Check back as the day progresses for current updates.
Update at 2:45 pm ET
Four more deaths from COVID-19. The death toll rises to 6 in the US.
All four additional cases were in Washington State at the EvergreenHealth facility, and all four victims were in their 70s and 80s.
One death
CNBC: Seattle-area officials report new coronavirus deaths, bringing US total to 6
There are now 96 confirmed cases in the US.
New CDC guidelines now allow doctors and public health officials to test for the virus if they have the suspicion that a patient may have COVID-19.
The first US clinical trial for COVID-19 treatment is underway. Researchers are testing an antiviral called remesivir on patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19. (Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT04280705 for technical information.)
NIH News release: NIH clinical trial of remdesivir to treat COVID-19 begins
Update at 12:30 pm ET:
March 2nd, the second death from coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported in the US.
Both deaths occurred at a long-term care facility (EvergreenHealth Hospital) located in Kirkland, Washington.
The first patient was in his 50s and had underlying health conditions but no recent travel outside of the country, according to the site health officials. The second patient, a man in his 70s, also had underlying health conditions.
New cases are being reported in Florida and New York.
There are now 91 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US and 2 deaths. For current count: Worldometer.
It is important to note that the risk of complications from the virus to healthy adults and healthy children is low. For those who contract the virus, more than 80% will have mild or no symptoms, however, they are able to pass the virus to others. If you are sick, please stay home to avoid spreading the virus. Immunocompromised people and people of advanced age are particularly vulnerable to disease complications and death.
Related articles:
CNN: Travelers will face new restrictions and cancellations as coronavirus cases grow in the US
New York Post: New York City’s first coronavirus patient is a health care worker, Cuomo says
NPR: Coronavirus: 2nd Person Dies In U.S.; New Cases Reported In Florida And New York