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Restrictions Imposed With 200,000+ Cases Globally; New York Mayor: Prepare For Shelter In Place Order; Experts Advise Getting Fresh Air, But Be Cautious; President Trump Invokes Defense Production Act; U.S. Ramps Up Response as Cases Soar Past 8,500; U.S. Congress Members Are Infected; Non-essential Travel Banned in Iran; Qantas Group Suspend Scheduled International Flights through May; U.K. Announces Business Aid Package, School Closures. Aired 2-3a ET
Aired March 19, 2020 - 02:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Hello and welcome to our viewers joining us from all around the world, you are watching CNN NEWSROOM and I am Rosemary Church.
Just ahead, Italy's deadliest day. The country sees a new spike in coronavirus deaths as leaders across Europe and around the world struggle to contain the outbreak.
As the pandemic cripples economies, multiple governments are stepping in, injecting cash to soften the blow.
A pathogen expert joins us to walk us through what we need to know about the spread of the COVID-19.
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CHURCH: Good to have you with us.
As Europe and the United States settle into their new reality in the age of coronavirus, more countries are responding with wartime measures. We are seeing curfews, border closings, supply rationing, even troops on the streets.
In the U.S., Trump is turning to the military for help. He is invoking a 1950s law that could force factories to make badly needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators. He is deploying two Navy hospital shipped to hard hit areas. Two U.S. Congressman say they have tested positive for the virus. Florida Republican Mario Diaz-Balart in Utah Democrat Ben McAdams.
In the U.K., prime minister Boris Johnson closed all schools until further notice starting Friday. Nearly 40 underground stations in London are being shut down.
Italy has shutdown announced its biggest single day jump, more than 4,000 in 24 hours. Close to 36,000 people now infected. The entire country under lockdown. Let's go straight to Italy. Delia Gallagher joins us from Rome.
Italy recording its biggest single day jump in cases.
What do the numbers look like now?
How are people coping with all of this?
DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN VATICAN CORRESPONDENT: Rosemary, those are the latest reported numbers. They mirror what experts have been telling. These numbers will go higher before they start to see hopefully a drop. They are thinking perhaps in 10 days time or so before they start to see any results from this national lockdown.
Now yesterday the Italian ministry of health put out a report that gives us a mirror of some of these cases, Rosemary. I want to give you some of the figures. It's interesting to note.
They were looking at the people that died from coronavirus in Italy and they say the average median each of those who have died is 80 years old; 30 percent of them are women. Their average medium age is 83 of those who died. The average median age of people that have been infected is 63 they say.
The people that have died, Rosemary, have had two or three prior pathologies, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes. The other interesting thing to come out of this report, Rosemary, is the timeline. The eight days that passed between first symptoms, four days into the hospital, another four days until death.
It's a grim picture but it gives us a picture of what is happening at least with some of the patients here in Italy. Obviously the information and statistics coming out of Italy will probably be helpful for people around the world in understanding this virus.
I will give you one other bit of information on a lighter note. International cooperation happening here. We know that an American NGO, Samaritan's Purse, has come over to a town in northern Italy to help build temporary hospitals. It's one of the big issues they are dealing with.
We know the Pentagon has confirmed that the U.S. Air Force flew over half a million swabs from Italy to Memphis, Tennessee, to help with efforts.
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GALLAGHER: So we see international cooperation happening as well -- Rosemary
CHURCH: It's a good thing but as you say, grim numbers and circumstances coming from across Italy. Thanks.
Spain has the largest number of cases in Europe after Italy with 13,000 infections, nearly 600 deaths. Many businesses are at risk. Al Goodman reports from Madrid.
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AL GOODMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's kind of difficult to recognize my neighborhood these days. Everything has changed because of coronavirus. This is a bar where I have my morning coffee. Like almost everything else in this country, it is closed.
How are you?
This is my friend Santiago. I have been buying office supplies from him for nearly a decade.
His printing shop is also closed. Debts are mounting.
"I owe $10,000 to suppliers," he says, "but I can't pay them right now because the little I have must be for my family."
Small businesses need an urgent injection of cash. This coronavirus safety warning from the hospital across the street was his last printing job. The people out of their homes, going food shopping, going into the pharmacy.
"Sales are down 50 percent," he says, "but they have to stay open because they are an essential service."
"We have to be very careful," he says. "We don't have enough gloves for every day. We don't know when this will end."
