Nearly one billion people around the world have been ordered to stay at home as officials try to slow the spread of COVID-19. As the number of infections has risen above 300,000, authorities in 35 countries have ordered non-essential businesses to close, while advising people to remain in their homes. The number of deaths from the infectious disease has topped 13,000, with more than 4,800 reported in Italy.
In the United States, around 100 million people are dealing with some type of lockdown. Multiple states, including New York, California, Illinois, and New Jersey, have ordered most businesses to remain closed for at least a month, while many schools and colleges across the nation have been closed.
As the number of cases in the U.S. continues to rise, with more than 27,000 as of Sunday (March 22), politicians are divided over the third part of a massive economic stimulus package. Democrats are concerned that companies that receive bailout money can still fire their employees, and will be able to use the money for stock buybacks.
While Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hopes to have a bill ready to go by Monday, Democratic leaders left a Sunday morning meeting suggesting they will be introducing their own legislation to counter the Republicans trillion-dollar stimulus package.
COVID-19 hit the Senate on Sunday after Republican Senator Rand Paul confirmed a positive diagnosis in a statement on Twitter.
Senator Rand Paul has tested positive for COVID-19. He is feeling fine and is in quarantine. He is asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person.
He expects to be back in the Senate after his quarantine period ends and will continue to work for the people of Kentucky at this difficult time. Ten days ago, our D.C. office began operating remotely, hence virtually no staff has had contact with Senator Rand Paul.
To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
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