usatoday--2020-04-01--Top White House advisers predict as many as 240,000 US deaths from coronavirus - live updates

Trump says impeachment 'probably ' distracted him from fighting coronavirus WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump had a hard time deciding Tuesday whether impeachment distracted him from fighting the coronavirus – but he eventually claimed it `` probably '' did .
`` Well , I do n't like to think it did – I think I handled it very well , '' Trump said .
`` But I guess it probably did ...
I mean , I got impeached . ''
He added that , `` I certainly devoted a little time to thinking about it . ''
Trump echoed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's slow response to the coronavirus on the president 's impeachment case .
The Senate impeachment trial – which began with the swearing-in of senators on Jan. 16 and ended with Trump 's acquittal on Feb. 5 – `` diverted the attention of the government , '' said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , speaking Tuesday to radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt .
Critics described the impeachment argument – one employed by many Trump supporters in recent weeks – as excuse mongering .
Trump , they noted , began taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat until late February , well after the trial ended .
Joshua Geltzer , a former national security aide during the Obama administration , said impeachment previewed Trump 's response , including his ignoring government experts and relying on private sources of information .
`` Mitch McConnell just blamed Trump ’ s COVID-19 failures on impeachment , '' tweeted Geltzer , a visiting law professor at Georgetown University .
`` That ’ s wrong—dead wrong .
In fact , the opposite is true : impeachment warned McConnell & other Americans about exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Birx : States have half a million new Abbott tests , but they 're not being utilized About 500,000 coronavirus tests released this week by Abbott Laboratories are available and not being utilized by states , according to Dr. Deborah Birx , who 's leading the White House coronavirus task force .
`` It is disappointing to me right now that we have about 500,000 capacity of Abbott tests that are not being utilized .
So they are out , they 're in states , they 're not being run and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a White House daily briefing Tuesday .
The new test , released by the Illinois-based company this week , can give positive results in as little as five minutes and negative results in about 13 minutes .
Birx said the task force is working to create awareness that these tests are available as hospitals have become reliant on the platforms available to them for COVID-19 over the last month .
Birx declined to provide any further details on whether hospitals are aware these tests are available to them or to which states they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan , a Republican , contradicted President Donald Trump 's claim that problems with coronavirus testing had been resolved .
Hogan told NPR Tuesday that while the administration has taken some steps to create new tests , `` they 're not actually produced and distributed out to the states . ''
Trump has faced mounting pressure from states over the availability of tests as well as a shortage of medical supplies for health care workers treating coronavirus patients .
Many Americans with symptoms of COVID-19 have found it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been tested have been told it will take more than a week to get results .
In recent days Trump has touted that the U.S. has conducted more tests than any other country , but he leaves out a key piece of context : While the U.S. has surpassed South Korea in terms of raw tests , it has administered far fewer tests per capita given that the U.S. is more than six times the size of South Korea .
White House says the hottest coronavirus hot spots are in New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat of the coronavirus nationwide President Donald Trump and his health aides showed models Tuesday indicating that two states have it worse than anybody : New York and New Jersey .
Citing the high number of cases in the greater New York City area , Trump said that New York and New Jersey `` got off to a very late start '' in trying to contain the coronavirus .
Trump has also been accused of getting a late start in fighting the coronavirus .
Numerous governors , including Andrew Cuomo in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been slow and disorganized in delivering necessary medical supplies .
Trump also offered sympathy to his former hometown , saying `` We pray for the doctors and the nurses , for the paramedics and the truck drivers , and the police officers and the sanitation workers , and above all , the people fighting for their lives in New York and all across our land.
” Analysts said New York got hit hard in part because of heavy travel at the start of the new year between the Big Apple and Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
White House advisers predict as many as 240,000 US coronavirus deaths WASHINGTON – Members of President Donald Trump ’ s administration laid out dire estimates Tuesday to underscore the potential impact of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States , a grim prediction they said was at the center of the president ’ s decision to extend strict social distancing guidelines through the end of April .
Federal public health officials said that between 100,000 and 240,000 could succumb to the virus by the end of the year – making it one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health crises – said Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus response coordinator .
Without intervention , Birx said , as many 2.2 million could have died .
Presented to the president over the weekend , the data explains why Trump backed down from an earlier notion of “ reopening ” the country by Easter , or potentially opening parts of the nation that were less hard hit , officials said .
Trump announced Sunday he would extend social distancing guidelines through April 30 .
“ Our country is in the midst of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Tuesday .
“ We ’ re going to go through a very tough two weeks.
” Trump ’ s top health officials , including Anthony Fauci , director of the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , warned that models are not always accurate and will be influenced by how seriously Americans take orders to avoid contact with others .
Trump and others have said April could be a particularly deadly month in the ongoing battle with the virus .
Johns Hopkins University tallied more than 181,000 confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than any other nation -- and more than 3,600 deaths .
The president said on Sunday that he hoped the nation would be “ well on our way to recovery ” by June 1 .
The social distancing guidelines recommend Americans work from home and avoid groups larger than 10 .
Trump : Americans face 'very , very painful two weeks' WASHINGTON – With the number of coronavirus deaths rising , President Donald Trump warned Americans on Tuesday to prepare for what he said would be difficult days ahead .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rough two weeks , ” he said during a news conference with his coronavirus task force .
Trump ’ s remarks came as the number of coronavirus deaths surged past 3,200 on Tuesday , eclipsing the death total from the 9/11 terror attacks .
More than 500 deaths were reported nationwide Monday , the highest daily total since the first American died six weeks ago .
Trump indicated the worst isn ’ t over , warning of a “ very , very painful two weeks '' ahead .
“ As a nation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we approach that really important day when we ’ re going to see things get better , ” he said .
“ Our strength will be tested , and our endurance will be tried .
This is the time for all Americans to come together and do our part.
” Pelosi says she , Congress are not responsible for slow response WASHINGTON — Former President Barack Obama appeared to take a swipe at President Donald Trump 's initial skepticism of the coronavirus pandemic , a rare rebuff for a president who tends not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other presidents .
`` We 've seen all too terribly the consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic , '' Obama tweeted Tuesday , without directly naming the president .
`` We ca n't afford any more consequences of climate denial .
All of us , especially young people , have to demand better of our government at every level and vote this fall , '' he added , linking to an article announcing the rollback of environmental mileage standards put in place by Obama in 2012 .
The Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the U.S. outbreak , which has crippled the U.S. economy and claimed more than 3,100 lives as of Tuesday .
Trump initially sought to downplay the pandemic and suggested opening up the economy by Easter , or April 12 , as recently as last week .
The president has since said strict social distancing guidelines will remain in place through April 30 .
Obama , who has mostly used his Twitter account to praise workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic and promote advice from public health experts , seldom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 44th president 's tweet also blasted Trump 's decision to roll back an Obama-era rule designed to push automakers to produce more fuel efficient vehicles to limit pollution in the global fight against climate change .
The new mileage standard is the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration to reverse his predecessor 's policies .
Virginia GOP suggests politics at play in Northam 's 'stay at home ' order The Republican Party of Virginia suggested Tuesday that Democratic Gov .
Ralph Northam set his statewide `` stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 because the GOP primary is going to be held on June 9 .
“ In these challenging times , we want to give the Governor the freedom to make necessary decisions without partisan rancor , but the timeline seems all too convenient , ” said party chairman Jack Wilson .
“ We ask that Governor Northam show us the data that led to his decision . ''
Wilson said while they were not implying Northam was `` purposefully engaging in voter suppression , '' an `` explanation would help to mitigate any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virginia residents to stay home , except for certain activities like getting groceries or to get medical care , in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus .
Virginia has 1,250 confirmed cases of the virus , which has killed at least 27 people in the state , according to the Virginia Department of Health .
Virginia 's Republican Party canceled its presidential primary this year , citing overwhelming support for President Donald Trump .
But GOP voters still have to decide on who will try to unseat incumbent Sen. Mark Warner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members and local representatives .
As New York continues its search for much-needed ventilators , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said the Federal Emergency Management Agency “ basically bigfooted ” individual states and drove up prices , comparing buying ventilators to online auctions .
“ It ’ s like being on eBay with 50 other states , bidding on a ventilator , ” Cuomo said .
“ You see the bid go up cause California bid .
Illinois bid .
Florida bid .
New York bid .
California rebids .
That ’ s literally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean , how inefficient .
And then , FEMA gets involved and FEMA starts bidding .
And now FEMA is bidding on top of the 50 , so FEMA is driving up the price .
What sense does this make ?
” Cuomo then said he believes FEMA “ should ’ ve been the purchasing agent ” for medical equipment before becoming the sole distributor to states in need .
Cuomo released data indicating New York had more than 75,000 positive cases – including more than 9,000 new cases – with a death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning .
Pompeo : no need to ease sanctions on Iran , other nations affected by coronavirus Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that he saw no need to ease tough U.S. sanctions on Iran or other nations that have been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic .
The United Nations Secretary-General , António Guterres , has urged world leaders to back off such crippling economic penalties to ensure that people in those targeted countries have access to food , medicine and other vital supplies as they confront the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not exclusion , ” Guterres said last week .
Pompeo has overseen the Trump administration ’ s “ maximum pressure ” campaign against Iran , implementing a series of escalating sanctions aimed at crippling Tehran ’ s economy and weakening its leaders .
