Coronavirus Watch: $2.2T aid package heads to Trump's desk
More than half a million people across the globe have been infected with the coronavirus, the U.S. is reporting the most confirmed cases worldwide, and the House of Representatives just approved the largest emergency aid bill in history.
It's Friday, and this is Coronavirus Watch from the Paste BN Network.
Here's the latest, as of 1:30 p.m. ET:
- The $2 trillion coronavirus relief package is now headed to President Donald Trump's desk for final approval after the House vote this afternoon. The bill will offer $1,200 checks to Americans, extensive unemployment benefits for those out of work, and financial relief to businesses and the health care industry hard-hit by the worsening crisis.
- More than 86,000 people have been infected in the U.S., and at least 1,380 have died after contracting the virus. See a map of cases here.
- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling for 30,000 ventilators to meet an expected surge of patients in the coming weeks.
- The U.S. Navy Ship Mercy, a 1,000-bed hospital ship, has arrived in Los Angeles.
- Nearly half of Louisiana's more than 2,300 coronavirus cases have come from New Orleans, where throngs of revelers may have spread the virus during Mardi Gras celebrations.
- An American Airlines flight attendant and union representative has died after contracting the coronavirus.
- Three unaccompanied minor children in U.S. custody in New York have tested positive for the coronavirus.
- Over the last 24 hours, Italy had the deadliest day of the entire pandemic: More than 900 fatalities.
- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is the first world leader to test positive for the coronavirus.
- U.S. stocks pulled back today following three straight days of gains.
There's been a lot of grim news. Let's highlight the good:
- More than 127,000 people worldwide have recovered from the virus.
- For first responders, Airbnb is planning free housing, Uber is offering free meals and discounted rides, Starbucks is giving out coffee, and Krispy Kreme is handing out doughnuts.
- And speaking of sweets: These Dr. Fauci doughnuts are selling like hotcakes.
- A Pennsylvania diner owner is gathering food donations from his community and using them to cook for anyone who needs a hot meal.
- Celebrities are pitching in, too. Taylor Swift is one of the latest stars to lend a hand by donating to fans who need help with their bills.
And here are some quarantine hacks:
- Out of eggs, milk and butter? Here are some baking recipes you can still make!
- Kids driving you crazy? Here are 20 ways to get them moving while staying inside
- From "The Call of the Wild" to "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," here's a list of movies prematurely pulled from theaters but fast-tracked for home viewing.
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— Grace Hauck, Breaking News Reporter, @grace_hauck