To stay up to date with the most timely Coronavirus updates, here is a list of recent information broken down into easy-to-understand sections.
The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) began in China in December 2019. Now in March, the pandemic has affected more than 118,000 people, resulting in 4,300 fatalities globally.
Of those affected, 938 infected individuals and 29 deaths are within the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
With these growing numbers comes a constant flow of information that can quickly become overwhelming. Here is a list of the most recent COVID-19 national updates:
Economy
Response Acts
According to a New York Times article, the White House and Democrats rapidly worked to agree on emergency legislation on Wednesday. However, because of political differences, a conclusion was not reached.
House Democrats moved ahead and created their own solution called the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” which will help with food and nutrition, paid sick days, a senior nutrition program, access to lunch for students, free COVID-19 testing and more. Votes are expected to be cast on Thursday.
Small Businesses
U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that capital and loans be given to businesses affected by COVID-19 and that $50 billion be used to aid small businesses that are being severely affected by the virus.
Payroll Tax Relief
President Trump has also proposed suspending taxes from paychecks until the end of the year. However, this is unlikely to occur as it will cost at least $800 billion dollars to implement.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average
The index that tracks 30 large companies “lost 1,465 points, or 5.9 percent, [on] Wednesday,” according to an article by The Washington Post. The decline is attributed to the naming of COVID-19 being a pandemic, which is causing an increase in layoffs in many industries. Economists suspect these layoffs will only continue in the upcoming weeks.
Travel
Europe to the U.S.
On Wednesday, Trump issued a restriction on travel from Europe to the U.S. for the next 30 days beginning on Friday at midnight, including cargo. Britain, American citizens and legal residents are exempt from the restriction. However, these individuals may have to go through further screening.
Further Restrictions
The State Department has encouraged individuals to reconsider travel with a level three health advisory. This follows their most important advisory of not traveling at all.
Gatherings
Education
As of Wednesday, more than 100 colleges have moved from in-person to online classes. These universities include Arizona State, Stanford, UCLA, Georgetown and Columbia. This is due to the rapid spread of the virus.
While the virus isn’t likely to be fatal to typical college-aged individuals, the college lifestyle could be dangerous. For example, students live, work, eat and learn in close proximity to one another.
A running list of the universities that have made the switch can be found here.
Events
Governor Gavin Newsom has canceled all large gatherings of 250 people or more across the state of California. This will be in effect at least until the end of March. Small gatherings can still take place if 6 feet of social distancing is established.
Sports
NBA
Initially, the NBA said they would continue playing their games, but to empty arenas. However, Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. After this news surfaced, the NBA decided to indefinitely suspend all games.
National NCAA Basketball Tournaments
The NCAA Division I basketball teams will still play in their tournaments, just without the crowds, according to the New York Times. The March Madness games will still be broadcasted and only some families will possibly be in attendance.
MLB
According to CBS Sports, the MLB is reportedly seeking out new areas for games. Much like the March Madness basketball games, these will be played to a sea of empty seats. According to the same article, only the Mariners and the Giants have altered their schedules so far. CBS Sports also mentioned the MLB does not anticipate canceling any regular season games.
Recent Prominent Cases
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were in Australia when they began to have cold-like symptoms. They were tested for precautionary measures and were found to have contracted the virus. This announcement was made via Instagram on Wednesday.
Rudy Gobert
It was also revealed on Wednesday that Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. Test results were found out before the Thunder v. Jazz game. Players from the Thunder were allowed to leave the arena, but the Jazz players were held at the arena that night.
Senate Staffer
In Sen. Maria Cantwell’s Washington D.C.’s office, a staffer was found to have contracted COVID-19. It is reported that Cantwell is closing her office. Other staffers are also being tested.
Donovan Mitchell
Second Jazz player, Donovan Mitchell, was said to have COVID-19 on Thursday. Being that this is the second case within the Jazz team, players the team has associated with in the past 10 days are being told to self-quarantine, according to ESPN.
The CDC recommends washing one’s hands regularly, avoiding close contact with individuals and taking steps to ensure the health of others to best control the spread of COVID-19.
Updated 3/12 at 9:42 AM