Disbanding the task force and effectively declaring victory over the virus that is still spreading throughout the country raises questions about government priorities. Less than six months since Election Day, President Donald Trump seems to shift gears from pandemic management to a message of revival and tone for a second term, Stephen Collinson writes.
The news came after an internal White House report leaked that projected daily deaths to increase to 3,000 in June, and was widespread complaint complaints from the deposed vaccine director alleged that an early warning about the virus was greeted with “indifference which later developed into hostility” by leaders in the Department of Health and Human Services.
Wearing safety glasses, but without a mask, Trump visits a medical mask manufacturing plant in Arizona – the battleground state in the 2020 presidential election – to make a case of reopening the economy. Speaking in front of the media, the President seemed to admit that he had made peace with a death which, according to epidemiologists, was caused by a premature return to normal life.
“I’m not saying something is perfect, and yes, will some people be affected? Yes. Will some people be affected badly? Yes,” Trump said. “But we must open our country, and we must immediately open that country.”
YOU ASK. WE ANSWER
Q: How will Covid-19 transfer schools?
A: Because the new study offers strong evidence that children can transmit the virus, epidemiologists are considering whether schools should remain closed until vaccines are available. If they reopen, it’s clear classrooms need to look very different to keep children safe. That could mean distance learning will last long after the crisis is over. Before the bell rings this fall, schools devise strategies to reduce transmission – from startling starters to introducing temperature checks, limiting visitors on campus and wearing masks.
Submit your question here. Are you a health worker who fought against Covid-19? Send us a message on WhatsApp about the challenges you face: +1 347-322-0415.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TODAY
American companies are in crisis
With parks closed, films out of cinemas and cruises docked, Disney’s profits have dropped 91%. GE permanently cuts a quarter of its global workforce, and J. Crew has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This pandemic has made many businesses bow their knees, with companies experiencing massive layoffs, posting record losses, and, in some cases, filing submissions bankruptcy. Zachary B. Wolf see what happens next.
The virus has been circulating in humans since the end of 2019
A New genetic analysis of viruses which caused Covid-19 to show it had been circulating in people since the end of last year, and must have spread very quickly after the first infection. The revelation seems to rule out some doctors’ hopes that the virus has been circulating for months, building immunity in some populations.
But there is good news. Researchers in the UK also found no evidence of the virus becoming more easily transmitted or more likely to cause serious illness: “The virus has changed, but this by itself does not mean getting worse.”
The US is not ready to protect citizens, experts say
With more than half the country reopening, the former managing director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the US had not done enough to protect citizens from the corona virus. And, without addressing the key factors needed to carry the virus – from testing to tracking – it is impossible to estimate the deadly effects of restarting the economy prematurely.
“We say, if you have money and you are white, you can do well here,” Dr. Richard Besser told CNN. “If not, good luck to you.”
Bessers’ comments came after a new study found it coronavirus kills African-Americans at a higher rate. Black Americans represent 13.4% of the American population, but districts with a higher black population account for more than half of all Covid-19 cases and nearly 60% of deaths, the study found. Researchers blame differences, including access to health care.
Britain’s highest death in Europe
Britain has suffered more deaths from the confirmed corona virus than any other country in Europe – nearly 30,000 – a milestone that has accumulated further scrutiny of the response to the pandemic by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
And, yesterday, a prominent scientist who gave advice to the British government His coronavirus response resigned, after the Telegraph newspaper reported that he violated the locking rules he formed by letting his reported lover visit his home.
Pandemic rearranges EU-China relations
2020 is scheduled to be an important year for the European Union and China. But China’s response to Covid-19 – from cruel repression to accusations of spreading misinformation – has left a bitter taste in the mouths of European officials. The crisis has also reminded that closer involvement with China carries risks.
IN OUR RADAR
- Every night, right after sunset, Ruth Medjber chatting with neighbors in Dublin, Ireland, and taking their portraits in their windows for a photo project called Grá sa Bhaile, Irish for “Love at Home.”
- Thousands of students, wearing a mask, returned to school today in Wuhan – the original center of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Israel has flourished futuristic cellular testing booth with innate gloves, allowing individuals to be wiped without the risk of contracting the virus.
- New guidelines for social distancing public reaction in Japan. Suggestions include mandatory face masks and eating outdoors in restaurants.
- A retired farmer who sent New York Governor Andrew Cuomo the N-95 mask, asking that he hand it over to the doctor or nurse who needed it, had been given an honorary degree.
- For the first time in its history, The entire New York City subway system has been turned off due to disinfection. Deep cleaning will now be done every night, from 1 am to 5 am.
- Japanese artist Takashi Murakami and the streetwear brand Supreme work together to raise more than one million dollars, with 100% of the proceeds going to support those facing homelessness during the pandemic.
- Daniel Radcliffe and his world friends in the wizarding world take turns reading the novels of the beloved “Harry Potter” novel, as part of J.K. Rowling’s new online reading center, and it’s very soothing.
TOP TIP
Whether it’s an alternative mode of transportation, your daily dose of exercise or meditation through movement, taking a walk is a respite to our sanity during these difficult times. And experts say they’re fine, as long as you stay six feet away. Long walks are not only good for the body, but also for the mind. If you feel stressed, get up and walk – even around the house – and focus on breathing. Looking for more tips on taking things calmly? Look at these five ways to enlarge your walk.
PODCAST TODAY
“Everything that can be accessed in a direct visit can be accessed in a telemedicine visit.” – Dr. Gregory Esper, director of telemedicine at Emory University
What should you do if you need a doctor now? For some people, the answer lies in telemedicine. CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta spoke to Dr. Gregory Esper about how technology is changing the way health care is delivered. Listen now.
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