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HIGHLIGHTS | President Trump and the Coronavirus Task Force Provide an Update to Americans

3/26/2020

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EVALUATING NEXT STEPS
PRESIDENT TRUMP: “I want to thank the American people for the incredible sacrifices that they are making on behalf of our nation and I want to encourage everyone to keep following our guidelines on social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and hand washing and all of the other things that everybody knows they are supposed to be doing.”

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “Ultimately, the goal is to ease the guidelines and open things up to very large sections of our country as we near the end the end of our historic battle with the invisible enemy.”

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “My first priority is always the health and safety of the American people and I want everyone to understand that we are continuing to evaluate the data. We are working with the task force and making decisions based on what is best for the interests of our fantastic country.”

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “I said earlier today that I hope we can do this by Easter. I think that would be a great thing for our country and we’re all working very hard to make that a reality.”

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “We’ll only do it if it’s good and maybe we do sections of the country.”

LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE ECONOMIC RELIEF
PRESIDENT TRUMP: “We are working to pass the biggest and boldest financial relief package in American history. Senators will soon hopefully vote on a $2 trillion bill that will deliver direct cash payments to struggling Americans. No fault of their own.”

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “The legislation will also include billions of dollars for additional resources for our and really heroic -- these are incredible doctors, nurses, brave, and hospitals; as well as support for hard-hit industries, such as the airline industry and cruise ship industry which employ tremendous amounts of people and obviously serves important functions beyond that.”

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “Today, as you probably saw, the DOW surged over 2,100 points. That’s the all-time record history of the exchange. This is very encouraging and I think part of the reason is they are looking at what is close to being passed. And I think a very big part of it is they see we want to get our country open as soon as possible.”

NEC DIRECTOR LARRY KUDLOW: “This legislation is urgently needed to bolster the economy, provide cash injections and liquidity, and stabilize financial markets to get us through a difficult period.”

NEC DIRECTOR KUDLOW: “This package will be the single largest main street assistance program in the history of the United States.”

NEC DIRECTOR KUDLOW: “The total package here comes to roughly $6 trillion. $2 trillion direct assistance, roughly $4 trillion in Federal Reserve lending power.”

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “The Federal government is using every resource at its disposal to acquire and distribute critical medical supplies.”

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “Through FEMA, the Federal government is distributing more than eight million N-95 respirators, 14 million surgical masks and many, many millions more under order.”

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “2.4 million face shields, 1.9 million surgical gowns. 13.5 million gloves and more than 4,000 ventilators to the areas of greatest need have already been sent and we have 4,000 being delivered to New York.”

VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: “New York state has prioritized three alternative medical facilities and, at the President’s direction, the Army Corps of Engineers is working on plans to build those facilities out. You’ve heard the President speak about the Javits Center, the addition of 1,000 beds.”

PRIVATE SECTOR STEPPING UP
PRESIDENT TRUMP: “Private companies are heeding our call to produce medical equipment and supplies because they know that we will not hesitate to invoke the [Defense Production Act] to get them to do what they have to do.”

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “Ford, 3M, General Electric Health are making tremendous numbers. They’ve already started on respirators, ventilators and face shields. They’re working together.”

GUIDANCE FOR NEW YORKERS
VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: “For anyone in the New York metropolitan area who has traveled, our task force is encouraging you to monitor your temperature, be sensitive to symptoms, and we are asking anyone who has traveled out of the New York City metropolitan area to anywhere else in the country to self-isolate for 14 days.”

A Message from Amanda Robbins
Associate Director, White House Office of Public Liaison
 
The Vice President stated today, “The President has made it clear that he hopes -- in weeks, not months -- to be able to open up the country. But let me make one last encouragement to every American: We will get to that day quicker if every American will put into practice the President's coronavirus guidelines for our nation: "15 Days to Slow the Spread.” If every American will do this, I have no doubt that we will slow the spread, we will protect our most vulnerable, and we will heal our land.” 
 
We encourage you all to continue to put into practice the President’s 15 Days to Slow the Spread guidelines. Additionally, please see the highlights from today’s Coronavirus Task Force Briefing. Feel free to share these highlights and the guidelines across your networks.
 
If you would like other faith leaders to receive these updates, please let me know and we would be happy to include them. We are grateful for your continued prayers and ways in which you are serving your communities during this time.

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A special COVID-19 report from County Chair Supervisor
Michelle Steel, a Candidate for Congress

Hi all, this is Matt Ciepielowski, campaign manager for Michelle Steel for Congress. In this unprecedented period of crisis, we have temporarily changed traditional campaign activities. We will keep you updated on the Michelle-led county response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below find the letter Michelle sent to Orange County’s congressional delegation requesting their support for much needed medical supplies, testing kits, and productive equipment to help Orange County tackle COVID-19-
https://www.facebook.com/taxpayersadvocate/posts/3042396625813124


Real leaders vs. the pundits

A global crisis like the Coronavirus pandemic separates the real leaders from the pundits.
 