That is just in my neighborhood. Across Spain, similar stories are told -- Al Goodman, CNN, Madrid.
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CHURCH: Our Al Goodman joins us now live from Madrid.
When we look at the numbers coming out of Spain, they looked at Italy and saw their future.
That's the problem, isn't it?
GOODMAN: It is. Right now the numbers in Spain, the cases, about a third of the cases right here in Spain. The death toll in Spain just under 600, only 1/6 of Italy. Also in my neighborhood Rosemary, quickly, there's a major hospital here in the capital. It's looking for capacities to expect more patients.
Also my neighborhood is a large hotel that's closed, like so many others. Today that hotel is opening as a auxiliary hospital. So coronavirus patients from the main hospital, in the initial stages, when they don't need so much care, they'll be in the hotel hospital. When they are in more serious condition, they'll go back to the real hospital. In recovery, needing less care, back in the hotel hospital. This happens across Madrid starting today in my neighborhood. Back to you, Rosemary.
CHURCH: Thank you so much. Al Goodman keeping us up to date in situation in Spain.
Iran has confirmed 147 new deaths from the coronavirus. The disease has claimed more than 1,100 lives there. With more than 17,000 cases, Iran's president says the government is mobilizing all of its available resources to fight this outbreak.
He reassured Iranians basic goods are in full supply.
But as Fred Pleitgen reports, huge shortages of medical supplies are complicating Iran's efforts to contain this effort.
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FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): The holiday season in Iran more somber than many here have ever experienced. Gearing up for what are usually massive Persian New Year celebrations. Only few venture out for the traditional nighttime fire festival.
"Unlike in normal times, people go out with their family members, it's not like in previous years, when everybody could feel assured. Groups of people have decreased significantly," this man says.
He adds, "Every year was very busy, but this year it hasn't been very busy due to coronavirus."
Friday prayers have already been canceled for the third straight week. Iran remains in the grip of the novel coronavirus with large numbers of new infections and a significantly rising death toll every day.
Iran's supreme leader has banned all but essential travel throughout the country. Those that do attempt to drive to other parts of Iran get their temperatures taken at checkpoints like this one outside the coronavirus hot spot, Qom, south of Tehran.
"(INAUDIBLE) passengers, we refer those with a high fever to the emergency network, which is based here, and after final diagnosis they will be referred to the hospital," the head of Iran's Red Crescent says.
The government say that they are escalating the response to the outbreak, showing new field hospitals like this one in southern Iran.
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PLEITGEN (voice-over): And trying to keep people from venturing out to the streets unnecessarily, while the president tries to assure the population that their basic needs will be met.
"As you can see today in our shops and supermarkets, there is everything there. Our stocks are full. Our stocks of basic goods are full and everything is available," he says.
But Iran acknowledges it faces a severe shortage of medical supplies, blaming U.S.-led sanctions and asking the international community for help. Others are helping themselves. In this public effort, in eastern Iran, they're making medical face masks for nurses dealing with an onslaught of new coronavirus cases.
As this country already hit hard from sanctions struggles to cope with a major medical emergency that will have a big impact on its most important holiday of the year -- Fred Pleitgen, CNN, Berlin.
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CHURCH: In Germany, which has reported more than 8,000 cases, it says it hasn't faced a crisis like this since World War II. In a rare address to the nation, Chancellor Angela Merkel called for solidarity, urging all citizens to stick to government guidelines to help fight this disease.
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ANGELA MERKEL, CHANCELLOR OF GERMANY (through translator): It is serious. Take it seriously. Not since German reunification, not since World War II has there been such a challenge to our country, that so much relies on our universal solidarity. I am absolutely sure that we will emerge from this crisis. But how high will the sacrifice be?
How many loved ones will we lose?
To a large degree, we have the answers in our own hands. We can now all act decisively and together. We can accept the current restrictions and stand together and be there for each other.
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CHURCH: China is lending a hand to France to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. The French foreign minister says a new shipment of medical supplies has just arrived. CNN senior international correspondent Jim Bittermann is outside Paris, with more on this.
Talk to us about these medical supplies that have just arrived from China.
What does that include?
Of course, important, too, that China is making some progress. This is where it all began. But talk to us about the numbers there, in France as well.
JIM BITTERMANN, CNN SR. INTL. CORRESPONDENT: In fact, there are 1 million Chinese masks that arrived yesterday. Along with things like protective suits, medical gloves for the French workers, that have been complaining, especially in the hardest hit areas of France in the east, complaining that they are running out of supplies.
