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COVID-19 Update | Monday, March 16 (PM)

March 16, 2020

Administration

  • The Administration announced stricter guidelines, requesting that states with evidence of community transmission close bars, restaurants, and other venues where groups of people gather.
  • The guidelines specifically stated that Americans should:
    • Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
    • Avoid eating and drinking in bars, restaurants, and public food courts.
    • Encourage schooling from home across the country.
    • Avoid “discretionary travel.”
  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci shared during the midday White House briefing that the new guidelines only apply to the next 15 days.
  • The President indicated that he and his Administration are not considering a nationwide quarantine at this point in time, but that they may look at certain areas/ “hot spots.”
  • The President also indicated that the economy “may be headed into a recession.”
  • The White House is aiming to deploy at least $800 billion in aid in the coming weeks. Reports indicate that the Administration is exploring providing relief in the form of tax deferments, loans, or even direct payments to airlines, the hospitality industry and small-to-medium-sized businesses crippled by plunging demand. A framework of a plan could be released as early as Tuesday.
  • The Administration voiced its full support for the airline industry.
  • Lastly, the President indicated that the coronavirus is not under control and that we could be seeing its effects through July or August.

Congress

  • Secretary Mnuchin and Speaker Pelosi are still negotiating changes to their plan.
  • The idea is for the House to pass the changes by Unanimous Consent as soon as they are ready, but we are hearing that there may be objection.  
  • The Senate intends to take the bill up once the House approves the changes, but no sooner than tomorrow. 
  • Senator Schumer is expected to put out a $750 billion outline of a package tomorrow.
  • As soon as we know the changes to the House bill, we will provide another update.

Other News

  • San Francisco, CA Mayor London Breed has issued a shelter-in-place order for residents, effective midnight. Residents are required to stay home except for “essential needs.”
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