March 13 coronavirus news

By Jessie Yeung, Joshua Berlinger, Adam Renton, Meg Wagner, Mike Hayes and Veronica Rocha, CNN

Updated 9:49 p.m. ET, March 13, 2020
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8:03 p.m. ET, March 13, 2020

Poland will close borders to foreigners due to coronavirus

From CNN’s Artur Osinski in London

Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki
Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki Julien Warnand/Pool/AFP/Getty Images/FILE

Poland will not allow non-resident foreigners into the country for at least 10 days, starting Sunday midnight local time, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced Friday.

He said the measures were being implemented to tackle the spread of the novel coronavirus. Any Poles coming from abroad will be automatically put into quarantine for 14 days. Goods will be allowed to go through. All international flights and train services will be suspended. 

Starting Saturday midnight local time, shopping malls will be partially shut, with only pharmacies, grocery stores, laundromats and chemical stores open. All dine-in restaurants, pubs, bars, casinos and nightclubs will be shut for at least 14 days. It will be possible to order takeaway or delivery food. All gatherings of more than 50 people will be banned. 

At least 68 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Poland. Two deaths from coronavirus have also been reported there.

7:18 p.m. ET, March 13, 2020

Trump declares Sunday a national day of prayer

From CNN's Jason Hoffman

President Trump tweeted that he is declaring Sunday will be a National Day of Prayer as many churches around the country are closed due to the spread of coronavirus.

Large gatherings have been discouraged as social distancing is being used in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus.

"No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL!" he wrote in a subsequent tweet.

Read Trump's tweet:

7:16 p.m. ET, March 13, 2020

Uruguay reports first cases of coronavirus

From CNN's Jackie Castillo

Uruguay’s Ministry of Health reported four people have tested positive for coronavirus Friday. These are the first cases of coronavirus reported in Uruguay.

All four people entered the country earlier this month from Milan, Italy, the ministry tweeted.

According to statement, the patients are stable and at home.

7:14 p.m. ET, March 13, 2020

Three more shows suspend TV production over coronavirus concerns

From CNN’S Sandra Gonzalez

Three more series have decided to suspend production in wake of heightened concerns over coronavirus. 

On Friday, Ellen DeGeneres announced on Twitter her daytime talk show would suspend production until March 30. 

Comedy Central also said two of its series, “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” and “Lights Out with David Spade” would also suspend production. 

“Our top priority is the safety of our guests and staff. Beginning Monday, March 16th, Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Lights Out with David Spade will temporarily suspend production as a precautionary measure. We will continue to closely monitor the situation per guidance issued by the CDC and public health authorities and hope to return Monday, March 30th," Comedy Central said in a statement.

6:53 p.m. ET, March 13, 2020

16 states have closed schools over coronavirus concerns

States across the US are closing schools in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Here are some of the states that have deployed such measures:

  1. Alabama
  2. Wisconsin
  3. Maryland
  4. Ohio
  5. Kentucky
  6. Washington
  7. West Virginia
  8. Illinois
  9. Pennsylvania
  10. Louisiana
  11. Rhode Island
  12. Michigan
  13. New Mexico
  14. Oregon
  15. Virginia
  16. Utah
7:04 p.m. ET, March 13, 2020

Trump says some cruise lines will suspend outbound cruises for 30 days

President Trump tweeted that at his request, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC cruise lines will suspend outbound cruises for 30 days.

In his Rose Garden address earlier Friday, the President said “we’ll be helping” the cruise line industry but did not directly answer if there would be a bailout provided.

Read the President's tweet:

Norwegian CEO Harry Sommer confirmed in a statement his company's cruise lines would not operate until April 12.

"While we have not had any confirmed cases across our 17-ship fleet and are taking this measure in an abundance of caution, we felt it necessary to do our part," he said.

6:16 p.m. ET, March 13, 2020

"Last Week Tonight" and "Real Time with Bill Maher" halt production over coronavirus concerns

From CNN’s Sandra Gonzalez

Lloyd Bishop/HBO/FILE
Lloyd Bishop/HBO/FILE

HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” and “Real Time with Bill Maher” will temporarily halt production due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, a spokesperson for HBO announced Friday.

“Last Week Tonight” will air a shortened episode on Sunday before beginning hiatus.

Earlier today, ABC television announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will also suspend production starting March 16.

6:27 p.m. ET, March 13, 2020

Pelosi says deal reached on US coronavirus response

From CNN's Phil Mattingly

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives earlier on Friday, March 13,  to speak about the House coronavirus bill on Capitol Hill.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives earlier on Friday, March 13, to speak about the House coronavirus bill on Capitol Hill. Scott Applewhite

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has released a letter to colleagues announcing a deal with the White House to pass a coronavirus response bill.

“We are proud to have reached an agreement with the Administration to resolve outstanding challenges, and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act," she said in the letter. 

Watch:

6:09 p.m. ET, March 13, 2020

Colorado activates National Guard to deal with coronavirus outbreak

From CNN’s Leslie Perrot

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has activated the National Guard due to the coronavirus outbreak, his office's said in a statement.

The governor is encouraging any doctors and healthcare workers not currently working to reach out to previous employers to help increase capacity.

Additionally, licensing restrictions are being eased so that medical professionals with licenses from outside the state can be licensed in Colorado as quickly as possible, the statement said.

Nursing homes will have restricted visitation and screen 100 percent of individuals before entry, according to the statement.