Washington could face 60,000 cases unless Trump acts soon, as administration blames slow response on China ‘cover-up’
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Coronavirus cases continue to rapidly increase in the US with 1,135 confirmed across the country and at least 37 deaths, and the World Health Organisation has officially declared it a pandemic.
President Trump and his administration faced backlash for its slow response to the novel virus. But one member of the administration, National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, claims China initially "covered up" the outbreak, which cost global communities "two months" to respond.
In an attempt to curb fears, Trump is working with lawmakers on a stimulus package to address economic fallout from the virus. Also under consideration is delaying the 15 April tax deadline. House Democrats are revealing their own relief package on Wednesday without consulting lawmakers across the aisle.
Trump called an emergency meeting with health officials to address the growing number of cases. Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says the pandemic "will get worse". Now the president will be addressing the nation later on Wednesday evening about the coronavirus and what his administration intends to do to combat the spread.
But state officials are taking matters into their own hands when dealing with their individual states. Governor Jay Inslee announced he would be prohibiting any large gatherings of more than 250 people in the Seattle area. Seattle Public Schools also announced it would close starting on Thursday for at least two weeks. Washington state made these decisions over concerns coronavirus cases could rise to 60,000 by mid-May.
Other states have reacted to the coronavirus outbreak by cancelling their own large gatherings. St Patrick's Day parades were cancelled in Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, and Dallas. Also, Washington DC, which announced a state of emergency on Wednesday, released a health advisory imploring the public to avoid large gatherings of 1,000 people or more.
The stock market plummeted again over concerns of the coronavirus pandemic. The Dow closed the day with a 1,500-point loss, ending its 11-year streak in a bull market.
Italy has made drastic measures in an attempt to curb its own coronavirus outbreak by shuttering all shops besides grocery stores and pharmacies. The country made the decision after it experienced its largest single day jump in cases with 12,462 confirmed and 827 deaths.
Washington governor warns 60,000 cases in state to come unless Trump acts soon
Governor Jay Inslee said during a press conference the spread of the coronavirus was likely to infect at least 60,000 people unless proper actions were taken soon. He expects these infections by mid-May.
This comes after the governor banned gatherings of 250 people or more in areas of Washington State in response to the growing spread of the virus. Mr Inslee said steps being made in Washington state might happen on a federal level, per his phone conversation with Vice President Mike Pence.
"I don't think it's draconian to try and stop another 22 deaths," he said. "We're trying to avoid the situation China and Italy are in."
39 new coronavirus cases reported in New York, governor says
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke with press on Wednesday about the growing coronavirus outbreak in the state.
He reported 39 new cases, bringing total numbers to 212. Of those new cases, 12 of them are in New York City and 13 are in Westchester, an area of concern in New York that's created a "cluster" for coronavirus contamination.
New York said it would now use private labs to test individuals for the coronavirus after failure on federal level to provide testing. The state has 200 labs, 28 of which are prepared to handle coronavirus testing.
Pence closes meeting with hospital officials to press
Reporters were supposed to attend a meeting between Vice President Mike Pence and hospital officials on Wednesday to discuss the response to the coronavirus.
This meeting is now closed off to press but still happening, according to the vice president's office.
No explanation was given for why reporters are not allowed to attend the meeting.
Italy records largest single day jump in cases
Italy has recorded a jump of 2,313 confirmed coronavirus cases to bring its total to 12,462, making it the largest single day jump since the start of the pandemic.
The country also reported a 31 per cent rise in its death toll with another 193 people dying from the virus.
This comes after the country took drastic measures to lockdown in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
White House considers discouraging all nonessential travel to Europe
The White House is considering placing Europe on a Level 3 travel advisory, which discourages all nonessential trips to the continent to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the Washington Post reports.
China is currently on a Level 4, which discourages all travel to the country. South Korea and Italy are currently on Level 3 but expected to potentially rise to Level 4 after a growing number of cases in both countries.
Conversations are currently ongoing between members of the coronavirus task force about travel decisions. No decision has been made yet, the newspaper reports.
Trump tells Democrats to help 'all' Americans during coronavirus outbreak
President Donald Trump lashed out on Twitter after receiving backlash from lawmakers and health officials for his administration's response to the coronavirus.
In an attempt to turn any criticism away from himself, Trump pointed the finger at Democrats.
"Someone needs to tell the Democrats in Congress that CoronaVirus doesn’t care what party you are in. We need to protect ALL Americans," he wrote.
"America is the Greatest Country in the world. We have the best scientists, doctors, nurses and health care professionals. They are amazing people who do phenomenal things every day," he added. "Together we are putting into policy a plan to prevent, detect, treat and create a vaccine against CoronaVirus to save lives in America and the world. America will get it done!"
Former HHS chief blasts Trump for his coronavirus response
Congresswoman Donna Shalala of Florida slammed the president for his lack of response to the coronavirus on Wednesday.
“I do not know if the president gets it,” she told Bloomberg TV host David Widman. “Every time he opens his mouth, he frightens me, and I know better.”
“I do not know if there is a way to get more discipline in this president. It is not a word that applies to him. He is dangerous to our health every time he opens his mouth. Everybody else around him is trying to do the right thing but the president — I just cannot believe it,” she continued.
The congresswomen served as the longest-running Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton.
Oldest senator calls for Washington closure
California Senator Dianne Feinstein says the US Capitol buildings should "close down" amid a coronavirus scare in Washington DC, where several cases of the flu-like illness have been confirmed and health officials in the district urge cancelling large-scale events.
Ms Feinstein, who at 86 years old is the oldest member of the US Senate, told reporters that she's "worried about the fact that we need to close this place down. I really believe that now."
The Capitol should at least be closed to visitors, she said, and "for meetings and that kind of thing, and people can come in if they want to come into their office".
Alex Woodward reports:
Los Angeles confirms its first coronavirus death
A woman in her 60s is the first coronavirus-related death in the Los Angeles area.
The woman had recently travelled extensively before visiting California, according to Los Angeles County Department of Public Health director Barbara Ferrer. She was not a resident of the state.
Officials also reported six additional positive Covid-19 cases, totalling 27 in the county, including three cases previously reported by the city of Long Beach.
Our story here:
Trump adviser warns 'many, many millions' could get coronavirus or die
John T. Bennett has the full story:
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