With more than 900 reported cases and a task force created by Donald Trump to prepare the nation, coronavirus fears have begun to grip the United States as schools cancel classes and officials have urged elderly people to avoid large crowds.
Coronavirus concerns have also prompted several members of US Congress to self quarantine after coming into contact with people who were infected, and some politicians have begun to indicate they believe the Capitol building should be shut off to visitors until the growing outbreak has been contained.
So far, 30 people have been killed by the virus, including at least 24 in Washington, two in California and another two in Florida. Eight people have so-far recovered from the virus, which has sparked a rare national lock down in Italy. The rapid increase of coronavirus cases in the US and across the world encouraged one expert to compare the numbers to Italy, which has seen more than 9,100 cases. The expert anticipates America’s epidemic could look like Italy’s in nine to 14 days.
The spread of the coronavirus got worse in Italy on Tuesday, with the state revealing the death toll has risen by 168 people in just 24 hours. It made for the largest single day jump and 631 people have died from the virus to date.
Governor Jay Inslee of Washington state warned there could be 64,000 cases of coronavirus in his state alone if the spread continues. The state has at least 167 confirmed cases, but the governor believes it is closer to 1,000 people infected by the virus. Health officials warn the official tally is significantly lower than the number of people likely infected across the country.
In response to the growing number of coronavirus cases, both North Carolina and Massachusetts declared a state of emergency on Tuesday. The declaration allows the states to allocate funds towards the proper governmental agencies to combat the spread fo the virus. It also prevents price gouging.
Trump attempted to calm Americans after he met with Republican lawmakers about a package to cushion any economic fallout from the pandemic. "It will go away, just stay calm," Trump said. "Be calm. It's really working out. And a lot of good things are going to happen."
His administration has received backlash from public officials over the handling of the coronavirus, including the lack of testing originally available. Trump also met with insurance companies on Tuesday, and each said they would cover the cost of coronavirus tests for all of their private insurers.
Hello and welcome to The Independent's live blog covering the coronavirus outbreak in the United States.
Coronavirus cases in New York state rise to 167
Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed on Tuesday that at least 25 new people tested positive with the coronavirus in the state, growing from the 142 cases on Monday to 167.
Officials said they were still working to determine how many new cases are currently in the state.
Port Authority chief Rick Cotton confirmed yesterday he has been infected with the virus after being "hands-on" across ares of New York that include JFK International airport. “He’s a hands-on guy. We have a hands-on government and he was there himself. And he got exposed, our guess is, during that situation. But it is not emblematic of public transportation or anything else,” Mr Cuomo said.
In New York City, there are five new coronavirus cases, increasing the number of total cases to 25. Mr Cuomo said the city was considering potentially cancelling the St Patrick's Day parade this upcoming weekend.
Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed on Tuesday that at least 25 new people tested positive with the coronavirus in the state, growing from the 142 cases on Monday to 167.
Officials said they were still working to determine how many new cases are currently in the state.
Port Authority chief Rick Cotton confirmed yesterday he has been infected with the virus after being "hands-on" across ares of New York that include JFK International airport. “He’s a hands-on guy. We have a hands-on government and he was there himself. And he got exposed, our guess is, during that situation. But it is not emblematic of public transportation or anything else,” Mr Cuomo said.
In New York City, there are five new coronavirus cases, increasing the number of total cases to 25. Mr Cuomo said the city was considering potentially cancelling the St Patrick's Day parade this upcoming weekend.
"That's one of the things we're looking at. And, look, in New York, we also have a cluster in Westchester County, which is outside of New York City, and that is a very intense cluster," he said.
"So we're taking more dramatic actions in that cluster. You calibrate your response to the time and the facts and the circumstances in that place at that time. So parades, etc., we look at that on a daily basis."
"So we're taking more dramatic actions in that cluster. You calibrate your response to the time and the facts and the circumstances in that place at that time. So parades, etc., we look at that on a daily basis."
Numbers in the US has risen to more than 750 confirmed cases and 27 deaths.
New Jersey becomes ninth state to declare an emergency
Governor Phil Murphy declared late on Monday a state of emergency in New Jersey to "contain the spread of COVID-19."
His announcement came after the state confirmed five new cases of the coronavirus on Monday, bringing its total number to 11.
