7 Major Coronavirus Developments — Friday, March 27, 2020

U.S. Now Leads the World in the Number of Coronavirus Cases

The 85,498 cases in the United States surpasses China's 81,340 and Italy's 80,589. 

Most disturbing is the rate of growth in America as coronavirus continues to expand. 

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Assembler III
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Inspector Level II
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Numbers

165 Cases in Rhode Island

2,417 Cases in Massachusetts

25 Deaths in Massachusetts

85,498 Cases in the United States

1,308 Deaths in the United States

543,418 Global Cases

24,366 Global Deaths

125,911 Global Recoveries

NCAA March Madness Cancellation Big Hit for Colleges

"The cancellation of March Madness because of the coronavirus pandemic has dealt a costly blow to college sports programs, the National Collegiate Athletic Association indicated on Thursday," writes the Wall Street Journal.

"The NCAA said that financial distributions to Division I member institutions at the end of the 2019-20 academic year would be $225 million—just 37.5% of the expected $600 million amount. The reason for the big drop is the cancellation of winter and spring championships, especially the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the organization’s marquee event and biggest moneymaker," reports WSJ.

Rhode Island's Testing Continues to Lag

The testing program initiated by the Rhode Island Department of Health on March 1, continues to lag.

On Thursday, the Department of Health reported a "total of 220 tests were done, if you include hospital laboratories and private laboratories (and RIDOH’s State Health Laboratories)."

Massachusetts conducted more than 3,300 tests during the same time period.

Cruise Lines Bounced from Federal Bailout

No industry has been hit harder than the cruise line companies. 

But, those companies have registered outside the United States for tax reasons.

The Washington Post reports:

"Like hotels and airlines, cruise companies have seen their business decimated by the coronavirus pandemic and economic shutdowns.

But unlike those industries, major cruise operators don’t locate their headquarters in the United States, so they will not have access to $500 billion in aid for large employers in the massive stimulus bill, the industry’s trade group said Thursday.

Language in the 883-page bill passed by the Senate says that to be eligible for aid from the $500 billion fund, companies must be certified as 'created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States' as well as having 'significant operations in and a majority of employees based' in the United States."

PHOTO: Greg Varnum CC: 4.0

Boris Johnson Tests Positive

"Mr Johnson has mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Downing Street.

'He was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty,' a statement said," reports the BBC.

And today in the news -- GoLocal LIVE coverage:

10:30 AM -- Rebecca Couto da Silva, from Bolzano, Italy

11:00 AM -- Michael Rose, Art Club discussing online art resources

12:00 Moon -- Dr. Michael Fine, former Director of the RI Department of Health

1:00 PM -- Governor Gina Raimondo