Welcome to The Hill’s daily roundup of COVID-19 news.
The U.S. is nearing a grim milestone of 100,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data, but experts largely agree the death toll is higher. There are more than 1.7 million confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
Washington, D.C., will begin lifting some of its coronavirus restrictions on Friday, with restaurants open for outdoor seating, while certain businesses like barbershops, hair salons and others will be allowed to operate with limited capacity. The city says there has been a 14 day decline in virus transmission. But D.C. also changed how it measured the spread of the virus, leading to uncertainty as to whether there really has been a decline.
Here’s what else you need to know today.
In the Trump administration and Congress
- Anthony Fauci on Wednesday said there’s no evidence that shows the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine is effective at treating COVID-19, Nathaniel Weixel reports.
- Fauci also said Wednesday that a second wave of coronavirus infections is “not inevitable” if people are vigilant about proper mitigation efforts. Read more from Justin Wise.
- Antibody tests that determine if someone has had the coronavirus in the past should not be used for making decisions about people returning to work, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says in new guidance. Peter Sullivan has the story here.
- Health care providers that primarily treat the poor, children and people with disabilities are getting left out of the COVID-19 aid being issued by the Trump administration, frustrating advocates who worry about the future of the Medicaid safety net, Jessie Hellmann reports.
- A group of moderate Senate Democrats are open to considering liability protection for businesses in the next round of coronavirus relief legislation, a crack in Democratic unity that gives Republicans and the White House some leverage. Alexander Bolton has more.
In the states
- While the number of new coronavirus cases is declining in New York, Seattle and other focal points of the first wave of cases, models are predicting that cases could skyrocket in the next two weeks in cities like Houston, Dallas, Nashville, Tenn., and Memphis, Tenn., creating new epicenters. Reid Wilson reports.
- Washington, D.C., will lift its stay-at-home order on Friday, allowing restaurants to serve people outdoors, hair salons to open and retailers to offer curbside pickup. Peter Sullivan reports.
- But a group of lawmakers representing the National Capital Region is calling for the Trump administration to drop plans to hold a second “Salute to America” Fourth of July celebration in Washington, D.C. Justin Wise has the story.
Other news
- A study of dozens of COVID-19 patients in China found that 42 percent showed no symptoms of the disease but were contagious for shorter periods of time than symptomatic patients. Jessie Hellmann reports.
- A new poll found that 49 percent of respondents said they would get a vaccine for coronavirus. Twenty percent of respondents said they would not, and 31 percent said they weren’t sure yet. Justine Coleman reports.
- The National Women’s Soccer League will resume play in June, playing 25 games in two Utah stadiums without spectators. Zack Budryk reports.
- Disney World detailed plans to open four of its Florida theme parks in July, with physical distancing restrictions, temperature checks and mandatory face coverings. Read more on the plan from Marty Johnson.
- Tenants are afraid mass evictions will take place in the coming weeks as eviction moratoria across the country begin to expire. J. Edward Moreno has the story.