Boris Johnson to return to work on Monday; Kim Jong-un’s train possibly spotted at North Korean resort; global infections near 2.9m. Follow the latest updatesTrump says briefings ‘not worth the effort’ after disinfectant debacleGlobal report: death toll passes 200,000Coronavirus latest: at a glanceAustralia coronavirus updates – liveSee all our coronavirus coverage 3.01am BST Get in touch on Twitter @helenrsullivan. 2.55am BST More now on reports that US President Donald Trump’s administration is considering replacing its secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, because of early missteps in the handling of the coronavirus pandemic. A White House spokesman, Judd Deere, denied it and said the HHS under Azar continues to lead on a number of the president’s priorities, Reuters reports. “Any speculation about personnel is irresponsible and a distraction from our whole-of-government response to Covid-19,” Deere said.The Journal, citing six people familiar with the discussions, said frustration with Azar was growing but the administration was reluctant to make big changes while the country was seeking to stop the virus, which has killed more than 53,000 people in the United States.Politico said the short list of names to replace Azar included Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus coordinator; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services chief Seema Verma and deputy HHS Secretary Eric Hargan.Asked for a response, HHS spokeswoman Caitlin Oakley said: “Secretary Azar is busy responding to a global, public health crisis and doesn’t have time for palace intrigue.” Continue reading…
Via: Coronavirus live news: Trump steps back from briefings as global deaths pass 200,000
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