Good evening,
Please find today's Daily COVID-19 Update for June 23 below and attached. Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.
Thank you,
Jeff Cohen
INFORMS Members in the News
Member: Sheldon Jacobson
Member: Julie Swann
Member: Julie Swann
Member: Julie Swann
Member: Sheldon Jacobson
U.S. Federal Policy Update
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci stated during today's hearing before the House Energy & Commerce Committee that they've been directed to "do more testing, not less." He also added that he was "cautiously optimistic" that there could be a COVID-19 vaccine prepared by the end of the year.
- Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met with Senate Republicans to discuss the next coronavirus economic relief package, as well as the possibility of additional stimulus checks. After the luncheon, Secretary Mnuchin stated that the next package is being "seriously considered," and could possibly pass in July.
- The Department of Commerce reported that new-home sales increased by 16.6% in the month of May.
Global Response
- The European Union is reportedly considering a recommendation to its member states that they block American tourists from being able to visit their countries, with an EU diplomat stating that "the proposed criteria will be focused on keeping out travelers from where the virus is circulating most actively."
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a tax increase from 13% to 15% on wealthier earners in order to cover increased budgetary costs brought onto the government by the coronavirus pandemic.
- The British government announced that they would allow pubs and restaurants in the United Kingdom to reopen beginning July 4th.
- Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that the country would be lifting its national curfew, effective Saturday night. Furthermore, restaurants, cafes, and sporting clubs will also be authorized to reopen this weekend.
- Even though cases in the country are on the rise, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that they would not be able to implement social distancing and lockdown protocols.
- A Brazilian federal judge ruled that President Jair Bolsonaro is required to wear a face mask while outdoors in the capital city of Brasilia.
State Update
- California state health authorities announced that they had set a new high for new coronavirus infections reported in a single day – with 5,065 new cases found on Monday.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott advised state residents that "because the spread is so rapid right now, the safest place for you is at your home."
- Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced that the state would enter phase 3 of its reopening process on July 1st. However, he stated that he will consider individual requests from mayors in Northern Virginia and Richmond, if they want to delay the transition to the third phase in their localities.
- Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that the state would be providing "guidelines that will allow K-12 schools, community colleges, and higher education institutions to safely resume in person instruction for the upcoming academic year."
- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced that the state's amusement and water parks are authorized to reopen at 50% capacity, as of July 2nd.
- The D.C. Metro announced that they would reopen 15 stations as part of the city's reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Economic Update (as of close of the markets)
- U.S. stocks were vacillating today, with all three indices reporting minor overall gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.50%, the S&P 500 by 0.43%, and the Nasdaq Composite by 0.74%.
Latest Impact Data
- In the United States: Over 2,421,516 cases and 123,448 deaths in 50 states, 4 territories, and Washington, D.C.
- Worldwide: Over 9,330,000 and 478,610 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------------------------------