Real leaders know that every decision in Washington affects millions of Americans. Pundits, on the other hand, aren’t accountable to anyone except the media execs who sign their paychecks. They don’t have real jobs, so they don’t suffer when Democrats in Congress block a relief bill—or when politicians say it’s OK to shut down our entire economy indefinitely.
 
President Trump understands that when officials close down businesses to safeguard public health, there must be an ambitious recovery plan ready. Part one of that plan is immediate relief for millions of affected American workers. Part two is aggressive action to make sure America can open for business again the moment it is safe to do so.
 
Part one is nearly complete. Working late last night and into the early morning hours, Trump Administration officials and Senate lawmakers came together on a deal. “The legislation developed in the Senate is the first step to restoring confidence and stability to America’s economy,” the President said yesterday.
 
 Larry Kudlow: “This legislation is urgently needed to bolster the economy.”
 
The next step is preparing to get America back to work as soon as possible. Once again, the pundit class lined up to attack common sense—they say it’s too soon to even think about how our economy recovers once the threat passes.
 
Easy for them to say, of course. A mass quarantine doesn’t risk their paychecks, their families’ futures, or their ability to retire the same way it threatens millions of small businesses and workers. Most pundits don’t know what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck; they don’t have to fear not being able to put food on the table.
 
Leaders, however, don’t have the “luxury of being one-dimensional,” as Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) said this week. Public health is essential, but “we also have to start to plan the pivot back to economic functionality. You can't stop the economy forever.”
 
 President Trump: The best thing for our economy is victory over this virus
 
Gov. Cuomo also thanked President Trump and his team for their full cooperation and creative private-sector involvement during the outbreak. As President Trump says, bipartisan cooperation right now is crucial to get every American the support they need.
 
America’s future shines bright. No country on Earth is better prepared to handle this pandemic than we are. We will beat this virus together. And when we do, our economy will pick up right where it left off—with high wages, job growth, and rising 401(k)s.
 
Maybe that’s what the pundits are really worried about. 
 
“List: 74 actions taken by Trump to fight virus and bolster economy”


Together, we will prevail!

The American people are showing each day that unity and resolve define our nation.
 
“In the selfless actions of our amazing citizens, we’re seeing enduring strength of our magnificent nation, a spirit that can never be broken, and a victorious future that can never be denied,” President Trump said.


Nationally, the Republican led Senate reached a deal on a workers first coronavirus relief package.
 
CNN reports Republicans delivered:
 
  • $250 billion for direct payments to individuals and families
  • $350 billion for small business loans
  • $250 billion for unemployment insurance benefits
  • $500 billion for loans for distressed companies
 
However, the Democrats made clear they intend to use this crisis as an opportunity to push their far-left agenda. For example, Biden said that the pandemic is an “opportunity” to get the Green New Deal passed.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/do-you-qualify-for-a-stimulus-check-in-senates-coronavirus-response-bill  

https://www.americanactionforum.org/insight/enhanced-unemployment-benefits-in-the-coronavirus-aid-relief-and-economic-security-cares-act/

USNS MERCY, 1000 bed Floating Hospital, No windows,
capable of transiting the Panama Canal.

It appears the ship is doing sea trials off the cost of San Diego after being outfitted upon coming off drydock there before being deployed to Los Angeles Harbor later this week.

https://www.newsweek.com/coronavirus-usns-mercy-california-navy-ship-1493688

President Donald Trump has approved the deployment of a U.S. Navy hospital shop to Los Angeles in order to assist the state of California as it deals with the coronavirus outbreak.

During a press conference on Sunday, Trump confirmed that the USNS Mercy, a hospital ship that has been docked in San Diego, will be deployed to the port of Los Angeles immediately.

The ship, measuring nearly 900 feet in length, holds around 1,000 hospital beds, including 80 intensive care unit beds.

Mercy's sister ship, USNS Comfort, is also set to be sent to New York in the next few weeks to assist with COVID-19 aid.

"The Department of Defense has been given direction to dispatch it to Los Angeles immediately," Gaynor said. "DoD has advised that Mercy can get into position within a week or less of today's order.

General characteristics
Orthopedic surgery performed in one of the ship's operating rooms.

