Good evening,
It's a little hard to believe it is already May 1st, but nevertheless please find today's Daily COVID-19 Update below and attached. Please let me know if you have any comments or questions. Have a nice and safe weekend.
Thank you,
Jeff Cohen
INFORMS Members In The News
U.S. Federal Policy Update
- The Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the antiviral drug remdesivir to be used as treatment for COVID-19.
- President Trump issued an executive order on securing the bulk-power system, effectively banning the use of equipment that was manufactured by foreign-controlled companies. The order states that President Trump "hereby declares a national emergency with respect to the threat to the U.S. bulk-power system," as "additional steps are required to protect the security, integrity, and reliability of bulk-power system electric equipment used in the United States."
- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) outlined next week's Senate schedule, announcing that next Monday's schedule may include floor votes on "mission-critical COVID-19 nominees."
- Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) released a proposal suggesting that essential workers receive "Patriot Pay" – which would be a bonus of up to $12 per hour for the months of May, June, and July. Under the proposal, one-quarter of the bonus would be covered by the company, while the other three-quarters would be funded by the federal government.
- At a press conference this afternoon, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany stated that she wouldn't get ahead of any announcements from the President, but [she] will echo the President's displeasure with China" – adding that "it's no secret that China mishandled this situation."
- House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Senate HELP Committee Ranking Member (D-WA) announced a bicameral Democratic effort to enhance workforce development. The Relaunching America's Workforce Act contains several measures, including an allocation of $10 billion to state and local public systems for workforce trainings.
- Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin urged private schools with large endowments to return their Paycheck Protection Program if they received them.
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci cautioned that states that are reopening quickly "are taking a really significant risk."
- Congress' Attending Physician – Dr. Brian Monahan – issued recommendations for senators and staffers ahead of the Senate's scheduled return this upcoming Monday, May 4th. In the memo, Dr. Monahan wrote that "it is critical that an emphasis be placed on establishing the minimum necessary personnel to be physically present."
Global Response
- The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy's Director Dr. Droegemeier led a conference call with G7 science leaders to discuss the importance of science and technology in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Several U.S. airlines have issued policies requiring passengers to wear masks when they fly. These airlines include American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated there's EU support for an investigation into how the virus started, and where it originated from.
- World Health Organization Emergencies Director Mike Ryan stated that their scientists "are assured that this virus is natural in origin," but they're working to understand the natural host so that countries "can put in place the necessary prevention and public health measures to prevent that happening again anywhere."
- The Indian government announced that the country would extend its lockdown, which was set to expire on Sunday, for an additional two weeks.
- Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said that the country is planning to allow most businesses to reopen most of their businesses next week, but close contact entities and large gatherings will not be permitted.
State Update
- Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb released a detailed framework for reopening the state, with restrictions starting to be relaxed this upcoming Monday. The goal of the framework is to be back to normal by July 4th.
- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer extended the state's stay-at-home order until May 28th.
- South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced that he would be lifting the state's "work-or-home" order on May 4th, instead of May 14th as was originally scheduled.
- Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced that 24 of the state's counties will be allowed to reopen next Friday, May 8th.
- Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed an executive order that will require residents "to use a face covering in public places when they cannot socially distance from others," starting on May 6th.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that he's hopeful for stay-at-home restrictions to be eased soon – estimating that it could be within "many days, not weeks."
- Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced that the state's elective surgeries would be allowed to resume starting today.
- Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that hair salons, tattoo parlors, and other close contact businesses will be permitted to reopen beginning Wednesday, May 6th – with several social distancing restrictions.
Economic Update (as of close of the markets)
- U.S. stocks declined today, with all three indices reporting moderate losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 2.6%, the S&P 500 by 2.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite by 3.2%.
Latest Impact Data
- In the United States: Over 1,127,184 cases and 65,645 deaths in 50 states, 4 territories, and Washington, D.C.
- Worldwide: Over 3,393,382 million cases and 239,223 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------------------------------