Globally the coronavirus pandemic has infected 150,000 people and killed over 5,700. For most, the disease causes mild symptoms. For some, it can be severe.

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR/TEGNA/AP) - The White House is expected to hold a Coronavirus Task Force press briefing Sunday afternoon.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases was on "Meet the Press" Sunday and said people in the U.S. "should be prepared that they're going to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing."

As the U.S. has now surpassed 2,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, members of the health community are urging strong measures now. Dr. Fauci said, "I would prefer as much as we possibly could ... I think we should really be overly aggressive and get criticized for over-reacting."

New York City to limit all bars, restaurants to take-out and deliveries

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says he will limit all bars and restaurants to take-out and deliveries in attempt to slow the coronavirus.

He says he will sign an executive order to implement the restrictions, which will also close nightclubs, movie theaters and concert venues. It'll go into effect Tuesday at 9 a.m.

"This is not a decision I make lightly. These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality," de Blasio tweeted.

Nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses, and concert venues must all close. The order will go into effect Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00 AM. — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 16, 2020

Indianapolis ISP employee tests positive

An employee of the Indiana State Police has tested positive for COVID-19, officials say.

The employee, who is assigned to the State Police’s Laboratory Division in Indianapolis, was admitted to a local hospital for a medical issue.

Sunday, the employee received notice they tested positive for COVID-19 and remains hospitalized at this time.

A co-worker who was last known to have been working in close proximity has since self-quarantined at home out of an abundance of caution.

IU going virtual for remainder of semester

Indiana University says it will be transitioning to virtual learning for the remainder of the spring semester.

The university says spring break will be extended to March 14-29 in order to accommodate instructors’ transition to online instruction. Classes (taught remotely) will resume on March 30.

In light of the World Health Organization’s declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, IU has released the following update on its coronavirus response:



IU is transitioning to virtual learning for the remainder of the spring semester. (Thread)https://t.co/gjRpIlAJJ9 — Indiana University (@IndianaUniv) March 16, 2020



IU will close most of its on-campus housing on March 20. Procedures for move-out and transition policies, including retrieving essential items, will be provided by their campus to housing residents by Tuesday.

At this time, IU continues to have no confirmed cases of coronavirus.

IU says it will assess in the coming weeks if or how commencement, scheduled in May, may be conducted.

St. Vincent Indianapolis to cancel all 'elective non-urgent' surgeries

Ascension St. Vincent announced that it will cancel all non-urgent surgeries to ensure the hospital's resources for emergent health needs.

Starting Tuesday, March 17, all elective non-urgent surgeries will be canceled at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Indianapolis.

CDC recommends events with 50 or more people be canceled for next 8 weeks

The CDC issued new guidance on their website Sunday, recommending that organizers of large gatherings and in-person events that consist of 50 or more people cancel for the next 8 weeks.

Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies.

The CDC says "this recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses."

For more information, visit the CDC's website here.

Hospitals fear any surge of virus cases, supply shortages

Government and health care leaders around the U.S. are voicing concerns about the readiness of the nation's hospitals in a worst-case scenario involving the new coronavirus outbreak.

Officials question whether they have enough beds and supplies should there be a large influx of patients in coming weeks.

Hospital executives say they've been planning for months and have set up tents to receive new patients. But in hard-hit Washington state they've already seen shortages of personal protective gear worn by health care workers.

New York's governor is suggesting the Army Corps of Engineers turn facilities such as military bases or college dorms into temporary medical centers.

Fed slashes rates to near zero, eases bank lending rules

The Federal Reserve took emergency action Sunday and slashed its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point to nearly zero and announced it would purchase more Treasury securities to encourage lending to try to offset the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

The central bank said the effects of the outbreak will weigh on economic activity in the near term and pose risks to the economic outlook.

The central bank said it will keep rates at nearly zero until it feels confident the economy has weathered recent events.

The Fed also said it has dropped its requirements that banks hold cash reserves in another move to encourage lending.

NYC schools to close to fight coronavirus

New York City is closing the nation's largest public school system, sending over 1.1 million children home in hopes of curbing the spread of coronavirus.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that schools will close early this week.

The decision follows a growing number of school closures in communities and entire states around the country and mounting pressure in New York from residents, City Council members and others.

The shutdown affects the city's nearly 1,900 public schools. Many private schools already have closed.

