usatoday--2020-04-24--Thousands gather at Wisconsin state Capitol to protest coronavirus restrictions

MADISON , Wis. – Thousands of people cheering `` USA '' and `` open up '' gathered on the steps of the Wisconsin State Capitol on Friday to protest Gov .
Tony Evers ' restrictions on their daily lives , rallying in close quarters on a day the state saw its highest daily increase in positive cases of coronavirus .
The crowd stood shoulder to shoulder – physically and in solidarity – in defiance of the Democratic governor 's order to keep businesses and schools closed , and people apart , in an effort to limit the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no vaccine .
Circulating among the crowd were petitions to recall Evers and signs that said `` All Workers Are Essential '' and `` Death ... is preferable to communism . ''
Dozens of American flags accompanied the protesters and some openly carried assault-style rifles .
`` I think this will make Evers respond , '' Cindy Warner of Milwaukee said .
`` People of different backgrounds , races and cultures all want to get back to work .
The flu can kill you but so can not eating . ''
Public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in groups this large as the highly contagious coronavirus continues to spread through Wisconsin – but it 's those limits that are largely driving them to do so .
Scores of businesses have closed or drastically reduced their staffs , leading to hundreds of thousands of unemployment claims .
Churches have closed their doors .
And about 900,000 children are n't in school .
The virus has infected 5,356 people in Wisconsin and killed 262 .
But it 's largely affecting communities with larger populations – driving resentment among people who live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus and are being subject to the same economic restrictions .
The same day as the protest , Wisconsin saw its highest daily increase in confirmed positive cases of the virus – 304 .
Thursday night , nurses lined the state Capitol steps with 1,300 electronic candles in tribute to those currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in Wisconsin .
The candles were meant to be a silent counter-protest .
Friday 's protest also has political motivations – conservative activist Bob Dohnal in a newsletter offered free transportation to anyone who wanted to attend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waukesha County , several hundred participants in a planned business owners rally gathered Friday before driving as a group to the Capitol Square .
Signs drawn on car windows said `` Let Freedom Ring '' and `` Shut Down Fear , Open Up Wisconsin . ''
Among them was Tom Rakowski , a part-time bartender from Wind Lake who dressed up as President Donald Trump .
`` This is going to bring awareness to the state , '' Rakowski said .
`` Leave it up to the business owners . ''
Near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his wife , Tina , were collecting signatures in support of forming an exploratory committee to recall Evers and Lt. Gov .
Mandela Barnes .
Asked if he wanted to recall Evers , Pridemore , who is running for state Senate and once ran against Evers for state schools superintendent , said , `` That would be the ultimate goal , but we 're taking this in steps . ''
Kerry Poole of Milwaukee , an executive assistant at an appraisal firm who is able to work remotely , attended with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't think this is a partisan issue , '' Poole said .
`` I think this affects people the same .
I 'm just here to let our governor and legislators know that the people around Wisconsin want to start opening up the state . ''
Mark Batten – a fabricator , welder and steamfitter from Milwaukee – was carrying a sign , `` We Wo n't Forget , Tony . ''
`` The numbers do n't justify ( the closure ) '' Batten said `` It is based on hysteria , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their cars , lining up on East and West Washington Avenue and in front of the Capitol rally , honking their horns and waving flags .
Capitol police were on hand , some wearing plastic face shields , but did not enforce physical distancing rules on the crowd , many of whom were not wearing masks .
At least two women wearing hospital scrubs stood among the crowd with face masks holding signs that read `` please go home '' and `` In overwhelmed hospitals , more people die . ''
Similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially in states with Democratic governors .
Evers told reporters Thursday he believes the protesters ' First Amendment rights are `` sacred '' and would n't direct the Capitol police force to enforce physical distancing rules he has ordered to prevent transmission of the virus .

Molly Beck and Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Thousands gather at Wisconsin state Capitol to protest coronavirus restrictions
Show Caption Hide Caption Protests at Wisconsin Capitol against stay-at-home order extension Protesters rally at State Capitol because they are against the extension of the stay-at-home order. Dazia Cummings, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
MADISON, Wis. – Thousands of people cheering "USA" and "open up" gathered on the steps of the Wisconsin State Capitol on Friday to protest Gov. Tony Evers' restrictions on their daily lives, rallying in close quarters on a day the state saw its highest daily increase in positive cases of coronavirus.
The crowd stood shoulder to shoulder – physically and in solidarity – in defiance of the Democratic governor's order to keep businesses and schools closed, and people apart, in an effort to limit the spread of the highly contagious virus for which there is no vaccine.
Circulating among the crowd were petitions to recall Evers and signs that said "All Workers Are Essential" and "Death ... is preferable to communism."
Dozens of American flags accompanied the protesters and some openly carried assault-style rifles.
"I think this will make Evers respond," Cindy Warner of Milwaukee said. "People of different backgrounds, races and cultures all want to get back to work. The flu can kill you but so can not eating."
Public health experts say no one should be gathering in groups this large as the highly contagious coronavirus continues to spread through Wisconsin – but it's those limits that are largely driving them to do so.
Scores of businesses have closed or drastically reduced their staffs, leading to hundreds of thousands of unemployment claims. Churches have closed their doors. And about 900,000 children aren't in school.
The virus has infected 5,356 people in Wisconsin and killed 262. But it's largely affecting communities with larger populations – driving resentment among people who live in areas with many fewer cases of the virus and are being subject to the same economic restrictions.
'We're winging this': Coronavirus protests tout independence as national groups eye election
The same day as the protest, Wisconsin saw its highest daily increase in confirmed positive cases of the virus – 304. Thursday night, nurses lined the state Capitol steps with 1,300 electronic candles in tribute to those currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in Wisconsin. The candles were meant to be a silent counter-protest.
Friday's protest also has political motivations – conservative activist Bob Dohnal in a newsletter offered free transportation to anyone who wanted to attend the protest.
At a parking lot in Waukesha County, several hundred participants in a planned business owners rally gathered Friday before driving as a group to the Capitol Square. Signs drawn on car windows said "Let Freedom Ring" and "Shut Down Fear, Open Up Wisconsin."
Among them was Tom Rakowski, a part-time bartender from Wind Lake who dressed up as President Donald Trump.
"This is going to bring awareness to the state," Rakowski said. "Leave it up to the business owners."
Near the Capitol, former state Rep. Don Pridemore and his wife, Tina, were collecting signatures in support of forming an exploratory committee to recall Evers and Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes.
Asked if he wanted to recall Evers, Pridemore, who is running for state Senate and once ran against Evers for state schools superintendent, said, "That would be the ultimate goal, but we're taking this in steps."
Kerry Poole of Milwaukee, an executive assistant at an appraisal firm who is able to work remotely, attended with her mother, Debbie Kauer.
"I don't think this is a partisan issue," Poole said. "I think this affects people the same. I'm just here to let our governor and legislators know that the people around Wisconsin want to start opening up the state."
Mark Batten – a fabricator, welder and steamfitter from Milwaukee – was carrying a sign, "We Won't Forget, Tony."
"The numbers don't justify (the closure)" Batten said "It is based on hysteria, not logic."
Protesters also stayed in their cars, lining up on East and West Washington Avenue and in front of the Capitol rally, honking their horns and waving flags.
Capitol police were on hand, some wearing plastic face shields, but did not enforce physical distancing rules on the crowd, many of whom were not wearing masks.
At least two women wearing hospital scrubs stood among the crowd with face masks holding signs that read "please go home" and "In overwhelmed hospitals, more people die."
Similar protests have popped up around the country, especially in states with Democratic governors.
Evers told reporters Thursday he believes the protesters' First Amendment rights are "sacred" and wouldn't direct the Capitol police force to enforce physical distancing rules he has ordered to prevent transmission of the virus.
Contributing: Ricardo Torres; follow Molly Beck on Twitter: @MollyBeck.


usatoday--2020-04-24--Biden says Trump may 'try to kick back' November election, which is set by Congress

WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden suggested Thursday that President Donald Trump may try to delay the election in November in order to win .
During the question and answer portion of a virtual fundraiser with former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg , Biden told supporters , `` I think he ( Trump ) is gon na try to kick back the election somehow , come up with some rationale why it can ’ t be held . ''
Trump has not suggested he would push back the election , and the date of the election is set in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , places , and manner '' of elections , '' meaning only Congress would be able to change the date of the election .
Referencing current controversy over funding for the U.S .
Postal Service , Biden said , `` he ’ s going to do all he can to make it very hard for people to vote .
That ’ s the only way he thinks he can possibly win.
” The Postal Service has taken a financial hit during the coronavirus pandemic , which some Democrats have said could endanger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interference in American elections , Biden said , `` You can be assured between ( Trump ) and the Russians there is going to be an attempt to interfere . ''
Biden said , if elected president , he would “ make it clear to foreign governments that ... they will have to pay for interfering in our election . ''
Coronavirus : House passes $ 484 billion coronavirus stimulus for small businesses and hospitals , sends bill to Trump Postal Service : US Postal Service has taken a big hit during coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election a `` giant warning flare '' to the nation about the dangers of voting during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported at least seven coronavirus cases were related to in-person voting in the state 's primary on April 7 , though a `` surge '' of cases had not yet been detected in the aftermath of the primary .
`` We have to figure out how we are going to conduct a full and fair and safe election in November , and no one should have to risk their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Biden made his Thursday remarks during a virtual fundraiser with 670 people , including celebrities like actors Kristin Chenoweth , Billy Porter , and George Takei .
Trump : Trump touts study on sunlight to kill coronavirus , but official warns against Americans changing behavior