The Chinese say that they are going to send another shipment, which could arrive today. In any case, the embassy said we will prevail united. The Chinese helping the French out. Overnight, we are hearing a lot of different things here.
One of the things that we are hearing is about 4,000 fines have been given out, for people not obeying confinement rules, they go up to $450. The fines are taking place, 1,000 police are out on the streets. There are checkpoints. I've been through a couple of checkpoints myself.
They are out there. There's no question about it. You have to carry along a paper which explains why you are out and about. The number of cases went up considerably overnight, over 9,000 cases now. That includes 900 or so people who are in intensive care.
Those people in intensive care, half are less than 60 years old. That's something that's affecting young people. The death rate, people who die from coronavirus, don't seem to be young people but rather the older people. Nonetheless, young people are suffering from the disease, are sick enough that they're in intensive care.
CHURCH: Very important to get that across. A lot of young people across the globe don't think that this impacts them. We need to get that message out to those, the younger population. Jim Bittermann, bringing the very latest from Paris. Thank you.
The U.S. is racing to pass a stimulus program, while providing much needed relief. The United Kingdom takes action, but some business owners worry it won't help.
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CHURCH: Welcome back, everyone.
Australia's Qantas Airlines and its subsidiary, Jetstar, are halting all international flights from late March until at least the end of May. The company will also furlough its workforce with no pay, saying the move is to make things better long term. The CEO has opted for no pay during the closure as well.
Central banks around the world have been introducing stimulus plans to ease the economic impact of the outbreak. The European Central Bank plans to purchase more than $800 million worth of government and private bonds to help the region's financial system.
U.S. stock futures jumped once that was announced but they have reversed those gains and are headed for more steep losses in the coming hours. The U.S. president has signed a relief package, providing free testing for the virus and paid emergency leave. Now U.S. lawmakers are racing to approve a trillion dollar stimulus plan to cushion the economy. The Senate majority leader says Republicans are getting close to an agreement.
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SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R-KY), SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: We continue to work on the next bill to respond to the crisis. I want to repeat again, the Senate will stay in session until we have finished phase 3, the next bill and send it over to the House.
Republicans hope shortly to have a consolidated position along with the administration. We intend to sit down with our Democratic colleagues, see what we can agree to. I would recommend senators stay around close. Just how long it will take to get through this is unclear. As everyone knows, we are moving rapidly. The situation demands it.
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CHURCH: Britain's finance minister is calling the coronavirus pandemic an economic emergency as well as a public health emergency. To that end he announced a multi billion dollar package of loans and grant to help businesses survive. Milena Veselinovic reports.
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MILENA VESELINOVIC, CNN PRODUCER (voice-over): A message from the British chancellor to businesses.
RISHI SUNAK, U.K. CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER: I promise to do whatever it takes to support our economy through this crisis.
VESELINOVIC (voice-over): His 350 billion pound economic boost was welcome news for British venues, caught by surprise when Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the public to avoid them.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We were left in a difficult position. The prime minister stood up and told people for now, don't go to clubs, pubs, theaters and other venues without actually mandating the closure himself. So we were faced with a horrific decision. It was decided that we tell them to close.
VESELINOVIC (voice-over): The promised financial assistance for small firms brought some relief to the theater industry. But most people that work there are freelancers and want authorities to go further to support them.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We will need more cash grants almost certainly. We have hundreds of thousands of self employed people in our industry. They need support and they need it very fast.
VESELINOVIC: There's no doubt that the financial stimulus announced by the U.K. chancellor is massive. But it's mainly made up of loans. What some small businesses say they need is cash and they need it quickly.
VESELINOVIC (voice-over): Cafe owner Ela Haveli (ph) worries that taking out more loans when he has virtually no income will bring him more into debt.
ELA HAVELI (PH), CAFE OWNER: After the announcement Monday night, the following day, it was a 90 percent drop immediately. (INAUDIBLE).
VESELINOVIC (voice-over): He says he needs a cash injection to pay his staff.
HAVELI (PH): Will probably be OK for this month. If this continues at this rate, next month, there will be no money, there's nothing. There's nothing and it will be heartbreaking to let go any of my guys. So as a small business, my aim is to try to keep everyone on the payroll.
VESELINOVIC (voice-over): Haveli (ph) and his staff still go to the cafe every day because the government hasn't shut them down. But he says he prefers a direct message about if he should stay open or closed.
