana told Reuters. “There’s more serious things out there, like hunger and poverty. We need to address that.”
Others also told reporters they just wanted to party:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Ted Lieu Rips Donald Trump’s Xenophobic Coronavirus Rhetoric In Blistering Op-Ed

Rep. Ted Lieu ( D-Calif. ) on Wednesday blasted Donald Trump ’ s xenophobia as he made an impassioned plea for the president to stop describing the coronavirus as the “ Chinese Virus.
” Lieu , in a column for The Washington Post headlined “ Trump is stoking xenophobic panic in a time of crisis , ” explained how the president ’ s insistence on using the term “ causes harm both to Asian Americans and to the White House ’ s response to this life-threatening pandemic.
” “ I can not stand idly by while the president uses his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of crisis , ” Lieu wrote .
Lieu debunked Trump ’ s claim that he is “ just trying to be accurate ” by describing where the crisis originated , noting “ there is a difference between saying the virus is from China and saying it is a Chinese virus.
” Dear @ WhiteHouse : This virus has an official name , Covid-19 and an unofficial name , Coronavirus .
Your language will cause more discrimination against Asian Americans .
What would help is if you can get hospitals & first responders much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ https : //t.co/BrMvEjABfO — Ted Lieu ( @ tedlieu ) March 18 , 2020 Lieu noted how World Health Organization guidelines advise leaders against using geographic locations to name infectious diseases to avoid stigmatization , and suggested Trump ’ s rhetoric had contributed to the rising number of assaults on Asian Americans .
“ For the president to continue using rhetoric that the Chinese find insulting is not helpful .
It is not one country ’ s problem to solve , ” Lieu concluded .
“ We are in a worldwide , life-threatening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work together .
I wish the president could set aside his xenophobia for the moment while we try to keep Americans from dying .
”

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Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) on Wednesday blasted Donald Trump’s xenophobia as he made an impassioned plea for the president to stop describing the coronavirus as the “Chinese Virus.”
Lieu, in a column for The Washington Post headlined “Trump is stoking xenophobic panic in a time of crisis,” explained how the president’s insistence on using the term “causes harm both to Asian Americans and to the White House’s response to this life-threatening pandemic.”
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“I cannot stand idly by while the president uses his pulpit to exacerbate xenophobia in a time of crisis,” Lieu wrote.
Lieu debunked Trump’s claim that he is “just trying to be accurate” by describing where the crisis originated, noting “there is a difference between saying the virus is from China and saying it is a Chinese virus.”
Dear @WhiteHouse: This virus has an official name, Covid-19 and an unofficial name, Coronavirus. Your language will cause more discrimination against Asian Americans.
What would help is if you can get hospitals & first responders much more test kits & protective equipment. https://t.co/BrMvEjABfO — Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) March 18, 2020
Lieu noted how World Health Organization guidelines advise leaders against using geographic locations to name infectious diseases to avoid stigmatization, and suggested Trump’s rhetoric had contributed to the rising number of assaults on Asian Americans.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Maryland GOP Governor: 'No Question' Donald Trump Made A Mistake With Coronavirus Response

Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan ( R ) on Wednesday acknowledged President Donald Trump was wrong to downplay the threat @ @ @ @ @ In an interview with MSNBC ’ s Ari Melber , Hogan said there was “ @ @ @ @ @ a mistake for the president to repeatedly claim the virus was under control and would @ @ @ @ @ has in the last few days changed his tune , however , and on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ always known ” it was a pandemic .
The coronavirus has now sickened more than @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. Trump has been widely condemned for his falsehoods and failures to confront @ @ @ @ @ recalled warning about the situation more than a month ago , explaining how Maryland authorities @ @ @ @ @ to limit social contact in bars and restaurants .
But that advice was ignored , @ @ @ @ @ state was forced to “ actually shut them all down.
” Check out the interview @ @

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Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on Wednesday acknowledged President Donald Trump was wrong to downplay the threat posed by the coronavirus.
