Mercy Hospital going its own way?

Mercyhealth Rockton Avenue campus to treat COVID-19 patients; City, area hospitals react

Mercyhealth Rockton Avenue campus converted to COVID-19 hospital

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By WIFR Newsroom |

Posted: Thu 10:20 AM, Apr 16, 2020  |

Updated: Thu 5:54 PM, Apr 16, 2020

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) -- On Thursday, Mercyhealth announced a plan to convert its Rockton Avenue hospital into a singular location to treat Rockford’s COVID-19 patients.

At the Rockton Avenue Hospital, Mercyhealth made numerous adjustments to accommodate a COVID-19 surge including enhancing airflow by changing hospital units into negative pressure units and adding a number of critical care beds.

From the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercyhealth has moved COVID-19 patients to the Rockton Avenue Hospital campus, maintaining the Riverside Hospital campus for NON-COVID-19 patients.

“We feel we can safely begin to perform select procedures at our Riverside Hospital campus,” states Javon Bea, President/CEO of Mercyhealth. “We have had numerous requests from patients to open outpatient services such as elective surgeries and radiology imaging services. I am sure the other Rockford hospitals have had similar requests. These services can be safely performed using appropriate protocols and precautions at our Riverside Hospital. We are confident in our plans to care for COVID-19 patients at our Rockton Avenue Hospital and NON-COVID-19 patients at our Riverside Hospital,” Bea adds.

Bea said the hospital had reached out to OSF and SwedishAmerican about their interest in participating in the plan, which would leave their hospitals open to accept NON-COVID-19 patients and perform elective procedures.

Dr. John Dorsey of Mercyhealth says, "We are certainly not looking to be the only ones doing elective surgery, what's good for us is good for everyone in the community... but I also want to make sure that absolutely everybody understands that all three health systems have risen to this along with the government, crusader, etcetera and we are all in this together..."

For the plan to be put in place, . Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara says he's disappointed in this news and says its a unilateral approach to combating the virus.

McNamara says, "We are disappointed that Mercyhealth CEO Javon Bea has chosen to act unilaterally without working through the proper channels and emergency operations center and the COVID-19 policy group... I have reached out to Javon during this crisis and have not heard back nor has he chosen to participate in any of our policy group discussions..."

SwedishAmerican Hospital President and CEO Jennifer Maher responded by saying, “We are shocked and disappointed by Mercyhealth’s announcement today. From day one, SwedishAmerican has been working in close partnership with the City of Rockford, Winnebago County Health Department and area health systems to have a coordinated plan to best care for COVID-19 patients. SwedishAmerican remains confident in our abilities to care for our community.”

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center responded by saying, "Today’s announcement by Mercyhealth was unexpected as we have been working collaboratively with the Winnebago County Health department led Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as a coordinated COVID-19 Policy Group. We are all operating under Governor Pritzker’s executive order to not resume non-essential health care procedures until the order is lifted. We believe it is in the best interest of our communities to support the cohesive response through the EOC during this national pandemic.

Above is from:  https://www.wifr.com/content/news/MercyHealth-Rockton-Avenue-campus-to-treat-COVID-19-patients-569692571.html

Repudiating US Treasury debt owed to China?

Does the Congressman have any elementary idea about the bond market?

Lindsey Graham echoes Tucker Carlson, proposes repudiating Treasury debt owed to China

WRITTEN BY ERIC KLEEFELD

PUBLISHED 04/10/20 3:55 PM EDT

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) appeared Thursday night on Fox News’ Hannity and proposed a stark measure against the Chinese government: refusing to pay U.S. national debt held by China “because they should be paying us” instead as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

CitationFrom the April 9, 2020, edition of Fox News’ Hannity

Graham’s proposal, if congressional Republicans and the Trump administration actually tried to carry it out, would seriously damage America’s standing in international finance — and potentially the entire world economy — and it’s arguably unconstitutional, too.

So where did Graham get this idea? One potential source is Fox News.

