After promoting the idea that both sunlight and injecting disinfectant could help tackle Covid-19, Donald Trump claimed his comments were sarcastic.
"I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters ... to see what would happen," the president said on Friday as he signed another coronavirus relief bill into law. He had faced a torrent of ridicule for his comments, which were directed at doctors on his coronavirus taskforce, not at reporters.
FDA commissioner Dr Stephen Hahn didn't think it was something to joke about, saying he "certainly wouldn't recommend the internal ingestion of a disinfectant."
While somewhat overlooked among the disinfectant injections reaction, the FDA also issued a strong warning on Friday over malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in treating coronavirus due to risk of heart rhythm problems. The president has repeatedly called on people to use the untested drugs, at one point pleading "What do you have to lose?"
US Navy officials, meanwhile, recommended that Captain Brett Crozier be restored to his post as commander of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt after sending a letter to the Secretary of Defence pleading for help with a coronavirus outbreak on the vessel. That letter was leaked to the media leading to his dismissal.
It came as a second US Navy ship was hit by a major coronavirus outbreak, with at least 18 sailors aboard destroyer USS Kidd testing positive in the Eastern Pacific.
Something was amiss going into the daily White House coronavirus press briefing, with correspondents reporting that the administration was trying to move reporters around the room.
In what may be a first for Trump's daily coronavirus press conferences, the president cut short his usual marathon session without taking any questions. Shortly after Vice President Mike Pence delivered his word salad, Trump walked directly out as reporters shouted from the gallery "is now the time for sarcasm?"
Trump's disinfectant comments 'irresponsible and dangerous'
Donald Trump is facing pushback after asking if "something like" disinfection could be injected into the lungs to treat the virus.
Donald Trump is facing pushback after asking if "something like" disinfection could be injected into the lungs to treat the virus.
Here are his comments from yesterday's White House press briefing:
"And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because, you see, it gets on the lungs, and it does a tremendous number on the lungs. So it'd be interesting to check that. So that you're going to have to use medical doctors, but it sounds — it sounds interesting to me."
"And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because, you see, it gets on the lungs, and it does a tremendous number on the lungs. So it'd be interesting to check that. So that you're going to have to use medical doctors, but it sounds — it sounds interesting to me."
Dr. Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist told NBC news: "This notion of injecting or ingesting any type of cleansing product into the body is irresponsible, and it's dangerous,"
"It's a common method that people utilise when they want to kill themselves."
Australia calls for WHO reform - but stops short of siding with US
Australia's prime minister has levelled criticism against the World Health Organisation - but stopped short of siding with the US decision to withdraw funding from the body.
Australia's prime minister has levelled criticism against the World Health Organisation - but stopped short of siding with the US decision to withdraw funding from the body.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters: "What happens at the upper echelons of these organisations, and how they operate, I think is in need of change."
"Australia will continue to advocate for that change with like-minded countries who share our concerns", he added.
"What ultimate decision the United States ultimately takes on funding will be a matter for them. We will certainly want to see an improved set of arrangements at the WHO, and we'll continue to push for that through the forums as a participant, as a member, as someone who understands and publicly states the value of the work that it does on the ground. So, I think that's a constructive but not uncritical partner,
Trump suggests injecting disinfectant as coronavirus treatment
Donald Trump, a businessman by training and trade, floated more trial medical balloons on Thursday night – repeatedly suggesting disinfectant be injected into the bodies of humans to cure coronavirus patients while doubling down on his claims that sunlight kills the deadly virus, write John T Bennet.
Donald Trump, a businessman by training and trade, floated more trial medical balloons on Thursday night – repeatedly suggesting disinfectant be injected into the bodies of humans to cure coronavirus patients while doubling down on his claims that sunlight kills the deadly virus, write John T Bennet.
A senior health official, under questioning from reporters, later said federal laboratories are not considering or trying to develop such a treatment option.
Read more on a press conference of trial balloons and troubling suggestions below:
Read more on a press conference of trial balloons and troubling suggestions below:
Trump suggests injecting disinfectant as coronavirus treatment
‘Not as a treatment,’ top White House disease expert says, contradicting president on sunlight killing Covid-19
Researchers say hot countries dispel president's claim sunlight can tackle virus
Researchers convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine have told the White House it would not be fair to assume humidity and temperature are linked to reductions in virus cases - despite the assertions of the president.
