This story on coronavirus developments is updated throughout the day with national news and developments from around our network of local Patches. Scroll down for links helpful to day-to-day living and stories on recent developments.
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President Donald Trump on Tuesday doubled down on the World Health Organization, calling on his administration to halt the agency’s U.S. funding until a review is completed on what he called “a mismanagement” of the new coronavirus pandemic.
Trump’s decision to defund the organization is the second in a week. Last week, Trump said he planned to put a hold on U.S. funding, accusing the agency of being “very China centric” and criticizing its early guidance aimed at countering the international spread of the coronavirus.
Later, in the same news conference, he denied saying what he had said and insisted he was merely looking into halting the funding.
Tuesday, he made more clear that he has instructed his staff to defund the health organization, claiming that it was too easy on China.
Trump, in February, praised Chinese premier Xi Jinping for his country’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
“Just had a long and very good conversation by phone with President Xi of China. He is strong, sharp and powerfully focused on leading the counterattack on the Coronavirus,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “Great discipline is taking place in China, as President Xi strongly leads what will be a very successful operation. We are working closely with China to help!”
Watch Now: President Trump Calls For Halt To U.S. Funding Of WHO
Last Week Trump Announced, Then Reversed, Freeze On WHO Funding: Politico
Trump’s criticism of the World Health Organization comes as Democratic and Republican governors maintained that they will decide when it’s safe to reopen their states, as Trump tweeted that he is relishing the idea a fight with the “mutineers” as the death toll in the United States from the new coronavirus topped 25,000 Tuesday.
“A good old fashioned mutiny every now and then is an exciting and invigorating thing to watch, especially when the mutineers need so much from the Captain,” Trump tweeted, adding, “Too easy!”
In Tuesday’s news conference, he appeared to back down without saying that, announcing that he was “authorizing each governor in each state” to open when they want to, which is what governors had said they would do anyway.
Governors in both parties made clear they saw things differently, noting they have primary responsibility for ensuring public safety in their states and would decide when it’s safe to begin a return to normal operations.
“The president’s position is just absurd,” said New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo in an appearance earlier Tuesday on “CBS This Morning.” “It’s not the law. It’s not the Constitution. We don’t have a king. We have a president.”
Cuomo also said that if the president tried to reopen New York in a way that would endanger the health of state residents, he wouldn’t do it, adding he would take the decision to the courts for a final say.
As of Tuesday midday, New York state had more than 202,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus — more than any other country in the world. Nationwide, there were more than 594,200 cases and more than 25,400 deaths as of Tuesday afternoon.
Trump: I’m ‘Captain,’ Governors Are’ Mutineers’: AP
Cuomo Says Trump Is Not A King, Can’t Force States To Reopen: AP
5 Takeaways On What Trump Knew As The Virus Spread: The New York Times
Meanwhile, scientists in Brazil have stopped part of a study on a malaria drug touted as a possible coronavirus treatment after a quarter of the people given higher doses developed heart rhythm problems, increasing the risk of a potentially fatal heart arrhythmia.
Chloroquine and a newer, similar drug called hydroxychloroquine, have been lauded by Trump after some small, early tests suggested the drugs might curb the virus from entering cells. However, the drugs have long been known to have potentially serious side effects, including altering the heartbeat in a way that could lead to sudden death.
Heart Woes Spur Partial Stop Of Chloroquine Drug Study For Virus
As Americans and political leaders alike debate which services should be considered essential during coronavirus shutdowns, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida sparked a potential new debate Tuesday when he made an addition to the list of essential services that can operate in the state: WWE wrestling matches.
Under DeSantis’ original stay-at-home order issue April 3, World Wrestling Entertainment wrestling bouts and other televised sports programs were deemed nonessential. The governor did a similar about-face earlier when he first called religious services nonessential and then reversed his decision.
In DeSantis’ defense regarding WWE wrestling, the amendment allows WWE to resume televising “Monday Night Raw,” “SmackDown” and “NXT” matches live from the company’s training facility in Orlando and Full Sail University in Winter Park. While wrestling superstars, film crews and WWE officials are allowed to attend, fans are not.
The WWE noted that it’s following all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to protect the wrestlers and employees.
WWE Essential Service During Coronavirus Crisis Says FL Governor
U.S. Now Has the World’s Deadliest Coronavirus Outbreak: Bloomberg
Federal Projections Show Spike In Infections If Shelter-In-Place Orders Lifted At 30 Days: NYT
The Coronavirus Was Spreading. The Parties Went On. Now Comes The Pain: Washington Post
U.S. Coronavirus: New Task Force To Focus On Reopening Country
Numbers: Latest U.S. Confirmed Cases And Death
U.S. Coronavirus: Unemployment Claims Show 1 In 10 Have Lost Jobs
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Dems Want Racial Breakdown Of Cases
Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday introduced legislation to compel federal health officials to post data daily that breaks down COVID-19 cases and deaths by race and ethnicity.
Tax Change In Aid Package Benefits Millionaires
Over 80 percent of tax change benefits in the coronavirus relief bill go to those who earn more than $1 million annually, a study says.
NJ Offers 1st Saliva Test
A groundbreaking coronavirus saliva test developed at Rutgers will be offered starting Wednesday at the Edison test site. It is quicker and painless.
Click Here: Cheap QLD Maroons Jersey Stars Give MA Hospital Red Sox Tickets
John Krasinski had the COVID-19 unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston as guests on his new online show “Some Good News.”
NYC Coronavirus Claims Teachers, Staffers
Since schools shut down, 21 teachers, 22 paraprofessionals, two administrators and a cafeteria worker have lost their lives to COVID-19.
Mother Of Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns Dies
Jacqueline Towns contracted the disease last month and had been in a medically induced coma.
Court Sets May Teleconference Arguments
The Supreme Court will hear 10 cases between May 4 and May 13. In addition to fights over subpoenas for Trump’s financial records, they include two cases about whether presidential electors are required to cast their Electoral College ballots for the candidate who won their state.
Medical Experts Blast CA Herd Immunity Theory
A Stanford Hoover fellow believes Californians developed herd immunity from early COVID-19 exposure. Medical experts aren’t buying it.
GA Girl Scout Shares Sweet Treats
The Georgia teenager became inspired and decided to donate cookies to Atlanta police stations and firehouses under the strain of the coronavirus.
CT Extends Nonessential Business Closures
Gov. Ned Lamont made it official and extended the closing of all nonessential businesses in the state until May 20, which coincides with how long schools are ordered closed as well.
Long Island Car Buffs Give B-Day Parades
Watch as a group of local car enthusiasts held daily parades for LI children stuck at home on their birthday during coronavirus pandemic.
PA Curve Flattens; State Won’t Reopen
Pennsylvania has been able to “bend the curve” of new coronavirus cases, but it is too early to start considering lifting the mitigation efforts that have helped slow the rate of infections, the state’s top health official said Saturday.
NJ 9/11 Survivor Beats Coronavirus
She saw and heard things she’ll never forget. But after recovering from a harrowing brush with the new coronavirus, a West Orange resident and 9/11 survivor is sharing her “good news” recovery story in an effort to bring hope during a dark time.
Watch: Washington National Cathedral Virtual Choir
The Washington National Cathedral found a way to feature over 600 singers and musicians in its Easter service.
‘Hear It For NY’ Heralds Victories
Every time a coronavirus patient is discharged from Montefiore Medical Center, the loudspeakers blare, “Let’s hear it for New York.”
Stimulus Checks Start This Week