In an interview with MSNBC’s Ari Melber, Hogan said there was “no question” it was a mistake for the president to repeatedly claim the virus was under control and would soon go away.
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Trump has in the last few days changed his tune, however, and on Tuesday claimed he’d “always known” it was a pandemic. The coronavirus has now sickened more than 219,000 worldwide, including 9,400 in the U.S. Trump has been widely condemned for his falsehoods and failures to confront the pandemic earlier.
Hogan recalled warning about the situation more than a month ago, explaining how Maryland authorities had at first urged people to limit social contact in bars and restaurants. But that advice was ignored, Hogan said, and the state was forced to “actually shut them all down.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--GOP Senator Scorched For ‘Peddling Racist Lies’ About China Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Sen. John Cornyn ( R-Texas ) faced fierce backlash on social media after he defended fellow Republicans — led by President Donald Trump — who insist on calling the coronavirus by the racist term the “ Chinese Virus.
” The lawmaker told a reporter on Wednesday that China was to blame for the coronavirus “ because the culture where people eat bats and snakes and dogs and things like that , these viruses are transmitted from the animal to the people and that ’ s why China has been the source of a lot of these viruses like SARS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now the coronavirus.
” “ So I think they have a fundamental problem , and I don ’ t object to geographically identifying where it ’ s coming from , ” he added .
When the reporter told Cornyn that many Asian Americans feel the term “ Chinese Virus ” is racist , he replied : “ Oh , I disagree .
We ’ re not talking about Asians , we ’ re talking about China where these viruses emanate from and which have created this pandemic.
” Twitter users swiftly rebuked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( which was first reported in Saudi Arabia ) and the H1N1 “ swine flu ” ( which was first detected in the U.S. ) .
“ Just so we ’ re all clear : In the middle of a global pandemic , a sitting senator is scapegoating an entire country and peddling racist lies that could very well lead to hate crimes , ” tweeted former Labor Secretary Robert Reich .
Check out Cornyn ’ s comments in the video above and the responses here : Hey @ JohnCornyn “ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there.
” is factually false and worse is a clear rallying call for idiots to go after people who look Asian .
There are Asian kids out here just trying to live you reckless moron .
https : //t.co/0PBGC9XKLJ — Ronny Chieng ( @ ronnychieng ) March 18 , 2020 My wife is from Taiwan , so my kids are half-Chinese .
Because of racist assholes like @ JohnCornyn & @ realDonaldTrump , their classmates are already blaming them for the virus & asking if they eat bats .
My 9 year old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it was true .
It 's heart-breaking .
— Cenk Uygur ( @ cenkuygur ) March 18 , 2020 John Cornyn needs to lose his Senate seat this Fall .
He 's an accomplice in pushing Trump 's racist sideshow to distract us from how badly the president has handled this crisis .
He 's also spewing a bunch of flat-out lies here about the origins of different viruses .
https : //t.co/JbrY8FySfO — Adam Best ( @ adamcbest ) March 19 , 2020 Just so we 're all clear : In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sitting senator is scapegoating an entire country and peddling racist lies that could very well lead to hate crimes .
Unseat John Cornyn in November .
https : //t.co/pw7A1ytQAX — Robert Reich ( @ RBReich ) March 18 , 2020 .
@ JohnCornyn does n't care enough about USA deaths from COVID-19 to bother checking facts before ranting .
MERS ( Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ) is Saudi .
Swine flu is name of post-09 epidemic of A/H1N1 .
Same virus earlier from USA , Russia , Burma , India etc .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kurt Eichenwald ( @ kurteichenwald ) March 18 , 2020 So I ’ m assuming going forward @ JohnCornyn would have no issue with referring to every # MassShooting as a “ White Mass Shooting ” since virtually every mass shooting is perpetrated by a white guy ... must be something about their “ culture ” ... https : //t.co/a0UrY3fvwl — Kurt Bardella ( @ kurtbardella ) March 18 , 2020 John Cornyn ’ s comments are disgusting , dangerous , and racist .