Iran is reeling from the coronavirus outbreak , with more than 40,000 reported infections and nearly 3,000 reported deaths .
Skeptics say those figures are misleadingly low , fearing a much more widespread crisis .
Pompeo noted that U.S. sanctions include exemptions for humanitarian goods , and he argued that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to get anything they need to address the pandemic .
“ The goods that are needed for each of these countries to resolve that coronavirus problem in their nations are not sanctioned , ” Pompeo said during a State Department briefing Tuesday .
Pompeo said the Trump administration has offered humanitarian aid to Iran , North Korea , and Venezuela , among other sanctioned countries , but that assistance has been rejected .
“ Some of these countries continue to build bombs and missiles and nuclear capability , all the while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that a State Department official has died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
“ We 've had a State Department official pass away as a result of this virus ... one of our team members , ” Pompeo said during a briefing Tuesday .
“ We now have 3,000 Americans who have been killed .
This is tragic.
” A State Department spokesperson later said two locally employed staff members at U.S. embassies in Jakarta , Indonesia , and Kinshasa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families affected by this tragedy , and thank them for their loved ones ' service to the United States , ” said the spokesperson , who was not authorized to speak on the record because of State Department policy .
“ We do not at this time have any reports of COVID-19-related deaths of American staff within the Department of State 's domestic and global workforce.
” The State Department ’ s 75,000-workforce – deployed in more than 200 locations across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
In January , the agency began evacuating diplomats from the U.S. consulate in Wuhan , China , the outbreak ’ s initial epicenter , and authorized departures have continued from other hotspots .
“ Really there aren ’ t any posts that are immune to the spread of coronavirus , ” Dr. William Walters , the agency ’ s deputy chief medical officer for operations , told reporters during a Monday briefing .
Walters said there are about 75 known cases among State Department employees working abroad and about 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workforce .
Rep. Max Rose to deploy for National Guard to help NY coronavirus response Freshman Rep. Max Rose , D-N.Y. , will deploy Wednesday for the National Guard to help his state 's coronavirus efforts .
He will deploy to Staten Island and serve as an operations officer .
Rose , a Purple Heart recipient who served in Afghanistan , said he would be able to leave his post to vote on another coronavirus package if needed .
Rose represents Staten Island , New York City 's southernmost borough .
`` My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what our city , state , and country has asked of all them .
And it ’ s certainly nothing compared to the other men and women serving in uniform both here at home and overseas , '' Rose said .
`` I am just trying to do my duty and my small part.
” New York has become the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S. and on Monday , a Navy hospital ship arrived in Manhattan 's harbor to help treat the thousands who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said Tuesday that the coronavirus outbreak will likely require the country to move toward voting by mail in upcoming elections .
Pelosi said on MSNBC 's `` Morning Joe '' she thought the $ 2 trillion CARES Act signed into law last week by President Donald Trump should have had more funding for the states to address `` the reality of life that we are going to have to have more vote by mail . ''
The final bill allocated $ 400 million toward helping states vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of the legislation included $ 4 billion for that purpose .
President Donald Trump criticized the effort to include funding for elections in the bill during a Fox News interview on Monday .
`` The things they had in there were crazy .
They had things – levels of voting that if you ever agreed to it you ’ d never have a Republican elected in this country again , '' the president said on `` Fox & Friends . ''
`` I feel sad that the President does n't have confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Tuesday .
She said she did not think vote by mail would negatively affect Republicans ' chances to the polls .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , added his name Tuesday to the list of people who blamed the slow response to the coronavirus on President Donald Trump 's impeachment .
The Senate impeachment trial – which began with the swearing-in of senators on Jan. 16 and ended with Trump 's acquittal on Feb. 5 – `` diverted the attention of the government , '' McConnell told radio talk show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described the impeachment argument – one employed by many Trump supporters in recent weeks – as an excuse .
Trump , they noted , began taking questions about coronavirus in January and downplayed the threat until late February , well after the trial ended .
Trump supporters like Sean Hannity have long claimed that impeachment diverted the government 's attention from issues like the coronavirus .
Also on the Hewitt show Tuesday , Sen. Tom Cotton , R-Ark.
, said : `` I have to tell you that in mid-January and late-January , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was consumed with another matter – you may recall the partisan impeachment of the President . ''
On Feb. 27 , Trump said during a speech at the White House that the virus was `` going to disappear .
One day – it 's like a miracle , it will disappear . ''
He then said , `` you know , it could get worse before it gets better .
It could maybe go away .
We 'll see what happens . ''
Three weeks before , the Republican-controlled Senate acquitted Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power and obstructed a congressional investigation into his team 's efforts to get Ukraine to investigate Democratic political opponent Joe Biden .
Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan said Tuesday on NPR 's Morning Edition that President Donald Trump was incorrect in saying coronavirus testing problems had been resolved .
`` Yeah , that 's just not true .
I mean I know that they 've taken some steps to create new tests , but they 're not actually produced and distributed out to the states . ''
Hogan said , when host Rachel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` No state has enough testing . ''
In a coronavirus task force briefing yesterday , Trump said America 's coronavirus testing was better `` than any country in the world . ''
The Maryland Republican said he was listening to the `` smart team '' in the White House like Drs .
Deborah Birx and Anthony Fauci who were giving accurate information .
Hogan , who issued a statewide stay-at-home order on Monday , had a grim outlook for states ' pandemic preparedness .
`` There 's nobody in America that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi : she and Congress do not take responsibility for slow coronavirus response In a Tuesday morning interview on MSNBC 's Morning Joe , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she and Congress do not take responsibility for the country 's slow response to the coronavirus at the beginning of the year .
`` No , not at all , '' she said Tuesday on MSNBC in response to a question from co-host Willie Geist about whether she or Congress bore responsibility .
Instead , she said she was `` proud '' of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' with which coronavirus response bills passed , and the `` bipartisanship that was the hallmark of it all . ''
`` We can only go as fast as the signature , '' she said of the White House 's support for legislation .
The House Speaker added that she was `` sad '' there was `` no respect for science '' from the White House in the beginning but President Donald Trump `` will say and do what he does . ''
Glenn Fine , the inspector general for the Defense Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will oversee the largest rescue package in U.S. history .
The Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act , which was signed into law by President Donald Trump last week , provides more than $ 2 trillion to help stave off the economic IMPACTS caused by the COVID-19 outbreak that has now killed more than 3,000 people in the U.S. and nearly 40,000 people worldwide .
The CARES Act calls for the establishment of a Pandemic Response Accountability Committee to oversee the distribution of the funds approved in the massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two previous emergency spending bills that were passed to address the outbreak .
Fine will head that nine-person committee composed of inspector generals from other departments .
`` I look forward to working with my fellow Inspectors General on the Committee to provide effective , independent oversight of the funding provided by the pandemic legislation , '' Fine said in a statement on Monday .
`` Through our efforts , we will seek to promote transparency and ensure that funds are being used consistently with the law ’ s mandate to respond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it was junk ’ : Trump , Pelosi claim credit for beating back bad ideas in coronavirus stimulus During the contentious debate ahead of the final bill 's passage , the establishment of an oversight committee to prevent waste and abuse was insisted upon by congressional Democrats who were particularly concerned that the nearly $ 500 billion allocated to help large industries could become a corporate `` slush fund . ''
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer , D-N.Y. , said he was pleased with Fine 's appointment .
`` The Pandemic Response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and his administration accountable to the letter and spirit of the law , '' Schumer said in a statement .
`` Glenn Fine has a good reputation as a tough federal prosecutor and former DOJ Inspector General , and must exercise his full oversight authority to ensure that the Trump administration implements the CARES Act as intended . ''
President Donald Trump 's rocky relationship with the news media was on display again Monday , as he bristled at questions about his handling of the coronavirus outbreak during a White House news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with whom Trump has clashed on several occasions , including a 2018 exchange that led to a failed White House effort to revoke Acosta 's press credentials – asked the president , `` What do you say to Americans who are upset with you over the way you downplayed this crisis over the last couple of months ? ''
Acosta proceeded to quote several of Trump 's earlier comments in which he said the outbreak `` was very much under control '' and that `` it will go away '' like a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .
And we 're going to have a great victory , '' Trump told Acosta .
He went on to defend the accuracy of the previous comments while simultaneously explaining he said them because , `` I want to keep the country calm .
I do n't want panic in the country . ''
`` I could cause panic much better than even you .
I would make you look like a minor league player , '' Trump told Acosta .
`` Instead of asking a nasty , snarky question like that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Coronavirus : Justice Department launches inquiry of senators who sold large chunks of stock before coronavirus market slide Trump later turned his ire on PBS NewsHour 's Yamiche Alcindor , whom he told the previous day to `` be nice '' and not ask `` threatening questions '' after she asked about his statement that New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo was requesting more ventilators than needed .
On Monday , Alcindor asked Trump why the U.S. trailed South Korea in per capita testing for the virus .
`` I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump replied .
`` You know how many people are in Seoul ?
You know how big the city of Seoul is ? ''
he asked , trying to explain that the difference was due to population density .
Trump then claimed Seoul 's population is 38 million when , according to the city 's government , it is actually about 10 million .
`` You should be saying , congratulations to the men and women who have done this job , who have inherited a broken testing system and who have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alcindor .
`` And if you don ’ t say it , I ’ ll say it .
I want to congratulate all of the people , you have done a fantastic job . ''


usatoday--2020-04-01--Captain of aircraft carrier asks U.S. Navy to evacuate crew amid 'accelerating' COVID-19 outbreak

