The Chinese government has faced intense public criticism over its response to the outbreak. Its solution: renewed censorship, and directives to the media to be upbeat. Meanwhile, it has told doctors to consider treating the virus by mixing Western antiviral drugs with traditional Chinese remedies.

Further developments: Ten coronavirus cases were identified on a Japanese cruise ship, whose more than 2,000 passengers are now struggling with cabin fever under a two-week quarantine. Another cruise ship was being screened in Hong Kong because a few people on an earlier trip carried the virus.

Closer look: Chris Buckley, our chief China correspondent, surveyed Wuhan, the metropolis at the heart of the outbreak. Two weeks into a state-imposed lockdown, its empty streets echo with soothing messages from government loudspeakers. Dogs roam expressways, and the only crowds are in packed hospitals. Our drone footage captured the desolation.

Other angles: In the U.S., responsibility for containing the virus falls to local health officials. Our reporter spent two weeks in Snohomish County, Wash., the site of the first confirmed U.S. case. And our Science desk explored why the virus seems to largely spare children.