Editor’s Note: Here are the latest key updates you may have missed over the past week relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as of March 23, 2020.
In the US.
According to the CDC (as of March 23, 2020):
- Total cases: 33,404
- Total deaths: 400
- The total number of areas affected: 54 (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and US Virgin Islands)
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Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives blocked a $2 trillion stimulus package Sunday night, citing concerns that the package prioritized corporate America over citizens. Another vote will take place Monday afternoon.
President Trump has activated the U.S. National Guard in New York, California and Washington.
Officials in several states and cities have instituted “shelter-in-place” or “stay-at-home” orders, including California, New York, Illinois, Connecticut, Ohio, New Jersey, Oregon, Lousiana, Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, Philadelphia and St. Louis. The orders ban people from gathering in groups, closes “nonessential” businesses and carry the force of law if violated.
Last week, the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) instructed all property and casualty insurers providing business interruption coverage in N.Y. to send an explanation of benefits to policyholders. Additionally, the NYDFS asked “all regulated insurance entities” for extensive reports on their financial and operational preparedness for the effects of COVID-19.
The IRS has delayed this year’s tax filing deadline to July 15. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin tweeted, “We are moving Tax Day from April 15 to July 15. All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.”
On Saturday, March 21, the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico closed to all “nonessential” travel.
In Hawaii, Governor David Ige has ordered a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for all people traveling to the state.
Around the world
According to the World Health Organization (as of March 22, 2020):
- Total cases globally: 294,110
- Total deaths globally: 12,944
- The total number of countries and territories affected: 186
The death toll in Italy surpassed China, where the coronavirus originated. As of Monday, Italy has reported more than 5,400 deaths. To help combat the outbreak, the Italian government made a direct appeal to Defense Secretary Mark Esper for U.S. military aid.
India has placed citizens in 75 districts, including major cities, under lockdown until the end of the month.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has imposed some of the strictest rules to combat COVID-19 by banning gatherings of more than two people.
Canada and Australia have announced that they will not send their countries athlete to the Summer Olympics in Tokyo if the event is held this July. On Sunday, the International Olympic Committee stated that it is considering postponing, not canceling, the event by starting in late July or at a later date.
For more coronavirus news, visit our Instant Insights page, “The coronavirus and its impact.”
Related: Coronavirus update: Global travel bans, CDC warning and more