talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-19--Birx’s Message To Protesters: ‘They Need To Really Follow’ Local Guidelines

White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx stressed the importance of following state and local guidelines when asked about protesters defying stay-at-home orders , during an interview on ABC News Sunday morning .
After playing a clip of protesters in Austin , Texas shouting “ fire Fauci , ” ABC News ’ George Stephanopolous asked Birx what her message is to them .
“ Well , first , Dr. Fauci and I have had a strong partnership for over 30-plus years , ” Birx said .
“ And we ’ ve been telling the American people all along that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local guidelines , and they themselves need to be educated and knowledgeable about this virus.
” Birx then said that following guidelines ensures that people are protecting both themselves and each other , before urging states to “ do a great job ” of communicating in local communities due to how “ every community is different.
” Birx went on to praise Florida ’ s public health side for “ doing an extraordinary job keeping their communities informed day by day about where the virus is , where the new cases are.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community is what is going to be critical in ensuring that we get not only through this phase , but the other three phases , and prevent a future outbreak if the virus comes back in the fall , ” Birx said .

White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx stressed the importance of following state and local guidelines when asked about protesters defying stay-at-home orders, during an interview on ABC News Sunday morning.
After playing a clip of protesters in Austin, Texas shouting “fire Fauci,” ABC News’ George Stephanopolous asked Birx what her message is to them.
“Well, first, Dr. Fauci and I have had a strong partnership for over 30-plus years,” Birx said. “And we’ve been telling the American people all along that they need to really follow state and local guidelines, and they themselves need to be educated and knowledgeable about this virus.”
Birx then said that following guidelines ensures that people are protecting both themselves and each other, before urging states to “do a great job” of communicating in local communities due to how “every community is different.”
Birx went on to praise Florida’s public health side for “doing an extraordinary job keeping their communities informed day by day about where the virus is, where the new cases are.”
“I think bringing knowledge to the community is what is going to be critical in ensuring that we get not only through this phase, but the other three phases, and prevent a future outbreak if the virus comes back in the fall,” Birx said.
Watch Birx’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-19--Pence Deflects When Pressed On Trump’s ‘LIBERATE’ Tweets Defending Protesters

Vice President Mike Pence repeatedly dodged questions concerning President Trump ’ s recent tweets calling on governors to “ LIBERATE ” protesters defying stay-at-home orders , during Sunday morning interviews .
When Chuck Todd of “ Meet The Press ” asked Pence to explain what Trump is trying to “ liberate ” states like Minnesota — which has experienced protests against the state ’ s stay-at-home order — from , Pence pivoted to discussing how Trump would like to reopen the economy as soon as possible and how the administration has advised states to use discretion on when to loosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Todd then circled back to his question by asking Pence why Trump is “ trying to undermine the guidance ” that he laid out on Thursday , only to undermine it a day later .
“ Chuck , I don ’ t accept your premise , and I don ’ t think most Americans do either , ” Pence said .
“ The President ’ s made it clear : he wants to reopen America , and we laid out guidelines for every state in the country to safely and responsibly reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their choosing.
” Pence also deflected when asked the same question during his appearance on “ Fox News Sunday , ” saying that “ no one in America wants to reopen this country more than ” Trump .
“ On Thursday , the President directed us to lay out guidelines for when and how states could responsibly do that and in the President ’ s tweets and public statements , ” Pence said .
“ I can assure you he ’ s going to continue to encourage governors to find ways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work .
And the guidelines for opening up America again give a road map for doing just that .
”

Vice President Mike Pence repeatedly dodged questions concerning President Trump’s recent tweets calling on governors to “LIBERATE” protesters defying stay-at-home orders, during Sunday morning interviews.
When Chuck Todd of “Meet The Press” asked Pence to explain what Trump is trying to “liberate” states like Minnesota — which has experienced protests against the state’s stay-at-home order — from, Pence pivoted to discussing how Trump would like to reopen the economy as soon as possible and how the administration has advised states to use discretion on when to loosen social distancing measures amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Todd then circled back to his question by asking Pence why Trump is “trying to undermine the guidance” that he laid out on Thursday, only to undermine it a day later.
“Chuck, I don’t accept your premise, and I don’t think most Americans do either,” Pence said. “The President’s made it clear: he wants to reopen America, and we laid out guidelines for every state in the country to safely and responsibly reopen their economy at the time and manner of their choosing.”
WATCH: Why is President Trump trying to undermine guidance for states on social distancing with tweets about "liberating" Minnesota and Michigan? #MTP #IfItsSunday@VP: "The president has made it clear — he wants to reopen America." pic.twitter.com/s39u5tQPzI — Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) April 19, 2020
Pence also deflected when asked the same question during his appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” saying that “no one in America wants to reopen this country more than” Trump.
“On Thursday, the President directed us to lay out guidelines for when and how states could responsibly do that and in the President’s tweets and public statements,” Pence said. “I can assure you he’s going to continue to encourage governors to find ways to safely and responsibly let America go back to work. And the guidelines for opening up America again give a road map for doing just that.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-19--Pelosi Says Trump’s Support Of Stay-At-Home Order Protesters Is A ‘Distraction’

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) argued that President Trump ’ s defense of protesters defying stay-at-home orders is a “ distraction ” from his response to the COVID-19 outbreak , during Sunday morning interviews .
Asked by ABC News ’ George Stephanopolous about whether she thinks that the President ’ s guidelines to the governors are appropriate and if states are ready to begin the process of opening up , Pelosi responded that she “ wouldn ’ t exaggerate the protests across the country ” before adding that Trump ’ s support of the protests is “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some places , largely where there ’ s a Democratic governor , ” Pelosi said .
“ But I think of it largely as a distraction and the President ’ s embrace of it as a distraction from the fact that he has not appropriately done testing , treatment , contact tracing and quarantine.
” Pelosi went on to add that “ the key that opens the door to the economy is testing , ” which she said “ we haven ’ t done it right.
” Pelosi echoed similar sentiments during an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” saying that she can ’ t understand why there are protesters defying social distancing measures when the “ answer ” to the pandemic is to “ shelter in place.
” “ People will do what they do .
But the fact is , we ’ re all impatient .
We all want out .
But what they ’ re doing is really unfortunate , ” Pelosi said , referring to the protesters .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) argued that President Trump’s defense of protesters defying stay-at-home orders is a “distraction” from his response to the COVID-19 outbreak, during Sunday morning interviews.
Asked by ABC News’ George Stephanopolous about whether she thinks that the President’s guidelines to the governors are appropriate and if states are ready to begin the process of opening up, Pelosi responded that she “wouldn’t exaggerate the protests across the country” before adding that Trump’s support of the protests is “a distraction.”
“There are some in some places, largely where there’s a Democratic governor,” Pelosi said. “But I think of it largely as a distraction and the President’s embrace of it as a distraction from the fact that he has not appropriately done testing, treatment, contact tracing and quarantine.”
Pelosi went on to add that “the key that opens the door to the economy is testing,” which she said “we haven’t done it right.”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Trump’s support for stay-at-home order protests is a “distraction from the fact that he has not appropriately done testing …” “The key that opens the door to the economy is testing, testing testing. We haven’t done it right.” https://t.co/PYRdRpKqJS pic.twitter.com/U8UHEsJxpd — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 19, 2020
Pelosi echoed similar sentiments during an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” saying that she can’t understand why there are protesters defying social distancing measures when the “answer” to the pandemic is to “shelter in place.”
“People will do what they do. But the fact is, we’re all impatient. We all want out. But what they’re doing is really unfortunate,” Pelosi said, referring to the protesters.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-19--Schumer Refutes Trump Leaving Testing Up To States: ‘Can’t Do It On Their Own’

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) pushed back on President Trump putting the onus on governors to ramp up COVID-19 testing in their states to begin the process of reopening the economy , during an interview on CNN Sunday .
When asked by CNN ’ s Jake Tapper about whether he got any indication that the federal government has a coordinated plan to roll out testing and to ensure that governors know where the tests are , Schumer responded that the federal government has been “ back and forth on this.
” After mentioning that Senate Democrats are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide , Schumer argued that “ we need the focus from the President.
” “ The governors of our two states who are most impacted say they need federal help .
They can ’ t do the testing on their own , ” Schumer said , before adding that Republican and Democratic senators expressed to Trump during a call a few days ago that the number one need was for more testing and for more federal involvement in the effort .
“ You can ’ t have it state by state.
” After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to step up testing efforts , Schumer argued that the federal government has “ not been focused enough on testing ” and that he thinks that there is “ huge pressure ” for Trump to comply with the Senate Democrats ’ $ 30 billion request for testing by using the Defense Production Act .
Schumer then added that there should be at least one person in charge of making sure there ’ s a national focus and effort on testing .
“ We will not be able to get the economy going full-fledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) pushed back on President Trump putting the onus on governors to ramp up COVID-19 testing in their states to begin the process of reopening the economy, during an interview on CNN Sunday.
When asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper about whether he got any indication that the federal government has a coordinated plan to roll out testing and to ensure that governors know where the tests are, Schumer responded that the federal government has been “back and forth on this.”
After mentioning that Senate Democrats are seeking $30 billion for COVID-19 testing nationwide, Schumer argued that “we need the focus from the President.”
“The governors of our two states who are most impacted say they need federal help. They can’t do the testing on their own,” Schumer said, before adding that Republican and Democratic senators expressed to Trump during a call a few days ago that the number one need was for more testing and for more federal involvement in the effort. “You can’t have it state by state.”
After reiterating the need for the federal government to step up testing efforts, Schumer argued that the federal government has “not been focused enough on testing” and that he thinks that there is “huge pressure” for Trump to comply with the Senate Democrats’ $30 billion request for testing by using the Defense Production Act.
Schumer then added that there should be at least one person in charge of making sure there’s a national focus and effort on testing.
“We will not be able to get the economy going full-fledged unless we have testing,” Schumer said.
Watch Schumer’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-19--Mnuchin: ‘Terrific Symbol’ Of Trump’s Name On Stimulus Checks Was My Idea