HAVELI (PH): (INAUDIBLE) these days the government and we really very much rely on what the government is going to announce next.
VESELINOVIC (voice-over): Even with the chancellor's latest measures, the body representing U.K. hospitality says 1 million jobs are now on the line -- Milena Veselinovic, CNN, London.
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CHURCH: The impact has been enormous. CNN's Matthew Chance joins us from London.
Boris Johnson was roundly criticized for his initial handling of this public health emergency.
What is he saying now?
MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: This being a big criticism of the British government's response, their apparent attempt to create herd immunity, not acting quickly enough to limit the spread, not testing enough to find out where the pockets of the virus were.
A lot of criticism of the British government about their refusal to close down schools. They say that they are following the scientific evidence and, in the past 24 hours, they gave that order for the first time in the United Kingdom for all schools to be closed down for an indefinite period. Listen to Boris Johnson.
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BORIS JOHNSON, U.K. PRIME MINISTER: The objective is to slow the spread of the virus. This is the right moment to do that. Of course, as I've always said, we need to keep our health care system going. Treat the right number of cases. We need health workers, also parents, to continue to go to work. We need other critical workers with children to keep doing their jobs, too.
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CHANCE: Schools being closed down from Friday, later this week. We could understand that there could be more draconian measures brought in shortly. One of the things that are being discussed is a full lockdown here in
London. This is the hotbed if you like of the virus outbreak in Britain at the moment. There are more than 100 cases, 100 deaths across the country. 2,500 confirmed cases, the majority in the British capital.
Nothing confirmed yet but sources inside the government, rumors and the press talking about how London could be in full lockdown. Earlier today, the British London transport system said that they were closing 42 underground tube stations to prevent the spread of the virus.
Shops could also be called to shut down except pharmacies and supermarkets. The British public, the public here in London, is confronting the possibility of much more stringent lockdown measures in potentially the months ahead.
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CHURCH: Just extraordinary moves across the globe. People looking to Italy thinking that could potentially be their future. More and more people talking about these total lockdowns. Matthew Chance joining us live from London, thank you very much.
Stock markets in Asia are struggling to shake off coronavirus concerns. Journalist Kaori Enjoji joins me now from Tokyo.
Kaori, big losses particularly for the KOSPI and Hang Seng and this rocky ride isn't going to end soon.
What are you seeing?
KAORI ENJOJI, JOURNALIST: We're seeing renewed pressure on some of these emerging markets that you mentioned. This is reminding people of the Asian financial crisis of 1997, when there was so much stress in the banking sector that it caused a credit crunch in these emerging markets, starting with countries in southeast Asia.
This comes in spite of unprecedented coordinated action, starting with the Fed on Sunday, followed by various central banks today, including the Bank of Japan, the RBA and authorities in Korea to try and shore up the credit markets.
The BOJ made an extraordinary move, buying $9 billion of Japanese government bonds. They were spooked by the spike in yields earlier in the week. Despite that, we saw the Nikkei continue to slide. Dow futures started to plunged in afternoon trading.
The Australian market, the RBA, the central bank there, cut interest rates yet again but it didn't help the equity market and Australian stocks continue to slide. A very weak picture for Korea, circuit breakers being triggered there.
Authorities say that they are going to reactivate a crisis fund that they have to try and shore up credit. So the mood is very bleak. I think a lot of expectation that there may be continued fiscal stimulus to try to curtail the economic fallout from the coronavirus, the lockdowns, paralysis that we are seeing businesses face across the region.
You're seeing big companies like Toyota, all the way down to small and medium sized companies being forced to say that their production is pretty much at a standstill in the U.S. and European markets. At a critical time when they need to close their books at the end of the year.
We are also waiting to hear from the Japanese government about whether or not they will extend their requests to the public to stay away from congregating, outdoor events, things like that, after they hear from a panel of experts to see how well they have been able to contain the coronavirus.
That kind of recommendation is expected sometime later on tonight. Amidst the uncertainty we are seeing continued sell-off and right now investors want to hear more from central banks. It seems every time they make a fresh announcement, whether it be interest or cuts or bond purchases, it provides another excuse to sell the market down.
This interest rate increase is particularly critical for debt laden countries, particularly Japan, which has the highest debt-to-GDP ratio in the world. This could be big trouble for the Japanese government.
