US coronavirus news: Trump says economy 'may be' heading for recession as White House issues new Covid-19 guidelines
Follow the latest updates
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump said the coronavirus outbreak could trigger a recession on Monday, as states across the country prepared to enter into lockdown with shops and venues closing nationwide.
The president said the US "may" see a recession as a result of the outbreak, but added that "the market will take care of itself" during a press conference at the White House.
The Dow Jones plummeted 3,000 points on Monday, reflecting the market's worst one-day point drop in history. Monday's drop came just one day after the Federal Reserve slashed interest rates to near-zero, a dramatic move that appeared to do little to restore confidence in the market, while cities and states across the US announced sweeping closures to avoid spreading the virus.
Meanwhile, San Francisco's mayor ordered the city's residents to "shelter at home" for three weeks in one of the most stringent responses yet to the coronavirus by a major US city.
The death toll rose to at least 69 and the number of cases in the US rose to more than 3,500, with experts suggesting those numbers are actually far higher due to the lack of nationwide testing.
The White House has meanwhile been forced to deny rumours of a national quarantine and nightly curfews, as reports indicated the US Health and Human Services Department suffered an attempted cyber attack amid its response to the pandemic.
Please allow a moment for our liveblog to load
San Francisco orders resident to stay home for three weeks
Residents of San Francisco have been ordered to "shelter at home" for three weeks in one of the most stringent responses yet to the coronavirus by a major US city.
The public health order prohibits residents from leaving their homes except to visit doctors and buy groceries and medicine until 7 April, Mayor London Breed announced on Monday.
"This is going to be a defining moment for our city ... We all have a responsibility to do our part to protect our neighbors and slow the spread of this virus by staying at home unless it is absolutely essential to go outside," she said.
More to follow...
Donald Trump says coronavirus outbreak could last for months, and may cause recession
The Independent's John T. Bennett wraps up Donald Trump's press conference earlier, during which the president spoke candidly about the impact of the coronavirus on the US economy.
After years of linking his reelection chances to the success of American stock indexes, Mr Trump indicated he intends to take a hands-off role in reversing the recent slide.
"The market will take care of itself," he said. "The best thing I can do for the stock market is we can get through this crisis."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments