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Coronavirus Live Updates: As Infections Spread in U.S., House Votes to Provide Emergency Aid Coronavirus Live Updates: California Declares a State of Emergency As Infections Spread in U.S.
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An elderly patient in Placer County, Calif., near Sacramento, has died from the coronavirus, marking the first reported U.S. death outside of Washington State and the 11th total in the country, health officials announced on Wednesday. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday that the state — with at least 54 coronavirus cases, the most of any state in the nation — was declaring a state of emergency to help mobilize its response to the virus outbreak.
The patient, who had underlying health conditions, had been in isolation at a hospital. Officials believe the patient was likely exposed to the virus last month on a cruise ship, which departed from San Francisco to Mexico. Earlier in the day, health officials said that an elderly patient in Placer County, Calif., near Sacramento, had died from the coronavirus, the first reported U.S. death outside of Washington State and the 11th total in the country.
The patient, who had underlying health conditions, had been in isolation at a hospital. Officials believe the patient was probably exposed to the virus last month on a cruise ship, which departed from San Francisco to Mexico.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of this patient,” Dr. Aimee Sisson, the health officer for Placer County, said in a statement. “This death is an unfortunate milestone in our efforts to fight this disease, and one that we never wanted to see.“We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of this patient,” Dr. Aimee Sisson, the health officer for Placer County, said in a statement. “This death is an unfortunate milestone in our efforts to fight this disease, and one that we never wanted to see.
The number of reported cases in California rose to 51 on Wednesday, the most of any state, as health officials in Los Angeles County announced six new cases and declared a state of emergency. The virus has been detected across the United States but so far has been concentrated on the West Coast. The number of reported cases in California rose to 54 on Wednesday, the most of any state, as health officials in Los Angeles County announced six new cases and declared a state of emergency, and Santa Clara County announced three more cases. The virus has been detected across the United States, but so far has been concentrated on the West Coast.
A person who conducted medical screenings at Los Angeles International Airport tested positive for the virus, the Department of Homeland Security said on Wednesday. The person last worked at the airport on Feb. 21, eight days before showing symptoms of infection, the agency said.A person who conducted medical screenings at Los Angeles International Airport tested positive for the virus, the Department of Homeland Security said on Wednesday. The person last worked at the airport on Feb. 21, eight days before showing symptoms of infection, the agency said.
Each of the six new cases reported by Los Angeles County was linked to a known exposure, a history of international travel or contact with someone who had traveled or been diagnosed with the virus, officials said.Each of the six new cases reported by Los Angeles County was linked to a known exposure, a history of international travel or contact with someone who had traveled or been diagnosed with the virus, officials said.
“This means that as of today, we still don’t have known cases of community transmission,” Barbara Ferrer, the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said at a news conference on Wednesday morning.“This means that as of today, we still don’t have known cases of community transmission,” Barbara Ferrer, the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said at a news conference on Wednesday morning.
Still, she and other officials warned that they expected to see more cases in the coming days, and that families should steel themselves for potential school closures and cancellations of public events.Still, she and other officials warned that they expected to see more cases in the coming days, and that families should steel themselves for potential school closures and cancellations of public events.
“This is the time for people to have a plan for what they would do should their child’s school need to close,” Dr. Ferrer said.“This is the time for people to have a plan for what they would do should their child’s school need to close,” Dr. Ferrer said.
Racing to confront a growing public health threat, key lawmakers in the House and Senate reached a deal on Wednesday to provide $8.3 billion in emergency aid to combat the novel coronavirus, and the House voted Wednesday to approve it. Racing to confront a growing public health threat, key lawmakers in the House and Senate reached a deal on Wednesday to provide $8.3 billion in emergency aid to combat the novel coronavirus. The House voted Wednesday to approve it, and the Senate was expected to take it up on Thursday.
The bipartisan package, which includes nearly $7.8 billion for agencies dealing with the virus and came together after days of rapid negotiations, is substantially larger than what the White House initially proposed in late February. The bipartisan package came together after days of rapid negotiations. It includes nearly $7.8 billion for agencies dealing with the virus, substantially more than the White House initially proposed in late February.
It also authorizes roughly $500 million to allow Medicare providers to administer tele-health services so that more elderly patients, who are at greater risk from the virus, can receive care at home, according to two of the officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity in advance of a formal announcement. It also authorizes roughly $500 million to allow Medicare providers to administer tele-health services, so that more elderly patients, who are at greater risk from the virus, can receive care at home, according to two officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in advance of a formal announcement.