Biden says Trump may 'try to kick back' November election, which is set by Congress
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump touts DHS study on sunlight, heat and humidity and coronavirus A Department of Homeland Security study shows the effects of sunlight, heat and humidity on the half life of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden suggested Thursday that President Donald Trump may try to delay the election in November in order to win.
During the question and answer portion of a virtual fundraiser with former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Biden told supporters, "I think he (Trump) is gonna try to kick back the election somehow, come up with some rationale why it can’t be held."
Trump has not suggested he would push back the election, and the date of the election is set in federal law. Congress sets the "times, places, and manner" of elections," meaning only Congress would be able to change the date of the election.
Referencing current controversy over funding for the U.S. Postal Service, Biden said, "he’s going to do all he can to make it very hard for people to vote. That’s the only way he thinks he can possibly win.”
The Postal Service has taken a financial hit during the coronavirus pandemic, which some Democrats have said could endanger voting by mail.
Speaking about foreign interference in American elections, Biden said, "You can be assured between (Trump) and the Russians there is going to be an attempt to interfere."
Biden said, if elected president, he would “make it clear to foreign governments that... they will have to pay for interfering in our election."
Coronavirus: House passes $484 billion coronavirus stimulus for small businesses and hospitals, sends bill to Trump
Postal Service: US Postal Service has taken a big hit during coronavirus pandemic
Biden also called the Wisconsin primary election a "giant warning flare" to the nation about the dangers of voting during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported at least seven coronavirus cases were related to in-person voting in the state's primary on April 7, though a "surge" of cases had not yet been detected in the aftermath of the primary.
"We have to figure out how we are going to conduct a full and fair and safe election in November, and no one should have to risk their lives to cast a ballot," he said.
Biden made his Thursday remarks during a virtual fundraiser with 670 people, including celebrities like actors Kristin Chenoweth, Billy Porter, and George Takei.
Trump: Trump touts study on sunlight to kill coronavirus, but official warns against Americans changing behavior


usatoday--2020-04-24--Trump faces backlash after suggesting disinfectant injections might kill coronavirus

President Trump 's comments on disinfectants and sunlight being used to kill coronavirus sparked backlash on social media and with @ @ @

Coronavirus: Trump disinfectant injection comment sparks backlash
President Trump's comments on disinfectants and sunlight being used to kill coronavirus sparked backlash on social media and with medical professionals.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-04-25--Mass virus testing in state prisons reveals hidden asymptomatic infections; feds join effort

WASHINGTON – There have been much worse outbreaks during this pandemic .
But 39 inmates testing positive for the coronavirus at the Neuse state prison in Goldsboro , North Carolina , was still cause for alarm .
Of the more than 50 detention centers across the state , none had more infections at the time than Neuse , prompting officials to take the extraordinary step of testing all 700 prisoners at the medium security facility near Raleigh .
Within a week , infections had surged to 444 .
Perhaps even more revealing : More than 90 % of the newly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the deadly virus could have remained hidden had the state followed federal guidelines that largely reserve testing for people displaying common symptoms , such as fever and respiratory distress .
“ We would never have known , ” North Carolina Department of Public Safety spokesman John Bull said .
'It gets more frightening ' : As coronavirus surges in prisons , families of elderly inmates wait in fear Outbreak : Hundreds of infected , quarantined inmates in prisons and jails challenging officials Even as vulnerable prison systems have ramped up scrutiny of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elaborate contact tracing investigations , increased testing is proving just as crucial in assessing the virus ’ spread within detention systems as it is in the free world .
Mass testing at three state prisons in Ohio has yielded results similar to North Carolina 's , with officials suggesting that the strategy and findings could have broad implications , not just for containing outbreaks in detention centers but in making larger decisions about when states should re-open for business and loosen social distancing restrictions .
The federal Bureau of Prisons , the largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that it , too , is expanding testing for asymptomatic inmates in an attempt to control the spread of the virus that has so far infected nearly 1,000 inmates and staffers and claimed the lives of 24 prisoners .
Testing capacity has been the central focus of many governors as they weigh when and how they will re-emerge from near total lockdowns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic .
Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine , who recently won approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration for use of a compound that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also has formed a special working group to find reliable sources of testing supplies .
The broader testing in prisons , however , has already produced striking findings .
`` While we know coronavirus does pose a specific threat to congregate settings , '' DeWine said , referring to the prison testing , `` this comprehensive testing will give us insight on both how to best coordinate response at these facilities , as well as data and insight on how comprehensive testing within a cohort will affect testing numbers . ''
Leonard Rubenstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School of Public Health , said the broader testing in detention centers where small cells and densely packed dormitories make social distancing directives nearly impossible to maintain underscores the need for testing beyond prison walls .
`` Unless you do universal testing in all environments , the risk of spread is enormous , '' Rubenstein said .
`` If you are waiting for symptoms to emerge before you do the testing , you are getting a false picture of what is going on .
...
It 's too late . ''
Ohio was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country to launch a mass testing program aimed at diagnosing the scope of infection at three virus-plagued prisons , including Marion Correctional Institution , which has contained the largest number of infections of any prison in the country – now at more than 2,000 .
As expected , the universal testing yielded more infections , including a large contingent of asymptomatic inmates .
In one dormitory at Marion , officials said that of 152 prisoners tested , 39 % tested positive for COVID-19 even though they displayed no symptoms , prison officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections and nine confirmed deaths while more than 28,000 of the state 's 50,000 inmates were in some form of quarantine .
By comparison , at least 620 of the more than 140,000 inmates in the federal Bureau of Prisons have tested positive , while 357 staffers have been infected .
DeWine said the state numbers `` did not necessarily indicate a new problem at these facilities , but simply wider testing . ''
Still , DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney said that the asymptomatic infections are striking and underscore the need for wider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be key for the recovery phase , '' Tierney said .
`` We have been working hard to acquire more testing capacity . ''
'We really needed to know more' In North Carolina , officials are considering a broader prison testing regime after learning this week that the virus had spread throughout the Neuse facility , largely undercover and without producing the tell-tale symptoms of fever , respiratory distress , muscle aches , cough , chills or the loss of taste and smell .
Suspicions first peaked earlier this month when infection numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the facility .
`` There was a feeling that we really needed to know more , '' Bull said .
`` The interest was clear . ''
Testing of the entire facility began last Thursday and ran through the weekend .
`` I think we were very shocked to discover how many more had this virus , '' Bull said , adding that testing also was offered to all of the facility 's 250 staffers .
At least 22 have tested positive so far .
The results were so jarring that state authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the nearby Johnston Correctional Institution and moved all 600 inmates to other facilities so staffers could help colleagues at the troubled Neuse prison .
“ The staff at Neuse have been working in the toughest conditions , for weeks on end , and desperately needed support , ” North Carolina prisons Commissioner Todd Ishee said .
“ They are owed everyone ’ s thanks for their commitment to serving the public , standing tall in their daily responsibilities and helping ensure safety of their co-workers and those in custody.
” With some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bull said there have been `` discussions '' about expanding testing across the system to account for the so far unknown number of asymptomatic inmates who could be carrying the virus .
`` So far , there have been plenty of discussions , but no firm path , '' Bull said .
`` Nobody 's confronted anything like COVID-19 .
This is a significant challenge for a prison population , which is a difficult environment on a good day .
These have not been good days . ''
Concern for the overall health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the broader North Carolina community of Wayne County , where a number of prison staffers live .
`` We are all concerned , '' Wayne County spokesman Joel Gilley said .
`` But we need more testing across the country ; it 's not just an issue for Wayne County . ''
So far , the overwhelming majority of the 572 infections in the county are the 458 cases inside the prison .
Gilley said the staffers are quarantined in their homes , limiting the contact with other local residents .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with prison authorities for updates on the virus ' spread .
`` We want to make sure we are prepared , '' Gilley said .
Yet there are sad reminders that the threat is strikingly close to home .
Gilley said six local residents , all elderly with underlying health complications , have succumbed to virus so far .