CHURCH: It's a terrifying picture for everyone as we look at those numbers and the consequences. Kaori Enjoji joining us from Tokyo. Many thanks.
U.S. health authorities are recommending people practice social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus but many Americans are not taking their warning seriously, heading to beaches during spring break. We will ask a medical expert what this could mean for the large community. That's next.
Plus, U.S. cities are ordering people to stay at home.
What do you do when you just need fresh air and exercise?
We have tips for staying safe. Back in a moment.
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ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Well, according to the World Health Organization, there are more than 207,000 cases of coronavirus around the world. While global leaders impose restrictions and offer financial relief, a lot of the battle depends on people's behavior toward each other. Christiane Amanpour has our report.
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CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN INTERNATIONAL HOST: The Coronavirus pandemic is nearing 200,000 cases worldwide. Governments across every continent, continue to impose travel restrictions, close borders and call for social distancing. They hope it'll stem the spread of the virus amid concerns that too many people are not taking these precautions seriously enough. In the United States, a surge in infections as the death toll passes 100 and all 50 states now report cases.
SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: How you behave affects my health. Never I think have we been so dependent on each other, at least not in my lifetime.
AMANPOUR: The Pentagon has pledged to make masks and respirators available, and the Trump administration is pledging a $1 trillion stimulus package to support the ailing economy.
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We want to go big or solid. The country is very strong. We've never been so strong and that's what we're going to be doing. With this invisible enemy, we don't want airlines going out of business. We don't want people losing their jobs or not having money to live.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: For those in difficulty due to coronavirus --
AMANPOUR: European countries are preparing trillions of dollars in rescue packages, and in some cases pledging that no company will be allowed to fail as a result of this disease. Airlines have slashed more flights and global markets remain jittery as businesses big and small suspend operations. With nations in lockdown, struggling to supply hospitals, tend to the sick and even stock supermarkets, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a human biosecurity emergency.
SCOTT MORRISON, PRIME MINISTER, AUSTRALIA: Stop hoarding. I can't be more blunt about it. Stop it. It's not sensible. It's not helpful. And I've got to say, it's been one of the most disappointing things I've seen in Australian behavior in response to this crisis.
AMANPOUR: Behavior in too many parts of the world, as grocery lines continue to lengthen, and people prepare to hunker down for weeks, if not months. Christiane Amanpour, CNN, London.
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CHURCH: Doctor Syra Madad is a special pathogens expert and was featured in the Netflix docu-series Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak, and she joins me now from New York. Good to have you with us.
SYRA MADAD, SPECIAL PATHOGENS EXPERT: Thank you for having me.
CHURCH: We have all been watching the rapid spread of this novel coronavirus, or COVID-19 pandemic, and some countries are under total lockdown like Italy, but others like the United States have these images of young people partying during their spring break at various beaches across the country apparently aren't aware of just how serious this is. What would your message be to them about how contagious this virus is?
[02:35:00] MADAD: Well, it's was certainly very concerning. And it doesn't seem like a number of people are actually taking this global threat seriously, which is very unfortunate. And it's very important to make sure that people are educated and they have the facts, and that they are empowered to take on these social distancing measures.
And what I mean by that it's important for them to know that every single person plays a role in the trajectory of this outbreak. So whether you're healthy, whether in the high-risk group, whether -- it doesn't matter how old you are, we want to make sure that people are taking these everyday measures very seriously, and socially distancing themselves, if they will.
Because it's not just about them, it's about the greater community, it's about everybody else. And so if they're going to go out and put themselves at risk of actually contracting the disease, even if -- even if they have a milder version of the disease, doesn't mean that they can't spread it. And so we want to make sure that people understand that this is a serious, highly infectious disease, and that we want to make sure that we're protecting the overall population and not just individual self.
CHURCH: Right. And, of course, we've all been told to regularly wash our hands for more than 20 seconds, not touch our faces, and as you say, be aware of social distancing ourselves. But more should -- what more should we know do you think about how to prevent the spread of this? And what more should we know about how its spread, because there seemed to be a lot of questions about that?
MADAD: So we're only, you know, three months into this pandemic, if you will. And while we still don't have a lot of information in terms of the whole spectrum of illness, this particular virus can cause, you know, we are learning new information every single day.
And if you compare this outbreak to previous infectious disease outbreaks, we're actually learning about this virus at a much faster pace than the previous outbreaks. So there's a lot of global data sharing going on and every day we're learning something new. But at the same time, we don't have enough information to get the full spectrum of illness of what this disease can cause.
