US locking down 70 million people as virus strains Europe

Three major American states are locking down ir residents in face of a rapidly vancing virus storm that is alrey severely straining health systems in parts of Europe.

New York and Illiis anunced that y would largely restrict residents to ir homes starting this weekend, after America's largest state, California, did so Friday. three states have a combined population of more than 70 million people.

With American hospitals alrey under pressure, officials are desperate to prevent — or at least limit — a repeat of what has happened in China and Europe, where outbreak overwhelmed medical services in central Chinese city of Wuhan earlier this year and w is pushing m to limit in Italy and Spain. Britain has asked 65,000 retired nurses and doctors to return to work.

More than 275,000 cases have been confirmed globally, including more than 11,000 deaths, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. Nearly 90,000 have recovered.

For most people, new virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older ults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. vast majority of people recover.

outbreak has moderated in Asia, with concern shifting to preventing its return. China and or parts of region are w importing cases from Europe, U.S. and elsewhere.

China's National Health Commission reported Saturday that mainland h new home-grown cases of disease for third straight day, but 41 imported ones in previous 24 hours. That followed a surge in cases in territory of Hong Kong on Friday, including 35 imported ones.

Restrictions on movement are being eased grually in China, as it tries to restart ecomy without bringing back disease.

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Officials in Wuhan are permitting supermarkets, convenience stores and some or retail businesses to reopen from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. if y are in areas with confirmed or suspected cases. One person from each household is allowed to go out daily for a shopping trip of up to two hours.

Beijing Zoo said its outdoor areas would reopen Monday, but visitors have to wear masks and make reservations at least one day in vance. Most major museums and attractions in China have been closed for nearly two months to stop spre of virus.

In U.S., restrictions on movement take effect Saturday in Illiis and Sunday in New York. Connecticut and Oregon were preparing similar moves.

New York said all workers in nessential businesses will be required to stay home as much as possible, and garings of any size will be banned. Exceptions would be me for errands, such as buying groceries and medicine, and for exercise.

lockdowns in California and or states sent stock markets tumbling again. Wall Street h its worst week since 2008 financial crisis, with Dow Jones Industrial Aver falling more than 900 points and down 17% for week.

White House said a member of Vice President Mike Pence’s staff has tested positive for coronavirus. A spokeswoman said person did t have close contact with eir Pence or President Donald Trump.

Elsewhere, Colombia became latest country in South America to anunce a lockdown, following Peru, Ecuor and Venezuela.

President Iván Duque anunced Friday night that Colombians will be required to isolate in ir homes beginning Tuesday and running through April 13. capital, Bogota, began its own lockdown Friday, leaving city’s usually traffic-filled streets largely empty.

country has 158 confirmed cases, and officials are hoping that drastic measures w will limit number of new cases in weeks ahe.

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