Mass virus testing in state prisons reveals hidden asymptomatic infections; feds join effort
Show Caption Hide Caption How antibodies in recovered COVID-19 patients could treat coronavirus The secret to fighting COVID-19 could be in recovered patients. Here's how antibodies could lead to a treatment for those fighting coronavirus. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – There have been much worse outbreaks during this pandemic. But 39 inmates testing positive for the coronavirus at Neuse state prison in Goldsboro, North Carolina, was still cause for alarm.
Of the more than 50 detention centers across the state, none had more infections at the time than Neuse, prompting officials to take the extraordinary step of testing all 700 prisoners at the medium-security facility near Raleigh.
Within a week, infections had surged to 444. Perhaps even more revealing: More than 90% of the newly diagnosed inmates displayed no symptoms, meaning that the deadly virus could have remained hidden had the state followed federal guidelines that largely reserve testing for people displaying common symptoms, such as fever and respiratory distress.
“We would never have known,” North Carolina Department of Public Safety spokesman John Bull said.
'It gets more frightening':As coronavirus surges in prisons, families of elderly inmates wait in fear
Outbreak: Hundreds of infected, quarantined inmates in prisons and jails challenging officials
Even as vulnerable prison systems have ramped up scrutiny of inmates and staffers with broad quarantines and elaborate contact tracing investigations, increased testing is proving just as crucial in assessing the virus’ spread within detention systems as it is in the free world.
Mass testing at three state prisons in Ohio has yielded results similar to North Carolina's, with officials suggesting that the strategy and findings could have broad implications, not just for containing outbreaks in detention centers but in making larger decisions about when states should reopen for business and loosen social distancing restrictions.
The federal Bureau of Prisons, the largest detention system in the country, has announced that it, too, is expanding testing for asymptomatic inmates in an attempt to control the spread of the virus that has so far infected nearly 1,000 inmates and staffers and claimed the lives of 24 prisoners.
Testing capacity has been the central focus of many governors as they weigh when and how they will re-emerge from near total lockdowns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who recently won approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration for use of a compound that can identify the virus in test samples, also has formed a special working group to find reliable sources of testing supplies.
The broader testing in prisons, however, has already produced striking findings.
"While we know coronavirus does pose a specific threat to congregate settings," DeWine said, referring to the prison testing, "this comprehensive testing will give us insight on both how to best coordinate response at these facilities, as well as data and insight on how comprehensive testing within a cohort will affect testing numbers."
Leonard Rubenstein, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said the broader testing in detention centers where small cells and densely packed dormitories make social distancing directives nearly impossible to maintain underscores the need for testing beyond prison walls.
"Unless you do universal testing in all environments, the risk of spread is enormous," Rubenstein said. "If you are waiting for symptoms to emerge before you do the testing, you are getting a false picture of what is going on. ... It's too late."
Testing 'key' to recovery
Ohio was among the first prison systems in the country to launch a mass testing program aimed at diagnosing the scope of infection at three virus-plagued prisons, including Marion Correctional Institution, which has contained the largest number of infections of any prison in the country – now at more than 2,000.
As expected, the universal testing yielded more infections, including a large contingent of asymptomatic inmates.
In one dormitory at Marion, officials said that of 152 prisoners tested, 39% tested positive for COVID-19 even though they displayed no symptoms.
Ohio has reported 3,762 total inmate infections and nine confirmed deaths while more than 28,000 of the state's 50,000 inmates were in some form of quarantine. By comparison, at least 620 of the more than 140,000 inmates in the federal Bureau of Prisons have tested positive, while 357 staffers have been infected.
DeWine said the state numbers "did not necessarily indicate a new problem at these facilities, but simply wider testing."
Still, DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney said that the asymptomatic infections are striking and underscore the need for wider intelligence.
"Testing is going to be key for the recovery phase," Tierney said. "We have been working hard to acquire more testing capacity."
'We really needed to know more'
In North Carolina, officials are considering a broader prison testing regime after learning this week that the virus had spread throughout the Neuse facility, largely undercover and without producing the tell-tale symptoms of fever, respiratory distress, muscle aches, cough, chills or the loss of taste and smell.
Suspicions first peaked this month when infection numbers involving symptomatic inmates began to mount at the facility.
"There was a feeling that we really needed to know more," Bull said. "The interest was clear."
Testing of the entire facility began Thursday and ran through the weekend.
"I think we were very shocked to discover how many more had this virus," Bull said, adding that testing also was offered to all of the facility's 250 staffers. At least 22 have tested positive so far.
The results were so jarring that state authorities earlier this week announced the temporary closure of the nearby Johnston Correctional Institution and moved all 600 inmates to other facilities so staffers could help colleagues at the troubled Neuse prison.
“The staff at Neuse have been working in the toughest conditions, for weeks on end, and desperately needed support,” North Carolina prisons Commissioner Todd Ishee said. “They are owed everyone’s thanks for their commitment to serving the public, standing tall in their daily responsibilities and helping ensure safety of their co-workers and those in custody.”
With some test results still pending at Neuse, Bull said there have been "discussions" about expanding testing across the system to account for the so far unknown number of asymptomatic inmates who could be carrying the virus.
"So far, there have been plenty of discussions, but no firm path," Bull said. "Nobody's confronted anything like COVID-19. This is a significant challenge for a prison population, which is a difficult environment on a good day. These have not been good days."
Beyond prison walls
Concern for the overall health of the Neuse facility has spilled into the broader North Carolina community of Wayne County, where a number of prison staffers live.
"We are all concerned," Wayne County spokesman Joel Gilley said. "But we need more testing across the country; it's not just an issue for Wayne County."
So far, the overwhelming majority of the 572 infections in the county are the 458 cases inside the prison. Gilley said the staffers are quarantined in their homes, limiting the contact with other local residents.
There are regular conference calls, linking local officials with prison authorities for updates on the virus' spread.
"We want to make sure we are prepared," Gilley said.
Yet there are sad reminders that the threat is strikingly close to home.
Gilley said six local residents, all elderly with underlying health complications, have succumbed to virus so far.


usatoday--2020-04-25--Fact Check: Trump claims coronavirus tests are widely available. They are not

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said there are plenty of coronavirus tests available , but many governors said they 're running short even as states begin to lift their stay-at-home orders .
`` This is probably the number one problem in America , and has been from the beginning of this crisis , the lack of testing , '' Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan , a Republican and the chairman of the National Governors Association , said on CNN Sunday .
Trump insisted Monday that there was “ tremendous capacity ” for coronavirus testing at U.S. labs .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a little knowledge ” about the testing situation .
The country ’ s largest private labs said they have plenty of capacity to test samples sent from medical offices and hospitals , but governors in a wide array of states said health care providers can ’ t conduct the tests because of a lack of supplies such as swabs and a chemical known as a “ reagent ” crucial to the process .
Public health experts and private and public labs contacted by USA TODAY agreed that a major problem was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where mucus samples are taken .
Wyoming Gov .
Mark Gordon , a Republican , said states compete with each other to get more testing supplies , a process he described as “ a slog.
” Concerns over testing escalated as the Trump administration issued guidelines meant to help states ease the temporary social distancing restrictions put in place to slow spread of the coronavirus and reopen their economies .
The guidelines call for a three-phase approach : testing , tracing contacts of those infected and , in time , treatment solutions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of circumstances trying to figure out how to make this work , ” Gordon said last week , “ and until we ’ ve got the testing up to speed – which has got to be part of the federal government stepping in and helping – we ’ re just not going to be there.
” At a briefing , Trump discussed the swab issue , holding one up alongside a Q-Tip he pulled from his jacket pocket .
Trump said swabs and reagents are “ so easy to get , ” arguing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of ventilators .
In a tacit acknowledgment of the urgency of producing more swabs , he announced that he would activate wartime powers under the Defense Production Act “ to increase swab production in one U.S. facility by over 20 million additional swabs per month.
” Like other aspects of testing , the shortages are not consistent across the country .
Thomas Denny , chief operating officer of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute and a former consultant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , said his lab has no problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the director of the Harvard Global Health Initiative , blames the federal government for failing to address that unevenness .
`` Everybody has different sets of problems , and the solution is greater coordination , '' he said .
`` So if one state has too many swabs but not enough reagents , and the other state does n't have enough swabs but plenty of reagents , you can imagine swapping . ''
Instead , Jha said , states got into `` bidding wars ” for materials , like those that erupted around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's happening is some states that are missing swabs , they 're trying to call swab manufacturers , ” he said .
“ And then those manufacturers are getting calls from 20 different states.
” Hospitals go it alone From the beginning , America 's stumbling rollout of testing significantly slowed the nation 's response .
Flawed tests were shipped in February to state and county public health labs nationwide .
The nation ’ s vast network of hospital and private commercial labs did not get the Food and Drug Administration ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February .
Dr. Dan Hanfling , who advised the Hospital Preparedness Program in the Obama and Trump administrations , noted there were `` technical challenges '' to developing accurate tests so quickly for a new virus .
One challenge , Hanfling said , is that testing was rolled out without an `` ironclad guarantee that these tests are reliable '' – a formula for setting expectations too high .
`` People expect a certain level of testing , and we 're just not technologically there yet , '' he said .
By the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accelerated .
The majority of tests were processed by six large commercial lab companies : ARUP , BioReference Laboratories , LabCorp , the Mayo Clinic , Quest Diagnostics and Sonic Healthcare .
Soon , those labs faced growing backlogs .
On March 25 , Quest Diagnostics had 160,000 test orders waiting to be processed , according to documents obtained by CNN .
Wendy Bost , senior director of corporate communication at Quest , acknowledged that initially , “ the demand outstripped capacity.
” In frustration , hospitals and state public health labs started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests and processes .
Coronavirus tests : Labs test 100,000 people each day for the coronavirus .
That 's still not enough .
Robert Hart , executive vice president and chief medical officer of Ochsner Health in Louisiana , said his state lab was the only place conducting testing , and it got results back within a few days .
Then the state was overrun .
“ The next move was to send them to the Mayo Clinic , ” Hart said .
“ Mayo quickly became overrun.
” Tests waiting to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Washington , then to Quest , which hit the backlog .
“ We literally were waiting 12 , 14 , 16 days for test results , ” Hart said .
Hart said Ochsner started doing testing in its own laboratory and has results within a day .
The private labs said things have changed .
They have room to spare and turn results around quickly .
“ Our current capacity is greater than the volume we are currently receiving , and we have no backlog , ” said Mike Geller , spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing volumes , we are now able to deliver test results on average between one to two days from the date of specimen pick up.
” Louise Serio , a spokesperson for the American Clinical Laboratory Association , said the group ’ s members , which include Quest and LabCorp , reached out to hospitals and other health care providers to communicate the excess capacity .
She said member labs have enough testing supplies to meet demand , but if they are hit with double or triple the demand for testing , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
“ What we ’ re focused on for expanding our capacity , ” Serio said , “ is making sure we have all of the supplies necessary and predictable access to those supplies.
” The dispute between Trump and the states over testing came to a head this week when the president criticized Hogan , the Maryland governor , for announcing that he had secured 500,000 coronavirus tests from South Korea .
“ I don ’ t think he needed to go to South Korea , '' Trump told reporters at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think he needed to get a little knowledge .
Would have been helpful.
” Trump then held up a list of what he said were 5,000 labs nationwide that are prepared to accept coronavirus tests .
Hogan tweeted that he was `` grateful '' to Trump for the list of labs and – in a jab at the president – added : `` Accessing these federal labs will be critical for utilizing the 500,000 tests we have acquired from South Korea . ''
When asked by USA TODAY for a copy of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his briefing , the White House declined to provide it .
Fact Check : Coronavirus not man-made or engineered , but its origin remains unclear Both Democratic and Republican governors urged the Trump administration to do more to help increase the availability of testing supplies .
“ We have a worldwide shortage of some of the materials that go into this .
We really need help , ” Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine , a Republican , told “ Meet the Press ” on Sunday .
“ I could probably double – maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overnight if the FDA would prioritize companies that are putting a slightly different formula together for the extraction reagent kit.
” Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , a Democrat , said her state could handle two or three times the amount of testing but lacks the swabs and reagents needed to process the tests .
“ We could , if we had all the supplies we needed , do 11,300 tests a day working with our current capacity , ” she said Monday .
“ The reality is that we ’ re about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call between Vice President Mike Pence and governors Monday , Whitmer said the plea for the federal administration to use the Defense Production Act to compel production of the supplies was loud and clear .
“ We talked quite a bit about the lack of the critical supplies for testing , ” she said , adding that testing needs to be much broader for states to feel confident in lifting their stay-at-home orders .
“ We ’ re all needing swabs .
We ’ re all needing reagents , ” Whitmer said .