And so with that, it's very important for people to know -- to basically know where to get this information. And the best place to seek information, to seek advice, is looking at your local public health department. So every jurisdiction has a public health department and making sure that they're up to date in terms of what is happening in their community, any additional social distancing measures that need to take place that they need to follow.
So these are very important things that people really should do, and again, keeping informed. You know, knowing what's happening around them. And so going to credible sources is another very big thing.
CHURCH: Right. And you've been training healthcare workers in New York hospitals. What are you telling them? And of course, too, I asked you that as we've been looking at images of various healthcare workers making their own masks.
MADAD: So obviously, it's no surprise and I think even obviously, on a global scale, there's a significant impact to supply chain on respirators and a number of different personal protective equipment. And so now it's almost over man, woman, child, for themselves, in a sense that we need to see what else we can do to make sure that we're protecting the frontline health care workers who are basically, you know, the ones dealing with this crisis right now.
And so we need to do whatever we can do. Really, at the end of the day, that's the bottom line. We need to make sure that we have protective equipment for our frontline health care workers. And so that's extremely important.
And the World Health Organization said back in 2019, that the refusal by some to vaccinate against influenza was the biggest threat of that year. Now, we confront this novel coronavirus currently without a vaccine and work on that presumably is being accelerated. So when would be the earliest availability? And do you think that this has perhaps been a wake-up call for those anti-vaccinators now that they've seen what could potentially happen?
MADAD: I certainly do think it's a wake-up call. But in terms of actually having safe and effective vaccine, we're still at least one year out, even though, you know, we are seeing some promising stories in terms of the first human clinical trials starting here in the United States. But even then, obviously, we're still a year out because we want to make sure that the vaccine is safe and effective, we use in a large group of individuals.
But even with that, this is why it's very important for people to, you know, do these behavioral measures, social distancing everyday practices, because we still are obviously at least a year off from a vaccine. Hopefully, we'll have a therapeutic sooner than that. But we want to make sure that we are reducing the beat, or trying to essentially plateau it as much as possible so we can save more lives.
At the end of the day, that's really the whole goal, is trying to save as many lives as possible. So this is where everybody obviously has a role to play in this. And it's very important to obviously know what to do in these types of situations.
In terms of the frontline, one of the things I'm certainly very concerned about is making sure that our frontline staff have the resources that they need. And so, in terms of preparing the frontline, we're basically doing on a -- you know, an international scale across every hospital in the United States, is really making sure that they not only have the tools and resources that they need to respond to this global epidemic, but also that they have the training and the clinical information that they need to see what they're actually dealing with.
And a lot of this is still obviously coming out. And every day there's new guidance in terms of the clinical spectrum that we're dealing with.
[02:40:25]
CHURCH: Right, yes, that is critical. And finally, I did want to ask you this because we are seeing a lot of conspiracy theories on various social media platforms suggesting all sorts of wild explanations for how this novel coronavirus started. What is the scientific explanation for its origin and how was it so quickly and easily spread from China to the rest of the world?
MADAD: So it is a respiratory virus and it's not surprising that it is spreading very fast. It is very -- it's highly transmissible. In terms of the origin, you know, we still don't actually have good scientific data of where did it originated from or how it started. We know, obviously, it started in China. You know, the original reports of it is starting in a wet market in December. There's actually now some evidence that shows that this virus was actually circulating, you know, actually before December. So some experts say anywhere from end of October to early November.
And how it started, you know, that's still a myth, but I think there's still a lot of information out there that, you know, scientists and researchers are still sifting through. But you know, in terms of people thinking that this is, you know, a virus that was created in a lab or biomedically engineered, you know, there are obviously studies that have debunked that myth already.
This is a virus where the genetic code has already been found in the natural environment. But in terms of how it actually started, I think that's still a mystery, and that's still something to be figured out.
CHURCH: Right. And another reason to get all our information from reliable sources. Dr. Syra Madad, thank you so much for talking with us. We do appreciate and we salute all the work that you've been doing.
MADAD: Thank you.
CHURCH: And we have this tragic story in the United States. Three members of a single New Jersey family have died from the coronavirus after at least seven of them contracted the infection. That is according to The New York Times which says the four other family members are still in the hospital, three in critical condition.