On the Monday night edition of Tucker Carlson Tonight, the eponymous host began a segment with author Gordon Chang, a frequent Fox guest and senior fellow at the right-wing and anti-Muslim Gatestone Institute, by claiming, “This pandemic is the direct fault of the government of China,” and stating that “China, of course, should foot the bill for” damages to the United States. (The Fox prime-time host also continued to push the conspiracy theory that  “there is some evidence” the COVID-19 pandemic originated in an infectious disease research facility in Wuhan — “accidentally,” as Carlson put it.

CitationFrom the April 6, 2020, edition of Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight

TUCKER CARLSON (HOST): So you mentioned that they hold over a trillion dollars in Treasurys, in our debt. Why wouldn't we just unilaterally forgive our own debt?

GORDON CHANG (SENIOR FELLOW, GATESTONE INSTITUTE): Well, if we were to do that, and we could easily do it, China would do a couple things. First of all, it would say that it was a repudiation of debt, and then they would bash us. They would say that we're not a responsible member of the global financial system. They would then try to dethrone the dollar. Now, I understand what you're thinking. But the point is that we can sort of avoid those types of charges if we work with the issuers of the other major currencies, and then China is left with no arguments in that regard.

CARLSON: Right.

CHANG: It sounds hard to do that, but nonetheless, when we see what's happening in England right now, especially to the prime minister, I think that the anger there is enough so that we could actually build that coalition to actually get the other issuers to work with us.

CARLSON: Boy, I think that sounds absolutely worth doing.

The potentially disastrous effects of any U.S. debt default — both to the U.S. economy and to markets around the world — have been explored before, during fights between then-President Barack Obama and House Republicans over the debt ceiling. Furthermore, it has long been argued — even in right-wing circles — that repudiating national debt is unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment, which declares that the “validity” of the federal debt “shall not be questioned.”

And as Vox’s Matt Yglesias points out, there might not even be any conceivable mechanism to just default on government bonds selectively held by a single entity, in this case the Chinese government. After all, China could simply sell the bonds back out on the open market at the first hint of such a policy coming forward in any serious manner.

So even if this scheme was attempted, it would likely not work to its desired end of punishing China. But at the same time, America’s economic health and standing in the world could still be seriously damaged just by the attempt to implement Fox News’ blust

Above is from:  https://www.mediamatters.org/coronavirus-covid-19/lindsey-graham-echoes-tucker-carlson-proposes-repudiating-treasury-debt-owed

Can both Beloit and Rockford have a casino?

Beloit casino gets federal approval, heads to governor's desk

• By Austin Montgomery Adams Publishing Group
• Apr 16, 2020 Updated 22 min ago
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This computer-generated image shows the proposed Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin casino in Beloit. The project received federal approval Thursday,.

Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin

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BELOIT

The Ho-Chunk Nation’s casino and resort plan in Beloit took a major step forward Thursday, receiving the federal approval it needed to move closer to a potential groundbreaking.

The project received approval from the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs and is expected to be published in the Federal Register at a later date, said Ryan Greendeer, Ho-Chunk Nation public information officer.

The proposal now goes to Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, who is set to make a two-part determination, which is required on gaming fee-to-trust acquisitions.

The proposal would allow the transfer of 33 acres of land into trust status as part of a larger 73.5-acre plot owned by Ho-Chunk near Willowbrook and Colley roads in Beloit. The site is adjacent to Interstate 90/39 on the west side of the Interstate, almost directly across from the Beloit Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center.

If Evers approves, Greendeer clarified Thursday that the project would “be done in phases.”

The decision by Evers cannot come in the form of a line-item veto aimed at separate parts of the project, he added.

“It’s either thumbs up or thumbs down,” Greendeer said.

In February 2018, Evers, then running for governor as the state superintendent of public instruction, said in an interview with the Beloit Daily News that he would sign the proposal. He backed off outright support of the plan after he was elected governor that November, saying he would carefully review it “to ensure fair consideration” for all parties.

A spokesperson for Evers could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.

In February 2019, a draft white paper prepared by former Gov. Scott Walker’s Division of Gaming confirmed the Ho-Chunk Nation is entitled to one more casino through the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passed by Congress in 1988.

