Coronavirus USA news summary: cases and deaths - 2 October
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'Press conference was a TV show for Trump'
...the view of CNN's Brian Stelter as speculation increases about President Trump's medical condition.
Relying on testing to ward off Covid put Trump White House at risk
Early in the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. President Donald Trump put his faith in a toaster-sized machine that could spit out test results in a matter of minutes.
In late March, Trump hailed the launch of Abbott Laboratories’ ID NOW test at a Rose Garden event and embraced its widespread use at the White House to keep the deadly virus at bay. The president often skipped his own administration’s public health recommendations on mask wearing and social distancing, explaining that “everyone’s tested” around him using the Abbott device.
His strategy was no match for the virus.
Covid-19 vaccine roll-out expected in less than 3 months in UK -The Times
A mass roll-out of a Covid-19 vaccine in Britain could be finished in as little as three months, the Times reported, citing government scientists.
Scientists working on the Oxford vaccine hope regulators approve it before the beginning of 2021, the newspaper said.
A full Covid-19 immunization programme, which would exclude children, could be quicker than experts predicted, the Times said, adding that health officials estimate that every adult could receive a dose of the vaccine within six months.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it has started reviewing data on AstraZeneca and Oxford University's potential Covid-19 vaccine, in real time, the first of such moves aimed at speeding up any approval process in the region for a vaccine.
Coronavirus Trump: Why is Donald Trump considered a high risk patient?
Coronavirus Trump: Why is Donald Trump considered a high risk patient?
U.S. President Donald Trump was taken to a military hospital on Saturday for treatment after testing positive for Covid-19, a month before the Nov. 3 presidential election.
Trump condition 'very worrying' with 'next 48 hours critical', claims White House source
Trump condition 'very worrying' with 'next 48 hours critical', claims White House source
Despite Trump's claims that all is 'going well' with his contracting of Covid-19 contradicting with a White House source who claims that the president's condition is 'worrying'.
Cam Newton tests positive for coronavirus ahead of the game against Kansas City
NFL star tests positive for Covid-19
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday morning ahead of their game against the Chiefs.
Donald Trump's most controversial coronavirus statements
Donald Trump's most controversial coronavirus statements
Donald Trump has made plenty of claims about Covid-19 this year. Here are some of his statements regarding the virus he tested positive for on Friday.
NFL star Cam Newton tests positive for Covid-19
NFL star, Cam Newton, has tested positive for Covid-19. Newton is the quarterback for the New England Patriots and was the league’s MVP in the 2015 season when he led the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Denver Broncos.
The positive test means he will not play in the team’s Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to various reports.
Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie tests positive for Covid-19
Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie has tweeted saying that he has tested positive for Covid-19. Christie briefed Donald Trump before Tuesday’s presidential debate in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr Conley says Trump has been “fever free” for 24 hours and is in “good spirits”
Donald Trump has received antibody therapy and is on a five-day treatment of remdesivir.
Dr Conley says the president has been “fever free” for 24 hours and is in “good spirits”. He adds that Trump is not on oxygen and has not needed any today. Conley will not put a date on releasing the president as it’s “hard to tell” so early on. Conley says he is hopeful the president will not need to go on oxygen in the future.
"At this time, the team and I are extremely happy at the progress the president has made."
Conley says Trump is "male and slightly overweight" but that he does not have any significant risk factors for Covid-19. He says Trump’s heart rate and blood pressure are within a normal range. Regarding why the president was taken to hospital if he isn’t severely ill, Conley said it’s because Trump is “the president of United States”.
Trump doctor says president is 'very well' and 'symptoms are improving'
Dr Sean Conley has started his briefing on Donald Trump’s health. He starts with the president’s thanks for the messages of support from around the world. He is “extremely grateful for support and prayers”
Dr Conley says Trump is “very well”. He says he is “extremely happy” with the president’s condition and his symptoms are “improving”.
Chuck Grassley not yet tested for Covid-19
Chuck Grassley, the 87-year-old Republican senator from Iowa who is third in line to take over from Donald Trump if the president is unable to perform his duties (Vice-President Mike Pence and House speaker Nancy Pelosi are the first two), has not been tested for Covid-19 as his doctors say he has not been in close contact with anyone with the virus.