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin predicted that there will be a “ big rebound ” as the country “ gets comfortable @ @ @ @ @ during an interview on CNN Sunday morning .
When asked by CNN ’ s Jake @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers last month that the unemployment rate could theoretically climb as high as 20 % @ @ @ @ @ we won ’ t be there ” and that the reopening of the economy would @ @ @ @ @ to the Paycheck Protection Program , more people hired back to work and more progress @ @ @ @ @ President Trump ’ s name appearing in the memo line of stimulus checks for $ @ @ @ @ @ it was his idea .
“ The President could have been authorized to sign the @ @ @ @ @ slowed things down , ” Mnuchin said .
“ We didn ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ put the President ’ s name on the check — that was my idea .
@ @ @ @ @ I think it ’ s a terrific symbol to the American public .
”

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin predicted that there will be a “big rebound” as the country “gets comfortable” reopening the economy, during an interview on CNN Sunday morning.
When asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper about how he told lawmakers last month that the unemployment rate could theoretically climb as high as 20%, Mnuchin said “hopefully we won’t be there” and that the reopening of the economy would involve getting more money out to the Paycheck Protection Program, more people hired back to work and more progress on testing.
Pressed about President Trump’s name appearing in the memo line of stimulus checks for $1,200, Mnuchin claimed that it was his idea.
“The President could have been authorized to sign the checks — that would have slowed things down,” Mnuchin said. “We didn’t want to do that. We did put the President’s name on the check — that was my idea. He is the President and I think it’s a terrific symbol to the American public.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-20--Trump Calls FBI ‘Human Scum’ For Investigating Russia Ties To His Campaign

President Donald Trump lashed out at the FBI on Sunday night for investigating his campaign ’ s ties to Russia , which led to several of his associates ’ indictment and eventual imprisonment .
During his daily press briefing , Trump described the FBI ’ s investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn , former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort , and former Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone as a “ scam ” and a “ fraud.
” “ You ’ ll find out what I ’ m going to do , ” he told a reporter who asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manafort .
“ I ’ m not going to say what I ’ m going to do , but I will tell you the whole thing turned out to be a scam and it turned out to be a disgrace to our country.
” Trump crowed that “ now the tables are turned ” and the need to “ investigate the investigators , ” referring to a U.S. Attorney John Durham ’ s current investigation into the FBI ’ s Russia probe .
Attorney General Bill Barr had directed Durham to open the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These are bad people .
These are very dangerous people , ” Trump told reporters .
“ You know what they are , though ?
They ’ re scum .
They ’ re human scum .

President Donald Trump lashed out at the FBI on Sunday night for investigating his campaign’s ties to Russia, which led to several of his associates’ indictment and eventual imprisonment.
During his daily press briefing, Trump described the FBI’s investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort, and former Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone as a “scam” and a “fraud.”
“You’ll find out what I’m going to do,” he told a reporter who asked if he planned on pardoning Stone and Manafort. “I’m not going to say what I’m going to do, but I will tell you the whole thing turned out to be a scam and it turned out to be a disgrace to our country.”
Trump crowed that “now the tables are turned” and the need to “investigate the investigators,” referring to a U.S. Attorney John Durham’s current investigation into the FBI’s Russia probe. Attorney General Bill Barr had directed Durham to open the investigation.
“These were crooked people. There are bad people. These are very dangerous people,” Trump told reporters. “You know what they are, though? They’re scum. They’re human scum.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-20--Kemp Plans To Open Stores, Salons, Gyms While Other Govs Proceed More Cautiously

Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) announced Monday that he would allow a tranche of business to open up by week ’ s end across a state that has been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19 .
He announced at a press briefing that he was prepared to “ incrementally and safely reopen sectors of our economy ” based on “ favorable data , enhanced testing and the approval of our health care officials.
” On Friday , businesses including gyms , salons , barbershops and bowling alleys will be allowed to open statewide .
He said that they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas of sanitation and social distancing .
He added that those businesses in particular have not been able to “ undertake the baseline operations ” that other industries have managed since he issued a shelter-in-place order on April 2 .
He also emphasized that the decision applies to every jurisdiction in Georgia , saying that “ local action can not be taken that is more or less restrictive.
” Friday ’ s openings will just be the first wave .
On Monday , theaters , private social clubs and dine-in services at restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kemp said .
He added that bars , nightclubs , concert venues and theme parks will remain closed .
“ By taking this measured action , we will get Georgians back to work safely without undermining the progress that we all have made in this battle against COVID-19 , ” he said .
With his order , Kemp is first off the blocks in a dangerous race .
Per the Georgia Department of Health , the state has 18,947 known cases of coronavirus , and 733 people have died .
A model from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the University of Washington that the White House has based its own predictions on shows Georgia to be slightly past its peak , though it identifies June 15 as the point at which relaxing social distancing measures will become possible .
Other governors , mostly Republicans , are reopening small slices of their economies .
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster ( R ) is , similar to Kemp , reopening retail stores across the state on Tuesday , though maintaining the ban on salons and gyms .
Vermont Governor Phil Scott ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses , like two-man construction crews , on Monday .
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ( R ) opened state parks on Monday , and is allowing stores to open for “ retail to go ” on Friday — where stores bring items to customers ’ cars , like many restaurants are currently operating .
Governor Ron DeSantis ( R ) announced Friday that beaches may reopen , if they do so “ in a safe way.
” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ( D ) reopened golf courses and some bait shops on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have stay-at-home orders that expire at the end of April .
Governors of some states , primarily Republican ones , like Alabama , Tennessee and Mississippi , have indicated that they intend to start relaxing social distancing mandates then .
Governors of others , primarily blue states like New Jersey , Delaware and Washington , have suggested they will err on the side of a longer shutdowns to control transmission of the virus .

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced Monday that he would allow a tranche of business to open up by week’s end across a state that has been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19.
He announced at a press briefing that he was prepared to “incrementally and safely reopen sectors of our economy” based on “favorable data, enhanced testing and the approval of our health care officials.”
On Friday, businesses including gyms, salons, barbershops and bowling alleys will be allowed to open statewide. He said that they will be subject to specific restrictions in the areas of sanitation and social distancing.
He added that those businesses in particular have not been able to “undertake the baseline operations” that other industries have managed since he issued a shelter-in-place order on April 2.
He also emphasized that the decision applies to every jurisdiction in Georgia, saying that “local action cannot be taken that is more or less restrictive.”
Friday’s openings will just be the first wave. On Monday, theaters, private social clubs and dine-in services at restaurants will also be open for business, Kemp said. He added that bars, nightclubs, concert venues and theme parks will remain closed.
“By taking this measured action, we will get Georgians back to work safely without undermining the progress that we all have made in this battle against COVID-19,” he said.
With his order, Kemp is first off the blocks in a dangerous race.
Per the Georgia Department of Health, the state has 18,947 known cases of coronavirus, and 733 people have died. A model from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington that the White House has based its own predictions on shows Georgia to be slightly past its peak, though it identifies June 15 as the point at which relaxing social distancing measures will become possible.
Other governors, mostly Republicans, are reopening small slices of their economies.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R) is, similar to Kemp, reopening retail stores across the state on Tuesday, though maintaining the ban on salons and gyms. Vermont Governor Phil Scott (R) allowed the reopening of certain businesses, like two-man construction crews, on Monday. Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) opened state parks on Monday, and is allowing stores to open for “retail to go” on Friday — where stores bring items to customers’ cars, like many restaurants are currently operating. Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced Friday that beaches may reopen, if they do so “in a safe way.” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) reopened golf courses and some bait shops on Friday.
Many states, including Georgia, have stay-at-home orders that expire at the end of April.
Governors of some states, primarily Republican ones, like Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi, have indicated that they intend to start relaxing social distancing mandates then.
Governors of others, primarily blue states like New Jersey, Delaware and Washington, have suggested they will err on the side of a longer shutdowns to control transmission of the virus.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-20--Massachusetts Emerges As New COVID-19 Hot Spot As Cases Surge

Massachusetts has become a hot spot of coronavirus infections , drawing the concern of federal officials and promises of aid from hard-hit New York as the state ’ s death toll prepares to double in less than a week .
Deaths from COVID-19 are expected to surpass 2,000 this week in Massachusetts , where officials are scrambling to boost hospital capacity and trace new infections to curb the spread of the disease .
“ We ’ re right in the middle of the surge now , ” Republican Gov .
Charlie Baker said Sunday on CBS ’ “ Face the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House is closely watching the Boston area , and the coordinator of the federal coronavirus task force , Dr. Deborah Birx , said officials are “ very much focused ” on Massachusetts .
There were 146 new deaths reported in Massachusetts on Sunday , bringing the state ’ s death toll to more than 1,700 .
More than 1,700 new cases were reported , for a total of more than 38,000 across the state .
That compares with more than 14,000 deaths in New York state and over 35,000 nationally .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by using a group of “ contact tracers ” to alert people who may have come in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus so they can self-quarantine or be tested themselves .
As of Thursday , contact tracers had gotten a hold of 765 people who had tested positive and those people identified more than 1,000 people they had been in close contact with , WBUR reported .
“ We don ’ t have any other really good tools until we have a vaccine , ” said Andrew Lover , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amherst ’ s School of Public Health & Health Sciences .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and the infirm , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
As the number of hospitalizations and deaths dropped in New York , which had been the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S. , Democratic Gov .
Andrew Cuomo pledged to send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You were there for us and we are going to be there for you , ” Cuomo said Sunday .
Two field hospitals designed to deal with an expected surge of COVID-19 patients opened Monday in Massachusetts , joining two other sites that have been up and running .
A fifth one is expected to open in about a week .
There were more than 150 patients on Saturday at a medical center called Boston Hope set up at the city ’ s convention center .
The 1,000-bed hospital could reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ If the surge really happens , which it feels like it ’ s here and escalating , then in fact we will be filling all of our beds , ” Jeanette Ives Erickson , co-director of the field hospital , told The Boston Globe .
In Massachusetts ’ hardest-hit community , Chelsea , officials are urging residents not to leave their homes at all as the cases surge unless they are an essential worker or have an essential need .
The densely populated city just outside Boston , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ highest rate of infection , nearly four times the statewide rate .
The city ’ s more than 40,000 residents live across just about 2 square miles in crowded housing units , and many work in essential services like grocery stores , said City Manager Thomas Ambrosino .
“ We have to get it under control here , ” Ambrosino said .
Boston has been ramping up efforts to slow the spread in neighborhoods with the highest rates of infection .
But as temperatures climbed Sunday , some people ignored directives to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or played soccer and golf , Mayor Marty Walsh said .
They were “ not understanding the severity of what ’ s happening here in this country and in Boston , in Massachusetts , ” Walsh said on CNN .
“ It ’ s just wrong , ” he said .
The city has outfitted public work trucks with speakers that are circling hard-hit neighborhoods broadcasting messages about social distancing , washing hands and covering faces .
“ The worst is yet to come for a lot of people , ” Walsh said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re beyond the curve , we ’ re going to have positive cases of coronavirus , we ’ re still going to have loss of life.
” Associated Press writer Steve Leblanc contributed to this report .

Massachusetts has become a hot spot of coronavirus infections, drawing the concern of federal officials and promises of aid from hard-hit New York as the state’s death toll prepares to double in less than a week.
Deaths from COVID-19 are expected to surpass 2,000 this week in Massachusetts, where officials are scrambling to boost hospital capacity and trace new infections to curb the spread of the disease.
“We’re right in the middle of the surge now,” Republican Gov. Charlie Baker said Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
Vice President Mike Pence said the White House is closely watching the Boston area, and the coordinator of the federal coronavirus task force, Dr. Deborah Birx, said officials are “very much focused” on Massachusetts.
There were 146 new deaths reported in Massachusetts on Sunday, bringing the state’s death toll to more than 1,700. More than 1,700 new cases were reported, for a total of more than 38,000 across the state. That compares with more than 14,000 deaths in New York state and over 35,000 nationally.
Massachusetts is hoping to bend the curve by using a group of “contact tracers” to alert people who may have come in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus so they can self-quarantine or be tested themselves.
As of Thursday, contact tracers had gotten a hold of 765 people who had tested positive and those people identified more than 1,000 people they had been in close contact with, WBUR reported.
“We don’t have any other really good tools until we have a vaccine,” said Andrew Lover, an expert at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s School of Public Health & Health Sciences.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
As the number of hospitalizations and deaths dropped in New York, which had been the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S., Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo pledged to send 400 ventilators to Massachusetts, if needed.
“You were there for us and we are going to be there for you,” Cuomo said Sunday.
Two field hospitals designed to deal with an expected surge of COVID-19 patients opened Monday in Massachusetts, joining two other sites that have been up and running. A fifth one is expected to open in about a week.
There were more than 150 patients on Saturday at a medical center called Boston Hope set up at the city’s convention center. The 1,000-bed hospital could reach capacity as the cases peak, officials said.
“If the surge really happens, which it feels like it’s here and escalating, then in fact we will be filling all of our beds,” Jeanette Ives Erickson, co-director of the field hospital, told The Boston Globe.
In Massachusetts’ hardest-hit community, Chelsea, officials are urging residents not to leave their homes at all as the cases surge unless they are an essential worker or have an essential need.
The densely populated city just outside Boston, with a large Latino immigrant community, has Massachusetts’ highest rate of infection, nearly four times the statewide rate. The city’s more than 40,000 residents live across just about 2 square miles in crowded housing units, and many work in essential services like grocery stores, said City Manager Thomas Ambrosino.
“We have to get it under control here,” Ambrosino said.
Boston has been ramping up efforts to slow the spread in neighborhoods with the highest rates of infection. But as temperatures climbed Sunday, some people ignored directives to stay at home and gathered with friends or played soccer and golf, Mayor Marty Walsh said.
They were “not understanding the severity of what’s happening here in this country and in Boston, in Massachusetts,” Walsh said on CNN. “It’s just wrong,” he said.
The city has outfitted public work trucks with speakers that are circling hard-hit neighborhoods broadcasting messages about social distancing, washing hands and covering faces.
“The worst is yet to come for a lot of people,” Walsh said Monday. “Even when we’re beyond the curve, we’re going to have positive cases of coronavirus, we’re still going to have loss of life.”
___
Associated Press writer Steve Leblanc contributed to this report.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-20--4/20 Uncertainty: Marijuana Industry Tested In Virus Crisis

