President Trump on Tuesday clashed with governors , including New York’s Andrew Cuomo, who pushed against his claim that he has “total authority” over when to ease coronavirus restrictions, likening them to “mutineers” in the film “Mutiny On The Bounty.”
Meanwhile, some state leaders have already started planning, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiling a framework for how to reopen his state.
But Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, warned “we’re not there yet.” He said the US still lacks critical testing and tracing procedures needed to reopen the economy.
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Here’s what else we learned today:
New York crisis:
- The daily number of new COVID-19 hospitalizations across New York continued to decline — in a further sign that the state is slowly pulling free of the disease’s grip.
- But we’re not out of the woods yet. Mayor Bill de Blasio said he’s “not confident” that the Big Apple will be able to have large gatherings this summer. And there’s the possibility beaches could remain shuttered.
- Wondering what’s going on outside your window? Here’s what social-distancing in New York looks like.
- The Long Island resident blasted as a “jackass loser fat-tire biker” by coronavirus-stricken Chris Cuomo in a radio rant says the CNN host is nothing but a bully — and has even filed a complaint with cops against him.
Gone but not forgotten:
- A New Jersey man with Down syndrome known for his love of birthdays died of coronavirus on his 30th — just nine days after the disease claimed his devoted mother.
- In Florida, a 33-year-old nurse was found dead at home after her husband says she was exposed to the virus without proper protective gear.
Staying power:
- The UN’s World Health Organization still has no idea if coronavirus patients build up enough immunity to stop them from catching the illness again.
- A 27-year-old Massachusetts man who was infected with COVID-19 says the virus “tricks you” into thinking you’re getting better — only to come back “with a vengeance.”
- Some degree of social distancing may still be needed in the US until 2022 to prevent more outbreaks, according to a group of Harvard disease experts.
Stars struck:
- Actress Rita Wilson says anti-malaria drug chloroquine may or may not have helped her beat the virus, but it certainly gave her “extreme side effects.”
- Ouch! Comedian Ricky Gervais lashed out at mega-rich celebrities whining about isolation in their multimillion-dollar mansions.
Meanwhile…
- The Senate’s primary oversight committee will launch a probe into the origins of and response to the deadly pandemic.
- And a 107-year-old Turkish woman is among the oldest people known to have beat the virus.
Trump likened governors to “mutineers” and himself “captain” in a tweet Tuesday.New York Post graphic