It also says the 73-year-old mother died not knowing the two of her adult children had died before her. The Times says a family dinner more than a week ago appears to be the source of the outbreak. CNN has not heard back from the family's representative.
Well, China is marking another milestone in the fight against the novel coronavirus. The country's Health Commission reports only 34 new cases on Wednesday, all of them are people arriving from other countries. And Hubei province the epicenter of the pandemic reports no new cases for the first time since the outbreak started. Close to 81,000 people in China have been infected and more than 3,200 have died.
Well, the numbers are going in the opposite direction in New York. The governor reports more than 2,300 confirmed cases, more than any other U.S. state. Businesses are now required to have at least half their employees working from home. In New York City, the subway is still running but the mayor says residents should get ready for Shelter in Place Order in the coming days.
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BILL DE BLASIO (D), MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY: We're almost to 2,000 cases right now in New York City alone. That's going to cause a surge into our hospitals. They are going to be using up their supplies rapidly in an unprecedented manner. We've been appealing to the federal government to get us a resupply and President Trump has not done anything to maximize the amount of medical supplies being produced, and to ensure they're distributed where they're needed the most in the United States.
I urge every American to look at what San Francisco is doing. I think that's where it's going to be going for a lot of us. It's very clear rules about staying home with only minimal activity, get rid of all non-essential work. And I mean, again, horrible human consequences in terms of people's livelihoods, but necessary to slow down the growth of this disease. It's a smart plan. That's what I think we should do.
I talked to the governor a couple of hours ago. He and I had a good conversation, we're going to have a further conversation. He is trying to think about the needs of the whole state and how to balance this strategy. I respect that. But I do think we share urgency and we're working together on a common approach.
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CHURCH: And as we just heard there, a Shelter in Place Order is already in effect in the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California. CNN's Brian Todd looks at how that's going.
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BRIAN TODD, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Along San Francisco's waterfront walkway, the Embarcadero, people walk, jog, roller skate, during a shelter in place order from the city in effect at least until early April. These folks were ordered stay at home. But there is an exception for what are deemed essential activities. And walking, hiking and running are allowed if people stay six feet away from each other.
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JEREMY FAUST, EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTOR: We do need to be out and about. And I think the guidance that says go and do those things but to keep your distance, I think that's very prudent because we have to stay true to who we are.
TODD: What about touching common surfaces outside? We observe people playing volleyball in D.C.
JULIE FISCHER, MICROBIOLOGIST, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER: They're all touching the same surface. If anyone has coughed or sneezed, it's possible that they are transmitting to each other's hands.
TODD: But experts say that risk could be lowered if they wipe the ball with sanitizing wipes and wash hands after they play. In Florida, beautiful weather still drawing crowds to some beaches that remain open with people in close proximity to each other. Not concerned about health?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No. We're always to be more so, but --
TODD: Not a great idea, the experts say.
FISCHER: I think you should be taking the same precautions outside that you would take inside. The recommendation to six feet away, smaller groups of people, not mixing large groups of people in close proximity where they could cough on each other.
TODD: Getting some fresh air and getting some exercise can help everyone keep it together in crisis. But health authorities plead keep your distance and avoid larger groups. Young people especially may be tempted to go out.
TRUMP: They were feeling totally invincible or are feeling that way, but they don't realize that they can be carrying lots of bad things home to grandmother and grandfather and even their parents.
TODD: In San Francisco, couples were observed holding hands while walking outside. Is that a good idea?
FISCHER: If you live with someone, you're sharing a household, you're in close proximity to them, and neither of you are symptomatic, then holding hands with that person that you're exposed to all the time is a low-risk activity. But you should both be very conscious about washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face, eyes, nose.
TODD: If you live with family, that's another factor in deciding how much you want to go out.
FAUST: I live with my wife and our daughter and they're out for a run in the stroller right now as it happens. But it might be different if we were living with an elderly relative who has chronic medical conditions or whose immune system is compromised in some way.
TODD: Health experts say that in some cases, being inside for a long period of time could make an otherwise healthy or symptom-free person more susceptible to illness. They point out that you don't get the Vitamin D that your body creates by being exposed to sunlight.
And they say that if you're cooped up or isolated for a long time inside and you develop depression, well that could compromise your immune functions. Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE) CHURCH: Some important tips there. Next on CNN NEWSROOM, moms in South Korea are finding unique ways to juggle working from home while also caring for the kids. That's next.
