March 17 coronavirus news

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2:14 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Vermont is changing the way it reports cases. There are now 10 cases in the state.

From CNN's Carma Hassan

Vermont will no longer report non-Vermont resident cases of the novel coronavirus, according to the state’s Department of Health spokesman Ben Truman.

Yesterday, the state was reporting 12 cases of coronavirus: 8 Vermont residents and 4 non-Vermont residents with coronavirus.

 Today, it is only reporting 10 cases of coronavirus among its residents.

2:25 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Price tag for response package now $1 trillion, source says

From CNN's Manu Raju

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is pitching senators on a first wave of checks to Americans worth $250 billion, a source familiar tells CNN.

If the economy needs it, Mnuchin is proposing, there would be a second wave several weeks later, according to the source.

The source also says the price tag for the response package is now $1 trillion, although this is an estimate and could change. 

WATCH:

2:06 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

There are now more than 5,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in the US

From CNN's Amanda Watts

There are at least 5,139 cases of the novel coronavirus in the United States, according to the state and local health agencies, governments and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are 70 cases from repatriated citizens, per the CDC.

According to CNN Health’s tally of US cases that are detected and tested through US public health systems, there are 5,069 cases in 49 states, the District of Columbia and US territories. That brings the total number of coronavirus cases to 5,139. 

In total, 97 people have died. 

West Virginia remains the only state not reporting any cases. 

1:53 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Massachusetts governor: "We are not planning any shelter-in-place orders"

Massachusetts Gov. Baker denied rumors that a shelter-in-place order could go into effect across the state.

“Let me be clear: We are not planning any shelter in place orders,” he told reporters in a press conference this afternoon.

“In times of crisis, it’s imperative that people get their news from legitimate places, and sometimes that’s not from your friends’ friends’ friends’ neighbor," he added.

Nearly seven million people living in a wide swath of Northern California, including Silicon Valley, are currently under a "shelter-in-place order."

Earlier today, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his state wasn't considering similar orders either.

1:47 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Britain unveils $400 billion economic package for struggling businesses

From CNN's Rob Picheta in London

The British government has promised to provide £330 billion ($400bn) in loans and guarantees to businesses, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to act like he is leading a “wartime government” and do “whatever it takes to support our economy.”

Business rates will be put on hold for a year, the chancellor Rishi Sunak added at a daily coronavirus press conference on Tuesday evening, and mortgage lenders will also offer a three month “mortgage holiday” for those struggling due to coronavirus.

Sunak added that he will talk with the UK's transport secretary to discuss an economic package for airlines and airports, which are struggling around the world as sweeping travel restrictions are put in place.

The finance minister said the pandemic has caused an “economic emergency” as well as a public health one, and Johnson added that, in addition to the “extreme” measures previously announced, “we may well have to go further and faster in the coming days.”

Johnson advised Britons to avoid pubs, restaurants and theaters, and said they should limit social contact on Monday. Earlier on Tuesday, the government also advised against non-essential foreign travel.  

But some have questioned why Britain has been slower to enact more draconian restrictions, as many European nations have.

Sunak said pubs, bars and theaters with insurance that cover pandemics will be allowed to make insurance claims against their policy. For those that aren’t covered, there will be a £25,000 cash grant per business to help “bridge this period” for the likes of shops, music venues and theaters. 

But he did not go as far as countries such as France, which earlier this week waived utility bills and rents for citizens struggling during the crisis.

1:57 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

UK may need to go "further and faster" in the coming days, prime minister says

From CNN’s Sarah Dean and Lauren Kent

Matt Dunham/Pool/AP
Matt Dunham/Pool/AP

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the UK may need to go “further and faster” in the coming days to battle coronavirus

Speaking during his daily address to the nation from Downing Street alongside Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, Johnson said: “Yes, this enemy can be deadly, but it is also beatable and we know how to beat it… if we follow scientific advice.”

“We have the resolve and resources to win the fight,” Johnson said. 

1:43 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Florida bans groups of 10 or more from beaches

Chris O'Meara/AP
Chris O'Meara/AP

Florida is barring groups of 10 or more people from beaches, Gov. Ron DeSantis said today. This was in response to recent spring break crowds on beaches in the state.