Patient Capacity:
Intensive care wards: 80 beds
Recovery wards: 20 beds
Intermediate care wards: 280 beds
Light care wards: 120 beds
Limited care wards: 500 beds
Total Patient Capacity: 1000 beds
Operating Rooms: 12

Departments and Facilities:
Casualty reception
Radiological services including CT
Main laboratory plus satellite lab
Central sterile processing
Medical supply/pharmacy
Physical therapy and burn care
Intensive Care Unit
Dental services
Optometry/lens lab
Morgue
Laundry
Burn Treatment
Angiography
Blood Bank
Oxygen producing plants (two)
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Hermosa Beach to Close Beach and Strand This Weekend to Protect Public Health During COVID-19 Pandemic

3/25/2020

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Post Date:03/25/2020 6:00 PM

HERMOSA BEACH TO CLOSE BEACH AND STRAND THIS WEEKEND
TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC   

The Sooner, the Better: City Acting to Avoid Another Weekend of People Gathering at Beach, Which Would Increase the Risk of Virus’ Spread

HERMOSA BEACH, CA – The City of Hermosa Beach announced today that it will be closing its beach and beachfront walkway, the Strand, at 6 a.m. Saturday, March 28, to protect public health and prevent a repetition of last weekend, when groups of people congregated on the beach and Strand. These gatherings increased the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) because people were unable to maintain the required distance of a least six feet from people who are not members of their household.

San Diego, Laguna Beach and several other Southern California communities have also announced beach closures. Santa Monica, the City of Los Angeles and Manhattan Beach recently closed their beachfront parking lots. Hermosa Beach is unique among South Bay cities in owning its own beach and being able to proactively decide to close it. Los Angeles County owns the other South Bay beaches and will determine if those will be closed.

“We understand the desire to be outside and in nature is more powerful than ever and being out in nature is permitted if people avoid crowds and maintain six feet of distance from non-household members,” said Hermosa Beach City Manager Suja Lowenthal.“ While most people are staying home to slow the spread of COVID-19, the actions of a few who choose not to follow the rules can cost the lives of many. The sooner we close the beach and Strand, the better our chance to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Public health experts have reported that the virus can spread exponentially in groups, and the virus can remain on surfaces of such things as benches, railings and outdoor equipment for up to 72 hours.
“The Governor has said that people can still take short walks and enjoy other activities as long as they avoid congregating with people who are not members of their own households,” said Lowenthal.
Hermosa Beach’s Downtown Parking Structure also will be closed to the public to discourage people traveling to the beach and the Strand. Hermosa Beach’s closures will go into effect at 6 a.m. Saturday and will remain in effect until the City has determined it is safe to re-open the beach, Strand and parking structure.

Lowenthal said the closures were needed to ensure compliance with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Stay at Home Order, which requires everyone to stay at home except for essential needs. Essential Needs include getting food and necessary health care, caring for a relative or friend or going to an essential job. The governor also allowed for short walks near a person’s residence but has said people should not be congregating at public places, including California’s beaches.

To implement the closures, City Staff will be erecting signs and barriers at access points to the beach and Strand over the next two days, and the Hermosa Beach Police Department will be patrolling the beach to enforce the closures.

“We are hoping for voluntary compliance, and police officers will initially be informing the public about the closures,” said Hermosa Beach Interim Police Chief Michael McCrary. “But police officers will start writing citations and imposing fines, if needed, to keep the public safe. These closures apply to everyone because the beach belongs to all Californians, and the police cannot effectively enforce limited access for just local residents or select groups to use the beach and Strand.”
Information regarding coronavirus is changing frequently, and the City will provide the latest information about COVID-19 and links to resources on its website.  

To stay informed, please sign up for Hermosa Beach eNotifications, public safety alerts or follow the City on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Hermosa Beach

Founded in 1907, Hermosa Beach is a thriving community of some 20,000 residents. Located on the southern end of the Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles County, with beaches ranked among the best in the world, Hermosa Beach has been recognized for its work to highlight Southern California beach culture, foster a vibrant local economy and protect coastal and environmental resources.
To learn more about Hermosa Beach, please visit the City website: www.hermosabeach.gov/
Or keep up with Hermosa Beach news and events through social media channels: 
 


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812 Coronavirus Cases In Los Angeles County: Where They Are

3/25/2020

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812 Coronavirus Cases In Los Angeles County: Where They AreHealth officials confirmed 151 more cases of the new coronavirus Wednesday.
By Emily Holland, Patch Staff
Mar 25, 2020 3:26 pm PT | Updated Mar 25, 2020 3:57 pm PT
There are 812 confirmed coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County as of Thursday, according to public health officials. (Shutterstock)
LOS ANGELES, CA — There are now more than 800 confirmed coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County Wednesday, and health officials reported three additional deaths.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, head of the county Department of Public Health, said the three new deaths were all people over age 65 with underlying health conditions. The deaths brought the county's total to 13 — with Ferrer saying the death of a 17-year-old boy in Lancaster that was reported Tuesday is no longer considered a coronavirus case, pending a determination by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ferrer said 138 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed by the county Department of Public Health, bringing the total to 799. However, the city of Long Beach announced 13 new cases not yet included in the county's number, meaning the actual total in the county is 812.

