Coronavirus: Deaths spike in Michigan

Nearly 566,000 people worldwide -- including more than 92,000 people in the United States – have been infected with the new coronavirus, and the number of deaths from the outbreak continues to rise. Officials are attempting to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. as hospitals brace for unprecedented patient surges.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking cases in the U.S. here.

Live updates for Friday, March 27, continue below:

Deaths spike in Michigan

Update 11:30 p.m. EDT March 27: The U.S. surgeon general said Friday that the situation in Detroit, a national "hot spot" for cases of the new coronavirus, will worsen next week — as Michigan reported the highest daily spikes yet: 801 new cases statewide and 32 additional deaths.

Three counties in the Detroit area — Wayne, Oakland and Macomb — account for 83% of the more than 3,600 people in Michigan confirmed to have COVID-19. At least 92 have died, mostly from the three-county region. The deceased ranged from 36 to 92 years old, with a mediam age of 70.

Detroit, Chicago and New Orleans “will have a worse week next week,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams said on “CBS This Morning.” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said police chief James Craig tested positive. “He is very fit and he has mild symptoms,” he said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration previously began implementing a plan in which hospitals outside southeast Michigan are being asked to serve as “relief” hospitals during the pandemic. They will offer 10% of their usual bed capacity to accept patients from hospitals overwhelmed with virus patients.

Holland America Line denied passage through Panama Canal

Update 9:10 p.m. EDT March 27: Four passengers have died aboard a cruise ship now anchored off the coast of Panama and two people aboard the ship have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the cruise line said Friday, with hundreds of passengers unsure how long they will remain at sea.

Holland America Line said in a post on its Facebook page that more than 130 people aboard the Zaandam had reported flu-like symptoms.

The ship, which had been denied passage through the Panama Canal and had been turned away from other ports, was receiving medical supplies and medical personnel from another Holland America ship, the Rotterdam and the company planned to begin transferring healthy passengers to that ship.

The Zaandam departed Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 7. The ship was trying to get to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after being denied permission to dock at its original destination of San Antonio, Chile a week ago. The cruise line said no one had been off the ship since March 14 in Punta Arenas, Chile.

15 days not enough time for parts of US, Trump says

Update 7:20 p.m. EDT March 27: President Donald Trump said there are certain parts of the country that will not be ready to return to a semblance of normalcy when his administration's 15-day guideline to stem the spread of the new coronavirus expires next week.

Trump, who issued his guidelines on March 16, said he will meet with Vice President Mike Pence, White House task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx and top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci on Monday or Tuesday to review data on the spread of the disease.

Trump in a letter to governors Thursday said that risk considerations based on geography would likely dictate the next round of guidelines from the federal government. The president has said he wants to broadly reopen the economy by Easter Sunday, April 12.

Over 100,000 cases confirmed in the US

Update 5:50 p.m. EDT March 27: The United States has over 100,000 cases of coronavirus according to John Hopkins University tracker. There have been over 1,500 deaths, according to John Hopkins tally.

Coronavirus live updates: Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Kelly tests positive

Update 4:45 p.m. EDT March 27: Pennsylvania Representative Mike Kelly has announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Kelly said he was tested at Butler Memorial Hospital earlier and got the results today.

According to a Facebook post, Kelly's symptoms are mild and he intends to continue working from home until he recovers.

President Trump signs $2.2 trillion stimulus bill into law

Update 4:45 p.m. EDT March 27: President Donald Trump signed an unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic rescue package into law Friday, after swift and near-unanimous action by Congress this week to support businesses, rush resources to overburdened health care providers and help struggling families during the deepening coronavirus epidemic.

Acting with unity and resolve unseen since the 9/11 attacks, Washington moved urgently to stem an economic free fall caused by widespread restrictions meant to slow the spread of the virus that have shuttered schools, closed businesses and brought American life in many places to a virtual standstill.

“This will deliver urgently needed relief,” Trump said as he signed the bill in the Oval Office, flanked only by Republican lawmakers. He thanked members of both parties for putting Americans “first.”

Disneyland and Disney World to remain closed ‘until further notice’

Update 4:30 p.m. EDT March 27: Disney officials announced Friday that they are extending the closure of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort until further notice due to COVID-19. A spokesman said they will continue to pay hourly parks and resort cast members through April 18.

Read the statement in full below:

"While there is still much uncertainty with respect to the impacts of COVID-19, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remains The Walt Disney Company’s top priority. As a result of this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by health experts and government officials, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice.

