In Seattle, Governor Jay Inslee has ordered public schools closed for a minimum of two weeks, bringing the total number of U.S. school closures to over 1,500 — affecting over 1 million K-12 students nationwide.
In Oklahoma City, an NBA game was called off moments before tip-off Wednesday evening, after visiting Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus. The NBA has since suspended its season until further notice. The NCAA said all upcoming Division I basketball tournaments will be played in empty arenas — with only essential staff and family members allowed to attend. Other sports leagues are preparing to cancel events or to limit public access to games. California is urging officials to cancel all public gatherings of more than 250 people.
Joe Biden’s presidential campaign has scrapped planned rallies in Chicago and Miami and will instead hold virtual events. Biden is planning an address on the coronavirus from Wilmington, Delaware, this afternoon. President Trump’s campaign postponed plans for a “Catholics for Trump” rally scheduled for March 19 in Milwaukee — one day after announcing the event.
Even Hollywood has been affected by the coronavirus. On Wednesday, celebrities Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson announced they have both tested positive for COVID-19 after coming down with flu-like symptoms during a trip to Australia.