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) — The unofficial holiday celebrating all things cannabis arrives Monday as the nation ’ s emerging legal marijuana market braces for an economic blow from the coronavirus crisis , with many consumers reducing spending or going underground for deals .
It was supposed to be a long weekend of festivals and music culminating on April 20 , or 4/20 , the code for marijuana ’ s high holiday .
Instead , it has been reduced to an online replica because of stay-at-home orders to curb the pandemic .
Virtual parties and video chats are replacing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise of legalization and celebrate cannabis culture .
The origins of the annual celebration are believed tied to a group of Northern California high school friends , who used the code as slang for smoking pot in the early 1970s .
“ Stay home , ” the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws , or NORML , said bluntly .
San Francisco Mayor London Breed threatened arrests : “ We will not tolerate anyone coming to San Francisco for 4/20 this year.
” For businesses , 4/20 is usually their once-a-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead , they are reporting up-and-down buying and pondering an uncertain future .
The pandemic means the world economy could face its worst year since the Great Depression in the 1930s .
In a sign of what ’ s to come , U.S. retail sales overall dropped nearly 9 % in March — a record .
Millions are out of work .
As for the holiday , “ there ’ s a somber feeling to this one , ” said Jordan Lams , CEO of Pure CA , which specializes in marijuana extracts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Before the outbreak , “ it was going to be the biggest 4/20 in history , ” Lams said .
Steve White , CEO of Arizona-based Harvest Health & Recreation , said he ’ s watching to see if consumers treat marijuana more like beer or toilet paper when money runs short .
When the economy tumbles , beer sales traditionally spike .
With toilet paper , panic-buying might empty shelves but people do not use more of it .
They just buy less later .
It will be a telling year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new industry knows if sales will plunge , stay flat or even rise .
“ Do people buy less cannabis , or does it become more ingrained as part of their daily life ?
” White said .
The uncertainty in the market poses the latest challenge for an industry that ’ s expanded in some form to all but a handful of states .
The risks are spotlighted in California , where businesses contend with hefty taxes , an illicit market that still dwarfs the legal one and a tourism-reliant economy that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because cannabis remains illegal at the federal level , most banks don ’ t want to do business with pot companies and they aren ’ t included in the coronavirus rescue package that will help other businesses .
Before the virus , “ we were already teetering on … an edge of a cannabis collapse , ” said Los Angeles dispensary owner Jerred Kiloh , who heads the United Cannabis Business Association .
“ It ’ s going to be very difficult for cannabis businesses to make it through this pandemic.
” That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders in March that sent marijuana sales rocketing ; some businesses reported single-day records as customers stocked up .
New York , San Francisco and Los Angeles were among the cities that labeled dispensaries essential businesses that could remain open .
But since then , business generally has flattened or tapered off , even with deliveries and curbside pickups growing to reduce health risks .
Marijuana data trackers BDS Analytics documented sales surges through much of March , but then consumers pulled back in late March and early April , with sales mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some sellers reported sales jumps as government assistance checks began reaching consumers .
In Oregon , cannabis retailers saw a huge spike last month — a 30 % increase in average sales per retailer compared with March 2019 .
Sales increases mid-month were even larger .
However , the peak has leveled off and customers are coming in less frequently but buying more , said David Alport , who owns two Bridge City Collective stores in Portland .
He ’ s hired three more employees to handle home deliveries .
In Illinois , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s stay-at-home order .
Companies made sweeping changes that included appointment-only sales and online ordering .
The Mission dispensary on Chicago ’ s South Side saw an initial spike in purchases before the lockdown took effect , but that ’ s leveled off .
“ We ’ ve never faced an economic downturn when cannabis was legal , ” said Kris Krane , president of Mission dispensaries .
“ This is completely unprecedented.
” Some customers could be especially vulnerable during an economic downturn .
Among cannabis users in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have incomes below $ 35,000 and only 54 % have full-time employment , according to BDS Analytics .
Anyone on a tight budget might be more apt to avoid taxes that go with legal purchases and buy from illicit market dealers .
Steve DeAngelo , co-founder of Harborside dispensaries in California , said it ’ s difficult to predict what ’ s next , with no template for how cannabis consumers will react in a deep economic downturn .
Still , he notes that the industry has endured for years through times good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only one option — illegal purchases .
Consumers who see marijuana as part of their daily routine will keep coming back , he predicted .
But , for businesses , there will be a “ sorting out , ” DeAngelo said .
Companies with strong brands and cash reserves are likely to fare better in a poor economy ; those saddled with heavy debt who made too-rosy promises to investors will face challenges .
“ There is not going to be an extinction moment , ” DeAngelo said .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many other industries.
” Associated Press writers Gillian Flaccus in Portland , Oregon , and Kathleen Foody in Chicago contributed .
Blood , Flaccus and Foody are members of AP ’ s marijuana beat team .
Find complete AP marijuana coverage here : https : //apnews.com/Marijuana .
Follow Blood on Twitter at http : //twitter.com/MichaelRBloodAP .

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The unofficial holiday celebrating all things cannabis arrives Monday as the nation’s emerging legal marijuana market braces for an economic blow from the coronavirus crisis, with many consumers reducing spending or going underground for deals.
It was supposed to be a long weekend of festivals and music culminating on April 20, or 4/20, the code for marijuana’s high holiday. Instead, it has been reduced to an online replica because of stay-at-home orders to curb the pandemic.
Virtual parties and video chats are replacing vast outdoor smoking sessions to mark the rise of legalization and celebrate cannabis culture. The origins of the annual celebration are believed tied to a group of Northern California high school friends, who used the code as slang for smoking pot in the early 1970s.
“Stay home,” the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML, said bluntly. San Francisco Mayor London Breed threatened arrests: “We will not tolerate anyone coming to San Francisco for 4/20 this year.”
For businesses, 4/20 is usually their once-a-year Black Friday, when sales soar. Instead, they are reporting up-and-down buying and pondering an uncertain future.
The pandemic means the world economy could face its worst year since the Great Depression in the 1930s. In a sign of what’s to come, U.S. retail sales overall dropped nearly 9% in March — a record. Millions are out of work.
As for the holiday, “there’s a somber feeling to this one,” said Jordan Lams, CEO of Pure CA, which specializes in marijuana extracts and does business as Moxie brand products. Before the outbreak, “it was going to be the biggest 4/20 in history,” Lams said.
Steve White, CEO of Arizona-based Harvest Health & Recreation, said he’s watching to see if consumers treat marijuana more like beer or toilet paper when money runs short.
When the economy tumbles, beer sales traditionally spike. With toilet paper, panic-buying might empty shelves but people do not use more of it. They just buy less later.
It will be a telling year, because no one in the relatively new industry knows if sales will plunge, stay flat or even rise.
“Do people buy less cannabis, or does it become more ingrained as part of their daily life?” White said.
The uncertainty in the market poses the latest challenge for an industry that’s expanded in some form to all but a handful of states.
The risks are spotlighted in California, where businesses contend with hefty taxes, an illicit market that still dwarfs the legal one and a tourism-reliant economy that’s crippled by virus restrictions.
Because cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, most banks don’t want to do business with pot companies and they aren’t included in the coronavirus rescue package that will help other businesses.
Before the virus, “we were already teetering on … an edge of a cannabis collapse,” said Los Angeles dispensary owner Jerred Kiloh, who heads the United Cannabis Business Association. “It’s going to be very difficult for cannabis businesses to make it through this pandemic.”
That’s despite the onset of stay-at-home orders in March that sent marijuana sales rocketing; some businesses reported single-day records as customers stocked up. New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles were among the cities that labeled dispensaries essential businesses that could remain open.
But since then, business generally has flattened or tapered off, even with deliveries and curbside pickups growing to reduce health risks. Marijuana data trackers BDS Analytics documented sales surges through much of March, but then consumers pulled back in late March and early April, with sales mostly below average.
In recent days, some sellers reported sales jumps as government assistance checks began reaching consumers.
In Oregon, cannabis retailers saw a huge spike last month — a 30% increase in average sales per retailer compared with March 2019. Sales increases mid-month were even larger.
However, the peak has leveled off and customers are coming in less frequently but buying more, said David Alport, who owns two Bridge City Collective stores in Portland. He’s hired three more employees to handle home deliveries.
In Illinois, marijuana businesses can keep operating under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order. Companies made sweeping changes that included appointment-only sales and online ordering.
The Mission dispensary on Chicago’s South Side saw an initial spike in purchases before the lockdown took effect, but that’s leveled off.
“We’ve never faced an economic downturn when cannabis was legal,” said Kris Krane, president of Mission dispensaries. “This is completely unprecedented.”
Some customers could be especially vulnerable during an economic downturn. Among cannabis users in states where its legal, 32% have incomes below $35,000 and only 54% have full-time employment, according to BDS Analytics. Anyone on a tight budget might be more apt to avoid taxes that go with legal purchases and buy from illicit market dealers.
Steve DeAngelo, co-founder of Harborside dispensaries in California, said it’s difficult to predict what’s next, with no template for how cannabis consumers will react in a deep economic downturn.
Still, he notes that the industry has endured for years through times good and bad, even when consumers had only one option — illegal purchases. Consumers who see marijuana as part of their daily routine will keep coming back, he predicted.
But, for businesses, there will be a “sorting out,” DeAngelo said. Companies with strong brands and cash reserves are likely to fare better in a poor economy; those saddled with heavy debt who made too-rosy promises to investors will face challenges.
“There is not going to be an extinction moment,” DeAngelo said. “It’s going to prove more resilient than many, many other industries.”
___
Associated Press writers Gillian Flaccus in Portland, Oregon, and Kathleen Foody in Chicago contributed. Blood, Flaccus and Foody are members of AP’s marijuana beat team. Find complete AP marijuana coverage here: https://apnews.com/Marijuana. Follow Blood on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MichaelRBloodAP.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-20--Boeing, Other Manufacturing Company Reopening Amid Pressure From Trump