"We’ve been ahead of the curve in terms of our preparations, and this declaration will help keep us there," Mr Murphy said on Twitter.
Announcing a state of emergency in New Jersey will allow the state to access resources for its governmental agencies quicker. The goal is for these agencies to receive funding and other resources swiftly to combat further spreads fo the virus. The executive order will also prohibit price gouging as it relates to the coronavirus.
New York State declared a state of emergency on Saturday to access resources of its agencies. Other states declaring an emergency include California, Washington, Oregon, and Florida.
Governor Phil Murphy declared late on Monday a state of emergency in New Jersey to "contain the spread of COVID-19."
His announcement came after the state confirmed five new cases of the coronavirus on Monday, bringing its total number to 11.
"We’ve been ahead of the curve in terms of our preparations, and this declaration will help keep us there," Mr Murphy said on Twitter.
Announcing a state of emergency in New Jersey will allow the state to access resources for its governmental agencies quicker. The goal is for these agencies to receive funding and other resources swiftly to combat further spreads fo the virus. The executive order will also prohibit price gouging as it relates to the coronavirus.
New York State declared a state of emergency on Saturday to access resources of its agencies. Other states declaring an emergency include California, Washington, Oregon, and Florida.
Two New York school bus drivers test positive for the coronavirus
Nassau County in New York has confirmed 19 cases of the coronavirus.
Of those 19 cases, two of them are school bus drivers who transport about 80 students between them through Long Island.
Most of the families have been contacted about the drivers, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said.
There have been school closures in response to the outbreak in and 72 residents have entered mandatory quarantine. Another 74 residents are in precautionary quarantine.
The number of cases in New York State rose on Tuesday from 142 to at least 167. Officials said they were still working to determine how many new cases are in the state.
Nassau County in New York has confirmed 19 cases of the coronavirus.
Of those 19 cases, two of them are school bus drivers who transport about 80 students between them through Long Island.
Most of the families have been contacted about the drivers, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said.
There have been school closures in response to the outbreak in and 72 residents have entered mandatory quarantine. Another 74 residents are in precautionary quarantine.
The number of cases in New York State rose on Tuesday from 142 to at least 167. Officials said they were still working to determine how many new cases are in the state.
Harvard University moves classes online
Harvard University has advised its students not to return to campus after spring break and to expect to complete classwork remotely “until further notice”, in an effort to avoid the further spread of COVID-19.
Graduate students will transition to online work wherever possible, and students who must remain on campus will be taught remotely “and must prepare for severely limited on-campus activities and interactions," the university's president has said.
Non-essential gatherings of more than 25 people on campus are strongly discouraged.
Susan Svrluga reports:
Harvard University has advised its students not to return to campus after spring break and to expect to complete classwork remotely “until further notice”, in an effort to avoid the further spread of COVID-19.
Graduate students will transition to online work wherever possible, and students who must remain on campus will be taught remotely “and must prepare for severely limited on-campus activities and interactions," the university's president has said.
Non-essential gatherings of more than 25 people on campus are strongly discouraged.
Susan Svrluga reports:
Harvard University moves classes online amid coronavirus outbreak
The IndependentStudents are being advised not to return to campus
Coronavirus disrupts schools around the world
Greece announced it would be closing schools and universities across the country after the number of coronavirus cases rose to 89. Spain, which has more than 1,600 cases and 35 deaths, has also suspended schools in the Madrid area.
Greece announced it would be closing schools and universities across the country after the number of coronavirus cases rose to 89. Spain, which has more than 1,600 cases and 35 deaths, has also suspended schools in the Madrid area.
They join the more than 22 countries responding to the coronavirus by suspending or closing down schools.
The number of K-12 and colleges closed across the world increased dramatically in the last few weeks. China was the first country to suspend classes. This was then followed by Japan, Iran, Italy, Iraq and North Korea.
Last week, the United Nations estimated 300 million students and their education have been impacted across the globe by the outbreak. A majority of those students, about 223 million, come from China.
In the United States, schools across the nation are going online or deciding the close amid concerns of the coronavirus outbreak in different areas. Stanford University, Washington State University, Seattle University, and Columbia University among others are all rolling out online class options for its students. The second largest school district in the US, Los Angeles Unified school district, is putting in place emergency powers for its superintendent to close schools if the pandemic escalates.
