Tom Howell Jr.

CDC: Coronavirus spread mandates canceling events of 50 people

The U.S. faced mounting pressure Sunday to mimic Europe and stop crowded bars and public spaces as Americans from coast to coast become sick with worry and the new coronavirus that is taxing the nation's hospitals, economy and political leaders at an unprecedented scale. Published March 15, 2020

Trump tells people to ‘relax,’ stop hoarding groceries

President Trump said people need to "relax" and not hoard groceries amid the coronavirus pandemic, saying store executives have assured him that supply chains are intact. Published March 15, 2020

AOC to New Yorkers: Stop jamming into the bars

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez urged young New Yorkers on Saturday to stop crowding into bars and restaurants amid the coronavirus outbreak because they might be spreading the pathogen even if they feel OK. Published March 14, 2020

Trump declares national emergency to deal with coronavirus

President Trump declared a national emergency Friday to deal with the new coronavirus that's swept the globe and hit the U.S., freeing up federal disaster funds for states and municipalities. Published March 13, 2020

HHS spends more on coronavirus testing, appoints a coordinator

The administration said Friday it will expand testing for the new coronavirus by providing over $1 million to companies whose kits can detect the disease in an hour, as President Trump shifted blame for diagnostic fumbles onto his predecessor and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention itself. Published March 13, 2020

‘Social distancing’ urged as coronavirus spreads without treatment or vaccine

Drugmakers are racing to land a vaccine or treatment for the new coronavirus, but the science takes time, meaning Americans are left with an onslaught of canceled parades, suspended sports leagues and school closures while they wait for next season's cures. Published March 12, 2020

Anthony Fauci says U.S. is behind other nations in testing, dubs it a ‘failing’

The U.S. official in charge of infectious diseases told Congress the country is behind other nations in testing for coronavirus, dubbing it a "failing." Published March 12, 2020

Donald Trump in coronavirus address halts Europe travel, outlines ‘unprecedented’ actions

President Trump late Wednesday said he will ban travel from Europe for 30 days as the World Health Organization declared a pandemic and U.S. health officials forecast a surge in cases, citing hot spots on both coasts and cases hitching a ride across the Atlantic after months of relative calm. Published March 11, 2020

White House outlines ways for Washington, California to reduce COVID-19

The White House on Wednesday said Washington state and California should take more drastic steps to thwart the spread of the coronavirus for 30 days, from expanding sick leave for workers to moving church services to video and playing pro and college games behind closed doors. Published March 11, 2020

World Health Organization declares COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic

The World Health Organization said Wednesday it now considers the spread of coronavirus to be a global pandemic, raising the stakes around the mysterious pathogen that's spread to over 100 countries. Published March 11, 2020

Andrew Cuomo sends National Guard to N.Y. town: ‘New Rochelle is a particular problem’

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday he is sending the National Guard to bolster the coronavirus response in a hard-hit suburb north of New York City, signaling a new front in the domestic response. Published March 10, 2020

Insurers tell White House they will cover virus testing, waive copays

Major health insurers told President Trump on Tuesday they will include coronavirus testing in their covered benefits and waive out-of-pocket costs. Published March 10, 2020

Coronavirus 101: What you need to know about the virus and the latest on the response

Many Americans probably hadn't even heard of "Wuhan" before a strange new virus crept into the headlines at the end of December. Now, the virus that sparked a full-blown crisis in the central Chinese city has reached its tentacles across the globe. Published March 10, 2020

Coronavirus fervor stretches from coast to coast, creeps into nation’s capital

A cruise ship afflicted by the coronavirus arrived in Oakland on Monday to begin a lengthy offloading process, as federal and state officials tried to avoid a repeat of the disastrous quarantine in Japan that resulted in hundreds of infections. Published March 9, 2020

White House: Patients will carry health records on smartphone by 2021

The Trump administration on Monday finalized rules that govern how doctors share Americans' health records digitally, allowing patients to carry their data from doctor to doctor without clunky paperwork or faxes. Published March 9, 2020

Mike Pence praises coronavirus fight in Washington state

Vice President Mike Pence flew to the West Coast on Thursday to pledge support to leaders on the front lines of the coronavirus fight, as Congress sent President Trump an $8 billion package to thwart transmission and pursue a vaccine. Published March 5, 2020

Donald Trump poised to sign $8.3B coronavirus measure

The Senate approved an emergency bill that provides $8 billion for the coronavirus fight Thursday, clearing the way for President Trump's signature as Vice President Mike Pence crisscrossed the country to thank responders and pledge federal support. Published March 5, 2020