GESTIÓN EN SALUD PÚBLICA: Coronavirus package under scrutiny for provisions that have little to do with crisis

viernes, 27 de marzo de 2020

Coronavirus package under scrutiny for provisions that have little to do with crisis

Coronavirus package under scrutiny for provisions that have little to do with crisis

As the House of Representatives is expected to vote on the $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package on Friday, the bill is being scrutinized for containing items that have nothing to do with helping Americans. Among the many provisions in the relief package that appear to have little to do with the immediate crisis at home is a nearly $11 billion pot of money for three international development groups.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes funding for the African Development Fund (ADF), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Development Association (IDA).

While most lawmakers appear to favor the bill, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was poised to potentially hold up proceedings — and he faced scorching criticism from his colleagues and the White House.

As for the economy, after three straight days of gains, U.S. equity markets stumbled Friday morning before the House’s expected vote on the relief package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 792 points, or 3.52 percent, in the opening minutes of trading, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite dropped 3.1 percent and 2.8 percent respectively.

The Trump administration has continued to strike an optimistic but proceed-with-caution tone in the nation’s battle against the crisis, even as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. surpassed those in China and Italy. In an interview with the "Fox News Rundown," Health and Human Services Sec. Alex Azar offered words of comfort, saying, “There is light at the end of this tunnel.” He also said the private sector has been ramping up manufacturing efforts and praised their willingness to partner with the government to fight the pandemic.

Meanwhile, more than 300 people died and a further 1,000 fell ill in Iran after consuming methanol, in the belief that it would protect them against the coronavirus, local media reported Friday.

And get ready for “FOX Presents the iHeart Living Room Concert for America,” which will air this Sunday at 9 p.m. EST on all FOX platforms and iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide. The special concert event, hosted by the legendary Elton John, will pay tribute to front-line medical professionals working to treat coronavirus patients, first responders and local heroes, while soliciting donations from viewers and listeners.

Any questions? Check out Fox News Digital's coronavirus live blog: Infectious disease expert Dr. Melissa Nolan answers your questions.

And there were several other developments:

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed he tested positive for coronavirus.

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in New York, CEO Stephen Granovksy said his clothing company, Hickey Freeman's Tailored Clothing, has shifted its production to make personal protective equipment for doctors and medical workers on the front lines.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said his company is working directly with the World Health Organization (WHO) in a number of different capacities as the world attempts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Experts are weighing in with their take on how long the coronavirus crisis will last in the U.S. and are giving best- and worst-case scenarios.

Fiat Chrysler has extended the temporary shutdown of its U.S. and Canadian factories until at least April 14, and is teaming up with several organizations to help provide 1 million meals to children who normally rely on school meal programs near its major manufacturing facilities in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.