(NEW YORK) — Here’s the latest information on the COVID-19 coronavirus as of 9:00 a.m. ET.
Latest reported numbers globally per Johns Hopkins University
Global confirmed cases: 198,179 (81,057 in China, 31,506 in Italy)
Global deaths: 7,954 (3,241 in China, 2,503 in Italy)
Number of countries/regions: at least 155
Latest reported numbers in the United States per Johns Hopkins University
At least 6,496 cases in 50 states + the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico & Guam
113 dead (per ABC’s count)
Latest reported numbers per state
Washington State: 55 (46 King County, 6 Snohomish County, 1 Grant County, 2 Clark County)
California: 12 (1 Placer County, 4 Santa Clara County, 2 Sacramento County, 1 Los Angeles County, 1 San Mateo County, 2 Riverside County)
Florida: 7 (1 Santa Rosa County, 2 Lee County, 1 Manatee County)
Illinois: 1
Indiana: 2
Kentucky: 1
Nevada: 1 (1 Clark County)
New York: 17 (10 NYC, 2 Rockland, 3 Suffolk, 1 Nassau, 1 Monroe)
New Jersey: 3 (2 Bergen County, 1 Monmouth County)
Louisiana: 4 (4 Orleans Parish)
Georgia: 1
Kansas: 1 (Wyandotte County)
Colorado: 2 (1 El Paso County, 1 Weld County)
Virginia: 2 (1 Newport News, 1 location not announced)
Oregon: 1 (Multnomah County)
South Carolina: 1
Texas: 2 (1 Matagorda County, 1 Tarrant County)
In South Dakota, one person who had the virus has died, but as of Wednesday morning there was no confirmation that the person died of the virus itself.
According to Education Week: As of March 17, 2020, 8:30 p.m. ET: 39 states have decided to close schools. Combined with district closures in other states, at least 91,000 U.S. public and private schools are closed, are scheduled to close, or were closed and later reopened, affecting at least 41.6 million school students.
There are 98,277 public schools and 34,576 private schools in the U.S., according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Those schools educate almost 50.8 million public school students and 5.8 million private school students.
The latest headlines
American Hospital Association statement on ventilators
“There are limited supplies of ventilators and hospital beds, which is why hospitals and public health officials all across the country are urging the public to follow the guidance of the CDC and other public health leaders on social distancing and other actions.”
University of Washington Medicine opens drive-thru testing for patients
A new University of Washington Medicine site for drive-through testing opened on Monday, March 16 for UW Medicine patients. UW Medicine patients with symptoms who come through the drive-through need a referral from their healthcare provider and an appointment. Dr. Thomas Hei, medical director of outpatient services at UW Medical Center, says on the first day, they saw 15 patients. He expects the site can perform 50 tests a day depending on staffing and equipment.
NYC residents should prepare for shelter in place within 48 hours, mayor says
WABC reports New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday that New Yorkers should be prepared for a shelter-in-place order within the next 48 hours, in order to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. However, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo later appeared to contradict the mayor, declaring in an interview with NY1, “There’s not going to be any quarantine. There’s not going to be any you-have-to-stay-in-your-house rule.” He added that issuing a shelter-in-place order is not a city decision.
Pennsylvania residents stocking up on guns amid COVID-19 outbreak
WPVI in Philadelphia reports gun sales at local gun shops have increased significantly in the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, particularly in hardest-hit areas. One store sold so many guns, they had to close. “In five years I’ve owned this place I’ve never had lines out the door,” said Delia’s Gunshop owner Kimber Zerweck, who adds that internet order are also up.
Happening today: Nevada governor shutters gambling, dining to halt virus
KTNV Las Vegas reports all gambling in the city will come to a halt today for one month following Governor Steve Sisolak’s order Tuesday. The freeze includes everything from casinos to slot machines in convenience stores, delivering a punishing blow to the economy of a state known the world over as a mecca for gambling. The closure directive also includes non-essential businesses like bars, movie theaters and gyms, while restaurants must close their dining rooms and only offer takeout or delivery.
Good news!
More stores announce seniors/vulnerable guests shopping hours
Target, Whole Foods, Fairway and Food Town have joined the growing list of retailers announcing special hours during which their stores will be open only to elderly patrons and others most at risk from the COVID-19 coronavirus. Stop & Shop, Dollar General & DeCicco’s previously announced similar hours.
West Virginia boy starts store to help feed his community
It’s been seven years of feeding people in the McMechen area, and WTRF reports Noah Grigsby is making sure his community isn’t going hungry while the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Organizers with Noah’s Pantry say this is the biggest turnout they’ve ever had as some area stores are experiencing a shortage of supplies. Anyone is welcome to come get a meal.
California high school choral group sings “Over the Rainbow” from home
Chino Valley Unified School District in Southern CA posted video of a student choral group singing an amazing a cappella rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” with each student singing his or her part from home, where they’re self-quarantining amid the COVID-19 pandemic, after which the parts were digitally mixed together to create the finished performance.
People are putting their Christmas lights back up to spread cheer amid coronavirus scare
If you check online, you’ll see increasing numbers of people are seeking to add joy to an uncertain time — and perhaps also give themselves something to do while they wait out the pandemic at home — by putting their Christmas lights and decorations back up. Driving around to look at Christmas lights at night is also a great way to safely leave the house with the while family, to avoid going completely stir-crazy.
Maryland distillery switching from whiskey to hand sanitizer
WJLA in Rockville, Maryland reports Twin Valley Distillers has stopped its production of whisky and other spirits and has begun producing hand sanitizer, to help address the ongoing nationwide shortage. The locally-owned business applied for and received federal approval to produce the sanitizer, receiving approval in two days, rather than the customary three weeks. They’re currently producing four- and eight-ounce bottles and limiting purchases to two per customer, to help prevent hoarding and price-gouging.
Volunteers in Seattle making ‘homemade’ medical equipment to combat shortages
KOMO Seattle reports a group of volunteers at Providence St. Joseph Health have begun making homemade medical equipment to help address shortages among local health care workers and hospitals. Equipment includes face shields and surgical masks.
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