The project options identified during the process included the full plan (casino, hotel, water park, conference center, adjacent retail component); a reduced casino and commercial development; only a retail development; and a no action/no development option.

Ho-Chunk, Beloit and Rock County officials support the full project option. The project is projected to create 1,500 jobs in Beloit, according to the tribe.

“We’ve been operating under the assumption that we’re doing the full project. …So we start with the infrastructure and work our way to the casino and restaurants, the hotel and conference center, water park and retail. I think the ultimate decision on each will come as they’re approached at that phase,” Greendeer said.

He said the tribe is currently working through design plans on the full-scale project.

The effort has been decades in the making and has seen steady progress since 2018.

Last May, the Bureau of Indian Affairs published a notice of availability of a final environmental impact statement for the project and responded to public comments made last year. That announcement followed a draft environmental impact statement published Nov. 9, 2018, which prompted a public hearing on the development on Dec. 11 that year.

A proposal for a Hard Rock International casino in Rockford, Illinois—at the site of the former Clock Tower Resort—was approved last October. That proposal is currently under review by the Illinois Gaming Board.

Reacting to the federal approval Thursday, officials were mindful of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beloit City Manager Lori Curtis Luther said the city is focused on its virus response but welcomes the federal approval.

“While the federal approval of Ho-Chunk Nation’s application to place land in trust and allow Las Vegas-style gambling at an entertainment destination in Beloit is news we have waited many years to receive, we must remain focused on the current state of emergency,” Luther said.

“Unequivocally, our highest priority is doing everything we possibly can to keep our staff and the public safe. Once this crisis is over, we look forward to celebrating this amazing announcement that will bring much-needed future revenue and jobs to Beloit.”

Ho-Chunk Nation Vice President Karena Thundercloud agreed, saying the tribe is focused on protecting its members.

“The Ho-Chunk Nation’s focus remains on keeping people safe. We’re prioritizing critical programs and services the same as any other government, but we’re a resilient people,” Thundercloud said. “This’ll help the community tremendously.”

Above is from:  https://www.gazettextra.com/news/local/beloit-casino-gets-federal-approval-heads-to-governors-desk/article_58e1b9ab-be6d-52d0-b2ec-7d4b5324dbc7.html

Plan to Open Up America Again

Read the 18 page guideline booklet---GO TO:  https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19907329/Guidelines_PDF.pdf

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A look at new guidance to states on the coronavirus

By KEVIN FREKING, Associated Press - Associated Press - Thursday, April 16, 2020

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has issued new guidelines for states, individuals and employers on how to gradually revive activity and ease up on social distancing in areas where coronavirus cases are on the decline.
The guidelines, distributed to governors Thursday, are published under the headline “Opening Up America Again.” They follow concerns voiced by President Donald Trump about the need to get more people back to work and to shopping as millions of Americans lose their jobs.

A look at the guidelines:
— BEFORE PHASE ONE: What states or regions must do before proceeding to a phased opening of their economies:
Among the boxes that must be checked are a downward trajectory of documented COVID-19 cases within a 14-day period and a robust testing program in place for at-risk health care workers. Other criteria include a downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses reported within a 14-day period and hospitals having enough protective gear for their workers and enough beds, ventilators and other needed supplies to treat all patients.
— PHASE ONE:
The guidance affects certain employers differently. For example, schools and organized youth activities that are currently closed, such as daycare, should remain closed. The guidance also says that bars should remain closed. However, larger venues such as movie theaters, churches, ballparks and arenas can operate but under strict distancing protocols.

Also under phase one, vulnerable individuals such as elderly people and those with underlying health conditions should continue to shelter in place. Individuals who do go out should avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in places that don’t provide appropriate physical distancing. Trade shows and receptions are cited as examples.
The guidelines also recommend minimizing nonessential travel during phase one.
— PHASE TWO:
The guidelines say nonessential travel can resume, however all vulnerable individuals should continue to shelter in place. When people go out in public, they should avoid social settings with more than 50 people when appropriate physical distancing is not practical.
Employers in phase two are asked to continue to encourage telework when possible and to close common areas where personnel are likely to congregate or they should enforce “moderate social distancing protocols.”

