Coronavirus – Trump declares ’15 days to stop the spread’ and admits crisis could last until AUGUST
DONALD Trump has said the US has 15 days to slow the spread of the coronavirus – and acknowledged the pandemic could last until August.
A statement issued by the White House set out a new set of guidelines to address the , discouraging people across America from leaving their homes or gathering in public places.
Asked at a press conference yesterday evening whether the measures represented a “new normal”, the said: “We’ll see what happens.
“But they think August, could be July, could be longer than that.
“But I’ve asked that question many many times.”
A on the White House’s website said the new guidelines were “simple to follow but will have a resounding impact on public health.”
It said that citizens should stay at home if they are experiencing any symptoms associated with coronavirus, if anyone in their household has tested positive for the virus, or if you are an older person or have underlying health conditions.
The new guidelines said people should avoid bars and social gatherings of ten or more and to use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options instead of going to restaurants.
They also appealed to anyone working in critical infrastructure areas like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or food supply to continue to go to work if possible.
The statement also reminded people to minimise their own risk by washing their hands regularly and wiping down surfaces around the home.
“Every American can help slow the virus’ spread and keep our most high-risk populations safe,” it said.
The growth of the epidemic has seen tents set up outside hospitals to deal with extra patients and prompted health officials to warn they may not have enough equipment to meet increased demand.
Reports have also emerged of nurses being unable to return to work because they were unable to get tested after being exposed to patients with the coronavirus.
STATES TAKE ACTION
The new guidelines came after states across the country measures of their own to stop the spread of the virus.
New Jersey urged residents to abide by an 8pm curfew as some cities within the state issued mandatory lockdowns.
The state also called in the National Guard to help with drive-thru coronavirus testing, helping to convert buildings for quarantines if needed, and distributing food to kids during school closings.
Governor Phil Murphy said: “All non-essential and non-emergency travel in Jersey is strongly discouraged beginning tonight at 8pm until 5am each day.
“This will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. We want everybody to be home, not out.”
More than 3,000 miles away, San Francisco followed suit to encourage social distancing as they banned residents from leaving their homes expect for essentials such as food and doctor visits.
The order went into effect at midnight on Tuesday, March 17, and will tentatively remain in effect until April 7.
The California city’s mayor, London Breed, stressed the importance of social distancing in a Monday press release.
“When conducting an allowed activity, people must maintain at least six feet of social distancing from everyone other than household members,” the report stated.
California Governor Gavin Newsom suspended evictions and foreclosures for renters and homeowners statewide until May 31.
“People shouldn’t lose or be forced out of their home because of the spread of Covid-19,” Newsom said, after signing an executive order Monday night.
Closures began Monday night across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut.
The three states are taking joint action to reduce restaurant capacity and close, bars, gyms and movie theaters.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted today crowd capacity will be reduced to 50 and restaurants and bars will operate as takeout and delivery only in the three states.
Gyms, movie theaters and casinos will also be closed, effective at 8pm.
The moves come amid reports Donald Trump was in considering imposing a nationwide curfew in light of the pandemic – something later denied by the White House.
In response to a tweet from a CNN correspondent alleging the president is hosting “active discussions” on a non-essential business curfew, Katie Miller, press secretary for Mike Pence, denied the claims.
She wrote: “This is not correct” in response to the tweet, which stated: “There are active discussions within the Trump administration to encourage a possible “curfew” across the nation in which non-essential businesses would have to close by a certain time each night.”
The new measures across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut came as the total number of cases rose to more than 4,300 in the US with 81 deaths.
all seating and play areas over coronavirus fears “to align with increasing regulations throughout the country,” the fast-food chain said on Monday.
The changes – which only allow Drive-Thru, walk-in take-out and McDelivery – were implemented on Tuesday.
Last week, Broadway was shut down for at least a month after the restrictions on public gatherings came into place.
The major city landmarks such as the Metropolitan Museum, the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall also announced they are suspending visits and performances.
New York City’s will shut until at least April.
Mayor Bill de Blasio described the mass school closures as “a very troubling moment, a moment where I am just distraught over having to take this action”.
The extreme measures follow similar protocols put in place in Europe, with Ireland, Spain and Italy currently on lockdown.
Across several European countries bars and restaurants are closed and public gatherings banned.
People are encouraged to stay at home and work remotely wherever possible.
returning from the United Kingdom and Europe are facing up to 6-hour wait times for coronavirus screening at funnel airports.
Passengers flocked to airports over the weekend after President Trump confirmed the US broadened its European coronavirus travel ban to include the UK and Ireland.
But has tried to urge worried Americans to “relax” and stop panic buying supplies.
He urged Americans to be sensible and follow public health advice.
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