Asian Americans have already been the victims of hate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party ’ s racism .
We will vote Cornyn out in November .
Help us here : https : //t.co/JscRvDLjvQ https : //t.co/IKFKXLjIpG — Texas Democrats ( @ texasdemocrats ) March 19 , 2020 There 's a word for this : xenophobia .
Texas communities deserve better than racist dog whistles , and Americans are looking for leadership and solutions .
It 's time to unify , not divide on racist lines and point fingers .
Please stop making things worse and get back to work .
https : //t.co/zIoRae5euw — MJ Hegar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 1/ This is obviously racist , but it ’ s also an opportunistic gimmick to change the subject away from Trump ’ s massive managerial failures on corona .
The Trump GOP has already discounted the costs of racist signaling ; this stuff wo n't lose them any voters they have n't already lost .
https : //t.co/EwNdPzvveD — Robert E Kelly ( @ Robert_E_Kelly ) March 19 , 2020

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Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) faced fierce backlash on social media after he defended fellow Republicans — led by President Donald Trump — who insist on calling the coronavirus by the racist term the “Chinese Virus.”
Cornyn also drew scorn for falsely linking China to other public health crises.
The lawmaker told a reporter on Wednesday that China was to blame for the coronavirus “because the culture where people eat bats and snakes and dogs and things like that, these viruses are transmitted from the animal to the people and that’s why China has been the source of a lot of these viruses like SARS, like MERS, the swine flu and now the coronavirus.”
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“So I think they have a fundamental problem, and I don’t object to geographically identifying where it’s coming from,” he added.
When the reporter told Cornyn that many Asian Americans feel the term “Chinese Virus” is racist, he replied: “Oh, I disagree. We’re not talking about Asians, we’re talking about China where these viruses emanate from and which have created this pandemic.”
Twitter users swiftly rebuked the senator, fact-checking his claims about MERS (which was first reported in Saudi Arabia) and the H1N1 “swine flu” (which was first detected in the U.S.).
“Just so we’re all clear: In the middle of a global pandemic, a sitting senator is scapegoating an entire country and peddling racist lies that could very well lead to hate crimes,” tweeted former Labor Secretary Robert Reich.
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Check out Cornyn’s comments in the video above and the responses here:
Hey @JohnCornyn “This is Chinese culture and every disease comes from there.” is factually false and worse is a clear rallying call for idiots to go after people who look Asian. There are Asian kids out here just trying to live you reckless moron. https://t.co/0PBGC9XKLJ — Ronny Chieng (@ronnychieng) March 18, 2020
My wife is from Taiwan, so my kids are half-Chinese. Because of racist assholes like @JohnCornyn & @realDonaldTrump, their classmates are already blaming them for the virus & asking if they eat bats. My 9 year old son even came home & asked me if it was true. It's heart-breaking. — Cenk Uygur (@cenkuygur) March 18, 2020
John Cornyn needs to lose his Senate seat this Fall. He's an accomplice in pushing Trump's racist sideshow to distract us from how badly the president has handled this crisis. He's also spewing a bunch of flat-out lies here about the origins of different viruses. https://t.co/JbrY8FySfO — Adam Best (@adamcbest) March 19, 2020
Just so we're all clear: In the middle of a global pandemic, a sitting senator is scapegoating an entire country and peddling racist lies that could very well lead to hate crimes.
Unseat John Cornyn in November. https://t.co/pw7A1ytQAX — Robert Reich (@RBReich) March 18, 2020
.@JohnCornyn doesn't care enough about USA deaths from COVID-19 to bother checking facts before ranting.
MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) is Saudi.
Swine flu is name of post-09 epidemic of A/H1N1. Same virus earlier from USA, Russia, Burma, India etc. caused epidemics. https://t.co/GEiaoqdM2r — Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) March 18, 2020
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So I’m assuming going forward @JohnCornyn would have no issue with referring to every #MassShooting as a “White Mass Shooting” since virtually every mass shooting is perpetrated by a white guy ... must be something about their “culture” ... https://t.co/a0UrY3fvwl — Kurt Bardella (@kurtbardella) March 18, 2020
This is so disgusting, dangerous, ignorant and reckless.