Michael Collins, Nicholas Wu, Cara Kelly and David Heath, USA TODAY

Fact Check: Trump claims coronavirus tests are widely available. They are not
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus drive-thru testing demonstrated by Virginia test site Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA demonstrates how its drive-thru collection process for COVID-19 testing works. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said there are plenty of coronavirus tests available, but many governors said they're running short even as states begin to lift their stay-at-home orders.
"This is probably the number one problem in America, and has been from the beginning of this crisis, the lack of testing," Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican and the chairman of the National Governors Association, said on CNN Sunday.
Trump insisted Monday that there was “tremendous capacity” for coronavirus testing at U.S. labs. He said governors such as Hogan needed “to get a little knowledge” about the testing situation.
The country’s largest private labs said they have plenty of capacity to test samples sent from medical offices and hospitals, but governors in a wide array of states said health care providers can’t conduct the tests because of a lack of supplies such as swabs and a chemical known as a “reagent” crucial to the process.
Public health experts and private and public labs contacted by USA TODAY agreed that a major problem was a shortage of supplies at the testing sites where mucus samples are taken.
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, a Republican, said states compete with each other to get more testing supplies, a process he described as “a slog.”
Concerns over testing escalated as the Trump administration issued guidelines meant to help states ease the temporary social distancing restrictions put in place to slow spread of the coronavirus and reopen their economies.
The guidelines call for a three-phase approach: testing, tracing contacts of those infected and, in time, treatment solutions.
“It’s a perilous set of circumstances trying to figure out how to make this work,” Gordon said last week, “and until we’ve got the testing up to speed – which has got to be part of the federal government stepping in and helping – we’re just not going to be there.”
Drive-through site tests kids for COVID-19 A COVID-19 testing site in Washington DC is giving priority to families wanting to test their kids who are showing symptoms of the coronavirus. (April 16) AP
Swab shortages
At a briefing, Trump discussed the swab issue, holding one up alongside a Q-Tip he pulled from his jacket pocket. Trump said swabs and reagents are “so easy to get,” arguing it was far harder to ramp up production of ventilators.
In a tacit acknowledgment of the urgency of producing more swabs, he announced that he would activate wartime powers under the Defense Production Act “to increase swab production in one U.S. facility by over 20 million additional swabs per month.”
Like other aspects of testing, the shortages are not consistent across the country. Thomas Denny, chief operating officer of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute and a former consultant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said his lab has no problems getting the supplies.
Ashish Jha, the director of the Harvard Global Health Initiative, blames the federal government for failing to address that unevenness.
"Everybody has different sets of problems, and the solution is greater coordination," he said. "So if one state has too many swabs but not enough reagents, and the other state doesn't have enough swabs but plenty of reagents, you can imagine swapping."
Instead, Jha said, states got into "bidding wars” for materials, like those that erupted around ventilators and protective equipment.
"What's happening is some states that are missing swabs, they're trying to call swab manufacturers,” he said. “And then those manufacturers are getting calls from 20 different states.”
Hospitals go it alone
From the beginning, America's stumbling rollout of testing significantly slowed the nation's response.
Flawed tests were shipped in February to state and county public health labs nationwide. The nation’s vast network of hospital and private commercial labs did not get the Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory green light until the end of February.
Dr. Dan Hanfling, who advised the Hospital Preparedness Program in the Obama and Trump administrations, noted there were "technical challenges" to developing accurate tests so quickly for a new virus.
One challenge, Hanfling said, is that testing was rolled out without an "ironclad guarantee that these tests are reliable" – a formula for setting expectations too high.
"People expect a certain level of testing, and we're just not technologically there yet," he said.
By the end of March into April, testing accelerated. The majority of tests were processed by six large commercial lab companies: ARUP, BioReference Laboratories, LabCorp, the Mayo Clinic, Quest Diagnostics and Sonic Healthcare.
Soon, those labs faced growing backlogs. On March 25, Quest Diagnostics had 160,000 test orders waiting to be processed, according to documents obtained by CNN.
Wendy Bost, senior director of corporate communication at Quest, acknowledged that initially, “the demand outstripped capacity.”
In frustration, hospitals and state public health labs started going it alone, developing their own tests and processes.
Is the U.S. prepared for a coronavirus pandemic? A previous version of this video incorrectly stated how many people the 1918 Spanish influenza killed. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Coronavirus tests: Labs test 100,000 people each day for the coronavirus. That's still not enough.
Robert Hart, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Ochsner Health in Louisiana, said his state lab was the only place conducting testing, and it got results back within a few days.
Then the state was overrun.
“The next move was to send them to the Mayo Clinic,” Hart said. “Mayo quickly became overrun.”
Tests waiting to be completed were shuffled around to the University of Washington, then to Quest, which hit the backlog.
“We literally were waiting 12, 14, 16 days for test results,” Hart said.
Hart said Ochsner started doing testing in its own laboratory and has results within a day.
The private labs said things have changed. They have room to spare and turn results around quickly.
“Our current capacity is greater than the volume we are currently receiving, and we have no backlog,” said Mike Geller, spokesperson for LabCorp. “Based on current testing volumes, we are now able to deliver test results on average between one to two days from the date of specimen pick up.”
Louise Serio, a spokesperson for the American Clinical Laboratory Association, said the group’s members, which include Quest and LabCorp, reached out to hospitals and other health care providers to communicate the excess capacity.
She said member labs have enough testing supplies to meet demand, but if they are hit with double or triple the demand for testing, that would be an issue for them as well.
“What we’re focused on for expanding our capacity,” Serio said, “is making sure we have all of the supplies necessary and predictable access to those supplies.”
Shipment from South Korea
The dispute between Trump and the states over testing came to a head this week when the president criticized Hogan, the Maryland governor, for announcing that he had secured 500,000 coronavirus tests from South Korea.
“I don’t think he needed to go to South Korea," Trump told reporters at a White House briefing. "I think he needed to get a little knowledge. Would have been helpful.”
Trump then held up a list of what he said were 5,000 labs nationwide that are prepared to accept coronavirus tests.
Hogan tweeted that he was "grateful" to Trump for the list of labs and – in a jab at the president – added: "Accessing these federal labs will be critical for utilizing the 500,000 tests we have acquired from South Korea."
When asked by USA TODAY for a copy of the list of labs Trump had referenced at his briefing, the White House declined to provide it.
Fact Check: Coronavirus not man-made or engineered, but its origin remains unclear
Both Democratic and Republican governors urged the Trump administration to do more to help increase the availability of testing supplies.
“We have a worldwide shortage of some of the materials that go into this. We really need help,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, told “Meet the Press” on Sunday. “I could probably double – maybe even triple – testing in Ohio virtually overnight if the FDA would prioritize companies that are putting a slightly different formula together for the extraction reagent kit.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, said her state could handle two or three times the amount of testing but lacks the swabs and reagents needed to process the tests.
“We could, if we had all the supplies we needed, do 11,300 tests a day working with our current capacity,” she said Monday. “The reality is that we’re about half of that.“
In a phone call between Vice President Mike Pence and governors Monday, Whitmer said the plea for the federal administration to use the Defense Production Act to compel production of the supplies was loud and clear.
“We talked quite a bit about the lack of the critical supplies for testing,” she said, adding that testing needs to be much broader for states to feel confident in lifting their stay-at-home orders.
“We’re all needing swabs. We’re all needing reagents,” Whitmer said.
Contributing: John Fritze, Kathleen Gray, Todd Spangler, Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-04-25--Michigan state senator apologizes for wearing face mask that looks like Confederate flag

