Health

Slow virus testing is a 'failing,' U.S. health official says

By Mike Stobbe, Matthew Perrone, Associated Press

The lack of comprehensive figures means U.S. health providers could quickly be overwhelmed by undetected cases.

AP fact check: Trump is wrong about insurers covering coronavirus

By Calvin Woodward, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press

Trump's misstatement on health insurance was one of a number of claims in his prime-time address that were at odds with the facts.

The reason U.S. COVID-19 numbers aren't higher? Not enough tests

By Laura Santhanam

Public health experts say the only reason why the U.S. cases of COVID-19 have not exploded is that the nation has far too few diagnostic test kits.

Disneyland says it's closing its California parks starting Saturday

By Adam Beam, Kathleen Ronayne, Associated Press

Disneyland is closing its doors for the rest of the month, shuttering one of California's best-known attractions as the state hurries to stop the spread of the coronavirus…

Iran asks for billions in loans as virus death toll climbs

By Nasser Karimi, Aya Batrawy, Associated Press

Iran asked the International Monetary Fund for a $5 billion loan to fight the coronavirus, the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that it has sought such assistance, in a staggering admission of how fragile its economy has become…

FAA waives rules that led airlines to fly empty planes

By David Koenig, Associated Press

Federal regulators are temporarily waiving a rule that has been causing airlines to fly nearly empty planes to avoid losing precious takeoff and landing rights at major airports.

Worst day on Wall Street since 1987 as virus fears spread

By Stan Choe, Alex Veiga, Associated Press

The dramatic sell-off came despite a $1.5 trillion injection from the Federal Reserve — the equivalent cost of all U.S. student debt.

Staggering corporate debt becomes risk as virus hits economy

By Paul Wiseman, Bernard Condon, Cathy Bussewitz, Associated Press

The numbers are staggering: Corporate debt worldwide comes to $72 trillion, up from $32 trillion in 2005.

MLB delays opening day by at least 2 weeks because of virus

By Ronald Blum, Associated Press

Major League Baseball is delaying the start of its season by at least two weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak. Opening day had been scheduled for March 26. MLB also has suspended the rest of its spring training game schedule.

Netanyahu calls for emergency Israel government with rival

By Josef Federman, Associated Press

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the formation of an emergency government with his chief rival to confront a growing crisis over the coronavirus.