This follows US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

The governor added that a six-foot distance should be maintained between groups. 

While the decision on whether or not to close beaches is being left with local governments, DeSantis says, "It's our hope that these new restrictions will reduce the ability of folks to congregate in large numbers."

1:28 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Somalia confirms first coronavirus case 

From CNN's Radina Gigova

 Somalia has confirmed the country's first coronavirus case, according to the Ministry of Health. 

The person is a Somali citizen who tested positive for the virus in the capital Mogadishu, the ministry announced.

"We commend all medical practitioners across the globe working hard to counter the #CoronavirusPandemic," Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo wrote on his Twitter on Monday.  

"I urge everyone to support all efforts and recommended medical measures to slow the spread of #COVID19 and keep the numbers low," Farmajo also wrote. 

1:16 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

CNN's Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction podcast is sharing stories of Americans who tested positive

What does it feel like when someone contracts COVID-19 and is under quarantine?

CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta shares the stories of two Americans who tested positive in today's episode of the Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction podcast.

You can listen to the latest episode here.

1:02 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Fauci says we won't know if the curve if flattening "for several weeks or maybe longer"

From CNN's Betsy Klein

The National Institutes of Health's Dr. Anthony Fauci provided an explanation for why we might not know whether we’re actually flattening the curve for several weeks of containment and mitigation measures. 

Fauci said that because the curve of those who have the virus will certainly continue to go up, it will be hard to tell immediately whether those measure are having an effect.

“It probably would be several weeks or maybe longer before we know whether we had an effect. And maybe, at the end of the day, we’ll see a curve that would’ve been way, way up. But I wouldn’t, like, put us to task every few days. ‘Well wait a minute, it’s going up, is it working or not?’ That would be really misleading if we do that,” he said.
1:00 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Top doctor says "it's possible" US could see peak in coronavirus cases in 45 days

12:29 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Trump administration working to send checks directly to Americans

From CNN's John Harwood, Kevin Liptak, and Betsy Klein 

12:34 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Over 70s should stop having Sunday lunch with their families, says UK’s top science adviser

From CNN's Tara John

12:37 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Trump says "we're starting the process" of helping New York increase hospital capacity

12:05 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Trump predicts economy will "pop" once country emerges from crisis

From CNN's Kevin Liptak

12:04 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

US Vice President Mike Pence urges construction companies to donate masks to hospitals

From CNN's Betsy Klein

12:17 p.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Trump walks back criticism of New York governor, says he's doing a good job

From CNN's Betsy Klein

11:56 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Trump lays out new testing authority for states, tele-health initiatives

From CNN's Maegan Vazquez 

11:49 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

There are now more than 5,000 coronavirus cases in the US

11:38 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Maryland will turn car inspection sites into drive-through testing centers, governor says

From CNN's Carma Hassan

11:27 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Uber pool service suspended in both the United States and Canada

 From CNN’s Gregory Lemos

11:23 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Miami is closing all non-essential business due to coronavirus outbreak

11:18 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

US airports are reporting millions fewer travelers compared to last year

10:57 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

New York governor: We cannot do this without help from the federal government

10:50 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

San Francisco is living under shelter in place orders. Here's what's still allowed.

11:00 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

New York governor says "it's possible we will be doing more dramatic closings" of businesses

11:00 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

New York governor: We have "no plan whatsoever" to quarantine New York City

10:32 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

US Senate leader says they won't adjourn until passing coronavirus bill

From Clare Foran and Manu Raju 

10:25 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Queen Elizabeth's schedule changes "as a precaution"

From CNN’s Max Foster

10:24 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Israel tells people to avoid leaving their homes and public transportation

From CNN’s Michael Schwartz and Oren Liebermann

10:21 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Atlanta airport closes two domestic terminal checkpoints due to "declining demand"

From CNN's Tina Burnside and Amanda Watts 

10:00 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Brooklyn will stop prosecuting "low-level offenses that don't jeopardize public safety"

From CNN's Erica Orden 

9:59 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Vail Resorts will close for the rest of the season

9:53 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Europe experiencing "critical shortages" of medical supplies, WHO official says

From CNN Health’s Jacqueline Howard

9:42 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Stocks open higher after worst day since "Black Monday"

