Coronavirus: Trump floats measures to swell workers’ paycheques

Trump discusses waiving the payroll tax through the end of the year or indefinitely to shore up economy, says source. United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the coronavirus outbreak would “go away” and urged Americans to remain calm as the number of confirmed cases climbs, heaping pressure on the White House to boost its response to the health crisis and minimise the blow to the economy. On Tuesday, Washington state’s governor warned of tens of thousands more cases without “real action” and New York’s governor deployed US National Guard troops as a containment measure in a hard-hit New York City suburb. Senate Republicans said they hoped the administration could reach a deal with House Democrats for an economic relief package, including a possible $300bn in payroll tax relief that could help people make rent and mortgage payments, or pay medical bills if family members’ work hours are reduced during the outbreak. Asked whether he was considering mandatory measures to slow the virus, he said: “I would not be shocked if we have some news on that in the next few days.” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said schools would be closed and public gatherings suspended in a coronavirus “hot zone” in New Rochelle, a New York City suburb, and deployed US National Guard troops there.