Domestic Politics
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that about 5,000 pharmacies across the state will now be able to carry out COVID-19 tests, with the aim of providing 40,000 per day. He also said that antibody testing will be expanded in four hospitals, starting with front-line medical workers. [BBC]
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated on Sunday that Congress will soon approve another coronavirus relief package to provide significant funding to state and local governments whose resources have been stretched thin by their response to the crisis. [CNN]
The Alberta government has released new guidelines to help clear up some confusion about things that are and are not safe to do outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic. This has come against the backdrop of a group planning a protest at the legislature to pressure the province to ease restrictions. Experts have said that lifting restrictive measures is not an option right now. [Global News]
International Relations
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has said that Congress has been notified that the new US-Mexico-Canada agreement, which replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), will take effect on July 1, rather than the initial June 1 date. Some industries had been arguing for a delayed implementation because of the difficulties they are facing from the coronavirus pandemic. Lighthizer said his office would work to ensure a smooth implementation of the new trade rules. [Reuters]
Health
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada approached the 47,000 mark on Sunday as the death toll climbed to 2,560. Almost half of all the country’s cases are in Quebec, while close to a third are in Ontario. [Global News]
In a recent health advisory, Health Canada warned the public of the side effects of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, stating that the drug should not be taken unless prescribed, and under the supervision of a physician. Health Canada said that the drugs can lead to dizziness, fainting, seizures, liver or kidney problems, and a potentially fatal irregular heart rate. The drug has previously been called a possible ‘game changer’ by US President Donald Trump for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. [CTV News]
Business
Oil futures marked their third consecutive week of losses last week, with Brent crude ending down 24% and US West Texas Intermediate off around 7%. Falling prices are raising concerns that producers may not be able to slash production fast enough to catch up with the collapse in demand due to the coronavirus crisis. [Reuters]
Boeing terminated a $4.2 billion deal with Embraer, a Brazilian aircraft maker, which would have given the American company a bigger stake in the market for smaller jets, and helped it develop airplanes at a cheaper cost. The two companies were due to start their venture by April 24, but according to Boeing, the deadline passed without Embraer satisfying the necessary conditions. Embraer responded over the weekend, stating that Boeing’s refusal to pay the $4.2 billion was due to its “own financial condition and 737 Max and other business and reputational problems”. [CNN]
Image Source: Reuters
US and Canada in Review: April 27, 2020
Read more about the latest events from the United States and Canada.
April 27, 2020