Schools and daycare can reopen. Bars may open but should leave less room for people to stand around when possible.
— PHASE THREE:
In this phase, vulnerable individuals can resume going out in public but should practice physical distancing. Visits to senior care centers and hospitals can also resume, though those who interact with residents and patients must remain diligent about following good hygiene practices, namely washing their hands frequently. Meanwhile, low-risk populations should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments. Employers can resume unrestricted staffing of worksites.
There is no set timeline for moving through each of the three phases.

April 16: 25,733 COVID-19 cases in Illinois

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. JB Pritzker has ordered Illinois residents to stay at home. Executive Order No. 10 requires all residents to stay home, with exceptions for essential needs or business activities. Gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited. The order extends through April 30, 2020.

COVID-19 Statistics

Positive (Confirmed)

25,733

Deaths

1,072

Total Tests Performed*

122,589

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Illinois Test Results

Positive Cases

(25,733  4-16-2020)  (24,593 4-15-2020)  (23,247 4-14-2020)  (22,025 4-13-2020)  (20,852 4-12-2020) (19,180 4-11-2020 ) (17,887 4-10-2020) (16,422 4-9-2020) (15,078 4-8-2020) (13,549 4-7-2020) (12,262 4-6-2020) (11,256 4-5-2020) (10,357 4/4/2020) (8,904-- 4/3/2020) (7,695-- 4/2/2020)   (6,980-- 4/1/2020) (5,994-- 3/31/2020)  (5,05--7 3/30/2020) (4,596-- 3/29/2020)

Daily increase in positive cases:

Deaths

(1,072  4-16-2020) (948 4-15-2020)  (866 4-14-2020) (794 4-13-2020)  (720 4-12-2020) (677 4-11-2020)(596 4-10-2020) (528 4-9-2020) (462 4-8-2020) (380 4-7-2020)(307 4-6-2020) (274 4-5-2020) (243—4-4-2020) (210-- 4-3-2020) (157 4-2-2020)(141 4/1/2020) (99 3/31/2020) (73 3/30/2020)  (65 3/29/2020)

Total Persons Tested*

(122,589  4-16-2020)  (116,929 4-15-2020) (110,616 4-14-2020)  (105,768 4-13-2020) (100,735 4-12-2020) (92,779 4-11-2020) (87,527 4-10-2020) (86,857 4-9-2020) (75,066 4-8-2020) (68,732 4-7-2020) (62,942 4-6-2020) (58,983 4-5-2020) (53,581—4-4-2020)  (48,048-- 4-3-2020) (43,653-- 4/2/2020) (40,384-- 4/1/2020) (35,225-- 3-31-2020) (30,446-- 3/30/2020)  (27,762-- 3/29/2020)

_{*Total number of people reported electronically for testing of COVID-19 at IDPH, commercial or hospital laboratories. Deaths are included in the number of positive cases
All numbers displayed are provisional and subject to change.}

Information to be updated daily.

Above is from: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid19-statistics

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PROJECTIONS from:  http://www.healthdata.org/research-article/forecasting-covid-19-impact-hospital-bed-days-icu-days-ventilator-days-and-deaths Now being updated three times per week.

Total COVID-19 deaths projected through August 4, 2020 in Illinois  (1248 4-13-2020)

(777 4-10-2020)  (1,584  4-8-2020) (3,629 4-5-2020)(3,386 4-2-2020) (2,789 4-1-2020)  (2,326  3-31-2020)  (2,369 as of 3/30/2020)  (2,454 AS OF 3-26-2020)

COVID-19 deaths   Peak deaths  (91 deaths on 4-12-2020)               Previously (208 on 4-12-2020) (109 on 4-20-2020)

For a lengthier discussion of the projection model go to:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2020/03/forecasting-covid-19-impact-on-hospital.html

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Here's a breakdown of the 20 cases in the county thus far:

• 0-9: 0
• 10-19: 0
• 20-29: 3
• 30-39: 2
• 40-49: 3
• 50-59: 5
• 60-69: 3
• 70-79: 2
• 80-89: 2

There has been one death in the county related to the virus thus far.

