Coronavirus briefing: States close schools and other updates for Friday, March 13
Public schools and many private schools are shutting down in at least six states so far as public health officials work to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Several other large school districts have shut down, according to multiple reports.
The virus, first reported in China, has swept across Asia and now has sparked new outbreaks in Europe and the United States.
More than 135,000 cases of the COVID-19 virus have been confirmed worldwide with more than 5,000 deaths as of March 13, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 1,700 confirmed cases with 40 deaths.
The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared the COVID-19 virus a global pandemic.
Also on Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a 30-day ban on travel from Europe to the United States. Events across the nation have been canceled or postponed as a result of the outbreak, including the pro basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer seasons.
On Friday morning, Augusta National Golf Club officials announced they have postponed the 2020 Masters Tournament.
“Ultimately, the health and well-being of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community led us to this decision. We hope this postponement puts us in the best position to safely host the Masters Tournament and our amateur events at some later date,” club chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement.
Schools close in at least six states
Public school systems and many private schools in Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio and Oregon will shut down to slow the spread of the disease, according to NPR.
In Kentucky, the governor Thursday asked public and private school officials to shut down schools for the next two weeks, The Lexington Herald-Leader reports.
“It is a big but necessary step,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “It should not evoke fear.”
In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan said, “The circumstances of this case indicate that we are entering a new phase of this crisis in our state,” according to NPR. “We should expect the number of cases to dramatically and rapidly rise. Our primary focus is now turning from containment to aggressively working to mitigate and limit the spread of the virus.”
Many colleges and universities across the country have already decided to extend spring break for students or switch to online classes for the rest of the semester.
More than 10,000 schools are closed as the coronavirus appears in more communities around the United States, affecting almost 5 million students so far, Education Week reports.
Globally, 29 nations have shut down schools countrywide, including China, Iran, Italy and Japan, according to the United Nations.
Markets continue to drop
On Thursday, Wall Street had its worst day since the 1987 stock market crash, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Thursday saw a slew of bad news with national sports leagues canceling games for the foreseeable future and many big public events being called off to help slow the spread of the virus.
“The pain was widespread,” the LA Times said, hitting travel, tech, energy and other sectors.
CBS News reports global stock markets have lost $16 trillion in value since Feb. 19.
The futures markets Friday morning had some promise of leveling out, according to CBS.
Stock selloffs around the world appeared to ease up, CNN reports, “as nervous investors looked to central banks and governments for support as the economic costs of the novel coronavirus outbreak continued to mount.”
Virus hits close to world leaders
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife, tested positive for COVID-19, the prime minister said on Twitter Thursday night.
“Her symptoms remain mild and she is taking care of herself and following the advice of our doctor,” he tweeted. Both Justin and Sophie Trudeau have isolated themselves to avoid spreading the virus.
Fabio Wajngarten, communications secretary for Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, also tested positive. Wajngarten accompanied the Brazilian president on a visit with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, The Guardian reports.
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham was also at that Mar-a-Lago meeting and is now in self-quarantine awaiting the results of a coronavirus test, the senator said on Twitter Thursday.
New York City cancels Broadway
New York City announced new restrictions Thursday as officials look for ways to slow the spread of the virus. They banned all gatherings of 500 people or more, shutting down Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall.
“Existing and future standalone events with attendance exceeding 500 people, including parades, sports events, performances, races and rallies, are canceled until further notice. Programming will also be canceled at indoor venues with consistent seating capacity over 500,” the city said.
That will also include the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The number of COVID-19 cases has increased sharply in the city to almost 100, according to the New York Times.
Tips to help protect yourself from coronavirus
There’s no vaccine for the COVID-19 virus, and experts say one may be months away from mass production.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, staying home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
The agency also advises washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
The CDC does not advise that healthy people wear face masks, but says they should be worn by coronavirus patients to help avoid spreading the illness.
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 9:08 AM with the headline "Coronavirus briefing: States close schools and other updates for Friday, March 13."
