usatoday--2020-03-13--Trump, lawmakers reach deal on coronavirus economic relief package, Pelosi announces

Refresh here for updates on the response by Trump and lawmakers to the coronavirus pandemic WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced that several major cruise lines – Carnival , Royal Caribbean , Norwegian and MSC – would suspend operations for 30 days beginning at midnight Friday at his request .
“ It is a great and important industry – it will be kept that way !
” Trump said in a tweet .
Trump ’ s request came after two companies – Princess Cruises and Viking Cruises – suspended operations Thursday for 60 days .
The Department of Homeland Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The passengers of two Princess Cruises ships , Diamond Princess and Grand Princess , have been quarantined abroad and in the U.S. Nearly 700 people contracted coronavirus after being quarantined on board the Diamond Princess and at least 21 people have tested positive after being on Grand Princess .
The leading trade group , Cruise Lines International Association , had proposed greater screening for its passengers and to deny boarding for passengers at higher risk from the virus .
But Vice President Mike Pence said during a news conference announcing federal efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected from the industry .
“ We want to work with the cruise line industry to ensure that when we come through this , that cruise lines and the medical services that are available , and for the passengers and all of the crews , that cruise lines are safer than ever before and can prosper for many years to come , ” Pence said .
WASHINGTON – Democratic congressional leaders and the Trump administration have reached a deal on an economic package to help Americans cope with the impact of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who spent days negotiating it with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin .
The legislation would ensure sick leave for affected workers and include money for testing for Americans , including the uninsured .
Trump and lawmakers have been under pressure to ease fears over the spread of the deadly coronavirus , which has halted many parts of public life , forced the closure of schools and pummeled financial markets .
President Donald Trump , who has declared a national emergency , is expected to sign off on the deal shortly .
And a vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus Response Act could come within hours .
• Provide two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave .
• Beef up food assistance for needy families , including seniors , students and food banks .
• Increase Medicaid funding for local , state , tribal and territorial governments and health systems , to help cover response to the emergency which has claimed dozens of lives and infected hundreds across the country .
“ This legislation is about testing , testing , testing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a news release announcing the deal .
“ To stop the spread of the virus , we have secured free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test , including the uninsured .
We can not fight coronavirus effectively unless everyone in our country who needs to be tested can get their test free of charge.
” Trump : I 'most likely ' will be tested for coronavirus President Donald Trump said Friday that he would most likely be tested for coronavirus , though he said he had no symptoms of infection and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking at a Rose Garden news conference , Trump was pressed about his interactions with officials who have tested positive , including an official from Brazil who met with Trump recently at his Florida resort , Mar-a-Lago .
At one point a reporter asked if Trump was being “ selfish ” for not taking a test and self-isolating himself .
“ I think I ’ ll do it anyway , ” Trump responded .
“ We ’ re working on a schedule.
” Help for cruise companies and airlines ?
President Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal student loans .
He said the suspension would be in effect “ until further notice.
” Such a move could provide financial aid to workers experiencing reduced hours or layoffs .
Trump also said that with oil historically inexpensive after a recent plunge in prices , he has ordered the Energy Department to buy “ large quantities of crude oil ” for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve .
Such a move can help support prices for the beleaguered oil industry and ensure the nation has sufficient reserve stockpiles in the event of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 645 million barrels of oil .
Benchmark U.S. crude prices have fallen more than 30 % the past 10 days on shrinking global demand .
And Trump suggested the government could provide financial assistance to the ailing cruise line industry .
“ It ’ s an industry that ’ s very badly impacted because of what ’ s going on with the virus , ” he said , adding that the administration would probably help the cruise industry and the airlines if they ask .
Trump : ' I do n't take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When asked if he is responsible for the delay in availability of coronavirus tests , President Donald Trump said : `` I do n't take any responsibility at all . ''
`` We were given a set of circumstances , given rules , regulations , and specifications from a different time .
It was n't meant for this kind of an event , with the kind of numbers that we are talking about , '' Trump said .
`` What we 've done is redesign it very quickly , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration for a rule that limited third-party laboratories from developing and running tests , but the rule was actually put in place under the Trump administration , according to an Associated Press fact check this month .
New coronavirus website : Trump announces that Google will launch site The Trump administration reversed one of its own Food and Drug Administration policies that previously only authorized tests made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The new regulation allows labs to develop coronavirus tests before the FDA reviews them .
Draft FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for tighter regulation of lab tests , but that guidance , which did n't pertain to public health emergencies , never went into effect , according to the Associated Press .
President Donald Trump said Friday there is no deal yet on an emergency package to respond to the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic and accused Democrats of reneging on negotiations .
“ We just don ’ t think they ’ re giving enough , ” he said , but did not give specifics .
“ We thought we had something .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t agree to certain things they agreed to .
… They ’ re not doing what ’ s right for the country.
” Trump ’ s remarks in the Rose Garden came about an hour after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-CA , announced the House would move forward with a vote Friday on a sweeping package to confront the coronavirus .
The bill would include free testing for all Americans , including those uninsured , as well as two weeks of paid sick leave for those who have to skip work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also included expanded food assistance , such as seniors ’ meals , student lunches and food banks .
National emergency : What does Trump 's emergency declaration for coronavirus mean ?
Pelosi has spoken numerous times with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin in an effort to reach a deal .
One of the sticking points has been on the paid sick leave provisions .
Drew Hamill , Pelosi 's spokesman , tweeted that the House speaker and Mnuchin had their latest conversation during the news conference .
Stocks recovered Friday following a brutal week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national emergency to free up about $ 50 billion in federal aid to fight the fast-spreading coronavirus .