The Walt Disney Company has been paying its cast members since the closure of the parks, and in light of this ongoing and increasingly complex crisis, we have made the decision to extend paying hourly parks and resorts cast members through April 18."

Trump orders General Motors to produce ventilators

Update 4:10 p.m. EDT March 27: President Donald Trump has issued an order in effort to force General Motors to produce ventilators under Defense Production Act.

Trump to sign off on $2T stimulus bill

Update 3:45 p.m. EDT March 27: President Donald Trump announced on Twitter that he plans to sign a $2 trillion economic stimulus package aimed at helping Americans struggling amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Trump said he’ll sign the bill, passed late Wednesday in the Senate and earlier Friday in the House of Representatives, at 4 p.m.

Regulations on medical equipment eased in the US

Update 3:15 p.m. EDT March 27: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday that hospitals can repurpose medical equipment, including devices used to treat sleep apnea, to serve as ventilators amid concerns about the national supply of the life-sustaining breathing machines.

Under the emergency step, hospitals can use anesthesia machines, CPAP devices and their components in the place of ventilators to treat patients fighting COVID-19. The agency made the regulatory changes in a series of steps this week but FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn announced them Friday “to ease burdens on the health care system during this pandemic.”

Regulators in the United States have waived dozens of regulations in recent weeks to try and boost levels of critical medical supplies needed to address the coronavirus pandemic, including tests, masks, gloves and hand sanitizers.

US Rep. Joe Cunningham tests positive for COVID-19

Update 2:45 p.m. EDT March 27: U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, D-S.C., announced Friday that he's tested positive for COVID-19, making him at least the fourth lawmaker to contract the viral infection.

In a video posted Friday on social media, Cunningham said he began to notice a mild lost of taste and smell on March 17. He said he was already in the middle of a precautionary self-quarantine when he learned such losses could be symptoms of COVID-19.

“I was set to come out of quarantine tonight at midnight and potentially go to D.C. tomorrow to vote for this stimulus bill, but because of these mild symptoms I was tested yesterday for COVID-19,” Cunningham said. “Today I learned that I actually tested positive.”

Cunningham said he plans to continue to self-quarantine with his family, who are asymptomatic, until at least Wednesday.

“I want to be clear with everyone, I feel fine. I feel great,” he said. “Even though I’m going to have to stay at home for a few more days, this won’t stop me from working from home for my constituents here in the Low Country.”

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.; Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.; and Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah; have also tested positive for COVID-19.

Mail-in only primary set for April 28 in Ohio

Update 2:30 p.m. EDT March 27: Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio signed an emergency bill Friday extending the state's primary election to April 28 as officials grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, WHIO-TV reported.

The election was originally scheduled to take place March 17, but hours before polls were set to open the state’s health director, Amy Acton, declared a state of emergency and ordered polls stay closed.

The bill allows only for mail-in ballots, WHIO-TV reported.

Health officials in Ohio have confirmed 1,137 cases of novel coronavirus. Nineteen people have died in the state of COVID-19.

Zimbabwe government announces 3-week 'total lockdown'

Update 2:20 p.m. EDT March 27: Officials in Zimbabwe have announced a three-week "total lockdown" to start Monday as the economically shattered country tries to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.

All citizens will be required to stay at home except for those seeking food or essential services.

The southern African nation's vast number of street vendors are barred from going out. Neighboring South Africa started a similar lockdown Friday.

1st NBA players to test positive for COVID-19 cleared

Update 2:15 p.m. EDT March 27: Officials with the Utah Jazz announced Friday that the team's players and staff have been cleared by Utah's health department after some players contracted COVID-19.

In a news release Friday, officials confirmed that all Jazz players and staff were determined to no longer pose a risk of infecting others with COVID-19.

Officials with the NBA suspended the league’s season until further notice beginning March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus. One day later, Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell confirmed he had also tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Study suggests pregnant women can pass COVID-19 to babies

Update 2:05 p.m. EDT March 27: A study of 33 Chinese women who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy found that three women passed it on to their babies.

The three infants survived, the study published Thursday in the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics reported.

441 new COVID-19 cases reported in Louisiana

Update 1:45 p.m. EDT March 27: Health officials in Louisiana reported 441 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the state's total number of novel coronavirus cases to 2,746.

Officials also reported 36 new deaths connected to COVID-19 in the state, raising the death toll to 119 in Louisiana. Officials said 773 were hospitalized as of Friday at noon, including 270 patients who had to be put on ventilators.

Coronavirus cases have been reported in 54 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes.

Trump expected to sign $2T economic stimulus package after bill passes in Senate, House

Update 1:35 p.m. EDT March 27: With the backing of the White House and leaders in both parties, the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday approved an emergency economic rescue plan to help the economy deal with the negative impact of the coronavirus outbreak, as lawmakers on both sides put aside their differences on the details of the over $2 trillion package.

The House approved the sweeping measure by a voice vote, as strong majorities of both parties lined up behind the most colossal economic relief bill in the nation's history. It will ship payments of up to $1,200 to millions of Americans, bolster unemployment benefits, offer loans, grants and tax breaks to businesses large and small and flush billions more to states, local governments and the nation's all but overwhelmed health care system.

“Today we’ve all acknowledged our nation faces an economic and health emergency of historic proportions,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

House passes $2T economic stimulus package

Update 1:30 p.m. EDT March 27: The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed a $2 trillion economic stimulus bill aimed at helping Americans struggling amid the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic.

Nearly 93,000 COVID-19 cases reported in the US

Update 1:20 p.m. EDT March 27: The United States continues to lead the world in coronavirus infections even after a spike of new cases reported in Italy.

According to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University, the U.S. had more than 92,932 cases of the virus as of Friday afternoon. Italy reported a total of more than 86,000 infections on Friday.

Italy has recorded the most deaths of any country, with 9,134. More than 1,200 people have died in the U.S.

Worldwide, more than 566,000 people have contracted the virus and more than 127,000 have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins.

Italian health officials report nearly 1,000 new COVID-19 deaths in 1 day

Update 1:15 p.m. EDT March 27: Over a 24-hour period, health officials in Italy reported 969 new deaths connected to the COVID-19 outbreak, a spike that brought the country's death toll to 9,134.

Italy has the most number of novel coronavirus deaths in the world, followed by Spain, which has reported 4,934 deaths, and China, which has reported 3,174 deaths, according to numbers compiled by Johns Hopkins University. In the U.S., more than 1,200 people have died.

New cases reported Friday brought Italy’s total number of COVID-19 cases to 86,498, making it the country with the second-most cases of novel coronavirus in the world. The country with the most cases, the U.S., has reported 92,932 positive tests, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The gruesome milestones nevertheless came on the same day Italian health officials said they were seeing a slight slowing down in new positive cases, two weeks into a nationwide lockdown.

Globally, more than 566,000 coronavirus cases had been reported by Friday afternoon, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Alabama governor orders businesses closed due to COVID-19 epidemic

Update 1:05 p.m. EDT March 27: Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama ordered all non-essential businesses in the state to close beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday for about three weeks.

Businesses deemed non-essential will be allowed to reopen at 5 p.m. April 17 barring circumstances that require officials to extend the closures.

Ivey also banned gatherings of more than 10 people or gatherings of any size in which people can’t regularly be more than 6 feet apart and ordered the cancellation of any unnecessary dental, medical and surgical procedures.

Apple launches COVID-19 app, website

Update 12:55 p.m. EDT March 27: Officials with technology giant Apple announced the release Friday of a new screening tool and resources in the form of an app and a website to help people protect themselves amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both the app and the site were developed in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the White House Coronavirus Task Force and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"The COVID-19 app and website allow users to answer a series of questions around risk factors, recent exposure and symptoms for themselves or a loved one," company officials said Friday in a news release.

"In turn, they will receive CDC recommendations on next steps, including guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, how to closely monitor symptoms, whether or not a test is recommended at this time, and when to contact a medical provider. "

Company officials highlighted that the tools are meant to be resources and are not meant to replace advice from health care providers or warnings and guidance shared by state and local officials. Information inputted into the app or the website will not be sent to Apple or any government organization, officials said.

Governor orders Vermont schools stay closed until the end of the school year

Update 12:45 p.m. EDT March 27: Gov. Phil Scott of Vermont announced Thursday that schools across the state will remain closed through the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

Scott's previous order regarding school closures called for them to reopen April 6.

“The education of our students and the bonding and learning experiences they have at schools are tremendously important, so I fully appreciate the impact and difficulty of this decision,” Scott said Thursday in a statement.

“I also recognize it will be challenging for some schools to implement remote learning through the end of the year. But I’m encouraged by the creativity I’ve seen from administrators, educators and parents already, which is why I know, together, they can rise to the occasion.”

As of Thursday, the last date for which information was available, 158 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Vermont. Nine people have died of COVID-19 in the state.

Novel coronavirus death toll rises to 64 in Georgia

Update 12:40 p.m. EDT March 27: Officials with the Georgia Department of Public Health said Friday that eight new cases of COVID-19 have proved fatal, bringing the state's coronavirus death toll to 64, according to WSB-TV.

As of Friday, 2,001 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Georgia, WSB-TV reported. Officials said 566 people have been hospitalized due to the novel coronavirus.

England’s chief medical officer self-isolating after experiencing COVID-19 symptoms

Update 12:35 p.m. EDT March 27: Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, said Friday that he's self-isolating at home for one week after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Whitty did not elaborate on the symptoms he experienced in a Twitter post Friday announcing his decision.

“I will be continuing to advise the government on the medical response to coronavirus, supported by my deputies,” Whitty said.

As of Friday morning, 14,579 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the United Kingdom, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Prince Charles and the country's health secretary.

531 new coronavirus cases reported in Pennsylvania

Update 12:30 p.m. EDT March 27: Health officials in Pennsylvania reported 531 new novel coronavirus cases Friday, according to WPXI.

The new cases bring the state’s total number of COVID-19 cases to 2,218, according to officials with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Health.

Six more novel coronavirus deaths were also reported in the state, bringing Pennsylvania's COVID-19 death toll to 22, WPXI reported.

Nationwide lockdown extended by 2 weeks in France

Update 12:20 p.m. EDT March 27: Prime Minister Edouard Philippe of France said in a speech Friday that the country's lockdown order will continue for another two weeks, until at least April 15, The Guardian reported.

"After these first 10 days of confinement, it is clear that we are just at the beginning of this epidemic wave," Philippe said, according to The Guardian. "It has submerged eastern France and now it is arriving in the Paris region and northern France."

He said officials planned to review the status of the outbreak before determining whether to extend the lockdown further.

Government officials locked the country down earlier this month, shutting schools and stores deemed non-essential and forcing families to stay indoors.

134 new COVID-19 deaths reported in New York

Update 11:55 a.m. EDT March 27: Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York said Friday that that 134 new deaths connected to the 2019 novel coronavirus have been reported, bringing the state's total COVID-19 death count to 519.

“It’s bad news, it’s tragic news, it’s the worst news -- but it is not unexpected news,” Cuomo said during a news conference. “You talk to any health care professional, they’ll tell you.”

Cuomo said novel coronavirus infections rose in the state by 7,377, bringing the state’s total number of cases to 44,635.

The number includes 6,481 cases which required patients to be hospitalized, 1,583 of which were being treated in intensive care units. Cuomo said 2,045 people who were hospitalized with COVID-19 have since been discharged.

New York schools to remain closed until April 15

Update 11:45 a.m. EDT March 27: Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York said Friday that schools would remain closed until at least April 15 as officials continue working to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. School had been scheduled to reopen next week.

“I don’t do this joyfully,” Cuomo said Friday at a news conference. “It only makes sense to keep the schools closed.”

Cuomo warned that officials believe the state will reach the possible apex of its outbreak in 21 days.

“We want to do everything we can to be ready for that increased capacity that could hit us in 21 days and ramp up the hospital capacity," he said.

DC mayor's staff member dies of COVID-19

Update 11:40 a.m. EDT March 27: Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., said Friday that one of her staff members has died of the 2019 novel coronavirus.

She made the announcement Friday at a news conference.

“A member of my team who worked in the office of legal counsel recently tested positive for COVID-19 and he passed away this morning," she said. "My prayers right now are with his family, his entire team and of course we will be supporting them during this very difficult time.”

Governor recommends travelers coming to Massachusetts self-quarantine

Update 11:35 a.m. EDT March 27: Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts said Friday that people coming to Massachusetts should self-quarantine for 14 days, WFXT reported.

Baker said instructions would be passed out to people at airports and train stations to get the word out.

As of Thursday, the last date for which numbers were available, 2,417 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Officials said 26 people have died of the viral infection.

Mark Zuckerberg, wife Priscilla Chan commit $25M toward finding COVID-19 treatment

Update 11:20 a.m. EDT March 27: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Friday that he and his wife, Priscilla Chan, planned to donate $25 million to help develop treatments for COVID-19.

In a post shared Friday on Facebook, Zuckerberg said he and his wife were partnering with the Gates Foundation and others “to quickly evaluate the most promising existing drugs to see which ones might be effective at preventing and treating the coronavirus.”

Crocs donating thousands of shoes to health care workers

Update 11:15 a.m. EDT March 27: Officials with footwear company Crocs announced Thursday that the company will give thousands of pairs of shoes to health care workers as they battle the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The company is giving away 10,000 pairs a day through an online registration. The waterproof, easily cleanable, rubber-like clog is popular with health care workers.

