U.S. surgeon general on virus: ‘Every chance that we could be Italy’
Two weeks ago, Italy had 1,700 cases of coronavirus and had reported 34 deaths. Now, Italy is reporting an estimated 25,000 cases and more than 1,800 deaths.
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Human testing on possible coronavirus vaccine gets underway in Seattle
Monday’s milestone marked just the beginning of a series of studies in people needed to prove whether the shots are safe and could work. Even if the research goes well, a vaccine wouldn’t be available for widespread use for 12 to 18 months, officials say.
Stocks take another deep plunge as more businesses shut doors
The selling began immediately on Wall Street, and losses were sharp enough at the open to trigger a temporary trading halt for the third time in the last two weeks.
Cheap fares luring travelers to fly despite pandemic
Airlines are seeing bookings plummet and cancellations soar as fear of infection causes many Americans to avoid flying. That’s leading to drastically reduced ticket prices.
United Airlines to cut capacity by 50%, warns cuts could last until summer
United said Sunday night it expects planes to be only 20% to 30% full at best, down from nearly 90% before the virus hit. The airline said the cuts could extend into the peak summer travel season.
CDC’s latest guidance could mean no sports for much longer
The already-delayed professional sports seasons in North America could be on hiatus for significantly longer than first planned after federal officials said Sunday that they recommend all in-person events involving 50 people or more be called off for the next eight weeks.
Indiana school closures remain optional as other states order students home
More than 200 of Indiana’s nearly 300 districts have closed after consultations with local health officials. But, in at least 21 states, officials have ordered closures to try to stop spread of COVID-19.
Stock futures sink after rate cut, new virus restrictions
Stocks are set for more turbulence following a dizzying week that saw the Dow twice fall by more than 2,000 points and also record it’s biggest point gain ever—1,985 points on Friday.
Area hospitals restrict elective surgeries to prep for possible influx of virus patients
Ascension St. Vincent, Community Health and Franciscan Health have confirmed plans to restrict elective procedures to shore up critical supplies and keep the virus from spreading.
Federal officials recommend gatherings of less than 50, announce new testing options
The Trump administration announced Sunday that some of the most vulnerable Americans will be able to get tested for the coronavirus from cars starting this week—a less ambitious program than the swift nationwide testing campaign President Trump promised Friday.
Fed slashes rate to near zero, eases lending rules
The central bank said the effects of the outbreak will weigh on economic activity in the near term and pose risks to the economic outlook.
Two neighboring states order bars, restaurants to close
Pickup orders and deliveries will still be permitted, but dining rooms must shut to try to slow spread of COVID-19.
Fed’s coronavirus expert says he’s open to a 14-day ‘national shutdown’ to stem virus
But Dr. Anthony Fauci said travel restrictions within the United States, such as to and from hard-hit Washington state and California, probably will not be needed anytime soon.
Virus screenings jam US airports; ‘atrocious,’ a flyer says
The dense crowds Saturday at some of the 13 airports where travelers from Europe are being funneled—among the busiest across the country—formed even as public health officials called for “social distancing” to stem the spread of the pandemic.
With unprecedented force and speed, a global recession is likely taking hold
Across the country, consumer spending—which supports 70% of the economy—is grinding to a halt as fears of the escalating coronavirus pandemic keep people from stores, restaurants, movie theaters and workplaces.
Trump takes virus test, awaiting results
Trump also told reporters at a White House briefing that he had his temperature taken before stepping into the room and it was “totally normal.”
Holcomb suspends commercial driver rule, acts to help low-income Hoosiers keep services
Holcomb signed an executive order meant to speed up deliveries to retailers, which are running short of supplies, by lifting regulations on the number of hours that commercial drivers can work.
White House, House Democrats reach deal on coronavirus economic relief package
Agreement calls for spending tens of billions of dollars on sick leave, unemployment insurance, food stamps and other measures to address the unfolding COVID-19 crisis.
Democratic, Republican chairmen call for more flexibility in primary voting
The party leaders did not suggest any delay in the May 5 primary itself.
Dow soars nearly 2,000 points as Trump announces new virus measures
Investors have been clamoring for strong action from the U.S. government to combat the economic impact of the virus outbreak.