The Dow Jones industrial average finished the day up 1,985 points , or 9.4 % , a day after plunging 2,352 points , for its worst loss since its nearly 23 % drop on Oct. 19 , 1987 .
Stocks soars after wild week : In rebound , Dow up 1,900 points as Trump frees up aid to fight coronavirus President Donald Trump shook hands with an array of company executive who were invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news conference to discuss the coronavirus response – despite repeated advice from his own public health experts against such contact .
Only one company official , Bruce Greenstein of the home healthcare provider LHC Group , moved his hand away from Trump ’ s outstretched hand and offered an elbow instead .
“ I like that .
That 's good , '' Trump said a bit awkwardly after elbow-bumping Greenstein . '
I ’ m not concerned at all ' : Trump says he 's not worried as coronavirus arrives in DC area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus ; he had contact with Fabio Wajngarten , the communications secretary for Brazil 's president , who has tested positive for coronavirus .
Wajngarten was in Florida last weekend at Trump 's Mar-a-Lago resort , and he posted a photo of himself standing next to the American leader .
Trump has said publicly that he 's `` not concerned '' about the potential exposure , and the White House has said there 's no reason for him to be tested .
`` I do n't have any of the symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the emergency declaration would give broad authority for Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to waive provisions of laws and regulations to give doctors and hospital `` maximum flexibility to respond to the virus . ''
Under the declaration , Azar can : • Waive certain federal licensing requirements so doctors from other states can provide services • Waive requirements limiting hospitals to 25 beds or a stay of 96 hours • Allowing hospitals to bring additional physicians on board and obtain additional office space • Waive rules that restrict hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump , whose administration has been criticized heavily over a shortage of tests for coronavirus , promised to increase the number of tests but said administering them to everyone was not necessary .
`` Our overriding goal is to stop the spread of the virus and to help all Americans who have been impacted by this , '' Trump said .
`` Again , we do n't want everybody taking this test .
It 's totally unnecessary .
And this will pass .
This will pass through and we 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s emergency declaration will come with more than just money The most significant element of President Donald Trump ’ s emergency declaration will be federal disaster aid .
Trump said up to $ 50 billion would be made available .
Democrats and the Federal Emergency Management Agency had earlier estimated the number to be closer to $ 40 billion .
But it ’ s not just money .
Trump said his order would waive several key regulations .
Among them : • The order would waive rules so that telehealth can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in ways that will not require patients to come into a doctor ’ s office .
• The order would waive rules limiting the number of beds and length of stays in hospitals .
• The the order would waive rules about which parts of a hospital can treat patients , a move designed to deal with capacity and space if a large number of patients show up seeking care .
President Donald Trump announced plans to partner with pharmaceutical and retail companies to set up drive-through test sites for coronavirus in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand and deliver on the administration 's promise for wider access to testing .
He met with company executives Friday to discuss expanding access to testing through drive-through testing .
`` The goal is for individuals to drive up and be swabbed without having to leave your car , '' he said in a Rose Garden news conference .
By allowing people to remain in their car , health officials say it limits the chance for exposure .
Trump said the administration is working with Google to create a web portal to direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has faced mounting pressure from lawmakers to increase testing access as the coronavirus pandemic continues to intensify , prompting travel restrictions , school closures , suspension of professional sports leagues and market turmoil .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , admitted to lawmakers on Capitol Hill Wednesday that limited access to testing was `` a failing . ''
New Rochelle , a New York City suburb , became the first on the East Coast to open a drive-through testing facility Friday after it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent outbreak .
President Donald Trump declared a national emergency Friday to free up billions of dollars to combat the coronavirus as he sought to persuade anxious Americans and battered financial markets that he was responding forcefully to the crisis .
`` I am officially declaring a national emergency .
Two very big words , '' Trump told reporters in the Rose Garden .
As the outbreak has shuttered schools , sporting events and even Broadway , Trump has come under intense criticism for his handling of the pandemic , including an Oval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marred by factual errors .
Medical experts say there ’ s an acute shortage of coronavirus testing kits , the number of infections has soared and Wall Street suffered its worst day Thursday since the financial crash of 1987 .
” The action I ’ m taking will open access up to $ 50 billion for states in our shared fight against his disease , ” Trump said , adding that he was ordering every state to open emergency operation centers .
`` This will pass , '' Trump said of the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stronger for it We ’ ve learned a lot.
” The emergency declaration comes as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has been negotiating with Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill on legislation to stem the economic fallout from the coronavirus .
About an hour before the president delivered his remarks , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the House would move forward with a vote Friday on a sweeping package to confront the coronavirus .
The bill would include free testing for all Americans , including those uninsured , as well as two weeks of paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the virus .
It would also include expanded food assistance , such as seniors ’ meals , student lunches and food banks .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House would move forward with a vote Friday on a sweeping package to confront the coronavirus .
The bill would include free virus testing for all Americans , including the uninsured , as well as two weeks of paid sick leave for those who have to skip work due to the virus .
It would also included expanded federal food assistance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lunches and food banks .
`` The three most important parts of this bill are : testing , testing , testing , ” she said in her televised remarks at the U.S. Capitol .
Pelosi has been in constant communication with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin , who is leading negotiations for the Trump administration .
Her remarks came amid reports that President Donald Trump is expected to declare a national emergency Friday over the coronavirus outbreak , a move that would enable federal officials to direct billions of dollars in federal disaster money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has killed dozens in the U.S. , canceled major sporting events , limited commercial travel , roiled stock markets and transformed everyday life around the globe .
President Donald Trump is expected to declare a national emergency Friday over the coronavirus outbreak , a move that would enable federal officials to direct billions of dollars in disaster money to responders fighting the virus , according to a senior administration official .