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CHURCH: The WHO is reporting at least 8,400 cases of coronavirus in South Korea, and 84 deaths. A South Korean health official says there's a slowdown of new infection cases, but people should continue to keep their guard up.
With social distancing becoming the norm, many parents in South Korea are having to work from home and libraries of finding ways to help them. Parents can now call ahead and borrows sterilized toys from a makeshift library set up in a parking lot. CNN's Paula Hancocks talk to one mom who is having to juggle work from home while looking after her children.
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PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Kids playing or screaming in the background. A conference call with a little hug from your daughter amid chat. This is the new reality for millions of working parents around the world. Kim Gahae works in P.R. for telecommunications firm SK Telecom, as does her husband. They've been working from home here in Seoul for four weeks with their six-year-old and 18-month-old. Schools, kindergarten, and childcare centers are all shot.
KIM GAHAE, MANAGER, SK TELECOM: I play with them and work at the same time. It's really not easy. I still really hear what you're saying.
HANCOCKS: A couple of minutes into our chat, the challenges become clear.
GAHAE: I'm sorry. Can you -- can we --
HANCOCKS: Yes, of course. So how can you concentrate? How can you --
GAHAE: I'm sorry?
HANCOCKS: How can you concentrate on your work when you have your children there as well being children.
GAHAE: I kind of prepare a lot of fun stuff, I mean, for them so they can play with them. I bought a lot of puzzles and worksheets.
HANCOCKS: Kim says being prepared with a checklist each day is key. Know what you have to achieve. She says one of the challenges is not being able to take the children outside for fear of contact. We usually go to (INAUDIBLE) to enjoy the spring. We sign and we go to play round every day, ride a bike, but it's very hard to do it at this moment. HANCOCKS: Playgrounds here have been mostly empty for weeks despite
more than six million children usually in some form of education or childcare, being at home. Kim also hopes this period of working from home could be seen as a viable alternative to being in the office when needed in the future.
GAHAE: I expect that this will be something that we can -- I mean, all the like working moms and even working dads can utilize.
HANCOCK: The main benefit, Kim says, as a working mom, she finally feels she's spending enough time with her children. Paula Hancocks, CNN Seoul.
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CHURCH: Well, people around the world are trying to keep themselves busy and lift spirits while on lockdown or under quarantine. How far a little good can go? That's after the break.
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CHURCH: As isolation and social distancing become the norm for millions while the world works to stem the spirit of the coronavirus, people are finding touching ways to come together despite having to be apart. In Barcelona, a saxophone player tried to lift the spirits of his neighbors under quarantine playing from his balcony as the streets below remained eerily quiet.
A quarantine in Lebanon didn't stop family and neighbors from wishing a young woman a happy birthday. The 25-year-old had just arrived from Paris and her parents surprised her with a cake and serenade as people sang from their windows and balconies.
And the collective act of solidarity in France where many people stepped out on their balconies to applaud health care workers. We like to see that. The idea began on social media encouraging to show gratitude for doctors and nurses on the front lines of the outbreak. And we salute them from here as well.
And the world is showing thanks to first responders, doctors, and other medical professionals on the frontlines of this pandemic. But another group of people are also proving themselves to be heroes in the battle. CNN's Robyn Curnow has this report.
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ROBYN CURNOW, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: While so many of us are staying in, they are the ones who still go out. The emergency workers, they are the backbone of the community that we rely on in times of trouble. But coronavirus is showing us a new group of unsung heroes. The cashiers at the grocery stores, many of them making hourly wages who enjoy long hours-long lines of customers. The truck drivers hauling loads at all hours of the day to resupply store shelves, many are just trying to stay awake on time and healthy. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We tell each other, just be cautious about where you're going, what you're picking up.
CURNOW: The Amazon floor worker to make sure the store comes to your doorstep. The food delivery person who brings meals to your table, a taste of the outside world that for many restaurants and customers is a new normal.
DENNYS ACEVEDO, UBER EATS RIDER (through translator): The majority of them say, thank you, keep working, and keep the country going. And there are others that you can tell are a bit more scared. They open the door and say, don't touch the door. Keep distance for your health.
CURNOW: So many of our families, our children, our pets, our neighbors are relying on the goodwill and good hearts of all of those folks who are essentially on the front line. Robyn Curnow, CNN, Atlanta.
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CHURCH: And I'm Rosemary Church. I'll be back with more news in just a moment. You are watching CNN. Do stay with us.
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