US President Donald Trump faces criticism after he suggested that disinfectants could be used to cure coronavirus. AP
US President Donald Trump faces criticism after he suggested that disinfectants could be used to cure coronavirus. AP
US President Donald Trump faces criticism after he suggested that disinfectants could be used to cure coronavirus. AP
US President Donald Trump faces criticism after he suggested that disinfectants could be used to cure coronavirus. AP

The Americas

US approaches one million coronavirus cases as states loosen restrictions

America now has one third of world's cases of virus

Joyce Karam
Joyce Karam

April 28, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Reported coronavirus cases in the US approached the one million mark on Monday, as several states began to loosen restrictions and slowly reopen.

US cases passed 976,000 by midday on Monday, with more than 55,000 deaths reported, figures from Johns Hopkins University showed.

The latest numbers translate to a third of global coronavirus cases and a quarter of world deaths.

But several US states loosened restrictions and were gradually reopening on Monday, including Alaska, South Carolina, Colorado, Oklahoma, Michigan, Mississippi and Georgia.

Georgia allowed non-essential businesses to open, angering public health officials and US President Donald Trump, who criticised the decision.

Back at the White House, the daily briefing was initially cancelled then reinstated by Mr Trump.

“Today we are not tracking a briefing,” White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News on Monday morning.

But about 1pm, Ms McEnany tweeted that Mr Trump would host a briefing at 5pm.

There has been widespread criticism of his remarks last Thursday suggesting that disinfectants could be injected to cure the virus.

Ms McEnany, asked if the president would clarify his comments, said the question had been “answered a dozen times”.

The White House coronavirus task force also cut back its meetings.

The team met only once at the weekend, calling it “a rarity” and a break from its daily meetings since it was assembled, CNN reported.

Mr Trump’s favourability ratings dropped to an average of 43 per cent, polling company Five Thirty Eight said, as the pandemic took a political and economic toll on the administration.

But on Monday, US stocks opened higher even as crude oil prices plummeted. The Dow opened up 0.5 per cent and the Nasdaq 0.9 per cent.

A volunteer with the Red Cross shows a doorway between beds in a mobile hospital set up in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross in the Jacques-Lemaire Arena to help care for patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from long-term centres (CHSLDs), in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. REUTERS
A volunteer with the Red Cross shows a doorway between beds in a mobile hospital set up in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross in the Jacques-Lemaire Arena to help care for patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from long-term centres (CHSLDs), in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. REUTERS
Protestors demonstrate against new safer-at-home orders during the “End the Lockdown Now” rally at the Colorado Capital in Denver, Colorado. Stay-at-home orders have been in place throughout the US to protect against the spread of the novel coronavirus, and has led to a week of demonstrations across the country. AFP
Protestors demonstrate against new safer-at-home orders during the “End the Lockdown Now” rally at the Colorado Capital in Denver, Colorado. Stay-at-home orders have been in place throughout the US to protect against the spread of the novel coronavirus, and has led to a week of demonstrations across the country. AFP
A health worker disinfects the Angel de la Independencia monument at the Reforma Avenue in Mexico City. AFP
A health worker disinfects the Angel de la Independencia monument at the Reforma Avenue in Mexico City. AFP
A empty Street is seen in Times Square amid the coronavirus pandemic in New York City. New York, which has ground to a halt to stop the coronavirus pandemic, may start reopening manufacturing and construction after May 15, Governor Andrew Cuomo said April 26, 2020. AFP
A empty Street is seen in Times Square amid the coronavirus pandemic in New York City. New York, which has ground to a halt to stop the coronavirus pandemic, may start reopening manufacturing and construction after May 15, Governor Andrew Cuomo said April 26, 2020. AFP
An official in a hazmat suit waits inside a high school entrance as a student arrives in Beijing. Senior students returned to class for the first time since schools were closed down in January as part of efforts to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. AFP
An official in a hazmat suit waits inside a high school entrance as a student arrives in Beijing. Senior students returned to class for the first time since schools were closed down in January as part of efforts to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. AFP
A supporter of anti-quarantine Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro displays a Brazilian flag during a motorcade against the president of the Chamber of Deputies Rodrigo Maia and the quarantine and social distance measures imposed by governors and mayors to combat the novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, in Brasilia. A total of 202,994 people have died worldwide since the epidemic surfaced in China in December, according to an AFP tally at 1100 GMT Sunday based on official sources. AFP
A supporter of anti-quarantine Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro displays a Brazilian flag during a motorcade against the president of the Chamber of Deputies Rodrigo Maia and the quarantine and social distance measures imposed by governors and mayors to combat the novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, in Brasilia. A total of 202,994 people have died worldwide since the epidemic surfaced in China in December, according to an AFP tally at 1100 GMT Sunday based on official sources. AFP
Joan, 45, chases his daughters Ines, 11, and Mar, 9, as they play in the street in Barcelona, during a national lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease. After six weeks stuck at home, Spain's children were being allowed out today to run, play or go for a walk as the government eased one of the world's toughest coronavirus lockdowns. Spain is one of the hardest hit countries, with a death toll running a more than 23,000 to put it behind only the United States and Italy despite stringent restrictions imposed from March 14, including keeping all children indoors. Today, with their scooters, tricycles or in prams, the children accompanied by their parents came out onto largely deserted streets. AFP
Joan, 45, chases his daughters Ines, 11, and Mar, 9, as they play in the street in Barcelona, during a national lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease. After six weeks stuck at home, Spain's children were being allowed out today to run, play or go for a walk as the government eased one of the world's toughest coronavirus lockdowns. Spain is one of the hardest hit countries, with a death toll running a more than 23,000 to put it behind only the United States and Italy despite stringent restrictions imposed from March 14, including keeping all children indoors. Today, with their scooters, tricycles or in prams, the children accompanied by their parents came out onto largely deserted streets. AFP
A woman and her son walk at the Yacht Club Portixol in Palma de Mallorca during a national lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease. After six weeks stuck at home, Spain's children were being allowed out today to run, play or go for a walk as the government eased one of the world's toughest coronavirus lockdowns. Spain is one of the hardest hit countries, with a death toll running a more than 23,000 to put it behind only the United States and Italy despite stringent restrictions imposed from March 14, including keeping all children indoors. Today, with their scooters, tricycles or in prams, the children accompanied by their parents came out onto largely deserted streets. AFP
A woman and her son walk at the Yacht Club Portixol in Palma de Mallorca during a national lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease. After six weeks stuck at home, Spain's children were being allowed out today to run, play or go for a walk as the government eased one of the world's toughest coronavirus lockdowns. Spain is one of the hardest hit countries, with a death toll running a more than 23,000 to put it behind only the United States and Italy despite stringent restrictions imposed from March 14, including keeping all children indoors. Today, with their scooters, tricycles or in prams, the children accompanied by their parents came out onto largely deserted streets. AFP
Anti-government protesters stage a rally at a shopping mall in Hong Kong, China. REUTERS
Anti-government protesters stage a rally at a shopping mall in Hong Kong, China. REUTERS
Kilian, 6, wears a protective face mask as he jumps from a bench, after restrictions were partially lifted for children, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Igualada, Spain. REUTERS
Kilian, 6, wears a protective face mask as he jumps from a bench, after restrictions were partially lifted for children, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Igualada, Spain. REUTERS
A boy looks out from his home under enhanced lockdown, during the movement control order due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Selayang, Malaysia. REUTERS
A boy looks out from his home under enhanced lockdown, during the movement control order due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Selayang, Malaysia. REUTERS
Municipal workers decontaminate a market area during an extended nationwide lockdown to slow the spreading of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Kolkata, India. REUTERS
Municipal workers decontaminate a market area during an extended nationwide lockdown to slow the spreading of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Kolkata, India. REUTERS
Anna Bassil runs a marathon distance dressed as a cake around her garden in St Albans. The London Marathon was due to take place today but was postponed following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), St Albans, Britain. REUTERS
Anna Bassil runs a marathon distance dressed as a cake around her garden in St Albans. The London Marathon was due to take place today but was postponed following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), St Albans, Britain. REUTERS
A deserted Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Waverley Council is expected to open Bondi Beach, and the neighbouring Bronte Beach, from 7am to 5pm on weekdays, starting 28 April. EPA
A deserted Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Waverley Council is expected to open Bondi Beach, and the neighbouring Bronte Beach, from 7am to 5pm on weekdays, starting 28 April. EPA