The declaration would be among a series of steps the administration is taking to try to boost the confidence of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump , who is scheduled to hold a news conference at 3 p.m. EDT , has been heavily criticized for the administration 's response , including problems rolling out test kits for the virus and an Oval Office speech he delivered Wednesday that exacerbated huge losses on Wall Street .
Investors were shaken by misstatements in the speech and what many saw as the lack of a broader strategy to address the crisis .
At the 3 p.m. news conference , Trump is also expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that would provide paid sick leave to workers , among other steps to blunt the impact on the economy of virus-related disruptions .
The national emergency is expected to be declared under the 1988 Stafford Act , which authorizes federal assistance to local governments , usually for natural disasters .
The Stafford Act is one several laws in a president 's extensive emergency powers toolkit .
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar declared a public health emergency over the virus in late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for states to redirect staff responding to the virus .
The nation 's Disaster Relief Fund has a balance of about $ 42 billion , according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency .
Debt relief , airline help under consideration , Mnuchin says Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said debt relief for student loans and help for the hard-hit airline industry are under consideration for the next coronavirus rescue package .
Speaking to CNBC as a deal was imminent on a separate , near-term package that includes paid emergency leave , Mnuchin said President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial markets .
• Congress and the administration have `` 100 things on our list ” for the next possible package , and added “ The president wants a stimulus package . ''
• Financial authorities are ready to provide liquidity to parts of the economy taking a hit from shutdowns .
• A “ big rebound ” in economic activity could come by the end of the year , drawing a contrast with the Great Recession that began after the 2008 market meltdown .
• `` This is not like financial crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will end .
... By the end of the year , we 're going to expect we 're going to have a big rebound in economic activity , '' he said .
• Asked about suspending student debt of three months , Mnuchin said : `` That 's on our list of 50 different items we 're bringing to the president for a decision . ''
He added : “ We 're like in the second inning of getting things done .
We 'll be passing more legislation . ''
• He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That is the next priority on my list , '' Mnuchin said while also mentioning hotels , the cruise industry and small businesses .
• Tariff rollbacks are not under consideration by Trump .
Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced Friday he has requested to delay the state 's presidential primary for two months due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic .
The presidential primary was slated for April 4 , but will be moved to June 20 .
2020 race : :How coronavirus is changing the 2020 presidential campaign for Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a press conference , said there are provisions in place that allow for the delay of primaries and early voting in “ declared states of emergency '' as a way to `` protect the integrity of the electoral process ” “ Today I have certified that the state of emergency exists and requested that the government issue an executive order postponing the elections this spring , ” he said .
According to the Monroe , La.
, News Star , Gov .
John Bel Edwards will grant the delay .
Louisiana is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay its primaries due to coronavirus .
Former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s campaign released a statement in response to Louisiana ’ s primary delay , saying that “ our elections can be conducted safely in consultation with public health officials.
” “ Voting is at the very heart of who we are as a democracy , ” Biden deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield said in a statement .
“ If voters are feeling healthy , not exhibiting symptoms , and don ’ t believe they 've been exposed to COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and six other world leaders will hold a virtual summit Monday to coordinate a global response to the coronavirus , French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday .
The videoconference of G-7 leaders will focus on research efforts to find a vaccine , as well as an economic response to the crisis , which has rocked global markets and sparked fears of a recession .
Following a call with Trump , “ we agreed to organize an extraordinary Leaders Summit by video conference on Monday on Covid-19 , ” Macron announced on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus on Friday , he announced on Twitter .
Trump said he would hold a press conference at 3 p.m. EDT .
It comes as the White House is negotiating with House Democrats on a bill intended to limit the economic impact of the virus , and as the administration is scrambling to increase the number of coronavirus tests available to the public .
Trump has significantly ramped up the number of times he has taken questions in a press conference setting since the coronavirus spread to the U.S .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take questions on his administration ’ s response .
He appeared in the briefing room again earlier this week but did not take questions .
The president otherwise has a relatively light public schedule , though the White House official schedule rarely reflects the totality of the president ’ s activities .
Other than the press conference , Trump is expected to meet with “ industry executives ” on the virus at 1:30 p.m. EDT .
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin sounded a positive note Friday morning , saying a deal on a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re very close to getting this done , ” he told CNBC .
Mnuchin has been the lead negotiator for the White House on the deal , speaking frequently with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , over the past 24 hours .
Pelosi said the deal , which is expected to provide free coronavirus testing , paid emergency leave and increased unemployment coverage , is expected to come to the House floor for a vote Friday .
Despite Mnuchin ’ s optimism about a sweeping deal , he also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worsening situation .
“ People should understand the numbers ( of infections ) are going to go up before they go down , ” he said Mnuchin said after this deal is reached , he expects the administration will come back to Congress in the coming weeks for a package of economic stimulus measures ( Trump has been pushing for a payroll tax cut ) which he predicted would lift the country .
“ We will get through this and the economy will be stronger than ever when we get through this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the year , we ’ re going to have a big rebound in economic activity.
” President Donald Trump lashed out at Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell to lower rates after repeating his call for Congress to include a payroll tax cut in a sweeping , multibillion-dollar package in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic .
`` The Federal Reserve must FINALLY lower the Fed Rate to something comparable to their competitor Central Banks . ''
Trump wrote Friday .
`` Jay Powell and group are putting us at a decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been this way .
Also , STIMULATE ! ''