A tenth person in Washington State has died from the coronavirus and several new infections have been confirmed, officials said on Wednesday, as ramped-up testing offered troubling evidence of how widely the virus had spread.A tenth person in Washington State has died from the coronavirus and several new infections have been confirmed, officials said on Wednesday, as ramped-up testing offered troubling evidence of how widely the virus had spread.
The Seattle area was grappling to contain a worsening crisis that has seen the virus overrun a suburban nursing home, killing at least seven residents. Ten of the 11 confirmed U.S. deaths so far have occurred in Washington, and all have been reported in the last few days.
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The Seattle area was grappling to contain a worsening crisis that has seen the virus overrun a suburban nursing home, killing at least seven residents. Ten of the 11 confirmed U.S. deaths so far have occurred in Washington, and all have been reported in the last few days.
The region’s medical resources are “under incredible stress right now,” said Patty Hayes, director of public health for Seattle and King County. “We need to slow the spread of disease to the point where our health care system can continue to handle the load.”The region’s medical resources are “under incredible stress right now,” said Patty Hayes, director of public health for Seattle and King County. “We need to slow the spread of disease to the point where our health care system can continue to handle the load.”
The county executive, Dow Constantine, said officials are recomending that older residents with underlying health problems stay home, that employers have workers telecommute, and that community organizations cancel events with more than 10 people. The county executive, Dow Constantine, said officials are recommending that older residents with underlying health problems stay home, that employers have workers telecommute, and that community organizations cancel events with more than 10 people.
Washington had its first confirmed coronavirus case in January, but officials had not found any others until late last week; expanded testing in recent days has identified dozens of infections.Washington had its first confirmed coronavirus case in January, but officials had not found any others until late last week; expanded testing in recent days has identified dozens of infections.
On Tuesday, officials announced that the virus had killed two people a week ago, suggesting that the illness had spread in the Seattle area days earlier than was previously known.On Tuesday, officials announced that the virus had killed two people a week ago, suggesting that the illness had spread in the Seattle area days earlier than was previously known.
A high school in Renton, a Seattle suburb, was closed on Wednesday through the end of the week, after a student tested positive for the virus.A high school in Renton, a Seattle suburb, was closed on Wednesday through the end of the week, after a student tested positive for the virus.
Also on Tuesday, Amazon emailed its staff in the Seattle area saying that it had learned that an employee in one of its buildings in the South Lake Union neighborhood had tested positive. The employee had not been to work since Feb. 25, the email said.Also on Tuesday, Amazon emailed its staff in the Seattle area saying that it had learned that an employee in one of its buildings in the South Lake Union neighborhood had tested positive. The employee had not been to work since Feb. 25, the email said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday broadened the guidelines for coronavirus testing, allowing doctors to order a test for any patients who have symptoms like fever, cough or difficulty breathing.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday broadened the guidelines for coronavirus testing, allowing doctors to order a test for any patients who have symptoms like fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
Doctors were encouraged to first rule out other causes of respiratory illness, like influenza, and to take into consideration whether there are other local coronavirus cases, officials said.Doctors were encouraged to first rule out other causes of respiratory illness, like influenza, and to take into consideration whether there are other local coronavirus cases, officials said.
But the new standard greatly expands the pool of patients who qualify for testing, though the laboratory capacity to process the tests remains limited. The change could relieve some of the frustration of patients and doctors who have been denied access to the test when they thought it was warranted. Even so, the new standard greatly expands the pool of patients who qualify for testing, though the laboratory capacity to process the tests remains limited. The change could relieve some of the frustration of patients and doctors who have been denied access to the test when they thought it was warranted.
Previous guidelines required a patient to have symptoms of respiratory illness as well as a clear risk factor for exposure, like recent travel to China or a number of other affected countries, contact with a known coronavirus patient, or hospitalization with a severe and unexplained respiratory illness.Previous guidelines required a patient to have symptoms of respiratory illness as well as a clear risk factor for exposure, like recent travel to China or a number of other affected countries, contact with a known coronavirus patient, or hospitalization with a severe and unexplained respiratory illness.
Experts said they feared a rush by the worried well who may flood the health care system, just as new private and hospital labs are gearing up for testing.Experts said they feared a rush by the worried well who may flood the health care system, just as new private and hospital labs are gearing up for testing.