Illinois shuts down bars, restaurants due to coronavirus

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered all bars and restaurants in the state to close to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

The Democratic governor said Sunday the closure will take effect Monday night and run through March 30.

Officials in other parts of the country said they are considering similar restrictions after revelers ignored warnings against attending large gatherings.

In New Orleans and Chicago, people clad in green for St. Patrick's Day packed bars and spilled onto crowded sidewalks Saturday even after the cities canceled their parades. Some revelers said health officials were overreacting, but they faced a backlash.

NCAA says no brackets for canceled tournaments

NCAA vice president of men’s basketball Dan Gavitt says brackets won’t be created for the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments that were canceled due to coronavirus concerns. Gavit says he made the decision and it was supported by basketball committees.

“There is not an authentic way to produce tournament fields and brackets at this point without speculating,” Gavitt said Sunday, the day the men's NCAA Tournament field had been scheduled to be announced. “And, that isn’t fair to the teams that would be positively or negatively impacted by manufacturing March Madness. More importantly, in light of this global health crisis, I believe we need to keep college basketball in perspective.”

Ohio governor announces closure of bars, dine-in restaurants

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will be issuing an order to close all bars and restaurants Sunday night at 9 p.m. to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

During a press conference, Gov. DeWine added that establishments can stay open for carry-out and delivery but we can't have people congregating.

Establishments can stay open for carry-out and delivery. What we can't have is people congregating and seated. #COVID19 #COVID19OhioReady pic.twitter.com/3EaBWeeMdr — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 15, 2020



"I'm aware that this will impact many, many good workers. I can't tell you how sorry I am, but we will work to mitigate the suffering," DeWine said. "It is our goal for everyone to get through this."

10 White River Twp firefighters self-quarantine

Ten White River Township firefighters are under a self-quarantined for 14 days after coming into contact with a patient during a medical run.

WRTFD Chief Jeremy Pells tells Eyewitness News that the 60-year-old male patient that the crew came into contact with showed some symptoms of coronavirus and has since passed away.

FULL ARTICLE: 10 White River Township firefighters self-quarantine after medical run

The medical run came in around 2 p.m. Saturday for reports that the patient had trouble breathing. When the crew arrived, the patient was not breathing and had gone into cardiac arrest, according to Chief Pells.

The department is quarantining the crew because there are "enough concerns to take precautions" to protect their crew and the community out of an abundance of caution.

According to what the department knows after talking with family, Pells says the man did show some symptoms of COVID-19 and had traveled to Mexico.

Kroger announces adjusted hours

Kroger announced Sunday that its stores in Indiana will temporarily adjust hours beginning Monday

According to Kroger's Eric Halvorson, Central Division stores in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio will shift their service hours to open at 7 a.m. local time and close at 10 p.m.

Store hours have been adjusted at some of our locations to keep our stores clean, open and stocked and to better serve our customers and support our associates. Thanks for continuing to shop with us, learn more here: https://t.co/7w8RTKbQOQ pic.twitter.com/VvLG3xIqtB — Kroger (@kroger) March 15, 2020



Pay Less and Owen’s stores also shift to the same schedule.

The schedule change will allow store teams and suppliers to focus on frequent restocking of fresh food and essential cleaning supplies, and also allow more time for cleaning stores.

New Jersey city imposes curfew during coronavirus outbreak

Just across the Hudson River from New York City, a New Jersey city is imposing a curfew on residents amid the virus outbreak.

Hoboken residents must stay in their homes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Monday, a daily curfew that's among the first and most far-reaching such measures taken in the U.S.

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced Saturday night that exceptions will be made for emergencies and people required to work.

He also said bars and restaurants can only offer takeout and delivery services. Bars that don't serve food will shut down altogether Sunday.

New Jersey has seen 69 virus cases statewide and two virus-related deaths.

Indiana confirms 4 more positive cases of 121 official tests

The Indiana State Department of Health has confirmed four more positive cases of COVID-19 Sunday, including new cases in Marion County and the first case in Hamilton County.

The data shared on the state's website indicates 121 tests performed and 19 total positive cases statewide.

Americans return to long waits for screenings at US airports

Travelers returning to the U.S. have been greeted with hours long waits for required medical screenings at airports.

