usatoday--2020-04-17--Report: Trump's attacks on the press 'dangerously undermined truth and consensus'

WASHINGTON – A new report says President Donald Trump and his administration 's attack on the press `` dangerously undermined truth and consensus in a deeply divided country . ''
The study from the Committee to Protect Journalists was authored by Leonard Downie Jr. , former executive editor of The Washington Post .
The report is based on interviews with nearly 40 journalists , academics , media lawyers , and press freedom advocates .
It also included comments from Michael Dubke , who served briefly as Trump 's White House communications director .
Dubke largely defended Trump 's disdain for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president was surprised by negative coverage as he began his political career because he felt he had a good relationship with the press as a New York real estate developer .
Dubke also argued that Trump has been the most accessible president in decades .
However , Dubke conceded that , `` What concerns me is that authoritarian leaders who had already placed restrictions on their press are using President Trump 's words to justify what they are doing .
It 's convenient for them to do so . ''
'Chinatown is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's tweet at Pelosi is met with criticism online More : Trump spars with CBS reporter , calls her 'disgraceful ' for questioning early coronavirus response The CPJ report cited a long list of examples of Trump demeaning the press .
These include Trump belittling reporter 's questions the Justice Department investigating journalists ’ sources , calls for changes in libel laws to punish reporting he dislikes , and ending the White House daily press briefings for more than a year .
“ We now have some of the best news organizations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steiger , former editor of The Wall Street Journal and founder of nonprofit news organization ProPublica , said in the report .
“ But Trump has created a climate in which the best news , most fact-checked news is not being believed by many people.
” The report cites two major Pew Research Center studies to further highlight it 's findings .
One says that a plurality of Republicans consistently distrusted most of the news media , with exceptions for outlets Trump supports , like Fox News and radio-host Rush Limbaugh .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP senator not invited on Trump 's new coronavirus advisory group '' Trump devoted increasing amounts of time to angrily denouncing the press at his large rallies of ardent supporters around the country , encouraging the boisterous crowds to react .
He regularly pointed to the mass of reporters , photographers , and videographers penned up in the raised press section behind the crowd , prompting people to turn around , boo , and shout things like , 'CNN sucks , ' '' the report reads .
It additionally highlights journalists and news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when CNN was sent a package-bomb by a supporter .
The second poll , conducted in mid-March , found that 62 % of all respondents said the news media exaggerated the risks from the coronavirus .
Downie writes that he believes the press has risen to the challenges of covering the pandemic , in spite of the hardships that they face .
“ Despite early public skepticism about the performance of the press , the audiences for broadcast network and cable news and newspaper websites have grown immensely , ” Downie wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s preoccupation with coverage of him and the intensity of his attacks on the press as the election nears.
” The report concludes with recommendations for the Trump administration , such as recognizing the importance of a free press , and to stop retaliating against and demeaning reporters and outlets .

Report: Trump's attacks on the press 'dangerously undermined truth and consensus'
Show Caption Hide Caption President Donald Trump gets defensive at coronavirus briefing President Donald Trump turned a coronavirus White House briefing into a defense of his response actions to the deadly pandemic and confronted media. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – A new report says President Donald Trump and his administration's attack on the press "dangerously undermined truth and consensus in a deeply divided country."
The study from the Committee to Protect Journalists was authored by Leonard Downie Jr., former executive editor of The Washington Post.
The report is based on interviews with nearly 40 journalists, academics, media lawyers, and press freedom advocates. It also included comments from Michael Dubke, who served briefly as Trump's White House communications director.
Dubke largely defended Trump's disdain for the press in the report, saying the president was surprised by negative coverage as he began his political career because he felt he had a good relationship with the press as a New York real estate developer. Dubke also argued that Trump has been the most accessible president in decades.
However, Dubke conceded that, "What concerns me is that authoritarian leaders who had already placed restrictions on their press are using President Trump's words to justify what they are doing. It's convenient for them to do so."
'Chinatown is not part of China': Trump's tweet at Pelosi is met with criticism online
More: Trump spars with CBS reporter, calls her 'disgraceful' for questioning early coronavirus response
The CPJ report cited a long list of examples of Trump demeaning the press. These include Trump belittling reporter's questions the Justice Department investigating journalists’ sources, calls for changes in libel laws to punish reporting he dislikes, and ending the White House daily press briefings for more than a year.
“We now have some of the best news organizations that the world has known,” Paul Steiger, former editor of The Wall Street Journal and founder of nonprofit news organization ProPublica, said in the report. “But Trump has created a climate in which the best news, most fact-checked news is not being believed by many people.”
The report cites two major Pew Research Center studies to further highlight it's findings. One says that a plurality of Republicans consistently distrusted most of the news media, with exceptions for outlets Trump supports, like Fox News and radio-host Rush Limbaugh.
More: Sen. Mitt Romney was the only GOP senator not invited on Trump's new coronavirus advisory group
"Trump devoted increasing amounts of time to angrily denouncing the press at his large rallies of ardent supporters around the country, encouraging the boisterous crowds to react. He regularly pointed to the mass of reporters, photographers, and videographers penned up in the raised press section behind the crowd, prompting people to turn around, boo, and shout things like, 'CNN sucks,'" the report reads.
It additionally highlights journalists and news organizations he dislikes receiving threats, like when CNN was sent a package-bomb by a supporter.
The second poll, conducted in mid-March, found that 62% of all respondents said the news media exaggerated the risks from the coronavirus.
Poll: Trump's approval rating drops as coronavirus pandemic, economic crisis continue
Downie writes that he believes the press has risen to the challenges of covering the pandemic, in spite of the hardships that they face.
“Despite early public skepticism about the performance of the press, the audiences for broadcast network and cable news and newspaper websites have grown immensely,” Downie wrote. “That may well increase both Trump’s preoccupation with coverage of him and the intensity of his attacks on the press as the election nears.”
The report concludes with recommendations for the Trump administration, such as recognizing the importance of a free press, and to stop retaliating against and demeaning reporters and outlets.


usatoday--2020-04-17--Newsom: California to grant two weeks of paid sick leave for all food sector workers