The group, who analysed studies done so far to test virus survival under different laboratory conditions as well as tracking where and how Covid-19 has spread so far, wrote in response to the White House Office of Science and Technology: "Given that countries currently in 'summer' climates, such as Australia and Iran, are experiencing rapid virus spread, a decrease in cases with increases in humidity and temperature elsewhere should not be assumed".
They noted that during 10 previous flu pandemics, regardless of what season they started, all had a peak second wave about six months after the virus emerged.
Researchers convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine have told the White House it would not be fair to assume humidity and temperature are linked to reductions in virus cases - despite the assertions of the president.
The group, who analysed studies done so far to test virus survival under different laboratory conditions as well as tracking where and how Covid-19 has spread so far, wrote in response to the White House Office of Science and Technology: "Given that countries currently in 'summer' climates, such as Australia and Iran, are experiencing rapid virus spread, a decrease in cases with increases in humidity and temperature elsewhere should not be assumed".
They noted that during 10 previous flu pandemics, regardless of what season they started, all had a peak second wave about six months after the virus emerged.
More backlash from medical professionals on Trump's 'disinfectant' claims
FDA commissioner Dr Stephen Hahn, who himself sits on the government’s coronavirus told CNN that he “certainly wouldn’t recommend the internal ingestion of a disinfectant”; on the same discussion panel, Baltimore health commissioner warned viewers: “Do not try these things at home, and follow your doctor’s advice and follow good public health guidance.”
Dr Eugene Gu, a politically active physician with a large social media following, tweeted bluntly that “Injecting disinfectant into your body will kill you.
“While it feels completely unnecessary to even say this, people drank fish tank cleaner containing chloroquine because of what they heard from rumors about the substance. We must fight deadly misinformation no matter how stupid.”
Read more below:
FDA commissioner Dr Stephen Hahn, who himself sits on the government’s coronavirus told CNN that he “certainly wouldn’t recommend the internal ingestion of a disinfectant”; on the same discussion panel, Baltimore health commissioner warned viewers: “Do not try these things at home, and follow your doctor’s advice and follow good public health guidance.”
Dr Eugene Gu, a politically active physician with a large social media following, tweeted bluntly that “Injecting disinfectant into your body will kill you.
“While it feels completely unnecessary to even say this, people drank fish tank cleaner containing chloroquine because of what they heard from rumors about the substance. We must fight deadly misinformation no matter how stupid.”
Read more below:
Doctors rush to warn against Trump's suggestion that injecting disinfectant could treat coronavirus
One medic said even her nine-year-old knows that household products are toxic
Dettol owners warn off Trump's disinfectant claim
Reckitt Benckiser, the company behind the disinfectant Dettol, has urged that no one apply their products to the human body.
"Due to recent speculation and social media activity, RB (the makers of Lysol and Dettol) has been asked whether internal administration of disinfectants may be appropriate for investigation or use as a treatment for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)", the firm said in a statement.
"As a global leader in health and hygiene products, we must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route).
"As with all products, our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines. Please read the label and safety information."
Reckitt Benckiser, the company behind the disinfectant Dettol, has urged that no one apply their products to the human body.
"Due to recent speculation and social media activity, RB (the makers of Lysol and Dettol) has been asked whether internal administration of disinfectants may be appropriate for investigation or use as a treatment for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)", the firm said in a statement.
"As a global leader in health and hygiene products, we must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route).
"As with all products, our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines. Please read the label and safety information."
Democrat and Republican truce begins to fracture over state and city aid
The cracks are beginning to show in a seven week congressional truce that has led Republicans and Democrats together to spend $3trillion on coronavirus relief - with aid for cities and states sticking as the dividing line.
Spurred on by governors and local officials, Democrats have put out the word that they want to provide a sizeable rescue package as part of a broader bill - one that could total at least $2 trillion in coming weeks.
Their agenda has some Republicans seething, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell telling conservative talk-radio host Hugh Hewitt on Wednesday that he "would certainly be in favor" of letting states enter bankruptcy rather than send them cash.
