Trump continues to encourage his supporters to revolt against stay-home orders: Today he went on a tear about how conservative rebels need to LIBERATE themselves.
Reminder as Trump tweets about ‘liberating' Democratic-run states:
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) April 17, 2020
A Pew poll out yesterday found that about twice as many Americans say their greater concern is that state governments will lift restrictions on public activity too quickly (66%-32%).
Apparently the tweets don't violate Twitter's content rules: This update's from a New York Times reporter.
NEW — From a @twitter spokesperson: the “LIBERATE” tweets by @realdonaldtrump do not violate rules prohibiting content that is “a clear call to action that could directly pose a risk to people’s health or well-being.” Trump’s tweets are “vague and unclear” re: any harmful intent.
— Michael D. Shear (@shearm) April 17, 2020
Inslee takes a stand where Twitter won't:
The president is fomenting domestic rebellion and spreading lies - even while his own administration says the virus is real, it is deadly and we have a long way to go before restrictions can be lifted. 2/7
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) April 17, 2020
The president’s actions threaten his own goal of recovery. His words will likely cause a spike in infections where distancing is working.
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) April 17, 2020
That will further postpose the 14 days of decline his own guidance says is necessary to ease restrictions. 4/7
I hope someday we can look at today’s meltdown as something to be pitied, rather than condemned.
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) April 17, 2020
But we don’t have that luxury today. There is too much at stake. 6/7
My full statement: https://t.co/WQ0AaIHiJj
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) April 17, 2020
Seattle parks will stay open this weekend: Last weekend, the city shut down most major parks and described residents as being “overwhelmingly compliant" with the order. This weekend is different. The city will send park "ambassadors" to remind people to keep their distance.
To help with overcrowding, the mayor will let people take back the streets this weekend. Well, some streets.
The U.S. House could reach a deal as soon as next week on emergency aid for small business: The update comes from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
Good job, Seattle: Read this story here.
COVID-19 cases in Washington state are "plateauing" and cases in Washington state long-term care facilities are trending down.
Washington's most recent update from its Department of Health lists 583 deaths and 11,152 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state.
Florida is already reopening some beaches for some activities: I'm worried we'll be shut down all summer at this rate.
Beaches and parks in Duval County will reopen Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m. with certain restrictions. Beaches will only be open from 6am to 11am and 5pm to 8pm
— City of Jacksonville (COJ) (@CityofJax) April 16, 2020
Please watch the video for additional details and follow this link for the press release. https://t.co/TmkOmXhphS pic.twitter.com/206hiEbRyZ
Florida has also attempted to block access to COVID-19 information from reporters: "The state’s secrecy has led to increasing criticism from Democrats and transparency advocates, who say DeSantis is keeping critical information under wraps at a time when people need to know more about what’s happening in order to make informed decisions about their lives and livelihoods," writes the Miami Herald. More:
Emails and phone conference appointments obtained through a public records request show that, while medical examiners across Florida had already released details about deaths in their counties, attorneys for the state spent more than a week trying to convince their counterparts in Miami-Dade County not to provide that information to the Herald.
Seattle looks poised to make a big step forward in the pandemic fight. The UW virology lab is about ready to test thousands of antibody tests for coronavirus every day: "The blood tests are expected to significantly improve medical understanding of the virus, including how long antibodies stay in the body and how well they provide immunity."