Pence says Trump’s comments on reopening country by Easter ‘aspirational'

Update 11 a.m. EDT March 27: Vice President Mike Pence said Friday morning that President Donald Trump's comments earlier this week about opening the country by Easter were "aspirational."

"The president expressed, really, an aspirational goal ... as we continue to follow the data," Pence said Friday in an interview with CNBC.

“The president said he would love to see it around Easter but whenever that day is that we can responsibly begin to open up portion of the country, but let me be very clear, there’s going to be areas of the country where we need to continue to lean in to mitigation efforts.”

Trump told reporters Tuesday that he hopes to have the United States economy reopened by April 12, though health experts have warned such a move might continue the spread of COVID-19.

Health experts have made clear that unless Americans continue to dramatically limit social interaction — staying home from work and isolating themselves — the number of infections will overwhelm the health care system, as it has in parts of Italy, leading to many more deaths. While the worst outbreaks are concentrated in certain parts of the country, such as New York, experts warn that the highly infectious disease is certain to spread.

181 new COVID-19 deaths reported in UK

Update 10:30 a.m. EDT March 27: Health officials in the United Kingdom on Friday announced the country's biggest daily rise in reported COVID-19 deaths after 181 people died of the virus according to the British Department of Health and Social Care.

The new deaths reported Friday brings the country’s total death toll associated with the coronavirus outbreak to 759, officials said.

As of Friday morning, 14,579 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the U.K., including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Prince Charles and the country’s health secretary.

New infections slow in Italy; health official warns country hasn’t reached peak of outbreak

Update 10:15 a.m. EDT March 27: The head of Italy's National Institutes of Health said Friday that the country's new reports of coronavirus infections are slowing down, but Italy hasn't reached the peak of the curve.

Dr. Silvio Brusafero said the infection curve began to flatten around March 20, some 10 days after Italy imposed a nationwide lockdown to contain the virus in Europe’s epicenter. He urged continued isolation measures to keep the virus from spreading.

Dr. Franco Locatelli, head of the government’s health advisory council, says he thinks it’s “inevitable” the industrial shutdown currently scheduled to last through April 3 will be extended.

Italy has reported more than 8,100 dead, more than any other country. Most have been elderly or with previous medical conditions.

336 new coronavirus cases reported in Indiana

Update 10:05 a.m. EDT March 27: Health officials in Indiana reported 336 new COVID-19 cases Friday, bringing the state's total number of cases to 981.

Officials also reported 24 deaths connected to the 2019 novel coronavirus, including seven new fatal cases.

3rd COVID-19 death reported in Puerto Rico

Update 9:45 a.m. EDT March 27: Health officials in Puerto Rico confirmed Friday that a third person died of COVID-19 in the U.S. territory.

Puerto Rico's NotiCentro reported the patient was identified by officials as a 48-year-old woman who had been hospitalized in the Aguadilla region. She died before her COVID-19 test result came back, according to NotiCentro.

The news network reported 79 cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus have been confirmed in Puerto Rico as of Friday morning.

Serbian man sentenced to 3 years for ignoring self-isolation orders

Update 9:35 a.m. EDT March 27: A Serbian court has sentenced a man to three years in jail for flouting self-isolation orders.

The state Serbian TV says the first such sentence in the Balkan country was handed out during a video linked court session in an eastern Serbian town.

The TV says there are 112 people in detention in Serbia for ignoring the orders to stay at home and are awaiting trials. Some 50,000 people are under lockdown, most of them Serbs who have returned to the country from abroad after the March 15 introduction of the nationwide state of emergency.

Serbia, which has recorded 435 coronavirus cases and seven deaths, has introduced some of the most restrictive measures in Europe. They include a 12-hour police enforced curfew and a 24-hour ban for leaving their homes for those older than 65.

British health secretary tests positive for coronavirus

Update 9:25 a.m. EDT March 27: The United Kingdom's secretary for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said Friday in a video posted on social media that he has tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Hancock said he was advised to get tested for COVID-19 after he began experiencing what he described as “mild symptoms” of the virus. On Friday, he said he’ll be self-isolating until Thursday, April 2.

“I’ve been able to carry on with the work driving forward the U.K. response,” he said. “I’ll continue to do everything I can to give our cares the support they need, and I’ll be doing that from here but with no less gusto.”

Earlier Friday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed that he’d been diagnosed with COVID-19. He said in a video message that he was also self-isolating.