A Michigan state senator has apologized for wearing a face mask that appeared to depict the Confederate flag during a Michigan state Senate vote at the state Capitol on Friday .
Sen. Dale Zorn , a Republican , previously denied that the face covering — a red mask with blue stripes and white stars — was the Confederate flag , telling CBS affiliate WLNS-TV 6 that his wife made the face covering and told him the mask was more similar to the Kentucky or Tennessee flag .
In a statement released Saturday , Zorn said he was sorry for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face mask .
“ I did not intend to offend anyone ; however , I realize that I did , and for that I am sorry .
Those who know me best know that I do not support the things this pattern represents .
My actions were an error in judgment for which there are no excuses and I will learn from this episode , '' he said in the statement .
More : Federal coronavirus strategy lurches as plans to help states change , then change again More : US reopening : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out what your state is doing Zorn on Friday told WLNS he told his wife the mask would probably `` raise some eyebrows . ''
`` It was not a Confederate flag , '' he said .
`` I think even if it was a Confederate flag , you know , we should be talking about teaching our national history in schools .
And that ’ s part of our national history , and it ’ s something we can ’ t just throw away because it is part of our history .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the atrocities that happened during that time doesn ’ t happen again , we should be teaching it .
Our kids should know what that flag stands for.
” When asked by a reporter what the flag stands for , Zorn replied , `` the Confederacy . ''
The Senate on Friday voted to create an oversight committee to examine how Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer has handled the coronavirus crisis and also approved bills limiting power from the governor 's office during times of `` public crisis . ''

Michigan state senator apologizes for wearing face mask that looks like Confederate flag State Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, wore the face mask during a Senate vote; he told WLNS-TV 6 on Friday that the mask was more similar to the Kentucky or Tennessee flag
Show Caption Hide Caption General Motors workers step up to make masks Hundreds of workers at General Motors and other auto companies have gone back to work to make face shields, surgical masks and ventilators in a wartime-like effort to stem shortages of protective gear and equipment. (April 23) AP
A Michigan state senator has apologized for wearing a face mask that appeared to depict the Confederate flag during a Michigan state Senate vote at the state Capitol on Friday.
Sen. Dale Zorn, a Republican, previously denied that the face covering — a red mask with blue stripes and white stars — was the Confederate flag, telling CBS affiliate WLNS-TV 6 that his wife made the face covering and told him the mask was more similar to the Kentucky or Tennessee flag.
In a statement released Saturday, Zorn said he was sorry for his "choice of pattern" on the face mask.
“I did not intend to offend anyone; however, I realize that I did, and for that I am sorry. Those who know me best know that I do not support the things this pattern represents. My actions were an error in judgment for which there are no excuses and I will learn from this episode," he said in the statement.
More: Federal coronavirus strategy lurches as plans to help states change, then change again
More: US reopening: Which states have relaxed restrictions? Find out what your state is doing
1/2:
I’m sorry for my choice of pattern on the face mask I wore yesterday on the Senate floor. I did not intend to offend anyone; however, I realize that I did, and for that I am sorry. Those who know me best know that I do not support the things this pattern represents. — Dale W. Zorn (@DaleZornSenate) April 25, 2020
Zorn on Friday told WLNS he told his wife the mask would probably "raise some eyebrows."
"It was not a Confederate flag," he said. "I think even if it was a Confederate flag, you know, we should be talking about teaching our national history in schools. And that’s part of our national history, and it’s something we can’t just throw away because it is part of our history. And if we want to make sure that the atrocities that happened during that time doesn’t happen again, we should be teaching it. Our kids should know what that flag stands for.”
When asked by a reporter what the flag stands for, Zorn replied, "the Confederacy."
The Senate on Friday voted to create an oversight committee to examine how Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has handled the coronavirus crisis and also approved bills limiting power from the governor's office during times of "public crisis."
Follow Angie Jackson on Twitter: @AngieJackson23


usatoday--2020-04-26--NY man charged with hoarding tons of protective gear; jacking up price on masks and gowns

A New York man , accused of amassing tons of scarce protective equipment sought by nurses and doctors treating COVID-19 patients , was charged Friday with hoarding and price gouging related to sales of surgical masks , medical gowns , gloves and hand sanitizer .
Federal prosecutors alleged that Amardeep `` Bobby '' Singh , who previously sold clothing and sneakers , began marketing a new product line in mid-March , as medical professionals scrambled to find gear to shield themselves from the deadly coronavirus .
Singh 's new business , allegedly operated out of a Long Island warehouse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 , when the owner was cited by Nassau County officials for engaging in `` unconscionable trade practices '' related to the re-sale of face masks packaged in Ziploc bags .
Face mask fraud : Man tried to sell nonexistent face masks to VA in multi-million-dollar fraud scheme The New York attorney general followed up April 1 , issuing a cease and desist order against Singh 's business .
But federal prosecutors said that Singh continued to stock the equipment , including 2.2 tons of medical gowns and 253 pounds of digital thermometers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegedly offered face shields for $ 9.99 , after acquiring them at a cost of $ 3.10 .
Disposable face masks were marked up , from 7 cents each to $ 1 , while boxes of gloves , acquired for as little as $ 2.50 each , were priced at $ 7.99 .
During April 14 searches of Singh ’ s retail store and warehouse , U.S .
Postal Service inspectors seized 23 pallets of equipment , including 100,000 face masks , 10,000 surgical gowns , nearly 2,500 full-body isolation suits and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The criminal complaint describes a defendant who allegedly saw the devastating COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to make illegal profits on needed personal protective equipment , ” said New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito , who is leading a federal enforcement effort related to pandemic-related hoarding and price gouging crimes .
“ The Department of Justice and its partners will intervene whenever profiteers and scammers break the law by capitalizing on the public ’ s fear to enrich themselves.
” Singh could not immediately be reached for comment , and court records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the case .
Charged with violations of the Defense Production Act , Singh faces a maximum punishment of a year in prison if convicted .

NY man charged with hoarding tons of protective gear; jacking up price on masks and gowns
Show Caption Hide Caption Nurses protest lack of PPE during COVID-19 pandemic National Nurses United protest in front of the White House calling attention to the health care workers lacking PPE. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
A New York man, accused of amassing tons of scarce protective equipment sought by nurses and doctors treating COVID-19 patients, was charged Friday with hoarding and price gouging related to sales of surgical masks, medical gowns, gloves and hand sanitizer.
Federal prosecutors alleged that Amardeep "Bobby" Singh, who previously sold clothing and sneakers, began marketing a new product line in mid-March, as medical professionals scrambled to find gear to shield themselves from the deadly coronavirus.
Singh's new business, allegedly operated out of a Long Island warehouse, first caught the attention of authorities March 18, when the owner was cited by Nassau County officials for engaging in "unconscionable trade practices" related to the re-sale of face masks packaged in Ziploc bags.
Coronavirus enforcement: Fraud follows coronavirus spread; fake vaccines, testing, investment scams are exacting a toll
Face mask fraud:Man tried to sell nonexistent face masks to VA in multi-million-dollar fraud scheme
The New York attorney general followed up April 1, issuing a cease and desist order against Singh's business.
But federal prosecutors said that Singh continued to stock the equipment, including 2.2 tons of medical gowns and 253 pounds of digital thermometers.
According to court documents, Singh allegedly offered face shields for $9.99, after acquiring them at a cost of $3.10. Disposable face masks were marked up, from 7 cents each to $1, while boxes of gloves, acquired for as little as $2.50 each, were priced at $7.99.
During April 14 searches of Singh’s retail store and warehouse, U.S. Postal Service inspectors seized 23 pallets of equipment, including 100,000 face masks, 10,000 surgical gowns, nearly 2,500 full-body isolation suits and more than 500,000 pairs of disposable gloves.
“The criminal complaint describes a defendant who allegedly saw the devastating COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to make illegal profits on needed personal protective equipment,” said New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, who is leading a federal enforcement effort related to pandemic-related hoarding and price gouging crimes. “The Department of Justice and its partners will intervene whenever profiteers and scammers break the law by capitalizing on the public’s fear to enrich themselves.”
Singh could not immediately be reached for comment, and court records did not identify a defense attorney assigned to the case.
Charged with violations of the Defense Production Act, Singh faces a maximum punishment of a year in prison if convicted.