Food sector workers — from farmers to delivery drivers — will now be granted at least two weeks of paid sick leave , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said during his daily briefing on Thursday .
“ The people who grow our food , the people who pick our food , who pack our food , deliver our food , cook , serve and sell our food , ” Newsom said , will be granted the supplemental pay if they contract COVID-19 or if quarantine orders inhibit them from going to work .
The move , he said , will ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's food supply chain stays safe .
The governor acknowledged how hard-hit the sector has been during the pandemic and championed the workers who have continued to serve their communities , often putting themselves at greater risk .
`` You are not disposable , '' he said .
`` You are essential and you are valued .
I want to extend my deep appreciation to you . ''
The executive order also will help ensure workers will stay home when they are sick , and wo n't be forced to make the difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or forgoing pay .
`` It is in all of our interest that we prioritize the interests of these essential workers , '' he added .
Newsom also announced that , though California 's coronavirus curve is beginning to flatten , Wednesday marked the state 's most deadly day since the crisis began — 69 people passed away in 24 hours .
The daily death toll beat out a record total from the day before when 63 people lost their lives .
`` Eight-hundred-ninety souls have been lost since the beginning of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are not out of the woods . ''
The number of individuals receiving intensive care , however , continued to slow .
As of Wednesday night , there were 1,191 people in intensive care units in California and 3,131 hospitalized — a 0.9 % decline from the day before .
`` That is good news but I caution everybody that one day 's data point does not make a trend , '' Newsom said , explaining that he wants to see the numbers continue to drop before he will consider lifting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared that he is coordinating with the federal government on that decision and was in discussions with President Donald Trump before the briefing began .
Trump had expressed vitriol toward governors who opted to go their own way , incorrectly asserting early this week that he alone has the power to reopen states , but has since drastically shifted his tone to accommodate state-specific strategies .
At a White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing Thursday evening , Trump announced his three-phase plan to reopen the country , noting that “ governors will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation they are seeing on the ground .
“ If they need to remain closed we will allow them to do that , ” the President said , adding that the federal government is “ also encouraging states to work together to harmonize their regional efforts.
” Three regional pacts are already in place , including the West Coast framework made between California , Oregon and Washington , announced on Monday .
The timeline for the federal government 's plan , White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator , Dr. Deborah Birx said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left to the discretion of governors .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , also emphasized the dynamic nature of the plan , which will enable response and recovery to meet local needs .
The phases will be staggered , he said , and each will require certain checkpoints without rebound at each level .
`` We are a very large country and we have different dynamics , '' Fauci said , emphasizing that safety remains the top priority .
`` We feel confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back to some form of normality , '' he added .
Newsom said the Trump administration has issued booklets to each state that detail guidelines for a phased reopening — but the California governor has not yet been able to review it .
Newsom added that he was encouraged by Trump 's call for more testing .
`` The federal government will be doing much more still in that space , '' Newsom said .
`` We are not attaching ourselves to the federal efforts but we are encouraged to hear more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a California reporter for the USA Today Network .
You can reach her at gcanon @ gannett.com or on Twitter @ GabrielleCanon

Newsom: California to grant two weeks of paid sick leave for all food sector workers
Show Caption Hide Caption Gov. Newsom details plan to reopen California California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a detailed plan for lifting virus restrictions. AP
Food sector workers — from farmers to delivery drivers — will now be granted at least two weeks of paid sick leave, Gov. Gavin Newsom said during his daily briefing on Thursday.
“The people who grow our food, the people who pick our food, who pack our food, deliver our food, cook, serve and sell our food,” Newsom said, will be granted the supplemental pay if they contract COVID-19 or if quarantine orders inhibit them from going to work. The move, he said, will ensure these workers are supported and the state's food supply chain stays safe.
The governor acknowledged how hard-hit the sector has been during the pandemic and championed the workers who have continued to serve their communities, often putting themselves at greater risk.
"You are not disposable," he said. "You are essential and you are valued. I want to extend my deep appreciation to you."
Stay safe and informed with news from one of the country's most dynamic places. Subscribe to the In California newsletter today.
The executive order also will help ensure workers will stay home when they are sick, and won't be forced to make the difficult and dangerous decision of going to work or forgoing pay.
"It is in all of our interest that we prioritize the interests of these essential workers," he added.
Newsom also announced that, though California's coronavirus curve is beginning to flatten, Wednesday marked the state's most deadly day since the crisis began — 69 people passed away in 24 hours. The daily death toll beat out a record total from the day before when 63 people lost their lives.
"Eight-hundred-ninety souls have been lost since the beginning of this pandemic," Newsom said. "We are not out of the woods."
Ag Secretary: US food supply is strong, safe
The number of individuals receiving intensive care, however, continued to slow. As of Wednesday night, there were 1,191 people in intensive care units in California and 3,131 hospitalized — a 0.9% decline from the day before. "That is good news but I caution everybody that one day's data point does not make a trend," Newsom said, explaining that he wants to see the numbers continue to drop before he will consider lifting the state's stay-at-home order.
The governor shared that he is coordinating with the federal government on that decision and was in discussions with President Donald Trump before the briefing began. Trump had expressed vitriol toward governors who opted to go their own way, incorrectly asserting early this week that he alone has the power to reopen states, but has since drastically shifted his tone to accommodate state-specific strategies.
At a White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing Thursday evening, Trump announced his three-phase plan to reopen the country, noting that “governors will be empowered to tailor their approach” to the situation they are seeing on the ground.
“If they need to remain closed we will allow them to do that,” the President said, adding that the federal government is “also encouraging states to work together to harmonize their regional efforts.”
Three regional pacts are already in place, including the West Coast framework made between California, Oregon and Washington, announced on Monday.
The timeline for the federal government's plan, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Dr. Deborah Birx said, will depend on data and trends, left to the discretion of governors.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also emphasized the dynamic nature of the plan, which will enable response and recovery to meet local needs. The phases will be staggered, he said, and each will require certain checkpoints without rebound at each level.
"We are a very large country and we have different dynamics," Fauci said, emphasizing that safety remains the top priority.
"We feel confident that sooner or later, we will get back to some form of normality," he added.
Newsom said the Trump administration has issued booklets to each state that detail guidelines for a phased reopening — but the California governor has not yet been able to review it.
Newsom added that he was encouraged by Trump's call for more testing.
"The federal government will be doing much more still in that space," Newsom said. "We are not attaching ourselves to the federal efforts but we are encouraged to hear more is being done."
Gabrielle Canon is a California reporter for the USA Today Network. You can reach her at gcanon@gannett.com or on Twitter @GabrielleCanon


usatoday--2020-04-17--Sen. Mitt Romney was the only GOP senator not invited on Trump's new coronavirus advisory group

WASHINGTON – Sen. Mitt Romney , the sole Republican who voted to convict President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial , was the only GOP senator not invited to serve on the president 's new panel to advise on reopening the country during the coronavirus pandemic .
Of the 53 Senate Republicans , 52 now serve in the `` Opening Up America Again Congressional Group , '' which even includes a dozen Senate Democrats – but not Romney .
The Utah senator , who was the Republican party 's nominee for president in 2012 , has been a frequent critic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has felt the sting of Trump 's attacks – which included the president calling him a `` pompous a** '' in a tweet .
Romney also was not welcomed on a Thursday phone call in which the president spoke with senators of both parties about the coronavirus and the potential for reopening the country for business , according to a senior administration official .
Asked about why Romney was left out , the official simply said , `` he was n't invited . ''
Mitt Romney : :A solitary GOP voice battling Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The panel , which was rolled out Thursday , includes 65 senators and 32 House members .
It aims to offer guidance and ideas for ways to safely reopen the economy once the coronavirus slows its spread across the country .
On calls with members of the group Thursday , Trump heard questions about increased testing for COVID-19 and options for how the country could safely reopen without risking a resurgence in cases .
While Republicans make up the majority of the group , it also includes 12 Democratic senators , one independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Romney have a complicated history and relationship .
In 2016 , Romney held a news conference to denounce the future president as a `` phony '' and a `` fraud . ''
But after Trump was elected , they were photographed at dinner together discussing Romney potentially serving as secretary of state .
More : Trump meets with Romney , Collins , other Republican senators at White House during impeachment hearing More : Gingrich : Trump-Romney dinner was out of 'Pretty Woman' Since coming to the Senate in 2018 , Romney has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican critic .
He has voiced opposition and concerns on many of the issues his colleagues typically attempt to shy away from discussing .
In an interview with USA TODAY in October , Romney said he 's had a long career and is no longer at the point of worrying about the political ramifications of his actions .
`` I 'm not going to worry so much about the political consequence , or praise or lack thereof , '' he said when asked about his legacy .
`` And I hope that my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you know our dad , our grandfather our great-grandfather was a person of integrity and honored his oath of office . '
'' Mitt Romney : A solitary GOP voice battling Trump for the soul of the Republican Party In February , Romney joined Senate Democrats in voting to convict Trump on an article accusing the president of abusing his power by trying to pressure Ukraine into announcing investigations of political rivals , including former Vice President Joe Biden , in exchange for releasing nearly $ 400 million in military aid .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump with obstruction of Congress .
Trump was acquitted on both articles .