101-year-old man recovers from COVID-19, gets released from Italian hospital

Update 9:20 a.m. EDT March 27: Health officials released a 101-year-old man from an Italian hospital Thursday after he recovered from the 2019 novel coronavirus, according to CNN.

Gloria Lisi, the deputy mayor of Remini, said the man had been admitted last week to a hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, CNN reported.

“Mr. P made it,” Lisi said Friday, according to the news network. “The family brought him home yesterday evening. (It teaches) us that even at 101 years (old), the future is not written.”

House begins debate over coronavirus stimulus bill

Update 9:10 a.m. EDT March 27: Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have begun a scheduled three hours of debate over the proposed $2 trillion economic rescue package aimed at helping Americans struggling amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Should you wear contacts during pandemic?

Update 8:50 a.m. EDT March 27: If you are a contact lens wearer, you may want to think twice before putting them in because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you should not touch your eyes, but contact wearers must, not only to put them in and remove them regularly but also they may habitually make adjustments throughout the day.

Kremlin confirms 1st coronavirus case

Update 8:25 a.m. EDT March 27: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday that one person in Russia's presidential administration has been diagnosed with COVID-19, according to the state-run Russian News Agency TASS.

Peskov said the person, identified by CNN as a Kremlin staffer, had no contact with President Vladimir Putin. He added that "all necessary epidemiological measures are being taken to prevent the virus from spreading," CNN reported.

The Russian government registered 196 new infections in the past day, bringing the country’s total to 1,036, with three deaths. In a bid to stem the outbreak, Putin declared the next week to be non-working for all Russians except those working in essential sectors.

Global coronavirus deaths surpass 24K, worldwide cases near 543K

Update 7:57 a.m. EDT March 27: The global death toll attributed to the novel coronavirus hit 24,361 early Friday, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally.

In the three months since the virus was first identified in Wuhan, China, it has infected at least 542,788 people worldwide.

• The United States has reported 85,996 confirmed cases, resulting in 1,046 deaths.

• China has recorded 81,894 cases, resulting in 3,174 deaths.

• Italy has confirmed 80,589 cases, resulting in 8,215 deaths.

• Spain has confirmed 57,786 infections, resulting in 4,858 deaths.

• Germany has reported 47,278 cases, resulting in 281 deaths.

• Iran has recorded 32,332 cases, resulting in 2,278 deaths.

• France has confirmed 29,581 infections, resulting in 1,698 deaths.

• Switzerland has confirmed 11,951 cases, resulting in 197 deaths.

• The United Kingdom has reported 11,816 cases, resulting in 580 deaths.

• South Korea has recorded 9,332 cases, resulting in 139 deaths.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for novel coronavirus

Update 7:38 a.m. EDT March 27: Boris Johnson, prime minister of the United Kingdom, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, he announced via Twitter Friday morning.

Cases, deaths surge as coronavirus pandemic continues to hammer high-density global locales

Update 7:28 a.m. EDT March 27: The United States grabbed headlines Thursday for overtaking China as the new epicenter of the novel coronavirus pandemic, but cases continue mounting across the globe. A few highlights include:

• Spain reported 769 additional virus-related deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing its nationwide total 4,858. On a more positive note, the country's 7,871 new cases is the lowest number reported in the past two days.

• Iran has confirmed an additional 144 virus-related deaths, bringing its nationwide death toll to 2,738.

• Germany recorded 5,780 new cases in the past 24 hours, bringing its nationwide number of infections to 42,288.

• Russia confirmed 196 new coronavirus cases Friday, bringing its total number to 1,036.

• Hong Kong officials confirmed 65 new cases, marking the city's largest single-day increase to date.

• Mexico reported 110 new cases of novel coronavirus, bringing its nationwide total to 585 infections.

Nicaragua, South Africa confirm 1st coronavirus deaths

Update 7:10 a.m. EDT March 27: Health authorities in Nicaragua confirmed the country's first coronavirus death in a statement released early Friday.

According to the statement, the patient was diabetic, hypertensive and HIV-positive. To date, Nicaragua has confirmed only two novel coronavirus cases, including the deceased.

Meanwhile, South Africa confirmed its first two virus-related deaths on Friday. The nation has recorded more than 1,000 infections to date.

Select ICE detainees released from NJ jails amid coronavirus concerns

Update 6:57 a.m. EDT March 27: A federal judge has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New Jersey to release 10 detainees in county jails where the novel coronavirus has been detected, NPR reported.

The detainees in question were singled out for their chronic medical conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 infections caused by the virus.