From CNN’s Anneken Tappe

9:38 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Iran sends home some prisoners to curb coronavirus spread

From CNN’s Ramin Mostaghim in Tehran and Nada AlTaher in Abu Dhabi

9:07 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

New York City mayor says he's "absolutely considering" a shelter in place order

9:09 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Euro 2020 postponed until 2021 amid coronavirus pandemic, Norwegian FA says

From CNN's Ben Church

8:55 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Why you can’t get hand sanitizer anywhere in the UK

From CNN's Mick Krever

8:52 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

UK tells citizens to avoid non-essential travel for 30 days

8:51 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

German foreign minister rules out exclusive access to coronavirus vaccine, without mentioning Trump

From CNN's Nadine Schmidt in Berlin

8:31 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Seattle will offer $800 grocery store vouchers to 6,000 families

8:27 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

AMC Theatres close during coronavirus pandemic

8:26 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Jordan's security forces prepared to "use force" to enforce virus lockdown 

From CNN's Tamara Qiblawi and Ghazi Balkiz in Beirut

8:50 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

The global coronavirus recession is beginning

From Julia Horowitz, CNN Business

8:50 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Spain coronavirus deaths approach 500

From CNN's Max Ramsay

8:28 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

IKEA to shut all stores in Germany

From CNN's Nadine Schmidt in Berlin

7:44 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Iran confirms largest jump in virus cases over 24-hour period

From CNN's Ramin Mostaghim in Tehran

8:06 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

France goes into lockdown after Macron promises to protect businesses

From CNN's Barbara Wojazer in Paris and Lauren Kent in London

7:27 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Volkswagen to temporarily halt production

From CNN's Nadine Schmidt in Berlin

8:28 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

UK warns coronavirus outbreak spreading faster than expected

From Nada Bashir in London

7:06 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

8 former passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship have returned home to Nebraska

From CNN's Brad Parks

6:51 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

German health agency raises virus risk level and says it doesn't yet know what death rate will be

From CNN's Nadine Schmidt in Berlin

6:43 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Macao to ban all foreign travelers from entering to stop spread of virus

From Isaac Yee in Hong Kong

6:34 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Airbus to temporarily halt production in Spain and France

From CNN Business' Hanna Ziady

6:24 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Malaysia announces first coronavirus death

From Ushar Daniele in Kuala Lumpur

6:15 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Coronavirus vaccine trial administers first dose to participant

From CNN's Michael Nedelman

6:05 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

The US now has 4,477 cases and 87 deaths

From CNN's Joe Sutton

5:49 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

German foreign minister to citizens after spike in cases: "Please stay home"

5:17 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Here's a look at all the US sports events canceled over the coronavirus pandemic

5:07 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Major Philippine airline cancels all flights for a month

4:52 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

London mayor announces new measures, urges everyone to stop "non-essential social contact"

4:42 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Just joining us? Here's the latest on the coronavirus pandemic

4:37 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Travelers from 12 countries must self-quarantine after entering Shanghai, city says

From CNN's Isaac Yee in Hong Kong

4:30 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Drastic new measures in France go into effect today

From CNN’s Barbara Wojazer in Paris and Mohammed Tawfeeq in Atlanta

4:19 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Trump, finally, takes the coronavirus emergency seriously

Analysis from CNN's Stephen Collinson

4:13 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

A cruise ship passenger has died from coronavirus after visiting Grand Cayman

From CNN’s Jaide Timm-Garcia in Atlanta and Hira Humayun in Atlanta.

4:13 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

The US now has 4,475 cases and 87 deaths

4:09 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Singapore reassures citizens that it has enough food

3:59 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

A religious gathering is at the center of a coronavirus cluster in Southeast Asia

3:48 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

New Zealand announces $7.3 billion financial support package

From CNN's Isaac Yee in Hong Kong

3:42 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Egypt reports largest single-day spike in new cases

From CNN’s Mostafa Salem in Abu Dhabi

3:35 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Hong Kong is using electronic wristbands to monitor those under quarantine

From CNN's Karina Tsui

3:24 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Pakistan coronavirus cases triple in two days

From CNN’s Sophia Saifi in Islamabad

3:15 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Here's what social distancing looks like in New York, the biggest city in the US

