Coronavirus: Senate approves $2 trillion Coronavirus rescue package

Live updates for Wednesday, March 25, continue below:

Senate approves $2 trillion Coronavirus rescue package

Update 11:30 p.m. EDT March 25: After days of negotiations between the White House and Democrats, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday night to approve an unprecedented $2 trillion economic stimulus plan to respond to the negative effects of the Coronavirus, mixing direct aid to Americans will billions of dollars in emergency help for small and large businesses.

“Our nation is obviously going through a kind of crisis that is totally unprecedented in living memory,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, just before the final vote.

US deaths top 1,000

Update 11:15 p.m. EDT March 25: A Johns Hopkins University tally showed Wednesday evening that the U.S. death toll from coronavirus has surpasses 1,000.

New York authorities mobilized to head off a potential public health disaster in the city Wednesday, with its emergence as the nation's biggest coronavirus hot spot a warning flare — and perhaps a cautionary tale — for the rest of the country as U.S. deaths from the pandemic topped 1,000.

A makeshift morgue was set up outside Bellevue Hospital, and the city’s police, their ranks dwindling as more fall ill, were told to patrol nearly empty streets to enforce social distancing.

Coronavirus live updates: Mormon church suspends temple activities worldwide

Update 11:10 p.m. EDT March 25: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is suspending all temple activity due to concerns over the coronavirus.

The Utah-based faith said Wednesday that the temporary suspension would start at the end of the day.

Alabama Governor confirms state’s first virus-related death

Update 10:20 p.m. EDT March 25: Alabama on Wednesday reported its first coronavirus death as the total number of confirmed cases in the state reached nearly 400, officials said.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed the Jackson County resident died from the COVID-19 disease. The governor said she extends, “my prayers and deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones during these extraordinary circumstances.”

The patient had underlying health problems and passed away in a facility outside the state of Alabama, the Health Department said. The Jackson County Commission said the person was a part-time employee at the county courthouse, and they are having the area cleaned before employees return to work.

The death came as the number of confirmed cases in the state through limited testing jumped by more than 100 to 386 on Wednesday, with a third of those in Jefferson County, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Hospitals and public health officials in the state continue to issue calls for people to take the virus seriously.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little issues statewide stay-at-home order

Update 9:15 p.m. EDT March 25: Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued a statewide stay-at-home order as the coronavirus continues to spread.

Little announced the order will remain in effect for 21 days.

Idaho has more than 123 confirmed cases of COVID-19 spread throughout the state.

The stay-at-home order requires Idaho’s 1.75 million residents to self-isolate at home unless they are healthcare workers, public safety employees or other “essential workers” such as grocery store employees.

Colorado governor issues statewide stay-at-home-order

Update 8:20 p.m. EDT March 25: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he is issuing a statewide stay-at-home order in an attempt to stem the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

Polis said he is taking this “extreme measure,” effective Thursday until April 11, because the restrictions taken to date haven’t been enough to reduce the spread of the virus.

“If we don’t take these actions that we are taking today, and frankly, if you don’t stay home, this will create a much worse economic disaster with greater disruption, greater loss of jobs for a longer period of time,” he said at a news conference.

People should only leave home when they absolutely must, he said, for grocery shopping, to seek medical care or to care for dependents, for example.

Polis said state officials have measured the effect of social distancing restrictions by tracking people’s cellphone location data, real-time traffic information and other such metadata sources.

New York mobilizes against onslaught

Update 6:30 p.m. EDT March 25: Just days after New York leaders ordered people to stay home, authorities mobilized to head off a potential public health disaster Wednesday, with the city's emergence as the nation's biggest coronavirus hot spot a warning flare — and perhaps a cautionary tale — for the rest of the country.

A makeshift morgue was set up outside Bellevue Hospital, and the city’s police, their ranks dwindling as more fall ill, were told to patrol nearly empty streets to enforce social distancing.

Public health officials hunted down beds and medical equipment and put out a call for more doctors and nurses for fear the number of sick will explode in a matter of weeks, overwhelming hospitals the way the virus did in Italy and Spain. New York University offered to let its medical students graduate early so that they could join the battle.