While American citizens, green card holders and some others are allowed to return to the U.S. amid new European travel restrictions, they're being funneled to 13 U.S. airports where they're subject to screenings and quarantine orders.

Amid criticism over the long waits and the crowds that flout calls for “social distancing,” the acting secretary says the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is trying to add additional screening capacity and work with airlines to expedite the process.

This is unacceptable. The reactionary, poorly planned travel ban has left thousands of travelers at ORD forced into even greater health risk. @realdonaldtrump and @CBP: no one has time for your incompetence. Fully staff our airport right now, and stop putting Americans in danger. https://t.co/gswIaHwelx — Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) March 15, 2020



British media are reporting that the UK could propose those over 70 self quarantine for up to four months

British media, including The Independent, ITV and the British Press Association, are saying that one government proposal, reportedly expected to be introduced this month, could ask people over the age of 70 to stay home for up to four months. Under the proposal, those over 70 will be "instructed" to keep under strict isolation in their home or in a care facility for four months in a "wartime-style mobilization effort."

Nike to close all US stores, and some international locations

CNBC reports that the sportswear brand Nike has announced it will be closing its U.S. brick and mortar locations along with other international stores to try and flatten the curve on the coronavirus pandemic.

In the report, locations across the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Western Europe will shutter starting Monday March 27. The report cites a company spokesperson who confirmed that workers should still be paid in full during store closings.

Australia's prime minister says all travelers arriving in the country will have to self-isolate for 14 days

It's part of the country's effort to try and stem the spread of the new coronavirus.

The measures will begin from midnight Monday Australian east coast time.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement Sunday after a phone hookup with the leaders of Australian states and territories leaders under a new national cabinet meeting.

Morrison told reporters in Sydney that the measures are indefinite and will be reviewed periodically.

Morrison also banned all cruise ships from docking in Australian ports for at least 30 days.

The measures are similar to what New Zealand announced on Saturday.

New Zealand cruise passengers not allowed off the vessel after three onboard are tested

In New Zealand, passengers aboard a cruise ship in the South Island tourist town of Akaroa are not being allowed off the vessel while three passengers are tested for the new coronavirus.

Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said Sunday that one of the passengers on the Golden Princess is being treated as a suspected case because that person has developed symptoms of the disease and is a close contact of another person who has been confirmed as having contracted COVID-19.

Bloomfield says they should get the test results on Monday, and that officials are considering their response should the case be confirmed.

He says one lesson from observing problems with the virus spreading on other cruise ships is to avoid leaving everybody on board. Bloomfield didn't elaborate on what form any response might take.

The news came just one day after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the country was banning cruise ships from entering its waters as it took a more aggressive approach to COVID-19. The Golden Princess was already in New Zealand at the time Ardern made her announcement.

The cruise ship departed from Melbourne, Australia. An Akaroa cruise schedule indicates the ship was expected to have about 2,600 passengers and 1,100 crew.

Austria is limiting movement nationwide

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz told the Austria Press Agency Sunday that there should be only three reasons for people to leave home: essential work, essential purchases such as food, and helping other people.

He said that people will be able to go out "only alone or with the people with whom (they) live in their apartment.

Kurz's comments came shortly after the governor of Tyrol province had announced a lockdown for his Alpine region.

Austria, a country of some 8 million people, has confirmed 800 infections with the new coronavirus.

Norway will close its airports and harbors Monday

Prime Minister Erna Solberg told Norwegian addressed the media and by midday Sunday, Norway had confirmed 1,133 cases of the virus.

Uzbekistan announced that international air and highway connections will be cut beginning Monday

All mass events, including observations of the holiday of Nowruz, are canceled.

Kazakhstan has declared a state of emergency

The country has closed the borders to all forms of transport and closed shopping malls, theaters and other places of mass gatherings.

Austria's Tyrol province is ordering a lockdown to fight the coronavirus

The lockdown was initially set for a one-week period.

The provincial governor, Guenther Platter, announced Sunday that people will be allowed to leave their homes only for reasons such as buying food and medicine, visiting the doctor, getting cash or walking the dog.

Tyrol, an Alpine region that is popular with skiers, borders northern Italy and is one of the worst-hit areas of Austria, which already has largely shut down public life.

The lockdown measures mirror those already taken by Italy and Spain.

Austria has confirmed 758 cases of the new coronavirus and one death.