From CNN's Amanda Jackson

3:07 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

The global coronavirus recession is beginning

From CNN's Julia Horowitz

2:57 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

A student created a network of "shopping angels" to help the elderly get groceries during pandemic

From CNN's Lauren Lee

2:46 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Beijing police are investigating a patient who flew from the US to China while showing symptoms

From CNN's Shawn Deng and Steven Jiang in Beijing

2:42 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

The world's biggest film industry is halting production

From CNN's Manveena Suri

2:30 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Delta flight held just before takeoff as a passenger was told they were exposed to coronavirus

From CNN's Madeline Holcombe

2:19 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively donate $1 million to help food non-profits

From CNN's Sandra Gonzalez

2:09 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Just joining us? Here's a quick catch up

2:01 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

The Taj Mahal is closing over coronavirus concerns

From CNN's Lilit Marcus

1:48 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Global death toll passing China fatalities is a turning point in coronavirus pandemic

From CNN's Helen Regan

1:31 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Countries in Southeast Asia impose far-reaching restrictions as coronavirus cases jump

From CNN's Helen Regan

1:23 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

There are now more coronavirus deaths outside China than inside

From CNN's Pauline Lockwood in Hong Kong and Larry Register in Atlanta

12:57 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

South Korea and Japan expand travel restrictions

From CNN's Yaejin Kang in Seoul, Yoko Wakatsuki in Tokyo, and Eric Cheung in Hong Kong

12:47 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Lockdowns are being imposed around the world. China's example highlights the costs

From CNN's Lily Lee, Nectar Gan and David Culver

12:35 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

The US doesn't have enough stockpiled medical equipment for the pandemic, health officials warn

From CNN's Kristen Holmes

12:25 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Japan's Prime Minister says he has G7 support to hold Olympics in their "complete form"

From CNN's Junko Ogura, Yoko Wakatsuki and Kaori Enjoji in Tokyo

12:23 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

The Met Gala has been postponed due to the pandemic

From CNN's Fiona Sinclair Scott

12:20 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Fitness centers and gyms start closing down across the US

12:18 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

India to ban travelers from the European Union, UK and Turkey

From CNN's Swati Gupta in New Delhi

1:13 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

There's an unlikely beneficiary of coronavirus: the planet

From CNN's Rebecca Wright

12:05 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

The US has more than 4,400 coronavirus cases and 87 deaths

12:04 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Foot Locker and Nordstrom to close stores across North America

12:01 a.m. ET, March 17, 2020

Texas reports its first death from the coronavirus

11:55 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Google delays its rollout of a coronavirus website

From CNN’s Brian Fung

11:44 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Qantas slashes international flights by 90% because of growing coronavirus restrictions

From CNN's Sherisse Pham

11:37 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Microsoft closes all stores globally

11:28 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Just joining us? Here's the latest on the coronavirus pandemic

11:20 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Ohio will close its polls during tomorrow's presidential primary

11:18 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Monaco's state minister tests positive for coronavirus

From CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq in Atlanta and Duarte Mendonça in London

11:15 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Hong Kong will require all arrivals from foreign countries to undergo quarantine

From CNN's Karina Tsui and Eric Cheung in Hong Kong

11:02 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Dollar General to dedicate first hour of shopping to elderly customers amid pandemic

10:48 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Colorado shuts down public spaces and restricts restaurants from serving food

10:36 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Venezuela announces nationwide "social quarantine" to contain coronavirus

From CNN’s Abel Alvarez and Jackie Castillo in Atlanta

10:21 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

These countries are under lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic

10:08 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

US Navy sailor tests positive for the coronavirus

From CNN's Ryan Browne

9:47 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Malaysia imposes nationwide movement control order amid novel coronavirus outbreak

From Eric Cheung in Hong Kong

9:47 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

US Social Security offices will close in-person services starting Tuesday

From CNN's Ellie Kaufman

9:47 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have left the hospital after coronavirus diagnosis

From CNN's Chloe Melas

9:46 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Georgia will close all public schools starting Wednesday

9:46 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

Ohio judge denies governor's request to move presidential primary

9:46 p.m. ET, March 16, 2020

US airports seek $10 billion in government assistance

From CNN's Geneva Sands