In New York, which still has the highest number of cases and deaths in the country, a self-swab test was announced and would be made available this week.

The state’s Democratic Party said it was cancelling its primary election on June 23 because of the pandemic. Other states have opted for mail-in vote.

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The Democrats' presumptive presidential candidate Joe Biden continued to criticise the Trump administration for not doing enough in testing and economic disparities.

In a new campaign memo, the former vice president said: “We are still seeing a massive shortfall and extensive disparities between states in testing. That’s unacceptable.

"And those failures are in no small part due to the federal government mishandling and delaying the pandemic response.

"We are now several months into this crisis and this administration refuses to own up to the original sin of its failed response – the failure to test.”

Polls are giving a boost to the Biden campaign in swing states including Pennsylvania, Florida, Wisconsin and Michigan.

But with the election six months away on November 3, the momentum and numbers could switch between the two candidates.

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

World Mental Health Day
BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

While you're here...
Usain Bolt's World Championships record

2007 Osaka

200m Silver

4x100m relay Silver

 

2009 Berlin

100m Gold

200m Gold

4x100m relay Gold

 

2011 Daegu

100m Disqualified in final for false start

200m Gold

4x100m relay Gold

 

2013 Moscow

100m Gold

200m Gold

4x100m relay Gold

 

2015 Beijing

100m Gold

200m Gold

4x100m relay Gold

 

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Results

ATP Dubai Championships on Monday (x indicates seed):

First round
Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5)
Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS x4) 6-4, 6-1
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x7) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4

Tour de France

When: July 7-29

UAE Team Emirates:
Dan Martin, Alexander Kristoff, Darwin Atapuma, Marco Marcato, Kristijan Durasek, Oliviero Troia, Roberto Ferrari and Rory Sutherland

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The specs

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8

Power: 640hp

Torque: 760nm

On sale: 2026

Price: Not announced yet

Syria squad

Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Alma, Mahmoud Al Youssef, Ahmad Madania.
Defenders: Ahmad Al Salih, Moayad Ajan, Jehad Al Baour, Omar Midani, Amro Jenyat, Hussein Jwayed, Nadim Sabagh, Abdul Malek Anezan.
Midfielders: Mahmoud Al Mawas, Mohammed Osman, Osama Omari, Tamer Haj Mohamad, Ahmad Ashkar, Youssef Kalfa, Zaher Midani, Khaled Al Mobayed, Fahd Youssef.
Forwards: Omar Khribin, Omar Al Somah, Mardik Mardikian.

It Was Just an Accident

Director: Jafar Panahi

Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr

Rating: 4/5

Our legal consultants

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

LIVING IN...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

  • September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
  • October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
  • October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
  • November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
  • December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
  • February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

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