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Congress reached final approval Friday on a $2.2 trillion-coronavirus stimulus package that authorizes $1,200 checks for all adults who earn up to $75,000.
President Trump signed the bill Friday afternoon, a day after the United States recorded more coronavirus cases than any other country in the world.
After a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said Friday the US would be working with China to share insights on the virus to better fight the pandemic.
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Here’s what else we learned today:
Finding patient zero
- A shrimp peddler at the Wuhan market where the coronavirus pandemic likely began has been identified as one of the first victims of the disease — and possibly “patient zero.”
Ventilator venting
- After first doubting the need for more ventilators, Trump on Friday lashed out at General Motors for not doing its part to manufacture the crucial piece of medical equipment.
More workers fired
- The waves of layoffs continued across the country as coronavirus cases continue to soar and businesses close. The Cheesecake Factory has sidelined nearly all of its restaurant workers — sending 40,000 home without pay.
- Tesla is slashing the number of workers at its Nevada Gigafactory by about 75 percent.
- GM announced it would be is temporarily cutting pay for thousands of salaried workers to save cash.
Stocks tank
- US stocks plunged again, spoiling a historic three-day rally as the rampant spread of the coronavirus rattled Wall Street.
Tragic deaths
- A “perfectly healthy” father of six from Texas died Thursday from the coronavirus — two days after he received his positive diagnosis.
- And over in New Orleans, a 17-year-old high school football player who dreamed of turning pro died from the virus.
Crisis in New York
- Calls to New York City’s emergency dispatch centers have hit levels not seen since the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
- But it’s only going to get worse in the country’s epicenter for the outbreak. Gov. Andrew Cuomo called on New Yorkers to “kick coronavirus’ ass” as the state braces for the anticipated “apex” of the crisis in three weeks.
- Mayor Bill de Blasio warned New Yorkers may soon face fines for violating social distancing rules meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
EMTs lift a patient into an ambulance in New York on Tuesday.REUTERS/Stefan JeremiahCovidiots
- An Amazon deliveryman was caught apparently spitting on a package on a customer’s front porch and using his hand to smear his saliva.
- New Jersey cops broke up the third wedding in less than two weeks in violation of the state’s ban on large gatherings.
Meanwhile
- Drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback during the pandemic.
- Walmart reports a surprising increase in sales of tops, not pants, as Americans work from home.
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