The captain of an aircraft carrier is asking the U.S. Navy to step in to evacuate and isolate its crew as cases of the coronavirus have broken out among members .
In a four-page letter dated Monday and first obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle , Navy Captain Brett Crozier of the USS Theodore Roosevelt said that `` decisive action '' was required to prevent deaths from the coronavirus , and that the sailors on board were currently unable to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to keep them safe because of the ship 's close quarters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not at war , and therefore can not allow a single Sailor to perish as a result of this pandemic unnecessarily . ''
First U.S. service member dies : National Guardsman , former Ocean County resident dies from coronavirus Coronavirus cases were first reported on the ship last week and continued to grow , prompting the Navy to announce it would conduct testing on all of the approximately 5,000 sailors aboard .
The Navy reported last Tuesday , March 24 , that three sailors had tested positive and been airlifted to a hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were diagnosed Wednesday and by Thursday that number had jumped to 23 sailors , according to a Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly .
`` We expect additional positive tests , and those sailors who test positive will be transported to the U.S .
Naval Hospital Guam for further evaluation and treatment as necessary , '' Adm. Michael Gilday , chief of naval operations , said in a statement last week in response to the reported cases .
Gilday made clear the Roosevelt remained capable of its missions .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will keep USS Theodore Roosevelt able to respond to any crisis in the region , '' Gilday said last week .
But Crozier stressed that there was an inordinate focus on testing for the virus , which he noted can not stop its spread , and that more should be done to prevent the outbreak instead .
Because of the ship 's conditions , Crozier said , all sailors on board must be considered to have come in close contact with the virus and should be individually isolated .
Crozier said in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew had been taken off the ship , and that a group of sailors whose coronavirus tests initially did not return positive displayed symptoms within the next three days .
The letter outlines the conditions on the ship that facilitate the spread of the virus , including : the high number of sailors in a small space , shared restrooms , meals prepared and served by exposed personnel and tasks that require close contact .
He wrote that the sailors needed to be placed in isolation for 14 days to prevent the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a warship 's inherent limitations of space , we are not doing this .
The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating , '' Crozier said .
Citing an anonymous senior officer on board , the Chronicle reported that the number of positive coronavirus cases on the ship is now between 150 and 200 .
Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly told CNN on Tuesday that `` we do n't disagree '' with Crozier , and that the Navy is `` taking all the appropriate steps . ''
`` I heard about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I know that our command organization has been aware or this for about 24 hours and we have been working actually the last seven days to move those sailors off the ship and get them into accommodations in Guam , '' Modly said , noting that bed space was an issue .
A source who asked not to be named because they weren ’ t authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY that the Navy is moving quickly to ensure the health and safety of the crew of the Roosevelt and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s concerns .
Military coronavirus cases continue to climb : All sailors on USS Theodore Roosevelt to be tested In a phone call with reporters Tuesday , Adm. John Aquilino , Pacific Fleet commander , would not confirm the number of cases among sailors , but said the top priority is keeping them and their families safe .
None of the sailors are seriously ill , he said , and the Navy is working with local officials in Guam to secure hotel rooms for isolation .
The challenge for the Navy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to maintain readiness for war-fighting should a crisis situation occur .
Aquilino said the number of sailors required to maintain operations would remain on the ship , and others would be rotated through 14 days of isolation , then retested before putting only healthy ones back on the ship .
Crozier requested that about 90 % of the thousands of individuals aboard be moved ashore to isolate , while 10 % remain to operate and sanitize the ship .
`` We understand the request , we ’ ve been working it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I ’ m optimistic that the additional quarantine and isolation capacity that is being discussed will be delivered shortly , '' Aquilino said , but declined to answer questions about specific numbers remaining on board and being rotated out .
`` Removing the majority of personnel from a deployed U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier and isolating them for two weeks may seem like an extraordinary measure , '' Crozier wrote .
`` Keeping over 4,000 young men and women on board the TR is an unnecessary risk and breaks faith with those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This will require a political solution but it is the right thing to do .
We are not at war .
Sailors do not need to die , '' Crozier said .
Aquilino said he and the ship 's captain are on the same page , but that Crozier 's disagreement Crozier 's `` disagreement , or his concern , is associated with the pace that we get sailors off , not that we 're not going to get sailors off . ''

Captain of aircraft carrier asks U.S. Navy to evacuate crew amid 'accelerating' COVID-19 outbreak
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: President Trump says over 1 million tested in U.S. President Trump announced at the coronavirus task force briefing that over 1 million Americans had been tested for coronavirus. USA TODAY, Wochit
The captain of an aircraft carrier is asking the U.S. Navy to step in to evacuate and isolate its crew as cases of the coronavirus have broken out among members.
In a four-page letter dated Monday and first obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle, Navy Captain Brett Crozier of the USS Theodore Roosevelt said that "decisive action" was required to prevent deaths from the coronavirus, and that the sailors on board were currently unable to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to keep them safe because of the ship's close quarters.
Crozier wrote that "we are not at war, and therefore cannot allow a single Sailor to perish as a result of this pandemic unnecessarily."
First U.S. service member dies: National Guardsman, former Ocean County resident dies from coronavirus
Coronavirus cases were first reported on the ship last week and continued to grow, prompting the Navy to announce it would conduct testing on all of the approximately 5,000 sailors aboard.
The Navy reported last Tuesday, March 24, that three sailors had tested positive and been airlifted to a hospital in the Pacific. Five more sailors were diagnosed Wednesday and by Thursday that number had jumped to 23 sailors, according to a Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly.
"We expect additional positive tests, and those sailors who test positive will be transported to the U.S. Naval Hospital Guam for further evaluation and treatment as necessary," Adm. Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations, said in a statement last week in response to the reported cases.
Gilday made clear the Roosevelt remained capable of its missions. "We are confident that our aggressive response will keep USS Theodore Roosevelt able to respond to any crisis in the region," Gilday said last week.
But Crozier stressed that there was an inordinate focus on testing for the virus, which he noted cannot stop its spread, and that more should be done to prevent the outbreak instead. Because of the ship's conditions, Crozier said, all sailors on board must be considered to have come in close contact with the virus and should be individually isolated.
Crozier said in his letter that only a fraction of the crew had been taken off the ship, and that a group of sailors whose coronavirus tests initially did not return positive displayed symptoms within the next three days.
The letter outlines the conditions on the ship that facilitate the spread of the virus, including: the high number of sailors in a small space, shared restrooms, meals prepared and served by exposed personnel and tasks that require close contact. He wrote that the sailors needed to be placed in isolation for 14 days to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
"Due to a warship's inherent limitations of space, we are not doing this. The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating," Crozier said.
Citing an anonymous senior officer on board, the Chronicle reported that the number of positive coronavirus cases on the ship is now between 150 and 200.
Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly told CNN on Tuesday that "we don't disagree" with Crozier, and that the Navy is "taking all the appropriate steps."
"I heard about the letter from Capt. Crozier this morning, I know that our command organization has been aware or this for about 24 hours and we have been working actually the last seven days to move those sailors off the ship and get them into accommodations in Guam," Modly said, noting that bed space was an issue.
A source who asked not to be named because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY that the Navy is moving quickly to ensure the health and safety of the crew of the Roosevelt and is pursuing options to address the commanding officer’s concerns.
Military coronavirus cases continue to climb: All sailors on USS Theodore Roosevelt to be tested
In a phone call with reporters Tuesday, Adm. John Aquilino, Pacific Fleet commander, would not confirm the number of cases among sailors, but said the top priority is keeping them and their families safe. None of the sailors are seriously ill, he said, and the Navy is working with local officials in Guam to secure hotel rooms for isolation.
The challenge for the Navy is how to balance that priority with the need to maintain readiness for war-fighting should a crisis situation occur.
Aquilino said the number of sailors required to maintain operations would remain on the ship, and others would be rotated through 14 days of isolation, then retested before putting only healthy ones back on the ship.
Crozier requested that about 90% of the thousands of individuals aboard be moved ashore to isolate, while 10% remain to operate and sanitize the ship.
"We understand the request, we’ve been working it in advance. We continue to work it, and I’m optimistic that the additional quarantine and isolation capacity that is being discussed will be delivered shortly," Aquilino said, but declined to answer questions about specific numbers remaining on board and being rotated out.
"Removing the majority of personnel from a deployed U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier and isolating them for two weeks may seem like an extraordinary measure," Crozier wrote. "Keeping over 4,000 young men and women on board the TR is an unnecessary risk and breaks faith with those Sailors entrusted to our care."
"This will require a political solution but it is the right thing to do. We are not at war. Sailors do not need to die," Crozier said.
Aquilino said he and the ship's captain are on the same page, but that Crozier's disagreement Crozier's "disagreement, or his concern, is associated with the pace that we get sailors off, not that we're not going to get sailors off."
Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook


usatoday--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Trump says he would 'absolutely' take a call from Biden offering advice