Read more: Quarantine Tightened As Coronavirus Deaths Mount In Los Angeles

The locations with confirmed coronavirus cases around Los Angeles County, as of Wednesday, are:
  • Los Angeles County: 764
  • Long Beach: 41
  • Pasadena: 7
By City
  • Agoura Hills — 3
  • Alhambra — 6
  • Altadena — 5
  • Arcadia — 4
  • Arleta — 1
  • Athens — 1
  • Baldwin Hills — 3
  • Bell Gardens — 3
  • Bellflower — 7
  • Beverly Hills — 13
  • Beverlywood — 8
  • Boyle Heights — 5
  • Brentwood — 34
  • Burbank — 3
  • Calabasas — 4
  • Canoga Park — 2
  • Canyon County — 1
  • Carson — 9
  • Castiac — 2
  • Century City — 7
  • Century Palms/Cove — 3
  • Cerritos — 2
  • Claremont — 1
  • Cloverdale/Cochran — 3
  • Compton — 2
  • Covina — 3
  • Crenshaw District — 2
  • Crestview — 7
  • Culver City — 6
  • Del Rey — 5
  • Diamond Bar — 2
  • Downey — 5
  • Downtown — 6
  • Duarte — 1
  • Eagle Rock — 2
  • East Hollywood — 1
  • East Los Angeles — 3
  • Echo Park — 4
  • El Segundo — 2
  • Encino — 13
  • Exposition Park — 1
  • Florence — 4
  • Gardena — 1
  • Glassell Park — 1
  • Glendale — 12
  • Glendora — 2
  • Granada Hills — 7
  • Hancock Park — 8
  • Harbor Gateway — 2
  • Harvard Heights — 1
  • Hawthorne — 8
  • Highland Park — 2
  • Hollywood — 23
  • Hollywood Hills — 8
  • Hyde Park — 1
  • Inglewood — 5
  • Koreatown — 5
  • La Canada Flintridge — 3
  • La Mirada — 4
  • La Verne — 2
  • Lake Balboa — 2
  • Lakewood — 4
  • Lancaster — 13
  • Lawndale — 1
  • Lomita — 9
  • Los Feliz — 3
  • Lynwood — 3
  • Manhattan Beach — 17
  • Mar Vista — 6
  • Melrose — 33
  • Miracle Mile — 8
  • Monterey Park — 4
  • Mt. Washington — 2
  • North Hollywood — 11
  • Northridge — 2
  • Pacific Palisades — 9
  • Palmdale — 2
  • Palms — 8
  • Paramount City — 1
  • Park La Brea — 8
  • Pico — 2
  • Pico Rivera — 1
  • Playa Vista — 5
  • Pomona — 1
  • Porter Ranch — 1
  • Rancho Palos Verdes — 5
  • Redondo Beach — 9
  • Reseda — 5
  • San Dimas — 1
  • San Fernando — 3
  • San Gabriel — 1
  • San Pedro — 4
  • Santa Clarita — 10
  • Santa Monica — 18
  • Santa Monica Mountains — 3
  • Sherman Oaks — 12
  • Silverlake — 6
  • South El Monte — 3
  • South Gate — 2
  • South Park — 1
  • South Pasadena — 3
  • South Whittier — 3
  • Stevenson Ranch — 2
  • Studio City — 7
  • Sun Valley — 2
  • Sylmar — 1
  • Tarzana — 9
  • Temple City — 3
  • Torrance — 9
  • Tujunga — 1
  • University Park — 4
  • Valley Glen — 11
  • Van Nuys — 4
  • Venice — 9
  • Vermont Knolls — 1
  • Vermont Vista — 3
  • Vermont Central — 1
  • Walnut — 1
  • West Adams — 4
  • West Covina — 2
  • West Hills — 4
  • West Hollywood — 31
  • West Los Angeles — 4
  • West Vernon — 5
  • Westchester — 5
  • Westlake — 1
  • Westwood — 9
  • Whittier — 3
  • Wholesale District — 4
  • Willowbrook — 1
  • Wilmington — 4
  • Wilshire Center — 2
  • Winnetka — 3
  • Woodland Hills — 11
  • Under Investigation — 56
These numbers are subject to change based on further investigation, county health officials said. For the most updated numbers, visit the county Department of Public Health website.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
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The coronavirus outbreak could shut down the post office in less than 3 months, lawmakers say

