Good evening,
Please find today's Daily COVID-19 Update for May 22nd below and attached. Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.
Thank you, and I hope you have a healthy and safe weekend.
Jeff Cohen
INFORMS Members in the News
Member: Julie Swann
Member: Oguzhan Alagoz
Member: Julie Swann
U.S. Federal Policy Update
- President Trump issued a request to all governors, asking them to resume religious services. He stated that he "[calls] upon governors to allow our churches and places of worship to open right now," adding that the individual faith leaders will be responsible for taking care of their respective congregations.
- In line with the above announcement from President Trump, the CDC released official guidance specifically for reopening places of worship.
- Vice President Mike Pence stated that negotiations for the next coronavirus response package are "actively underway," adding that they're also aiming "to continue to make sure to support the Paycheck Protection Program."
- White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator Deborah Birx said that although states are reopening and businesses are resuming operations, it is still necessary for citizens to maintain social distancing measures – stating that "there are a lot of healthy people that look healthy with COVID."
Global Response
- World Health Organization Emergencies Director Michael Ryan announced that "South America has become the new epicenter of the [coronavirus] disease," and that "the most affected is clearly Brazil at this point."
- UN Humanitarian Affairs Office spokesman Jens Laerke announced that the situation in Yemen "is extremely alarming," as the "health system has in effect collapsed."
- The Spanish government announced that Madrid and Barcelona would be allowed to take the first steps to reopen their cities, after spending over 10 weeks in a strict lockdown. The cities are now authorized to move to Phase 1 of their reopening plan – allowing shops and outdoor restaurants to open this Monday.
- British Home Secretary Priti Patel announced that almost all travelers arriving into the U.K. must self-isolate for fourteen days, effective June 8th.
- Germany announced tightened rules for their meatpacking industry, due to a surge in coronavirus cases at their plants.
State Update
- New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware announced that they plan to reopen their state beaches for the Memorial Day weekend – with restrictions in place on capacities and social distancing.
- Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced that all but three counties in the state are entering phase 3 of the state's reopening plan – with retail businesses able to now hold 75% capacity, and gyms reopening as well. The other three counties are slated to enter into phase 3 beginning June 1st.
- Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending the state's "safer-at-home" order for one more week, until next Friday.
- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued an executive order increasing the number of people allowed in outdoor gatherings from 10 to 25 people. However, indoor gatherings will still be limited to ten people maximum.
- Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that entertainment venues, childcare facilities, and athletic facilities will be able to reopen as of 5 PM today. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced that their state will also permit reopening such venues.
- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that restaurants can reopen for dine-in services – with outdoor seating and capacity restrictions.
- North Carolina entered phase 2 of their reopening plan – with restaurants and personal care businesses permitted to resume in-person services. This phase is scheduled to stay in effect until June 26th.
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that most counties in the state are allowed to lift capacity restrictions for their retail and restaurant businesses.
- Vermont reopened its hospitality industry today, with hotels, motels, rentals, and campsites permitted to resume expanded operations.
- Michigan businesses were permitted to reopen with limited capacity under the executive order Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed earlier this week.
Economic Update (as of close of the markets)
- U.S. stocks closed the day with minor losses, but wrapped the week overall with gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week up by 3.2%, the S&P 500 by 3.0%, and the Nasdaq Composite by 3.76%.
Latest Impact Data
- In the United States: Over 1,642,623 cases and 97,538 deaths in 50 states, 4 territories, and Washington, D.C.
- Worldwide: Over 5,282,135 million cases and 338,756 deaths in at least 204 countries and territories.
In the News
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Jeffrey M. Cohen, MBA
Director, Public Affairs & Marketing
INFORMS
jeff.cohen@informs.org------------------------------