More than 1 million Californians file for unemployment

Update 4:45 p.m. EDT March 25: California Gov. Gavin Newsom said that more than 1 million Californians have filed for unemployment benefits since March 13.

The news comes after Congress reached a deal with the Trump administration on a stimulus package that will increase unemployment benefits by an $600 per week on top of what the state provides.

Rep. Seth Moulton self-isolates after experiencing coronavirus symptoms

Update 3:45 p.m. EDT March 25: U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton says he has decided to self-quarantine after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Moulton, a 41-year-old Democrat and former presidential hopeful from Massachusetts, said in a statement Wednesday that he began feeling unwell Thursday, with a low-grade fever and a tightness in his chest he'd never felt before. Moulton said he also had a sore throat, though no serious cough, along with body aches and unusual fatigue. His wife had similar symptoms, he said.

Well before experiencing the symptoms, Moulton said, he instructed staff members in his offices in Salem and Washington to work from home, except for two essential workers. The House’s attending physician told him that because the symptoms are minor and a test would not change his treatment, he and his wife don’t qualify for tests, he said.

Moulton said that he has been steadily improving and that unless his symptoms worsen, he can end his self-quarantine Saturday.

Apple to donate 10M masks to medical workers in the US

Update 3:40 p.m. EDT March 25: Apple CEO Tim Cook on Wednesday announced that the technology company plans to donate 10 million masks to help medical workers in the U.S. amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Apple has sourced, procured and is donating 10 million masks to the medical community in the United States," Cook said in a video statement posted on Twitter. "These people deserve our debt of gratitude for all of the work that they're doing on the front lines."

In a tweet, Cook said millions more masks would be donated to "the hardest hit regions in Europe."

All residents of New Jersey nursing home presumed to have COVID-19

Update 3:30 p.m. EDT March 25: All 94 residents of a New Jersey nursing home are presumed to have contracted COVID-19, according to multiple reports.

As of Wednesday, 24 residents of St. Joseph's Senior Home in Woodbridge, New Jersey, had tested positive for COVID-19, WNBC reported. The other 70 residents were presumed to have also gotten the viral infection, the news station reported.

Health officials told WABC-TV that about a dozen of the home's employees were home sick Wednesday with "influenza-like illnesses." WNBC reported Wednesday that the illnesses left just three nuns caring for the facility's residents.

"This may result unfortunately and ultimately with the closure of that facility, a facility that has cared for the most vulnerable population in Woodbridge and the surrounding area for decades," New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli told WABC-TV.

Residents of St. Joseph's Senior Home were being moved Wednesday to a CareOne home about 30 miles north in Whippany, WNBC reported.

World-renowned restaurateur, ‘Top Chef’ winner dies of coronavirus

Update 3:15 p.m. EDT March 25: A "Top Chef Masters" winner and beloved restaurateur, Floyd Cardoz, has died of complications from the coronavirus. He was 59.

A statement released by his company says Cardoz died Wednesday. He was admitted a week ago to Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, New Jersey, with a fever and subsequently tested positive for the virus.

The chef won season three of Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” in 2011. He was a partner in three restaurants in his native Mumbai. In addition, he and famed restaurateur Danny Meyer operated the popular Manhattan eatery Tabla in the early 2000s. It closed in 2010.

US coronavirus cases top 61,000

Update 3 p.m. EDT March 25: More than 61,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the United States as of Wednesday afternoon, according to numbers compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York, the state with the highest concentration of novel coronavirus cases, announced that 30,811 cases of COVID-19 had been reported in the state by Wednesday morning. The state hit the second-hardest by the virus, New Jersey, reported 4,402 COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday afternoon. California has reported 2,644 cases of the coronavirus while Washington state has recorded 2,469 cases.

Officials with the World Health Organization warned Tuesday that America might become the next epicenter of the global pandemic after China and Italy.

Tony Awards postponed, no new date set

Update 2:45 p.m. EDT March 25: Organizers announced Wednesday that the 74th Annual Tony Awards has been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Officials said the show, which was set to air live from New York City on June 7, will be rescheduled, though they gave no new date.

