Thread by @MSNBC

Flatten the curve: The coronavirus can't be stopped in its tracks. But it can be slowed down. Taking steps to stop it from spreading quickly becomes critical to help healthcare systems cope with the strain of the outbreak. nbcnews.to/2W7ChTa

The White House and Capitol Building are being closed to the public in response to the coronavirus outbreak, officials say. nbcnews.to/38KSHnp

The data on recorded coronavirus infections suggests that the US and much of Western Europe are on the same initial trajectory as Italy in terms of the number infections — just one or two weeks behind on the same path. nbcnews.to/39MJADJ

Many private labs want to do coronavirus tests.

But they're still facing obstacles and delays.

"I could have tested over 1,000 patients by now instead of checking boxes," said the director of a North Carolina lab. nbcnews.to/38L9tCK

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NEW: Canadian PM Trudeau has chosen to self-isolate as his wife is being tested for coronavirus after she began feeling ill; the PM is continuing with his daily activities and is not exhibiting any symptoms himself.

PGA Tour says its events across all Tours will "currently proceed as scheduled, but will do so without fans" in response to coronavirus pandemic:

"This is a difficult situation, one with consequences that impact our players, fans and the communities in which we play."

President Trump says he excluded the U.K. from the suspension of travel from most of Europe to the U.S. because "they're doing a very good job."

The US Congress could head into recess next week without passing a coronavirus aid package. nbcnews.to/33dvb0V

Major League Soccer has suspended match play for 30 days due to coronavirus pandemic.

DNC: “Out of an abundance of caution and in order to reduce cross-country travel, all parties have decided that the best path forward is to hold Sunday’s debate at CNN’s studio in Washington, DC, with no live audience."

Defense Sec. Esper: "Effective March 13, I am directing all Dept. of Defense uniformed personnel, civilian personnel and their families traveling to, from or through Level 3 designated locations to stop movement for the next 60 days."

What laws let US officials ban travel and large gatherings?

They're some of the oldest on the books, stemming from the experiences of past pandemics, especially the plague in the mid-1300's and the 1918 Spanish flu. nbcnews.to/2U3JJw7

Many colleges and their campuses across the US are closing, forcing a stark new reality for students: “We got the email and we all just sort of sat there in silence for a little while." nbcnews.to/2WeA5Jw

Sen. Rick Scott plans to self-quarantine after coming into potential contact with a member of Brazilian President Bolsonaro's delegation in Miami. nbcnews.to/2U1BHnf

UPDATE: Sen. McConnell: "The Senate will be in session next week."

President Trump says Thursday that it's a "possibility" that the administration could impose travel restrictions within the US to limit exposure to the coronavirus if certain areas get "too hot." nbcnews.to/3aNFVWu

NHL says it will "pause" its season beginning with tonight's games due to coronavirus.

Joe Biden on coronavirus testing in the US: “The administration’s failure on testing is colossal, and it’s a failure of leadership, planning and execution."

What public health workers are telling their children about coronavirus. nbcnews.to/2IIpPl2

Coronavirus death toll tops 1,000 in Italy, the county's civil protection agency says.

New York Gov. Cuomo has announced Thursday that the state will ban all gatherings of 500 or more people due to coronavirus. nbcnews.to/2U1MCxf

Broadway theaters cancel performances through April 12. nbcnews.to/2IHZVOs

Coronavirus in the US:

A map of where cases have been confirmed across the country.

This map is continuously updates as data comes in. nbcnews.to/2vS7bVa

MLB cancels remainder of spring training; regular season to be delayed at least 2 weeks.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, who was at Mar-a-Lago last weekend, to self-quarantine as he awaits the results of a coronavirus test, his office says. nbcnews.to/2vkzxqI

BREAKING: NCAA cancels March Madness tournaments. nbcnews.to/2QbOcvr

FACT CHECK: NYPD says that is has no plans to shut down roadways or subways, despite a false rumor circulating via text message and social media. nbcnews.to/2WaufJk

State of emergency declared in New York City in response to coronavirus outbreak. nbcnews.to/2TIJNSS

Gov. Larry Hogan announced that all public schools in the state of Maryland will be closed starting Monday, an effort to halt the spread of coronavirus. nbcnews.to/2xrrusG

Rep. Swalwell says Congress is focused on what’s “urgent and important” in coronavirus relief negotiations with the White House:

"If you have to go home because you can’t work we want you to have paid sick leave.”
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San Francisco and Houston announced on Thursday that all public schools would be temporarily closed due to coronavirus concerns. nbcnews.to/3d4xQ1I

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, announced on Thursday that it was suspending public gatherings worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic. nbcnews.to/39SLgMk

“What Trump is suffering isn’t blame for the coronavirus,” @NicoleDWallace says.

“I don’t think any rational personal blames him for the arrival of coronavirus on our shores. What he is suffering now is a credibility crisis of his own making.”
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@nicoledwallace Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort will close through the end of the month over fears of the spread of coronavirus. nbcnews.com/health/health-…

@nicoledwallace The US Senate has left for a 3-day weekend, as the House works out coronavirus legislation. "It's insane that we're leaving DC," Sen. Merkley says. msnbc.com/all-in/watch/-…