The leading US Democrat, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, shot back on Thursday, saying: "Oh really? What made you think that was a good idea?"
Some governors called it a recipe for collapsing the US economy if congress allowed states such as Michigan and Illinois to declare bankruptcy.
The cracks are beginning to show in a seven week congressional truce that has led Republicans and Democrats together to spend $3trillion on coronavirus relief - with aid for cities and states sticking as the dividing line.
Spurred on by governors and local officials, Democrats have put out the word that they want to provide a sizeable rescue package as part of a broader bill - one that could total at least $2 trillion in coming weeks.
Their agenda has some Republicans seething, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell telling conservative talk-radio host Hugh Hewitt on Wednesday that he "would certainly be in favor" of letting states enter bankruptcy rather than send them cash.
The leading US Democrat, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, shot back on Thursday, saying: "Oh really? What made you think that was a good idea?"
Some governors called it a recipe for collapsing the US economy if congress allowed states such as Michigan and Illinois to declare bankruptcy.
Trump claims CNN made up report that Kim Jong-un is ill in angry outburst at female reporter
Last night Donald Trump said he believes reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is gravely ill were made up by CNN, as he launched an angry attack on one of the network's reporters at a White House briefing on the coronavirus pandemic.
Asked if he heard any more about the condition of the dictator, whom he has previously said he "loves", the president said: "I think the report was incorrect, let me just put it that way."
More below:
Last night Donald Trump said he believes reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is gravely ill were made up by CNN, as he launched an angry attack on one of the network's reporters at a White House briefing on the coronavirus pandemic.
Asked if he heard any more about the condition of the dictator, whom he has previously said he "loves", the president said: "I think the report was incorrect, let me just put it that way."
More below:
Trump claims CNN made up report that Kim Jong-un is ill in angry outburst at female reporter
'No that's enough. The problem is you don't write the truth'
Coming up later - Trump to sign off on an additional $500bn of relief
Donald Trump will be holding a signing ceremony later today for a bill providing a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six US jobs.
The measure passed Congress almost unanimously yesterday, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.
Lawmakers' face masks and bandannas added a somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic
Donald Trump will be holding a signing ceremony later today for a bill providing a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six US jobs.
The measure passed Congress almost unanimously yesterday, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.
Lawmakers' face masks and bandannas added a somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic
Dettol tells people not to inject disinfectant after Trump suggests it could fight coronavirus
Two top household brands in the UK and US, Dettol and Lysol, have issued a statement cautioning against the use of their cleaning products to treat coronavirus ‘in no circumstances’ after Donald Trump claimed that disinfectant could be used to weaken the disease.
The US president has been condemned after he suggested it would be “interesting to check” whether a disinfectant injection could help combat coronavirus.
More below:
Two top household brands in the UK and US, Dettol and Lysol, have issued a statement cautioning against the use of their cleaning products to treat coronavirus ‘in no circumstances’ after Donald Trump claimed that disinfectant could be used to weaken the disease.
The US president has been condemned after he suggested it would be “interesting to check” whether a disinfectant injection could help combat coronavirus.
More below:
Dettol tells people not to inject disinfectant after Trump suggests it could fight coronavirus
Household brands Dettol and Lysol denounce Donald Trump’s comments on disinfectant treatment with statement
Biden's popularity with older voters could help him beat Trump, polls show
A string of recent polls show troubling signs for Donald Trump with older voters, a group central to his reelection effort that appears to be drifting away from him amid a pandemic that has been especially deadly for the elderly.
Former vice president Joe Biden, whose support from older voters helped him lead the primaries, appears to be carrying over some of that appeal into the general election.
A string of recent polls show troubling signs for Donald Trump with older voters, a group central to his reelection effort that appears to be drifting away from him amid a pandemic that has been especially deadly for the elderly.
Former vice president Joe Biden, whose support from older voters helped him lead the primaries, appears to be carrying over some of that appeal into the general election.
With Mr Trump seeing sagging approval ratings over his handling of the coronavirus crisis, Mr Biden's campaign is attempting to capitalise with a group that has traditionally leaned towards the Republican party.