Trump also renewed calls for a payroll tax cut holiday on Friday as House Democrats and administration officials signaled they were close to reaching a deal .
`` If you want to get money into the hands of people quickly & efficiently , let them have the full money that they earned , APPROVE A PAYROLL TAX CUT until the end of the year , December 31 , '' Trump tweeted .
`` Then you are doing something that is really meaningful .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ! ''
Democrats dismissed the proposal of payroll tax cuts , which are taken from workers ' paychecks to fund Social Security and Medicare .
The president has particularly failed to shore up support among Senate Republicans .
He first pitched the idea to Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill Monday and again proposed it during an Oval Office address to the nation Wednesday The House appears close to approving a massive federal response to confront the intensifying coronavirus pandemic that has killed dozens across the U.S. , roiled financial markets and disrupted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Nancy Pelosi late Thursday said congressional leaders and the White House were close to finalizing a deal on a sweeping , multibillion-dollar package that would guarantee free testing for all Americans – including the uninsured – and expand worker protections such as sick leave and unemployment insurance .
Final details of the sweeping package could be unveiled by late Friday morning , with a vote by the full House possibly later in the day , Pelosi said .
Coronavirus questions : You asked us tons of questions about the coronavirus .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the essence , and this bill must be passed and sent to the Senate , ” she said in a statement issued late Thursday .
“ The House will then get to work on a third emergency response package that will take further effective action that protects the health , economic security and well-being of the American people.
” According to a press release from Pelosi , the measure would : • Mandate free testing “ for everyone who needs a test , including the uninsured . ''
• Set aside up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and up to three months of paid family and medical leave for workers affected by the coronavirus contamination .
• Expand unemployment benefits to workers sent home due to the crisis .
• Ensure availability of food assistance such as SNAP , student meals , seniors ’ nutrition and food banks .
Democrats were able to place a temporary hold on work requirements under SNAP during the public health crisis .
• Provide federal Medicaid funds to help states defray costs associated with the crisis .
Even if it passes Friday and gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , enacting all the measures will take time .
The tremendous shortage of fully complete test kits , for example , means access remains a major hurdle even if the cost of the procedure is covered by private insurers or the government .
Still , the deal would represent a major breakthrough and a shot of confidence intended to calm rattled markets and anxious Americans .
Pelosi , who had several conversations throughout Thursday with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin , told reporters outside her office Thursday night that both sides have “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remaining issues can be settled in future bills .
Pelosi said she was particularly stunned by the sudden cratering of the financial markets , which have nosedived in recent weeks and deepened worries about a possible recession due to the rapidly spreading virus .
The Standard & Poor 's 500 entered a bear market for the first time since the financial crisis , and the Dow endured its biggest one-day percentage drop since the 1987 crash .
“ That was very shocking , ” Pelosi said of the markets .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because what we 're trying to do is be a positive . ''
The aggressive approach comes a day after Trump announced a suspension of all air travel from the European Union to the U.S. for 30 days , starting midnight Friday .
The bill is being considered a week after Congress passed an $ 8.3 billion package that includes more than $ 3 billion for research and the development of vaccines and $ 2.2 billion that will help in prevention , preparedness and response .
It also allocates $ 1 billion for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which would go to specific cities .
Each state would receive no less than $ 4 million .
Phoning into `` CBS This Morning '' from a self-imposed quarantine , Sen. Ted Cruz , R-Texas , said he would extend his self-quarantine after learning he came into contact with another individual who tested positive for the coronavirus .
Cruz , who self-quarantined earlier this month after interacting with a person at the Conservative Political Action Conference who later tested positive , told CBS he would self-quarantine until March 17 .
The Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' but had interacted with a `` second individual who has tested positive – a Spanish government official who came to my office in D.C. '' '' On March 3 I had a meeting in the conference room with him for about 20 minutes , '' Cruz said , noting he had not been tested for the virus because he had no symptoms .
Cruz and two other Republican lawmakers quarantined themselves after coming into contact with an infected individual at CPAC in National Harbor , Maryland .
Rep. Paul Gosar , R-Ariz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Mark Meadows , R-N.C. , and Rep. Matt Gaetz , R-Fla. , have also self-quarantined .
Facing pressure for his own administration ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic , President Donald Trump is increasingly slamming the efforts under his predecessor to prepare for an outbreak – often with dubious claims .
Trump started his latest attack on President Barack Obama with a tweet late Thursday that repeated a narrative that has increasingly cropped among his supporters : That Obama “ took 6 months ” to declare a national emergency to respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The claim overlooks the fact that Obama , just like Trump , declared a public health emergency early in the swine flu outbreak .
That designation from Obama came in April 2009 , before the H1N1 virus was declared a pandemic and at a time when there were only 20 cases in the U.S. For the coronavirus , the Trump administration declared a public health emergency in January .
A public health emergency is different – and less significant – than a national emergency .
Obama declared a national emergency about six months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has yet to declare a national emergency for coronavirus .
Trump continued the attack on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a tweet early Friday morning .
“ For decades the @ CDCgov looked at , and studied , its testing system , but did nothing about it , ” Trump claimed .
“ President Obama made changes that only complicated things further.
” The Trump administration has been under enormous pressure , including from governors and members of his own party , to speed up the distribution of coronavirus tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , acknowledged Thursday that the testing system is “ failing.
” But it ’ s not accurate that an Obama-era rule limited third-party laboratories from developing and running tests for the coronavirus during an emergency , according to an Associated Press fact check this month .
The Trump administration reversed a policy that its own Food and Drug Administration put in place , the Associated Press said .
That new regulation allows labs to develop coronavirus tests before the agency reviews them .
Previously , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC .
Draft FDA guidance considered during the Obama administration called for tighter regulation of laboratory tests but that guidance , which did not pertain to public health emergencies , never went into effect , the Associated Press said .