People in predominantly Catholic Poland, especially the elderly, have been advised to follow Sunday Mass on TV or on the radio

The move is an effort to try and avoid being in crowds amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Churches remain open, but no more than 50 people can attend an indoors Mass at a time, to prevent the spread of the virus.

State and private TV stations and news portals were streaming live services early Sunday from some Warsaw churches. The seminary church could be seen empty during the service.

Poland has 111 confirmed coronavirus infections. Three patients have died and thirteen have recovered.

Singapore has announced new travel restrictions

The country's government said that all travelers arriving from Southeast Asian countries, Japan, Switzerland and the United Kingdom or with a travel history to these countries within 14 days upon arrival will have to self-isolate under new efforts to battle the coronavirus.

The health ministry said the measure, starting Sunday, will also apply to Singapore residents. Southeast Asian visitors will also be required to submit information on their health for approval before their travel, it said.

The city-state, which has recorded 212 virus cases, has already banned visitors from China, Iran, Italy, France, Germany, South Korea and Spain. National Development Minister Lawrence Wong however, said the new measure will not apply to sea and land crossings with Malaysia due to high inter-dependency between the neighbors.

Sri Lanka has closed all of its national parks, zoos and botanical gardens

It's part of the country's measures to combat the spreading of the coronavirus.

The Indian Ocean island nation's government says that the country's 26 national wildlife parks, two zoos and two botanical gardens will be closed for visitors for two weeks starting Sunday.

Sri Lanka has confirmed 11 cases of the coronavirus.

The Republic of Congo reports its first case of the coronavirus

The African nation is home to the World Health Organization's regional Africa headquarters, where it has reported its first case of the coronavirus.

The government said late Saturday that a duel French and Republic of Congo citizen returned from Paris on an Ethiopian Airlines flight on March 1. After recently showing symptoms, they alerted authorities. The government asked that others on that flight come forward.

The new case means 25 of Africa's 54 countries now have cases of the virus.

Turkey has set up quarantine locations for more than 10,300 people

Those people were returning from pilgrimages to Islam's holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

The Youth and Sport Ministry said Sunday that beds had been made available in university dormitories in the capital, Ankara, and the central Anatolian city of Konya for those returning from Umrah, a pilgrimage that can be made at any time of the year. Returnees will be quarantined for 14 days in an effort to combat the coronavirus.

Universities have been closed for three weeks due to the virus outbreak. Turkey's latest case, its sixth, was a returning pilgrim.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has asked people to work, study and worship from home

Its part of the country's efforts to reduce the risk of being infected with the coronavirus.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, has confirmed 117 cases, with five deaths.

Widodo said at a news conference Sunday that his country faces an especially challenging fight against the coronavirus due to its unique geography. The sprawling archipelago nation comprises over 17,000 islands and is home to more than 260 million people.

South Korea's president has declared southeastern parts of the country hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak as "special disasters zones"

It's a designation that makes residents there eligible for emergency relief, tax benefits and other state financial support.

President Moon Jae-in's office says he on Sunday approved a proposal by his prime minister to declare the Daegu city and some areas in the southeastern Gyeongsang province as such disaster zones.

It's the first time for South Korea to declare any area a special disaster zone due to an infectious disease. Past disaster zone designations were declared for areas stricken by typhoons, floods and other national disasters.

South Korea has so far reported 8,162 coronavirus cases, about 88% of them in the southeastern region. More than 830 people have recovered.

Fake coronavirus testing kits seized at Los Angeles airport

Federal authorities are warning consumers about fake home-testing kits for the coronavirus after customs agents intercepted a package at Los Angeles International Airport filled with vials labeled as COVID-19 test kits.

Testing for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, is only conducted in verified state and local public laboratories across the country.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says American consumers should be aware of bogus testing kits for sale either online or on the black market.

A Thursday photo released by CBP shows the package containing suspected counterfeit COVID-19 test kits arriving from the United Kingdom. CBP officers discovered six plastic bags containing various vials, while conducting an enforcement examination of a parcel manifested as "Purified Water Vials," with a declared value of $196.81.

A complete examination of the shipment led to the finding of the vials filled with a white liquid and labeled "Corona Virus 2019nconv (COVID-19)" and "Virus1 Test Kit". The shipment was turned over to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, for analysis.