3/24/2020

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The coronavirus outbreak could shut down the post office in less than 3 months, lawmakers say

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  • Two US representatives said on Monday that the coronavirus outbreak could shut down the Postal Service by June.
  • By Tuesday morning, more than 46,000 coronavirus cases had been identified in the US. As of Friday, at least 20 postal workers had been sickened.
  • Any interruption in mail service could delay critical medicine deliveries and upend postal voting in the November election.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Regular mail service could be shut down as early as June, two US representatives said, and the effects could be disastrous.
Critical supplies — like the more than 1 billion shipments of prescription drugs delivered by the Postal Service last year — could be stuck, mail voting in the November election could be stymied, and hundreds of thousands of postal employees could be out of work, Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Gerry Connolly said in a statement on Monday.
"Based on a number of briefings and warnings this week about a critical fall-off in mail across the country, it has become clear that the Postal Service will not survive the summer without immediate help from Congress and the White House," Maloney and Connolly said.
"Every community in America relies on the Postal Service to deliver vital goods and services, including life-saving medications. The Postal Service needs America's help, and we must answer this call."
The duo also introduced a bill that would provide $25 billion in emergency funding for the Postal Service while eliminating the agency's debt and requiring it to prioritize medical deliveries.
The bill would also create temporary delivery points to protect workers. It's not clear what these might look like, as the design would be left up to the Postal Service, but the bill's language implies something similar to Amazon's delivery lockers that allow people to send deliveries to a secure location other than their home.Like hospitals, grocery stores, and other essential businesses, post offices have remained open despite many businesses closing as the coronavirus continues to spread. As of Tuesday morning, more than 46,000 cases had been identified in the US.
At least 20 postal workers had fallen sick by Friday, The New York Times reported this week. The head of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union told the paper that workers had gotten sick in Miami, New York City, Seattle, Portland, and other cities.
That's a small number of the agency's roughly 630,000 employees, but it underscores the outbreak's effects on several industries.
"These negative effects could be even more dire in rural areas, where millions of Americans are sheltering in place and rely on the Postal Service to deliver essential staples," Maloney and Connolly's statement said.
Coronavirus Live Updates 7 hours ago Coronavirus: Here's what to know

Latest news
  • New York state projects it will need nearly 90,000 more hospital beds. Gov. Cuomo warned that the same could happen to California, Washington, and Illinois.
  • Airlines are preparing plans to shut down US flights completely.
  • The 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
  • At least 2.8 billion people worldwide are under some kind of coronavirus lockdown.
  • Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, will end its lockdown on April 8, allowing traffic to reenter and pass through the city.
  • The "Dr. Doom" economist has warned that the coronavirus could plunge the global economy into a "Greater Depression."
  • Trump wants America "opened up and just raring to go by Easter," while the Pentagon is bracing for at least a few months of crisis.
  • An Arizona man died after taking a version of an unproven drug that Trump has touted, and his wife has warned not to "believe anything that the president says."
  • Read live updates about case totals, death tolls, and new developments around the world. Here's the latest on the escalating situation in the US.
Evolving research about COVID-19
  • People older than 60 and those with preexisting conditions are at a much higher risk of severe illness and death. But a top US infectious-disease expert warned that young people are "not immune or safe."
  • The global COVID-19 death rate has doubled in the last two months, but that doesn't tell the full story.
  • The most common symptoms are a fever and a dry cough, though some people experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Doctors warn that symptoms start slow, sometimes even get better, then worsen quickly.
  • Some people who get the virus seem to lose their sense of smell or taste.
  • On average, a coronavirus patient infects at least two other people, but we can limit that spread with preventive measures.
  • More than 40 potential vaccines are in the works, and eight are set for human trials this year.
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Trump team fiercely debates how long coronavirus restrictions should stay in place

3/24/2020

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Trump team fiercely debates how long coronavirus restrictions should stay in place
By Brett Samuels and Morgan Chalfant - 03/23/20 03:51 PM EDT
A high-stakes debate is playing out among key figures in President Trump’s orbit over how quickly to loosen restrictions meant to combat the coronavirus.

A number of people around Trump have pushed for prioritizing the economy and sending people back to work as quickly as possible, particularly in less afflicted areas.

But Trump’s own public health officials and some of his allies on Capitol Hill have warned against risking higher infection rates and deaths for the sake of boosting the economy in the short term.

Sources close to the Trump administration described a “split” in the larger Trump World where some people around the president believe the federal government should ease recommendations on social distancing after the 15-day period while others favor waiting a few more weeks or taking even more dramatic action to stamp out the spread of the virus. 

“I think there’s a recognition that there needs to be some sort of medium between listening to the doctors and listening to other experts as well,” the person said. “There really isn’t a perfect answer.” 