Ledyard King, John Fritze and Courtney Subramanian, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-03-13--What is a national emergency?

What is a national emergency?

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to fight the coronavirus pandemic .
Here 's what that actually means .

What is a national emergency?
President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Here's what that actually means.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-03-13--Trump says he 'most likely' will be tested for coronavirus

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Friday that he would `` most likely '' be tested for coronavirus , but not because of people he 's recently interacted with who have either contracted the virus or been exposed to it .
Speaking at a Rose Garden news conference where he declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic , Trump was pressed about his interactions with officials who have tested positive , including an official from Brazil who was photographed and dined with Trump recently at his Florida resort , Mar-a-Lago .
“ Not for that reason but because I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Trump said of news of the Brazilian official .
“ Fairly soon , we ’ re working out a schedule.
” He said White House doctors said because he has shown no symptoms of infection , a test is not required .
Trump also said Americans should n't request a test unless their physicians think one is necessary .
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced on social media Friday that he tested negative for the virus , shooting down a media report that said he initially tested positive a week after he met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fabio Wajngarten , Bolsonaro 's communications secretary , tested positive for the coronavirus and that result has been `` confirmed by a retest , '' Bolsonaro 's office said in a statement Thursday .
`` I have no idea who he is , '' Trump said .
`` I have n't seen the picture .
But I take a picture with somebody and I take sometimes hundred of pictures a day and that night I was taking hundreds of pictures . ''
Trump confirmed Bolsonaro 's statements during his Rose Garden address and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Mar-a-Lago meeting showed `` no symptoms whatsoever . ''
`` We had a great meeting with the president of Brazil , Bolsonaro , great guy . ''
Trump said .
`` And , as you know , he tested negative , meaning nothing wrong this morning and we got that word , too .
Because we did have dinner with him .
We were sitting next to each other for a long period of time . ''
Earlier on Friday , the White House said in a statement that Ivanka Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser , was working from home after coming into contact with an Australian official who announced he was diagnosed with COVID-19 .
The White House said Friday afternoon in a statement that Ivanka Trump has no symptoms , but she was working from home `` out of an abundance of caution until guidance was given . ''
The latest examples underscore the difficulty of preventing Trump and other government officials from exposure to the fast-spreading coronavirus .
Despite his interactions with those who have tested positive or have been exposed to others who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` not concerned '' about contracting the virus .
Several of Trump 's congressional allies – including his incoming chief of staff Mark Meadows , Rep. Matt Gaetz , R-Fla. , and Rep. Doug Collins , R-Ga. – have quarantined themselves after coming into contact with an individual who tested positive coronavirus at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month – where Trump also spoke .

Courtney Subramanian and John Fritze, USA TODAY

Trump says he 'most likely' will be tested for coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: National emergency declared by President Trump President Donald Trump declared a national emergency, a move that would enable federal officials to direct billions of dollars to fighting the virus. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Friday that he would "most likely" be tested for coronavirus, but not because of people he's recently interacted with who have either contracted the virus or been exposed to it.
Speaking at a Rose Garden news conference where he declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, Trump was pressed about his interactions with officials who have tested positive, including an official from Brazil who was photographed and dined with Trump recently at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago.
“Not for that reason but because I think I will do it anyway,” Trump said of news of the Brazilian official. “Fairly soon, we’re working out a schedule.”
He said White House doctors said because he has shown no symptoms of infection, a test is not required. Trump also said Americans shouldn't request a test unless their physicians think one is necessary.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced on social media Friday that he tested negative for the virus, shooting down a media report that said he initially tested positive a week after he met with Trump at his Florida resort.
Fabio Wajngarten, Bolsonaro's communications secretary, tested positive for the coronavirus and that result has been "confirmed by a retest," Bolsonaro's office said in a statement Thursday.
"I have no idea who he is," Trump said. "I haven't seen the picture. But I take a picture with somebody and I take sometimes hundred of pictures a day and that night I was taking hundreds of pictures."
Trump confirmed Bolsonaro's statements during his Rose Garden address and added that members of his delegation present for the Mar-a-Lago meeting showed "no symptoms whatsoever."
"We had a great meeting with the president of Brazil, Bolsonaro, great guy." Trump said. "And, as you know, he tested negative, meaning nothing wrong this morning and we got that word, too. Because we did have dinner with him. We were sitting next to each other for a long period of time."
Earlier on Friday, the White House said in a statement that Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter and senior adviser, was working from home after coming into contact with an Australian official who announced he was diagnosed with COVID-19.
The White House said Friday afternoon in a statement that Ivanka Trump has no symptoms, but she was working from home "out of an abundance of caution until guidance was given."
Trump: 'Not concerned' about Brazilian official President Donald Trump says he's "not concerned" that a senior Brazilian official who attended weekend events with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida has tested positive for the coronavirus. (March 12) AP
The latest examples underscore the difficulty of preventing Trump and other government officials from exposure to the fast-spreading coronavirus. Despite his interactions with those who have tested positive or have been exposed to others who have, Trump said Thursday he was "not concerned" about contracting the virus.
Several of Trump's congressional allies – including his incoming chief of staff Mark Meadows, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga. – have quarantined themselves after coming into contact with an individual who tested positive coronavirus at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month – where Trump also spoke.


usatoday--2020-03-13--President Donald Trump declares "up to $50 billion" coronavirus national emergency

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency , a move that would enable federal officials to direct billions of dollars @ @ @ @ @

Coronavirus: National emergency declared by President Trump
President Donald Trump declared a national emergency, a move that would enable federal officials to direct billions of dollars to fighting the virus.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-03-13--Biden, Sanders take podium in presidential-style addresses to lay out coronavirus plans

WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders , the two top Democratic presidential candidates , on Thursday looked to spell out precisely what made them the best candidate to handle a world crisis like coronavirus .
In livestreamed speeches standing behind lecterns , both Biden and Sanders laid out how their administrations would tackle the growing pandemic .
Their remarks came less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump announced he was going to suspend travel from EU countries for non-U.S. citizens during the next 30 days to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday left aides scrambling to correct several points , and as of Thursday , there was no plan in place from lawmakers on Capitol Hill to move forward with .
“ When I 'm president , we will be better prepared , respond better and recover better , ” Biden told reporters at a press conference in Delaware .
Sanders a few hours later echoed the sentiments of his Democratic counterpart .
“ Now is the time for solidarity .
Now is the time to come together with love and compassion for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our society , who will face this pandemic , ” Sanders told reporters at a press conference in Vermont .
“ Unfortunately , in this time of international crisis , it is clear to me at least , that we have an administration that is largely incompetent and whose incompetence and recklessness have threatened the lives of many , many people in our country.
” The plans outline key areas , such as the economy , lack of information on coronavirus and lack of resources in the health care industry , that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to address in a meaningful way .
In Biden ’ s plan , the former vice president says his administration would work to stop misinformation about coronavirus that has caused confusion and discrimination , increase testing for coronavirus and make the tests free , ensure hospitals can handle the surge of expected patients , expand paid family leave for those who get sick and offer economic relief for those who lose their job during this crisis .
Sanders offered similar points but said first that Trump should declare a national emergency .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure the public and private sectors are working together to relay correct and accurate information to the public , including what symptoms to watch for , and make a vaccine or other effective treatment is free when it ’ s developed , and also offer economic assistance such as paid family and medical leave and unemployment assistance .
New legislation aimed at helping Americans get through the coronavirus has yet to be passed by Congress .
And following Trump 's Wednesday night address , there was another day of massive losses on Wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans hurried to catch flights back to the United States .
Nearly half surveyed in a new USA TODAY/Ipsos Poll said the new coronavirus , also known as COVID-19 , posed a high level of threat to the stock market and to the global economy .
Comparatively , just 15 % said it was a high threat to them personally .
Both Sanders and Biden expressed hope amid the growing crisis .
“ Now in the difficult days ahead , I know that this country will summon the spirit , the empathy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Biden said .
“ Because in times of crisis the American people , always , always stand as one if told the truth.
” Sanders noted that while many are working from home , including him , Americans must not think that they are alone .
“ If there ever was a time in the modern history of our country when we are all in this together , this is that moment , ” Sanders said .

Biden, Sanders take podium in presidential-style addresses to lay out coronavirus plans
Show Caption Hide Caption Watch: Biden delivers address on coronavirus in Wilmington Joe Biden spoke in Wilmington on Thursday about the coronavirus and the way he thinks the government should deal with it. Damian Giletto, The News Journal
WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, the two top Democratic presidential candidates, on Thursday looked to spell out precisely what made them the best candidate to handle a world crisis like coronavirus.
In livestreamed speeches standing behind lecterns, both Biden and Sanders laid out how their administrations would tackle the growing pandemic.
Their remarks came less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump announced he was going to suspend travel from EU countries for non-U.S. citizens during the next 30 days to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. His speech from the Oval Office Wednesday left aides scrambling to correct several points, and as of Thursday, there was no plan in place from lawmakers on Capitol Hill to move forward with.
“When I'm president, we will be better prepared, respond better and recover better,” Biden told reporters at a press conference in Delaware.
Sanders a few hours later echoed the sentiments of his Democratic counterpart.
“Now is the time for solidarity. Now is the time to come together with love and compassion for all, including the most vulnerable people in our society, who will face this pandemic,” Sanders told reporters at a press conference in Vermont. “Unfortunately, in this time of international crisis, it is clear to me at least, that we have an administration that is largely incompetent and whose incompetence and recklessness have threatened the lives of many, many people in our country.”
Is the U.S. prepared for a coronavirus pandemic? A previous version of this video incorrectly stated how many people the 1918 Spanish influenza killed. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Response to Trump's coronavirus address: Another market plunge, airport chaos, anxious lawmakers
The plans outline key areas, such as the economy, lack of information on coronavirus and lack of resources in the health care industry, that the candidates believe the Trump administration has yet to address in a meaningful way.
In Biden’s plan, the former vice president says his administration would work to stop misinformation about coronavirus that has caused confusion and discrimination, increase testing for coronavirus and make the tests free, ensure hospitals can handle the surge of expected patients, expand paid family leave for those who get sick and offer economic relief for those who lose their job during this crisis.
Sanders offered similar points but said first that Trump should declare a national emergency. The Vermont senator also noted he would make sure the public and private sectors are working together to relay correct and accurate information to the public, including what symptoms to watch for, and make a vaccine or other effective treatment is free when it’s developed, and also offer economic assistance such as paid family and medical leave and unemployment assistance.
Live updates: Bernie Sanders lays out coronavirus plans, calls Trump's response 'largely incompetent'
New legislation aimed at helping Americans get through the coronavirus has yet to be passed by Congress. And following Trump's Wednesday night address, there was another day of massive losses on Wall Street and chaos at many airports as Americans hurried to catch flights back to the United States.
Nearly half surveyed in a new USA TODAY/Ipsos Poll said the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, posed a high level of threat to the stock market and to the global economy. Comparatively, just 15% said it was a high threat to them personally.
Both Sanders and Biden expressed hope amid the growing crisis.
“Now in the difficult days ahead, I know that this country will summon the spirit, the empathy, the decency and the unity needed,” Biden said. “Because in times of crisis the American people, always, always stand as one if told the truth.”
Sanders noted that while many are working from home, including him, Americans must not think that they are alone.
“If there ever was a time in the modern history of our country when we are all in this together, this is that moment,” Sanders said.


usatoday--2020-03-13--House approves measure to limit President Trump's war powers against Iran; veto expected

