Today's White House coronavirus task force briefing is up. President Donald Trump says he expects the House to pass the next round of relief funding.
Trump says he's pleased that Harvard, and other large businesses have returned relief funds. Says in some cases, funding is being sent back "immediately,". Singles out Harvard for acting "quickly,".
Trump says in 23 states, cases have declined. Says to "keep America maintaining momentum" physical distancing must continue. On the phased reopening of the economy, Trump says continued diligence is an essential strategy.
Trump says there's going to be a discussion at this news conference about how the virus reacts in sunlight.
"We are very close to a vaccine," Trump says (please note, Dr. Anthony Fauci on the Coronavirus Task Force has said it will take 12-18 months at best to develop a vaccine). However Trump adds that testing takes longer.
Trump says "they raised their hand when they barely can walk," of people who have survived coronavirus and want to donate plasma to science.
"We will end this plague," Trump says. "There is a pent up demand in our country to get it back right where it was,". and now the VP is introduced to make his opening remarks.
Vice President Mike Pence, the metro areas that have been hot spots appear to be past the peak. "We're getting there America," says Pence. Says people are listening to guidance, and they are making "meaningful progress,".
Pence says as states start phased reopening, "by early summer," we could be in "a much better place as a nation," with "much of this coronavirus epidemic behind us.
Pence says there is encouraging news about the impact heat and sunlight have on coronavirus, and what that means for the summer. Trump alluded to similar information earlier in the briefing.
Pence says there are 16 states that have released formal re-opening plans. Says they are encouraged to see so many states embracing the phased approach from the White House.
Pence says "we're slowing the spread, we're protecting the most vulnerable, we are saving lives,". Ends with every day, they are one step closer to reopening America.
An official from the department of homeland security is now speaking about research being done that informs U.S. decision making around coronavirus.
Bill Bryant, from the Department of Homeland Security says they are sharing trends they see as "important,". Says there is a "powerful," solar impact on the virus on surfaces and the air.
Bryant says the science shows that the warmer the temperature, the faster the virus dies. Says UV rays add further to that.
Bryant says their research shows the virus survives best in indoor conditions, the virus dies the quickest in the presence of direct sunlight.
Bryant acknowledges there are many unknowns about transmissions, but increasing temperature and humidity in indoor spaces may hurt the virus. Says bleach will kill the virus in 5 minutes.
***HIS NAME IS BILL BRYAN NOT BRYANT PLEASE FORGIVE ME**** SORRY. My apologies.
Trump is now taking questions. "A lot of people have been talking about summer," he says. Says he's mentioned before that "maybe it goes away with heat and light," says the "fake news" didn't like it at all. Says that seems to be the case.
Bryan from the Department of Homeland Security is asked about this being an "emerging" result, is there more work to be done on the study? Bryan says as a scientific community they're continuing to study the virus to understand its characteristics.
Bryan is asked about New Orleans, the outbreak there, even though it is hot and humid. Says "heat and humidity," is a weakness in the chain of transmission. Says it doesn't take away the guidance from the White House on physical distancing. (Doesn't exactly answer the question).
!!!!! Bryan says it would be irresponsible to say that they feel the summer will totally kill the virus, and that it will be a free for all. Says they have an "opportunity to get ahead," and can use it to make decisions. !!!!! (Important context)
Bryan is asked how much longer will it take for conclusive results. Says the testing began back in February. Says "we are now starting to get results,". So it sounds like there is still more work to be done here.
Pence says if states put into practice the guidelines to re-open, if people keep social distancing, that "in combination with some of these findings, could well give us a summer respite from the coronavirus,".
Pence says by next fall there will be a broad range of testing, and if coronavirus re-emerges in the fall or winter they will be able to identify it and deal with it.

Dr. Fauci said earlier this week coronavirus will definitely be here this fall.
Trump is asked about testing, "we're doing very well on testing," he says. Asked if he agrees with Dr. Fauci who said "we're just not there yet," -- Trump says he does not agree with the top doctor on his coronavirus task force.
"I hope people enjoy the sun, and if it has an impact great," Trump says when challenged on the sun/heat claims. (Reporter asked about deaths in Florida, given the climate there). Trump dismisses the question from the reporter, implies he'll get negative press.
Dr. Deborah Birx is asked about the heat/light claim by the President -- and she says as a treatment she's not heard about it. Trump says "i'm the president and you're fake news," when the reporter presses for answers.
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