Hearing chairman: Trump has no strategy to protect people
Fauci: multiple candidate vaccines rapidly under development in US
Plan to slash $600 lifeline threatens misery for millions
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Fauci testifies before congressional panel on ‘national plan’ for coronavirus – watch live
Key events
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11.04am EDT11:04
Crunch day for federal $600 weekly supplements for the unemployed in the coronavirus crisis
10.33am EDT10:33
Coronavirus vaccine: ‘Any American that needs it will get it,’ Fauci says
9.45am EDT09:45
Multiple candidate vaccines rapidly under development in US – Fauci
9.30am EDT09:30
Clyburn: coronavirus is ‘raging out of control’
9.22am EDT09:22
Clyburn: ‘Our nation is in the midst of a public health catastrophe’
9.17am EDT09:17
Coronavirus hearing on Capitol Hill gets underway
8.59am EDT08:59
Key coronavirus hearing on Capitol Hill
Live feed
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11.04am EDT11:04
Crunch day for federal $600 weekly supplements for the unemployed in the coronavirus crisis
A White House press briefing is now belatedly underway. Donald Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows is saying, in summary, no agreement yet in Washington about extending the $600 a week federal enhanced unemployment payments that are helping to keep at least 30 million Americans afloat right now.
The payments technically expire today. Talks late last night between leading Republicans and Democrats did not result in a deal. It’s crunch day.
My New York colleague Amanda Holpuch writes today:
For millions of unemployed Americans dealing with the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression a $600 payment each week from the government has been a vital lifeline, allowing them to keep their homes and put food on the table despite losing their jobs.
But now many of those hit hard by the economic disaster caused by the coronavirus pandemic are bracing for a steep drop in income this week as Republican party infighting delays a replacement for an expansion to weekly unemployment benefits, meaning many could have that vital lifeline cut or taken away.
Updated
at 11.05am EDT
10.59am EDT10:59
Anthony Fauci sets out his “five basics” for curbing the spread of coronavirus.
Masks (yes), Crowds (no), Distancing (yes), bars (cheers, but nope), washing hands (yes).
He said that congregating in any crowds can increase the risk of catching Covid-19.
New York Democrat Nydia Velázquez pointed out that “it does not matter what you say if it’s undermined by the President of the United States.” More
