Nightly Rundown: Back in business; U.S. deaths top 50,000; Trump’s ‘injection’ backlash; $484 billion relief bill signed

The Nightly News - with Lester Holt - Nightly News: 4.24.20

To ensure delivery to your inbox add email@mail.nbcnews.com to your contacts | View in browser By Dan Donahue, NBC Nightly News Good Friday afternoon. Here's what's in our Nightly Rundown tonight U.S. coronavirus death toll rises to over 50,000 The coronavirus pandemic has reached another grim milestone in the United States, where more than 50,000 people having now died from COVID-19. As the death toll rises, a number of states are moving to reopen, and President Trump is facing backlash after suggesting the “injection” of disinfectants to treat the virus. Here are the latest updates: Trump has signed the $484 billion coronavirus relief bill that provides more funding for the government’s small business rescue program, and money for hospitals and testing. The FDA warned against prescribing hydroxychloroquine to COVID-19 patients outside of hospitals or clinical trials, amid reports that some patients have developed serious heart rhythm problems. Trump repeatedly touted the drug as a potential treatment for COVID-19, but has distanced himself from those comments in recent days. The Department of Homeland Security warned hospitals today to stay alert for potential terrorist attacks. “Terrorists and other violent extremists may attempt to exploit the situation or vulnerable individuals may be triggered by stressors to commit disruptive or violent acts targeted at the healthcare community,” the DHS said in a bulletin. A second U.S. Navy warship is now the site of a coronavirus outbreak. At least 18 sailors on the USS Kidd have tested positive, the Pentagon said, and the ship is returning to port. This comes after the outbreak on the USS Theodore Roosevelt, the Navy carrier where at least 840 sailors have tested positive. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended her state’s stay-at-home order until May 15, but relaxed some restrictions to allow businesses like lawn-service companies, garden stores and bike repair shops to resume operations, if they adhere to social distancing measures. Trump announced on Twitter that the U.S. will send ventilators to Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras and Indonesia. Trump signs coronavirus relief bill to help small businesses and hospitals Georgia launches country's most aggressive reopening plan Georgia residents can now once again work out at gyms, get a haircut, or even go bowling — but will the customers come back in the middle of a pandemic? The state has launched the nation’s most aggressive effort to reopen, loosening stay-at-home restrictions and allowing many non-essential businesses to reopen beginning today. In addition to gyms, beauty parlors, and bowling alleys, the order from Republican Gov. Brian Kemp allows nail salons, art studios and massage parlors to reopen. Movie theaters, dine-in restaurants, and private clubs will be permitted to reopen in Georgia on Monday. Businesses are required to maintain social distancing guidelines — something that can be difficult to do for a barber or a tattoo artist. Kemp moved forward with his reopening plan despite the fact that Georgia has not met the White House's criteria that advises states to wait until they have a declining number of cases for 14 days. President Trump said on Wednesday that he "strongly" disagreed with the decision by Kemp, a political ally, calling Georgia's move to reopen "too soon." Trump tweeted today that neither he, nor Vice President Mike Pence, gave Kemp "an OK," after the Associated Press reported that both Trump and Pence repeatedly told Kemp they approved of his plan — before reversing course and publicly slamming it. Blayne Alexander is reporting tonight from Georgia, where nearly 900 deaths and more than 22,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported. A new model from the University of Washington predicts Georgia will not hit its peak in cases until late next week — days after many businesses reopen. Health experts have warned that reopening the economy too soon could lead to a surge in new infections and deaths. Other states have also moved to relax their stay-at-home orders. Oklahoma is also allowing hair salons, barbershops, spas, nail salons and pet groomers to reopen today. South Carolina has already allowed many non-essential businesses like furniture, jewelry and clothing stores reopen. Sam Brock in Atlanta: People here are saying, 'This isn't a political protest, it's a health policy protest.' Trump says comments about disinfectant "injection" were "sarcastic" President Trump told reporters today that he was being “sarcastic” when he publicly speculated about whether an “injection” of disinfectant could treat coronavirus. "I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen," Trump said in the Oval Office. "A very sarcastic question." Trump's question came during Thursday's White House coronavirus task force briefing, after Homeland Security official Bill Bryan presented new findings about the effectiveness of disinfectants against coronavirus on surfaces. Bryan said bleach kills the virus in about five minutes, and isopropyl alcohol kills it in about 30 seconds. Trump then asked whether those disinfectants could be used within the human body to fight the virus. "I see the disinfectant, where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning," Trump said. "Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs. So it would be interesting to check that," he continued. Trump's comments raised alarm among health experts. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, while not specifically referring to the president, made an urgent plea to Americans this morning. "A reminder to all Americans," Adams tweeted. "PLEASE always talk to your health provider first before administering any treatment/ medication to yourself or a loved one." Adams continued, "Your safety is paramount, and doctors and nurses have years of training to recommend what's safe and effective." The maker of Lysol also issued a warning against the internal use of its cleaning products. "We must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route)," the company said in a statement on its website. Bryan also presented research during the briefing showing that sunlight, heat, and humidity significantly weaken the virus. Trump then asked Bryan, "So supposing we hit the body with a tremendous — whether it's ultraviolet or just a very powerful light — and I think you said that hasn't been checked because of the testing." He continued, "And then I said, supposing you brought the light inside the body, which you can do either through the skin or some other way, and I think you said you're going to test that, too." "I'm here to present ideas," Trump said later in the briefing. The White House has accused the media of misrepresenting the president's remarks. "President Trump has repeatedly said that Americans should consult with medical doctors regarding coronavirus treatment, a point that he emphasized again during yesterday's briefing," said press secretary Kayleigh McEnany in a statement. "Leave it to the media to irresponsibly take President Trump out of context and run with negative headlines," McEnany said. Geoff Bennett is at the White House for us tonight. Trump claims his comments on injecting disinfectants were a 'sarcastic question' Watch us this evening at 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT on NBC, or check your local NBC station listing. After the broadcast, access Nightly News video on NBCNightlyNews.com or the NBC News app. FOLLOW US Download the NBC News Mobile App This email was sent to: stevenmagallanes520.nims@blogger.com. This is an automated email. Do not reply directly. 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 Privacy | Unsubcription | NBC Newsletters | Contact