Imagine being a Chinese American now. — Peter Zizzo (@pzizzo) March 18, 2020
John Cornyn is a racist piece of shit and this kind of scapegoating will lead to hate crimes https://t.co/JVHss2jMv4 — ryan cooper (@ryanlcooper) March 18, 2020
1) Swine Flu "was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009." - CDC https://t.co/ePLKPc77T2 https://t.co/dm4FB1Axth — 🌝 tanvi 🌝 (@Tanvim) March 18, 2020
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Neither swine flu nor MERS -- which literally stands for "Middle East Respiratory Syndrome" -- originated in China. https://t.co/is6YhyO5yf — Felicia Sonmez (@feliciasonmez) March 18, 2020
Swine Flu didn’t even originate in China. It started here in the United States, where we eat pigs. https://t.co/LKoItXxHKo — Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) March 18, 2020
John Cornyn’s comments are disgusting, dangerous, and racist. Asian Americans have already been the victims of hate crimes because of Trump and the Republican Party’s racism. We will vote Cornyn out in November.
Help us here:https://t.co/JscRvDLjvQ https://t.co/IKFKXLjIpG — Texas Democrats (@texasdemocrats) March 19, 2020
The Spanish Flu started in the US.
MERS and Swine Flu didn’t start in China.
Cornyn’s a racist and an ignoramus. https://t.co/15Lp0ClGRy — Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) March 19, 2020
There's a word for this: xenophobia.
Texas communities deserve better than racist dog whistles, and Americans are looking for leadership and solutions. It's time to unify, not divide on racist lines and point fingers. Please stop making things worse and get back to work. https://t.co/zIoRae5euw — MJ Hegar (@mjhegar) March 18, 2020
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1/ This is obviously racist, but it’s also an opportunistic gimmick to change the subject away from Trump’s massive managerial failures on corona. The Trump GOP has already discounted the costs of racist signaling; this stuff won't lose them any voters they haven't already lost. https://t.co/EwNdPzvveD — Robert E Kelly (@Robert_E_Kelly) March 19, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Democrats Introduce Bill To Expand Early And By-Mail Voting

WASHINGTON ― Democrats want to make it easier to vote in the face of unprecedented disruptions caused by the growing coronavirus pandemic by allowing voters in all 50 states to be able to vote by mail ahead of November ’ s general election .
Five states have already postponed primaries in response to the pandemic , citing the public health risk to voters and poll workers .
In the Illinois primary earlier this week , election officials saw depressed turnout in many counties .
Experts worry it could happen again if the spread of the disease continues unchecked .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Jeff Merkley joined Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , all Democrats , in introducing a bill to expand early in-person voting and no-excuse absentee vote-by-mail to all states .
It ’ s an idea Wyden , in particular , has been advocating for a long time .
“ If Ohio , Louisiana , Georgia , Maryland and Kentucky had vote by mail on the books years ago , they wouldn ’ t have had to cancel their elections .
It will give us the highest chance of avoiding delayed elections and ensuring Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one should have to put their health at risk to vote , ” Wyden said in a statement .
The bill would require that voters in all states have 20 days to vote early either in person or by absentee ballot .
It would also ensure that states begin processing votes cast 14 days before Election Day , in order to avoid lengthy counting delays seen in some large states like California .
Most states allow any qualified voter to cast an absentee ballot without offering an excuse .
But in one-third of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , limiting voters ’ ability to receive an absentee ballot .
Oregon was the first state to conduct its elections exclusively by mail .
The program is highly popular there and it works .
Oregon topped the charts for voter turnout in the 2018 midterm elections at 63 percent of eligible voters .
Three other states have since changed to an entirely vote-by-mail system : Washington , Colorado and Hawaii .