The federal government had promised to ramp up testing, but some companies and public health officials cast doubt on the government’s assurances. A spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday that the labs currently could handle 15,000 tests a day, though that figure was expected to grow.The federal government had promised to ramp up testing, but some companies and public health officials cast doubt on the government’s assurances. A spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday that the labs currently could handle 15,000 tests a day, though that figure was expected to grow.
With his administration under fire for its handling of the outbreak, President Trump sought to deflect criticism onto his predecessor on Wednesday, complaining that a federal regulation adopted under President Barack Obama made it harder to do widespread testing for the virus.With his administration under fire for its handling of the outbreak, President Trump sought to deflect criticism onto his predecessor on Wednesday, complaining that a federal regulation adopted under President Barack Obama made it harder to do widespread testing for the virus.
“The Obama administration made a decision on testing that turned out to be very detrimental to what we’re doing, and we undid that decision a few days ago so that the testing can take place at a much more accurate and rapid fashion,” Mr. Trump said during a White House meeting with airline executives.“The Obama administration made a decision on testing that turned out to be very detrimental to what we’re doing, and we undid that decision a few days ago so that the testing can take place at a much more accurate and rapid fashion,” Mr. Trump said during a White House meeting with airline executives.
“That was a decision we disagreed with,” he added. “I don’t think we would have made it, but for some reason it was made.”“That was a decision we disagreed with,” he added. “I don’t think we would have made it, but for some reason it was made.”
He appeared to be referring to a regulation that limited the ability of laboratories run by states, universities and private companies to conduct medical screenings not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. On Saturday, the F.D.A. commissioner, Stephen M. Hahn, allowed those labs to use coronavirus tests they had developed independently, after submitting evidence that the tests work.He appeared to be referring to a regulation that limited the ability of laboratories run by states, universities and private companies to conduct medical screenings not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. On Saturday, the F.D.A. commissioner, Stephen M. Hahn, allowed those labs to use coronavirus tests they had developed independently, after submitting evidence that the tests work.
The government has stumbled several times in trying to keep up with the demand for coronavirus tests. Local health agencies and doctors have complained that a lack of tests have hindered their abilities to identify patients.The government has stumbled several times in trying to keep up with the demand for coronavirus tests. Local health agencies and doctors have complained that a lack of tests have hindered their abilities to identify patients.
The C.D.C. at first maintained tight control on test production, and some of the early tests it sent to state health departments were defective.The C.D.C. at first maintained tight control on test production, and some of the early tests it sent to state health departments were defective.
The C.D.C. kept equally tight restrictions on who could be tested, but those have been eased significantly.The C.D.C. kept equally tight restrictions on who could be tested, but those have been eased significantly.
Nine people connected to the man who was confirmed as New York’s second case of the new coronavirus have all tested positive for the illness, state officials said on Wednesday.Nine people connected to the man who was confirmed as New York’s second case of the new coronavirus have all tested positive for the illness, state officials said on Wednesday.
The new cases included the man’s wife; his son, 20; his daughter, 14; and a neighbor in Westchester County, who drove the man to the hospital. A friend of the man who spent time “in close proximity” with him also tested positive for the virus, as did that man’s wife and three of their children, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said. The new cases included the man’s wife; his son, 20; his daughter, 14; and a neighbor in New Rochelle, N.Y., a Westchester County suburb, who drove the man to the hospital. A friend of the man who spent time “in close proximity” with him also tested positive for the virus, as did that man’s wife and three of their children, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.
The discovery that the Westchester father, a man of about 50 who works with his wife at a law firm in Manhattan, had the illness set off a search by health officials across the region to determine whether he had infected others, and who might have infected him. So far, about 1,000 people were being asked to self-quarantine, Mr. Cuomo estimated.The discovery that the Westchester father, a man of about 50 who works with his wife at a law firm in Manhattan, had the illness set off a search by health officials across the region to determine whether he had infected others, and who might have infected him. So far, about 1,000 people were being asked to self-quarantine, Mr. Cuomo estimated.
The authorities announced the state’s first confirmed case of the virus on Sunday, saying that a health care worker had been infected in Iran, where the illness is raging. She began exhibiting symptoms after returning home but had kept herself largely isolated. Her husband was tested for the virus but the tests came back negative, Governor Cuomo said. The Westchester man’s son is a student at Yeshiva University. Classes at the university’s campus in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan will be canceled until Friday, Mr. Cuomo said. New York Law School in TriBeCa also canceled classes and closed its facilities after a student there reported having contact with the Westchester man.
