What Trump’s national emergency and new legislation for coronavirus will mean for N.J. - NJ.com

WASHINGTON — Two new pools of federal money will flow to New Jersey to help the state cope with the coronavirus.

President Donald Trump’s national emergency will free up $50 billion in federal funds for New Jersey and other states to tap to help cover their costs of responding to the virus. The president called it “a large amount of money for states and territories and localities in our shared fight against this disease.”

And bipartisan legislation that passed the House early Saturday could mean $810 million in new Medicaid funding for the state, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The Senate, which went home for the weekend, planned to return to Washington Monday to take up the bill, approved in the House by a vote of 363 to 40. All 12 New Jersey House members voted yes.

“This national public health emergency requires a coordinated, whole-of-government response to help slow the virus’ spread and keep Americans safe," said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-6th Dist., who helped write the legislation as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

This is in addition to the $13.8 million on its way to New Jersey, courtesy of the $8.3 billion spending bill that passed Congress earlier and was signed into law earlier by Trump. That was the first measure to become law in response to the coronavirus.

Earlier, the state received $1.75 million from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The latest developments came as the number of “presumptive positive” covid-19 cases in New Jersey grew to 50, with another 80 being evaluated for symptoms.

As part of Trump’s emergency declaration, New Jersey and other states will be asked to set up emergency operation centers. Health and Human Services will waive rules and regulations that current prevent hospitals from bringing in outside doctors and from adding beds in certain areas of the building.

“We’ll remove or eliminate every obstacle necessary to deliver our people the care that they need and that they’re entitled to," the president said Friday at the White House. “No resource will be spared. Nothing whatsoever.”

State officials plan to ask for a share of that money and have been in touch with both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration about how to request federal funding, according to Alyana Alfaro, a spokeswoman for Gov. Phil Murphy.

In addition, the governor spoke with Vice President Mike Pence on Friday, Alfaro said.

Testing would be free, including for those without insurance, and there will be many more sites, including so-called drive-through tests in parking lots of businesses such as CVS, Target, Walgreens and Walmart.

One company expanding its ability to read the tests is Becton Dickinson and Co. of Franklin Lakes.

“We’re ramping up our manufacturing capacity to ensure that the right collection devices and testing equipment are ready to address this issue,” president and chief executive Tom Polen said at the press conference with Trump.

Who will pay for those tests? The legislation passed Saturday provide free coronavirus testing for everyone, with the federal government helping the states pick up the tab. The bill contains $1 billion to cover the costs.

“People — especially the most vulnerable and those closest to them — will know with certainty whether they’ve contracted the disease," said Rep. Chris Smith, R-4th Dist.

New Jersey also can expect more money from Washington to help pay for increased unemployment insurance benefits, expanded aid under the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program, and money to assist food banks.

The legislation also would provide 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave.

Many workers can’t afford to stay home if they’re sick or have to take care of a family member who’s ill, and if they go to work, that could help spread the virus, said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.

“To not have paid family leave means that this problem will compound, it will spread further and it will last longer,” said Booker, who joined two other former Democratic presidential candidates, U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Kamala Harris of California, at the Capitol on Thursday to insist that family leave be part of any final deal.

If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

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2020-03-14 10:48:39Z
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Coronavirus updates: House passes economic relief bill, Trump says 'mostly likely' to get tested - USA TODAY

Grace Hauck USA TODAY

Published 7:25 AM EDT Mar 14, 2020

One day after President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic to be a national emergency, millions of Americans were grappling with a new normal.

More than a hundred universities have transitioned to online-only classes, and several states and large urban school districts are shutting down all K-12 schools as part of a sweeping attempt to contain the spread of the virus.

The NBA, MLS and NHL have suspended their seasons. The AMC and Regal theater chains are cutting their seating capacity in half. Some Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada may become drive-thru only. And hundreds of employees have transitioned to working from home.

Here's the latest on the coronavirus outbreak:

• Cleaning wipes are selling out. Here’s where you can still get them
• US hospitals will run out of beds if coronavirus cases spike
• Cancel-culture is hitting us hard. Can America handle all this social distancing?
• You asked, we're answering: Specific answers to readers' coronavirus questions

House approves Trump-backed deal on economic relief

The House overwhelmingly passed legislation to provide economic relief to Americans affected by coronavirus after President Donald Trump said Friday he would support the sweeping measure.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was adopted 363-40 with every Democrat and most Republicans voting in favor of the measure. The vote was conducted shortly after midnight Friday following two days of around-the-clock negotiations between Democratic leaders and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.