There were more than 41,500 confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. as of Monday afternoon, a large percentage of them concentrated in New York. More than 500 people in the U.S. had died of the disease. The pandemic has resulted in unforeseen businesses closures and massive layoffs across the country. 

On Monday, the camp in favor of kick-starting the economy as quickly as possible seemed to be winning out. Trump, apparently spurred on by commentary from Fox News host Steve Hilton, tweeted overnight that “we cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself" and retweeted several supporters on Monday calling for Americans to get back to work.

Advisers and prominent commentators in conservative media lined up to voice concerns that the economic costs of maintaining restrictions had to be taken into consideration.

“In one week we need to be heading back to work, school, stores, restaurants and churches with new protocols in place,” Fox News host Laura Ingraham tweeted. “The risk if we don’t is that we lose far more in terms of death, pain and suffering than this pandemic will bring.”

Larry Kudlow, the White House’s top economic adviser, said the administration was discussing possible economic remedies and acknowledged “we’re going to have to make some difficult tradeoffs.”

“We can’t shut in the economy,” he said on Fox News. “The economic cost to individuals is just too great.”

Asked Monday whether the administration was considering relaxing the guidelines to stimulate the economy, Vice President Pence told reporters that the coronavirus task force would evaluate ways to potentially "adjust" the guidance after the 15-day period. 

“At the end of this 15 days, we're going to get with our health experts, we're going to evaluate ways in which we might be able to adjust that guidance for the American people,” Pence told reporters after a teleconference with governors at FEMA headquarters. “We'll look at where we are and we'll evaluate based on our health experts, what steps might be possible.”

The White House has bolstered its team of economic advisers amid the pandemic, bringing on Kevin Hassett, Trump’s former chief economist, as a temporary adviser. Hassett last week suggested on CNN that the U.S. may have to consider sending Americans back to work at a certain point even if the pandemic hasn’t abated to avoid a Great Depression-like event.

Trump also tapped Joseph Lavorgna, former chief economist for the Americas for Natixis, to a position on the White House National Economic Council where he will be responsible in part for studying the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the economy. 

Social distancing policies put in place by local governments and backed by the federal government are intended to slow the virus’s spread. This is seen as vitally important to prevent hospitals from being over-crowded with coronavirus victims. Fears about supply shortages in masks or ventilators have been widely reported.
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been one of the most prominent members of the coronavirus task force who has advocated for drastic measures to stem the outbreak. He said Friday that Americans would likely need to stay home for several more weeks to blunt the spread of the virus. 

“If you look at the trajectory of the curves of outbreaks in other areas, it’s at least going to be several weeks,” Fauci told NBC News. “I cannot see that all of a sudden next week or two weeks from now it’s going to be over. I don’t think there’s a chance of that.” 

At the same time, the economic harm caused by the coronavirus and the shutting down of the economy is leading to deep fears about millions of job losses. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told GOP senators last week that it was possible unemployment could hit 20 percent, though he later backtracked somewhat by saying he was not offering a prediction.

Trump one week ago detailed recommendations urging Americans nationwide to avoid restaurants and bars, limit gatherings to 10 people or fewer and cancel nonessential travel for 15 days. The measures came as a handful of states and localities ordered schools and eating establishments to be closed and large events to be canceled. The federal government has ramped up testing for the virus in the days since, and the number of domestic cases have skyrocketed from a few thousand to more than 40,000. 

Surgeon General Jerome Adams on Monday warned that not enough Americans were taking the guidance seriously.

Some argue that by loosening the social distancing recommendations sometime soon after the 15-day mark, the federal government would be allowing people, particularly in parts of the country that aren’t seeing large numbers of cases, to begin returning to normal life. 

One source close to the administration argued that the decision shouldn’t be left entirely up to the public health officials because they are not experts on the economic effects of the virus. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday is expected to unveil new guidance for people working in critical infrastructure sectors, including first responders, which will help people who have been exposed return to work more quickly by wearing masks.

But some of Trump’s staunchest allies have cautioned against the public health risks of ignoring experts and shaking off social distancing recommendations before the virus is contained.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Monday that he would urge the White House to follow the advice of Fauci and other medical experts and insisted that continuing with mitigation measures should be the priority to avoid overrun hospitals and catastrophic consequences.

“There is no functioning economy unless we control the virus,” Graham said.
Steve Bannon, the president’s former chief strategist, advocated on Sunday for an aggressive national shutdown to blunt the spread of the virus, “take the pain up front,” and hopefully shorten the amount of time businesses remain closed.
A similar debate is playing out across the country as governors who are imposing shelter-in-place advisories and ordering nonessential businesses to close are mulling how to keep their state economies from collapsing entirely.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), who has emerged as the most visible Democrat leading the charge against the virus, told reporters at a news conference on Monday that he is already trying to plan for how to best wind down restrictions on workers. 

