There has been a roughly 40% jump in the number of confirmed COVID-19 coronavirus infections and deaths in the United States in only one day -- the largest single-day spike in cases and deaths since the coronavirus first appeared in early January.
There are at least 2,816 cases of the novel coronavirus in the U.S., as of 9:45 pm ET, Saturday, according to a compilation by CNN of state and local health agencies reports plus those from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This total is 38.5% higher than the comparable total for Friday. A total of 58 people have died as of Saturday.
CDC said 70 of these cases are citizens repatriated from China and Japan in early February. The 2,746 remaining cases are located in 49 states and the District of Columbia plus U.S. territories, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. to 2,816 in total. West Virginia is the only state without a confirmed COVID-19 case as of Saturday evening.
In contrast and as of Friday evening on the East Coast at about the same time, there were 2,033 cases (including the 70 China and Japan repatriates) based on CNN totals. There were 41 U.S. deaths. Of this total, 31 are Washington, 4 in California, 2 in Florida, and one each in New Jersey, South Dakota, Georgia, and Kansas. The deaths reported Saturday were 41% higher than the comparable time on Friday.
On Friday, there were confirmed COVID-19 cases in 47 of the 50 U.S. states plus Washington D.C. Only Idaho, Alabama and West Virginia had no confirmed COVID-19 cases at this time. The most notable development on Saturday on the COVID-19 front:
- Louisiana, which has only three cases, reported its first coronavirus death. Gov. John Bel Edwards said the fatality was a 58 year-old Orleans Parish resident with co-morbid health conditions treated at Touro Infirmary Hospital and Medical Center in New Orleans. "Now more than ever, we must remain vigilant against the spread of this illness by taking care of ourselves and each other, avoiding going into public areas if you are sick, practicing social distancing and washing your hands frequently with soap and water," said Edwards said. "This underscores the fact that those with underlying health issues are most at risk from the coronavirus. Those with compromised immune systems and are older should be taking extra precautions to avoid becoming affected with the coronavirus."
- Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic. His declaration will release funding and resources to respond to the pandemic. The Mississippi declaration means 32 states and the District of Columbia, have declared states of emergency since February 29. Reeves said the state is prepared and has a pandemic plan that's being "followed to the letter." Reeves said he'll be working from home for the next 14 days. He's asked other state offices and business to do the same, if possible.
- New York reports two of its State Assembly members tested positive for the coronavirus. Helene Weinstein and Charles Barron are both positive, said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. "Unfortunately, our Assembly colleagues Helene Weinstein and Charles Barron have been diagnosed with COVID-19. I'm hoping they get well soon," tweeted Cuomo. The New York State Capitol at Albany will be closed to visitors effective March 16.
- At least 16 states have closed all schools, keeping more than a quarter of U.S. schoolchildren out of the classroom.
- President Donald Trump has tested negative for the COVID-19 coronavirus.
