U.S. Reports First Coronavirus Death as Outbreak Disrupts Politics and Sports
The United States confirms its first coronavirus fatality in Washington State while global cases surpass 85,000. Meanwhile, the spreading virus forces major changes to the 2020 presidential campaign and puts pressure on the NCAA.
The United States reports its first coronavirus-related death in Washington State as global confirmed cases surpass 85,000 and deaths reach at least 2,941. Mainland China sees a slight uptick in new cases with 573 reported, though its daily death toll drops to 35, bringing the country's total fatalities to 2,870.
The spreading virus threatens to upend the 2020 presidential campaign, with experts predicting candidates will soon scale back large rallies in favor of smaller town halls and digital streaming. Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg purchases three minutes of primetime network television to address the outbreak directly and contrast his leadership style with President Trump's.
In the sports world, the National College Players Association pressures the NCAA to hold the March Madness tournament without fans to protect athletes from infection. The association also calls for the cancellation of meet-and-greets and press events that put players in close contact with large crowds.