Specifically, the released persons range in age from 31 to 56 years old, and they suffer from myriad medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and obesity, NPR reported.

Michigan health system outlines ‘worst case’ contingency plan for prioritizing ventilators, ICU care

Update 6:44 a.m. EDT March 27: Treatment for coronavirus patients in at least one Detroit area hospital system could soon be prioritized to help ration available ventilators and ICU services, The Washington Post reported.

According to the Post, a draft letter from Henry Ford Health System to families began circulating on social media late Thursday, outlining the system's contingency plan should coronavirus demand for services overwhelm facilities and staff. The policy has not been implemented.

According to the letter, patients who could be considered for de-prioritization include those with severe heart, lung, kidney or liver failure as well as those suffering from terminal cancer, severe trauma or burns. Meanwhile, any ventilated or ICU patient not responding to treatment could see those services diverted to other patients more responsive to the methods.

Read more here.

High-tech imaging offers graphic insight into severe lung damage caused by coronavirus

Update 6:29 a.m. EDT March 27: Call it a self-isolation silver lining.

With Londoners on lockdown, one of the city's most iconic streets, Abbey Road, has been traffic-free long enough to receive a fresh coat of paint, CNN reported.

Read more here.

High-tech imaging offers graphic insight into severe lung damage caused by coronavirus

Update 6:19 a.m. EDT March 27: A thoracic surgeon in Washington, D.C., is offering video proof through high-tech imagining at the damage the novel coronavirus can wreak on even a healthy patient's lungs.

Dr. Keith Mortman, the chief of thoracic surgery at George Washington University Hospital, recently shared a first-of-its-kind 3-D video highlighting the rapid progression of a 59-year-old patient's COVID-19 infection, WJLA reported.

Mortman used a CAT scan to create a virtual reality rendering to illustrate the extensive lung damage the virus can cause, the TV station reported.

Philippines top military commander tests positive for coronavirus

Update 3:28 a.m. EDT March 27: Philippines Armed Forces Chief Felimon Santos Jr. has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, CNN Philippines has confirmed

According to the network, Santos has been on home quarantine since March 24 after coming into contact with a senior officer who had tested positive for the virus. Santos received his results Thursday night and informed the Secretary of Defense Delfin Lorenzana.

To date there have been 707 confirmed cases in the Philippines, resulting in 45 deaths.

Novel coronavirus cases aboard US aircraft carrier swell to 25

Update 3:20 a.m. EDT March 27: Two days after confirming three sailors aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the U.S. Navy confirmed to CNN that figure has already increased more than eight times.

As of early Friday morning, 25 sailors have tested positive aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier. The ship carries an estimated 5,000 personnel

One official told the network the Navy expects "dozens" of new cases could emerge aboard the vessel.

“We are in the process now of testing 100 percent of the crew of that ship to ensure that we’re able to contain whatever spread might’ve occurred,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday told reporters at the Pentagon during a Thursday briefing.

Ventilated coronavirus patients ‘more than doubled’ at NYC hospital in 3 days

Update 3:15 a.m. EDT March 27: According to the chairman of the department of surgery at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center in New York City, the number of coronavirus patients placed on ventilators at his hospital "more than doubled" in the span of only three days.

“We have not exhausted our existing supply of ventilators but if we keep doubling every three days, we might,” Dr. Craig Smith wrote in his daily COVID-19 update.

Read the full update here.

US medical schools weigh early graduation for medical students as coronavirus crisis worsens

Update 2:45 a.m. EDT March 27: As demand for healthcare providers soars in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, medical schools across the nation are contemplating allowing early graduation for their senior medical students.

In an email to CNN, Dr. Alison Whelan, chief medical education officer for the Association of American Medical Colleges, said the step has not yet become policy among member colleges, but the general consensus appears to favor it.

“While the AAMC has not yet surveyed its member medical schools, the [Liaison Committee on Medical Education] has been working with several other schools that are considering or offering their students the option of graduating early. We are aware that nearly every school is considering early graduation as an option in our continued response to the pandemic,” Whelan wrote.

To date, the following programs have announced their own policy changes:

• On Tuesday, New York University became the first medical school in the nation to offer the early-graduation option.

• All four Massachusetts medical schools – Tufts University School of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School – are working to offer a fast-track option, according to Massachusetts HHS Secretary Marylou Sudders.

• Senior medical students at New Jersey's Cooper Medical School of Rowan University received an email Thursday offering the early-graduation option and gauging interest.