WASHINGTON – The House approved a resolution Wednesday that would bar President Donald Trump from launching a military attack against Iran without explicit congressional authorization .
The measure now goes to the White House , where Trump is expected to veto it .
The president has said it would undermine U.S. security and `` show weakness . ''
Supporters concede they do not have the two-thirds supermajority needed to override a veto .
But Wednesday 's 227-to-186 vote still marked a rare bipartisan effort to curb Trump 's war powers and underscored lawmakers ' lingering concerns that U.S. tensions with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Six Republicans joined 220 Democrats in supporting the war powers resolution .
The measure cleared the Senate last month with eight Republicans and all Democrats voting yes .
`` The American people do n't want war with Iran .
The Congress has not authorized war with Iran .
That should be crystal clear , '' Rep. Eliot Engel , chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , said during the House debate .
Engel , D-N.Y. , and other Democrats said Trump brought the United States to the brink of war with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeting Tehran ’ s most powerful military leader , Gen. Qasem Soleimani , on Jan. 2 .
Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles at an Iraqi air base housing American troops , which left more than 100 service members with traumatic brain injuries .
`` This is n't deterrence , '' Engel said , noting that Iran has also increased its uranium enrichment stockpile .
`` We 're now closer to a war with a country that 's closer to possessing a nuclear weapon . ''
The Trump administration and its Republican allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undermine Trump 's ability to respond to Iranian aggression .
`` This political war powers resolution is based on a false premise , '' said Rep. Michael McCaul , the top GOP lawmaker on the Foreign Affairs Committee .
He said Trump has shown `` remarkable restraint '' in using military force and has made it clear he does n't want war with Iran .
`` Iran and its proxies are watching right now as we spin our wheels , '' McCaul said .
`` And what they see ... ( is ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the ability of our commander in chief to adequately respond to threats against Americans . ''
The White House has blasted the war powers measure as `` untimely and misguided . ''
In a statement threatening a veto , the White House said the U.S. `` is not currently engaged in any use of force against Iran , in part because of the sound policies and decisive , effective actions of this administration . ''
The chief author of the resolution , Sen. Tim Kaine , a Virginia Democrat , hailed Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of congressional authority on matters of war .
“ For years , Congress has abdicated its responsibility on matters of war , but now a bipartisan majority in both the Senate and House has made clear that we shouldn ’ t be engaged in hostilities with Iran without a vote of Congress , '' Kaine said .
He said his legislation doesn ’ t prevent Trump from defending America against imminent attack .
`` Rather , the resolution demands that the decision of whether or not we go on offense and send our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only be made after serious deliberation and a vote of Congress , '' he said .
`` If President Trump is serious about his promise to stop endless wars , he will sign this resolution into law .
”

House approves measure to limit President Trump's war powers against Iran; veto expected
Show Caption Hide Caption Senate acts to restrain Trump's powers against Iran A bipartisan Senate majority voted to pass a resolution Thursday limiting President Donald Trump from ordering future strikes against Iran without first seeking Congress' explicit permission. (Feb. 13) AP
WASHINGTON – The House approved a resolution Wednesday that would bar President Donald Trump from launching a military attack against Iran without explicit congressional authorization.
The measure now goes to the White House, where Trump is expected to veto it. The president has said it would undermine U.S. security and "show weakness."
Supporters concede they do not have the two-thirds supermajority needed to override a veto.
But Wednesday's 227-to-186 vote still marked a rare bipartisan effort to curb Trump's war powers and underscored lawmakers' lingering concerns that U.S. tensions with Iran could escalate into a full-fledged war. Six Republicans joined 220 Democrats in supporting the war powers resolution. The measure cleared the Senate last month with eight Republicans and all Democrats voting yes.
"The American people don't want war with Iran. The Congress has not authorized war with Iran. That should be crystal clear," Rep. Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during the House debate.
Engel, D-N.Y., and other Democrats said Trump brought the United States to the brink of war with Iran when he green-lighted a deadly strike targeting Tehran’s most powerful military leader, Gen. Qasem Soleimani, on Jan. 2. Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles at an Iraqi air base housing American troops, which left more than 100 service members with traumatic brain injuries.
"This isn't deterrence," Engel said, noting that Iran has also increased its uranium enrichment stockpile. "We're now closer to a war with a country that's closer to possessing a nuclear weapon."
Fact check: Trump talks the escalation of tensions with Iran in speech President Donald Trump spoke after Iran launched missiles on bases in Iraq where American troops are stationed. USA Today fact-checked his assertions. USA TODAY
The Trump administration and its Republican allies said the measure was unnecessary and would undermine Trump's ability to respond to Iranian aggression.
"This political war powers resolution is based on a false premise," said Rep. Michael McCaul, the top GOP lawmaker on the Foreign Affairs Committee.
He said Trump has shown "remarkable restraint" in using military force and has made it clear he doesn't want war with Iran.
"Iran and its proxies are watching right now as we spin our wheels," McCaul said. "And what they see ... (is) a divided America that does not fully support the ability of our commander in chief to adequately respond to threats against Americans."
The White House has blasted the war powers measure as "untimely and misguided."
In a statement threatening a veto, the White House said the U.S. "is not currently engaged in any use of force against Iran, in part because of the sound policies and decisive, effective actions of this administration."
The chief author of the resolution, Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, hailed Wednesday's vote as a long overdue assertion of congressional authority on matters of war.
“For years, Congress has abdicated its responsibility on matters of war, but now a bipartisan majority in both the Senate and House has made clear that we shouldn’t be engaged in hostilities with Iran without a vote of Congress," Kaine said. He said his legislation doesn’t prevent Trump from defending America against imminent attack.
"Rather, the resolution demands that the decision of whether or not we go on offense and send our troops into harm’s way should only be made after serious deliberation and a vote of Congress," he said. "If President Trump is serious about his promise to stop endless wars, he will sign this resolution into law.”


usatoday--2020-03-13--Mike Pence says 'thousands' more Americans will get coronavirus

