This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-51740706

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Coronavirus: California declares emergency after death Coronavirus: California declares emergency after death
(about 5 hours later)
California has declared a state of emergency after announcing its first coronavirus death, bringing the US death toll from the disease to 11.California has declared a state of emergency after announcing its first coronavirus death, bringing the US death toll from the disease to 11.
The 71-year-old man, who died in a hospital near Sacramento, had underlying health conditions and had been on a cruise ship, said officials.The 71-year-old man, who died in a hospital near Sacramento, had underlying health conditions and had been on a cruise ship, said officials.
The White House moved on Wednesday to expand testing nationwide for the disease.The White House moved on Wednesday to expand testing nationwide for the disease.
There are now at least 150 reported US patients with Covid-19 in 16 states.There are now at least 150 reported US patients with Covid-19 in 16 states.
Authorities have confirmed more than 92,000 cases of the virus worldwide, of which more than 80,000 are in China. More than 3,000 people have died globally, the vast majority in China. Worldwide, authorities have confirmed more than 92,000 cases of the virus, of which more than 80,000 are in China. More than 3,000 people have died globally, the vast majority in China.
Ten of the 11 US deaths were in Washington state, but the outbreak has also flared up in Texas and Nebraska.Ten of the 11 US deaths were in Washington state, but the outbreak has also flared up in Texas and Nebraska.
Washington and Florida both declared states of emergency over the weekend to help prevent the coronavirus. Meanwhile Washington and Florida both declared states of emergency over the weekend to help prevent the coronavirus.
The California man who died is believed to have been exposed to the disease while travelling last month on a Princess Cruise ship that departed from San Francisco and visited Mexico.
The vessel has been ordered to return to port in San Francisco.
The ship is operated by Carnival, whose Diamond Princess cruise liner was quarantined last month after dozens of passengers tested positive for Covid-19 as it docked in Japan.
Testing speeded up
US Vice-President Mike Pence said on Wednesday that any American can be tested for the coronavirus if ordered by a doctor.
Mr Pence, appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the US outbreak response, also said that the White House will begin on-camera briefings on the virus.
Some health officials have accused the Trump administration of a slow-footed response to the outbreak.
Mr Pence said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would lift existing restrictions on tests and provide new guidelines for speeding up exams for those who fear they are infected.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
"When I talked to some state officials, there was a sense that the tests would not be administered to people that were mildly symptomatic," Mr Pence said. "We're issuing clear guidance that, subject to doctors' orders, any American can be tested." What do we know about the cruise ship?
It's believed that the deceased California man became infected aboard the Grand Princess, a cruise ship which made a round trip from San Francisco to Mexico last month.
After the ship docked in San Francisco on 21 February, thousands more passengers boarded and thousands disembarked. The vessel then began a round-trip to Hawaii.
Some 62 passengers were on both the Mexico and the Hawaii trips. They have been restricted to their rooms for testing.
The Grand Princess itself is being held off the coast of California, and state Governor Gavin Newsom said 11 passengers and 10 crew members are potentially infected.
The ship is operated by Carnival, whose Diamond Princess cruise ship was quarantined last month after dozens of passengers tested positive for Covid-19 as it docked in Japan.
What other action is the US taking?
The US government currently prohibits entry to foreign nationals who have visited China - the epicentre of the outbreak - during the past 14 days.
US Vice-President Mike Pence said on Wednesday that any American can be tested for the coronavirus if ordered by a doctor.
Mr Pence, who is leading the US outbreak response, also said that the White House will begin on-camera briefings on the virus.
In addition, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will lift existing restrictions on tests and provide new guidelines for speeding up exams for those who fear they are infected.
But some question how this promise will be kept, as public health laboratories insist their capacity for processing the tests is restricted.But some question how this promise will be kept, as public health laboratories insist their capacity for processing the tests is restricted.
There is also a question of cost, amid reports of uninsured Americans paying upwards of $1,000 (£780) for a test. There is also a question of cost, amid reports of uninsured Americans paying upwards of $1,000 (£780) for a test. The US House of Representatives approved $8.3bn in emergency aid on Wednesday to combat the coronavirus.
The US House of Representatives approved $8.3bn in emergency aid on Wednesday to combat the coronavirus. Some health officials have accused the Trump administration of a slow-footed response to the outbreak, and concerns have been raised about a nationwide shortage of test kits.
One congressman, Matt Gaetz of Florida, took to the chamber floor for the vote wearing a gas mask, for reasons that remain unclear. In response, President Trump blamed the shortage on regulations adopted by his predecessor, Democratic President Barack Obama. The administration claims it has lifted these regulations by allowing local labs to create their own tests.
The challenge faced by the US authorities in containing the virus was highlighted by a cluster of cases in a New York City suburb. Outside of government, United Airlines and Delta have announced cuts to their US flight schedules due to a drop in demand caused by worries over the virus.
After a 50-year-old lawyer who commutes to midtown Manhattan fell ill with the virus, his wife and two children also tested positive. So did a neighbour who drove him to the hospital along with another friend, his wife and three of their children. What are the latest developments elsewhere?
Now about 1,000 people have self-quarantined in Westchester county, where the attorney lives in the city of New Rochelle. The worst-hit country outside China is South Korea, which on Wednesday reported 516 new confirmed infections, bringing the total to 5,766. The country's death toll stands at 35.
Since February, the US government has prohibited entry to foreign nationals who have visited China - the epicentre of the outbreak - in the past 14 days. In an effort to curb the outbreak, South Korea's Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun has announced a ban on face mask exports.
The US Travel Association said on Tuesday that it expected international inbound travel to the country to drop 6% between now and May - the largest dip in global visits since the 2008 financial crisis. About 79.3 million international visitors travelled to the US last year. Australia has meanwhile banned entry for all foreign nationals from South Korea. Two people have died from coronavirus in Australia, and another 53 cases have been reported.
The worst-hit country outside China is South Korea, which on Wednesday reported 516 new confirmed infections, bringing the total to 5,328. The country's death toll stands at 35. Meanwhile, China has reported 139 new cases and 31 deaths, all in Hubei province.
The World Bank has committed $12bn in aid for developing nations grappling with the spread of the coronavirus, following warnings that economic slowdowns from the outbreak could push countries into recession. Schools have been closed for at least 10 days in Italy, which is grappling with the worst outbreak outside Asia.
On Thursday, the International Monetary Fund announced $50bn (£39bn) of support for countries hit by the coronavirus. The organisation also warned that global economic growth was now expected to be below the 2.9% rate for 2019.
How have you been affected by the spread of Covid-19? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Or use the form below