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This page summarizes the latest data for COVID-19 in McHenry County. This data is provisional and subject to change.

McHenry County

McHenry County Confirmed

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289

Source: McHenry County Department of Health

McHenry County Deaths

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12

Source: McHenry County Department of Health

s page summarizes the latest data for COVID-19 in McHenry County. This data is provisional and subject to change.

Above is from:  https://mchenry-county-coronavirus-response-mchenrycountygis.hub.arcgis.com/

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WINNEBAGO COUNTY (WREX) — The Winnebago County Health Department reports 20 new cases of COVID-19 in the county.
The details on the new cases are not known at this time, but the new cases brings the total number of cases up to 144.

Less than 1 percent of population has been tested, according to Dr. Sandra Martell, the director of the Winnebago County Health Department.
There have been 8 deaths related to the virus in the county thus far.

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Cases in U.S.

• 
  

Updated  April 16, 2020

This page will be updated daily. Numbers close out at 4 p.m. the day before reporting.

***On Saturday and Sunday, the numbers in COVID-19: U.S. at a Glance and the figure describing the cumulative total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States will be updated. These numbers are preliminary and have not been confirmed by state and territorial health departments. CDC will update weekend numbers the following Monday to reflect health department updates.***

CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The outbreak first started in Wuhan, China, but cases have been identified in a growing number of other locations internationally, including the United States. In addition to CDC, many public health laboratories are now testing for the virus that causes COVID-19.

COVID-19: U.S. at a Glance*†

• Total cases (632,548  4-16-2020)  (605,390 4-15-2020) (579,005 4-14-2020)  (554,849 4-13-2020) (525,704 4-12-2020)  (492,416 4-11-2020)(459,165 4-10-2020) (427,460 4-9-2020) (395,011 4-8-2020)(374,329 4-7-2020) (330,891 4-6-2020) (304,826 4-5-2020) (277,205 4-4-2020) (239,279 4-3-2020) (213,144 4/2/2020)(186,101 4/1/2020) (163,539 3/31/2020) (140,904 3/30/2020)   (122,653  3-29-2020)
• Total deaths: (31,071  4-16-2020) (24,582 4-15-2020) (22,252 4-14-2020) (21,942 4-13-2020)  (20,486 4-12-2020)  (18,559 4-11-2020) (16,570 4-10-2020) (14,696 4-9-2020) (12,754 4-8-2020) (12,064 4-7-2020) (8,910 4-6-2020)(7,616 4-5-2020)  (6, 593 4-4-2020) (5,443 4-3-2020) (4,513 4-2-2020) (3,603 4-1-2020) (2,860 3/31/2020) (2,405 3/30/2020)   (2,112  3-29-2020)
• Jurisdictions reporting cases: 55 (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Marianas, and US Virgin Islands)

^* Data include both confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 reported to CDC or tested at CDC since January 21, 2020, with the exception of testing results for persons repatriated to the United States from Wuhan, China and Japan. State and local public health departments are now testing and publicly reporting their cases. In the event of a discrepancy between CDC cases and cases reported by state and local public health officials, data reported by states should be considered the most up to date.

† Numbers updated Saturday and Sunday are not confirmed by state and territorial health departments. These numbers will be modified when numbers are updated on Monday.(

Cases of COVID-19 Reported in the US, by Source of Exposure*†

^* Data include both confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 reported to CDC or tested at CDC since January 21, 2020, with the exception of testing results for persons repatriated to the United States from Wuhan, China and Japan. State and local public health departments are now testing and publicly reporting their cases. In the event of a discrepancy between CDC cases and cases reported by state and local public health officials, data reported by states should be considered the most up to date.

† CDC is no longer reporting the number of persons under investigation (PUIs) that have been tested, as well as PUIs that have tested negative. Now that states are testing and reporting their own results, CDC’s numbers are not representative of all testing being done nationwide.