WASHINGTON – Thousands more Americans will become infected with coronavirus , Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday in a round of media interviews in which he `` settled '' the question of whether the virus is more lethal than the seasonal flu .
Pence also acknowledged that congressional leaders have pressed the administration on why the United States didn ’ t use a coronavirus test kit developed by the World Health Organization .
Officials have previously admitted that testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention got off to a “ slow start.
” The vice president said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , briefed congressional leaders before President Donald Trump ’ s address to the nation Wednesday night .
Fauci told lawmakers it ’ s standard practice to develop its own tests instead of relying on the WHO , Pence said .
“ We ’ re the world leader in infectious diseases , ” Pence told NBC .
“ Our CDC and our FDA produce and approve tests through our incredible health care system.
” Soon after the tests were shipped in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flaw that prevented them from confirming test results .
That delayed rapid testing among state and local labs , just as the deadly respiratory virus gained a foothold among infected travelers returning to the United States .
Pence was asked whether he agreed with the assessment of the Capitol Hill physician whoreportedly , according to Axios , told aides this week that he expects roughly a third of the country to contract the virus .
Pence said there will be “ thousands ” more cases of coronavirus in the country while declining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll leave it to the experts to make the estimates of how many people may be infected , ” Pence told NBC .
“ We ’ re trying to hold that number down as much as possible.
” Fauci told a House oversight committee Wednesday that the number could reach “ many , many millions ” if “ we are complacent and don ’ t do really aggressive containment and mitigation.
” During Trump ’ s visit to the Senate Tuesday to meet with Republican lawmakers , he told reporters that the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calm .
It 's really working out .
And a lot of good things are going to happen , ” Trump said .
The president has previously said the mortality rate for the flu is “ much higher than ” for coronavirus .
Asked to “ settle ” the question of whether the virus is more lethal than the seasonal flu , Pence responded : “ It is.
” Fauci said on Wednesday that coronavirus is `` 10 times more lethal than the seasonal flu . ''
Pence 's series of television interviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address to the nation Wednesday in which he announced the U.S. is suspending travel from parts of Europe for 30 days .
Minutes after speaking , Trump had to clean up his remarks , clarifying that he was not proposing a ban on cargo from Europe .
Pence was asked on CNN why there was confusion .
He added to Trump ’ s announcement that the United States will be asking every American and legal resident who returns from Europe over the next 30 days to self quarantine for 14 days .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website where every state and territory can record the number of coronavirus tests conducted , he also said .
He ’ d been asked about the fact that testing figures reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate the number of tests have gone down since March 5 .
“ I don ’ t believe they are , ” Pence said .
“ I ’ m not saying they ’ re wrong .
I ’ m saying that they may not be complete because we don ’ t necessarily collect today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the tests that are being done.
” While people across the country continue to report difficulty in getting tested , Pence said he ’ s confident that commercial labs will be able to produce and distribute tests “ on a wide range across the country in the days ahead.
” Stimulus bill : Pelosi pushing for swift passage of coronavirus bill despite Republican concerns What it means : Coronavirus has been declared a pandemic

Mike Pence says 'thousands' more Americans will get coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption Is the U.S. prepared for a coronavirus pandemic? A previous version of this video incorrectly stated how many people the 1918 Spanish influenza killed. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Thousands more Americans will become infected with coronavirus, Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday in a round of media interviews in which he "settled" the question of whether the virus is more lethal than the seasonal flu.
Pence also acknowledged that congressional leaders have pressed the administration on why the United States didn’t use a coronavirus test kit developed by the World Health Organization. Officials have previously admitted that testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention got off to a “slow start.”
“It’s a fair question,” Pence told NBC’s “Today” show.
The vice president said that issue came up when he and Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, briefed congressional leaders before President Donald Trump’s address to the nation Wednesday night.
Fauci told lawmakers it’s standard practice to develop its own tests instead of relying on the WHO, Pence said.
“We’re the world leader in infectious diseases,” Pence told NBC. “Our CDC and our FDA produce and approve tests through our incredible health care system.”
Soon after the tests were shipped in early February, however, states discovered a flaw that prevented them from confirming test results. That delayed rapid testing among state and local labs, just as the deadly respiratory virus gained a foothold among infected travelers returning to the United States.
Pence was asked whether he agreed with the assessment of the Capitol Hill physician who reportedly, according to Axios, told aides this week that he expects roughly a third of the country to contract the virus.
Pence said there will be “thousands” more cases of coronavirus in the country while declining to be more specific.
“I'll leave it to the experts to make the estimates of how many people may be infected,” Pence told NBC. “We’re trying to hold that number down as much as possible.”
Fauci told a House oversight committee Wednesday that the number could reach “many, many millions” if “we are complacent and don’t do really aggressive containment and mitigation.”
During Trump’s visit to the Senate Tuesday to meet with Republican lawmakers, he told reporters that the virus “will go away.”
"Be calm. It's really working out. And a lot of good things are going to happen,” Trump said.
The president has previously said the mortality rate for the flu is “much higher than” for coronavirus.
Asked to “settle” the question of whether the virus is more lethal than the seasonal flu, Pence responded: “It is.” Fauci said on Wednesday that coronavirus is "10 times more lethal than the seasonal flu."
Pence's series of television interviews Thursday following Trump’s Oval Office address to the nation Wednesday in which he announced the U.S. is suspending travel from parts of Europe for 30 days.
Minutes after speaking, Trump had to clean up his remarks, clarifying that he was not proposing a ban on cargo from Europe.
Pence was asked on CNN why there was confusion.
“I don’t think there’s confusion,” Pence responded.
Travel restrictions: Trump clarifies comments on Europe travel
He added to Trump’s announcement that the United States will be asking every American and legal resident who returns from Europe over the next 30 days to self quarantine for 14 days.
The administration is working on a central reporting website where every state and territory can record the number of coronavirus tests conducted, he also said.
He’d been asked about the fact that testing figures reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate the number of tests have gone down since March 5.
“I don’t believe they are,” Pence said. “I’m not saying they’re wrong. I’m saying that they may not be complete because we don’t necessarily collect today all the information from state laboratories about all the tests that are being done.”
While people across the country continue to report difficulty in getting tested, Pence said he’s confident that commercial labs will be able to produce and distribute tests “on a wide range across the country in the days ahead.”
“We’re making great progress,” he said.
Stimulus bill: Pelosi pushing for swift passage of coronavirus bill despite Republican concerns
What it means: Coronavirus has been declared a pandemic