Coronavirus has now hit all 50 US states as death toll hits 114 from almost 6,500 cases – The Sun

CORONAVIRUS has now hit all 50 states in the US — with 116 deaths and more than 6,533 confirmed cases nationwide.

The grim milestone comes as health officials tout a consistent message: "Limit your interactions now or overwhelm the health systems meant to take care of you."

Globally, there are about 200,000 cases of the deadly disease and nearly 8,000 people have died.

Announcing West Virginia's first Covid-19 patient, Governor Jim Justice, said: "We knew this was coming."

Elsewhere, New York City said it was considering a lockdown similar to one in the San Francisco Bay area.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said he would decide "within the next two days" whether to order the city's 8.5 million residents to "shelter in place".

Such a move could largely confine people to their homes, while allowing them to make necessary trips to buy groceries or medicine, walk a dog or exercise as long as they avoid public interaction.

"It's a very, very difficult decision," Mr de Blasio exclaimed.

"We've never been here before. I have never heard of anything like this in the history of New York City."

I have never heard of anything like this in the history of New York City

As the Trump administration seeks a $1 trillion economic stimulus package, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin reportedly warned that if Congress failed to act, US unemployment could hit 20 per cent — almost double the jobless rate during the Great Recession after the 2008 financial crisis.

Officials in the San Francisco Bay area have already ordered 6.7 million residents to stay home for all but the most crucial outings until 7 April.

As Covid-19 continues to sweep across the nation, US Vice-President Mike Pence said the White House may call on the US military to establish field hospitals in virus hot spots if requested by state governors.

Meanwhile, the US and Canada are reportedly finalizing an agreement to suspend non-essential travel between the two countries.

President Donald Trump — who is seeking re-election in November — told a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon that travel restrictions within the US were on the table.

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