Coronavirus News Roundup: Thursday, March 12th

It’s official: The World Health Organization says COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, is a pandemic. Government and industry leaders are moving to cancel events and stem the flow of the disease, even though some experts say it is too late. President Donald Trump announced a travel ban from European countries last night. The NBA has suspended its season and the NCAA will play tournament games — including some scheduled for Indianapolis — without fans.

Here’s the latest from the region: 

Illinois: 

• There are 25 cases of the virus in Illinois, the most in the Midwest. 
• The General Assembly is cancelling next week’s session. 
• Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been cancelled. 

Indiana:  

• The NCAA has prohibited fan attendance at the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight tournament games at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. 
• The Big Ten says that fans can’t attend men’s basketball conference tournament games in Indianapolis. 
• Ball State University joined other major Indiana universities in suspending classes. 

Iowa: 

• There are 13 cases of COVID-19 identified statewide. 
• Three public universities in Iowa decided to move classes online. 
• Des Moines area hospitals are limiting visitors. 

Kentucky: 

• Eight people have tested positive for COVID-19. 
• The governor is asking major institutions such as schools, houses of worship and prisons to cancel events. 

Missouri: 

• The University of Missouri is suspending classes through March 15. 

Ohio: 

• The governor announced a plan to limit mass gatherings. 
• There are four cases of the virus across the state. 

Check back to Side Effects for frequent round-ups of coronavirus news from the Midwest. We also want to help you sort fact from fiction when it comes to virus. Email health@wfyi.org or text “health” to 73224 with your questions, and we will search for the answers.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.

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