The legislation would ensure sick leave for affected workers and include money for testing for Americans, including the uninsured. Trump and lawmakers have been under pressure to ease fears over the spread of the deadly coronavirus, which has halted many parts of public life, forced the closure of schools and pummeled financial markets.

The bill now heads to the Senate for an expected vote Monday.

– John Fritze and Ledyard King

Get daily coronavirus updates in your inbox: Sign up for the Daily Briefing.

Trump says he's likely to be tested being exposed 

President Donald Trump said Friday he will “most likely” be tested for the novel coronavirus, as questions swirled about why he, his top aides and his family weren't doing more to protect themselves and others after repeated exposure to COVID-19.

Trump has now had multiple direct and indirect contacts with people who have tested positive for the pandemic virus.

He spent time last weekend at his private club in Florida with at least three people who have now tested positive. The Brazilian Embassy in Washington announced late Friday that the country's chargé d'affaires, Nestor Forster, tested positive after sitting at Trump's dinner table. So, too, have a top aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and an individual who attended a fundraiser Sunday with Trump, according to two Republican officials who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity in order to discuss private health matters.

In addition to his direct exposure, Trump has also had repeated contact with lawmakers who chose to isolate themselves after being exposed to people who later tested positive. That included Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who traveled aboard Air Force One with the president Monday and found out about the positive test mid-flight; South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who was working from home after spending time at Mar-a-Lago and attending his own meeting with Peter Dutton, Australia's Minister for Home Affairs; and Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who also interacted with the Brazilian delegation.

People who are exposed to the virus don’t show symptoms immediately; there is an incubation period of anywhere from two to 14 days. 

Map: Which states have coronavirus cases?

Here's a look at which U.S. states have reported cases of COVID-19:

More on the outbreak of COVID-19:

• US coronavirus map: Tracking the outbreak
• Rome is no longer Rome: What is it like to live through a quarantine
• Is Census Bureau 'equipped' for 2020? Lawmakers aren't so sure
• Is it safe to ride? Coronavirus fears are challenging public transit across US

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2020-03-14 10:34:46Z
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Iraq officials: New rocket attack hits base housing US troops - Fox News

BAGHDAD — A barrage of rockets hit a base housing U.S. and other coalition troops north of Baghdad, Iraqi security officials said Saturday, just days after a similar attack killed three servicemen, including two Americans.

There was no immediate word on casualties at Camp Taji, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

The officials said over a dozen rockets landed inside the base, some struck the coalition quarters while others fell on a runway used by Iraqi forces.

US FORCES LAUNCH STRIKES TARGETING IRAN-BACKED MILITIAS AFTER DEADLY ROCKET ATTACK, OFFICIAL SAYS

The attack was unusual because it occured during the day. Previous assaults on military bases housing U.S. troops typically occurred overnight.

The earlier attack against Camp Taji on Wednesday prompted American airstrikes Friday against what U.S. officials said were mainly weapons facilities belonging to Kataib Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia group believed to be responsible.

However, Iraq's military said those airstrikes killed five security force members and a civilian.

Iran-backed Shiite militia groups vowed to exact revenge for Friday's U.S. strikes, signalling another cycle of tit-for-tat violence between Washington and Tehran that could play out inside Iraq.

Wednesday's attack on Camp Taji was the deadliest to target U.S. troops in Iraq since a late December rocket attack on an Iraqi base. That attack killed a U.S. contractor and set in motion a series of attacks that brought Iraq to the brink of war.

After the contractor was killed, American airstrikes targeting the Kataib Hezbollah led to protests at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

A U.S. drone strike in Baghdad then killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a top commander responsible for expeditionary operations across the wider Mideast. Iran struck back with a ballistic missile attack on U.S. forces in Iraq, the Islamic Republic’s most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

The U.S. and Iran stepped stepped back from further attacks after the Soleimani incident. A senior U.S. official said in late January, when U.S.-Iran tensions had cooled, that the killing of Americans constituted a red line that could spark more violence.

