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COVID – VOA Town Hall – Social Distancing

((INTRO)) With more than 240,000 infections and more than 10,000 deaths, the coronavirus epidemic is pushing people to modify their day to day lives. VOA correspondent Mariama Diallo reports on social distancing, one of the themes global health experts stressed at a VOA town hall.

Lack of Widespread Testing a ‘Set Back’ in Coronavirus Pandemic

As governments around the world - including the United States - scramble to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, experts speaking at a VOA Townhall warn that the lack of widespread testing further contributes to the rising number of cases. VOA’s Jesusemen Oni has more.

The other Health Crisis, Contaminated water

COVID-19, or coronavirus, is not the only health threat in the world. The World Health Organization says contaminated water causes half a million deaths each year from diarrhea. Many more die from illnesses linked to poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene or dirty water. A California charity is addressing the problem in one of Africa’s poorest countries, Malawi, as Mike O’Sullivan reports. NOTE: March 22nd is observed by the UN as World Water Day))

US and China Ramps Up Coronavirus Blame Game

The U.S. and China have been blaming each other for the spread of the coronavirus, further straining a relationship already stressed by a trade war. President Donald Trump continues to call it the Chinese virus, and suggested he was doing so in part to counter Beijing’s propaganda. The tension may spell trouble ahead, as the two countries struggle to control the pandemic. White House correspondent Patsy Widakuswara has this story.

California, New York lockdown to prevent the coronavirus

Two of the most populous states in America are now shutting down all non-essential activities. Those announcements happened as the Trump administration works to overcome a slow response to the public health crisis and lawmakers race to reach a deal that will prop up the struggling US economy. VOA’s Congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson has the latest.

U.S. Farmers Weather Global Economic Storm of COVID 19

U.S. farmers face a growing season amid a global economic downturn as a result of the COVID 19 virus. As VOA's Kane Farabaugh reports, record low grain stocks in China, historically one of the largest importers of U.S. crops isn't translating into increased purchases despite agreements reached in recent trade negotiations.

Chinese Students Stuck During Coronavirus Pandemic

As the coronavirus pandemic grows worse, Chinese international students in the US are facing a dilemma - as more and more schools close, more and more Chinese students are finding themselves with nowhere to go. If they return to China, the travel ban will stop them from returning to the U.S. VOA's Calla Yu has the story.

US Halfway Through 15-Day Plan to "Flatten Curve" of Cornavirus Outbreak

How dangerous is COVID-19 - WEB

80% of cases are mild Young and healthy people are at low risk Elderly and people with serious health conditions are at risk of fatality If you have cough, fever and shortness of breath contact a doctor and stay away from other people For more information, visit the following web sites. The World Health Organization www.who.int The Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov

VOA's Virtual Townhall on Coronavirus

In many countries lacking press freedom, it is difficult to get information about the coronavirus. Even in countries with an abundance of information, some of it is neither fact nor science-based. To shed some light and educate our audiences, Voice of America is producing a one-hour, live-to-tape virtual town hall featuring leading experts to discuss the latest on COVID-19.

#SpringBreak2020 is Shut Down

The novel coronavirus outbreak has hit the United States on the tail end of a time-honored March tradition -- spring break. Some students stuck to their plans of visiting the beach, only to find their parties shut down. From Reuters, Esha Sarai has more.