Home Blog Page 2834

AG Curtis Hill Warns Hoosiers To Beware OF Fake Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tests

0

Attorney General Curtis Hill is warning Hoosiers of scammers taking advantage of the scarcity of COVID-19 tests by falsely claiming to be able to provide testing.

“Consumers are at risk not only of losing money from these scams,” Attorney General Hill said, “but of getting dangerously false information about their infection status. We’re working to protect Indiana residents and ensure better outcomes.”

There are currently no tests that can be self-administered at home to find out whether someone has COVID-19.

The only tests currently available in Indiana require a doctor’s order and specimen collection done by a medical professional. At this time, there is no FDA-approved blood test to determine whether someone has COVID-19.

Because conditions are constantly changing regarding the availability of testing and decisions about who qualifies, Hoosiers should keep up with the latest information by consulting credible sources.

The Indiana State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Call Center can be reached 24/7 at 877-826-0011, and the agency regularly updates the coronavirus.in.gov website.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains online information about testing, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also provides in-depth information related to these topics.

As always, if you encounter suspected scams, you may report them online to the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. If you need additional information regarding the Office’s Consumer Protection Division, please call 1-800-382-5516.

University Of Evansville To Offer Prorated Room And Board Refunds

1

University of Evansville President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz announced today that students who have vacated University housing will be refunded the charges for room and board for the remainder of the spring semester on a pro-rated basis. Pietruszkiewicz said the decision is a response to the evolving situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to classes being delivered through online instruction.

“Over the course of the last few weeks, we have made several important decisions – and always with the best interests of our students,” Pietruszkiewicz said. The decision was collaborative and supportive and included input from University administration, trustees, and the Board of Directors.

Students at the University of Evansville shape powerful and enduring change. UE is the first in Indiana to be designated as an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, and its changemaking culture empowers students to improve the world around them as UE Changemakers. With over 80 majors in the arts and sciences and pre-professional programs, UE’s diverse student body represents 44 states and 52 countries. U.S. News & World Report recognizes UE as the #6 Best College in the Midwest among private schools. For more information, please visit www.evansville.edu

View Online: http://evansville.meritpages.com/news/University-of-Evansville-to-offer-prorated-room-and-board-refunds/14945

EPA Continues Efforts To Help Increase The Availability Of Disinfectant Products For Use Against The Novel Coronavirus

0

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took steps to provide additional flexibilities to manufacturers of disinfectants and other pesticides. EPA intends for these flexibilities to increase the availability of products for Americans to use against the novel coronavirus. After meeting with stakeholders last week and discussing supply chain challenges posed by the pandemic, EPA is allowing manufacturers to obtain certain inert ingredients—or inactive ingredients like sodium chloride or glucose—from different suppliers without checking with the agency for approval.

“EPA is committed to doing our part to help ensure American families, communities, business and hospitals have access to as many effective surface disinfectant products as possible,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “There is no higher priority for the Trump Administration than protecting the health and safety of Americans, and the steps we are taking today are helping put more products on the shelves without sacrificing important public health and environmental protections.”

Commodity inert ingredients are individual inert ingredients—there are approximately 280 total—that can be obtained from different producers with no significant differences in the ingredient. Applicants for pesticide registration or registration amendments can obtain commodity inert ingredients from various commercial sources without having to provide EPA with the supplier name and address. Only those inert ingredients designated as commodity inert ingredients would be eligible for this reduced Confidential Statement of Formula (CSF) reporting.

The agency is also continuing to expedite the review of submissions from companies requesting to add emerging viral pathogen claims to their already registered surface disinfectant labels. In many cases, the agency continues to be able to approve claims within 14 days, as resources allow, compared to the 90-day window these claims typically take. Today, EPA added 70 new surface disinfectants to EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (List N), bringing the total number of products on the list to more than 350.

It is important to note that List N only includes surface disinfectants registered by EPA. Other disinfection products like hand sanitizers and body wipes are regulated the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Using an EPA-registered product in ways other than what is specified in the label is against the law and unsafe.

For more information about EPA’s List of commodity inert ingredients, visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/commodity-inert-ingredients

For information and guidance on alcohol-based hand sanitizer products, please see FDA’s website: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-provides-guidance-production-alcohol-based-hand-sanitizer-help-boost

For EPA’s coronavirus website, visit: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus

 

A SWIFT CURE

2

A SWIFT CURE

Gavel Gamut By Jim Redwine

In 1729 Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) published his two-fold solution to the problems of Irish poverty and a shortage of meat among wealthy British. Swift proposed poor Irish parents could eliminate their cost of feeding their children by selling them to wealthy British for food. The title to Swift’s essay illustrates why he published it anonymously:

A Modest Proposal For preventing the children of Poor People From being a Burthen 

to Their Parents or Country, and For making them Beneficial to the Publick.