Sen. Mitt Romney was the only GOP senator not invited on Trump's new coronavirus advisory group
Show Caption Hide Caption Mitt Romney chokes up explaining his impeachment vote to convict Trump Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, gives emotional explanation of his decision to vote to convict President Trump in impeachment trial USA TODAY, Associated Press
WASHINGTON – Sen. Mitt Romney, the sole Republican who voted to convict President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial, was the only GOP senator not invited to serve on the president's new panel to advise on reopening the country during the coronavirus pandemic.
Of the 53 Senate Republicans, 52 now serve in the "Opening Up America Again Congressional Group," which even includes a dozen Senate Democrats – but not Romney.
The Utah senator, who was the Republican party's nominee for president in 2012, has been a frequent critic of Trump and, in turn, has felt the sting of Trump's attacks – which included the president calling him a "pompous a**" in a tweet.
Romney also was not welcomed on a Thursday phone call in which the president spoke with senators of both parties about the coronavirus and the potential for reopening the country for business, according to a senior administration official.
Asked about why Romney was left out, the official simply said, "he wasn't invited."
Mitt Romney:: A solitary GOP voice battling Trump for the soul of the Republican Party
More: GOP Sen. Romney faces awkwardness, 'abuse' for defying Trump on impeachment
The panel, which was rolled out Thursday, includes 65 senators and 32 House members. It aims to offer guidance and ideas for ways to safely reopen the economy once the coronavirus slows its spread across the country. On calls with members of the group Thursday, Trump heard questions about increased testing for COVID-19 and options for how the country could safely reopen without risking a resurgence in cases.
While Republicans make up the majority of the group, it also includes 12 Democratic senators, one independent and 10 House Democrats.
Trump and Romney have a complicated history and relationship. In 2016, Romney held a news conference to denounce the future president as a "phony" and a "fraud." But after Trump was elected, they were photographed at dinner together discussing Romney potentially serving as secretary of state.
More: Trump meets with Romney, Collins, other Republican senators at White House during impeachment hearing
More: Gingrich: Trump-Romney dinner was out of 'Pretty Woman'
Since coming to the Senate in 2018, Romney has taken on the role of Trump's chief Republican critic. He has voiced opposition and concerns on many of the issues his colleagues typically attempt to shy away from discussing.
In an interview with USA TODAY in October, Romney said he's had a long career and is no longer at the point of worrying about the political ramifications of his actions.
"I'm not going to worry so much about the political consequence, or praise or lack thereof," he said when asked about his legacy. "And I hope that my kids down the road will say 'Yeah, you know our dad, our grandfather our great-grandfather was a person of integrity and honored his oath of office.'"
Mitt Romney: A solitary GOP voice battling Trump for the soul of the Republican Party
In February, Romney joined Senate Democrats in voting to convict Trump on an article accusing the president of abusing his power by trying to pressure Ukraine into announcing investigations of political rivals, including former Vice President Joe Biden, in exchange for releasing nearly $400 million in military aid. Romney voted against the second article charging Trump with obstruction of Congress. Trump was acquitted on both articles.
Contributing: David Jackson and Ledge King


usatoday--2020-04-17--'Work conquers all': Protests erupt in state capitals nationwide over coronavirus restrictions

In Frankfort , Kentucky , a small-business owner wielded a microphone to accuse Gov .
Andy Beshear of stifling free enterprise by shuttering businesses and ordering people to stay home .
In Raleigh , North Carolina , a protester was arrested while a crowd urged Gov .
Roy Cooper to ease his restrictions .
In Oklahoma City , motorists circled the capitol decorated with signs imploring Gov .
Kevin Stitt to put the state back to work .
“ We ’ re hoping to inspire other folks , ” said Lori Gracey , a business consultant who organized the Oklahoma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arrow .
Rallies organized through social media such as Facebook and Twitter cropped up this week across the country with a common message to governors : relax the strict stay-at-home orders deployed to combat the novel coronavirus .
Thousands of motorists gridlocked Lansing , Mich. , on Wednesday in perhaps the largest protest so far .
More protests are planned , with one outside Indiana Gov .
Eric Holcomb 's mansion on Saturday .
Two more are set for April 24 in Madison , Wis. , and in Richmond , Va .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended the state 's stay-at-home order to May 26 .
And Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam announced Wednesday he was extending business closures two weeks , to May 8 and leaving a stay-at-home order in effect until June 10 .
The protests roiled statehouse grounds as local , state and federal officials grapple with how and when to ease restrictions the began in mid-March .
President Donald Trump is consulting with hundreds of business leaders and political officials to chart a path for federal guidance that prompted states to close schools , non-essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
Attorney General William Barr told Fox News on April 8 that federal authorities would review “ draconian ” state measures beyond the isolation period scheduled to end April 30 .
The peril to the economy was reinforced Thursday .
Workers filed another 5.2 million jobless claims .
An emergency federal loan program providing $ 350 billion to small businesses ran out of funding as Congress haggles over providing more .
But health officials have warned against relaxing restrictions too soon , for lack of adequate testing to track where the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governors – who are consulting with Trump and other federal officials , business leaders and health officials – will be key figures deciding how and when to begin to reopen .
Gracey said she and a few friends organized the Oklahoma protest under the slogan OKBack2Work on Facebook .
The friends wanted to let people eager to return to work know they aren ’ t alone .
And they wanted to demonstrate their urgency to Stitt and the legislature .
Besides the statewide restrictions , scattered cities have begun imposing $ 500 fines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to protect those who are vulnerable .
We get that .
Let them choose to stay in their house , ” said Gracey , whose 85- and 93-year-old parents live with her .
“ Why are you forcing us who are healthy not to work ?
” She drove 90 minutes for the hour-long protest Wednesday .
Participants stayed in their cars to maintain social distancing , but circled the capitol with posters and messages written on their windows saying : “ Every job is essential ” or “ Stop the tyranny.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ City , ” Gracey said .
“ We don ’ t need the same lockdowns.
” The protesters were disappointed to learn their message went unheeded .
Later that afternoon , Stitts announced that he was extending his order for the elderly and those with serious medical conditions to remain “ safer at home ” until May 6 .
But he said elective surgeries could resume when the current order expires April 24 .
“ There is light at the end of the tunnel , and we will get through this together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little while longer – stay home , stay safe , stay strong.
” 'People are fed up ' in Kentucky Erika Calihan , a small-business owner , helped organize a rally in Frankfort loud enough to disrupt Beshear ’ s daily news conference .
She argued that the vulnerable could stay home , but that the state shouldn ’ t smother people and businesses who want to operate .
“ All I know is that people are fed up .
People want to work , ” Calihan said .
“ I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stifle that .
People can work safe and people can work smart .
I think we deserve the right to try.
” Protesters walked around the capitol chanting “ open up Kentucky ” and “ no more fear from Beshear.
” State GOP Rep. Savannah Maddox said the governor was jeopardizing liberty and choosing winners and losers among businesses .
“ He ’ s hanging our small and locally owned businesses out to dry , all the while big chain stores are thriving , ” Maddox said .
Beshear signed an order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t life-sustaining to in-person traffic , while allowing grocery stores , pharmacies and key agriculture or manufacturing businesses to remain open .
He bolstered enforcement March 26 by asking mayors and county judge-executives to monitor public gatherings to discourage crowds .
Beshear acknowledged the protest during his briefing and said everybody had a right to their opinion , but that opening up the state too quickly risked public health .
`` Folks , that would kill people , ” Beshear said .
“ That would absolutely kill people.
” In Raleigh , State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 100 people gathered downtown to protest Cooper ’ s stay-at-home order .
The Raleigh Police Department issued a statement that during “ these unprecedented times and unusual circumstances , ” the governor and Wake County had each declared states of emergency that meant “ protesting is not listed as an essential function.
” Dueling groups organized on Facebook on both sides of the debate .
The private Facebook Reopen NC , boasted 45,000 members , called for the state to reopen no later than April 29 because “ the shutdown is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be isolated or protected in other ways.
” But the group Facebook Stay Home NC warned that infections would continue to rise through mid-May .
The group said restrictions would help protect elderly neighbors and those with autoimmune disease or cancer .
Cooper told a news conference Wednesday that progress must be made in testing , tracing and trends in order to reduce restrictions .
But he said the new way of doing things may include wearing masks more , taking a person ’ s temperature more often , spacing tables in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds .
“ Experts tell us it would be dangerous to lift our restrictions all at once , ” Cooper said .
“ Rather than an on-off light switch , think about it more as a dimmer switch , which can be adjusted incrementally as we slowly bring the lights back up .
”