SEATTLE ( AP ) — Boeing and at least one other U.S. heavy-equipment manufacturer resumed production Monday amid pressure from President Donald Trump to reopen the economy and resistance from governors who warn there is not enough testing yet to keep the coronavirus from rebounding .
Boeing said it is putting about 27,000 people back to work this week building passenger jets at its Seattle-area plants , with virus-slowing precautions in place , including face masks and staggered shifts .
Doosan Bobcat , a farm equipment maker and North Dakota ’ s largest manufacturer , announced the return of about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
Elsewhere around the world , step-by-step reopenings were underway in Europe , where the crisis has begun to ebb in places such as Italy , Spain and Germany .
Parts of the continent are perhaps weeks ahead of the U.S. on the infection curve of the virus , which has killed around 170,000 people worldwide , according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
The reopenings in the U.S. are a drop in the bucket compared with the more than 22 million Americans thrown out of work by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned nakedly political , the president has been agitating to restart the economy , singling out Democratic-led states and egging on protesters who feel governors are moving too slowly .
While some states — mostly Republican-led ones – have relaxed restrictions , many governors say they lack the testing supplies they need and warn they could get hit by a second wave of infections , given how people with no symptoms can still spread the disease .
Trump took to Twitter to complain that the “ radical left ” and “ Do Nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous political game ” by complaining about a testing shortage .
At the same time , Vice President Mike Pence told governors that Washington is working around-the-clock to help them ramp up testing .
The death toll in the U.S. stood at more than 40,000 — the highest in the world — with over 750,000 confirmed infections , by Johns Hopkins ’ count .
The true figures are believed to be much higher , in part because of limited testing and difficulties in counting the dead .
— Massachusetts has emerged as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 1,700 dead and officials hoping to bend the curve through aggressive contract tracing .
— New York , with the worst outbreak in the nation , reported that hospitalizations in the state have leveled off and the day ’ s death toll , at 478 , was the lowest in three weeks , down from a peak of nearly 800 .
Still , the city canceled three of its biggest June events : the Puerto Rican Day parade , the Israel parade and the gay pride march .
— A meatpacking plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak there .
But Iowa Gov .
Kim Reynolds refused to order the closing of any slaughterhouses in her state that are seeing alarming increases in COVID-19 , saying : “ Without them , people ’ s lives and our food supply will be impacted.
” Mobilized by the far right , many Americans have taken to the streets in places such as Michigan , Ohio and Virginia , complaining that the shutdowns are destroying their livelihoods and trampling their rights .
But Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government ’ s top infectious-disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unless we get the virus under control , the real recovery economically is not going to happen.
” In the past few days , Florida gave the OK for beaches to reopen , and Texas on Monday began a week of slow reopenings , starting off with state parks ; later in the week , stores will be allowed to offer curbside service .
Both states are led by Republicans .
Boeing ’ s shutdown went into effect March 25 after workers tested positive for the virus and an inspector for the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see a spike in COVID-19 cases and enacted strict shutdown orders that helped tamp the virus down .
The crisis has exacerbated problems at Boeing , which is in dire financial trouble and under federal investigation over two crashes of its 737 MAX jetliner that killed 346 people .
Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee , a Democrat , deemed aerospace manufacturing an essential business and expects Boeing “ will undertake rigorous safety protocols , ” a spokeswoman said .
Businesses that start operating again are likely to engender good will with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is doling out billions in relief to companies .
At Boeing , union representatives spent the day walking through factories to see what safeguards had been put in place .
The union also advised its members that they could use their “ red cards , ” which they carry behind their Boeing badges , to stop work in case of imminent danger .
At Doosan Bobcat , spokeswoman Stacey Breuer said the reopening came after two weeks spent putting in safety measures .
“ There is definitely still some concern and do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said William Wilkinson , a Bobcat welder and president of a United Steelworkers union local .
He said workers there were wearing face masks and keeping their distance from one another .
Detroit ’ s major automakers suspended operations a month ago but are negotiating with union leaders in hopes of reopening in May .
Some operations are being converted to build ventilators .
Even with the outbreak easing in places , the head of the World Health Organization , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , cautioned , “ The worst is yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specify why he believes so .
But there are signs the virus is swelling in Africa , where the health care system is in poor condition .
In Europe , meanwhile , cars are about to begin rolling off some assembly lines in Germany , Sweden and Slovakia .
In Australia , the country ’ s longest-running soap opera , “ Neighbours , ” planned to restart shooting , and one city reopened beaches for exercise like swimming , running and surfing , but not for sunbathing .
“ Living along the coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are to the mental and physical health of so many , ” said Danny Said , mayor of Randwick .
Hair salons , dentists , physical therapists and tattoo parlors were allowed to reopen in Denmark , but it was not business as usual .
Christel Lerche sprayed chairs with alcohol at her salon in suburban Copenhagen and provided hand sanitizer and plastic coat hangers — to be cleaned after each use — to customers keen to get their hair styled for the first time in over a month .
No magazines were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eased the world ’ s largest lockdown to allow some manufacturing and agricultural activity to resume .
Iran began opening intercity highways and major shopping centers .
In Italy , tensions have been growing between northern regions , which are pushing to reopen industry despite being hit hardest by the virus , and the south , which fears contagion if the lockdown is eased .
Premier Giuseppe Conte is expected to outline this week what the next phase may look like .
Still , Gucci restarted some workshops for leather accessories and shoes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson is still recovering from a bout of COVID-19 that put him in intensive care , authorities have cautioned that the lockdown is unlikely to be significantly loosened in the short term .
France also is still under a tight lockdown , although starting Monday , authorities allowed families , under strict conditions , to visit relatives in nursing homes once again .
Long reported from Washington , Corder reported from The Hague , Netherlands .
AP writers worldwide contributed to this report .

SEATTLE (AP) — Boeing and at least one other U.S. heavy-equipment manufacturer resumed production Monday amid pressure from President Donald Trump to reopen the economy and resistance from governors who warn there is not enough testing yet to keep the coronavirus from rebounding.
Boeing said it is putting about 27,000 people back to work this week building passenger jets at its Seattle-area plants, with virus-slowing precautions in place, including face masks and staggered shifts. Doosan Bobcat, a farm equipment maker and North Dakota’s largest manufacturer, announced the return of about 2,200 workers at three factories around the state.
Elsewhere around the world, step-by-step reopenings were underway in Europe, where the crisis has begun to ebb in places such as Italy, Spain and Germany. Parts of the continent are perhaps weeks ahead of the U.S. on the infection curve of the virus, which has killed around 170,000 people worldwide, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
The reopenings in the U.S. are a drop in the bucket compared with the more than 22 million Americans thrown out of work by the crisis.
In a dispute that has turned nakedly political, the president has been agitating to restart the economy, singling out Democratic-led states and egging on protesters who feel governors are moving too slowly.
While some states — mostly Republican-led ones – have relaxed restrictions, many governors say they lack the testing supplies they need and warn they could get hit by a second wave of infections, given how people with no symptoms can still spread the disease.
Trump took to Twitter to complain that the “radical left” and “Do Nothing Democrats” are “playing a very dangerous political game” by complaining about a testing shortage. At the same time, Vice President Mike Pence told governors that Washington is working around-the-clock to help them ramp up testing.
The death toll in the U.S. stood at more than 40,000 — the highest in the world — with over 750,000 confirmed infections, by Johns Hopkins’ count. The true figures are believed to be much higher, in part because of limited testing and difficulties in counting the dead.
In other developments:
— Massachusetts has emerged as an alarming hot spot of contagion, with over 1,700 dead and officials hoping to bend the curve through aggressive contract tracing.
— New York, with the worst outbreak in the nation, reported that hospitalizations in the state have leveled off and the day’s death toll, at 478, was the lowest in three weeks, down from a peak of nearly 800. Still, the city canceled three of its biggest June events: the Puerto Rican Day parade, the Israel parade and the gay pride march.
— A meatpacking plant in Minnesota was shut down after an outbreak there. But Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds refused to order the closing of any slaughterhouses in her state that are seeing alarming increases in COVID-19, saying: “Without them, people’s lives and our food supply will be impacted.”
Mobilized by the far right, many Americans have taken to the streets in places such as Michigan, Ohio and Virginia, complaining that the shutdowns are destroying their livelihoods and trampling their rights.
But Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert, warned on ABC: “Unless we get the virus under control, the real recovery economically is not going to happen.”
In the past few days, Florida gave the OK for beaches to reopen, and Texas on Monday began a week of slow reopenings, starting off with state parks; later in the week, stores will be allowed to offer curbside service. Both states are led by Republicans.
Boeing’s shutdown went into effect March 25 after workers tested positive for the virus and an inspector for the company died. Washington was the first state to see a spike in COVID-19 cases and enacted strict shutdown orders that helped tamp the virus down.
The crisis has exacerbated problems at Boeing, which is in dire financial trouble and under federal investigation over two crashes of its 737 MAX jetliner that killed 346 people.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, deemed aerospace manufacturing an essential business and expects Boeing “will undertake rigorous safety protocols,” a spokeswoman said.
Businesses that start operating again are likely to engender good will with the Trump administration at a time when it is doling out billions in relief to companies.
At Boeing, union representatives spent the day walking through factories to see what safeguards had been put in place. The union also advised its members that they could use their “red cards,” which they carry behind their Boeing badges, to stop work in case of imminent danger.
At Doosan Bobcat, spokeswoman Stacey Breuer said the reopening came after two weeks spent putting in safety measures.
“There is definitely still some concern and do we feel 100% safe? Obviously not,” said William Wilkinson, a Bobcat welder and president of a United Steelworkers union local. He said workers there were wearing face masks and keeping their distance from one another.
Detroit’s major automakers suspended operations a month ago but are negotiating with union leaders in hopes of reopening in May. Some operations are being converted to build ventilators.
Even with the outbreak easing in places, the head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, cautioned, “The worst is yet ahead of us.” He did not specify why he believes so. But there are signs the virus is swelling in Africa, where the health care system is in poor condition.
In Europe, meanwhile, cars are about to begin rolling off some assembly lines in Germany, Sweden and Slovakia. In Australia, the country’s longest-running soap opera, “Neighbours,” planned to restart shooting, and one city reopened beaches for exercise like swimming, running and surfing, but not for sunbathing.
“Living along the coast, I know how important our beaches are to the mental and physical health of so many,” said Danny Said, mayor of Randwick.
Hair salons, dentists, physical therapists and tattoo parlors were allowed to reopen in Denmark, but it was not business as usual.
Christel Lerche sprayed chairs with alcohol at her salon in suburban Copenhagen and provided hand sanitizer and plastic coat hangers — to be cleaned after each use — to customers keen to get their hair styled for the first time in over a month. No magazines were left for customers to share.
India eased the world’s largest lockdown to allow some manufacturing and agricultural activity to resume. Iran began opening intercity highways and major shopping centers.
In Italy, tensions have been growing between northern regions, which are pushing to reopen industry despite being hit hardest by the virus, and the south, which fears contagion if the lockdown is eased. Premier Giuseppe Conte is expected to outline this week what the next phase may look like.
Still, Gucci restarted some workshops for leather accessories and shoes.
In Britain, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson is still recovering from a bout of COVID-19 that put him in intensive care, authorities have cautioned that the lockdown is unlikely to be significantly loosened in the short term.
France also is still under a tight lockdown, although starting Monday, authorities allowed families, under strict conditions, to visit relatives in nursing homes once again.
___
Long reported from Washington, Corder reported from The Hague, Netherlands. AP writers worldwide contributed to this report.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-20--Govs Push Back After Trump Claims They’re Playing ‘Political Game’ With Tests