Swift’s satirical cure for the pandemic of his time, the great disparity between the few rich and the many poor, is probably not a reasonable recipe for how America might encourage its youth to self-quarantine until COVID-19 is brought under control. However, other less dire approaches may be worth considering. 

Jonathan Swift pointed out he could not profit from his idea as he had no young children to sell and his wife was past child-bearing age. In like manner Peg and I are hardly affected by any of the following suggested measures. We are in our seventies, we receive Social Security checks and we live in the middle of nowhere by ourselves. Our nearest beach is the mud around our pond and we have to share it with the cattle. Isolation for us is simply a fact of life. Be that as it may, I submit the efficacy of these ideas should be evaluated on their own merit.

The general topic of discussion in America and the world today is how do we encourage people, especially our youth, to self-quarantine? I say especially the young because Spring Break type activities usually do not involve folks such as Peg and me. And that leads us into my proposed solutions. Perhaps we should look to our own youthful memories to help us understand how we can encourage young people to do the right thing for all of us. And such altruistic behaviors by the young should be encouraged, not demanded. After all, we are Americans. None of us reacts well to someone else ordering us around. A spoonful of sugar is more likely than a threat to get any of us to do what’s best for all of us, at least for a short while.

So, let’s consider how anyone who is young can be encouraged to forego beach parties and similar group exercises. I remember one sure way to get me as a young person to not do something was to have an older person tell me it was for my own good. Maybe first we could have all parents encourage their children to congregate on the beaches so they could get more Vitamin D to help them fight off the virus.

Another sure turnoff was for an old person to tell me how he or she used to do something and how well they did it. We could station kiosks with six foot perimeters on the beaches where old people would loudly and continually regale anyone within earshot of the old person’s one-time youthful exploits.

Of course, the surest way to have younger people not engage in a certain behavior is to have older people offer to engage in such behaviors with the young themselves. So we could have old men and women threaten to flood the beaches, while maintaining six foot intervals, and attempt to cavort with the young as much as arthritis will allow. To complete the program of negative reinforcement we could have the old people wear thongs and fake gold chains and drink prune juice instead of alcohol. You know, something similar to a 1960’s Love-In but without the love or the pot. That should assure young people will voluntarily abandon the beaches and the crowds for the thirty to sixty days we need to flatten the COVID-19 curve.

For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com

Or “Like” us on Facebook at JPegRanchBooks&Knitting

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

0

Mary Barnes: Criminal trespass (Level 6 Felony)

Jessy Shane Barnett: Theft (Level 6 Felony)

Phillip Joshua Campbell: Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor), Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor)

Zachary Thomas Beckman: Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony)

James Robert Garris IIII: Dealing in marijuana (Level 6 Felony)

Kyle Preston McPheeters: Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Leaving the scene of an accident (Class B misdemeanor), Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (Class C misdemeanor), Operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license (Class C misdemeanor)

Paula Mae Horn: Theft (Level 6 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony)

Wykeia Markai Collins: Intimidation (Level 5 Felony), Pointing a firearm (Level 6 Felony), Criminal recklessness (Level 6 Felony), Carrying a handgun without a license (Class A misdemeanor)

Marion Lee Young: Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony), Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Public intoxication (Class B misdemeanor)

Christopher Robert Palmer: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)

April Dawn Amos: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)

Colton Wade Skaggs: Operating a vehicle with an ACE of 0.15 or more (Level 6 Felony)

BREAKING NEWS: Senator Mike Braun’s Releases Resource Guide For Small Businesses & Employees 

0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2020

Senator Mike Braun’s praises House of Reps. for passing CARES Act, releases resource guide for small businesses & employees 

JASPER, IN – Today, U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) released the following statement praising the House of Representatives for passing the Senate’s relief package which will provide much-needed relief for Hoosier small businesses and workers.

Senator Mike Braun is also releasing a resource guide to help Hoosier small businesses and employees navigate the state and federal efforts to combat the economic crisis created by the public health battle being waged against the novel coronavirus. The resource guide can be found below.