Hoping to dispel some fears, officials said late Monday that an industrial-grade disinfectant would be used to clean the entire New York City transit system — from train cars to MetroCard machines — every 72 hours. Officials in New Jersey have also ramped up their transit system’s cleaning regimen. The governor said that about 300 students and faculty members from various State University of New York and City University campuses who are in China, Italy, Japan, Iran, or South Korea — countries where the illness is raging — have been asked to return to New York, and remain in quarantine for two weeks.
Research on the new coronavirus is still in the early stages, but a 2011 study on a possible influenza outbreak in New York City found that only 4 percent of infections were likely to occur on the subway. The New York authorities announced the state’s first confirmed case of the virus on Sunday, saying that a health care worker had been infected in Iran. She began exhibiting symptoms after returning home but had kept herself largely isolated. Her husband has tested negative for the virus, Mr. Cuomo said.
In Italy, site of by far the biggest outbreak in Europe, the number of infections and deaths surged again on Wednesday, and the country ordered all schools shut down from Thursday until at least March 15.In Italy, site of by far the biggest outbreak in Europe, the number of infections and deaths surged again on Wednesday, and the country ordered all schools shut down from Thursday until at least March 15.
The number of deaths in Italy that the government has attributed to the coronavirus jumped from 79 on Tuesday to 107 on Wednesday — more than in any country but China, where the epidemic began. Italy’s people are the oldest in Europe — 23 percent of the population is 65 or over — and most of the victims have been elderly.The number of deaths in Italy that the government has attributed to the coronavirus jumped from 79 on Tuesday to 107 on Wednesday — more than in any country but China, where the epidemic began. Italy’s people are the oldest in Europe — 23 percent of the population is 65 or over — and most of the victims have been elderly.
Italian officials reported 3,089 people infected so far — up more than 400 from Tuesday — a figure surpassed only in China and South Korea. Italy has 295 coronavirus in intensive care, and the health care system in parts of Lombardy, the northern region that has been hardest hit, is straining under the burden.Italian officials reported 3,089 people infected so far — up more than 400 from Tuesday — a figure surpassed only in China and South Korea. Italy has 295 coronavirus in intensive care, and the health care system in parts of Lombardy, the northern region that has been hardest hit, is straining under the burden.
The authorities put two more towns under lockdown on Wednesday, raising the total to 13.The authorities put two more towns under lockdown on Wednesday, raising the total to 13.
The school closure, announced by Education Minister Lucia Azzolini, affects everything from day care through universities. It was not “an easy decision to make,” she said.The school closure, announced by Education Minister Lucia Azzolini, affects everything from day care through universities. It was not “an easy decision to make,” she said.
Just as many of the early outbreaks around the world traced back to travel in China, many others, particularly in Europe, are linked to travel in Italy.Just as many of the early outbreaks around the world traced back to travel in China, many others, particularly in Europe, are linked to travel in Italy.
The next-largest outbreaks on the continent are in France, with 285 cases reported by Wednesday; Germany, with 240; and Spain, with 193. One of the sharpest increases was in Britain, which reported 87 cases, up from 51 on Tuesday. Poland recorded its first infection, in a person who had recently traveled to Germany.The next-largest outbreaks on the continent are in France, with 285 cases reported by Wednesday; Germany, with 240; and Spain, with 193. One of the sharpest increases was in Britain, which reported 87 cases, up from 51 on Tuesday. Poland recorded its first infection, in a person who had recently traveled to Germany.
In Spain, officials said they believe the death from pneumonia of a 69-year-old man in Valencia on Feb. 13 was the earliest known fatality in Europe connected to Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.In Spain, officials said they believe the death from pneumonia of a 69-year-old man in Valencia on Feb. 13 was the earliest known fatality in Europe connected to Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
The announcement suggests that the virus was circulating in Spain earlier than previously believed.The announcement suggests that the virus was circulating in Spain earlier than previously believed.
After the Louvre in Paris was closed to the public for several days, the museum’s management has agreed on measures to lessen the concerns of staff members at the world’s most visited repository of art.After the Louvre in Paris was closed to the public for several days, the museum’s management has agreed on measures to lessen the concerns of staff members at the world’s most visited repository of art.
Some are simple, such as giving workers hand sanitizers.Some are simple, such as giving workers hand sanitizers.
Others are more complicated, including what to do about the Salle des États — the room containing the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, which is typically mobbed by crowds.Others are more complicated, including what to do about the Salle des États — the room containing the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, which is typically mobbed by crowds.