Fashion icon Ralph Lauren donates $10 million to coronavirus relief efforts

Update 2:17 a.m. EDT March 27: 

Designer Ralph Lauren has committed $10 million toward novel coronavirus relief efforts.

The funds, made available via the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, are earmarked for several areas of outreach, including:

• Assisting employees facing special circumstances such as medical needs

• The World Health Organization’s global response fund

• Miscellaneous organizations such as the Council of Fashion Designers of America and the Pink Pony Fund

The company has also publicly expressed interest in producing pandemic-sensitive equipment such as medical-grade masks and isolation gowns.

Trump, Xi Jinping open coronavirus dialogue

Update 1:45 a.m. EDT March 27: U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have opened a line of communication regarding response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Chinese state television CCTV confirmed the preliminary discussion early Friday morning, and Trump followed the conversation with a tweet citing “much respect.”

State-by-state breakdown of 82,030 US coronavirus cases, 1,195 deaths

Update 12:42 a.m. EDT March 27: The number of novel coronavirus cases in the United States approached 86,000 across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands early Friday morning.

According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 85,840 confirmed U.S. cases of the virus, which have resulted in at least 1,296 deaths. U.S. cases now outnumber those in any other nation, including the 81,782 confirmed in China and the 80,589 reported in Italy.

Of the confirmed deaths, 385 have occurred in New York, 149 Washington state and 83 in Louisiana.

In terms of diagnosed cases, New York remains the hardest hit with at least 37,258 confirmed cases – more than five times any other state – followed by New Jersey with 6,876 and Washington with 3,207.

Six other states have now reported at least 2,000 novel coronavirus cases, including:

• California: 3,006, including 65 deaths

• Michigan: 2,856, including 60 deaths

• Illinois: 2,538, including 26 deaths

• Massachusetts: 2,417, including 25 deaths

• Florida: 2,353, including 28 deaths

• Louisiana: 2,305, including 83 deaths

Meanwhile, Georgia, Colorado, Texas, Pennsylvania and Connecticut each has confirmed at least 1,000 novel coronavirus infections.

The figures include 21 people aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship and 49 repatriated citizens. The repatriations include 46 sickened aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship and three others retrieved from the outbreak’s epicenter in Wuhan, China.

CNN's state-by-state breakdown – including presumptive cases – of at least 82,030 cases detected on U.S. soil is as follows:

• Alabama: 531, including 1 death

• Alaska: 59, including 1 death

• Arizona: 508, including 8 deaths

• Arkansas: 349, including 2 deaths

• California: 3,006, including 65 deaths

• Colorado: 1,430, including 24 deaths

• Connecticut: 1,012, including 21 deaths

• Delaware: 143, including 1 death

• District of Columbia: 267, including 3 deaths

• Florida: 2,353, including 28 deaths

• Georgia: 1,643, including 56 deaths

• Guam: 45, including 1 death

• Hawaii: 106

• Idaho: 189, including three deaths

• Illinois: 2,538, including 26 deaths

• Indiana: 645, including 17 deaths

• Iowa: 179, including 1 death

• Kansas: 168, including 3 deaths

• Kentucky: 248, including five deaths

• Louisiana: 2,305, including 83 deaths

• Maine: 155

• Maryland: 580, including 4 deaths

• Massachusetts: 2,417, including 25 deaths

• Michigan: 2,856, including 60 deaths

• Minnesota: 346, including 2 deaths

• Mississippi: 485, including 5 deaths

• Missouri: 502, including 8 deaths

• Montana: 90

• Nebraska: 73

• Nevada: 420, including 10 deaths

• New Hampshire: 137, including 1 death

• New Jersey: 6,876, including 81 deaths

• New Mexico: 136, including 1 death

• New York: 37,258, including 385 deaths

• North Carolina: 636, including 2 deaths

• North Dakota: 52

• Ohio: 867, including 15 deaths

• Oklahoma: 248, including 7 deaths

• Oregon: 316, including 11 deaths

• Pennsylvania: 1,687, including 16 deaths

• Puerto Rico: 64, including 2 deaths

• Rhode Island: 165

• South Carolina: 456, including 9 deaths

• South Dakota: 46, including 1 death

• Tennessee: 957, including 3 deaths

• Texas: 1,424, including 18 deaths

• U.S. Virgin Islands: 17

• Utah: 402, including 1 death

• Vermont: 158, including 9 deaths

• Virginia: 460, including 13 deaths

• Washington: 3,207, including 149 deaths

• West Virginia: 51

• Wisconsin: 707, including 8 deaths

• Wyoming: 55

The Associated Press contributed to this report.