Above is from:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html

Now being updated three times per week.

PROJECTIONS:   US COVID-19 Deaths thru 8-4-2020)  (68,841 4-13-2020)  (61,543 4-10-2020) (60,415 4-8-2020) (81,766 4-5-2020) (93,531 4/3/2020) (93,765 4/1/2020)   (83.967 3/31/2020)    ( 82,141 3/30/2020);  Peak Daily    (2150 4-13-2020)

Older Peak Daily Deaths (2,212 on 4-12-2010)  (1,983 on 4-11-2020)  (2,644 on 4-16-2020)(3,130 on 4-16-2020) ( 2214 on 3/31/2020) (2,214 on 3/31/2 020) (2,271 3/30/2020)

FROM:  http://www.healthdata.org/research-article/forecasting-covid-19-impact-hospital-bed-days-icu-days-ventilator-days-and-deaths Now being updated three times per week

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COVID-19 Tracker   Great site to find specific county, state, country numbers is at:  https://bing.com/covid?form=msntrk  Site supplies case numbers, recovered cases and deaths.

Worldwide Total confirmed cases

Updated 4 min ago  World population:  7.8 billion   

Total confirmed cases

Updated 3 min ago

2,134,465

Active cases

1,451,661

+77,476

Recovered cases

540,656

+33,326

Fatal cases

142,148

+9,872

Trump critics beg for monetary support of WHO?

The President is withholding money to WHO while his late night critics have a benefit for WHO.  It appears that it was all planned before the order to withhold funds.

Late-night hosts will help stream a COVID-19 benefit concert on April 18th

It will be available on nearly every streaming platform, as well as traditional TV.

Christine Fisher, @cfisherwrites

April 6, 2020

Global Citizen

On April 18th, late night hosts and celebrities will participate in One World: Together At Home, a virtual benefit concert to raise money for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. The multi-hour digital broadcast will stream on several platforms, including Apple, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, Twitter and YouTube, as well as traditional TV networks, like ABC, NBC and ViacomCBS.

Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert will host the fundraiser, and musicians from Billie Eilish to Alanis Morissette, Chris Martin, Elton John, John Legend and Kacey Musgraves are scheduled to perform. Proceeds from the event, which is being organized by Global Citizen and the World Health Organization, will help get protective equipment to healthcare workers and support charities providing food and shelter to those in need.

We’re excited to announce One World: #TogetherAtHome, a global broadcast on April 18, curated in collaboration with @LadyGaga and featuring your favorite artists and comedians — all in support of the @WHO and healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis. (1/7)

It’s rare that programming is shown virtually everywhere, especially across both streaming and conventional TV. The concert is a reminder that, in some ways, the pandemic is bringing people together. Hopefully, the far-reaching broadcast will help generate much-needed funds. It’s also another example of musicians and comedians finding new ways to reach audiences virtually, now that venues and studios are shut down.

The benefit will be broadcast live on Saturday, April 18th at 5PM PT (8PM ET). BBC One will run the program on Sunday, April 19th.

Above is from:  https://www.engadget.com/one-world-coronavirus-virtual-benefit-concert-183457715.html

Here is “the list” of Trump’s February Actions

Trump Campaign’s List Of February ‘Decisive Actions’ Highlights That There Weren’t Many

Trump claimed he’d done “a lot” that month to stop the pandemic, but the list his campaign points to does more to show the important steps that were not taken.

By S.V. Date

WASHINGTON — Facing questions about the yawning gap of actions his administration took against the coronavirus pandemic in February, President Donald Trump’s campaign is pointing to a list of accomplishments that serves to highlight that absence even further.

Trump for months has cited his Jan. 31 announcement of travel restrictions against foreigners coming in from China as proof of his “strong” actions to stop the pandemic. Pressed on Monday for what he did between then and March, when he finally declared a national emergency, Trump claimed: “A lot.”

His campaign soon afterward offered 20 items from February [ see below for this tweet], ostensibly to back up his claim. “Anyone asking what @realDonaldTrump did to combat Coronavirus in February, here is a comprehensive list,” deputy communications director Erin Perrine wrote on Twitter.