WASHINGTON –President Donald Trump said he would `` absolutely '' take a call from former Vice President Joe Biden after the Democratic candidate 's campaign said Wednesday that he would be willing to call the White House and offer the administration advice on the coronavirus response .
“ Oh sure , absolutely .
I 'd love to speak with him , '' Trump said at the White House coronavirus press briefing when asked if he would take the call .
He added : `` I always found him to be a nice guy . ''
The offer from the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior adviser to Trump , said of Biden 's criticism of the administrations response to COVID-19 : “ I think it ’ s really disappointing to have President Obama ’ s number two , who apparently doesn ’ t talk much to him , out there , criticizing , instead of saying 'Hey , here is what we did that we thought was effective . '
” “ Why doesn ’ t Vice President Biden call the White House today and offer some support ?
” Conway continued , dismissing Biden “ in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' just lobbing criticism . ''
Mike Pence : 'Italy may be the most comparable '' to the US on coronavirus cases and deaths Biden 's deputy communications director , Kate Bedingfield , responded to Conway 's remarks , saying , `` Vice President Biden has been extending his advice for months , and he did so again on the air last night.
” “ Donald Trump is not accountable for coronavirus itself – but he is accountable for the federal government ’ s slow and chaotic response to this outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump spent months after the virus was discovered disregarding repeated warnings from his scientific and intelligence experts , and downplaying the threat of this outbreak to the American people .
He could have heeded Vice President Biden ’ s public advice not to take China ’ s word as they misled the world about their efforts to stop the spread.
” Appearing on MSNBC Tuesday night , Biden said that it is Trump 's “ responsibility ” to do more in the coronavirus response , including ramping up the use of the Defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancel the conventions ?
Biden says 'it 's hard to envision ' a Dem convention in July Biden additionally said it would be “ wise ” for Trump to speak with former President Barack Obama , saying that their administration oversaw the Ebola outbreak response in 2014 .
They also oversaw the swine flu outbreak in 2009 .
However , Biden stated Tuesday that “ I don ’ t get a sense that the president wants to hear from anybody . ''
`` It ’ s all about , like , asking governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s doing as president ?
Come on .
What is this all about ?
” Biden said , referring to Trump on Friday saying he has asked Vice President Mike Pence not to call governors he says have not been `` appreciative '' enough of the administration 's efforts on coronavirus .
On Tuesday , Obama appeared to take a swipe at Trump 's initial skepticism of the coronavirus pandemic , a rare rebuff from the former president , who tends not to weigh in on the work of other presidents .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic , '' Obama tweeted Tuesday , without directly naming the president .
`` We ca n't afford any more consequences of climate denial .
All of us , especially young people , have to demand better of our government at every level and vote this fall . ''
Bedingfield continued that `` The Obama-Biden administration even wrote a literal playbook for pandemic response , but unfortunately Trump 's administration left it on the shelf .
Now , we have more coronavirus cases than any @ @ @ @

Coronavirus: Trump says he would 'absolutely' take a call from Biden offering advice
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus Conversations: Are we close to a cure? What does the pipeline look like for a cure for coronavirus? Reporters from the USA TODAY Network talk about America's most urgent questions. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said he would "absolutely" take a call from former Vice President Joe Biden after the Democratic candidate's campaign said Wednesday that he would be willing to call the White House and offer the administration advice on the coronavirus response.
“Oh sure, absolutely. I'd love to speak with him," Trump said at the White House coronavirus press briefing when asked if he would take the call. He added: "I always found him to be a nice guy."
Kate Bedingfield, Biden's deputy communications director, told USA TODAY: "Our teams will be in touch and we will arrange a call."
More: Pence urges churches not to worship in groups larger than 10 people
The offer from the Democratic front-runner came after Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to Trump, said of Biden's criticism of the administrations response to COVID-19: “I think it’s really disappointing to have President Obama’s number two, who apparently doesn’t talk much to him, out there, criticizing, instead of saying 'Hey, here is what we did that we thought was effective.'”
“Why doesn’t Vice President Biden call the White House today and offer some support?” Conway continued, dismissing Biden “in his bunker” in Wilmington, Delaware, "just lobbing criticism."
Mike Pence: 'Italy may be the most comparable" to the US on coronavirus cases and deaths
Bedingfield, responded to Conway's remarks, saying, "Vice President Biden has been extending his advice for months, and he did so again on the air last night.”
“Donald Trump is not accountable for coronavirus itself – but he is accountable for the federal government’s slow and chaotic response to this outbreak,” Bedingfield continued. “Unfortunately, Trump spent months after the virus was discovered disregarding repeated warnings from his scientific and intelligence experts, and downplaying the threat of this outbreak to the American people. He could have heeded Vice President Biden’s public advice not to take China’s word as they misled the world about their efforts to stop the spread.”
Appearing on MSNBC Tuesday night, Biden said that it is Trump's “responsibility” to do more in the coronavirus response, including ramping up the use of the Defense Production Act.
More: Will coronavirus cancel the conventions? Biden says 'it's hard to envision' a Dem convention in July
'Gross misjudgment': Experts say Trump's decision to disband pandemic team hindered coronavirus response
Biden additionally said it would be “wise” for Trump to speak with former President Barack Obama, saying that their administration oversaw the Ebola outbreak response in 2014. They also oversaw the swine flu outbreak in 2009.
However, Biden stated Tuesday that “I don’t get a sense that the president wants to hear from anybody."
"It’s all about, like, asking governors to thank him for what he’s doing as president? Come on. What is this all about?” Biden said, referring to Trump on Friday saying he has asked Vice President Mike Pence not to call governors he says have not been "appreciative" enough of the administration's efforts on coronavirus.
More: Barack Obama takes veiled swipe at Donald Trump's handling of coronavirus pandemic
On Tuesday, Obama appeared to take a swipe at Trump's initial skepticism of the coronavirus pandemic, a rare rebuff from the former president, who tends not to weigh in on the work of other presidents.
"We've seen all too terribly the consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic," Obama tweeted Tuesday, without directly naming the president. "We can't afford any more consequences of climate denial. All of us, especially young people, have to demand better of our government at every level and vote this fall."
Bedingfield continued that "The Obama-Biden administration even wrote a literal playbook for pandemic response, but unfortunately Trump's administration left it on the shelf. Now, we have more coronavirus cases than any other country."
Contributing: Courtney Subramanian, Rebecca Morin


usatoday--2020-04-01--Pence urges churches not to worship in groups larger than 10 people

WASHINGTON – Vice President Mike Pence is encouraging fellow faith followers not to attend services larger than 10 people to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
`` We really believe this is a time when people should avoid gatherings of more than 10 people , '' Pence told ABC 's `` Nightline '' in an interview scheduled to air Wednesday evening .
`` And , and so , we continue to urge churches around America to heed to that . ''
Pence also said that he , his wife , Karen , and President Donald Trump have `` been enjoying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ABC .
His admonition came on the same day he said on CNN that Italy `` may be the most comparable area to the United States '' in terms of coronavirus mortality rates and cases .
`` The American people need to know that our future is in their hands , '' Pence said in another interview on Fox News .
Pence , who calls his Christian faith `` the most important thing in my life , '' tries to start every day by reading the Bible and praying with his wife .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , recently appeared on Fox Nation 's `` Bible Study : Messages of Hope , '' to share a favorite Bible verse that she hopes will help people cope with the pandemic .
The pastor of a megachurch in Florida was arrested this week after defying county and state orders requiring that gatherings , including those held by faith-based groups , be smaller than 10 people .
At least a half-dozen states have some type of exemption for faith gatherings , according to the Associated Press .
Robert Jeffress , pastor of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major evangelical supporter of Trump , initially chose to keep an in-person service option by holding services of less than 500 people .
He later reversed course and encouraged followers to participate online .
Trump suggested last month that Americans could return to normal life on Easter , and fill all the churches .
But he announced Sunday that the White House would be extending its social distancing guidelines through April 30 .

