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Millions facing lockdown amid pandemic; Leaders vow to save economies

Deaths jumped from 90 to 109 on Tuesday alone in America
Virus Outbreak Washington
Posted at 6:54 AM, Mar 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-18 06:54:13-04

CBS News reported that the federal government is working on a $1 trillion coronavirus stimulus package to try and rescue the U.S. economy amid a pandemic.

Other major governments aim to keep businesses going virtually since many of their customers are told to stay home to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

President Donald Trump wants the government to send checks to Americans in the next two weeks in an effort to curb the economic cost of the coronavirus outbreak.

That's according to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. He said Tuesday that “The president has instructed me we have to do this now.”

He didn't give details except to say the amount should be significant and millionaires would not get it.

France, Belgium, and even San Francisco have followed Italy's example, ordering all residents to stay home for all but essential outings. Officials in New York are debating a lockdown for America's biggest city, but for most Americans, it remains as a recommendation.

"Stay at home as much as possible, limit the spread," Surgeon General Jerome Adams said Tuesday, reiterating the Trump administration's appeal for people nationwide to avoid unnecessary travel and all gatherings. "We do not want to look like Italy does two weeks from now."

COVID-19 has killed over 2,500 people in the country. Hospitals, doctors and nurses have been pushed beyond capacity. The death toll in the U.S. has hit 110, with more than 6,300 people diagnosed.

Deaths jumped from 90 to 109 on Tuesday alone, which CBS News reported as the deadliest day yet in America's outbreak. The global death toll is over 7,950.

Medical workers on the front lines are facing dangerous shortages of life-saving equipment, and many fear for their own safety as U.S. experts believe cases are going to continuing rising.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for detailed information on coronavirus treatment and prevention.