usatoday--2020-04-27--Federal prosecutors could intervene if stay-at-home orders go too far, attorney general says

WASHINGTON — Attorney General William Barr said the Justice Department will intervene if stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus pandemic become too restrictive , directing federal prosecutors `` to be on the lookout '' for state and local directives that could be violating constitutional rights .
`` These kinds of restrictions have been necessary in order to stop the spread of a deadly disease — but there is no denying that they have imposed tremendous burdens on the daily lives of all Americans , '' Barr said in a memo issued Monday .
`` If a state or local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise of authority to stop the spread of COVID-19 into an overbearing infringement of constitutional and statutory protections , the Department of Justice may have an obligation to address that overreach in federal court . ''
The memo comes as states begin to reopen their economies , despite warnings from health experts that easing restrictions could cause a resurgence of coronavirus outbreaks .
In Georgia , where Gov .
Brian Kemp has set in motion an aggressive plan to lift restrictions , businesses such as hair salons and gyms are allowed to reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in multiple states , including Michigan , Wisconsin and Pennsylvania .
President Donald Trump has endorsed the protests , calling on supporters to `` liberate '' states that have seen large gatherings of protesters .
AG William Barr warns of federal action : Barr warns of Justice Department intervention if state lockdown orders go 'too far' In his memo , Barr said restrictions on religious liberty , discriminating against `` disfavored speech '' and `` undue interference '' with the economy violate federal laws .
`` We do not want to unduly interfere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local official to protect the public , '' Barr said .
`` But the Constitution is not suspended in times of crisis . ''
Barr tapped Eric Dreiband , assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division , and Matthew Schneider , the U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan , which covers Detroit .
Governors under pressure : Anti-quarantine protests , Trump pressure put governors on political tightrope over coronavirus Michigan , which has been hard-hit by the pandemic — with about 38,000 COVID-19 cases and 3,400 deaths as of Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stringent restrictions .
Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ordered residents to stay inside except for essential purposes and nonessential businesses to not require employees to work .
The Democratic governor has drawn criticism from the president , who encouraged protesters calling for reopening the state .
Barr warned last week of Justice Department intervention , telling conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt that officials are reviewing stay-at-home restrictions .
`` And if we think one goes too far , we initially try to jawbone the governors into rolling them back or adjusting them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people bring lawsuits , we file statement of interest and side with the plaintiffs , '' Barr said .

Federal prosecutors could intervene if stay-at-home orders go too far, attorney general says
Show Caption Hide Caption William Barr speeds release of vulnerable inmates as coronavirus surges Attorney General William Barr has ordered the release of vulnerable inmates from three federal prisons. Buzz60
WASHINGTON — Attorney General William Barr said the Justice Department will intervene if stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus pandemic become too restrictive, directing federal prosecutors "to be on the lookout" for state and local directives that could be violating constitutional rights.
"These kinds of restrictions have been necessary in order to stop the spread of a deadly disease — but there is no denying that they have imposed tremendous burdens on the daily lives of all Americans," Barr said in a memo issued Monday. "If a state or local ordinance crosses the line from an appropriate exercise of authority to stop the spread of COVID-19 into an overbearing infringement of constitutional and statutory protections, the Department of Justice may have an obligation to address that overreach in federal court."
The memo comes as states begin to reopen their economies, despite warnings from health experts that easing restrictions could cause a resurgence of coronavirus outbreaks. In Georgia, where Gov. Brian Kemp has set in motion an aggressive plan to lift restrictions, businesses such as hair salons and gyms are allowed to reopen.
Thousands have also protested stay-at-home orders in multiple states, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. President Donald Trump has endorsed the protests, calling on supporters to "liberate" states that have seen large gatherings of protesters.
AG William Barr warns of federal action: Barr warns of Justice Department intervention if state lockdown orders go 'too far'
In his memo, Barr said restrictions on religious liberty, discriminating against "disfavored speech" and "undue interference" with the economy violate federal laws.
Epidemiologist: Reopening could reignite epidemic A Harvard public health expert warns that easing stay-at-home restrictions to open economies back up could reignite the coronavirus outbreak because states do not have the infrastructure to track fresh infections or protect the most vulnerable. (April 27) AP
"We do not want to unduly interfere with the important efforts of state and local official to protect the public," Barr said. "But the Constitution is not suspended in times of crisis."
Barr tapped Eric Dreiband, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, and Matthew Schneider, the U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan, which covers Detroit.
Governors under pressure: Anti-quarantine protests, Trump pressure put governors on political tightrope over coronavirus
Michigan, which has been hard-hit by the pandemic — with about 38,000 COVID-19 cases and 3,400 deaths as of Monday — has imposed some of the most stringent restrictions. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered residents to stay inside except for essential purposes and nonessential businesses to not require employees to work. The Democratic governor has drawn criticism from the president, who encouraged protesters calling for reopening the state.
Barr warned last week of Justice Department intervention, telling conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt that officials are reviewing stay-at-home restrictions.
"And if we think one goes too far, we initially try to jawbone the governors into rolling them back or adjusting them. And if they’re not and people bring lawsuits, we file statement of interest and side with the plaintiffs," Barr said.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson


usatoday--2020-04-27--New York cancels 2020 presidential primary, angering Bernie Sanders campaign

ALBANY – New York has cancelled its Democratic presidential primary for 2020 as the coronavirus continues its spread , angering Bernie Sanders supporters who were hoping to win more delegates to influence their party 's platform .
The state 's Democratic election commissioners voted Monday to remove Sanders and nine other presidential candidates from the New York ballot , making use of a new measure in state law allowing them to do so if a candidate publicly suspends his or her campaign .
The move left former Vice President Joe Biden — the lone remaining Democrat actively seeking the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on New York 's Democratic primary ballot , effectively canceling the primary .
The primary election had originally been scheduled for Tuesday before Gov .
Andrew Cuomo delayed it to June 23 in response to the coronavirus pandemic , which has hit New York harder than any other state .
Both Democratic commissioners , Douglas Kellner and former Westchester County Executive Andy Spano , voted Monday in favor of cancelling the race .
Kellner called the vote `` a very difficult decision . ''
But he said holding the primary would have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of COVID-19 while accusing Sanders supporters of wanting to hold a `` beauty contest . ''
`` Senator Sanders has not only announced that he 's suspending his campaign but he 's also announced a public endorsement of Joe Biden , '' Kellner said .
`` That has effectively ended the real context for the primary election . ''
In a statement , the Sanders campaign ripped New York 's decision to cancel , calling it an `` an outrage '' and `` a blow to American democracy . ''
Jeff Weaver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called on the Democratic National Committee to reverse the decision .
Absent that , he said New York should be stripped of all its 2020 Democratic delegates for violating its party-approved delegate selection plan .
`` No one asked New York to cancel the election , '' Weaver said .
`` The DNC didn ’ t request it .
The Biden campaign didn ’ t request it .
And our campaign communicated that we wanted to remain on the ballot . ''
Weaver continued : `` Given that the primary is months away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the election safe – such as going to all vote by mail – rather than to eliminating people ’ s right to vote completely . ''
Sanders , a U.S. senator from Vermont and leader among progressive wing of the Democratic Party , dropped out of the primary earlier this month , ceding the race to Biden .
But Sanders kept his name on the ballot in hopes of winning additional delegates to the Democratic National Convention that could influence the party 's rules and platform .
Kellner and Spano said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Sanders supporters hoping to win a share of the state 's 274 pledged delegates .
New York 's Democratic primary is a dual race : Voters cast ballots for their preferred presidential candidate as well as a slate of delegates to represent them at the party convention .
The decision to cancel the primary was made possible by a clause inserted into New York 's state budget , which Cuomo and state lawmakers approved early this month amid the growing coronavirus outbreak .
The clause allowed a party 's election commissioners to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the candidate publicly dropped out of the race or otherwise asked for their name to be removed .
The new law anticipated Sanders ' exit : He suspended his campaign April 9 , a few days after the budget passed .
Asked Monday about the election commissioners ' decision on the Democratic primary , Cuomo said he does n't want to `` second guess '' it .
`` I know there are a lot of election employees ... who are nervous about conducting elections , '' said Cuomo , a Biden supporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to the Board of Elections . ''
Spano and Kellner , both of whom were appointed by Cuomo , said their decision was driven by safety and trying to stem the spread of the virus , which has infected more than 280,000 New York residents and killed more than 17,000 .
In Wisconsin , for example , voters were forced to stand in close proximity to one another as they waited to vote in that state 's elections earlier this month .
`` I thought very long and hard about this and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a decision this morning , '' Spano said during the Democrats ' video-conferencing meeting where the vote was taken .
New York had already taken precautions to give voters the option to stay at home for the primary , allowing any eligible voter the ability to cast an absentee ballot .
Polling places will remain open to give people the option of voting in person , however .
And a presidential primary would have significantly increased turnout .
Jay Jacobs , the New York Democratic chairman , said he supports the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's in the best interest for the public health .
Many poll workers are senior citizens who are particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus , he noted .
It would have been a different story if Sanders were still actively seeking the Democratic nomination , Jacobs said .
`` The fact that ( Sanders ) is not running makes this a nonessential primary , '' said Jacobs , who — like Kellner and Spano — was appointed by Cuomo .
`` Given that we 've stopped nonessential business in New York and other states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward with a nonessential primary . ''
Critics , however , said the move disenfranchises voters who wanted to make their voice heard , even if Sanders has no significant chance of catching Biden .
`` It is completely wrong for the BOE to cancel New York ’ s Presidential Primary , '' Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , tweeted Monday .
Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Sanders in the Democratic primary and has said she 'll vote for the Democratic nominee , but has not explicitly endorsed Biden .
`` This decision is not informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still holding elections for every other seat that day . ''
Now , New York 's delegates will be divvied up by Jacobs and other party leaders who are part of the Democratic State Committee .
Jacobs said he is open to providing a share of delegates to Sanders supporters to ensure their platform is heard .
`` I think there is a way to work out some allocation of delegates for the Sanders supporters , and I 'm willing to engage in that with the Sanders folks , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 23 for primaries for Congress as well as various state and local races .
Cuomo has cancelled a number of special elections that had been scheduled for the date , including those for Queens borough president , a state Senate seat in central New York and an Assembly seat in the Rochester area .
A special election to fill the seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Chris Collins remains because it is required by state law .
There will not be a Republican presidential primary in New York , either .
President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the ballot in the state .
More : Coronavirus in New York : Check our interactive map of cases and deaths by county Jon Campbell is a New York state government reporter for the USA TODAY Network .
He can be reached at JCAMPBELL1 @ Gannett.com or on Twitter at @ JonCampbellGAN .