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — A chorus of governors from both parties pushed back hard Monday after President Donald Trump accused Democrats of playing “ a very dangerous political game ” by insisting there is a shortage of tests for the coronavirus .
The governors countered that the White House must do more to help states do the testing that ’ s needed before they can ease up on stay-at-home orders .
Kansas ’ s Democratic Gov .
Laura Kelly said the current federal effort “ really is not good enough if we ’ re going to be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not do that safely without the tests in place.
” The plea for stepped-up coordination came on the latest day when the Trump administration provided discordant messaging : Trump blasted state leaders on Twitter for being too dependent on federal government , while Vice President Mike Pence assured governors the government was working around-the-clock to help them ramp up testing .
Pence sought to soften the administration ’ s message amid growing clamor from governors of both parties for a national testing strategy to help secure in-demand supplies like testing swabs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could use the Defense Production Act to compel one company to manufacture swabs .
“ When it comes to testing , we ’ re here to help , ” Pence told governors during a videoconference from the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency .
The Associated Press obtained audio of the call .
Pence said the administration sent an email to officials on Monday detailing current testing capacity by state .
But Maryland ’ s Republican Gov .
Larry Hogan said much of the unused lab machinery listed for his state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the state does not have access to .
Pence agreed to open up federal labs to help states .
In Kansas , officials have said they would like to do 15,500 additional tests to sample the population to determine the prevalence of the coronavirus .
Kansas has about half the national testing rate .
Kelly said part of the problem has been caused by how FEMA has gone about distributing testing material and other supplies .
In Ohio , Republican Gov .
Mike DeWine said his state is working with another federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to find a source of reagent , the chemical used to analyze test results , so it can ramp up testing .
“ A lot of good things are going on , but we ’ re not there yet , ” DeWine said .
“ And we ’ ve got a ways to go Democratic Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock said his state received 5,000 nasal swabs on Monday from FEMA — evidence the federal government is listening .
But he added : “ It doesn ’ t get us far enough.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Andrew Cuomo , whom Trump has vacillated between praising and criticizing , said the states should take the lead on testing but it ’ s up to the federal government to help sort out supply chain issues facing testing manufacturers .
“ What the states will run into is when you talk to those labs … they buy machines and equipment from national manufacturers , ” Cuomo said .
“ And those labs can only run as many tests as the national manufacturers provide them chemicals , reagents and lab kits.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolf said , “ We need the reagents , we need the test kits and I think that ’ s the sort of general cry from other states.
” From Michigan , Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer said , “ Robust testing is essential to have confidence about our strategies for safely reducing risk and re-engaging sectors of our economy .
We ’ re all needing swabs .
We ’ re all needing the reagents.
” As Pence spoke with the governors , Trump took to Twitter with a more combative tone than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ radical left ” and “ Do Nothing Democrats ” were playing politics with their complaints about a lack of tests .
The president in recent days has repeatedly compared governors ’ concerns about a lack of screening capacity to earlier complaints that the states did not have enough ventilators to keep up with the federal government ’ s projections of individuals who would become hospitalized during the virus outbreak .
“ Now they scream ….
’ Testing , Testing , Testing , ’ again playing a very dangerous political game , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Government , should be doing the Testing – But we will work with the Governors and get it done .
This is easy compared to the fast production of thousands of complex Ventilators !
” Public health experts say the country needs to dramatically increase its testing infrastructure if it is going to safely roll back restrictions and reopen businesses without risking a major spike in infections that would negate weeks of social distancing and economic strife .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious diseases expert , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ” Monday that the country is currently running about 1.5 million to 2 million tests per week .
But , “ we really need to get up to , at least , you know , maybe two times that , three times that.
” Administration officials have insisted that the U.S. currently has enough testing capacity to safely implement “ Phase One ” of a plan they released last week to begin a slow return to normalcy .
And they have argued that states could be running twice as many tests as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using all the equipment they already have access to .
Testing was an issue on Capitol Hill , too , where the Trump administration and Congress were inching toward an agreement on an aid package of more than $ 450 billion to boost a small-business loan program that has run out of money .
The deal is expected to add funds for hospitals and COVID-19 testing , as well .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani in Chicago , Marina Villeneuve in Albany , New York , Michelle R. Smith in Providence , Rhode Island , Marc Levy in Harrisburg , Pennsylvania , and Amy Beth Hanson in Helena , Montana contributed reporting .
Suderman reported from Richmond , Virginia .
Hanna reported from Topeka , Kansas .

WASHINGTON (AP) — A chorus of governors from both parties pushed back hard Monday after President Donald Trump accused Democrats of playing “a very dangerous political game” by insisting there is a shortage of tests for the coronavirus. The governors countered that the White House must do more to help states do the testing that’s needed before they can ease up on stay-at-home orders.
Kansas’s Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the current federal effort “really is not good enough if we’re going to be able to start to open our economy. We cannot do that safely without the tests in place.”
The plea for stepped-up coordination came on the latest day when the Trump administration provided discordant messaging: Trump blasted state leaders on Twitter for being too dependent on federal government, while Vice President Mike Pence assured governors the government was working around-the-clock to help them ramp up testing.
Pence sought to soften the administration’s message amid growing clamor from governors of both parties for a national testing strategy to help secure in-demand supplies like testing swabs and chemical reagents. Trump said Sunday that he could use the Defense Production Act to compel one company to manufacture swabs.
“When it comes to testing, we’re here to help,” Pence told governors during a videoconference from the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Associated Press obtained audio of the call.
Pence said the administration sent an email to officials on Monday detailing current testing capacity by state. But Maryland’s Republican Gov. Larry Hogan said much of the unused lab machinery listed for his state by the administration was in federal labs that the state does not have access to. Pence agreed to open up federal labs to help states.
In Kansas, officials have said they would like to do 15,500 additional tests to sample the population to determine the prevalence of the coronavirus. Kansas has about half the national testing rate.
Kelly said part of the problem has been caused by how FEMA has gone about distributing testing material and other supplies.
In Ohio, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said his state is working with another federal agency, the Food and Drug Administration, to find a source of reagent, the chemical used to analyze test results, so it can ramp up testing. “A lot of good things are going on, but we’re not there yet,” DeWine said. “And we’ve got a ways to go
Democratic Montana Gov. Steve Bullock said his state received 5,000 nasal swabs on Monday from FEMA — evidence the federal government is listening. But he added: “It doesn’t get us far enough.”
In New York, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whom Trump has vacillated between praising and criticizing, said the states should take the lead on testing but it’s up to the federal government to help sort out supply chain issues facing testing manufacturers.
“What the states will run into is when you talk to those labs … they buy machines and equipment from national manufacturers,” Cuomo said. “And those labs can only run as many tests as the national manufacturers provide them chemicals, reagents and lab kits.”
Pennsylvania’s Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf said, “We need the reagents, we need the test kits and I think that’s the sort of general cry from other states.”
From Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, “Robust testing is essential to have confidence about our strategies for safely reducing risk and re-engaging sectors of our economy. We’re all needing swabs. We’re all needing the reagents.”
As Pence spoke with the governors, Trump took to Twitter with a more combative tone than his vice president, complaining that the “radical left” and “Do Nothing Democrats” were playing politics with their complaints about a lack of tests.
The president in recent days has repeatedly compared governors’ concerns about a lack of screening capacity to earlier complaints that the states did not have enough ventilators to keep up with the federal government’s projections of individuals who would become hospitalized during the virus outbreak.
“Now they scream ….’Testing, Testing, Testing,’ again playing a very dangerous political game,” Trump tweeted. “States, not the Federal Government, should be doing the Testing – But we will work with the Governors and get it done. This is easy compared to the fast production of thousands of complex Ventilators!”
Public health experts say the country needs to dramatically increase its testing infrastructure if it is going to safely roll back restrictions and reopen businesses without risking a major spike in infections that would negate weeks of social distancing and economic strife.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” Monday that the country is currently running about 1.5 million to 2 million tests per week. But, “we really need to get up to, at least, you know, maybe two times that, three times that.”
Administration officials have insisted that the U.S. currently has enough testing capacity to safely implement “Phase One” of a plan they released last week to begin a slow return to normalcy. And they have argued that states could be running twice as many tests as they are now if only they were using all the equipment they already have access to.
Testing was an issue on Capitol Hill, too, where the Trump administration and Congress were inching toward an agreement on an aid package of more than $450 billion to boost a small-business loan program that has run out of money. The deal is expected to add funds for hospitals and COVID-19 testing, as well.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
___
Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani in Chicago, Marina Villeneuve in Albany, New York, Michelle R. Smith in Providence, Rhode Island, Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Amy Beth Hanson in Helena, Montana contributed reporting. Suderman reported from Richmond, Virginia. Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-20--GOP Moving ‘Full Steam Ahead’ With Plans To Hold Convention Amid Outbreak

Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel said on Monday that the GOP is moving forward with its original plans for the Republican National Convention in Charlotte , North Carolina amid the COVID-19 outbreak .
“ We are full steam ahead planning a traditional convention , ” McDaniel told reporters , according to CNN .
She said the party and convention leadership “ do not think at this time ” that there is a need to shift to a plan B , “ but of course , we will monitor circumstances and adjust accordingly.
” Given that the convention is scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the party still has until early July to decide if it ’ ll hold a regular convention or “ something scaled back.
” Either way , the GOP leader said , the event will still be held in-person .
“ Those are the bylaws of the RNC and so currently , going forward , we ’ re planning on a full-scale convention , ” she told reporters .
The convention is scheduled to be held August 24 to 27 .
The Democratic National Convention , which had been scheduled for July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delayed to the week of August 17 in response to public health officials ’ warnings against large events with huge crowds , which are ripe for spreading infection during the pandemic .

Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel said on Monday that the GOP is moving forward with its original plans for the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We are full steam ahead planning a traditional convention,” McDaniel told reporters, according to CNN.
She said the party and convention leadership “do not think at this time” that there is a need to shift to a plan B, “but of course, we will monitor circumstances and adjust accordingly.”
Given that the convention is scheduled to begin on August 24, McDaniel said that the party still has until early July to decide if it’ll hold a regular convention or “something scaled back.”
Either way, the GOP leader said, the event will still be held in-person.
“Those are the bylaws of the RNC and so currently, going forward, we’re planning on a full-scale convention,” she told reporters.
The convention is scheduled to be held August 24 to 27.
The Democratic National Convention, which had been scheduled for July 13 to 16 in Milwaukee, was delayed to the week of August 17 in response to public health officials’ warnings against large events with huge crowds, which are ripe for spreading infection during the pandemic.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-20--WH Orders Federal Agencies To Get Ready For The Return Of Workers In Offices

The White House signaled to federal departments and agencies to prepare for workers to return to offices in a memo on Monday written by Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought .
Vought ’ s memo , which was sent to the heads of federal departments and agencies , tells federal agencies to plan the reopening of their offices in accordance with state and local guidance .
“ In partnership with state , local , tribal , and territorial governments , and the private sector , the federal government is actively planning to ramp back up government operations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions warrant , ” Vought wrote in the memo .
“ Agencies are encouraged to allow federal employees and contractors to return to the office in low-risk areas.
” However , the memo directs federal employees to continue working remotely until state and local authorities begin to reopen their economies using the White House ’ s three-phase plan released last week .
According to the White House ’ s guidelines , states have the discretion to begin the first phase of reopening their economies upon recording a decline in coronavirus cases for two @ @

The White House signaled to federal departments and agencies to prepare for workers to return to offices in a memo on Monday written by Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought.
Vought’s memo, which was sent to the heads of federal departments and agencies, tells federal agencies to plan the reopening of their offices in accordance with state and local guidance.
“In partnership with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and the private sector, the federal government is actively planning to ramp back up government operations to the maximum extent possible, as local conditions warrant,” Vought wrote in the memo. “Agencies are encouraged to allow federal employees and contractors to return to the office in low-risk areas.”
However, the memo directs federal employees to continue working remotely until state and local authorities begin to reopen their economies using the White House’s three-phase plan released last week.
According to the White House’s guidelines, states have the discretion to begin the first phase of reopening their economies upon recording a decline in coronavirus cases for two weeks.
Read Vought’s memo below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-20--Coronavirus-Caused Furloughs Hit Shuttered Colleges, Large And Small

Colleges and universities ranging from sprawling state flagships to small liberal arts institutions are feeling the cost of their coronavirus-prompted closures .
The latest to feel the sting is Washington University in St. Louis , a medium-sized institution with a total enrollment of about 16,000 .
On Monday , Chancellor Andrew Martin announced in a letter to faculty and staff that about 1,300 employees , particularly on the medical campus , will be furloughed without pay for the next three months .
“ Even for an institution like ours , with a strong financial foundation , this crisis is taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sweeping changes on the Medical Campus , which has completely shifted its operations to respond to COVID-19 patient care , ” he wrote in an email obtained by TPM .
“ Elective procedures and any activities that are not absolutely necessary or related to COVID-19 have been halted or scaled back.
” He said that the medical school is predicting a loss of $ 150 million through the end of the fiscal year , plus another $ 25 million in losses from unused housing and dining plans left behind by the students who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that tight restrictions governing the school ’ s endowment , 8.9 billion as of June 2019 , keep him from dipping into the pot to cover the current financial crisis .
Marquette University , another medium-sized private college , announced earlier in April that it was putting about 250 employees on furlough for an undetermined amount of time .
Smaller Union College , a liberal arts college in Schenectady , New York , put 30 percent of its workforce on a “ temporary ” furlough .
Bigger , public schools are also feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , facing a $ 66 million shortage this fiscal year and a $ 250 million ultimate loss , put “ most ” of its employees on a graduated furlough through the summer of 2021 .
And that ’ s if campus reopens this fall .
The University of Wisconsin System will furlough its 600 administrative employees one day each month through June 2021 , which will save around $ 3 million .
Each individual campus will decide whether to furlough its employees .
The Milwaukee campus said that it will “ most likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 as well .
The University of Oregon is furloughing 282 employees .
The University of Montana is furloughing 63 .
And this non-comprehensive list is just the first wave .
Most of these furlough plans have been implemented with the hope that campuses will reopen in the fall .
Should the pandemic persist , or flare up again , it is all but certain that financial losses will spike and college employees find themselves in an increasingly desperate position .

Colleges and universities ranging from sprawling state flagships to small liberal arts institutions are feeling the cost of their coronavirus-prompted closures.
The latest to feel the sting is Washington University in St. Louis, a medium-sized institution with a total enrollment of about 16,000. On Monday, Chancellor Andrew Martin announced in a letter to faculty and staff that about 1,300 employees, particularly on the medical campus, will be furloughed without pay for the next three months.
“Even for an institution like ours, with a strong financial foundation, this crisis is taking a huge toll, primarily due to sweeping changes on the Medical Campus, which has completely shifted its operations to respond to COVID-19 patient care,” he wrote in an email obtained by TPM. “Elective procedures and any activities that are not absolutely necessary or related to COVID-19 have been halted or scaled back.”
He said that the medical school is predicting a loss of $150 million through the end of the fiscal year, plus another $25 million in losses from unused housing and dining plans left behind by the students who left the shuttered campus.
He added that tight restrictions governing the school’s endowment, 8.9 billion as of June 2019, keep him from dipping into the pot to cover the current financial crisis.
WashU is in good company.
Marquette University, another medium-sized private college, announced earlier in April that it was putting about 250 employees on furlough for an undetermined amount of time. Smaller Union College, a liberal arts college in Schenectady, New York, put 30 percent of its workforce on a “temporary” furlough.
Bigger, public schools are also feeling the heat.
The University of Arizona, facing a $66 million shortage this fiscal year and a $250 million ultimate loss, put “most” of its employees on a graduated furlough through the summer of 2021. And that’s if campus reopens this fall.
The University of Wisconsin System will furlough its 600 administrative employees one day each month through June 2021, which will save around $3 million. Each individual campus will decide whether to furlough its employees. The Milwaukee campus said that it will “most likely” implement a furlough plan until June 2021 as well.
The University of Oregon is furloughing 282 employees. The University of Montana is furloughing 63.
And this non-comprehensive list is just the first wave. Most of these furlough plans have been implemented with the hope that campuses will reopen in the fall.
Should the pandemic persist, or flare up again, it is all but certain that financial losses will spike and college employees find themselves in an increasingly desperate position.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-20--WHO Chief: The ‘Worst’ Of Coronavirus Is Still Ahead Of Us