“ Luckily , mail-in-voting is a tried and true voting method that would allow Americans to vote without having to travel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s been massively successful in Oregon for nearly four decades , ” Merkley said in a statement .
“ Now is the time to bring this practice to the national stage so we can ensure that even during this crisis , the American people can safely exercise their sacred right to vote.
” The bill stands a slim chance of passage , however , even as the country grapples with the growing epidemic .
Republicans have steadily opposed similar efforts to expand voting by mail on a national level , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turnout would hurt them at the ballot box .
They ’ ve also pointed to limited instances of fraud as a reason to not go forward with the effort .
Most of the states that do not offer early voting or absentee ballots are controlled by Republican governors and legislatures , further limiting efforts to expand voting .

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WASHINGTON ― Democrats want to make it easier to vote in the face of unprecedented disruptions caused by the growing coronavirus pandemic by allowing voters in all 50 states to be able to vote by mail ahead of November’s general election.
Five states have already postponed primaries in response to the pandemic, citing the public health risk to voters and poll workers. In the Illinois primary earlier this week, election officials saw depressed turnout in many counties. Experts worry it could happen again if the spread of the disease continues unchecked.
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On Wednesday, Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, all Democrats, in introducing a bill to expand early in-person voting and no-excuse absentee vote-by-mail to all states. It’s an idea Wyden, in particular, has been advocating for a long time.
“If Ohio, Louisiana, Georgia, Maryland and Kentucky had vote by mail on the books years ago, they wouldn’t have had to cancel their elections. It will give us the highest chance of avoiding delayed elections and ensuring Americans can exercise their Constitutional rights. No one should have to put their health at risk to vote,” Wyden said in a statement.
The bill would require that voters in all states have 20 days to vote early either in person or by absentee ballot. It would also ensure that states begin processing votes cast 14 days before Election Day, in order to avoid lengthy counting delays seen in some large states like California.
Most states allow any qualified voter to cast an absentee ballot without offering an excuse. But in one-third of states, an excuse is currently required, limiting voters’ ability to receive an absentee ballot.
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Oregon was the first state to conduct its elections exclusively by mail. The program is highly popular there and it works. Oregon topped the charts for voter turnout in the 2018 midterm elections at 63 percent of eligible voters. Three other states have since changed to an entirely vote-by-mail system: Washington, Colorado and Hawaii.
“Luckily, mail-in-voting is a tried and true voting method that would allow Americans to vote without having to travel to polling places or gather in crowds ― and it’s been massively successful in Oregon for nearly four decades,” Merkley said in a statement. “Now is the time to bring this practice to the national stage so we can ensure that even during this crisis, the American people can safely exercise their sacred right to vote.”
The bill stands a slim chance of passage, however, even as the country grapples with the growing epidemic. Republicans have steadily opposed similar efforts to expand voting by mail on a national level, recognizing the widely acknowledged fact that increased turnout would hurt them at the ballot box. They’ve also pointed to limited instances of fraud as a reason to not go forward with the effort.
Most of the states that do not offer early voting or absentee ballots are controlled by Republican governors and legislatures, further limiting efforts to expand voting.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Republicans Unveil Massive Stimulus Bill To Aid Economy Slammed By Coronavirus

The bill would be the third and largest of the government ’ s response to the crisis .
On Wednesday , lawmakers passed and President Donald Trump signed into law Democratic legislation that makes coronavirus testing free , expands unemployment insurance benefits and provides paid leave to some displaced workers .
What the new legislation ultimately will look like hinges on high-stakes negotiations between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) ― whose track record on cooperation is hardly stellar .
Democrats have leverage over the final shape of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for passage and Republicans number 53 in the 100-seat Senate .
“ We need to take bold and swift action as soon as possible .
The Senate is not going anywhere until we take action , ” McConnell said Thursday , indicating that talks with Democrats over the funding package will soon begin .