“I am proud that the House of Representatives quickly passed the CARES Act, which will give our hospitals the tools they need to combat the coronavirus, provide immediate help to those who have lost their jobs, and give small business owners the largest relief package ever to keep their doors open, which I was personally involved with securing.

“Additionally, my office has created a small business and employee resource guide and my office is working around the clock to help Hoosiers who have been affected by the coronavirus.

“I am also pleased to announce that General Motors will be making 10,000 ventilators a month at their facility in Kokomo and I am humbled by the countless number of Hoosiers who have stood up to help our country during this time.”

Senator Mike Braun’s COVID-19 Affected Business & Employee Resource Guide

The resources contained within this document are a culmination of state and federal efforts to combat the economic crisis created by the public health battle being waged against the novel coronavirus.  For help on any issues related to COVID-19 please contact my office using CoronavirusHelp@braun.senate.gov.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act)/H.R. 748

Small Business Paycheck Protection Program

The CARES Act allows the Small Business Administration to begin making loans of up to $10 million under the Paycheck Protection Program with an overall authorization level of $349B.  This section is effective on February 15, 2020.

  • Qualifications: The Paycheck Protection Program will be conducted as part of the SBA 7(a) Loan program, general qualifications can be found here. The PPP also includes 501(c)(3) nonprofits, 501(c)(19) veteran organizations,  tribal businesses described in section 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act, sole-proprietors, independent contractors, and other self-employed individuals.
  • Loans: Loans can be used for payroll support, paid leave, insurance costs, mortgage/rent payments, and utility payments. They do not have borrower, lender, or prepayment fees and are 100% government guaranteed. Repayment may be deferred for up to one year.
  • Forgiveness: All Paycheck Protection Program Loans are eligible for forgiveness in an amount equal to the payroll cost and costs related to debt obligations.

General Business Financing

The CARES Act appropriates $500 Billion to the Department of Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF), including a 13(3) facility to provide targeted support to nonprofits and businesses between 500 and 10,000 employees.

  • Provides $454 billion for unforgivable secured loans through the Federal Reserve 13(3) authority to larger businesses, states, and municipalities.
    • Funds lent to nonprofits and businesses between 500 and 10,000 employees must be used to retain at least 90 percent of the recipient’s workforce, among other requirements.

General Business Tax Provisions

  • Employee retention credit for employers:  A refundable payroll tax credit for 50% of wages paid to employees during the COVID-19 crisis is available to those whose operations were fully or partially suspended due to a COVID-19-related closure order or gross receipts declined by more than 50% compared to the same quarter in the prior year.
  • Delay of payment of employer payroll taxes: Employers and self-employed individuals are allowed to defer payment of the employer share (generally 6.2%) of the Social Security tax they otherwise are responsible for paying with respect to their employees.

The Cares Act modified a number of tax provisions in an effort to allow corporations and small businesses access to liquidity:

  • Qualified Improvement Property (QIP) fix: This fix from the TCJA provides businesses, especially in the hospitality industry, to write off immediately costs associated with improving facilities instead of having to depreciate those improvements over the 39-year life of the building.
  • Net Operating Losses (NOL) Credit:  A net operating loss (NOL) arising in a tax year beginning in 2018, 2019, or 2020 can be carried back five years and the taxable income limitation is temporarily removed to allow an NOL to fully offset income.
  • AMT Credit: Companies are now allowed to recover AMT credits immediately rather than extending until 2021.
  • Limitation on business interest:  Increases to 50% the limitation of taxable income for 2019 and 2020.

Unemployment Insurance Enhancements

  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program provides payment to those not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, those with limited work history, and others) who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus public health emergency.
  • Includes an additional $600 per week payment to each recipient of unemployment insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for up to four months and an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to those who need it.
  • Provides funding to support “short-time compensation” programs, to pay 100% of costs incurred when employers reduce employee hours instead of laying them off.

Amendments to Employee Mandates

The CARES Act placed caps on paid leave provisions within the FFRCA (described below).

  • An employer is not required to pay more than $200 per day and $10,000 in the aggregate for each employee on paid FMLA and is not required to pay more than $511 per day and $5,110 in the aggregate for sick leave or more than $200 per day and $2,000 in the aggregate to care for a quarantined individual or child.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Public Law No: 116-127)

Paid Leave

American businesses with fewer than 500 employees have access to funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members.