GENEVA — The head of the World Health Organization has warned that “ the worst is yet ahead of us ” in the coronavirus outbreak , raising new alarm bells about the pandemic just as many countries are beginning to ease restrictive measures .
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus didn ’ t specify why he believed that the outbreak that has infected nearly 2.5 million people and killed over 166,000 , according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University , could be even worse .
Tedros also alluded to the so-called Spanish flu in 1918 as a reference for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very dangerous combination and this is happening in hundred years for the first time again , like the 1918 flu that killed up to 100 million people , ” he told reporters in Geneva .
“ But now we have technology , we can prevent that disaster , we can prevent that kind of crisis.
” “ Trust us .
The worst is yet ahead of us , ” he said .
“ Let ’ s prevent this tragedy .
It ’ s a virus that many people still don ’ t understand @ @

GENEVA — The head of the World Health Organization has warned that “the worst is yet ahead of us” in the coronavirus outbreak, raising new alarm bells about the pandemic just as many countries are beginning to ease restrictive measures.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus didn’t specify why he believed that the outbreak that has infected nearly 2.5 million people and killed over 166,000, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University, could be even worse.
Tedros also alluded to the so-called Spanish flu in 1918 as a reference for the coronavirus outbreak.
“It has a very dangerous combination and this is happening in hundred years for the first time again, like the 1918 flu that killed up to 100 million people,” he told reporters in Geneva. “But now we have technology, we can prevent that disaster, we can prevent that kind of crisis.”
“Trust us. The worst is yet ahead of us,” he said. “Let’s prevent this tragedy. It’s a virus that many people still don’t understand.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-20--Virginia GOP Goes Full Trump, Says Dem Gov’s COVID-19 Rules Are ‘Not About Your Health’

The Virginia Republican Party went full Trump on Monday , asserting that Democratic Gov .
Ralph Northam ’ s social isolation orders are “ not about your health.
” The state party recently called for Northam to “ begin the process of reopening Virginia.
” But in a press release Monday , they went further , implying that Northam ’ s actions weren ’ t done to protect public health .
The governor recently announced the extension of his order closing non-essential businesses .
“ When the State shuts down thousands of private businesses but doesn ’ t lay off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not about your health , ” the press release reads .
“ When the State bans dentists because its unsafe , but deems an abortion safe , it ’ s not about your health.
” Monday ’ s press release also warned readers that Northam would try to “ enchant you with a canned ‘ now is not the time for partisanship ’ answer in his Eastern Shore drawl.
” The state party cited Trump ’ s tweet on Friday calling to “ LIBERATE VIRGINIA ” as well as Michigan and Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been “ subjected to the tyrannical rule of incompetent liberal governors.
” A handful of protesters against Northam ’ s order gathered in Richmond the day prior — far less than the “ thousands ” that organizers said they expected to show up .
“ I do not have time to involve myself in Twitter wars , ” Northam said Friday of Trump ’ s tweet .

The Virginia Republican Party went full Trump on Monday, asserting that Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam’s social isolation orders are “not about your health.”
The state party recently called for Northam to “begin the process of reopening Virginia.” But in a press release Monday, they went further, implying that Northam’s actions weren’t done to protect public health. The governor recently announced the extension of his order closing non-essential businesses.
“When the State shuts down thousands of private businesses but doesn’t lay off a single government employee, it’s not about your health,” the press release reads. “When the State bans dentists because its unsafe, but deems an abortion safe, it’s not about your health.”
Monday’s press release also warned readers that Northam would try to “enchant you with a canned ‘now is not the time for partisanship’ answer in his Eastern Shore drawl.”
The state party cited Trump’s tweet on Friday calling to “LIBERATE VIRGINIA” as well as Michigan and Minnesota, saying that the Democratic-led states had been “subjected to the tyrannical rule of incompetent liberal governors.”
A handful of protesters against Northam’s order gathered in Richmond the day prior — far less than the “thousands” that organizers said they expected to show up.
“I do not have time to involve myself in Twitter wars,” Northam said Friday of Trump’s tweet.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-21--Trump Uses COVID-19 As An Excuse To ‘Temporarily’ Stop Immigration

President Donald Trump managed to shoehorn one of his top political objectives into the government ’ s efforts to combat @ @ @ @ @ announcing that he would be issuing a ban on immigration as a response to the @ @ @ @ @ of the attack from the Invisible Enemy , as well as the need to protect @ @ @ @ @ American Citizens , I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into @ @ @ @ @ he tweeted .
There is no evidence that immigrants are a cause of the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ criticism of his administration ’ s bungled response to the pandemic , Trump has been @ @ @ @ @ standing as November approaches .
He ’ s repeatedly pushed for a reopening of the @ @ @ @ @ saying it is too early to do so , and he has applauded the right-wingers @ @ @ @ @ at home orders .

President Donald Trump managed to shoehorn one of his top political objectives into the government’s efforts to combat COVID-19 late Monday night, announcing that he would be issuing a ban on immigration as a response to the outbreak.
“In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!” he tweeted.
There is no evidence that immigrants are a cause of the outbreak in the U.S.
Amid overwhelming criticism of his administration’s bungled response to the pandemic, Trump has been desperate to improve his political standing as November approaches. He’s repeatedly pushed for a reopening of the sinking economy despite health officials saying it is too early to do so, and he has applauded the right-wingers protesting their states’ stay at home orders.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-04-21--WI DHS: 19 People Who Voted In, Worked Election Have Since Tested Positive For COVID

The Wisconsin Department of Health said Tuesday that 19 people who reported that they voted in or worked the April 7 election tested positive for coronavirus in the days following .
Jennifer Miller , department spokesperson , told TPM that the 19 tested positive after April 9 .
Experts consider the incubation period for the virus to be two to 14 days .
However , she added that there is no way to know for certain that those 19 became infected by their interactions while voting in person or working the polls , and not from other “ possible exposures.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on positive cases ( without a comparison group of people who were not tested or tested negative ) , there is no way to know with certainty if any exposures at the polls that are reported are in fact attributable to COVID-19 illness , ” she said .
That conclusion slightly differs from the one put forward by the Milwaukee Department of Health earlier on Tuesday .
Officials there confirmed that seven people had fallen ill in connection to the election , though adding that they only currently have 30 percent of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department ’ s communications director , Shawn Benjamin , told TPM that they expect to have a more comprehensive report out on Friday .
The controversial April 7 election was held in-person despite attempts by Gov .
Tony Evers ( D ) and Democrats to have it pushed back .
After state Republican lawmakers lodged challenge to Evers ’ executive order , the majority-conservative state Supreme Court ordered the election be held as planned .
Due to elections workers calling in sick , or afraid of becoming so , many polls were shuttered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines .
In some places , like Milwaukee , people had to cram into five polling places — down from the city ’ s usual 180 .

The Wisconsin Department of Health said Tuesday that 19 people who reported that they voted in or worked the April 7 election tested positive for coronavirus in the days following.
Jennifer Miller, department spokesperson, told TPM that the 19 tested positive after April 9. Experts consider the incubation period for the virus to be two to 14 days.
However, she added that there is no way to know for certain that those 19 became infected by their interactions while voting in person or working the polls, and not from other “possible exposures.”
“Since we only have data on positive cases (without a comparison group of people who were not tested or tested negative), there is no way to know with certainty if any exposures at the polls that are reported are in fact attributable to COVID-19 illness,” she said.
That conclusion slightly differs from the one put forward by the Milwaukee Department of Health earlier on Tuesday.
Officials there confirmed that seven people had fallen ill in connection to the election, though adding that they only currently have 30 percent of the data on the relevant cases. The department’s communications director, Shawn Benjamin, told TPM that they expect to have a more comprehensive report out on Friday.
The controversial April 7 election was held in-person despite attempts by Gov. Tony Evers (D) and Democrats to have it pushed back. After state Republican lawmakers lodged challenge to Evers’ executive order, the majority-conservative state Supreme Court ordered the election be held as planned.
Due to elections workers calling in sick, or afraid of becoming so, many polls were shuttered and voters forced to wait in long lines. In some places, like Milwaukee, people had to cram into five polling places — down from the city’s usual 180.