“You have to walk and chew gum in life,” Cuomo said.

One consideration, he said, is that young people who are less vulnerable to the virus could return to their jobs sooner than other populations.

But Cuomo has been consistent in warning constituents that restrictions meant to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus could be in place for the foreseeable future, predicting last week that New York would see the peak of the virus in 45 days.

Trump, with an eye on November, may be less inclined to wait out the virus while the economy contracts and unemployment skyrockets.

“The economic future of America is always going to be right toward the front of a president’s decision-making,” one former Trump adviser said. “But in this case if we take the big, bold, dramatic action now, then we’ll put ourselves on course to have a nice rebound in advance of the fall. If we just try to flatten the curve, that’s just going to prolong the national pain.”

Tags Laura Ingraham Steven Mnuchin Lindsey Graham Donald Trump Steve Bannon Larry Kudlow Mike Pence Coronavirus
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/489072-trump-team-fiercely-debates-how-long-coronavirus-restrictions-should?fbclid=IwAR3R9asDJiz8SuZ8pH5RX6pRp7xxjNu6ew93McvpXBVHK8iAjFx3mdgVZ98
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Today in History: Patrick Henry’s Give Me Liberty Speech

3/23/2020

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Today in History: Patrick Henry’s Give Me Liberty Speech
by Dave Benner (read this article and Henry's full speech at this link)


Today in history, on March 23, 1775, tensions in Virginia were at their highest point during the imperial crisis with Britain.

The House of Burgesses, the state’s elected assembly, was about to make a bold decision – to commit its militia to the cause of independence. Britain had responded harshly to the Boston Tea Party the year prior through the Intolerable Acts. Virginians knew that any official pledge of military support could persuade the British to treat Virginia in the same way, and the matter became a hotly debated issue.

In St. John’s Church, Henry made a bombastic speech in which he drew a stark dichotomy between liberty and tyranny. Henry claimed the only legitimate authority over the colonies were the colonial governments, not Parliament – knowing that Virginians expected internal political matters to be addressed in Williamsburg, not London.

If Britain violated these local interests, surely it would show contempt for Virginia’s “ancient constitution” that was recognized for centuries. In Henry’s mind, the hope of peaceful reconciliation had run its course. Although Henry refused to speak for others, he believed the outbreak of war was assured circumstances necessitated an ultimate choice between liberty and death: “It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace – but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

According to Edmund Randolph, the convention sat in silent consideration of Henry’s words for several minutes. Much of the Virginia General Assembly was stunned by the provocative nature of Henry’s comments. Those still hoping to avoid independence strongly believed that such words would cause additional strain between Virginia and the mother country. Henry was even accused of treason for his oratory.

Despite the objections of some, Henry’s resolutions passed by the narrowest of margins, with popular figures such as George Washington and Richard Henry Lee voting in favor. On the dawn of independence, Virginia joined the military cause against the British.

Among the delegates within the assembly were George Washington, St. George Tucker, and Thomas Jefferson. While he did not particularly like Patrick Henry, Jefferson later wrote in reflection of his oratory: “It is not now easy to say what we should have done without Patrick Henry. He was before us all in maintaining the spirit of the Revolution.”

Henry’s speech was considered the defining moment that convinced the House of Burgesses to pass the resolution, and Virginia committed its militia to aid the patriot cause. Inarguably, Virginia was the most important colony to be won over in the great struggle for independence, and the decision proved to be one of the most significant events that changed what at first seemed to be an isolated civil dispute between New England and the crown.

The incident ignited Virginia’s transition from a British colony to an independent, republican state, and began to solidify a united, multi-colonial opposition toward Britain.

NOTE: Find Henry's speech at the bottom of Dave's article at this link.


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Pelosi unveils $2.5 trillion counterproposal to GOP coronavirus stimulus

3/23/2020

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Pelosi unveils $2.5 trillion counterproposal to GOP coronavirus stimulus



Alayna TreenePhoto: Alex Wong/Getty Images

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled on Monday a sweeping counterproposal to Senate Republicans' $1.8 trillion coronavirus stimulus package.

Why it matters: House Democrats' legislation — which comes with a $2.5 trillion price tag — comes after negotiations between Capitol Hill leaders and the White House broke down over the weekend, culminating in two failed procedural votes that have left the Senate Republicans' bill in limbo.

The state of play: Democrats, who have asserted that the Senate GOP bill is a corporate slush fund that doesn't do enough to help American workers, are hoping that the release of this bill will give them more leverage in negotiations with Republicans.
  • But Republicans have accused Democrats of playing politics during a national crisis by stalling action on their bill, calling this latest measure a "Democratic wish list" — as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell characterized it.