“The health and safety of the Broadway community, artists and fans is of the utmost importance to us,” organizers said in a statement. “We are looking forward to celebrating Broadway and our industry when it is safe to do so."

Italy poised to overtake China as country with most COVID-19 cases

Update 2:20 p.m. EDT March 25: Health officials in Italy recorded 683 new COVID-19 deaths Wednesday, bringing the country's death toll from the 2019 novel coronavirus to 7,503. The deaths are the most associated with COVID-19 in the world.

Italian officials said 74,386 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country, putting it in position to overtake China as the country with the most number novel coronavirus cases. According to numbers released Tuesday by the World Health Organization, 81,747 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in China.

Globally, more than 451,000 coronavirus cases had been reported by Wednesday afternoon, according to numbers compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Massimo Galli of Milan’s Sacco Hospital said that the infections being verified in these days result from before many of the containment measures went into effect March 11. He told SKY TG24 that in his estimation the restrictions won’t be lifted any time soon.

“This is hard, but the numbers and facts say it,” Galli said.

His team at the Sacco Hospital has determined that the virus has been circulating in Italy since Jan. 25-26, and that it took almost a month for it to become recognized, around Feb. 20-21. That puts Italy as of March 3 at the same place Wuhan, China was on Jan. 25, he said, noting that China is only coming out of tight restrictions now, two months later.

Senators say they’ve found ‘life-threatening drafting error’ in COVID-19 stimulus bill

Update 1:55 p.m. EDT March 25: A trio of U.S. senators said Wednesday that they've found a "a massive drafting error ... (that) could have devastating consequences."

In a joint statement, Sens. Tim Scott, R-SC, Ben Sasse, R-Neb., and Lindsey Graham, R-SC, said that, as written, the bill provides “a strong incentive for employees to be laid off instead of going to work.”

“If the federal government accidentally incentivizes layoffs, we risk life-threatening shortages in sectors where doctors, nurses and pharmacists are trying to care for the sick and where growers, and grocers, truckers and cooks are trying to get food to families’ tables,” the statement said.

“We must sadly oppose the fast-tracking of this bill unless this text is addressed or the Department of Labor issues regulatory guidance that no American would earn more by not working than by working.”

Spain’s deputy prime minister diagnosed with COVID-19

Update 1:40 p.m. EDT March 25: Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo, who is 62, has contracted the coronavirus and remains hospitalized to be treated for her respiratory infection.

A statement from the prime minister's office said Wednesday that Calvo's latest diagnosis had turned positive after previous tests during the past two days were deemed inconclusive by doctors.

At least two other members of the Spanish Cabinet are also recovering from the COVID-19 that is caused by the new virus, as well as the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

British ambassador, 37, dies after contracting coronavirus

Update 1:30 p.m. EDT March 25: Steven Dick, Britain's deputy ambassador to Hungary, died Tuesday after being diagnosed with COVID-19, according to The Guardian. He was 37.

In a statement released by the United Kingdom's Foreign & Commonwealth Office and obtained by the newspaper, Dick's parents, Steven and Carol Dick, described their son as "much-loved," "kind, funny and generous."

“It was always his dream to work for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and he was very happy to be representing our country overseas.”

Dick died in a hospital in Budapest, The Guardian reported.

Canada requiring travelers to self-isolate

Update 1:15 p.m. EDT March 25: Officials in Canada on Wednesday mandated that all travelers self-isolate for 14 days upon entering the country to stymie the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Canadian Health Minister Patty Hajdu announced the decision in a Twitter post. Previously, travelers were asked to voluntarily self-isolate.

James Taylor and wife Kim donate $1M to Massachusetts hospital

Update 1:05 p.m. EDT March 25: Officials in Massachusetts said Wednesday that musician James Taylor and his wife, Kim, have donated $1 million to Massachusetts General Hospital to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, WFXT reported.

According to hospital officials, James Taylor was born at Massachusetts General. The hospital also served as the setting for his physician father's medical residency. For five years, Kim Taylor served on the board of the hospital's pediatric unit, WFXT reported.

What’s in the proposed $2T stimulus bill?

