July 1 coronavirus news

By Ben Westcott, Adam Renton, Meg Wagner, Melissa Macaya and Mike Hayes, CNN

Updated 0400 GMT (1200 HKT) July 2, 2020
86 Posts
Sort byDropdown arrow
4:04 p.m. ET, July 1, 2020

New Jersey reports 423 new cases of coronavirus and 45 additional deaths

From CNN's Kristina Sgueglia

New Jersey has reported an additional 423 positive Covid-19 test results for a cumulative total of 171,928, Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday.

There were 45 new confirmed deaths, bringing the statewide total to 13,224 and total probable deaths 1,854.

The daily spot positivity rate is 2.29% for tests recorded on June 27.

Casinos, outdoor amusement parks, water parks along with certain indoor recreation such as bowling alleys, batting cages, shooting ranges and arcades are still on track to reopen tomorrow, the governor said. Gyms will open tomorrow for individualized training only. 

One thing to note: These figures were released by the New Jersey governor’s office and may not line up exactly in real time with CNN’s database drawn from Johns Hopkins University and the Covid Tracking Project.

3:56 p.m. ET, July 1, 2020

Face masks now required statewide in Oregon

From CNN's Pamela Wessmann

Customers wearing masks wait in line to order food at a pizza restaurant in Portland, Oregon, on June 17.
Customers wearing masks wait in line to order food at a pizza restaurant in Portland, Oregon, on June 17. Rebecca Smeyne/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced Wednesday that she is extending the face-covering requirement from seven counties to the entire state. 

Brown said the requirement, “generally applies to all indoor places where the public may go. This means grocery stores, pharmacies, and shops. It means lobbies, elevators and restrooms. It means gyms, restaurants, and churches.”

Speaking at a news conference in Portland Wednesday, the governor said there would be exceptions to the rule.

The mandate does not extend to children under 12. It also makes accommodations for those with a medical condition where wearing a mask could be potentially dangerous, for those eating or drinking in a restaurant, and if physical exertion makes it difficult to wear a face covering while exercising, provided a six-foot distance is maintained, she said. 

4:57 p.m. ET, July 1, 2020

Florida's governor has no plans to close state beaches or parks despite rising cases

From CNN's Jessica King

As Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday he was less worried about July 4 outdoor gatherings this coming weekend because “the science is pretty clear” that they are safer.

There are no plans at the state level to close beaches or parks.

“Doing things outdoors in Florida is less risky than doing things when you’re packed indoors,” he said in a news conference Wednesday, in response to a question about Fourth of July weekend. He added that “it needs to be controlled” but that certain localities are doing that, and that his bigger concern was people crowding indoors.

“By and large, the virus does not like sunshine, heat, and humidity. I think every study has shown that,” DeSantis said.

He did caution those 65 and older, and those who have underlying medical conditions, to take necessary measures to isolate.

“We all have a responsibility not to put others in jeopardy,” he said.

CNN asks Gov. DeSantis about case spike:

3:41 p.m. ET, July 1, 2020

Trump says he still supports phase 4 of stimulus plan

From CNN's Nikki Carvajal

President Trump said Wednesday he still supports a phase four stimulus plan, but added that he believes “it has to be done properly.”

“I do, I support it,” Trump told Fox Business in an interview Wednesday. “I support actually larger numbers than the Democrats, but it’s got to be done properly.”

Asked if he wanted direct payments to be larger, the President said he wants to see more money going to Americans.

“I want the money getting to people to be larger so they can spend it, I want the money to get there quickly and in a non-complicated fashion and they wanted to make it too complicated, also it was an incentive not to go to work. You’d make more money if you don’t go to work, that’s not what the country is all about and people didn’t want that,” Trump said.

On unemployment benefits, Trump didn’t answer directly when asked if he agreed with extending the $600 enhanced benefit that’s set to expire.

“We’re getting together, we’re going to meet tonight,” he said. “And we’re going to make a determination but it’s going to be a good number, a substantial number. People are going to be happy.”

3:38 p.m. ET, July 1, 2020

Rhode Island governor says she'll start closing bars if they don't comply with social distancing rules

From CNN's Anna Sturla

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo said Wednesday she would consider closing bars in the state if more owners did not comply with health regulations.

Raimondo made the announcement after a large inspection of bars on Friday that found 18% did not have adequate social distancing. She said the state would begin ramping up enforcement.