But items on the list ― which are taken from a campaign webpage boasting of his “decisive actions” to fight the pandemic — attributed to Trump personally are mainly his statements about the virus and his self-proclaimed success in containing it.

His two sentences in his Feb. 4 State of the Union address, in which he claimed he would take “all necessary steps” to protect Americans, is listed as an accomplishment. As is a Feb. 7 gaggle with reporters: “President Trump told reporters that the CDC is working with China on the coronavirus.” On Feb. 26, Trump’s having “updated the press on his administration’s efforts” is also listed as an accomplishment.

The campaign’s list fails to mention the specifics of what Trump told the press that day, which was that that the country had nothing to fear because it was all under control. “When you have 15 people, and the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero,” he said of the known number of cases on that day, “that’s a pretty good job we’ve done.”

That comment, in fact, was similar to statements he made the entire month downplaying the threat the virus posed, comparing it to the seasonal flu and claiming it would disappear on its own as the weather warmed in April.

“We pretty much shut it down coming in from China,” he said on Feb. 2 to Fox News’ Sean Hannity.

And on Feb. 28, at a reelection rally in South Carolina, Trump told supporters that Democratic and news media concerns about the virus were “a hoax.”

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“The reality is that Trump wasted February ignoring the coronavirus, downplaying the threat it posed, and taking China’s word that the virus had been contained ― even as both the intelligence community and Vice President Biden warned Trump not to buy President Xi’s spin,” said Michael Gwin, a spokesman for presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

Perrine defended Trump’s response: “President Trump took early, aggressive, and unprecedented action to protect the health and safety of the American people. His actions saved countless lives.”

Most of the items on her list, however, did not have to do with Trump personally, and instead were actions taken by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Food and Drug Administration to develop tests, respond to requests for cooperation from other countries and complete relatively routine tasks.

Not addressed are concerns raised in late January and early February by public health experts who worked in both Trump’s administration as well as for former President Barack Obama.

Luciana Borio, who served on Trump’s National Security Council, and Scott Gottleib, who was Trump’s first FDA commissioner, wrote in a Jan. 28 op-ed in the Wall Street Journal: “As more U.S. cases develop, the strategy needs to incorporate another goal: preventing transmission of the coronavirus within the U.S.”

Jeremy Konyndyk, who worked on the response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak under Obama, urged a “no regrets” approach in a Feb. 4 Washington Post op-ed. “A vitally important part of this will be efforts to address supply-chain ruptures and accelerate production and availability of critical medical supplies,” he wrote.

Trump’s administration, led by a president who was openly trying to avoid spooking the stock market, did few of those things experts were clamoring for. Indeed, the CDC failed to produce a reliable test for the virus until late in the month and declined to adopt a functioning German test that was available through the World Health Organization in late January.

The end result was a nation that lost two critical months to prepare for a coming pandemic — a stretch that saw Trump play golf at his Florida resort seven times and host eight campaign rallies.

“Trump did next to nothing to prepare America,” Gwin said. “And now we’re paying the price, with the U.S. leading the world in confirmed deaths and cases, and with millions of Americans losing their jobs.”

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Above is from:  https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-february-inaction_n_5e961929c5b6e9d524ae41cb?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIGirEHvuHfvQb5tItdyr01hFxdw_8YqDjtkHitFRn46cXltxHepaYpER3aqqxNsAtEZ99YOyX_1LCvhTj6wD0qr_nm0bLCvx8moIT6SHv3zcw6oN-v7coLLF2BtICuC_dYLSc00zDF768W6hz7CdL6PhoIrHBVGxjgWIBrsP0ZJ

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TWITTER---------------

Erin Perrine

@ErinMPerrine

Anyone asking what

@realDonaldTrump

did to combat Coronavirus in February, here is a comprehensive list including:

Deploying testing kids

Removing bureaucratic red tape to develop a vaccine and testing faster

Emergency funding request

5:32 PM · Apr 13, 2020·Twitter for iPhone