[OFFTOPIC - covid19] White House covid-19 task force briefing is beginning.
There's a lot of very intense standing around.
Surprisingly, Mr. President did not suggest that Mr. Pence was working more than 24 hours a day on the US covid-19 response.
Also, there will be forthcoming benefits to companies like airlines, hotels and cruise ship companies to compensate them for reduced revenues.
Mr. Pence touts the new ability of Americans to pay for their own Covid-19 test by the end of the week, thanks to for-profit testing labs who graciously volunteered to accept people's earnings.
Mr. Pence asserts his success in allowing the Grand Princess passengers to debark the ship, and how he kept all the infected crew on the ship and will not be providing them with health care.
The president will work with the US Senate to give Corprations a payroll tax cut so that they're compensated for the potential losses from their profits due to covid-19.
Dr. Fauci worked with some Australians to document good practices to reduce the risk of infection by covid-19.
Young people are essentially immune to harm from covid-19. The US efforts will aim at the vulnerable population; the elderly.
The administration is now putting a new effort into inspecting nursing homes to ensure infection control is effective and compliant with regulations.
The CDC will screen everyone prior to debarking from the Grand Princess. It's not clear whether anyone who's got covid-19 will be allowed off the ship.
Mr. Azar suggests that tests have always been available for all needed covid-19 tests. By the end of this week, HHS will be able to provide 4 million tests a week.
CDC director Redfield: We're seeing more cases (over 500 in 35 cases and DC). Risk is "low" but there are several community outbreaks around the country.
Q. Stock market - Is this a recession?
Mnuchin: There was an oil move. We're pleased that the US has a very resilient economy. US economy, including small businesses will get every help from this administration.
Mnuchin: There was an oil move. We're pleased that the US has a very resilient economy. US economy, including small businesses will get every help from this administration.
Mnuchin: We're going to provide businesses with sufficient liquidity to get through the next few months.
Q. Why haven't Pence and Trump been tested for covid-19?
Pence: I don't know.
Pence: I don't know.
Pence: Go to Coronavirus.com for your safety.
Q. Was the market a response to Government inaction on Covid-19.
Pence: I'm a week-and-a-half in and everyone is doing a great job with decisive actions. We're putting the health of the American people first, but there will be more infections and deaths.
Pence: I'm a week-and-a-half in and everyone is doing a great job with decisive actions. We're putting the health of the American people first, but there will be more infections and deaths.
Q. More orgs are cancelling fundraising and public events. Is this prudent? Should we be taking cruises?
Fauci: People taking an abundance of caution with community spread for undetected cases seems prudent.
No comment on campaign rallies. It depends on community spread.
Fauci: People taking an abundance of caution with community spread for undetected cases seems prudent.
No comment on campaign rallies. It depends on community spread.
Q. Cruises over spring break?
Fauci: If you're a healthy young person, you're not at risk. If you are elderly or have underlying conditions, do NOT go on a cruise ship.
Fauci: If you're a healthy young person, you're not at risk. If you are elderly or have underlying conditions, do NOT go on a cruise ship.
Q. Why was the president so wrong with the number of cases.
Pence: Most people will get better. We'll test more people. Some have "serious flu symptoms???" President wants people to understand that people get better.
Pence: Most people will get better. We'll test more people. Some have "serious flu symptoms???" President wants people to understand that people get better.
Q. How many Americans have been tested?
Q. Are POTUS tweets harmful.
Pence: POTUS leadership makes the difference. We're working seamlessly to work on this. Mr. Azar can address the test count.
Q. Are POTUS tweets harmful.
Pence: POTUS leadership makes the difference. We're working seamlessly to work on this. Mr. Azar can address the test count.
Azar: Labs report back to CDC via the public health network. About 900k tests go to hospitals and private (for-profit) labs that they have tested or the results of that test.
Pence: Go to coronavirus.gov for information on how to practically make your house and business safer from infectious diseases. The risk of contracting Covid-19 is low outside of areas where there is community transmission [which is most of the country]
[end of transmission]