Melania Trump is 'doing well', chief of staff Stephanie Grisham says
The First Lady is continuing to rest and her symptoms have not worsened after she tested positive for coronavirus, her chief of staff Stephanie Grisham told NBC News.
"Mrs Trump is doing well... She remains in touch with her husband. She is thinking of all who are ill and wishes them a speedy recovery," she said.
Donald Trump's physician, Dr Sean Conley, set to give update on the president's condition
Dr Sean Conley is expected to give an update to reporters on Donald Trump's condition shortly.
In a letter late on Friday, Dr Conley reported the president had been treated in hospital with remdesivir, an antiviral medication, after taking another experimental drug at the White House.
President Trump spent the night at the Walter Reed military hospital in Maryland for treatment after being diagnosed with Covid-19.
Police set up traffic controls as Madrid heads back into lockdown
Police set up controls and stopped cars on major roads into and out of Madrid on Saturday as the city went back into lockdown due to surging coronavirus cases. Some 4.8 million people are barred from leaving the capital area, while restaurants and bars must shut early and reduce capacity by half.
The new restrictions, which started on Friday evening, are not as strict as the previous lockdown in March, when people were barred from leaving their homes. However, authorities advised residents not to move around unless absolutely necessary. Travel is banned except for work, school, health or shopping.
Trump's doctor to give update at 11am (ET)
Donald Trump's doctor will gave an update on the president's situation at 11am, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has announced.
Trump is currently at Walter Reed hospital after having tested positive for coronavirus on Friday.
Republican US Senator Johnson diagnosed with Covid-19 - spokesman
Republican US Senator Ron Johnson, who heads the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday, a spokesman said on Saturday.
The spokesman said Johnson 'feels healthy and is not experiencing symptoms' but will stay in isolation until he is cleared by a doctor. The aide did not identify the person Johnson came in contact with recently who also has Covid-19. (Reuters).
Second stimulus check: US coronavirus relief-bill update
Second stimulus check: US coronavirus relief-bill update
A second round of stimulus checks was included in a coronavirus relief bill passed by the US House of Representatives this week, but the Democrat-backed package doesn’t look like becoming law - so Americans shouldn’t start preparing for another direct payment just yet. Read more...
This video taken at the Scotus "super-spreader" event shows most attendees did not wear masks. Former Trump aide Kellyanne Conway, who was at event, confirmed she was positive for coronavirus on Friday...
UK PM Johnson says he has no doubt Trump will make a strong recovery
British Prime Minster Boris Johnson on Saturday said that he had no doubt that U.S. President Donald Trump would make a very strong recovery after the president tested positive for COVID-19 and was moved to a military hospital.
"I've no doubt that he will, he'll make a very strong recovery," Johnson told UK media. "He's a naturally obviously very resilient character and I'm sure he'll come through it very well." (Reuters)
Trump to remain at hospital for a few days.
Trump will work in a special suite at Walter Reed hospital for the next few days as a precautionary measure, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said. Online video showed a small group of Trump supporters outside Walter Reed late on Friday waving Trump 2020 flags, most not wearing masks.
Trump, 74, has a mild fever, according to a source familiar with the matter. White House doctor Sean P. Conley said late on Friday that Trump was doing very well, did not need supplemental oxygen, and had received a first dose of Remdesivir, an intravenous antiviral drug sold by Gilead Sciences Inc that has been shown to shorten hospital stays. (Reuters)
China's Xi wishes Trump speedy recovery - Chinese state media
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania on Saturday, wishing them a speedy recovery from the coronavirus, Chinese state television reported.
Trump told Woodward he wasn't worried about catching coronavirus
CNN has revealed that Donald Trump told journalist Bob Woodward in April that he wasn’t worried about contracting Covid-19, which has now left him in hospital.
In one of a series of interviews for Woodward’s new book, ‘Rage’, the legendary reporter said to Trump: "You're risking getting it, of course. The way you move around and have those briefings and deal with people. Are you worried about that?"