'Work conquers all': Protests erupt in state capitals nationwide over coronavirus restrictions
Show Caption Hide Caption Stay-at-home order protested with massive gridlock in Michigan Thousands of cars jammed streets surrounding Michigan's state capitol in protest of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order. USA TODAY
In Frankfort, Kentucky, a small-business owner wielded a microphone to accuse Gov. Andy Beshear of stifling free enterprise by shuttering businesses and ordering people to stay home.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, a protester was arrested while a crowd urged Gov. Roy Cooper to ease his restrictions.
In Oklahoma City, motorists circled the capitol decorated with signs imploring Gov. Kevin Stitt to put the state back to work.
“We’re hoping to inspire other folks,” said Lori Gracey, a business consultant who organized the Oklahoma protest with a few friends in Broken Arrow.
Rallies organized through social media such as Facebook and Twitter cropped up this week across the country with a common message to governors: relax the strict stay-at-home orders deployed to combat the novel coronavirus. Thousands of motorists gridlocked Lansing, Mich., on Wednesday in perhaps the largest protest so far.
More protests are planned, with one outside Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb's mansion on Saturday. Two more are set for April 24 in Madison, Wis., and in Richmond, Va.
But Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday extended the state's stay-at-home order to May 26. And Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday he was extending business closures two weeks, to May 8 and leaving a stay-at-home order in effect until June 10.
The protests roiled statehouse grounds as local, state and federal officials grapple with how and when to ease restrictions the began in mid-March. President Donald Trump is consulting with hundreds of business leaders and political officials to chart a path for federal guidance that prompted states to close schools, non-essential businesses and gatherings of more than 10 people.
States rights on reopening businesses over President Trump, explained The 10th Amendment protects state powers and puts a hamper on presidential powers. Here's how the fight for control is playing out today. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Attorney General William Barr told Fox News on April 8 that federal authorities would review “draconian” state measures beyond the isolation period scheduled to end April 30.
The peril to the economy was reinforced Thursday. Workers filed another 5.2 million jobless claims. An emergency federal loan program providing $350 billion to small businesses ran out of funding as Congress haggles over providing more.
But health officials have warned against relaxing restrictions too soon, for lack of adequate testing to track where the disease spreads and continue to contain it. Governors – who are consulting with Trump and other federal officials, business leaders and health officials – will be key figures deciding how and when to begin to reopen.
'Work conquers all' in Oklahoma
Gracey said she and a few friends organized the Oklahoma protest under the slogan OKBack2Work on Facebook. The friends wanted to let people eager to return to work know they aren’t alone. And they wanted to demonstrate their urgency to Stitt and the legislature. Besides the statewide restrictions, scattered cities have begun imposing $500 fines for violating stay-at-home orders.
“We want to protect those who are vulnerable. We get that. Let them choose to stay in their house,” said Gracey, whose 85- and 93-year-old parents live with her. “Why are you forcing us who are healthy not to work?”
She drove 90 minutes for the hour-long protest Wednesday. Participants stayed in their cars to maintain social distancing, but circled the capitol with posters and messages written on their windows saying: “Every job is essential” or “Stop the tyranny.”
Gracey’s sign quoted the state’s Latin motto: “Labor omnia vincit,” which means “work conquers all.”
“Oklahoma is not New York City,” Gracey said. “We don’t need the same lockdowns.”
The protesters were disappointed to learn their message went unheeded. Later that afternoon, Stitts announced that he was extending his order for the elderly and those with serious medical conditions to remain “safer at home” until May 6.
But he said elective surgeries could resume when the current order expires April 24.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get through this together,” Stitt said. “For just a little while longer – stay home, stay safe, stay strong.”
'People are fed up' in Kentucky
Erika Calihan, a small-business owner, helped organize a rally in Frankfort loud enough to disrupt Beshear’s daily news conference. She argued that the vulnerable could stay home, but that the state shouldn’t smother people and businesses who want to operate.
“All I know is that people are fed up. People want to work,” Calihan said. “I don’t know why we would want to stifle that. People can work safe and people can work smart. I think we deserve the right to try.”
Protesters walked around the capitol chanting “open up Kentucky” and “no more fear from Beshear.” State GOP Rep. Savannah Maddox said the governor was jeopardizing liberty and choosing winners and losers among businesses.
“He’s hanging our small and locally owned businesses out to dry, all the while big chain stores are thriving,” Maddox said.
Beshear signed an order March 24 closing businesses that weren’t life-sustaining to in-person traffic, while allowing grocery stores, pharmacies and key agriculture or manufacturing businesses to remain open. He bolstered enforcement March 26 by asking mayors and county judge-executives to monitor public gatherings to discourage crowds.
Beshear acknowledged the protest during his briefing and said everybody had a right to their opinion, but that opening up the state too quickly risked public health.
"Folks, that would kill people,” Beshear said. “That would absolutely kill people.”
'A dimmer switch' for North Carolina
In Raleigh, State Capitol Police arrested a protester Tuesday after more than 100 people gathered downtown to protest Cooper’s stay-at-home order. The Raleigh Police Department issued a statement that during “these unprecedented times and unusual circumstances,” the governor and Wake County had each declared states of emergency that meant “protesting is not listed as an essential function.”
Dueling groups organized on Facebook on both sides of the debate. The private Facebook Reopen NC, boasted 45,000 members, called for the state to reopen no later than April 29 because “the shutdown is not warranted” and “the vulnerable can be isolated or protected in other ways.”
But the group Facebook Stay Home NC warned that infections would continue to rise through mid-May. The group said restrictions would help protect elderly neighbors and those with autoimmune disease or cancer.
Cooper told a news conference Wednesday that progress must be made in testing, tracing and trends in order to reduce restrictions. But he said the new way of doing things may include wearing masks more, taking a person’s temperature more often, spacing tables in restaurants and playing sports and concerts without crowds.
“Experts tell us it would be dangerous to lift our restrictions all at once,” Cooper said. “Rather than an on-off light switch, think about it more as a dimmer switch, which can be adjusted incrementally as we slowly bring the lights back up.”