The "Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act":

  • Increases the amount of money being offered to individuals to $1,500, and up to $7,500 for a family of five. The same GOP income thresholds in the GOP bill would apply — $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples, but the benefit would be available to anyone with an individual taxpayer identification number, retirees and unemployed individuals.
  • Waives $10,000 in federal student loan payments.
  • Dedicate $4 billion in grant funding to help states with upcoming elections and nationally mandates 15 days of early voting and no-excuse absentee vote-by-mail, including mailing a ballot to all registered voters in an emergency.
  • Includes a section that would cancel several executive orders and presidential memorandums that Democrats argue have weakened public sector unions' ability to engage in collective bargaining.
  • Creates new carbon offset guidelines for airlines, with a long-term goal of reducing jet fuel emissions by 50% by 2050. 
  • Allocates $150 billion to support hospitals, local health centers and government-funded medical programs, with an additional $80 billion in low-interest loans to hospitals.
  • Eliminates cost-sharing for coronavirus treatments and vaccines for all patients, including the uninsured.
  • Addresses broader health care concerns that Democrats have pushed for months, including increasing subsidies on the individual market and creating new incentives for states to expand Medicaid.
  • Provides child care assistance to health care workers and emergency personnel.
  • Would temporarily provide $600 per week to unemployed workers affected by the coronavirus. Self-employed workers, Americans whose contracts were canceled, and new entrants to the job market would also be eligible.
  • Expands paid sick leave and family medical leave, as well as gives more money to food-safety benefits.
  • Provides $500 billion in grants and interest-free loans to small businesses.
  • Creates a $200 billion stabilization fund for states and $15 billion for local governments through the Community Development Block Grant program. The legislation also authorizes the Federal Reserve to purchase state and local government bonds.
  • Pumps nearly $60 billion into schools and universities, with $50 billion directly provided to states for school funding and nearly $10 billion to higher education institutions.
  • Dedicates $20 billion to reimbursing the U.S. Postal Service for lost revenue, and forgives USPS debt.
  • Requires companies receiving federal assistance during coronavirus to institute a $15 minimum wage.




What's next: Discussions between McConnell, Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will continue over the next few days. Both sides are confident they will ultimately reach an agreement given the dire need to deliver this aid as soon as possible.

Read the bill ... and compare it to McConnell's.

Read the bill here
https://www.axios.com/nancy-pelosi-coronavirus-stimulus-proposal-d7b4a9a0-610a-4324-a07b-6bb64e1f5c81.html?fbclid=IwAR13sVgychLJsFcI1ug_AE2k9LdYOBG0oqe5NoDw78r_7YGqqCeVVzXFw40

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Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Tests Positive For Coronavirus

3/23/2020

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Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Tests Positive For Coronavirus

By SoCal Patch, News Partner
Mar 23, 2020 4:33 pm PT

In a sign the coronavirus is spreading, Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor John Cruikshank and former Mayor Susan Brooks both tested positive. (Shutterstock)


RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor John Cruikshank and former Mayor Susan Brooks have both tested positive for coronavirus, the city announced Monday. Cruikshank and several other city officials attended a birthday party for Brooks on March 8, and some other officials who were at the party have opted to self-quarantine. "I am getting the rest and care I need and taking all necessary precautions as directed by my physician and public health officials," Cruikshank said in a prepared statement. "I hope my diagnosis underscores the need for all residents to take this crisis seriously and follow all directives from public health officials. COVID-19 is in all of our communities and we must all do our part to slow its spread."  Mayor Pro Tem Eric Alegria, who also attended the party, is not exhibiting symptoms and has not been tested, but he has chosen to self- quarantine, according to the city.  A city employee who was also in attendance has displayed symptoms and is self-quarantined, but has not yet been tested. City Manager Ara Mihranian and Interim Deputy City Manager Kit Fox did not attend the party but are self-isolating out of an abundance of caution due to their interactions with those officials who did, including Cruikshank, according to the city. "As soon as I got word of the mayor's diagnosis over the weekend, I immediately notified all city staff who were in contact with him and other city officials who attended the party," Mihranian said. "I also ordered the deep cleaning of City Hall and all city facilities visited by these officials." Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall has been closed to the public since March 14 and almost all employees are working remotely, the city stated, with only a handful of essential staff onsite that must practice social distancing and take all necessary precautions. Deep cleaning is being performed between shifts, the city stated. Rancho Palos Verdes City Council and advisory board meetings will be held by teleconference until further notice, according to the city. Self-quarantines for the coronavirus are to last 14 days, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

City News Service


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