Expert says United State's epidemic could mirror Italy's in about a week
Computer scientist Mark Handley, a professor of Network Services and roboticist at the University College London, shared a graph on Twitter showing how countries could match up to the epidemic going on in Italy.
"Here's the coronavirus data, overlayed with the dates offset by the amounts shown. One of these countries is not like the rest. Everyone else will be Italy in 9-14 days time," he wrote while sharing data from each country and their coronavirus cases.
Italy went into lockdown after more than 9,100 positive cases were confirmed and 463 people died from the virus.
Computer scientist Mark Handley, a professor of Network Services and roboticist at the University College London, shared a graph on Twitter showing how countries could match up to the epidemic going on in Italy.
"Here's the coronavirus data, overlayed with the dates offset by the amounts shown. One of these countries is not like the rest. Everyone else will be Italy in 9-14 days time," he wrote while sharing data from each country and their coronavirus cases.
Italy went into lockdown after more than 9,100 positive cases were confirmed and 463 people died from the virus.
According to Mr Hadley's dates, the US is following Italy's trajectory in the number of confirmed cases and deaths given where the country was nine to 14 days ago. Germany, France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Spain all have a similar trajectory. The only country on the chart that had a slower growth of cases was Japan.
Mr Hadley's numbers does not mean that is how cases will grow in the US and other countries, but he used the graph as a warning of what people might expect in the coming weeks.
Mr Hadley's numbers does not mean that is how cases will grow in the US and other countries, but he used the graph as a warning of what people might expect in the coming weeks.
National Guard is deployed to New York coronavirus hotspot
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the National Guard would go to New Rochelle to help contain the coronavirus outbreak.
The New York City suburb in Westchester County is the centre of the largest cluster of coronavirus cases in the state.
The containment zone will be put in place on 12 March and last until 25 March.
Read more here:
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the National Guard would go to New Rochelle to help contain the coronavirus outbreak.
The New York City suburb in Westchester County is the centre of the largest cluster of coronavirus cases in the state.
The containment zone will be put in place on 12 March and last until 25 March.
Read more here:
National guard deployed to New York coronavirus hotspot
The IndependentNew York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the deployment of the National Guard to New Rochelle, and the establishment of a containment zone. The New York City suburb in Westchester County is the centre of the largest cluster of coronavirus cases in the state. The containment zone will be put in place on 12 March and last until 25 March.
Pentagon enacts 'social distancing' when speaking to press
The Department of Defense is enacting a "social distancing" rule when speaking to the press in response to the growing number of coronavirus cases.
The Department of Defense is enacting a "social distancing" rule when speaking to the press in response to the growing number of coronavirus cases.
CNN’s Barbara Starr shard a picture on Tuesday of the Pentagon briefing room that shows chairs spaced out a few feet from each other.
"Social distancing" was also used in meetings among officials.
In recent days, the Pentagon has also allowed some its employees to work from home.
"Social distancing" was also used in meetings among officials.
In recent days, the Pentagon has also allowed some its employees to work from home.
Italy's death toll rises to 631 in biggest single day jump
Italy's death toll has risen by 168 people in the space of 24 hours - with 631 people confirmed to have died after contracting the virus so far.
The increase in the nation's death toll marks the highest rate of fatalities so far for the Mediterranean nation which has been the worst affected country in Europe since initial cases were first reported on 31 January.
Officials in Rome added the number of those infected had broken into five figures - with 10,149 testing positive for Covid-19 compared to 9,172 the previous day.
Vincent Wood reports:
Italy's death toll has risen by 168 people in the space of 24 hours - with 631 people confirmed to have died after contracting the virus so far.
The increase in the nation's death toll marks the highest rate of fatalities so far for the Mediterranean nation which has been the worst affected country in Europe since initial cases were first reported on 31 January.
Officials in Rome added the number of those infected had broken into five figures - with 10,149 testing positive for Covid-19 compared to 9,172 the previous day.
Vincent Wood reports:
Coronavirus death toll in Italy rises to 631 in biggest single day jump
The IndependentMore than 10,000 people infected so far in European epicentre of deadly virus
LA to get emergency power to shut down schools as outbreak worsens
The Los Angeles Board of Education is set to give the superintendent emergency powers to close schools if the coronavirus outbreak reaches critical levels.
