NY will allow elective surgeries in some spots
In the latest sign New York is gradually easing restrictions, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday he will sign an executive order to allow elective surgeries to resume in counties where a coronavirus surge is unlikely. Such procedures were canceled to increase hospital capacity during the peak of the outbreak.
No New York City counties were eligible to resume elective surgeries, nor were Erie County – where Buffalo is located – or Albany County.
After increased media attention on the state of subway cars in New York City, Cuomo said he is going to ask the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for “a full plan of how we disinfect every train, every night, period.” Cuomo cited concerns that the virus could spread without efficient sanitation amid reports of unhygienic conditions and homeless people sheltering in the cars.
“Any essential worker who shows up and gets on a train should know the train was disinfected the night before,” Cuomo said. “We want them to show up. We don’t want them to stay home.”
Maryland chicken plant outbreaks grow
Gov. Larry Hogan said there have now been 262 confirmed COVID-19 cases associated with Maryland poultry workers. The Delmarva Peninsula is home to several processing plants, including Perdue Farms, Tyson Foods and Mountaire Farms.
Hogan called the outbreaks “a serious public health concern” and “a potential threat to Maryland’s leading agricultural industry and to our nation’s essential food supply chain.”
State epidemiologists have told the affected areas to focus on testing support, contact tracing, occupational health communications and outreach. The executive director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency is spearheading the state’s “intensive effort.”
Pelosi names 7 to stimulus committee
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi named seven Democratic lawmakers Wednesday to a panel overseeing trillions of dollars in stimulus funds intended to offset the impacts of the pandemic.
The rollout of the stimulus program and the accompanying federal response have already faced problems and some criticism. Publicly traded companies have been able to access loans meant for small businesses.
Stimulus checks have been sent to dead people.
And the distribution of medical supplies has been uneven, with states trying to outbid each other for life-saving equipment.
Republicans have not yet announced their nominees for the panel, which allows spots for five Republicans. A spokesperson for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told USA TODAY the committee was “another partisan pursuit” and was redundant because of existing oversight bodies.
California may start new school year in July
Gov. Gavin Newsom said California’s schools could return as early as late July or early August to begin the next academic year. Starting the next school year early could make up for “a learning loss,” as children have been at home and working virtually on assignments, Newsom said.
“As a parent myself, and having talked to many other parents and educators – even the kids – I think we might want to consider getting the at school year moved up a little bit,” Newsom said.
The governor said no decision has been made, but physical and environmental changes would be needed at the state’s campuses to reopen safely. The process of students returning to classrooms across the country will be challenging, educators say – with cramped space, limited funding and vague guidelines from health officials.
Navy’s Comfort departing New York
After a month of supporting New York City and New Jersey residents during the outbreak, the Navy hospital ship Comfort will leave Thursday for its home port in Norfolk, Virginia.
The ship will prepare for any future COVID-19 assignments.
“The Navy, along with other U.S. Northern Command dedicated forces, remains engaged throughout the nation in support of the broader COVID-19 response,” the U.S. Northern Command said.
The ship served 182 patients during its stay, discharging its final patient Sunday, according to a spokesman for Northwell Health, which assisted with service on the ship. It arrived in New York City on March 30.