In less than three months, the novel coronavirus has spread from an unknown pathogen located in a single Chinese city to a global phenomenon that is affecting nearly every part of society.
U.S. stocks closed more than 7% lower on Monday, after a wild day that saw a rare halt in trading, Axios’ Courtenay Brown reports.
- Why it matters: The sell-off reflects serious fears that the coronavirus could help drive the economy into a recession.
Italy’s prime minister announced that the government has extended internal travel restrictions to the entire country until April 3 and that all public gatherings and sporting events would be banned.
- Why it matters: It’s an extreme measure that effectively locks down 60 million people in one of the most populated countries in Europe, where more people have tested positive for the coronavirus than in any country outside of China.
Hospitals are reporting that their supplies of critical respirator masks are quickly dwindling, the New York Times reports.
- Why it matters: Keeping health care workers healthy will be critical as hospitals and other facilities see a surge in patients as the coronavirus spreads.