Pence urges churches not to worship in groups larger than 10 people
Show Caption Hide Caption Social distancing: Catholic church begins drive-up confessionals A Catholic church in California has a drive-up confessional to deal with coronavirus outbreak restrictions. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Vice President Mike Pence is encouraging fellow faith followers not to attend services larger than 10 people to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"We really believe this is a time when people should avoid gatherings of more than 10 people," Pence told ABC's "Nightline" in an interview scheduled to air Wednesday evening. "And, and so, we continue to urge churches around America to heed to that."
Pence also said that he, his wife, Karen, and President Donald Trump have "been enjoying worship services online," according to ABC.
His admonition came on the same day he said on CNN that Italy "may be the most comparable area to the United States" in terms of coronavirus mortality rates and cases.
"The American people need to know that our future is in their hands," Pence said in another interview on Fox News.
Pence, who calls his Christian faith "the most important thing in my life," tries to start every day by reading the Bible and praying with his wife.
The Pence's oldest daughter, Charlotte, recently appeared on Fox Nation's "Bible Study: Messages of Hope," to share a favorite Bible verse that she hopes will help people cope with the pandemic.
The pastor of a megachurch in Florida was arrested this week after defying county and state orders requiring that gatherings, including those held by faith-based groups, be smaller than 10 people.
At least a half-dozen states have some type of exemption for faith gatherings, according to the Associated Press.
Robert Jeffress, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas and a major evangelical supporter of Trump, initially chose to keep an in-person service option by holding services of less than 500 people.
He later reversed course and encouraged followers to participate online.
Trump suggested last month that Americans could return to normal life on Easter, and fill all the churches.
But he announced Sunday that the White House would be extending its social distancing guidelines through April 30.


usatoday--2020-04-01--Navy says it can't empty Roosevelt amid coronavirus because of its weapons, nuclear reactor

WASHINGTON – The coronavirus outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt escalated Wednesday as more sailors tested positive for the virus and U.S. Navy officials scrambled to respond to the desperate evacuation plea from the aircraft carrier 's captain .
As of midday Wednesday , 93 crew members had tested positive for the virus , and 593 tested negative , Thomas Modly , acting Secretary of the Navy , told reporters during a briefing Wednesday .
There are approximately 5,000 crew members on board .
`` None of them are seriously ill , '' Modly said .
On board : Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Theodore Roosevelt to be tested He said 24 % of the crew , or about 1,200 sailors , had been tested so far , and Navy officials were trying to take hundreds of sailors off the ship for isolation and monitoring .
`` We already have nearly 1,000 personnel off the ship right now .
And in the next couple of days , we expect to have about 2,700 of them off the ship , '' Modly said .
But he also said the Navy could not leave the vessel empty , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear reactor , among other dangerous materials .
`` It has munitions on it .
It has expensive aircraft and has a nuclear power plant , '' Modly said .
`` It requires a certain number of people on that ship to maintain the safety and security of the ship . ''
He said the Navy would have to keep about 1,000 sailors on board to keep the vessel 's critical functions operational and conceded officials were faced with `` a delicate balance '' between the safety of the crew and the Navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave a nuclear reactor there , running without anybody on the ship , '' he said .
Battle test : Coronavirus rips up soldiers ' playbook , forces Army to focus on health The infection numbers come two days after Navy Capt .
Brett Crozier sent an urgent letter to the U.S. Navy , asking officials to evacuate and isolate the crew as cases of coronavirus infection increased on the vessel .
Crozier said `` decisive action '' was required to prevent deaths from the coronavirus , and that the sailors on board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to keep them safe because of the ship 's close quarters .
The Navy first reported on March 24 that three sailors had tested positive and been airlifted to a hospital in the Pacific .
One day later , five more sailors were diagnosed .
By March 26 , as the ship docked in Guam for a scheduled visit , that number had jumped to 23 sailors .
`` We are not at war , and therefore can not allow a single Sailor to perish as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crozier wrote in Monday 's letter .
`` Due to a warship 's inherent limitations of space , we are not doing this .
The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating , '' he added .
The Navy announced last week that it would conduct testing on all of the approximately 5,000 sailors aboard .
It 's not clear why the service has tested only 24 % of the crew so far .
Officials said there has also been a delay in getting results back , in part because the samples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department lab .
Modly and other Navy officials said they were trying to find hotel rooms and other housing options in Guam for evacuated sailors .
Asked about Crozier 's letter , Modly and others expressed concern that his letter had been leaked to the media and suggested there had been some sort of `` communication 's breakdown . ''
The San Francisco Chronicle first reported on the contents of the captain 's missive .
`` It 's disappointing to have him say '' that the Navy was not taking care of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Modly said .
`` However , at the same time , I know that that 's not the truth , '' he said .
`` We 've been working very , very hard with the ship with this command structure to ensure that that 's exactly what we 're doing .
It 's our priority .
We need those sailors to be safe .
We need them to be healthy .
And we need that ship to be operational . ''
Navy Admiral Mike Gilday said Crozier has an `` extraordinary responsibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and well-being of the 4,865 sailors aboard the Roosevelt .
`` He takes it very seriously , '' Gilday said .
So if he believed the Navy was n't acting urgently enough , `` then absolutely we need to know about that and ... we need to adjust . ''
At a White House briefing Wednesday evening , Gilday said the Navy was taking other precautions to prevent infections on other vessels .
Among other steps , he said sailors would go into quarantine for 14 days before deployments or training exercises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they board a Navy vessel .
Modly conceded it was a difficult and ever-changing situation .
`` A lot of this is we 're adjusting on the fly , '' he said .

Deirdre Shesgreen and Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY

Navy says it can't empty Roosevelt amid coronavirus because of its weapons, nuclear reactor
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Social distancing key to fighting COVID-19 Social distancing matters. Here is how to do it and how it can help curb the COVID-19 pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The coronavirus outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt escalated Wednesday as more sailors tested positive for the virus and U.S. Navy officials scrambled to respond to the desperate evacuation plea from the aircraft carrier's captain.
As of midday Wednesday, 93 crew members had tested positive for the virus, and 593 tested negative, Thomas Modly, acting Secretary of the Navy, told reporters during a briefing Wednesday. There are approximately 5,000 crew members on board.
"None of them are seriously ill," Modly said.
On board: Coronavirus cases climb as all sailors on USS Theodore Roosevelt to be tested
He said 24% of the crew, or about 1,200 sailors, had been tested so far, and Navy officials were trying to take hundreds of sailors off the ship for isolation and monitoring.
"We already have nearly 1,000 personnel off the ship right now. And in the next couple of days, we expect to have about 2,700 of them off the ship," Modly said.
But he also said the Navy could not leave the vessel empty, because it's loaded with weapons and a nuclear reactor, among other dangerous materials.
"It has munitions on it. It has expensive aircraft and has a nuclear power plant," Modly said. "It requires a certain number of people on that ship to maintain the safety and security of the ship."
He said the Navy would have to keep about 1,000 sailors on board to keep the vessel's critical functions operational and conceded officials were faced with "a delicate balance" between the safety of the crew and the Navy's mission.
"You can't leave a nuclear reactor there, running without anybody on the ship," he said.
Battle test: Coronavirus rips up soldiers' playbook, forces Army to focus on health
The infection numbers come two days after Navy Capt. Brett Crozier sent an urgent letter to the U.S. Navy, asking officials to evacuate and isolate the crew as cases of coronavirus infection increased on the vessel.
Crozier said "decisive action" was required to prevent deaths from the coronavirus, and that the sailors on board were currently unable to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to keep them safe because of the ship's close quarters.
The Navy first reported on March 24 that three sailors had tested positive and been airlifted to a hospital in the Pacific. One day later, five more sailors were diagnosed. By March 26, as the ship docked in Guam for a scheduled visit, that number had jumped to 23 sailors.
"We are not at war, and therefore cannot allow a single Sailor to perish as a result of this pandemic unnecessarily," Crozier wrote in Monday's letter.
"Due to a warship's inherent limitations of space, we are not doing this. The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating," he added.
The Navy announced last week that it would conduct testing on all of the approximately 5,000 sailors aboard.
It's not clear why the service has tested only 24% of the crew so far. Officials said there has also been a delay in getting results back, in part because the samples had to be shipped to a Defense Department lab.
Modly and other Navy officials said they were trying to find hotel rooms and other housing options in Guam for evacuated sailors.
Asked about Crozier's letter, Modly and others expressed concern that his letter had been leaked to the media and suggested there had been some sort of "communication's breakdown." The San Francisco Chronicle first reported on the contents of the captain's missive.
"It's disappointing to have him say" that the Navy was not taking care of its most trusted asset: the sailors, Modly said.
"However, at the same time, I know that that's not the truth," he said. "We've been working very, very hard with the ship with this command structure to ensure that that's exactly what we're doing. It's our priority. We need those sailors to be safe. We need them to be healthy. And we need that ship to be operational."
Navy Admiral Mike Gilday said Crozier has an "extraordinary responsibility of command" and is accountable for the health and well-being of the 4,865 sailors aboard the Roosevelt.
"He takes it very seriously," Gilday said. So if he believed the Navy wasn't acting urgently enough, "then absolutely we need to know about that and ... we need to adjust."
At a White House briefing Wednesday evening, Gilday said the Navy was taking other precautions to prevent infections on other vessels. Among other steps, he said sailors would go into quarantine for 14 days before deployments or training exercises, to identify any infected personnel before they board a Navy vessel.
Modly conceded it was a difficult and ever-changing situation. "A lot of this is we're adjusting on the fly," he said.
Contributing: Jeanine Santucci
Fact check: What's true and what's false about coronavirus?