"We want you to be making money. But I can't have nearly 20% of bars in the state allowing people bunching up and congregating,” Raimondo said.

"If we continue to see that, we're gonna close the bars,” Raimondo added. “It's really that simple."

3:45 p.m. ET, July 1, 2020

California governor encourages cancellation of July 4 fireworks shows

From CNN's Cheri Mossburg

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference on July 1.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference on July 1. Pool via KCRA

California cities struggling with the spread of coronavirus are being encouraged to cancel their upcoming Independence Day fireworks shows in an effort to eliminate crowds, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced today in a news conference.

The cancellation of some major fireworks shows has already been done in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Newsom also warned again of family gatherings over the Fourth of July weekend, saying that while the holiday is typically time for festive barbecues, inviting extended family from outside of your household should be reconsidered.

“I deeply respect people’s liberty, their desire to go back to the way things were,” the governor said, “but I cannot impress upon you more, our actions have an impact on other people.”

Newsom compared mask wearing to using a helmet while on a motorcycle or a seat belt in a car.

3:46 p.m. ET, July 1, 2020

President Trump says he's "all for masks" and claims coronavirus will "disappear"

From CNN's Allie Malloy

President Donald Trump walks across the South Lawn of the White House on June 25.
President Donald Trump walks across the South Lawn of the White House on June 25. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

President Trump said that he would have “no problem” wearing a face mask in public, claiming he is “all for masks” in an interview on Fox Business Wednesday.

Trump said that he didn’t believe making masks mandatory across the country was necessary, but claimed that he is “all for masks” and that he “thinks masks are good.” The Trump administration has consistently said mask mandates are up to state and local leaders.

Asked by Fox Business’ Blake Berman on whether he would wear a mask, Trump said: “Oh I would. I have. I mean people have seen me wearing one. If I’m in a group of people where we’re not 10 feet away — but usually I’m not in that position and everyone’s tested.”

Trump then claimed that he would “have no problem” with the public seeing him wearing a mask — despite months of refusing to wear a mask in public while not observing social distancing. 

“I mean I’d have no problem. Actually I had a mask on. I sort of liked the way I looked. It was ok. It was a dark, black mask and I thought it looked okay. It looked like the Lone Ranger. But no, I have no problem with that. I think and if people feel good about it they should do it," Trump said. 

In the interview, Trump also added that he still believes coronavirus will “disappear” someday.  

“We’re headed back in a very strong fashion… And I think we’re going to be very good with the coronavirus. I think that at some point that’s going to sort of just disappear. I hope,” Trump said in the interview while talking about the economy.  

Asked if he actually believes the virus will still disappear, Trump said, “I do. I do Yeah sure. At some point. And I think we’re going to have a vaccine very soon too.” 

Trump says he is 'all for masks' 

4:46 p.m. ET, July 1, 2020

Access to California's state beaches will be restricted over holiday weekend

From CNN's Cheri Mossburg

Access to California's state beaches will be restricted for the upcoming holiday weekend, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in a news conference today. The beaches themselves will not be closed, but rather parking lots and facilities will be.

This applies to state beaches from Northern California to Southern California, Newsom said.

Closures have already been announced at county beaches in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura.

The measure is part of wider restrictions announced today by Newsom in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the state.

Cases in California continue to skyrocket, reaching 9,740 in a single day —by far the highest recorded in the state since the beginning of the pandemic, according to data from the California Public Health Department.

Watch:

3:19 p.m. ET, July 1, 2020

Austin City Limits Music Festival canceled this year

From CNN's Kay Jones

The Austin City Limits Music Festival is canceled for this year, according to a statement on the festival website.

"The health and safety of our fans, artists, partners, staff and the entire Austin community remains our highest priority," the statement read. It will return to Austin in 2021 for the 20th anniversary of the festival. 

"Few events are rooted in – & embody - the soul of this city like ACL Fest & their hard decision for the greater good is applauded," Austin Mayor Steve Fisher tweeted. "While the show won’t go on this year, there are many ways to support local musicians while we all look forward to the 20th Anniversary next year."

The statement says that tickets purchased for this year's festival, which was scheduled to take place over two weekends in October, will be honored next year. Refunds are being offered to the fans who are unable to attend the 2021 dates. 

The 2018 festival brought in $264.6 million, according to an economic impact report commissioned by the festival. The 2019 data has not been released as of July 1. 

ACL Fest attracted 450,000 festival goers in 2018, according to C3 Presents, which puts on the annual festival.