To satisfy workers’ demands, the management has agreed that guards will no longer have to move among the crowds to keep visitors moving and prevent bottlenecks.To satisfy workers’ demands, the management has agreed that guards will no longer have to move among the crowds to keep visitors moving and prevent bottlenecks.
But on Wednesday, after the museum reopened, that was not much of a problem. There were only a few dozen visitors in the room. There was even space to take selfies in front of the Mona Lisa.But on Wednesday, after the museum reopened, that was not much of a problem. There were only a few dozen visitors in the room. There was even space to take selfies in front of the Mona Lisa.
Christian Galani, a Louvre employee and union representative, said that further changes might be needed when the crowds return in full force.Christian Galani, a Louvre employee and union representative, said that further changes might be needed when the crowds return in full force.
“The problem is that once the room is full of people I don’t see how agents could not be exposed to the virus,” he said. “At some point, we will probably have to regulate the number of visitors in the room.”“The problem is that once the room is full of people I don’t see how agents could not be exposed to the virus,” he said. “At some point, we will probably have to regulate the number of visitors in the room.”
Officials continued to drive home the importance of social distancing, striking at another piece of French culture: “La bise,” the customary cheek-kissing greeting.Officials continued to drive home the importance of social distancing, striking at another piece of French culture: “La bise,” the customary cheek-kissing greeting.
“I have formally advised against the practice of handshaking, the reduction of social contact in a physical manner, and that would include the practice of la bise,” Olivier Véran, the French health minister, said recently.“I have formally advised against the practice of handshaking, the reduction of social contact in a physical manner, and that would include the practice of la bise,” Olivier Véran, the French health minister, said recently.
France has had 285 confirmed infections so far, with several deaths.France has had 285 confirmed infections so far, with several deaths.
Meanwhile, the producers of the James Bond movie franchise said on Wednesday that the release of the latest film, “No Time to Die,” would be delayed from April until November. It is one of Hollywood’s first significant responses to the potential worldwide threat of the coronavirus.Meanwhile, the producers of the James Bond movie franchise said on Wednesday that the release of the latest film, “No Time to Die,” would be delayed from April until November. It is one of Hollywood’s first significant responses to the potential worldwide threat of the coronavirus.
Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, is much deadlier than seasonal flu but may not spread as easily, World Health Organization officials have reiterated.Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, is much deadlier than seasonal flu but may not spread as easily, World Health Organization officials have reiterated.
But their statements also reinforced how much efforts to quantify the epidemic remain little more than rough estimates.But their statements also reinforced how much efforts to quantify the epidemic remain little more than rough estimates.
Among people who catch seasonal flus, about 0.1 to 0.2 percent die from the illness, though the number varies widely from year to year, depending on the strain of the virus and other factors. It has been apparent since January that the new virus had a significantly higher fatality rate — though lower than those of other coronaviruses like SARS and MERS.Among people who catch seasonal flus, about 0.1 to 0.2 percent die from the illness, though the number varies widely from year to year, depending on the strain of the virus and other factors. It has been apparent since January that the new virus had a significantly higher fatality rate — though lower than those of other coronaviruses like SARS and MERS.
“Globally, about 3.4 percent of reported Covid-19 cases have died,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the W.H.O.’s director general, said on Tuesday at a news conference in Geneva.“Globally, about 3.4 percent of reported Covid-19 cases have died,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the W.H.O.’s director general, said on Tuesday at a news conference in Geneva.
But the figure came loaded with caveats. Experts, including those at the W.H.O., say that when more is known about the epidemic, the death rate will be considerably lower.But the figure came loaded with caveats. Experts, including those at the W.H.O., say that when more is known about the epidemic, the death rate will be considerably lower.
The death rate Dr. Tedros cited does not include mild cases that were not detected because people did not seek medical attention. And it primarily reflects the experience in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the epidemic began — and where the numbers soared before China’s medical systems had gathered the knowledge and marshaled the resources to fight it.The death rate Dr. Tedros cited does not include mild cases that were not detected because people did not seek medical attention. And it primarily reflects the experience in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the epidemic began — and where the numbers soared before China’s medical systems had gathered the knowledge and marshaled the resources to fight it.
Earlier estimates of the mortality rate in China had been closer to 2 percent.Earlier estimates of the mortality rate in China had been closer to 2 percent.