The president replied: "No, I'm not. I don't know why I'm not. I'm not.” Pressed by Woodward on why he wasn’t concerned, Trump responded: “I don’t know, I’m just not.”
(Photo: GTRES/Oliver Contreras/ Pool via CNP)
Eric and Lara Trump test negative for Covid-19
President Trump's son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Lara Trump, have both tested negative for Covid-19, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed on Friday night.
"Eric and Lara are praying for their father and father-in-law, respectively," a statement said. "At this time, they both have negative Covid tests and will be taking all necessary precautions, under the advisement of medical professionals."
The pair travelled with President Trump on Air Force One to Tuesday's opening presidential debate in Ohio.
US President Donald Trump walks to the South Lawn of the White House before boarding Marine One and being taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday.
(Photo: GTRES/Sarah Silbiger / Pool via CNP)
Harris, Pence to be 12 feet apart in debate
Vice-President Mike Pence and vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris are to stand 12 feet apart in their debate in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, CNN reports.
The decision has been taken after Biden’s campaign voiced its concerns about the planned seven-feet safety distance for the debate.
President Donald Trump, who on Friday announced he had tested positive for Covid-19, was separated from Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden by 12 feet and eight inches in their first debate in Ohio on Tuesday, CNN said.
Both Pence and Harris tested negative on Friday.
Conway positive linked to Rose Garden ceremony
Kellyanne Conway’s positive test is being linked to the Rose Garden event at which President Trump officially nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett as Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s replacement on the US Supreme Court.
At least seven people who were at Saturday’s ceremony have since tested positive, with Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Mike Lee also among those to have contracted Covid-19.
Conway and Stepien test positive
Donald Trump’s campaign manager, Bill Stepien, and the former counsellor to the president, Kellyanne Conway, have both tested positive for Covid-19.
In a tweet late on Friday, Conway said: “My symptoms are mild (light cough) and I’m feeling fine. I have begun a quarantine process in consultation with physicians.”
What is remdesivir and how does the drug treat coronavirus?
What is remdesivir and how does the drug treat coronavirus?
The White House physician, Dr Sean Conley, has revealed that President Trump is being treated with remdesivir after being hospitalised on Friday.
Trump being treated with remdesivir
The White House physician, Dr Sean Conley, has released an update on Donald Trump after the president was taken to hospital on Friday in the wake of his positive coronavirus test.
Conley said Trump is “doing very well” and is being treated with the antiviral drug remdesivir.
“This afternoon, in consultation with specialists from Walter Reed and Johns Hopkins University, I recommended movement of the Presidnet up to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for further monitoring,” Conley said.
“This evening I am happy to report that the President is going very well. He is not requiring any supplemental oxygen, but in consultation with specialists we have elected to initiate Remdesivir therapy.
“He completed his first dose and is resting comfortably.”
Trump say he is “going well”
Donald Trump has tweeted an update after being hospitalised on Friday, saying: “Going well, I think!”
Cuomo update on New York Covid-19 figures
New York Gov. Amdrew Cuomo delivered the latest figures on the Covid-19 situation in the state. A total of 1,598 tests came back positive (1.34%) and seven deaths were recorded.
Trump receiving experimental antibody treatment
President Donald Trump is being treated with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s experimental Monoclonal antibody treatment during his stay at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Regeneron are at the forefront of Monoclonal antibody therapy development and Trump, due to his age and weight, is within the high risk bracket after contracting Covid-19.
Regeneron’s cocktail treatment is a mix of two highly potent antibodies which target the coronavirus spike protein. It is currently being tested in several clinical trials in both hospitalized Covid-19 patients and in volunteer-based trials.
Biden's campaign pulls all negative Trump ads
Democrat Joe Biden's U.S. presidential campaign is temporarily taking down negative ads regarding President Donald Trump after his diagnosis with the novel coronavirus, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Trump makes his way, unaided, to Marine One
Donald Trump appeared calm and not looking under the weather as he made his way towards Marine One before being flown to a medical center in Maryland on Friday evening. The president, in a suit and wearing a mask, gave a thumbs up and wave to the press as he walked the 40-50 yards towards the helicopter.