Emergency powers given to Superintendent Austin Beutner would allow for him to take actions without the approval of the school board, including shutting down the LA Unified school district, which is the second largest in the nation.
This power will be voted on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to pass, according to the Los Angeles Times. No person has yet to test positive for the coronavirus and is connected to the school district, but cases continue to rise in California and the Los Angeles area.
The Los Angeles Board of Education is set to give the superintendent emergency powers to close schools if the coronavirus outbreak reaches critical levels.
Emergency powers given to Superintendent Austin Beutner would allow for him to take actions without the approval of the school board, including shutting down the LA Unified school district, which is the second largest in the nation.
This power will be voted on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to pass, according to the Los Angeles Times. No person has yet to test positive for the coronavirus and is connected to the school district, but cases continue to rise in California and the Los Angeles area.
Full story here:
LA to get emergency powers to shut schools as coronavirus outbreak worsens
The IndependentOne California doctor recommends for all schools to close
Fox News presenter claims Trump criticism over coronavirus handling is 'impeachment all over again'
Fox Business host Trish Regan has claimed that criticism of Donald Trump over Covid-19 is an attempt to impeach the president.
Ms Regan, who hosts "Trish Regan Primetime" on Fox Business started her show on Monday night by attacking those criticising Trump's handling over the pandemic.
The host, who had a banner reading "DEMS POLITICIZE CORONAVIRUS" noticeably underneath her during the segment, claimed that Democrats lay the blame for Covid-19 squarely at the door of the president.
"The chorus of hate being levelled at the President is nearing a crescendo as Democrats blame him -- and only him -- for a virus that originated halfway around the world. This is yet another attempt to impeach the President." Said Ms Regan.
Fox Business host Trish Regan has claimed that criticism of Donald Trump over Covid-19 is an attempt to impeach the president.
Ms Regan, who hosts "Trish Regan Primetime" on Fox Business started her show on Monday night by attacking those criticising Trump's handling over the pandemic.
The host, who had a banner reading "DEMS POLITICIZE CORONAVIRUS" noticeably underneath her during the segment, claimed that Democrats lay the blame for Covid-19 squarely at the door of the president.
"The chorus of hate being levelled at the President is nearing a crescendo as Democrats blame him -- and only him -- for a virus that originated halfway around the world. This is yet another attempt to impeach the President." Said Ms Regan.
Full story here:
Fox presenter claims criticism of Trump's handling of coronavirus is 'impeachment all over again'
The IndependentTrish Regan attacked Democrats who she feels are using the outbreak to destabilise the presidency
Three employees who greet Florida cruise ship passengers have COVID-19
The Florida Health Department confirmed three employees with Metro Cruise Services tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. They are responsible for greeting people boarding cruise ships.
Officials now implore anyone who passed through the Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to isolate themselves for 14 days if they start to experience symptoms. Anyone who passed through the port and starts to experience symptoms is urged to contact their county health department or provider.
Outbreaks in the cruise industry encouraged the CDC to release new guidelines for recent ship passengers. They are advised to monitor their health for 14 days and self-isolate themselves if they're experiencing any symptoms.
There are 20 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Florida and one person has died.
The Florida Health Department confirmed three employees with Metro Cruise Services tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. They are responsible for greeting people boarding cruise ships.
Officials now implore anyone who passed through the Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to isolate themselves for 14 days if they start to experience symptoms. Anyone who passed through the port and starts to experience symptoms is urged to contact their county health department or provider.
Outbreaks in the cruise industry encouraged the CDC to release new guidelines for recent ship passengers. They are advised to monitor their health for 14 days and self-isolate themselves if they're experiencing any symptoms.
There are 20 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Florida and one person has died.
Insurers pledge to cover coronavirus tests, but available tests are lacking across US
Major health insurance companies pledged to cover the cost of coronavirus tests when speaking at the White House on Tuesday.
CEOs of UnitedHealth, Anthem, and Humana, as well as leaders from Blue Cross Blue Shield, all met with the president on Tuesday to discuss the current coronavirus epidemic. During the meeting, they confirmed with Trump that coronavirus tests would be covered at no costs to the patients.
"We want the American people to know that they are covered through private insurance, they are covered through Medicare, Medicaid, and there will be no surprise billing," Pence said.
