China reaches a key COVID-19 milestone - Today's coronavirus news and analysis
The statue of Christ the Redeemer is lit up in the colors of the countries that are affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 18, 2020. Image: REUTERS/Sergio Moraes - RC2NMF9C03Q6
As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, here are some of the latest headlines, resources and stories to help you arm yourself with the best information.
COVID-19’s impact around the globe
- Italy's death toll increases by 475 in one day, the largest daily increase yet recorded by any country. Meanwhile, lockdown becomes more difficult to bear.
- The US-Canada border will close to non-essential travel.
- Kazakhstan will lockdown its two largest cities.
No new local cases in China
For the first time since the outbreak began, all new cases Thursday came from outside China. The country's 3,245 deaths still comprise one-third of the virus' global toll and if the numbers hold, it could be a sign that country has turned a corner. Read more here.
What is the World Economic Forum doing about the coronavirus outbreak?
US plans to prevent economic collapse and shore up health system shortages
A trillion-dollar plan proposed to prevent a severe economic downturn continued to evolve Wednesday. A stimulus plan could include loans for businesses and $500 billion in direct payments to taxpayers (based on income level and size).
Separately, President Trump has asked that military hospital ships be dispatched to hard-hit New York and California to ease a hospital bed shortage. He also signed a little-used wartime law that could allow him to push American manufacturers into producing medical supplies such as surgical masks in the interest of national security. Read more here.
COVID-19 could cost the economy trillions: UN
The UN's trade and development agency says the slowdown in the global economy caused by the coronavirus outbreak will be costly and governments must take aggressive action. Read more here.
Here's where schools have shutdown around the globe
WHO officials: You must test, isolate and trace
More countries need to isolate, test and trace new cases to effectively suppress and control the virus' spread, said World Health Organization officials at a briefing yesterday. This must be the "backbone of the response in every country," said the Director-General.
Singapore tackles coronavirus with detectives
A special tracking program in Singapore identifies the links in the chain of transmission, allowing infected people to be identified and isolated. This strategy has helped the country prevent widespread infection. Read more here.
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