Coronavirus briefing: Airports in chaos and other updates for Sunday, March 15
Hastily arranged new health screenings threw U.S. airports into chaos Saturday night as travelers returning from Europe stood shoulder-to-shoulder in long lines for hours.
The virus, first reported in China, has swept across Asia and now has sparked new outbreaks in Europe and the United States.
More than 156,000 cases of the COVID-19 virus have been confirmed worldwide with more than 5,800 deaths as of March 15, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 2,950 confirmed cases with at least 60 deaths.
The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 virus a global pandemic. In the United States, President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency.
Chaos at U.S. airports after screening order
New health screenings for travelers returning from Europe threw U.S. airports into confusion Saturday with people stranded for hours in long lines, The Washington Post reported.
Travelers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and other major hubs encountered jam-packed terminals with throngs of people crammed together awaiting screenings, according to the publication.
The order, issued Friday, routes travelers from Europe to 13 U.S. airports to be screened by workers for coronavirus symptoms, The Washington Post reported.
Nike to shut down U.S. stores
Nike announced Sunday morning that it will close all of its U.S. stores, as well as some stores in other nations, for two weeks to help combat the spread of coronavirus, CNBC reports.
The stores will remain closed through March 27, according to the network. Workers will be paid during the shutdown.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. also announced it will close all its North American stores through March 28, WBNS reported.
The two chains join Apple and others who have announced coronavirus-related closures, McClatchy News reported.
Spain, France tighten lockdowns
Spain and France have announced sweeping restrictions on public activity to try to curtail the spread of coronavirus, BBC News reports.
Spain banned people from leaving their homes except to buy essential supplies or medicine and to go to work. In France, cafes, restaurants, theaters and most shops have been ordered to close, according to the network.
In Rome, the Vatican canceled public attendance at Holy Week observances leading up to Easter Sunday, Vatican News reported. Daily masses and Sunday prayers by Pope Francis also will continue to be livestreamed.
Trump tests negative for coronavirus
The White House says President Donald Trump has tested negative for coronavirus, NPR reports.
“Last night after an in-depth discussion with the President regarding COVID-19 testing, he elected to proceed,” wrote Sean Conley, physician to the president, in a memo released Saturday by the White House. “This evening I received confirmation that the test is negative.”
Trump had been exposed to an aide to the Brazilian president who was later discovered to have the COVID-19 virus, NPR reported.
Tips to help protect yourself from coronavirus
There’s no vaccine for the COVID-19 virus, and experts say one may be months away from mass production.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, staying home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
The agency also advises washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
The CDC does not advise that healthy people wear face masks, but says they should be worn by coronavirus patients to help avoid spreading the illness.
This story was originally published March 15, 2020 at 9:18 AM with the headline "Coronavirus briefing: Airports in chaos and other updates for Sunday, March 15."