New York cancels 2020 presidential primary, angering Bernie Sanders campaign
Show Caption Hide Caption NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo says election workers had concern about presidential primary On April 27, 2020, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo discussed the state Board of Elections' decision to cancel the Democratic presidential primary. Courtesy: NYS Governor's Office, New York State Team
ALBANY – New York has cancelled its Democratic presidential primary for 2020 as the coronavirus continues its spread, angering Bernie Sanders supporters who were hoping to win more delegates to influence their party's platform.
The state's Democratic election commissioners voted Monday to remove Sanders and nine other presidential candidates from the New York ballot, making use of a new measure in state law allowing them to do so if a candidate publicly suspends his or her campaign.
The move left former Vice President Joe Biden — the lone remaining Democrat actively seeking the party's nomination — as the only name on New York's Democratic primary ballot, effectively canceling the primary.
The primary election had originally been scheduled for Tuesday before Gov. Andrew Cuomo delayed it to June 23 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit New York harder than any other state.
Both Democratic commissioners, Douglas Kellner and former Westchester County Executive Andy Spano, voted Monday in favor of cancelling the race.
Kellner called the vote "a very difficult decision." But he said holding the primary would have been "unnecessary and frivolous" in the age of COVID-19 while accusing Sanders supporters of wanting to hold a "beauty contest."
"Senator Sanders has not only announced that he's suspending his campaign but he's also announced a public endorsement of Joe Biden," Kellner said. "That has effectively ended the real context for the primary election."
Sanders camp pushing for delegates
In a statement, the Sanders campaign ripped New York's decision to cancel, calling it an "an outrage" and "a blow to American democracy."
Jeff Weaver, a Bernie 2020 senior advisor, called on the Democratic National Committee to reverse the decision. Absent that, he said New York should be stripped of all its 2020 Democratic delegates for violating its party-approved delegate selection plan.
"No one asked New York to cancel the election," Weaver said. "The DNC didn’t request it. The Biden campaign didn’t request it. And our campaign communicated that we wanted to remain on the ballot."
Weaver continued: "Given that the primary is months away, the proper response must be to make the election safe – such as going to all vote by mail – rather than to eliminating people’s right to vote completely."
Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont and leader among progressive wing of the Democratic Party, dropped out of the primary earlier this month, ceding the race to Biden.
But Sanders kept his name on the ballot in hopes of winning additional delegates to the Democratic National Convention that could influence the party's rules and platform.
Kellner and Spano said they were bombarded with emails in recent days from Sanders supporters hoping to win a share of the state's 274 pledged delegates.
New York's Democratic primary is a dual race: Voters cast ballots for their preferred presidential candidate as well as a slate of delegates to represent them at the party convention.
New law inserted in state budget
Bernie Sanders endorses Biden in remote meet-up: 'We need you' in WH During a livestream event, Senator Bernie Sanders explains to former Vice President Joe Biden why he's endorsing him for president. USA TODAY
The decision to cancel the primary was made possible by a clause inserted into New York's state budget, which Cuomo and state lawmakers approved early this month amid the growing coronavirus outbreak.
The clause allowed a party's election commissioners to remove names from the presidential primary ballot if the candidate publicly dropped out of the race or otherwise asked for their name to be removed.
The new law anticipated Sanders' exit: He suspended his campaign April 9, a few days after the budget passed.
Asked Monday about the election commissioners' decision on the Democratic primary, Cuomo said he doesn't want to "second guess" it.
"I know there are a lot of election employees ... who are nervous about conducting elections," said Cuomo, a Biden supporter. "But I'll leave it up to the Board of Elections."
Spano and Kellner, both of whom were appointed by Cuomo, said their decision was driven by safety and trying to stem the spread of the virus, which has infected more than 280,000 New York residents and killed more than 17,000.
In Wisconsin, for example, voters were forced to stand in close proximity to one another as they waited to vote in that state's elections earlier this month.
"I thought very long and hard about this and, in fact, I only came to a decision this morning," Spano said during the Democrats' video-conferencing meeting where the vote was taken.
State chair open to giving Sanders delegates
New York had already taken precautions to give voters the option to stay at home for the primary, allowing any eligible voter the ability to cast an absentee ballot.
Polling places will remain open to give people the option of voting in person, however. And a presidential primary would have significantly increased turnout.
Jay Jacobs, the New York Democratic chairman, said he supports the decision to cancel the primary, saying it's in the best interest for the public health. Many poll workers are senior citizens who are particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus, he noted.
It would have been a different story if Sanders were still actively seeking the Democratic nomination, Jacobs said.
"The fact that (Sanders) is not running makes this a nonessential primary," said Jacobs, who — like Kellner and Spano — was appointed by Cuomo. "Given that we've stopped nonessential business in New York and other states, it seemed intelligent to not go forward with a nonessential primary."
Critics, however, said the move disenfranchises voters who wanted to make their voice heard, even if Sanders has no significant chance of catching Biden.
"It is completely wrong for the BOE to cancel New York’s Presidential Primary," Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., tweeted Monday. Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Sanders in the Democratic primary and has said she'll vote for the Democratic nominee, but has not explicitly endorsed Biden. "This decision is not informed by public health: the state is still holding elections for every other seat that day."
It is completely wrong for the BOE to cancel New York’s Presidential Primary.
This decision is not informed by public health: the state is still holding elections for every other seat that day, & so far the only way your ballot will 100% be counted in NY is to vote in person! https://t.co/l8iT7mxm9c — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) April 27, 2020
Now, New York's delegates will be divvied up by Jacobs and other party leaders who are part of the Democratic State Committee.
Jacobs said he is open to providing a share of delegates to Sanders supporters to ensure their platform is heard.
"I think there is a way to work out some allocation of delegates for the Sanders supporters, and I'm willing to engage in that with the Sanders folks," he said.
Primary Day still moving ahead
New York will still open the polls June 23 for primaries for Congress as well as various state and local races.
Cuomo has cancelled a number of special elections that had been scheduled for the date, including those for Queens borough president, a state Senate seat in central New York and an Assembly seat in the Rochester area.
A special election to fill the seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Chris Collins remains because it is required by state law.
There will not be a Republican presidential primary in New York, either. President Donald Trump was the only Republican to qualify for the ballot in the state.
More: Coronavirus in New York: Check our interactive map of cases and deaths by county
Jon Campbell is a New York state government reporter for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at JCAMPBELL1@Gannett.com or on Twitter at @JonCampbellGAN.


usatoday--2020-04-27--White House cancels, then reschedules, coronavirus briefing amid Trump's feud with press

