March 16, 2020
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has sickened at least 153,517 people and killed 5,735, according to the latest World Health Organization data release 15 March 2020. The total number of cases of infection is believed to be higher than what has been reported due to limited testing.
Countries around the world have restricted travel and are urging citizens to avoid crowds which could spread the virus. The Grasswire team is bringing together information from around the world highlighting how governments and private organizations are reacting to the disease.
Verified government information sources
- World Health Organization and daily Situation Reports
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Coronavirus testing
Limiting the spread of viruses and diseases
CA Gov. @GavinNewsom says 392 confirmed cases in state of COVID-19, including one homeless person in Santa Clara.
— Melody Gutierrez (@MelodyGutierrez) March 17, 2020
Today, as part of our ongoing and aggressive commitment to address the coronavirus outbreak, the FDA updated a policy originally issued on Feb. 29 on diagnostic testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to achieve more rapid testing capacity in the U.S. We believe the unprecedented policy set forth in today’s updated guidance, which addresses laboratories and commercial manufacturers, will help address these urgent public health concerns by helping to expand the number and variety of diagnostic tests, as well as available testing capabilities in health care settings, and reference and commercial laboratories.
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-provides-more-regulatory-relief-during-outbreak-continues-help
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announces that the 2020 presidential primary set to be held 17 March is postponed. https://twitter.com/GovMikeDeWine/status/1239736020763127809
Tonight, Florida released its most detailed statistics yet on the coronavirus. The number of deaths is up to five, with the latest one reported in Orange County.
— Patricia Mazzei (@PatriciaMazzei) March 17, 2020