usatoday--2020-04-17--Protester outside Florida Governor's Mansion arrested after trapping himself in concrete-filled barr

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. – A man protesting the handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Florida prisons was taken into custody Friday morning after he trapped himself in two concrete-filled barrels outside the Governor 's Mansion , police said .
Jordan Mazurek , 28 , was first seen outside the fence of the mansion in downtown Tallahassee around 6 a.m .
He identifies himself on social media as a sociologist from Fort Worth , Texas , and the `` national organizer and co-creator of the Campaign to Fight Toxic Prisons . ''
Tallahassee police officers tried to talk Mazurek out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When they realized he was not going to stop , they began using jackhammers to remove the concrete in the barrels surrounding his hands .
The process took about two hours .
He was freed shortly after 10:30 a.m. As the scene unfolded , with firefighters trying to extricate him , Florida first lady Casey DeSantis could be seen behind the fence pushing her children on a swing .
Bradshaw explained that there were PVC pipes placed horizontally into two 55-gallon plastic drums filled with concrete into which Mazurek had inserted his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ painted in white letters , `` Stop the massacre . ''
The other read , `` Free prisoners now . ''
He wore what appeared to be a surgical mask and face shield .
`` He refused to let go so we ended up having to use heavy equipment '' to extract him , Bradshaw said .
Police knew that Mazurek could remove his arms , however , because he had been spotted adjusting his mask .
They discovered that he had attached his arms inside using carabiner clips to `` prevent his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could unclip himself if he chose , '' Bradshaw said .
Mazurek , brought to the mansion by friends who stayed to watch , was charged with a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence , according to court records .
He was released from the county jail on $ 500 bail Friday afternoon .
Later Friday , Bradshaw said another person with Mazurek – Karen Smith , 45 – fled when Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents approached to investigate .
She also was charged with misdemeanor resisting without violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself with the pseudonym `` August Spies '' said he , Mazurek and others `` feel that there are people sitting in jail who are unable to make bond and they are being put unnecessarily at risk because they are too poor to pay . ''
Earlier this week , prisoner rights advocates in a caravan of about 20 vehicles circled the Capitol complex and the Department of Corrections ' headquarters in Tallahassee , chanting and shouting through megaphones .
They demanded that inmates in Florida prisons and jails be released to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They have complained about prisoners ' inability to properly socially distance or receive medical care if sick .
It was not immediately known whether Mazurek was involved with Capital City Mutual Aid , the group that helped organize that demonstration .
As of late Thursday , 44 inmates and 63 workers tested positive for coronavirus , according to the state 's Department of Corrections , and four inmates have now died with COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the virus .

Alicia Devine and Jim Rosica, Tallahassee Democrat

Protester outside Florida Governor's Mansion arrested after trapping himself in concrete-filled barrels
Show Caption Hide Caption Protester cements hands in 55-gallon barrels outside Governor's Mansion The protester, Jordan Mazurek was first seen outside the fence of the mansion in downtown Tallahassee around 6 a.m. Alicia Devine, Tallahassee Democrat
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A man protesting the handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Florida prisons was taken into custody Friday morning after he trapped himself in two concrete-filled barrels outside the Governor's Mansion, police said.
Jordan Mazurek, 28, was first seen outside the fence of the mansion in downtown Tallahassee around 6 a.m. He identifies himself on social media as a sociologist from Fort Worth, Texas, and the "national organizer and co-creator of the Campaign to Fight Toxic Prisons."
Tallahassee police officers tried to talk Mazurek out of the protest, spokesman Kevin Bradshaw said. When they realized he was not going to stop, they began using jackhammers to remove the concrete in the barrels surrounding his hands. The process took about two hours. He was freed shortly after 10:30 a.m.
As the scene unfolded, with firefighters trying to extricate him, Florida first lady Casey DeSantis could be seen behind the fence pushing her children on a swing.
Bradshaw explained that there were PVC pipes placed horizontally into two 55-gallon plastic drums filled with concrete into which Mazurek had inserted his arms.
State stay-at-home orders: Protests draw thousands during coronavirus pandemic
One of the drums was painted in white letters, "Stop the massacre." The other read, "Free prisoners now." He wore what appeared to be a surgical mask and face shield.
"He refused to let go so we ended up having to use heavy equipment" to extract him, Bradshaw said.
Police knew that Mazurek could remove his arms, however, because he had been spotted adjusting his mask. They discovered that he had attached his arms inside using carabiner clips to "prevent his arms from being forcibly removed, but he could unclip himself if he chose," Bradshaw said.
Mazurek, brought to the mansion by friends who stayed to watch, was charged with a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence, according to court records. He was released from the county jail on $500 bail Friday afternoon.
Later Friday, Bradshaw said another person with Mazurek – Karen Smith, 45 – fled when Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents approached to investigate. She also was charged with misdemeanor resisting without violence.
Another man on scene who identified himself with the pseudonym "August Spies" said he, Mazurek and others "feel that there are people sitting in jail who are unable to make bond and they are being put unnecessarily at risk because they are too poor to pay."
Earlier this week, prisoner rights advocates in a caravan of about 20 vehicles circled the Capitol complex and the Department of Corrections' headquarters in Tallahassee, chanting and shouting through megaphones. They demanded that inmates in Florida prisons and jails be released to stop the spread of coronavirus behind bars.
They have complained about prisoners' inability to properly socially distance or receive medical care if sick. It was not immediately known whether Mazurek was involved with Capital City Mutual Aid, the group that helped organize that demonstration.
As of late Thursday, 44 inmates and 63 workers tested positive for coronavirus, according to the state's Department of Corrections, and four inmates have now died with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus.


usatoday--2020-04-17--Governors cautiously shape plans to reopen states after Trump unveils new guidelines for coronavirus