Although it is a relief for Americans to have the test covered, a bigger concern across the US is the lack of testing available.
The CDC has refused to publish numbers of just how many Americans have been tested for the coronavirus, which has frustrated citizens. "We don't know exactly how many because of hundreds of thousands of our tests have gone out to private labs and hospitals that currently do not report in to CDC," said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.
Major health insurance companies pledged to cover the cost of coronavirus tests when speaking at the White House on Tuesday.
CEOs of UnitedHealth, Anthem, and Humana, as well as leaders from Blue Cross Blue Shield, all met with the president on Tuesday to discuss the current coronavirus epidemic. During the meeting, they confirmed with Trump that coronavirus tests would be covered at no costs to the patients.
"We want the American people to know that they are covered through private insurance, they are covered through Medicare, Medicaid, and there will be no surprise billing," Pence said.
Although it is a relief for Americans to have the test covered, a bigger concern across the US is the lack of testing available.
The CDC has refused to publish numbers of just how many Americans have been tested for the coronavirus, which has frustrated citizens. "We don't know exactly how many because of hundreds of thousands of our tests have gone out to private labs and hospitals that currently do not report in to CDC," said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.
Mr Azar said 2.1 million tests were shipped out to labs. But people have complained about being unable to get tested despite Trump claiming last week that “anyone who wants a test can get a test.”
North Carolina declares a state of emergency
Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for North Carolina, one day after the state confirmed at least seven coronavirus cases.
The governor made the decision to make "funds available to help buy needed supplies, protect people from price gouging and help public health staff across the state," he wrote in a tweet.
Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for North Carolina, one day after the state confirmed at least seven coronavirus cases.
The governor made the decision to make "funds available to help buy needed supplies, protect people from price gouging and help public health staff across the state," he wrote in a tweet.
Similar to other states, the declaration will give North Carolina flexibility when allocating funds towards combating the spread of the virus.
At least eleven states, including New York, California, and Washington, have declared a state of emergency during the pandemic.
At least eleven states, including New York, California, and Washington, have declared a state of emergency during the pandemic.
Trump tells Americans to 'stay calm' while claiming coronavirus will 'go away'
The president held a press conference on Tuesday after meeting with Republican lawmakers about a bill to combat the economic fallout of the coronavirus.
"It will go away, just stay calm," Trump said. "Be calm. It's really working out. And a lot of good things are going to happen."
"We're prepared and doing a great job with it," the president added.
He went on to brag about the American consumer and how he wants to protect the cruise ship and airline industries, which have both been hit hard during the outbreak.
"The consumer has never been in a better position than they are now," Trump claimed.
The president held a press conference on Tuesday after meeting with Republican lawmakers about a bill to combat the economic fallout of the coronavirus.
"It will go away, just stay calm," Trump said. "Be calm. It's really working out. And a lot of good things are going to happen."
"We're prepared and doing a great job with it," the president added.
He went on to brag about the American consumer and how he wants to protect the cruise ship and airline industries, which have both been hit hard during the outbreak.
"The consumer has never been in a better position than they are now," Trump claimed.
Trump won't commit to coronavirus testing for himself
Donald Trump for the first time left the door open to getting tested for coronavirus after interacting with several members of Congress who had contact with an infected person.
"I don't think it's a big deal. I would do it," he told reporters on Capitol Hill. "I feel extremely good. I feel very good. But I guess it's not a big deal to get tested, and it's something I would do."
But he did not commit to it after taking a limousine and Air Force One ride on Monday with Florida GOP Congressman Matt Gaetz, and shaking hands on Friday with Georgia GOP Congressman Doug Collins. Both are among several lawmakers in self-quarantine, despite claiming no virus symptoms, after interacting with the positive individual at a conservative policy conference that Mr Trump also attended.
Donald Trump for the first time left the door open to getting tested for coronavirus after interacting with several members of Congress who had contact with an infected person.
"I don't think it's a big deal. I would do it," he told reporters on Capitol Hill. "I feel extremely good. I feel very good. But I guess it's not a big deal to get tested, and it's something I would do."
But he did not commit to it after taking a limousine and Air Force One ride on Monday with Florida GOP Congressman Matt Gaetz, and shaking hands on Friday with Georgia GOP Congressman Doug Collins. Both are among several lawmakers in self-quarantine, despite claiming no virus symptoms, after interacting with the positive individual at a conservative policy conference that Mr Trump also attended.
