Coronavirus U.S. Updates: Border Closing, Relief Measure OK'd

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will invoke the Defense Production Act "in case we need it," a move that would free up the government to help the private sector ramp up production of emergency medical supplies.

Meanwhile, the Senate passed the already House-approved coronavirus relief legislation that includes provisions for coronavirus testing and paid emergency leave. The legislation will now go to Trump to sign.

In addition, the border between the United States and Canada will temporarily close to nonessential traffic, Trump tweeted Wednesday. The call to close the border was a mutual decision by both countries, Trump said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced he would close the border to non-Canadian citizens amid the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak, the Associated Press reported.

Also, the governor of California has placed the state's National Guard troops on alert, and residents in New York City are preparing for a shelter-in-place order.

The U.S. death toll passed 118 as of Wednesday afternoon, according to Johns Hopkins University, with more than 7,700 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus.

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U.S., Canada Border To Temporarily Close Amid Coronavirus Fears

The border between the United States and Canada will temporarily close to nonessential traffic, President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday. The call to close the border was a mutual decision by both countries, Trump said.

Trump Invokes Act To Marshal Private Sector Against Virus

Managing dual health and economic crises, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will invoke a federal provision that allows the government to marshal the private sector in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

CA National Guard On Alert, Schools May Remain Closed: Gov

Amid the growing coronavirus crisis in California and beyond, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday placed California National Guard troops on alert. The announcement came the same day residents in nearly all nine San Francisco Bay Area counties were told to shelter in place for the foreseeable future.

Floating Hospital To Bring 1,000 Beds To NY Harbor

A floating hospital is on its way to New York Harbor, bringing with it 1,000 beds to help ease medical centers expected to soon become overwhelmed by cases of the new coronavirus.

Senate Passes Virus Aid Bill Providing Sick Leave, Free Testing

The U.S. Senate approved a coronavirus aid package Wednesday that will provide sick leave benefits to workers, free testing and other measures intended to bring relief to Americans struggling in the wake of the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak.

Ford, GM, Fiat Chrysler Close Over Coronavirus Concerns

Detroit's three automakers have agreed to close all of their factories due to worker fears about the coronavirus, two people briefed on the matter said Wednesday.

NYC Should Expect Shelter-In-Place Decision: Mayor

New Yorkers should prepare for a shelter-in-place order that could come within the next 48 hours, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday.

U.S. Suffering Nationwide Blood Shortage Amid Coronavirus Fears

The American Red Cross, which supplies almost half of the nation's donated blood, is urging healthy residents to make appointments and donate blood as the country faces a "severe blood shortage" due to the new coronavirus crisis.

Boston Hospitals Lack Beds To Handle Expected Cases

Boston-area hospitals would be overwhelmed with coronavirus patients under most likely scenarios for infection rates, according to a ProPublica report released Tuesday and based on data from the Harvard Global Health Institute.

Grocery Stores Shift Hours For Senior Shoppers

Whole Foods, Albertsons and Safeway are among the latest major grocery chains to implement special hours for those most at risk during the growing outbreak of the new coronavirus.

Coronavirus Inspires MD Priest To Offer Drive-Thru Confession

The Rev. Scott Holmer of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Bowie was facing a dilemma. All public Masses had been suspended effective March 14 in response to the spread of the new coronavirus. So he's begun offering confessions in the parking lot.

40 Comics To Livestream Show For Coronavirus Relief Fundraiser

They say laughter is the best medicine, and in a time of anxiety and uncertainty, it might just do the trick. More than 40 comics will unite to perform a livestream comedy show Thursday to raise money to help communities disproportionately affected by the new coronavirus.

VA Gov. Opposes Closing Restaurants To Contain Coronavirus

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said Tuesday he is adopting the federal government's guideline of limiting gatherings to 10 people in a confined space in response to the new coronavirus. But the governor did not order restaurants and bars in the state to close, as some local officials in Northern Virginia requested Monday.

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