Governors edged Friday toward relaxing restrictions to combat coronavirus after President Donald Trump released new national guidelines , but they cautioned that testing shortages and other hurdles could hinder progress to revive the economy .
Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott announced Friday plans to reopen state parks Monday , to ease limits on surgeries Wednesday and to reopen retail businesses for pickup , delivery and mail orders April 24 .
“ We have demonstrated that we can corral the coronavirus , ” Abbott said .
But New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , whose state has faced the biggest outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths , said the only quick fix would be a vaccine or better anti-viral treatment , which could be months or more than a year away .
Until then , reopening the economy will be incremental , to avoid flaming another outbreak .
“ You ’ re not going to hear any day soon , it ’ s over , the nightmare ends and we wake up , ” Cuomo said Friday during his daily news conference .
“ It ’ s going to be incremental and we have to be smart.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for social distancing and for reopening parts of the economy during three phases , such as schools , restaurants and theaters .
Each phase requires a 14-day period of a “ downward trajectory ” for COVID-19 cases .
But in a key shift , Trump said governors would determine the pace of lifting restrictions .
`` We are not opening all at once , but one careful step at a time , '' Trump said .
Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan , the current chair of the National Governors Association , described the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he also said that his state is looking at its own metrics for when to reopen and has been doing so for several weeks .
“ We ’ ll gradually start easing things off and opening things up when we believe it ’ s safe to do so , ” the Republican governor said Friday during a virtual event organized by the Economic Club of Washington , D.C. Hogan stressed that governors have their own public health experts and economists studying the timing on when to reopen .
“ We all want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states back open as quickly as possible but we ’ re not going to do it in a way that endangers the lives of thousands of our citizens , ” he added .
Like other governors , Hogan noted that Trump ’ s remarks this week claiming to have authority to make the decision “ put everybody in a big uproar ” but said that the president “ completely reversed himself ” days later .
Hogan said that reversal was a “ good decision.
” Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp , a Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early April , said Thursday that he would use the guidelines to create a plan for “ safely returning to more routine operations.
” “ In the coming days , I will outline how Georgia will move forward , ” said Kemp , whose statewide restrictions expire April 30 .
“ Many Georgians are ready to get back to work , and the fundamentals of our economy remain strong .
I am confident that we will successfully rebound from this public health emergency.
” Hawaii ’ s Democratic Gov .
David Ige said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established by the White House for a phased opening because it requires a downward trajectory in coronavirus cases over a two-week period .
“ We ’ re making progress , but we ’ re not there yet , ” Ige said , according to Hawaii Public Radio .
“ So please continue your hard work and perseverance .
We will get through this together.
” New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy , a Democrat repeatedly praised by Trump for his handling of the virus , expressed skepticism about reopening a state with 80,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to track the virus .
“ We ’ re not ready , ” Murphy told reporters flatly .
“ They ’ re basically saying the governors are the ones who will determine a lot of this .
We agree with that.
” Key requirements for states to ease their restrictions are to increase testing , so that infections can be traced and isolated , and reviving their economies .
But significant hurdles remain for both .
Scott Gottlieb , a former head of the Food and Drug Administration , has said the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or about 4 million per week , to track the virus .
But only about 1 million tests are conducted per week , according to Ron Klain , former White House ebola coordinator during the Obama administration and an adviser to former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign .
“ This is kind of a bipartisan view of heath care experts that you need to have the testing , ” Klain said Friday at a Politico interview .
“ Why ?
Because if you ’ re not testing at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or three to four million people , you don ’ t really know how bad the disease is , how many hidden cases we have , where it ’ s being spread and so on and so forth.
” Cuomo said his state is developing the capacity that has n't existed for large-scale testing that the coronavirus will require .
New York has 300 labs in hospitals for virology testing , but they must all be coordinated , he said .
Even if private companies provide test kits , the labs need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available from China , he said .
“ That is a piece of the equation that I can ’ t figure out , ” Cuomo said .
“ The federal government can not wipe its hands of this.
” Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis said he would use the Trump administration ’ s guidelines as a baseline for reopening the state , but perhaps not follow every detail .
Florida has been one of the leaders in testing , with 225,000 results so far , he said .
Two walk-in sites in Broward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida Department of Health and Sheriff ’ s Office opened Friday to conduct 200 tests per day for people with symptoms , he announced at a Fort Lauderdale news conference .
North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper also said his state made great strides on testing , with 73,000 completed so far .
Three schools – the University of North Carolina , East Carolina University and Duke University – are coordinating research to track infections , to get a better idea of how many people have the virus without symptoms .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we need to use it to give us a better indication of where we are in this fight , ” Cooper said .
The reliance on China to reopen the country became a source of friction between governors and Trump .
After Cuomo mentioned the need for more testing supplies from China , Trump tweeted that the governor should “ spend more time 'doing ' and less time 'complaining . '
'' But Cuomo said only the federal government can resolve international disputes over supplies .
Cuomo said he thanked Trump repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Javits Convention Center , for the Navy ship Comfort , for intervening with China to obtain protective equipment and for help finding ventilators .
“ What am I supposed to do , send a bouquet of flowers ?
” Cuomo asked .
Cooper said the federal government has helped negotiate the worldwide breakdown in supplies and equipment , but more is needed .
“ Easing restrictions here in our state without enough masks , gowns and gloves is like setting off on three-day camping trip with enough food for just one night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotspots or not ?
The pace of reopening is expected to vary from state to state , and perhaps even from county to county .
Part of what governors must weigh is whether to open some regions while continuing to clamp down on hotspots .
New York City has had the bulk of that state ’ s cases .
But whenever attractions open up in one area , people may flock to it .
“ I think it ’ s logical to think the reopening plan would take into consideration the differential in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Cuomo said .
But he warned that the first barber shop or marina to open up could get overwhelmed by demand from people who are sick of being cooped up .
The risk is that reviving the economy could also revive the spread of the virus .
“ We are on the cusp , ” Cuomo said .
“ We ’ re still in the midst of a public health crisis .
Just because the numbers are flattening , let ’ s not take our eye off the ball.
” Cooper said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county by county in North Carolina because people may live in one place , work in another and play in another .
But the state will consider setting different rules for different regions .
“ We aren ’ t there at that point yet , but that ’ s an option we ’ re keeping open , ” Cooper said .
Governors noted that the coronavirus devastated their economies and their state budgets .
“ The situation we ’ re in now is unsustainable , ” said Cuomo , who said the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortfalls .
“ You can ’ t keep the economy closed forever.
” In Florida , the disbursement of unemployment benefits was improving after being swamped with claims .
About 100,000 payments were made this week , after 35,000 last week , DeSantis said .
The figures compared to 350,000 payments during all last year , he said .
“ It ’ s thrown a lot of Floridians out of work , ” DeSantis said .
But DeSantis said about 43 % of hospital beds statewide are unoccupied .
He argued that most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transportation , so he will seek ways to allow people to go outside .
“ I ’ ve always promoted essential activities with recreation , ” DeSantis said .
“ Going forward , we ’ ve got to be promoting people to get outside .
Do it in a safe way.
” In Texas , Abbott unveiled executive orders including the formation of a strike force , with further guidelines to be announced April 27 .
Schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year .
“ Even more openings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is determined that the infection rate continues to decline , that hospital capacity remains available and when testing capacities are sufficient to detect and contain outbreaks of COVID-19 , ” Abbott said .
In North Carolina , Cooper said he was consulting with business leaders about what kinds of conditions to set on reopening .
Grocery stores , for example , have ideas about limiting the number of occupants .
Restaurants and bars have other ideas .
The Chamber of Commerce and small businesses are offering suggestions .
“ We do want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ We want to open it up in the right way with input from businesses about how they can protect their employees , how they can protect their customers , and how they can get back to work so we can put people back to work .
”