More below:
More below:
Biden's popularity with older voters could help him beat Trump, polls show
The demographic is central to the president's reelection hopes
Trump's coronavirus response to be probed by new House watchdog panel
Yesterday the House voted to create a Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, setting up what is certain to be a contentious new forum for partisan battles over the Trump administration's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The panel will be chaired by Majority Whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, a longtime ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Yesterday the House voted to create a Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, setting up what is certain to be a contentious new forum for partisan battles over the Trump administration's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The panel will be chaired by Majority Whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, a longtime ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
More below:
Trump's coronavirus response to be probed by new House watchdog panel
The new select panel of seven Democrats and five Republicans is certain to be a contentious new forum for partisan battles over the Trump administration's response to the Covid-19 pandemic as 2020 presidential election approaches
Biden - Trump will attempt to postpone election
The presumptive Democratic presidential candidate, Joe Biden, has said he believes Donald Trump will postpone November’s election amid the coronavirus pandemic to boost his chances of re-election.
“Mark my words, I think he is gonna try to kick back the election somehow, come up with some rationale why it can’t be held,” said Mr Biden during an online campaign event, according to a pool report.
“That’s the only way he thinks he can possibly win.”
More below:
The presumptive Democratic presidential candidate, Joe Biden, has said he believes Donald Trump will postpone November’s election amid the coronavirus pandemic to boost his chances of re-election.
“Mark my words, I think he is gonna try to kick back the election somehow, come up with some rationale why it can’t be held,” said Mr Biden during an online campaign event, according to a pool report.
“That’s the only way he thinks he can possibly win.”
More below:
Biden thinks Trump will try to delay US election
‘Mark my words: I think he is gonna try to kick back the election somehow’, warns Joe Biden
EPA advises against disinfectant use on humans
The Environmental Protection Agency is reminding people to only use disinfectant on surfaces following the president's comments.
In a statement the EPA said, "Never apply the product to yourself or others. Do not ingest disinfectant products."
William Bryan of the Department of Homeland Security said at a White House briefing on Thursday "emerging results" from new research suggest solar light has a powerful effect in killing the virus on surfaces and in the air.
But he said there was no consideration of internal use of disinfectants.
The Environmental Protection Agency is reminding people to only use disinfectant on surfaces following the president's comments.
In a statement the EPA said, "Never apply the product to yourself or others. Do not ingest disinfectant products."
William Bryan of the Department of Homeland Security said at a White House briefing on Thursday "emerging results" from new research suggest solar light has a powerful effect in killing the virus on surfaces and in the air.
But he said there was no consideration of internal use of disinfectants.
One in four Americans say someone in their household has lost their job - poll
One out of every four American adults say someone in their household has lost a job to the coronavirus pandemic, but the vast majority expect those former jobs will return once the crisis passes, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
The economic devastation writ by Covid-19 is clear: 26.4 million people have lost their job in the past five weeks, millions of homeowners are delaying mortgage payments and food banks are seeing lines of cars that stretch for miles. Forty-six percent of all Americans say their household has experienced some form of income loss from layoffs, reduced hours, unpaid leave or salary reductions.
And yet, the survey finds a majority of Americans still feel positive about their personal finances. One possible reason: Among those whose households have experienced a layoff, 78% believe those former jobs will definitely or probably return. Another positive sign: The percentage of workers who say their household has lost a source of income is not significantly different from a few weeks ago.
Seventy-one per cent of Americans now describe the national economy as poor, up from 60 per cent three weeks ago and 33 per cent in January. At the same time, 64% call their personal financial situation good — a number that remains largely unchanged since before the virus outbreak began.
One out of every four American adults say someone in their household has lost a job to the coronavirus pandemic, but the vast majority expect those former jobs will return once the crisis passes, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
The economic devastation writ by Covid-19 is clear: 26.4 million people have lost their job in the past five weeks, millions of homeowners are delaying mortgage payments and food banks are seeing lines of cars that stretch for miles. Forty-six percent of all Americans say their household has experienced some form of income loss from layoffs, reduced hours, unpaid leave or salary reductions.
And yet, the survey finds a majority of Americans still feel positive about their personal finances. One possible reason: Among those whose households have experienced a layoff, 78% believe those former jobs will definitely or probably return. Another positive sign: The percentage of workers who say their household has lost a source of income is not significantly different from a few weeks ago.