usatoday--2020-04-01--A nod to fame: Dr. Fauci is getting his own bobblehead in support of 100 million mask challenge

WASHINGTON – America ’ s most famous immunologist is getting his own bobblehead .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , whose likeness has been appearing on donuts , T-shirts and socks as a sign of gratitude for his work fighting the coronavirus pandemic , is being immortalized as a small figurine with a gyrating head .
It 's a pop-culture milestone usually reserved for presidents , rock stars and star athletes – not 79-year-old wonky scientists like Fauci .
And for a good cause : the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum will be donating $ 5 from every Dr. Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in support of the 100 million mask challenge .
The program is an initiative led by the American Hospital Association to outfit health care providers with the personal protective equipment necessary to deal with the surging crisis .
“ Bobbleheads are the ultimate honor , and we think Dr. Fauci deserves it given what he has done and continues to do for our country and the world in the battle against COVID-19 , ” said Phil Sklar , co-Founder and CEO of the bobblehead museum .
Front lines : Fauci predicts up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus guidelines .
Here is what you should know .
The collectible trinket has become a fixture as giveaway promotions at sporting events .
Sklar said the Milwaukee-based museum would be sending out the Fauci bobbleheads , which stand seven inches tall , in July but pre-orders are being accepted now .
Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984 , has been the reassuring face of the country ’ s response to the pandemic that ’ s killed thousands and upended daily life .
# Wheresfauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House Coronavirus Task Force that he sits on are televised and he ’ s not on the podium .
Until COVID-19 appeared , Fauci probably was best know for his work combatting the AIDS crisis .
His work in the 1980s drew the admiration of George H. W. Bush who listed him as a hero during the 1988 presidential debate .

A nod to fame: Dr. Fauci is getting his own bobblehead in support of 100 million mask challenge
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Anthony Fauci on the possible seasonal cycle of COVID-19 At a White House press conference on March 25, Anthony Fauci, director of the NIAID, elaborated on a possible seasonal cycle of COVID-19. Accuweather
WASHINGTON – America’s most famous immunologist is getting his own bobblehead.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, whose likeness has been appearing on donuts, T-shirts and socks as a sign of gratitude for his work fighting the coronavirus pandemic, is being immortalized as a small figurine with a gyrating head. It's a pop-culture milestone usually reserved for presidents, rock stars and star athletes – not 79-year-old wonky scientists like Fauci.
And for a good cause: the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum will be donating $5 from every Dr. Fauci Bobblehead sold to the American Hospital Association in support of the 100 million mask challenge.
The program is an initiative led by the American Hospital Association to outfit health care providers with the personal protective equipment necessary to deal with the surging crisis.
“Bobbleheads are the ultimate honor, and we think Dr. Fauci deserves it given what he has done and continues to do for our country and the world in the battle against COVID-19,” said Phil Sklar, co-Founder and CEO of the bobblehead museum.
Front lines: Fauci predicts up to 200,000 U.S. deaths as Trump weighs adjusting coronavirus guidelines. Here is what you should know.
The collectible trinket has become a fixture as giveaway promotions at sporting events. Sklar said the Milwaukee-based museum would be sending out the Fauci bobbleheads, which stand seven inches tall, in July but pre-orders are being accepted now.
Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984, has been the reassuring face of the country’s response to the pandemic that’s killed thousands and upended daily life. #Wheresfauci blankets social media whenever press briefings of the White House Coronavirus Task Force that he sits on are televised and he’s not on the podium.
Until COVID-19 appeared, Fauci probably was best know for his work combatting the AIDS crisis. His work in the 1980s drew the admiration of George H. W. Bush who listed him as a hero during the 1988 presidential debate.


usatoday--2020-04-01--Second federal prisoner dies after contracting coronavirus; inmate was at same Louisiana prison as f

A second federal prisoner infected with the coronavirus has died , officials said Wednesday .
The 43-year-old man was assigned to the same Louisiana prison that housed the first inmate who died Saturday after contracting the virus .
Before testing positive for the virus , Nicholas Rodriguez `` had long-term , pre-existing medical conditions which the CDC lists as risk factors for developing more severe COVID-19 disease , '' the Bureau of Prisons said .
Both inmates were housed at the low-security Federal Correctional Institution in Oakdale , where 11 prisoners at the compound have tested positive – the largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rodriguez was transported to a local hospital March 25 after developing a high temperature , rapid heartbeat and labored breathing , the agency said .
He tested positive for the virus at the hospital where he was placed on a ventilator after his condition declined Friday .
The death was reported one day after federal officials ordered prisoners in 122 institutions to be secured in their cells for the next 14 days in attempt to avoid a larger outbreak .
White House urged to intervene : Trump weighs release of some federal prisoners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , prison officials also reported an uptick in inmate and staff infections , Inmate infections were up to 57 from 28 on Tuesday ; infections to staffers increased from 24 to 37 .

Second federal prisoner dies after contracting coronavirus; inmate was at same Louisiana prison as first victim
A second federal prisoner infected with the coronavirus has died, officials said Wednesday.
The 43-year-old man was assigned to the same Louisiana prison that housed the first inmate who died Saturday after contracting the virus.
Before testing positive for the virus, Nicholas Rodriguez "had long-term, pre-existing medical conditions which the CDC lists as risk factors for developing more severe COVID-19 disease," the Bureau of Prisons said.
Both inmates were housed at the low-security Federal Correctional Institution in Oakdale, where 11 prisoners at the compound have tested positive – the largest cluster of inmate infections.
Officials said Rodriguez was transported to a local hospital March 25 after developing a high temperature, rapid heartbeat and labored breathing, the agency said.
He tested positive for the virus at the hospital where he was placed on a ventilator after his condition declined Friday.
The death was reported one day after federal officials ordered prisoners in 122 institutions to be secured in their cells for the next 14 days in attempt to avoid a larger outbreak.
Lockdown: Federal prison officials order system-wide lockdown in bid to limit coronavirus spread
White House urged to intervene: Trump weighs release of some federal prisoners after inmate tests positive for coronavirus
On Wednesday, prison officials also reported an uptick in inmate and staff infections, Inmate infections were up to 57 from 28 on Tuesday; infections to staffers increased from 24 to 37.


usatoday--2020-04-01--GOP Rep. Devin Nunes again questions coronavirus distancing measures, calls California school closur

Rep. Devin Nunes , R-Calif. , is in hot water again after he said the decision to close California schools for the remainder of the school year was `` way overkill , '' and disagreed with the date the White House set to extend coronavirus social distancing guidelines .
`` The schools were just canceled out here in California , which is way overkill , '' Nunes said Tuesday evening on Fox News .
`` It 's possible kids could 've went back to school in two weeks to four weeks , but they just canceled the rest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date President Donald Trump 's coronavirus task force set to ease up on restrictions that currently prevent many from going to work .
The task force extended its social distancing guidelines through April 30 .
Trump had previously hinted he may lift the guidelines on Easter .
`` We have to focus on keeping people employed .
I will tell you this , if we do n't start to get people back to work in this country over the next week to two weeks—I do n't believe we can wait until the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I just do n't know of any economy that 's ever survived where you unplug the entire economy and expect things to go back and be normal . ''
He also said that more people may die from other causes while `` staying at home , not taking care of themselves '' than they would from the coronavirus .
Nunes ' comments come just over two weeks after he said Americans should `` go to your local pub '' despite the advice of health experts at the time to avoid public gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do if you ’ re healthy—you and your family—it ’ s a great time to just go out , go to a local restaurant .
Likely you can get in easily , '' Nunes said in an interview the morning of March 16 .
'Go to your local pub ' : Nunes walks back comments , blames media for creating coronavirus panic '' Let ’ s not hurt the working people in this country that are relying on wages and tips to keep their small business going .
So , don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy , you know , $ 4,000 of food .
Go , you know , go to your local pub , '' he added .
Later that day , the California governor called for the closure of all bars , wine bars , breweries and pubs , and called for restaurants to reduce their occupancy by half , and the White House issued its guidance to stay away from groups of 10 or more and use drive-through or delivery instead of going into restaurants .
Nunes later walked back his comments , claiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive-through options .
The social distancing guidelines are aimed to slow the spread of the coronavirus and minimize the strain on health care resources , but it has had a major impact on the economy in recent weeks .
Mike Pence : 'Italy may be the most comparable '' to the US on coronavirus cases and deaths The United States death toll from the coronavirus currently stands at over 4,400 , while the total number of reported cases surpasses 200,000 and continues to grow daily .
On Tuesday the White House task force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the virus by the end of the year – making it one of the nation ’ s worst public health crises – and that without intervention strategies , as many 2.2 million could have died .
Nunes on Tuesday said he was `` optimistic '' about certain anti-malaria drugs to treat the coronavirus , two of which were granted emergency clearance by the FDA to use after Trump touted their potential .
`` So the more tests that are out there , the more people getting testing , let 's learn about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Let 's get good data as to who is being impacted and let 's figure out a way to get back to work . ''
Poll : About 6 in 10 voters say Trump was not prepared for coronavirus outbreak