Bart Jansen, Jeanine Santucci and John Fritze, USA TODAY

Governors cautiously shape plans to reopen states after Trump unveils new guidelines for coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus symptoms versus flu symptoms We answer the often searched question: "What are the symptoms of coronavirus versus the flu?" USA TODAY
Governors edged Friday toward relaxing restrictions to combat coronavirus after President Donald Trump released new national guidelines, but they cautioned that testing shortages and other hurdles could hinder progress to revive the economy.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday plans to reopen state parks Monday, to ease limits on surgeries Wednesday and to reopen retail businesses for pickup, delivery and mail orders April 24.
“We have demonstrated that we can corral the coronavirus,” Abbott said.
But New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whose state has faced the biggest outbreak with more than 200,000 cases and 12,000 deaths, said the only quick fix would be a vaccine or better anti-viral treatment, which could be months or more than a year away. Until then, reopening the economy will be incremental, to avoid flaming another outbreak.
“You’re not going to hear any day soon, it’s over, the nightmare ends and we wake up,” Cuomo said Friday during his daily news conference. “It’s going to be incremental and we have to be smart.”
Charting a course to reopen
Trump issued guidelines Thursday to ease restrictions for social distancing and for reopening parts of the economy during three phases, such as schools, restaurants and theaters. Each phase requires a 14-day period of a “downward trajectory” for COVID-19 cases.
But in a key shift, Trump said governors would determine the pace of lifting restrictions.
"We are not opening all at once, but one careful step at a time," Trump said.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, the current chair of the National Governors Association, described the recommendations as “pretty good." But he also said that his state is looking at its own metrics for when to reopen and has been doing so for several weeks.
“We’ll gradually start easing things off and opening things up when we believe it’s safe to do so,” the Republican governor said Friday during a virtual event organized by the Economic Club of Washington, D.C.
Hogan stressed that governors have their own public health experts and economists studying the timing on when to reopen.
“We all want to get the economy opened up and states back open as quickly as possible but we’re not going to do it in a way that endangers the lives of thousands of our citizens,” he added.
Like other governors, Hogan noted that Trump’s remarks this week claiming to have authority to make the decision “put everybody in a big uproar” but said that the president “completely reversed himself” days later. Hogan said that reversal was a “good decision.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican who initially resisted a stay-at-home order until early April, said Thursday that he would use the guidelines to create a plan for “safely returning to more routine operations.”
“In the coming days, I will outline how Georgia will move forward,” said Kemp, whose statewide restrictions expire April 30. “Many Georgians are ready to get back to work, and the fundamentals of our economy remain strong. I am confident that we will successfully rebound from this public health emergency.”
Hawaii’s Democratic Gov. David Ige said the state does not meet the criteria established by the White House for a phased opening because it requires a downward trajectory in coronavirus cases over a two-week period.
“We’re making progress, but we’re not there yet,” Ige said, according to Hawaii Public Radio. “So please continue your hard work and perseverance. We will get through this together.”
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat repeatedly praised by Trump for his handling of the virus, expressed skepticism about reopening a state with 80,000 cases, for lack of robust testing to track the virus.
“We’re not ready,” Murphy told reporters flatly. “They’re basically saying the governors are the ones who will determine a lot of this. We agree with that.”
Consensus: Expanding testing is key
Key requirements for states to ease their restrictions are to increase testing, so that infections can be traced and isolated, and reviving their economies. But significant hurdles remain for both.
Scott Gottlieb, a former head of the Food and Drug Administration, has said the county needs to test 750,000 people a day, or about 4 million per week, to track the virus. But only about 1 million tests are conducted per week, according to Ron Klain, former White House ebola coordinator during the Obama administration and an adviser to former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign.
“This is kind of a bipartisan view of heath care experts that you need to have the testing,” Klain said Friday at a Politico interview. “Why? Because if you’re not testing at least 1% of the population every week, or three to four million people, you don’t really know how bad the disease is, how many hidden cases we have, where it’s being spread and so on and so forth.”
Cuomo said his state is developing the capacity that hasn't existed for large-scale testing that the coronavirus will require. New York has 300 labs in hospitals for virology testing, but they must all be coordinated, he said. Even if private companies provide test kits, the labs need chemicals to get results that are only available from China, he said.
“That is a piece of the equation that I can’t figure out,” Cuomo said. “The federal government cannot wipe its hands of this.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would use the Trump administration’s guidelines as a baseline for reopening the state, but perhaps not follow every detail. Florida has been one of the leaders in testing, with 225,000 results so far, he said.
Two walk-in sites in Broward County staffed by the National Guard, Florida Department of Health and Sheriff’s Office opened Friday to conduct 200 tests per day for people with symptoms, he announced at a Fort Lauderdale news conference.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper also said his state made great strides on testing, with 73,000 completed so far. Three schools – the University of North Carolina, East Carolina University and Duke University – are coordinating research to track infections, to get a better idea of how many people have the virus without symptoms.
“We need testing to be more widespread, and we need to use it to give us a better indication of where we are in this fight,” Cooper said.
Some friction for Trump, governors
The reliance on China to reopen the country became a source of friction between governors and Trump. After Cuomo mentioned the need for more testing supplies from China, Trump tweeted that the governor should “spend more time 'doing' and less time 'complaining.'"
But Cuomo said only the federal government can resolve international disputes over supplies. Cuomo said he thanked Trump repeatedly for the beds at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, for the Navy ship Comfort, for intervening with China to obtain protective equipment and for help finding ventilators.
“What am I supposed to do, send a bouquet of flowers?” Cuomo asked.
Cooper said the federal government has helped negotiate the worldwide breakdown in supplies and equipment, but more is needed.
“Easing restrictions here in our state without enough masks, gowns and gloves is like setting off on three-day camping trip with enough food for just one night,” Cooper said.
Same rules for hotspots or not?
The pace of reopening is expected to vary from state to state, and perhaps even from county to county. Part of what governors must weigh is whether to open some regions while continuing to clamp down on hotspots.
New York City has had the bulk of that state’s cases. But whenever attractions open up in one area, people may flock to it.
“I think it’s logical to think the reopening plan would take into consideration the differential in infection rates and overall hospitalization rate,” Cuomo said.
But he warned that the first barber shop or marina to open up could get overwhelmed by demand from people who are sick of being cooped up. The risk is that reviving the economy could also revive the spread of the virus.
“We are on the cusp,” Cuomo said. “We’re still in the midst of a public health crisis. Just because the numbers are flattening, let’s not take our eye off the ball.”
Cooper said it’s difficult to set restrictions county by county in North Carolina because people may live in one place, work in another and play in another. But the state will consider setting different rules for different regions.
“We aren’t there at that point yet, but that’s an option we’re keeping open,” Cooper said.
Getting back to work
Governors noted that the coronavirus devastated their economies and their state budgets.
“The situation we’re in now is unsustainable,” said Cuomo, who said the federal government will have to help cover state shortfalls. “You can’t keep the economy closed forever.”
In Florida, the disbursement of unemployment benefits was improving after being swamped with claims. About 100,000 payments were made this week, after 35,000 last week, DeSantis said. The figures compared to 350,000 payments during all last year, he said.
“It’s thrown a lot of Floridians out of work,” DeSantis said.
But DeSantis said about 43% of hospital beds statewide are unoccupied. He argued that most infections in hotspots happened indoors or in public transportation, so he will seek ways to allow people to go outside.
“I’ve always promoted essential activities with recreation,” DeSantis said. “Going forward, we’ve got to be promoting people to get outside. Do it in a safe way.”
In Texas, Abbott unveiled executive orders including the formation of a strike force, with further guidelines to be announced April 27. Schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year.
“Even more openings will be announced in May when it is determined that the infection rate continues to decline, that hospital capacity remains available and when testing capacities are sufficient to detect and contain outbreaks of COVID-19,” Abbott said.
In North Carolina, Cooper said he was consulting with business leaders about what kinds of conditions to set on reopening. Grocery stores, for example, have ideas about limiting the number of occupants. Restaurants and bars have other ideas. The Chamber of Commerce and small businesses are offering suggestions.
“We do want to open up North Carolina,” Cooper said. “We want to open it up in the right way with input from businesses about how they can protect their employees, how they can protect their customers, and how they can get back to work so we can put people back to work.”
Contributing: Maureen Groppe


usatoday--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Newsom announces economic task force with four former California governors