Dr. Bruce Aylward, who is leading the W.H.O.’s coronavirus efforts, said he expects that ultimately, it will turn out to be between 1 and 2 percent. And it could be below 1 percent, according Dr. Anthony S. Fauci and Dr. H. Clifford Lane, of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Dr. Robert R. Redfield, director of the C.D.C.Dr. Bruce Aylward, who is leading the W.H.O.’s coronavirus efforts, said he expects that ultimately, it will turn out to be between 1 and 2 percent. And it could be below 1 percent, according Dr. Anthony S. Fauci and Dr. H. Clifford Lane, of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Dr. Robert R. Redfield, director of the C.D.C.
The extent and mortality of the epidemic will not be known with great accuracy until a reliable test is developed for the antibodies present in people who have been infected, and that test is administered to large numbers of people.The extent and mortality of the epidemic will not be known with great accuracy until a reliable test is developed for the antibodies present in people who have been infected, and that test is administered to large numbers of people.
Until this week, only a handful of cases of the new coronavirus had been reported in India.Until this week, only a handful of cases of the new coronavirus had been reported in India.
But on Tuesday, the first case was reported in New Delhi, with a man who had recently traveled to Italy testing positive. Six of his family members were also found to have the illness, and all were placed under quarantine, the government said, as officials rushed to trace all those who had come into contact with the group.But on Tuesday, the first case was reported in New Delhi, with a man who had recently traveled to Italy testing positive. Six of his family members were also found to have the illness, and all were placed under quarantine, the government said, as officials rushed to trace all those who had come into contact with the group.
On Wednesday, the number of cases jumped to 28, including 16 Italian tourists.On Wednesday, the number of cases jumped to 28, including 16 Italian tourists.
And there were concerns that, in a country where only 22 percent of deaths are medically certified, the true rate of infection might already be higher.And there were concerns that, in a country where only 22 percent of deaths are medically certified, the true rate of infection might already be higher.
Airports have started screening passengers, and visas issued to nationals of Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea have been canceled. An existing visa ban on Chinese citizens remains in place.Airports have started screening passengers, and visas issued to nationals of Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea have been canceled. An existing visa ban on Chinese citizens remains in place.
With hundreds of Indian students and workers in Iran, where there has been a major outbreak, the Indian government also announced plans on Wednesday to send several scientists there to set up a laboratory for testing.With hundreds of Indian students and workers in Iran, where there has been a major outbreak, the Indian government also announced plans on Wednesday to send several scientists there to set up a laboratory for testing.
Holi, a major religious festival, takes place next week, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to remain calm but to cancel gatherings.Holi, a major religious festival, takes place next week, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to remain calm but to cancel gatherings.
The festival brings together entire neighborhoods across India, with friends and relatives applying colorful powders to each other’s faces while children stage giant water fights and share food.The festival brings together entire neighborhoods across India, with friends and relatives applying colorful powders to each other’s faces while children stage giant water fights and share food.
Reporting was contributed by Maria Abi-Habib, Alex Marshall, Constant Méheut, Melissa Eddy, Michael Wolgelenter, Emily Cochrane, Elian Peltier, Elisabetta Povoledo, Joanna Berendt, Roni Caryn Rabin, Sarah Mervosh, Michael Gold, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Azi Paybarah, Sean Plambeck, Mike Baker, Peter Baker, Mitch Smith, Jason Horowitz, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Marc Santora, Iliana Magra, Aurelien Breeden, Amy Qin, Sui-Lee Wee, Choe Sang-Hun, Katie Rogers, Katie Thomas, Christina Goldbaum, Vindu Goel, Reed Abelson, Sopan Deb, Mike Isaac, Karen Weise, Dave Itzkoff, Paul Mozur, Keith Bradsher, Elaine Yu, Sarah Kliff and Julie Hirschfeld Davis.Reporting was contributed by Maria Abi-Habib, Alex Marshall, Constant Méheut, Melissa Eddy, Michael Wolgelenter, Emily Cochrane, Elian Peltier, Elisabetta Povoledo, Joanna Berendt, Roni Caryn Rabin, Sarah Mervosh, Michael Gold, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Azi Paybarah, Sean Plambeck, Mike Baker, Peter Baker, Mitch Smith, Jason Horowitz, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Marc Santora, Iliana Magra, Aurelien Breeden, Amy Qin, Sui-Lee Wee, Choe Sang-Hun, Katie Rogers, Katie Thomas, Christina Goldbaum, Vindu Goel, Reed Abelson, Sopan Deb, Mike Isaac, Karen Weise, Dave Itzkoff, Paul Mozur, Keith Bradsher, Elaine Yu, Sarah Kliff and Julie Hirschfeld Davis.