Seventy-one per cent of Americans now describe the national economy as poor, up from 60 per cent three weeks ago and 33 per cent in January. At the same time, 64% call their personal financial situation good — a number that remains largely unchanged since before the virus outbreak began.
No 10 says Trump suggestion disinfectant can treat coronavirus ‘not being looked at here’
The UK prime minister's has dismissed Donald Trump's suggestion that injections of disinfectant could treat coronavirus, saying "it's not something that's being looked at here".
Pressed on whether it was responsible for Mr Trump to make such comments, the spokesperson said: "We can only speak for the UK’s response".
More below:
The UK prime minister's has dismissed Donald Trump's suggestion that injections of disinfectant could treat coronavirus, saying "it's not something that's being looked at here".
Pressed on whether it was responsible for Mr Trump to make such comments, the spokesperson said: "We can only speak for the UK’s response".
More below:
No 10 says Trump suggestion disinfectant can treat coronavirus ‘not being looked at here’
Household brands Dettol and Lysol issued warned the public that in 'no circumstances' should their products be used as a treatment
US boycotts launch of global vaccine initiative led by WHO
The United States will not take part in the launching of a global initiative on Friday to speed the development, production and distribution of drugs and vaccines against Covid-19, a spokesman for the US mission in Geneva told Reuters.
"There will be no US official participation", he said in an email reply to a query. "We look forward to learning more about this initiative in support of international cooperation to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 as soon as possible."
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a suspension of funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), where it is the largest donor. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will help launch the global initiative later today.
The United States will not take part in the launching of a global initiative on Friday to speed the development, production and distribution of drugs and vaccines against Covid-19, a spokesman for the US mission in Geneva told Reuters.
"There will be no US official participation", he said in an email reply to a query. "We look forward to learning more about this initiative in support of international cooperation to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 as soon as possible."
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a suspension of funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), where it is the largest donor. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will help launch the global initiative later today.
How does the coronavirus death rate compare across different parts of the US?
The coronavirus has spread to all 50 states, hitting the northeast especially hard. Regional patterns reveal the challenges faced by different states as they work to combat the virus.
Here's how death rates compare across different parts of the country:
The coronavirus has spread to all 50 states, hitting the northeast especially hard. Regional patterns reveal the challenges faced by different states as they work to combat the virus.
Here's how death rates compare across different parts of the country:
How does the coronavirus death rate compare across different parts of the US?
Prevention measures vary in different states across America
Amazon worker who was fired after raising safety concerns is starting a revolution from the outside
Christian Smalls was fired after organising a walkout at the Amazon warehouse where he worked over safety concerns due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Now, he tells Richard Hall, he's continuing his fight from the outside.
Christian Smalls was fired after organising a walkout at the Amazon warehouse where he worked over safety concerns due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Now, he tells Richard Hall, he's continuing his fight from the outside.
More below:
Amazon worker who was fired after raising safety concerns is starting a revolution from the outside
Christian Smalls was fired after organising a walkout at the Amazon warehouse where he worked over safety concerns due to the coronavirus outbreak. Now, he tells Richard Hall, he's continuing his fight from the outside.
Puerto Rico police confirm death of officer
Authorities say a 28-year veteran with Puerto Rico's police department has become the first officer to die of Covid-19.
A spokesman said 56-year-old Miguel Martinez Ortiz died early Friday after being hospitalised nearly three weeks ago. Martinez was part of a federal task force with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Hundreds of officers remain in a two-week quarantine for symptoms and possible exposure to the coronavirus.
Puerto Rico has reported at least 77 deaths and more than 1,270 confirmed cases. Only some 12,680 people have been tested on an island of 3.2 million.
Authorities say a 28-year veteran with Puerto Rico's police department has become the first officer to die of Covid-19.
A spokesman said 56-year-old Miguel Martinez Ortiz died early Friday after being hospitalised nearly three weeks ago. Martinez was part of a federal task force with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Hundreds of officers remain in a two-week quarantine for symptoms and possible exposure to the coronavirus.
Puerto Rico has reported at least 77 deaths and more than 1,270 confirmed cases. Only some 12,680 people have been tested on an island of 3.2 million.