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2020-03-14 09:40:42Z
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Trump won’t be tested for virus, doc says; 2 more Mar-a-Lago guests test positive - Fox News

President Trump doesn’t need to be tested for coronavirus, a White House doctor said Friday evening after a second Brazilian official who recently met with the president at Mar-a-Lago tested positive.

That's because Trump's interactions with the infected guests were “low risk,” Dr. Sean P. Conley, the president's physician, wrote.

“The President’s exposure to the first individual was extremely limited (photograph, handshake) and though he spent more time in closer proximity to the second case, all interactions occurred before any symptom onset,” Conley's statement said. “These interactions would be categorized as LOW risk for transmission per CDC guidelines, and as such, there is no indication for home quarantine at this time.”

Acting Brazilian Chargé d'Affaires Ambassador Nestor Forster has tested positive for the virus, the Brazilian Embassy said Friday, according to The Washington Post.

House OKs coronavirus relief bill, after urging from Trump, in 363-40 vote

Forster sat at Trump’s table during the Brazilian delegation's Mar-a-Lago dinner last Saturday.

Fabio Wajngarten, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s communications secretary, tested positive on Wednesday. He posed for a photo with the president at the event.

Brazilian Sen. Nelsinho Trad, who attended the Mar-a-Lago dinner, also tested positive for the virus, according to a statement from his office Friday evening, Agência Brasil, a state news agency, reported.

Another unidentified guest from a Sunday afternoon Trump Victory event, where the president spoke, also tested positive for COVID-19, The Post reported. It was unclear if the guest had close contact with Trump.

Earlier Friday, Trump told reporters he would “likely” get tested "not for that reason, but because I think I will do it anyway.”

Bolsonaro’s son said Friday that his father -- who was at the Saturday dinner -- had tested negative for the virus hours after Brazilian reports indicated he tested positive.

“The information I have is the results that just came up telling that he is negative for coronavirus," Eduardo Bolsonaro said of his father. "I never listened that it was positive in the first exam. This is something that I don’t know. But, uh, everything’s good now.”

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

As of Saturday morning, more than 2,100 patients have contracted the virus in the U.S. and at least 50 have died.

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2020-03-14 08:24:08Z
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Live updates: Third Mar-a-Lago guest tests positive for coronavirus; Pentagon halts domestic travel - The Washington Post

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — All people arriving in New Zealand will have to isolate themselves for 14 days upon arrival, except for those landing from nearby Pacific islands, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Saturday.

Describing the “unprecedented” step, Ardern told reporters that every person entering the country from midnight Sunday would be subjected to new rules. “We must go hard and we must go early,” she said. “I make no apologies. This is an unprecedented time.”

People arriving from everywhere except the Pacific islands will have to isolate themselves at home for two weeks, regardless of where they are coming from and whether they are citizens or not.

In addition, Ardern said her government would impose strict new exit rules for people traveling to the Pacific islands. New Zealand has large Samoan and Tongan communities in particular, and Ardern said that New Zealand had a responsibility to look after the people there. Samoa suffered a devastating measles epidemic last year.

“These [new exit measures for the Pacific] include: No travel for people who have traveled outside of New Zealand in the past 14 days,” Ardern said. “No travel for close or casual contacts of a confirmed case. No travel for anyone who is symptomatic, and health assessments, including temperature checks.”

In addition, New Zealand has banned cruise ships from entering the country until at least June 30, but Ardern said cargo ships would still be allowed.

She advised all New Zealanders not to travel overseas unless absolutely necessary.

New Zealand has seen only six cases of the coronavirus, the latest diagnosed in an Auckland man in his 60s who recently returned from the United States.

The previous five people are all isolated at home and recovering. There have been no reports of community transmission, but New Zealand was acting preemptively to avoid that, the prime minister said.

Her government had previously canceled a national memorial due to be held in Christchurch on Sunday, the anniversary of the attacks on two mosques in the city, which claimed 51 lives. Ardern said the decision was a “pragmatic” one made to ensure the coronavirus is not spread at large gatherings.

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2020-03-14 07:55:26Z
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Brazil President Bolsonaro's son claims father tested negative for coronavirus despite earlier reports - Fox News

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has tested negative for coronavirus, his son Eduardo told Fox News, contradicting earlier reports that the South American leader had tested positive.