Update 1 p.m. EDT March 25: The U.S. Senate is expected to vote Wednesday afternoon on a $2 trillion stimulus package aimed at getting money to businesses and individuals as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the country.

Early Wednesday morning, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, announced that Republicans, Democrats and the White House had agreed on a $2 trillion plan that will fund unemployment insurance programs, help state and local governments, bolster hospitals and health care facilities, make loans to businesses and send many Americans checks for $1,200.

Russia reports its first COVID-19 deaths

Update 12:55 p.m. EDT March 25: Officials in Russia have reported the country's first deaths from the novel coronavirus infection, two elderly patients who also had underlying conditions.

The commission directing Russia's response to the virus said Wednesday the patients died of pneumonia and were 88 and 73 years old.

Russia has reported 658 cases of infection nationwide. Last week an infected patient died, but doctors said that was due to a blood clot rather than the virus itself.

First fatal coronavirus cases reported in NC

Update 12:40 p.m. EDT March 25: Officials in North Carolina on Wednesday announced the first fatal COVID-19 cases in the state, WSOC-TV reported.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced a Cabarrus County resident in his or her late 70s who had several underlying medical conditions as one of the patients. The other was identified as a Virginia resident in his or her 60s who had been traveling through North Carolina.

40 COVID-19 deaths reported in Georgia

Update 12:30 p.m. EDT March 25: Officials in Georgia said the state's novel coronavirus death toll has risen by eight, giving the state a total of 40 deadly COVID-19 cases thus far, according to WSB-TV.

As of noon local time Wednesday, 1,247 novel coronavirus cases have been reported in the state, including 394 which required hospitalization.

Attorneys general urge Trump to use Defense Production Act

Update 12:15 p.m. EDT March 25: Attorney General Josh Kaul of Wisconsin is leading a coalition of 16 attorneys general in urging President Donald Trump to use the Defense Production Act to boost production of masks and respirators in the fight against COVID-19.

Kaul says healthcare workers, law enforcement and other first responders “need resources now.” The Democratic attorney general says Trump must act now and use his broad power to address shortages in critical supplies.

Trump has balked at using his authority under the recently invoked Defense Protection Act to compel the private sector to manufacture masks and ventilators, even as he encourages them to spur production.

First coronavirus death reported in New Mexico

Update 12:10 p.m. EDT March 25: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico announced Wednesday the state's first known death related to COVID-19.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends who are grieving this sudden loss,” she said in a post on Twitter.

“The terrible reality is that this will not be the last time I deliver this sad news. Please take care to protect yourself and your community. Together, we will come out the other side.”

30,811 coronavirus cases reported in New York

Update 12 p.m. EDT March 25: Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York said officials identified 5,146 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, bringing the state's total to 30,811 cases.

Cuomo said 12% of the patients who have been identified in New York remained hospitalized Wednesday while 3% were in intensive care units.

The latest numbers make New York one of the areas worst-hit by the 2019 novel coronavirus. The state has the highest number of cases in the U.S. by far, enough to place it above all but four countries in total virus case numbers.

"We have 10 times the problem that the next state has, which is New Jersey," Cuomo said Wednesday. Health officials in New Jersey have recorded 3,675 coronavirus cases. In California, 2,644 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 2,404 cases have been reported in Washington state.

“This is a really dramatic differential,” Cuomo said. “It really is breathtaking when you think about it.”

Cuomo said the high case numbers were likely caused by the popularity of New York as a travel destination and the density of the city.

“I have no doubt that the virus was here much earlier than we even know,” he said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo daily news conference

Update 11:30 a.m. EDT March 25: Gov. Andrew Cuomo is speaking during his daily news conference and has given the latest numbers on the outbreak.

As of Wednesday morning, Cuomo said the trajectory is still going up and the state has not reached the apex yet. He expects to hit it in New York in about 21 days when most people will need to be admitted to hospitals.
Of all cases, 80% are self-resolved, with 15% of those who test positive needing hospitalizations.