  • Employees of eligible employers can receive two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at 100% of the employee’s pay where the employee is unable to work because the employee is quarantined, and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and seeking a medical diagnosis.
  • An employee who is unable to work due to a need to care for an individual subject to quarantine, to care for a child whose school is closed or child care provider is unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19, can receive two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at 2/3 the employee’s pay, and, may in some instances receive up to an additional ten weeks of expanded paid family and medical leave at 2/3 the employee’s pay.

Link: Fact Sheet for Employees

Employer Assistance

  • Employer Reimbursement: Eligible employers will receive a dollar-for-dollar credit for the paid sick leave and family leave that they provide under this program. Self-employed individuals receive an equivalent credit.
  • Prompt Payment for the Cost of Providing Leave: The Treasury will use its regulatory authority to allow businesses to utilize employment tax withholdings that have already been deposited to pay sick leave wages. In the event that such withholdings are insufficient, the Treasury will implement a system to accelerate payment of credits to cover such costs.
  • Eligible employers who pay qualifying sick or child care leave will be able to retain an amount of the payroll taxes equal to the amount of qualifying sick and child care leave that they paid, rather than deposit them with the IRS.
  • The payroll taxes that are available for retention include withheld federal income taxes, the employee share of Social Security and Medicare taxes, and the employer share of Social Security and Medicare taxes with respect to all employees.
  • If there are not sufficient payroll taxes to cover the cost of qualified sick and child care leave paid, employers will be able to file a request for an accelerated payment from the IRS.  The IRS expects to process these requests in two weeks or less. The details of this new, expedited procedure will be announced soon and our office is monitoring for updates.

Small Business Protection: Businesses with less than 50 employees are eligible for an exemption through the Dept. of Labor from the sick leave and family leave provisions where those requirements may create serious financial hardship

Links: Fact Sheet for Employers, Department of Labor Questions and Answers

Non-Enforcement Period

  • Department of Labor will be issuing a temporary non-enforcement policy that provides a period of time for employers to come into compliance.

Small Business Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) 

The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Indiana small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Maximum amounts lent to businesses of any size under the disaster loan program are $2M, carry an interest rate of 3.75% for small businesses with terms up to 30 years.

The CARES Act expands eligibility to the EIDL program to tribal businesses, cooperatives, and ESOPs with fewer than 500 employees or any individual operating as a sole proprietor or an independent contractor.

This document was prepared as an informational resource and should not be considered legal or business counsel.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to CoronavirusHelp@braun.senate.gov for questions, concerns, or additional assistance.

Click here to download Senator Braun’s COVID-19 Affected Business & Employee Resource Guide

Gov. Holcomb Announces Offenders Producing Face Masks, Gowns

0

Governor also provides INDOT, food assistance updates

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced offenders at the Miami Correctional Facility are producing face masks, personal protection gowns, face shields and hand sanitizer to be used in the fight against COVID-19.

 

“I’m pleased to have the Department of Correction joining the ranks of Hoosier businesses, large and small, stepping forward in the fight against COVID-19.  Production of these items will lessen the strain on the supply chain, leaving more of these products available for Hoosiers,” Gov. Holcomb said.

 

After the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the State of Indiana, the Department of Correction changed the mission of Indiana Correctional Industry’s (ICI) production lines at Miami Correctional Facility from offender uniforms to the production of protective equipment. This week, ICI stood up two production lines that are producing 200 protection gowns and 200 masks per day. Additionally, the shop is currently in production of 650 12-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer.

 

The Department of Correction plans to repurpose another production line at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility to expand the production of protective equipment.

 

The personal protective equipment (PPE) being made by offenders will be used by first responders and in Department of Correction facilities to allow traditional PPE to remain available for health care workers.

 

See pool video of the PPE production at Miami Correctional by clicking here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k4oU6ohnIwWARHnWXLUNvPRudAqQHwPr/view

 

Gov. Holcomb outlined these additional efforts from INDOT and the National Guard:

 

  • Traffic on state roads, highways and interstates is down significantly as a result of many Hoosiers honoring the Stay-At-Home Order (A traffic chart is attached).

o   To speed up deliveries to retailers, commercial trucks hauling products essential to COVID-19 response are eligible for an emergency overweight vehicle permit. This permit will allow trucks to operate in the state at 90,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rather than 80,000 lbs. through at least April 13. Trucking companies and drivers needing this permit should call 317-615-7320.