Kim Jong Un says he 'sincerely hopes' Trump recovers soon
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a message of sympathy to President Donald Trump, wishing him well and hoping he quickly recovers from the coronavirus, North Korean state media said on Saturday.
Kim offered his sympathy and "warm greetings" to Trump and his wife, KCNA reported. "He sincerely hoped that they would be recovered as soon as possible," KCNA said. "He hoped they will surely overcome it."
Trump and Kim developed an unprecedented relationship, staging the first meetings between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader, and Trump once declared that they "fell in love" after exchanging letters. Efforts to press North Korea to give up its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions stalled after those meeting failed to lead to a denuclearisation deal, but the two leaders have continued to trade messages.
Trump has arrived at Walter Reed medical center
President Donald Trump arrived at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday evening. Trump gave a brief statement before making his own way onto Marine One shortly after 18:00 hours local time. A spokeswoman said Trump "remains in good spirits, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day."
Trump statement before boarding Marine One
U.S. president Donald Trump gave a brief statement to the press before boarding Marine One to be flown to Walter Reed hospital. Trump was seen wearing a mask as he made his way towards the helicopter. "I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support. I am going to Walter Reed hospital - I think I'm doing very well. But we are going to make sure that things work out. The First Lady is doing very well. So thank you very much, I appreciate it, I wil never forget it. Thank you.
Ilhan Omar criticises Trump for Minnesota event
Democrat Ilhan Omar took to social media to publish a tweet expressing her feelings on the news that president Donald Trump has tested positive for Covid-19 just days after he had been holding a fundraising event in her constituency.
Omar accused the Trump Administration of "actively spreading a deadly virus" among members of her constituency Minnesota, where Trump held a rally earlier this week. "Republican members of our Congressional delegation travelled with him on Air Force One and have not quarantined," she added.
Karaoke and no social distancing at Trump's Minnesota fundraiser
A number of guests who attended President Donald Trump's campaign fundraising event in Shorewood, Minnesota, on Wednesday took part in karaoke and hugged others as social distancing protocols was seemingly ignored, political consultant Blois Olson told WCCO Morning News. "They sang karaoke and they had their arms around each other," Olson explained. Many attendees continued to mingle long after Trump left, he added.
Trump has not transferred power to Vice President Pence
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been taken to a military hospital in Maryland for treatment for coronavirus, has not transferred power to Vice President Mike Pence, a White House official said on Friday.
Trump to move to military medical facility for next few days as a precaution
U.S. President Donald Trump is moving into a special suite at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for the next few days as a precautionary measure following his positive test for Covid-19, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said on Friday.
"President Trump remains in good spirits, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day," McEnany said in a statement. "Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the President will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days. President Trump appreciates the outpouring of support for both he and the First Lady," she said.
Doctors urged the moveso Trump could get immediate care if needed, a White House official said. A source familiar with the situation said Trump has a mild fever.
Trump treated with experimental antibody cocktail for Covid-19
Donald Trump's physician, Dr. Sean Conley, said in a statement on Friday that the president received an intravenous dose of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc's dual antibody and was also taking zinc, vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and aspirin.
Regeneron's drug, REGN-COV2, is part of a class of experimental Covid-19 drugs known as monoclonal antibodies: manufactured copies of human antibodies to the virus that are being studied for use in patients with early illness. The technique is already in wide use for treating a range of illnesses.
Data so far is limited for Covid-19 antibodies, but U.S. infectious disease chief Dr. Anthony Fauci is among those saying it has promise. Regeneron this week reported trial results showing that its antibody drug improved symptoms in non-hospitalized Covid-19 patients, with no serious side effects, and said it planned to talk with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about an emergency use authorization.
US coronavirus latest news
Welcome to our daily-refreshed, US-focused coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Worldwide there have now been over 34.4 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with over one million deaths.
In the US, there have been over 7.3 million cases and more than 208,500 deaths.