Reports out of Brazil had initially indicated Bolsonaro had tested positive, and his son appeared to confirm this to Fox News earlier Friday, adding that further testing was being done to confirm the diagnosis and the second set of testing was expected later in the day.

However, in a subsequent appearance on "America's Newsroom," Eduardo denied his father had ever tested positive.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

Host Sandra Smith asked Bolsonaro if he could confirm his father had first tested positive for the virus and what had happened in between then.

“I don’t have this information,” he replied. “The information I have is the results that just came up telling that he is negative for coronavirus. I never listened that it was positive in the first exam. This is something that I don’t know. But, uh, everything’s good now.”

Bolsonaro then told Smith, to his knowledge, this was his first test for the virus.

BRAZILIAN OFFICIAL WHO MET WITH TRUMP TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS

“I have to get more information about what is going on because together with Bolsonaro, there were other guys, other people in the same team that went to the U.S. So, we are also waiting for the exams about the other guys."

He denied his father was showing any symptoms. “He is okay,” he confirmed.

“They have to see what they are going to do. I think the best thing to do is everybody who was involved there, everybody who was there, should do the tests,” Bolsonaro advised, referring to the Brazilian president’s meeting with President Trump.

“Has there been communication with the White House on this?” asked Smith. Bolsonaro said that the president’s team has “connected” with the White House.

Bolsonaro then told Smith, to his knowledge, this was his first test for the virus.

“I have to get more information about everything -- what is going on. Because, together with President Bolsonaro, there were other guys, other people in the same team that went to the U.S. So, we are also waiting for the exams about the other guys.”He denied his father was showing any symptoms.

“No. He is okay,” he confirmed. However, he said he believed his father was taking extra precautions after an aide that went on the trip tested positive.

AUSTRALIAN OFFICIAL WHO MET IVANKA TRUMP, BILL BARR, TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS

“They have to see what they are going to do. I think the best thing to do is everybody who was involved there, everybody who was there, should do the tests,” Bolsonaro advised, referring to the Brazilian president’s meeting with President Trump.

“Has there been communication with the White House on this?” asked Smith.

Bolsonaro said that the president’s team has “connected” with the White House.

The confusion surrounding the results came just days after Bolsonaro met with President  Trump at the U.S. leader's Florida home, Mar-a-Lago.

Bolsonaro had been tested after one of his deputies, who was also in attendance at the Florida resort, was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Fabio Wajngarten, the communications secretary for the 64-year-old Brazilian leader who had traveled to Miami for the meeting as well, showed flu-like symptoms and tested positive for the virus early Wednesday.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP

The developments also came after Peter Dutton, Australia's minister for home affairs, tested positive after traveling back from Washington D.C., where he met Attorney General William Barr and Ivanka Trump.

Fox News' Joe Shikhman and Julia Musto contributed to this report. 

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2020-03-13 16:44:01Z
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Australian official who met with Ivanka Trump and Barr last week tests positive for coronavirus - CNN

In a statement, Minister Peter Dutton said that he woke up on Friday morning "with a temperature and sore throat" and was "subsequently tested for COVID-19." Dutton was advised by Queensland Health that his tests returned positive on Friday afternoon.

Dutton had met with Trump, Barr, Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway and Director of the Domestic Policy Council Joe Grogan in the US less than a week ago.

CNN has reached out to the White House for comment.

Barr is "feeling great and not showing any symptoms" of the coronavirus, Department of Justice spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said in a statement Friday.

"He is staying home today and has consulted with CDC. CDC is not recommending he be tested at this point," Kupec said.

Dutton said Friday that under the policy of Queensland Health, "anyone who tests positive is to be admitted into hospital and I have complied with their advice." Dutton added that "I feel fine and will provide an update in due course."

The coronavirus has impacted the work of dozens of government officials around the world — including heads of state — some of whom have tested positive and others who are working in self-isolation out of precaution after coming into contact with another infected person.

A Brazilian official tested positive for virus on Thursday, just days after meeting with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement Thursday that Trump "had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive" and does not require being tested.

CNN reported that Trump has been telling people close to him that he's concerned about coming into contact with people who have contracted the coronavirus, including the Brazilian official.

Several US lawmakers, some of whom had recent contact with Trump, have also taken steps to self-quarantine.

CNN's Isaac Yee in Hong Kong and Evan Perez in Washington contributed to this report.

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2020-03-13 16:20:00Z
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