March 11 coronavirus news

As coronavirus continues to spread across the US, 23 states and Washington, DC, have declared a state of emergency.

Arizona, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas and Washington, DC, all made their declarations today.

Here is a breakdown of when the other states made their declarations:

NCAA President Mark Emmert has decided to hold the upcoming Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments without spectators.

In a statement, Emmert declared that "March Madness" will still take place — this after consultations with public health officials and a NCAA-appointed coronavirus advisory panel — but that the tournament will be held with only essential staff and family members. 

The NCAA has also recommended that every upcoming sporting event — which would include the on-going conference basketball tournaments — to be closed to the public.

Football player Daniele Rugani who plays for the Italian team Juventus, which is based in the northern city of Turin, has tested positive for coronavirus, the club said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Juventus Football Club is currently activating all the isolation procedures required by law," the statement says, adding that the club is tracing how many people he was in contact with. 

The Sergeant at Arms has informed congressional leaders they are preparing to announce that all Capitol Tours will be halted for the remainder of the month due to the coronavirus, according to two congressional aides. 

The House and Senate Sergeants at Arms will make the announcement soon, a source said. The exact timing is unclear.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The state has reported nine confirmed cases of coronavirus, but Ducey said, “We are anticipating additional positive cases, and we're not taking any chances.”

Ducey, speaking at a news conference today, said the declaration will free up emergency funds and make it possible for health care workers to cut through licensing red tape.

He also issued an executive order that requires nursing homes to check workers and visitors for symptoms of coronavirus, as well as require insurance companies to cover the full cost of coronavirus testing for their policyholders.

One of the proposals President Trump may lay out this evening is declaring a national emergency under the Stafford Act, which would free up aid, an administration official said.

That proposal is under active consideration, the official said.

Trump is expected to make a statement tonight at about 9 p.m. ET.

The National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets will play their upcoming home games without spectators following a "mass gatherings mandate" from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.

Columbus hosts the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.

Read the team's full statement:  

The Columbus Blue Jackets are aware of Governor DeWine's announcement today that an order prohibiting mass gatherings in the state of Ohio is forthcoming. We have been in contact with the National Hockey League regarding this matter and will abide by the state's mandate. Remaining home games while the order is in effect, including tomorrow vs. Pittsburgh, will be played as scheduled, but with restricted attendance in compliance with today's announcement.

Admission to games will be limited to home and visiting club personnel, credentialed media and broadcast partners, essential club and arena staff and NHL officials. The games will be closed to the public.

The health and well-being of our community is our priority and we appreciate the understanding of our fans, corporate partners and guests under these extraordinary circumstances. Our games will continue to be televised regionally on FOX Sports Ohio and available on the Blue Jackets Radio Network, including flagship station 97.1 The Fan or CD102.5 FM (select games) in Columbus.

The club will work with season ticket, club and premium seat holders on appropriate credits or refunds for affected games, while single-game buyers will receive a refund through their point of purchase. The club will be communicating to season ticket holders, partners and other affected parties with additional information soon.

NBC will be suspending live audiences for the "Today" show and "Today with Hoda & Jena & Friends" beginning Thursday.

Read the network's full statement: 

Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a state of emergency, as well as a public health emergency, in Washington, DC, due to coronavirus.

There are six new cases of coronavirus in DC, bringing the total there to 10, according to Dr. Laquandra S. Nesbitt of Columbia Department of Health.

“Because of the nature of those cases, we anticipate that we will have additional cases in the District of Columbia,” Nesbitt said.