The measure also would provide a direct payment to the majority of Americans , many of whom are struggling to make ends meet as a wide span of business and services have been forced to cease .
Taxpayers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjusted income would receive a maximum of $ 1,200 from the government ( couples earning less than $ 150,000 would get $ 2,400 ) .
Those amounts increase $ 500 for every child .
The “ recovery checks , ” as the proposal calls them , would scale down for taxpayers earning above $ 75,000 to a maximum of $ 99,000 in gross adjusted income , with those above that figure deemed ineligible for the government checks .
The bill also does not build on and expand the paid leave provisions in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , despite assurances that it would .
Millions of workers at large companies still are not eligible for sick leave or family leave under the Senate ’ s proposed bill .
The idea of sending Americans money to soften the blow of the economic downturn gained traction among both political parties over the last week and has been endorsed by Trump .
But some issues still must be resolved ― such as how soon the money can get into the pockets of Americans and whether the payments will give people enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan also includes $ 50 billion in loans for the badly struggling airline industry , as well as $ 150 billion in lending to other “ severely distressed sectors ” of the economy .
The fund would be controlled by the Treasury Department and could include bailouts to hotels , casinos , cruise lines , and the oil and gas industry .
We occasionally have these great crises and when they occur we are able to rise above our normal partisanship and , in many times , our normal positions because there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any taxpayer bailout to major industries include restrictions on corporate bonuses and stock buybacks .
Some are urging the administration to go even further by setting specific conditions ― like a $ 15 minimum wage ― to benefit workers that will apply beyond the coronavirus crisis .
The burden imposed by student debt “ has been going on for a long time .
It ’ s exacerbated by the crisis , ” Schumer said in a floor speech Thursday .
” We ’ ve got to help the students and those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP ’ s embrace of trillion-dollar spending and government bailouts has struck many as a wonder to behold , given their years-long opposition to such measures as former President Barack Obama took office in early 2009 facing similar economic fallout and millions of job losses because of the Great Recession .
Many GOP lawmakers who came to Washington on the back of the 2010 anti-spending Tea Party wave are now fully in support of direct stimulus .
“ We occasionally have these great crises and when they occur we are able to rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many times , our normal positions because there are not normal times , ” McConnell said this week when asked about the Republican reversal on spending .

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WASHINGTON ― Senate Republicans on Thursday outlined a massive emergency stimulus package totaling at least $1 trillion to prop up an economy paralyzed by the growing coronavirus outbreak and give a one-time check of financial relief to millions of Americans.
The bill would be the third and largest of the government’s response to the crisis. On Wednesday, lawmakers passed and President Donald Trump signed into law Democratic legislation that makes coronavirus testing free, expands unemployment insurance benefits and provides paid leave to some displaced workers.
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What the new legislation ultimately will look like hinges on high-stakes negotiations between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) ― whose track record on cooperation is hardly stellar. Democrats have leverage over the final shape of the bill because it will require 60 votes for passage and Republicans number 53 in the 100-seat Senate.
“We need to take bold and swift action as soon as possible. The Senate is not going anywhere until we take action,” McConnell said Thursday, indicating that talks with Democrats over the funding package will soon begin.
The GOP proposal includes hundreds of billions in loans for small businesses, many of which were forced to close in recent weeks to fight the spread of the highly contagious disease.
The measure also would provide a direct payment to the majority of Americans, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet as a wide span of business and services have been forced to cease. Taxpayers who earn less than $75,000 in gross adjusted income would receive a maximum of $1,200 from the government (couples earning less than $150,000 would get $2,400). Those amounts increase $500 for every child. The “recovery checks,” as the proposal calls them, would scale down for taxpayers earning above $75,000 to a maximum of $99,000 in gross adjusted income, with those above that figure deemed ineligible for the government checks.
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Notably, McConnell’s proposal would provide much less ― only $600 ― to millions of low-income Americans who pay little or no taxes, but who still had $2,500 in qualifying income.