  • Highway maintenance is ongoing, and construction season will begin on time. Move over, slow down, and pay attention if you must be on the roads for essential travel to help keep our employees and contractors safe.
  • The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), in partnership with the state’s food banks, the Indy Hunger Network and Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, has developed a statewide, interactive map that will help Hoosiers seeking food assistance find what they need. Click here to see the map: https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/5768.htm

o   There are two types of organizations shown on the map: food pantries and meal sites. Food pantries are locations where Hoosiers can pick up groceries to prepare and use at their homes. Meal sites serve packed meals, ready to take home and eat.

  • The Indiana National Guard is being deployed to six food banks across the state to help sort and pack food for distribution to food pantries.

o   The food banks are in Marion County (2), Bloomington, Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Merrillville.

o   The Indiana National Guard will also work at mobile food distribution sites across the state.

Click here to download public service announcements (PSAs) recorded by the state for your use:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/egf210ognxxyx4h/AADYd7E-tBn7P6gtiLSZUiVBa?dl=0

 

More information may be found at the ISDH website at coronavirus.in.gov and the CDC website athttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

 

Traffic data 03-27-2020

Summury Of Econo Lodge Hotel on Hwy 41 North Police Call Concerning Steven Bradley Beasley 

0

Summury Of Econo Lodge Hotel on Hwy 41 North Police Call Concerning Steven Bradley Beasley 

On March 25 around 11:04 p.m., the Evansville Police Department was called to the Econo Lodge Hotel on Hwy 41 North. The hotel’s desk clerk called 911 to report that a white male wearing a black shirt and black shorts was in the parking lot of the Econo Lodge and was running up to the guests, frightening them. The caller went on to say that it appears that the person is under the influence of something.  

  • The first responding officer approached the person, later identified as Steven Bradley Beasley (37), in the parking lot and was doing his best to calm Mr. Beasley down. While attempting to arrest Mr. Beasley, he became combative and fought with the officer.  
  • At 11:11 p.m. the first responding officer requested for other officers to step up (speed up) their arrival because Mr. Beasley was actively fighting.  
  • Soon after other officers arrived, Mr. Beasley was placed into custody but continued to struggle. He was kicking at officers and attempting to bite them.   
  • Around 11:15 p.m. an AMR ambulance was called to the scene to see if something could be given to Mr. Beasley to sedate him, as he was continuing to struggle with officers. 
  • At approximately 11:24 p.m., officers noticed Mr. Beasley stopped struggling. At that point, his pulse and breathing were checked. He had a weak pulse and was not breathing. 
  • The officers on the scene immediately started chest compressions and rescue breathing as well as administering Narcan.
  • Around 11:26 p.m. AMR arrived on the scene. The Evansville Fire Department also arrived to assist in life-saving efforts. 
  • Mr. Beasley was taken to Deaconess Hospital. 
  • While at the hospital, Mr. Beasley was stabilized and was breathing on his own.   Mr. Beasley was later pronounced dead the next morning, March 26, at 8:43 a.m.
  • An autopsy was done on Mr. Beasley on March 26 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Three officers that were involved in attempting to save Mr. Beasley’s life were placed on a 3-day administrative leave. 
  • The Evansville Police Department will be releasing body cam video as well as witness video of the event. 
  • Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) safety measures, a press conference can’t be held inside Police Headquarters. Upon request, the department P.I.O. will be available to give individual interviews outside Police Headquarters.

New statewide map available for Hoosiers seeking food assistance during COVID-19 pandemic

0

New, interactive online tool will make it easier for families to find food resources near home; site will be updated to reflect current openings and closures

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, in partnership with the state’s  food banks, the Indy Hunger Network and Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, has developed a statewide, interactive map that will help Hoosiers seeking food assistance find what they need. The map is online here, and will be prominently featured at www.fssa.in.gov. The map can be used on desktop/laptop computers and mobile devices.

“Many Hoosiers’ situations have changed as a result of our state’s important and necessary response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,” said Jennifer Sullivan, M.D., M.P.H., FSSA Secretary. “We know there is a significant need for families – many of whom have never needed assistance before. We hope this tool helps them locate resources to meet their food and nutrition needs during this crisis and in the future.”

There are two types of organizations shown on the map: food pantries and meal sites. Food pantries are locations where Hoosiers can pick up groceries to prepare and use at their homes. Meal sites serve packed meals, ready to take home and eat.

Earlier this week, FSSA encouraged food pantries to stay open to keep serving Hoosiers and issued a call for volunteers under age 60 who are able to serve. FSSA is actively working with food pantries, food banks and community kitchens across the state to track which are open and is updating the map accordingly.