Former presidential candidate and entrepreneur Tom Steyer will lead a new advisory committee announced Friday by California Gov .
Gavin Newsom tasked with steering the state back toward economic growth and recovery amid the devastation of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We are now in a pandemic-induced recession , here in the state of California , '' Newsom said , but added that `` work is already underway and progress is already underway . ''
The 80-member task force includes the four living former California governors — Pete Wilson , Gray Davis , Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Janet Yellen , Disney 's Bob Iger , Tim Cook of Apple , and Marc Benioff of Salesforce .
“ We are guided in our recovery with those considerations at heart , ” he said .
“ This is not a partisan endeavor .
This is about California.
” The committee , which also includes `` social justice warriors '' and tribal leaders , will be guided and aided by the state Senate and Assembly , and is tasked with developing `` a strategy to help California recover as fast as safely possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a fair green and prosperous future , '' Steyer said during the briefing .
More : Newsom outlines criteria to lift shelter-at-home order , says timeline will be evaluated in two weeks A record 3.1 million people have filed for unemployment insurance since March 12 , Newsom said , breaking California ’ s streak of 119 consecutive months of job growth .
“ The consequences of our actions will be felt all across the United States , ” he said , highlighting that 15 % of the jobs created in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the state .
Newsom said while his top priority is continuing to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus , the state is preparing to “ focus more robustly and comprehensively on economic growth and economic recovery.
” He said said the worst mistake he could make would be to prematurely open the economy .
“ Today I stand before you sobered by the reality of the last four weeks , ” Newsom said , sharing that California saw its third consecutive day of record-high daily death tolls — 95 people died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hospitalizations have continued to grow .
The state is still weeks away from determining a timeline for reopening the economy , and Newsom has devoted his daily briefings to updating residents about how and when that decision will be made .
Newsom on Monday announced that he is collaborating with the governors of Oregon and Washington for a West Coast plan to transition back toward normalcy .
The next day , he laid out six key indicators that he will use to determine when to lift social distancing orders but has repeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers he is watching are the rates of hospitalization and the number of people in intensive care units in the state .
As California inched closer to 1,000 confirmed coronavirus-caused fatalities on Friday , Newsom said that hospital numbers have continued to increase but are showing signs of slowing .
Newsom said he would give updates every Wednesday on how the state is progressing on each of the six indicators : • The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing , contact tracing , isolating , and supporting those who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19 ; • The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges ; • The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand ; • The ability for businesses , schools , and child care facilities to support physical distancing ; and • The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures , such as the stay-at-home orders , if necessary .
President Donald Trump on Thursday announced his own three-phase plan to reopen the country , noting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their approach ” to the situation they are seeing on the ground .
“ If they need to remain closed we will allow them to do that , ” Trump said , adding that the federal government is “ also encouraging states to work together to harmonize their regional efforts.
” Three regional pacts are already in place , including the West Coast framework made between California , Oregon and Washington , announced on Monday .
The timeline for the federal government 's plan , Dr. Deborah Birx said , will depend on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discretion of governors .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , also emphasized the dynamic nature of the plan , which will enable response and recovery to meet local needs .
The phases will be staggered , he said , and each will require certain checkpoints without rebound at each level .
`` We are a very large country and we have different dynamics , '' Fauci said , emphasizing that safety remains the top priority .
`` We feel confident that sooner or later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of normality , '' he added .
Newsom said the Trump administration has issued booklets to each state that detail guidelines for a phased reopening .
Newsom said that he was encouraged by Trump 's call for more testing .
`` The federal government will be doing much more still in that space , '' Newsom said .
`` We are not attaching ourselves to the federal efforts but we are encouraged to hear more is being done . ''
Gabrielle Canon is a California Reporter for the USA Today Network .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gannett.com or on Twitter @ GabrielleCanon .

Coronavirus: Newsom announces economic task force with four former California governors
Show Caption Hide Caption Gov. Newsom details plan to reopen California California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a detailed plan for lifting virus restrictions. AP
Former presidential candidate and entrepreneur Tom Steyer will lead a new advisory committee announced Friday by California Gov. Gavin Newsom tasked with steering the state back toward economic growth and recovery amid the devastation of the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are now in a pandemic-induced recession, here in the state of California," Newsom said, but added that "work is already underway and progress is already underway."
The 80-member task force includes the four living former California governors — Pete Wilson, Gray Davis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown. Other high-profile members are former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, Disney's Bob Iger, Tim Cook of Apple, and Marc Benioff of Salesforce.
“We are guided in our recovery with those considerations at heart,” he said. “This is not a partisan endeavor. This is about California.”
The committee, which also includes "social justice warriors" and tribal leaders, will be guided and aided by the state Senate and Assembly, and is tasked with developing "a strategy to help California recover as fast as safely possible from the COVID-19 induced recession, and to create a fair green and prosperous future," Steyer said during the briefing.
More: Newsom outlines criteria to lift shelter-at-home order, says timeline will be evaluated in two weeks
A record 3.1 million people have filed for unemployment insurance since March 12, Newsom said, breaking California’s streak of 119 consecutive months of job growth.
“The consequences of our actions will be felt all across the United States,” he said, highlighting that 15% of the jobs created in the U.S. since the Great Recession were based in the state.
Newsom said while his top priority is continuing to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus, the state is preparing to “focus more robustly and comprehensively on economic growth and economic recovery.”
He said said the worst mistake he could make would be to prematurely open the economy.
“Today I stand before you sobered by the reality of the last four weeks,” Newsom said, sharing that California saw its third consecutive day of record-high daily death tolls — 95 people died on Thursday — and that the numbers of hospitalizations have continued to grow.
The state is still weeks away from determining a timeline for reopening the economy, and Newsom has devoted his daily briefings to updating residents about how and when that decision will be made.
Newsom on Monday announced that he is collaborating with the governors of Oregon and Washington for a West Coast plan to transition back toward normalcy.
The next day, he laid out six key indicators that he will use to determine when to lift social distancing orders but has repeated throughout the week that the most important numbers he is watching are the rates of hospitalization and the number of people in intensive care units in the state.
As California inched closer to 1,000 confirmed coronavirus-caused fatalities on Friday, Newsom said that hospital numbers have continued to increase but are showing signs of slowing.
Newsom said he would give updates every Wednesday on how the state is progressing on each of the six indicators:
The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed;
The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19;
The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges;
The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand;
The ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to support physical distancing; and
The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.
President Donald Trump on Thursday announced his own three-phase plan to reopen the country, noting that “governors will be empowered to tailor their approach” to the situation they are seeing on the ground.
“If they need to remain closed we will allow them to do that,” Trump said, adding that the federal government is “also encouraging states to work together to harmonize their regional efforts.” Three regional pacts are already in place, including the West Coast framework made between California, Oregon and Washington, announced on Monday.
The timeline for the federal government's plan, Dr. Deborah Birx said, will depend on data and trends, left to the discretion of governors.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also emphasized the dynamic nature of the plan, which will enable response and recovery to meet local needs. The phases will be staggered, he said, and each will require certain checkpoints without rebound at each level.
"We are a very large country and we have different dynamics," Fauci said, emphasizing that safety remains the top priority. "We feel confident that sooner or later, we will get back to some form of normality," he added.
Newsom said the Trump administration has issued booklets to each state that detail guidelines for a phased reopening.
Newsom said that he was encouraged by Trump's call for more testing.
"The federal government will be doing much more still in that space," Newsom said. "We are not attaching ourselves to the federal efforts but we are encouraged to hear more is being done."
Gabrielle Canon is a California Reporter for the USA Today Network. You can reach her at gcanon@gannett.com or on Twitter @GabrielleCanon.