The bill also does not build on and expand the paid leave provisions in the second coronavirus emergency bill that Trump signed on Wednesday, despite assurances that it would. Millions of workers at large companies still are not eligible for sick leave or family leave under the Senate’s proposed bill.
“Despite the president saying earlier this week that he wanted to expand the sick leave provision to workers in larger companies, there’s nothing here that would do that,” said Vicki Shabo, a senior fellow at the Washington-based New America think tank who specializes in paid leave policy.
The idea of sending Americans money to soften the blow of the economic downturn gained traction among both political parties over the last week and has been endorsed by Trump. But some issues still must be resolved ― such as how soon the money can get into the pockets of Americans and whether the payments will give people enough of a financial cushion.
The Republican plan also includes $50 billion in loans for the badly struggling airline industry, as well as $150 billion in lending to other “severely distressed sectors” of the economy. The fund would be controlled by the Treasury Department and could include bailouts to hotels, casinos, cruise lines, and the oil and gas industry.
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“We will be helping the airline industry. We will be helping ... the cruise ship industry,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday. “You don’t want to lose industries like this.”
“We occasionally have these great crises and when they occur we are able to rise above our normal partisanship and, in many times, our normal positions because there are not normal times.” - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Democrats are demanding that any taxpayer bailout to major industries include restrictions on corporate bonuses and stock buybacks. Some are urging the administration to go even further by setting specific conditions ― like a $15 minimum wage ― to benefit workers that will apply beyond the coronavirus crisis.
“Funds must come with strings attached to ensure that the money goes to maintain payroll, not to enrich shareholders or pay executive bonuses,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote in an op-ed this week.
Democrats on Tuesday unveiled their own opening bid for the fiscal package, calling for at least $750 billion to boost hospital capacity, unemployment insurance, small business assistance, child care, remote learning and food delivery, and to offer forbearance of all federal loans.
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On Wednesday, they released a plan to cancel student loan payments for the duration of the coronavirus emergency and provide a minimum $10,000 payoff for all federal student loan borrowers.
The burden imposed by student debt “has been going on for a long time. It’s exacerbated by the crisis,” Schumer said in a floor speech Thursday. ” We’ve got to help the students and those with big loans on their backs.”
The GOP’s embrace of trillion-dollar spending and government bailouts has struck many as a wonder to behold, given their years-long opposition to such measures as former President Barack Obama took office in early 2009 facing similar economic fallout and millions of job losses because of the Great Recession. Many GOP lawmakers who came to Washington on the back of the 2010 anti-spending Tea Party wave are now fully in support of direct stimulus.
“We occasionally have these great crises and when they occur we are able to rise above our normal partisanship and, in many times, our normal positions because there are not normal times,” McConnell said this week when asked about the Republican reversal on spending.
Emily Peck contributed reporting.
Keep up with the latest updates on the coronavirus at our live blog.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Anthony Fauci Has A Stark Wake-Up Call For Younger People Out Amid Coronavirus

Dr. Anthony Fauci , one of the nation ’ s top infectious disease experts and a leader in the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus , has a message for younger people out and about despite calls for social distancing .
“ You yourself could be in harm ’ s way , ” he said on CNN , noting that new cases show younger people can also suffer from serious illness as a result of the virus .
“ You ’ re not out of danger.
” Fauci , who is director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason for younger people to follow the “ social distancing ” guidelines to avoid crowds and limit contact with others .
“ You have a responsibility ― a societal responsibility ― to protect the vulnerable , ” he said , adding : “ You do that , interestingly , by not letting yourself get infected because you need to make sure that you don ’ t inadvertently pass on the infection to someone who would not fare as well as you fared because you ’ re young and healthy.
” Viral footage has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ― flocking to beaches for spring break and filling bars and clubs despite pleas from health authorities to stop .
Fauci , who is 79 , has been working 19 hours a day during the outbreak .
See his full interview with Chris Cuomo , which includes the latest developments in the hunt for a treatment , below :

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Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the nation’s top infectious disease experts and a leader in the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus, has a message for younger people out and about despite calls for social distancing.