WASHINGTON – The first version of President Donald Trump ’ s daily schedule for Monday listed an evening event that has become an almost daily ritual : A press briefing with members of the White House coronavirus task force .
But early Monday , the White House abruptly sent out a revised schedule with an italicized note at the top : “ The 5PM press briefing has been canceled , ” it read .
A little more than two hours later , the White House put out another revision topped with yet another italicized note : “ UPDATE : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The on , off and back-on-again nature of Monday ’ s press briefing came amid reports that the White House is looking to scale back the news conferences as Trump has ratcheted up his ongoing feud with the media .
The White House did not hold a news briefing this past Saturday or Sunday , as it has done most weekends since the briefings started in mid-March .
Trump ’ s last briefing , held on Friday , lasted just 22 minutes and ended without him taking any questions from the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefings might not continue .
“ What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions , & then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately , ” he tweeted on Saturday .
“ They get record ratings , & the American people get nothing but Fake News .
Not worth the time & effort !
” But White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany insisted the administration has no plans to end the briefings permanently .
“ We ’ re looking at different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said during an appearance on Fox News .
“ The briefing is a key component of that .
We will have briefings this week .
But again , the media needs to not read into what ’ s happening and look at this as an opportunity for the president to speak to the American people.
” McEnany said the briefings would continue but that they might have “ a different look.
” Trump , Vice President Mike Pence and members of the White House coronavirus task force have held the briefings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the administration ’ s efforts to battle the coronavirus pandemic , which has killed more than 56,000 Americans .
But Trump ’ s tendency to lash out at reporters who ask what he considers hostile questions and to speak off the cuff have often overshadowed the administration 's daily coronavirus message .
Trump was roundly criticized after floated the idea of using ultraviolet light or disinfectants to treat COVID-19 during last Thursday ’ s briefing .
Texas-based Republican political strategist Matt Mackowiak said Trump should cut back on the briefings .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefings will benefit the White House , ” Mackowiak said .
“ Too much exposure gives too many opportunities for mistakes that take away from the good work being done .
Less is more .
It will be better to save briefings for days when you have significant announcements.
” Trump trails : USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll : Six months out , Biden jumps to lead over Trump amid coronavirus concerns

White House cancels, then reschedules, coronavirus briefing amid Trump's feud with press
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Trump disinfectant injection comment sparks backlash President Trump's comments on disinfectants and sunlight being used to kill coronavirus sparked backlash on social media and with medical professionals. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The first version of President Donald Trump’s daily schedule for Monday listed an evening event that has become an almost daily ritual: A press briefing with members of the White House coronavirus task force.
But early Monday, the White House abruptly sent out a revised schedule with an italicized note at the top: “The 5PM press briefing has been canceled,” it read.
A little more than two hours later, the White House put out another revision topped with yet another italicized note: “UPDATE: The President holds a news conference at 5PM.”
The on, off and back-on-again nature of Monday’s press briefing came amid reports that the White House is looking to scale back the news conferences as Trump has ratcheted up his ongoing feud with the media.
Coronavirus testing: White House unveils blueprint to expand state testing as governors weigh lifting stay-at-home orders
The White House did not hold a news briefing this past Saturday or Sunday, as it has done most weekends since the briefings started in mid-March. Trump’s last briefing, held on Friday, lasted just 22 minutes and ended without him taking any questions from the press.
Trump himself seemed to suggest the briefings might not continue.
“What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions, & then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately,” he tweeted on Saturday. “They get record ratings, & the American people get nothing but Fake News. Not worth the time & effort!”
What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions, & then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately. They get record ratings, & the American people get nothing but Fake News. Not worth the time & effort! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2020
But White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany insisted the administration has no plans to end the briefings permanently.
“We’re looking at different ways to showcase this president leading,” she said during an appearance on Fox News. “The briefing is a key component of that. We will have briefings this week. But again, the media needs to not read into what’s happening and look at this as an opportunity for the president to speak to the American people.”
Trump briefings: GOP Gov. Hogan to Trump: Stop coronavirus 'misinformation'
McEnany said the briefings would continue but that they might have “a different look.”
Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and members of the White House coronavirus task force have held the briefings almost daily since mid-March to provide updates on the administration’s efforts to battle the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 56,000 Americans.
But Trump’s tendency to lash out at reporters who ask what he considers hostile questions and to speak off the cuff have often overshadowed the administration's daily coronavirus message. Trump was roundly criticized after floated the idea of using ultraviolet light or disinfectants to treat COVID-19 during last Thursday’s briefing.
Texas-based Republican political strategist Matt Mackowiak said Trump should cut back on the briefings.
“I think more limited use of press briefings will benefit the White House,” Mackowiak said. “Too much exposure gives too many opportunities for mistakes that take away from the good work being done. Less is more. It will be better to save briefings for days when you have significant announcements.”
Contributing: David Jackson
Trump trails: USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll: Six months out, Biden jumps to lead over Trump amid coronavirus concerns


usatoday--2020-04-27--House coronavirus committee will investigate loans that went to publicly traded companies, says Rep.

The House select subcommittee to conduct oversight of the government 's coronavirus response will prioritize looking into how Paycheck Protection Program loans got into the hands of publicly traded companies , according to chairman Rep. Jim Clyburn , D-S.C .
The committee was formed by a resolution last week , and will oversee the use of taxpayer funds in relief efforts .
Though it is intended to be bipartisan and include Republican members , its passage got no support from the GOP .
The rest of the committee 's 12 members have yet to be announced .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence in their government .
We need that now more than ever in my lifetime , '' Clyburn said .
Clyburn , the House majority whip , laid out his plans for the committee over the weekend in an interview with Columbia , S.C. outlet The State .
He said among the issues he hopes to investigate is how loans intended to help small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic were allocated to larger companies .
Companies like Ruth 's Chris Steak House and Potbelly have said they 'll return PPP loans after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trio of publicly traded hotel companies say they wo n't do the same .
The $ 349 billion in loans authorized by the coronavirus relief package was quickly depleted , leaving many smaller businesses without the intended lifeline .
An Associated Press investigation showed that dozens of publicly listed companies collectively received hundreds of millions of dollars of loans from the program .
Congress approved an additional $ 320 billion last week , with the Small Business Administration continuing to issue loans Monday .
The loans can be forgiven by the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money goes to keeping employees on the payroll .
Loan program revived : House passes $ 484 billion coronavirus stimulus for small businesses and hospitals , sends bill to Trump Clyburn told The State he also wants to look into how states are using money to expand mail-in voting and whether previously bankrupt companies should be restricted from accessing loans .
He also hopes to advise health authorities on addressing health disparities among minority populations .
“ This committee needs to be up and running soon to inform the Congress as to how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second outbreak in the fall , ” Clyburn said .
“ If there is a second outbreak in the fall , what is going to happen to our health-care delivery system ?
Will we have done anything to improve that ? ''
Clyburn disputed that the formation of the committee was motivated by partisanship .
Democrats have been accused of a `` political hitjob '' against President Donald Trump .
The Democratic whip said the committee would likely still be formed if the president were a Democrat , because `` it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House .
It ’ s about how this program is being implemented.
” '' The committee will root out waste , fraud , abuse , '' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on the House floor last week .
Trump decries investigations : President rails against 'witch hunts ' after Pelosi announces committee to oversee coronavirus response

House coronavirus committee will investigate loans that went to publicly traded companies, says Rep. Clyburn
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump signs $484 billion deal to support small businesses President Donald Trump signed a $484 billion deal to help small businesses, hospitals and coronavirus testing. USA TODAY
The House select subcommittee to conduct oversight of the government's coronavirus response will prioritize looking into how Paycheck Protection Program loans got into the hands of publicly traded companies, according to chairman Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C.
The committee was formed by a resolution last week, and will oversee the use of taxpayer funds in relief efforts. Though it is intended to be bipartisan and include Republican members, its passage got no support from the GOP. The rest of the committee's 12 members have yet to be announced.
"We are there to ensure the American people maintain confidence in their government. We need that now more than ever in my lifetime," Clyburn said.
Clyburn, the House majority whip, laid out his plans for the committee over the weekend in an interview with Columbia, S.C. outlet The State. He said among the issues he hopes to investigate is how loans intended to help small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic were allocated to larger companies.
Small business loans: Publicly traded hotel companies not giving back millions of dollars
Companies like Ruth's Chris Steak House and Potbelly have said they'll return PPP loans after facing public pressure, but others like a trio of publicly traded hotel companies say they won't do the same. The $349 billion in loans authorized by the coronavirus relief package was quickly depleted, leaving many smaller businesses without the intended lifeline.
An Associated Press investigation showed that dozens of publicly listed companies collectively received hundreds of millions of dollars of loans from the program.
Congress approved an additional $320 billion last week, with the Small Business Administration continuing to issue loans Monday. The loans can be forgiven by the government if at least 75% of the money goes to keeping employees on the payroll.
Loan program revived: House passes $484 billion coronavirus stimulus for small businesses and hospitals, sends bill to Trump
Clyburn told The State he also wants to look into how states are using money to expand mail-in voting and whether previously bankrupt companies should be restricted from accessing loans. He also hopes to advise health authorities on addressing health disparities among minority populations.
“This committee needs to be up and running soon to inform the Congress as to how to prepare itself for what may be a second outbreak in the fall,” Clyburn said. “If there is a second outbreak in the fall, what is going to happen to our health-care delivery system? Will we have done anything to improve that?"
Clyburn disputed that the formation of the committee was motivated by partisanship. Democrats have been accused of a "political hitjob" against President Donald Trump.
The select committee on the #COVID19 response is yet another political hitjob on @realDonaldTrump. This committee would be led by Rep. Clyburn, the savior of Biden's campaign & the Rep who said the coronavirus is a perfect time to restructure things to fit their liberal agenda. — Rep. Doug Lamborn (@RepDLamborn) April 23, 2020
The Democratic whip said the committee would likely still be formed if the president were a Democrat, because "it’s not about who is sitting in the White House. It’s about how this program is being implemented.”
"The committee will root out waste, fraud, abuse," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on the House floor last week.
Trump decries investigations: President rails against 'witch hunts' after Pelosi announces committee to oversee coronavirus response
Contributing: The Associated Press