Full story here:
Trump on coronavirus test: 'It's something I would do'
The IndependentCongress unlikely to send president an emergency economic stimulus package before week-long break
First Kentucky coronavirus patient works at a Walmart
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said Monday that Kentucky's first coronavirus patient was recovering from the illness. But it was also revealed the person worked at a Walmart in Cynthiana.
Six employees who work closely with the person are now in isolation but have not shown any symptoms, health officials said.
"For everybody who has been through that Walmart, I know it's going to make you nervous," the governor said during a press conference. "Just because you've been there doesn't mean that you have the coronavirus. We have to stay calm."
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said Monday that Kentucky's first coronavirus patient was recovering from the illness. But it was also revealed the person worked at a Walmart in Cynthiana.
Six employees who work closely with the person are now in isolation but have not shown any symptoms, health officials said.
"For everybody who has been through that Walmart, I know it's going to make you nervous," the governor said during a press conference. "Just because you've been there doesn't mean that you have the coronavirus. We have to stay calm."
The Walmart remains open and is working to "reinforce" how it sanitises and cleans the store.
Kentucky has six confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
Kentucky has six confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
Massachusetts reports 51 new cases of coronavirus
The state updated its confirmed coronavirus cases to 92 on Tuesday, which is a 51-person jump from the pervious day.
Of those cases, 70 are related to a Biogen conference held in Boston.
The state updated its confirmed coronavirus cases to 92 on Tuesday, which is a 51-person jump from the pervious day.
Of those cases, 70 are related to a Biogen conference held in Boston.
Governor Charlie Baker announced a state of emergency in Massachusetts over the coronavirus outbreak on Tuesday. He is the second state governor to announce a state of emergency after North Carolina declared one earlier on Tuesday.
At least 12 states have declared a state of emergency in recent days following the coronavirus outbreak. This declaration helps governors allocate funding to agencies needed to help combat the spread of the virus.
At least 12 states have declared a state of emergency in recent days following the coronavirus outbreak. This declaration helps governors allocate funding to agencies needed to help combat the spread of the virus.
Washington state could have 64,000 estimated coronavirus cases in two months
The state is considering mandatory measures to combat the growing coronavirus pandemic, Governor Jay Inslee said on Tuesday.
Mr Inslee said he spoke to epidemiologists about the spread of the virus, and they told him an estimated 500 to 2,000 people are likely infected with the coronavirus at the present. Given how quickly the virus spreads, these numbers are expected to double every five to eight days.
Washington state currently has at least 167 confirmed cases as of Tuesday, but officials believe the number is closer to 1,000.
“If we assume there are 1,000 or more people who have the virus today, what the experts are telling us, in an epidemic like this, looking at the characteristics of this virus, people who are infected will double anywhere from five to eight days,” Mr Inslee said. “If you do that math, it gets very disturbing.”
“When something doubles every day, it gets to a very large number very quickly. If there are 1,000 people infected today, in seven or eight weeks, there could be 64,000 people infected in the state of Washington,” he added.
With that in mind, the state is now issuing new rules within nursing homes and care facilities to combat the spread of the virus to one of the more vulnerable populations. Rules will include limiting patients to one person per day.
Mr Inslee said he spoke to epidemiologists about the spread of the virus, and they told him an estimated 500 to 2,000 people are likely infected with the coronavirus at the present. Given how quickly the virus spreads, these numbers are expected to double every five to eight days.
Washington state currently has at least 167 confirmed cases as of Tuesday, but officials believe the number is closer to 1,000.
“If we assume there are 1,000 or more people who have the virus today, what the experts are telling us, in an epidemic like this, looking at the characteristics of this virus, people who are infected will double anywhere from five to eight days,” Mr Inslee said. “If you do that math, it gets very disturbing.”
“When something doubles every day, it gets to a very large number very quickly. If there are 1,000 people infected today, in seven or eight weeks, there could be 64,000 people infected in the state of Washington,” he added.
With that in mind, the state is now issuing new rules within nursing homes and care facilities to combat the spread of the virus to one of the more vulnerable populations. Rules will include limiting patients to one person per day.
