More than 5 million COVID-19 cases have been reported worldwide, with the U.S., Russia and Brazil reporting the highest numbers. As Eric Sorensen explains, a pattern is emerging between the world’s worst outbreaks… and leaders who downplayed the severity of the crisis when it first arose. MORE: https://globalnews.ca/news/6964427/global-coronavirus-case-count-increase/ For more info, please go to http://www.globalnews.ca Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB #GlobalNews #Coronavirus #COVID19

President Donald Trump has consistently underplayed the severity of the coronavirus and its impact on the country over the past few months. And who has comes to his defense? Vice President Mike Pence! Chris Cillizza runs through some of the top moments President Trump has belittled the threat of coronavirus. SOURCES AND FURTHER READING: Pence seeks to blame CDC and China for any delay in US coronavirus response — not Trump’s initial failure to face reality https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/01/politics/mike-pence-coronavirus/index.html Trump uses China as a foil when talking coronavirus, distancing himself from criticism https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/20/coronavirus-trump-blames-china-distancing-himself-fallout/2876983001/ Trump Defends Closing Borders to Travelers to Fight Coronavirus https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/02/us/politics/trump-super-bowl-interview-coronavirus.html April 5 coronavirus news https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-04-05-20/index.html February 26 coronavirus news https://www.cnn.com/asia/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-02-26-20-intl-hnk/index.html Trump again downplays coronavirus by comparing it to the seasonal flu. It’s not a fair comparison. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/03/24/trump-again-downplays-coronavirus-by-comparing-it-seasonal-flu-its-not-fair-comparison/ FACT CHECK: Trump Compares Coronavirus To The Flu, But It Could Be 10 Times Deadlier https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/03/24/820797301/fact-check-trump-compares-coronavirus-to-the-flu-but-they-are-not-the-same Trump says a nationwide coronavirus stay-home order was discussed – but is ‘pretty unlikely’ for now https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/30/coronavirus-trump-says-a-nationwide-stay-home-order-was-discussed-but-unlikely.html Brazilian president’s press secretary tests positive for coronavirus, days after meeting Trump https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/12/americas/brazil-bolsonaro-coronavirus-aide-scli-intl/index.html US coronavirus death toll reaches 61 as cities, states close bars and other venues https://abcnews.go.com/US/coronavirus-live-updates-passengers-stuck-long-lines-airports/story?id=69602911 The 30 most outrageous lines from Donald Trump’s interview with Sean Hannity https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/27/politics/donald-trump-sean-hannity-coronavirus-china/index.html President Trump’s Prime-Time Pandemic https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/30/arts/television/trump-coronavirus-briefing.html About me: I was named “best dressed” in 7th grade. That, along with being CNN’s editor at large and author of the daily “Point” newsletter are my proudest achievements. Look for me here every Tuesday and Thursday to find out what’s really going [More]

Over the past month, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has regularly sought to downplay the coronavirus threat with a mix of facts and false statements. Read more: https://wapo.st/2wVTbdf. Subscribe to The Washington Post on YouTube: https://wapo.st/2QOdcqK Follow us: Twitter: https://twitter.com/washingtonpost Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/washingtonpost/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/washingtonpost/