Coronavirus in the United States may come to a halt by July-August 2020, says the US President Donald Trump.
The President said this in an interaction with media at the White House on March 16, 2020.
“So, it seems to me that if we do a really good job… people are talking about July, August, something like that. So, it could be right in that period of time where it, I say, it washes through,” reads Trump’s statement.
Issuing the new US coronavirus guidelines, Trump urged the public to restrict social gatherings to less than 10 people indoor or outdoor.
He said the new guidelines from the coronavirus taskforce applies for 15 days and were intended at slowing down the spread rate.
“We’ve made the decision to further toughen the guidelines and blunt the infection now. We’d much rather be ahead of the curve than behind it,” Trump told reporters.
He also hinted that the US may be combating the COVID-19 outbreak until August or longer.
“With several weeks of focused action, we can turn the corner and turn it quickly,” he added.
He also informed that the US Army might be given the task of building temporary hospitals.
The US death toll from the corona virus rose to 87 with around 4,510 cases confirmed positive as of March 17, 2020.
Meanwhile, the National Security Council issued a statement against the fake news around the national lockdown.
“Text message rumors of a national #quarantine is FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19,” the statement reads.
COVID-19 Impact on US Economy, Towards ‘Recession’?
What drew special attention in Trump’s address is about ‘US heading towards recession’!
“Well, it may be,” Trump said in his response to the media queries if US is headed towards a recession.
The President said the administration couldn’t execute domestic travel restrictions to the planned extent.
“We’re not thinking in terms of recession. We’re thinking in terms of the virus,” the president continued. Once we stop, I think there’s a tremendous pent-up demand both in terms of the stock market, in terms of the economy,” says Trump.
Renowned American economist Kevin Hassett reportedly thinks, ‘close to 100% chance of a global recession’. As he predicts, US would likely lose up to 1 million jobs in April 2020. “There’s a whole bunch of really bad numbers coming in. Odds of a global recession are close to 100% right now,” says Kevin.
Senate Republicans called on Trump administration to implement measures to counter economic damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“You know, we’re trying to keep people from getting laid off. And we’re trying to help people on sick leave or take care of their families, whatever the case may be. And we’ve got some pretty distressed industries,” says White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow.
The senate officials also explained on the future consequences and hinted about the next package from the Trump administration to offer due boost the healthcare and airline industries.
He said helping airlines industry would be crucial in the coming package as halt of airlines operations will be a ‘national security threat’.
The US airlines industry has reportedly sought UD 50 billion in grants and loans as a support in the wake of coronavirus losses.
“We are asking — we’re begging people — not to go out, not to go shopping, not to go to restaurants, not to go to bars and clubs and not to take trips. We are imposing restrictions for – and rightfully so, there is economic costs associated with that,” Rubio adds, indicating corona effect on the US economy.
Discussion Around US Covid-19 Relief Packages
Meanwhile, after a complete day negotiations, the House of Representatives finally passed amended version of its ‘coronavirus legislation’. The new bill ensures sick leave to the American workers and covers unemployment insurance. It also ensures coronavirus tests at free of costs for all.
Senators also thought about paid leaves for workers who stay at home due to coronavirus.
To this, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis. says that would be a burden for small businesses “forcing them to pay wages they can’t afford”.
“People are going to have to work. People do need to recognize the fact that this is not Ebola. This is not MERS. It’s not quite the seasonal flu. But we have to keep things in perspective, and we got to keep our economy,” says Johnson.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla pitched on the urgency to reveal the third coronavirus package as soon as this week considering the emergency.
Another Senator, Sen. Mitt Romney called on the Federal Government to immediately release ‘USD 1,000 for every adult’ to ease personal financial strain.
G7 World Leaders To Combat COVID-19
President held a video teleconference with the G7 leaders, where they have expressed complete commitment to fighting COVID-19 outbreak.
As the White House says, the world leaders called COVID-19 as the “human tragedy and a global health crisis,” and expressed their commitment “to do whatever is necessary to ensure a strong global response”.
In conversation with Trump, the leaders from Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Japan called for a ‘strongly coordinated international approach’ in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Everybody is so well unified and working so hard. It is a beautiful thing to see. They love our great Country. We will end up being stronger than ever before!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2020
Besides US, Europe has also been facing the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak with Italy being the major victim.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Safety Precautions
Stay tuned to Indianera for more Coronavirus updates in US and other interesting news stories in India and the world!
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