“You yourself could be in harm’s way,” he said on CNN, noting that new cases show younger people can also suffer from serious illness as a result of the virus. “You’re not out of danger.”
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Fauci, who is director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also said there’s another reason for younger people to follow the “social distancing” guidelines to avoid crowds and limit contact with others.
“You have a responsibility ― a societal responsibility ― to protect the vulnerable,” he said, adding:
“You do that, interestingly, by not letting yourself get infected because you need to make sure that you don’t inadvertently pass on the infection to someone who would not fare as well as you fared because you’re young and healthy.”
Viral footage has shown some people ― often younger people ― flocking to beaches for spring break and filling bars and clubs despite pleas from health authorities to stop.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-19--Twitter Will Ban Tweets That Spread Misinformation About Coronavirus

Twitter said Wednesday it would take renewed action to clamp down on misinformation on the site , requiring people to remove tweets that deny health recommendations or promote ineffective or misleading health claims .
The change comes amid the ongoing spread of COVID-19 , or the novel coronavirus , that has infected more than 200,000 people .
“ As the entire world faces an unprecedented public health emergency , we want to be open about the challenges we are facing and the contingency measures we ’ re putting in place to serve the public conversation at this critical time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety policy .
Starting this week , the social media giant will broaden its definition of harmful content , which is banned on the site , to include denials of global or local health recommendations , established science about transmission , manipulation of the pandemic for the gain of a third party or material meant to incite action or cause widespread panic , among many other measures .
Twitter will also work to combat racism and xenophobia , saying claims such as “ avoid businesses owned by Chinese people ” would be against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users to visit its coronavirus “ events ” page to see up-to-date information about the ongoing pandemic .
The change is a new effort to squash misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak that has already spread like wildfire across the internet .
Earlier this week Facebook drew fire after briefly marking stories with information about the coronavirus as spam .
Facebook unveiled its own portal for coronavirus information on Wednesday , with Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg saying it would give people access to “ good information and trusted sources during the pandemic.
” It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s policies will be as they would apply to many messages already being shared around the site .
The company said it would use machine learning and a “ global content severity triage system ” to prioritize rule violations that “ present the biggest risk of harm.
” “ As we ’ ve said on many occasions , our approach to protecting the public conversation is never static .
That ’ s particularly relevant in these unprecedented times , ” the company said .
“ We intend to review our thinking daily and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here on any new clarifications to our rules or major changes to how we ’ re enforcing them .
”

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Twitter said Wednesday it would take renewed action to clamp down on misinformation on the site, requiring people to remove tweets that deny health recommendations or promote ineffective or misleading health claims. The change comes amid the ongoing spread of COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, that has infected more than 200,000 people.
“As the entire world faces an unprecedented public health emergency, we want to be open about the challenges we are facing and the contingency measures we’re putting in place to serve the public conversation at this critical time,” the company wrote in an updated safety policy.
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Starting this week, the social media giant will broaden its definition of harmful content, which is banned on the site, to include denials of global or local health recommendations, established science about transmission, manipulation of the pandemic for the gain of a third party or material meant to incite action or cause widespread panic, among many other measures. Twitter will also work to combat racism and xenophobia, saying claims such as “avoid businesses owned by Chinese people” would be against its rules.
The company also urged users to visit its coronavirus “events” page to see up-to-date information about the ongoing pandemic.
The change is a new effort to squash misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak that has already spread like wildfire across the internet. Earlier this week Facebook drew fire after briefly marking stories with information about the coronavirus as spam.
Facebook unveiled its own portal for coronavirus information on Wednesday, with Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg saying it would give people access to “good information and trusted sources during the pandemic.”
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It’s unclear how effective Twitter’s policies will be as they would apply to many messages already being shared around the site. The company said it would use machine learning and a “global content severity triage system” to prioritize rule violations that “present the biggest risk of harm.”