JUST IN: Trump Says He Will Label Regions by Risk of Coronavirus Threat

0

Trump Says He Will Label Regions by Risk of Coronavirus Threat

The federal guidelines are meant to help states decide whether to relax or enhance the quarantine and social distancing measures they have put in place

By Annie Karni

March 26, 2020

WASHINGTON — President Trump said Thursday that he planned to label different areas of the country as at a “high risk, medium risk or low risk” to the spread of the coronavirus, as part of new federal guidelines to help states decide whether to relax or enhance their quarantine and social distancing measures.

“Our expanded testing capabilities will quickly enable us to publish criteria, developed in close coordination with the nation’s public health officials and scientists, to help classify counties with respect to continued risks posed by the virus,” Mr. Trump said in a letter to the nation’s governors.

In it, the president thanked Republican and Democratic governors alike for “stepping up to help America confront this unprecedented global pandemic.”

But in a video teleconference with governors to discuss the response to the virus, and in a television appearance late Thursday night, Mr. Trump struck a less conciliatory tone, criticizing some of them instead of “taking” from the federal government.

In the call, he rebuffed a plea from Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington for a more forceful response to the outbreak, according to two officials familiar with the conversation. Later, during an interview with the Fox News host Sean Hannity, the president singled out Mr. Inslee as well as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan for requesting federal aid at all.

“We have people like Governor Inslee, he should be doing more,” Mr. Trump said. “He shouldn’t be relying on the federal government.” The president called Mr. Inslee a “failed presidential candidate” who was “always complaining.”

As for Ms. Whitmer, who has sent Mr. Trump a request for a major disaster declaration for her state, he did not refer to her by name.

“We had a big problem with a woman governor — you know who I’m talking about — from Michigan,” the president said. “All she does is sit there and blame the federal government, she doesn’t get it done and we send her a lot.” He said he did not like dealing with governors who “take and then they complain” and described Ms. Whitmer as a new governor who “has not been pleasant.”

He also reiterated his desire to start opening up some parts of the country in the near future. “I think we can start by opening up certain parts of the country, the farm belt, certain parts of the Midwest, other places,” he said.

Trump’s Letter to Governors

Read the document.

Mr. Trump previewed the new set of federal guidelines in his letter as the death toll from the virus in the United States passed 1,000, and in hot spots like New York, 100 people had died because of the virus in one day. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Thursday that the worst days and weeks of the crisis were still ahead.

But Mr. Trump, in his letter, said the goal of the new rules was to look toward the day when Americans could “resume their normal economic, social and religious lives.”

Earlier in the week, he said he wanted to reopen the country for business by Easter, on April 12, despite widespread warnings from health officials that the worst effects of the virus were still weeks away and prematurely lifting social distancing guidelines would result in unnecessary deaths.

At the time, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, a leading health expert on the administration’s coronavirus task force, said the additional testing now available gave the administration some “flexibility in different areas” to do so.

“People might get the misinterpretation you’re just going to lift everything up,” Dr. Fauci said, explaining Mr. Trump’s impatience to jump-start the economy and tell Americans they could resume everyday life. “That’s not going to happen,” Dr. Fauci said. “It’s going to be looking at the data” in regions of the country where there was not an obvious outbreak of the virus.

As a practical matter, however, Mr. Trump does not have the power to decide whether the country can reopen. He can issue federal guidelines, but the decision of whether to return to business, as usual, is up to each state.

“States are understood to have a general power to legislate for the health, welfare, safety, and morals for the people of their state,” said Andrew Kent, who teaches constitutional law at Fordham University’s School of Law.

The administration released its first set of federal guidelines to slow the spread of the coronavirus on March 16. The 15-day plan included closing schools and telling people to avoid groups of more than 10 as well as bars, restaurants, food courts and discretionary travel.

Mr. Trump has been eager to send a message to the business community and to the markets that there is an end date to the economic standstill caused by the coronavirus and the response to it.

But public health experts warned that there needed to be a nationwide approach to fighting the spread of a virus that could easily move around the country just as it has done around the globe. And many expressed horror at the idea of pulling back on mitigation efforts too early.

Since his declaration of an Easter timeline, his aides have made clear that it was meant less as an edict and more as an ambition. Kellyanne Conway, the counselor to the president, said Thursday that the administration would “follow the facts of the data” in the new guidelines it issued.

Stephanie Grisham, the White House press secretary, said in an interview with “Fox & Friends” that the president “wants to have a message of hope to the American people.”

 

1...2,8332,8342,835...7,207Page 2,834 of 7,207