GOP Rep. Devin Nunes again questions coronavirus distancing measures, calls California school closures 'way overkill'
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 pandemic myths debunked There is a lot of misinformation out there about coronavirus. We sort the facts from falsehoods. USA TODAY, Wochit
Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., is in hot water again after he said the decision to close California schools for the remainder of the school year was "way overkill," and disagreed with the date the White House set to extend coronavirus social distancing guidelines.
"The schools were just canceled out here in California, which is way overkill," Nunes said Tuesday evening on Fox News. "It's possible kids could've went back to school in two weeks to four weeks, but they just canceled the rest of the schools."
Nunes also questioned the date President Donald Trump's coronavirus task force set to ease up on restrictions that currently prevent many from going to work. The task force extended its social distancing guidelines through April 30. Trump had previously hinted he may lift the guidelines on Easter.
"We have to focus on keeping people employed. I will tell you this, if we don't start to get people back to work in this country over the next week to two weeks—I don't believe we can wait until the end of April," Nunes said. "I just don't know of any economy that's ever survived where you unplug the entire economy and expect things to go back and be normal."
Devin Nunes calls the closure of schools in California “way overkill” shortly before he argues we need to send people back to work within 1-2 weeks while citing optimism over Hydroxychloroquine pic.twitter.com/3pBHWdwlK0 — Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) April 1, 2020
He also said that more people may die from other causes while "staying at home, not taking care of themselves" than they would from the coronavirus.
Nunes' comments come just over two weeks after he said Americans should "go to your local pub" despite the advice of health experts at the time to avoid public gatherings.
“One of the things you can do if you’re healthy—you and your family—it’s a great time to just go out, go to a local restaurant. Likely you can get in easily," Nunes said in an interview the morning of March 16.
'Go to your local pub': Nunes walks back comments, blames media for creating coronavirus panic
"Let’s not hurt the working people in this country that are relying on wages and tips to keep their small business going. So, don’t run to the grocery store and buy, you know, $4,000 of food. Go, you know, go to your local pub," he added.
Later that day, the California governor called for the closure of all bars, wine bars, breweries and pubs, and called for restaurants to reduce their occupancy by half, and the White House issued its guidance to stay away from groups of 10 or more and use drive-through or delivery instead of going into restaurants.
Nunes later walked back his comments, claiming that he was encouraging people to utilize drive-through options.
The social distancing guidelines are aimed to slow the spread of the coronavirus and minimize the strain on health care resources, but it has had a major impact on the economy in recent weeks.
Mike Pence: 'Italy may be the most comparable" to the US on coronavirus cases and deaths
The United States death toll from the coronavirus currently stands at over 4,400, while the total number of reported cases surpasses 200,000 and continues to grow daily. On Tuesday the White House task force said between 100,000 and 240,000 could succumb to the virus by the end of the year – making it one of the nation’s worst public health crises – and that without intervention strategies, as many 2.2 million could have died.
Nunes on Tuesday said he was "optimistic" about certain anti-malaria drugs to treat the coronavirus, two of which were granted emergency clearance by the FDA to use after Trump touted their potential.
"So the more tests that are out there, the more people getting testing, let's learn about the treatments," Nunes said. "Let's get good data as to who is being impacted and let's figure out a way to get back to work."
Poll: About 6 in 10 voters say Trump was not prepared for coronavirus outbreak
Contributing: Savannah Behrmann


usatoday--2020-04-01--Mike Pence: 'Italy may be the most comparable" to the US on coronavirus cases and deaths

WASHINGTON – Vice President Mike Pence said in a Wednesday television interview that Italy `` may be the most comparable area to the United States '' in terms of coronavirus mortality rates and cases .
Pence had been asked on CNN when the Trump administration arrived at its projection discussed in Tuesday 's coronavirus task force briefing that 100,000 to 240,000 Americans could die from the disease .
He replied that the administration had modeled `` what 's happened around the world .
We think Italy may be the most comparable area to the United States at this point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The vice president called the potential range of deaths `` heartbreaking . ''
Italy currently has the largest number of coronavirus deaths , about 12,428 , according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker of coronavirus cases , and the United States has at least 4,400 deaths .
The United States has more than 200,000 confirmed cases , and Italy has more than 110,000 .
Italy currently has a coronavirus death rate of about 208 per million people , whereas the United States has a death rate of about 13.5 per million people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewing its guidance on the `` issue of masks as a protective measure '' and `` on CDC ’ s recommendation we ’ ll bring those recommendations to the president at the appropriate time . ''
Current CDC guidance is that masks are not necessary unless a person is infected with the coronavirus or is in contact with coronavirus patients .
More : Trump warns of 'very painful ' time as aides predict US coronavirus death toll could reach 240,000 More : Surgeon general says CDC was asked to review guidance on wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of the pandemic , Pence replied , `` I do n't believe the president has ever belittled the threat of the coronavirus ...
I think he has expressed confidence that America will meet this moment . ''
Pressed further , and asked about Trump 's comparison of coronavirus deaths to those from car accidents or the flu , Pence said , `` Well , look , the president – the president is an optimistic person , '' noting that the administration had been `` hoping for the best , but planning for @ @ @ @

Mike Pence: 'Italy may be the most comparable" to the US on coronavirus cases and deaths
–
CDC could change guidelines on mask-wearing amid coronavirus outbreak The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been asked to review its guidance on wearing masks amid the coronavirus pandemic. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – Vice President Mike Pence said in a Wednesday television interview that Italy "may be the most comparable area to the United States" in terms of coronavirus mortality rates and cases.
Pence had been asked on CNN when the Trump administration arrived at its projection discussed in Tuesday's coronavirus task force briefing that 100,000 to 240,000 Americans could die from the disease.
He replied that the administration had modeled "what's happened around the world. We think Italy may be the most comparable area to the United States at this point, for a variety of reasons."
The vice president called the potential range of deaths "heartbreaking."
Italy currently has the largest number of coronavirus deaths, about 12,428, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker of coronavirus cases, and the United States has at least 4,400 deaths. The United States has more than 200,000 confirmed cases, and Italy has more than 110,000.
Italy currently has a coronavirus death rate of about 208 per million people, whereas the United States has a death rate of about 13.5 per million people.
Pence also said the CDC would be reviewing its guidance on the "issue of masks as a protective measure" and "on CDC’s recommendation we’ll bring those recommendations to the president at the appropriate time."
Current CDC guidance is that masks are not necessary unless a person is infected with the coronavirus or is in contact with coronavirus patients.
More: Trump warns of 'very painful' time as aides predict US coronavirus death toll could reach 240,000
More: Surgeon general says CDC was asked to review guidance on wearing masks
Asked about Trump's "belittling" of the pandemic, Pence replied, "I don't believe the president has ever belittled the threat of the coronavirus ... I think he has expressed confidence that America will meet this moment."
Pressed further, and asked about Trump's comparison of coronavirus deaths to those from car accidents or the flu, Pence said, "Well, look, the president – the president is an optimistic person," noting that the administration had been "hoping for the best, but planning for the worst."


usatoday--2020-04-01--Will coronavirus cancel the conventions? Biden says 'it's hard to envision' a Dem convention in July

WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday cast doubt on whether the Democratic National Convention will take place in July as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic .
`` It 's hard to envision that , ” Biden told MSNBC ’ s Brian Williams when asked whether he believes the convention will still go on as scheduled .
“ Again , we should listen to the scientists.
” Biden 's comments are the latest to raise questions about whether the Democratic National Committee , as well as the Republican National Convention , should move forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
The United States has the most confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus .
Many states are also under stay-at-home orders , including Wisconsin , where the DNC ’ s convention is set to take place .
The travel and hotel industry is also suffering under the current pandemic , with many airlines and hotels furloughing or letting their employees go due to the virus .
The Democrats ' convention is scheduled for mid-July , and is still on as planned , but officials are preparing contingency plans if the coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times require us to be deeply thoughtful about the important and unprecedented moment in which we ’ re living , '' Democratic National Convention Committee CEO Joe Solmonese said in a statement Wednesday .
`` As we continue to put plans in place for a successful Democratic National Convention this summer , we will balance protecting the health and well-being of convention attendees and our host city with our responsibility to deliver this historic and critical occasion.
” More : Joe Biden said it 's 'hard to envision ' 2020 DNC in Milwaukee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Democratic National Convention Committee , last week said in a statement that the situation surrounding coronavirus is “ very fluid ” and noted that the convention is still more than three months away .
The convention is set for July 13-16 in Milwaukee .
“ As we navigate the unprecedented challenge of responding to the coronavirus , we 're exploring a range of contingency options to ensure we can deliver a successful convention without unnecessary risk to public health , ” she said in the statement .
Approximately 50,000 people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including many prominent Democrats .
Democratic delegates who are expected to attend the convention have raised doubts about whether it will continue as planned , according to a report from Politico .
It 's unclear what contingency plans the DNC is considering , but several Democrats and news organizations have speculated about a virtual convention .
However , Maryland Democratic Party chairwoman Yvette Lewis told told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Wednesday that `` nobody knows '' what shape the convention will take in July .
“ Everybody wants to move forward .
Everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` We ’ re excited about Milwaukee and excited about the nomination .
But right now nobody knows .
Public health and safety — that ’ s what most important . ''
Alex Lasry , who chaired the Milwaukee Democratic National Convention bid committee , also told the Journal Sentinel `` I do n't see ( the convention ) being canceled .
`` Will there be 50,000 people there ?
I do n't know , ” he said .
Lasry , who served as finance chair for the Host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee , calling the coronavirus crisis “ fluid ” and noted that no one knows for sure where things will be in the next month .
`` We will be having a convention , '' he said .
`` We will be nominating our nominee .
But the next two to five weeks will determine what will happen ( with the convention ) . ''
Officials for the RNC are also still preparing to hold their in-person convention , but are also monitoring the virus .
It is scheduled for Aug. 24-27 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have noted that they are `` monitoring and coordinating with key stakeholders across the administration '' as well as with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
“ We prioritize the health and safety of attendees and have the utmost confidence in the administration ’ s work and preparations , '' convention spokeswoman Tatum Gibson said in a statement , according to the Charlotte Observer .
The RNC has altered several of its early plans due to the pandemic , including a media walk-through of the convention arena set for April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hall in lieu of the walk-through .
Biden is not the first Democratic official to raise doubts that the Democratic convention will go on as originally planned .
Texas Democratic Committee chairman Gilberto Hinojosa told the Journal Sentinel previously that he would not be surprised if the convention does not go on as planned “ unless this massive effort at social isolation works between now and then.
” The Texas Democratic Convention , which is the biggest Democratic convention behind the national convention , is now going to host a virtual gathering in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if a traditional in-person convention does not happen in Milwaukee in July , Hinojosa said : `` We will have a way to get our message out , to pump up our base , to get our nominee ready for the big fight in November.
” Rep. Emanuel Cleaver , an ally of Biden , told Fox News that he 's `` not sure we 're going to have a convention.
” “ I think both parties are very likely , I hope , to agree on postponing the convention or doing something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people together to kill each other ultimately with COVID-19 , '' he said .

Will coronavirus cancel the conventions? Biden says 'it's hard to envision' a Dem convention in July
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus Conversations: What's in the $2T stimulus package Reporters and experts from across the country and the USA TODAY Network help answer America's most urgent questions about the $2 trillion stimulus package. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday cast doubt on whether the Democratic National Convention will take place in July as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.
"It's hard to envision that,” Biden told MSNBC’s Brian Williams when asked whether he believes the convention will still go on as scheduled. “Again, we should listen to the scientists.”
Biden's comments are the latest to raise questions about whether the Democratic National Committee, as well as the Republican National Convention, should move forward with their respective conventions amid the coronavirus crisis.
The United States has the most confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus. Many states are also under stay-at-home orders, including Wisconsin, where the DNC’s convention is set to take place. The travel and hotel industry is also suffering under the current pandemic, with many airlines and hotels furloughing or letting their employees go due to the virus.
The Democrats' convention is scheduled for mid-July, and is still on as planned, but officials are preparing contingency plans if the coronavirus crisis is still underway.
"These challenging times require us to be deeply thoughtful about the important and unprecedented moment in which we’re living," Democratic National Convention Committee CEO Joe Solmonese said in a statement Wednesday. "As we continue to put plans in place for a successful Democratic National Convention this summer, we will balance protecting the health and well-being of convention attendees and our host city with our responsibility to deliver this historic and critical occasion.”
More: Joe Biden said it's 'hard to envision' 2020 DNC in Milwaukee as scheduled
Katie Peters, communications director for the Democratic National Convention Committee, last week said in a statement that the situation surrounding coronavirus is “very fluid” and noted that the convention is still more than three months away. The convention is set for July 13-16 in Milwaukee.
“As we navigate the unprecedented challenge of responding to the coronavirus, we're exploring a range of contingency options to ensure we can deliver a successful convention without unnecessary risk to public health,” she said in the statement.
Approximately 50,000 people are expected to attend the DNC convention, including many prominent Democrats. Democratic delegates who are expected to attend the convention have raised doubts about whether it will continue as planned, according to a report from Politico.
It's unclear what contingency plans the DNC is considering, but several Democrats and news organizations have speculated about a virtual convention.
However, Maryland Democratic Party chairwoman Yvette Lewis told told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Wednesday that "nobody knows" what shape the convention will take in July.
“Everybody wants to move forward. Everybody wants things to be as planned," she said. "We’re excited about Milwaukee and excited about the nomination. But right now nobody knows. Public health and safety — that’s what most important."
Alex Lasry, who chaired the Milwaukee Democratic National Convention bid committee, also told the Journal Sentinel "I don't see (the convention) being canceled.
"Will there be 50,000 people there? I don't know,” he said.
Lasry, who served as finance chair for the Host Committee, mirrored sentiments from the national committee, calling the coronavirus crisis “fluid” and noted that no one knows for sure where things will be in the next month.
"We will be having a convention," he said. "We will be nominating our nominee. But the next two to five weeks will determine what will happen (with the convention)."
Officials for the RNC are also still preparing to hold their in-person convention, but are also monitoring the virus. It is scheduled for Aug. 24-27 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
But officials have noted that they are "monitoring and coordinating with key stakeholders across the administration" as well as with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We prioritize the health and safety of attendees and have the utmost confidence in the administration’s work and preparations," convention spokeswoman Tatum Gibson said in a statement, according to the Charlotte Observer.
The RNC has altered several of its early plans due to the pandemic, including a media walk-through of the convention arena set for April. Republicans will instead host a tele-town hall in lieu of the walk-through.
How the DNC changed its rules since Sanders, Clinton in 2016 The primaries are here! How does one get elected in the first place and what is in store for the Democratic National Convention in 2020? We explain. Just the FAQs
Biden is not the first Democratic official to raise doubts that the Democratic convention will go on as originally planned.
Texas Democratic Committee chairman Gilberto Hinojosa told the Journal Sentinel previously that he would not be surprised if the convention does not go on as planned “unless this massive effort at social isolation works between now and then.”
The Texas Democratic Convention, which is the biggest Democratic convention behind the national convention, is now going to host a virtual gathering in early June, Hinojosa said.
Even if a traditional in-person convention does not happen in Milwaukee in July, Hinojosa said: "We will have a way to get our message out, to pump up our base, to get our nominee ready for the big fight in November.”
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, an ally of Biden, told Fox News that he's "not sure we're going to have a convention.”
“I think both parties are very likely, I hope, to agree on postponing the convention or doing something that won’t bring thousands of people together to kill each other ultimately with COVID-19," he said.
Contributing: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


usatoday--2020-04-01--Bernie Sanders calls for 'delay' in Tuesday's Wisconsin election

MILWAUKEE – Independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders called for Wisconsin to delay its Tuesday election and extend early voting in @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Sanders , who will face former Vice President Joe Biden in the state @ @ @ @ @ issued his statement Wednesday .
`` People should not be forced to put their lives @ @ @ @ @ , which is why 15 states are now following the advice of public health experts @ @ @ @ @ '' Sanders said .
`` We urge Wisconsin to join them . ''
Sanders said @ @ @ @ @ ’ s vote , extend early voting and work to move entirely to vote-by-mail .
@ @ @ @ @ decision , we urge our supporters to vote-by-mail.
” Daily Digest : What you need @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin A federal judge in Madison has scheduled a hearing for later Wednesday about what @ @ @ @ @ should be made for the election .

Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Bernie Sanders calls for 'delay' in Tuesday's Wisconsin election
Show Caption Hide Caption Bernie Sanders trails Joe Biden in primary, gap widens Bernie Sanders trails Joe Biden in primary election, widening the gap in delegates. Few chances remain to retake the lead as primary calendar closes. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
MILWAUKEE – Independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders called for Wisconsin to delay its Tuesday election and extend early voting in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sanders, who will face former Vice President Joe Biden in the state's Democratic presidential primary, issued his statement Wednesday.
"People should not be forced to put their lives on the line to vote, which is why 15 states are now following the advice of public health experts and delaying their elections," Sanders said. "We urge Wisconsin to join them."
Sanders said Wisconsin "should delay Tuesday’s vote, extend early voting and work to move entirely to vote-by-mail. While we wait for a decision, we urge our supporters to vote-by-mail.”
Live updates: The latest on coronavirus in Wisconsin
Daily Digest: What you need to know about coronavirus in Wisconsin
A federal judge in Madison has scheduled a hearing for later Wednesday about what changes, if any, should be made for the election.