The good news is, the rate of hospitalizations has slowed. It was projected to double every two days as of Sunday. Monday the number was adjusted to 3.4 days. On Tuesday, it was again adjusted to 4.7 days.
Hospitals have been ordered to increase capacity by at least 50% with the goal being 100%, which could make 85,000 beds available overall. Currently, there are about 53,000 beds but need potentially 140,000 beds.

As for staffing, the state has reached out to medical personnel who are no longer working in the field for a variety of reasons like retirement. So far, 40,000 people have responded.

The state has also set up a hotline with 6,175 mental health professionals signed up to help.

Cuomo has spoken to New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio and they are working on a pilot program to close some New York City streets because there is less traffic and open them to pedestrians to help spread out social density. In addition, while there is no official law forcing people to limit social density, Cuomo and DeBlasio are encouraging playground rules to limit people gathering. They also are suggesting no close contact sports, like basketball, for the time being. But if people don’t start doing it voluntarily, they will make it mandatory.

House expected to vote Thursday on stimulus plan

Update 10:55 a.m. EDT March 25: The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote Thursday on a proposed plan to inject roughly $2 trillion into the American economy amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Cox Media Group’s Jamie Dupree reported Wednesday that the House briefly convened but representatives left before voting on the stimulus package.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday that the House had yet to see the language of the bill.

MLS extends training moratorium to April

Update 10:45 a.m. EDT March 25: Officials with Major League Soccer said Tuesday a previously moratorium on team training had been extended through April 3 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Officials said MLS players were expected to stay in their clubs’ respective market to wait out the virus. The league has targeted May 10 as a potential return date.

NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns says his mom has COVID-19 symptoms

Update 10:10 a.m. EDT March 25: NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns shared Tuesday on social media that his mother has been hospitalized with issues that he believes to have been caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Towns, who plays center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, urged people to take the virus seriously in an emotional video posted on Instagram.

“I think it’s important that everyone understands the severity of what’s happening in the world right now with the coronavirus, and I think where my life is right now could help, so I decided to do this video and give you an update of where I’m at,” Towns said.

Loved ones making their final goodbyes to COVID-19 patients via videolink in the UK

Update 10:05 a.m. EDT March 25: Britons with loved ones dying of COVID-19 are having to say goodbye via videolink due to the ongoing pandemic, The Guardian reported Wednesday.

The newspaper spoke with a matron who recalled a family saying goodbye Tuesday morning to a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 via videolink. The Guardian reported the woman, who was married to the patient, was given the option to be at her husband's side but that she declined, because their children weren't allowed to attend.

Instead, the family watched from home via videolink, The Guardian reported.

"It is heartbreaking that he died without his family being able to hold his hands or giving him a goodbye kiss but at least they saw him in his final moments," the matron told The Guardian.

“If it’s something we (National Health Service staff) can do for people in this difficult crisis, it’s the least we can do. Not everybody can see or handle these things but giving that option to everybody is something we can do to perhaps make the pain go away. We know there are many more to come.”

First COVID-19 case reported in Libya

Update 9:40 a.m. EDT March 25: Health officials in Libya on Wednesday announced the country's first case of the 2019 novel coronavirus, The Guardian reported.

The patient was identified as a 73-year-old man who arrived March 5 in Libya from Tunisia, according to Time magazine. Officials said he recently traveled to Saudi Arabia, Time reported.

The appearance of the first case in Libya stoked fears that an outbreak could overwhelm an already strained health care system. Libya is divided between rival governments and embroiled in a long-running civil war.

As the coronavirus sweeps across the Middle East, Libya had been bracing for the virus to arrive, despite dire shortages in medical supplies and protective gear. Public health officials have been warning that the coronavirus could be devastating in countries such as Syria, Yemen and Libya, where years of conflict have gutted health care systems and ravaged key infrastructure.

Mitt Romney tests negative for COVID-19

Update 9:25 a.m. EDT March 25: Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, on Tuesday announced that after self-quarantining himself due to possible exposure to COVID-19, he has tested negative for the viral infection.

“Thankfully I’ve tested negative for COVID-19,” the former presidential candidate wrote Tuesday in a tweet.

He said that, following his doctor’s orders, he will remain in quarantine as a precaution.

Romney announced his decision to self-isolate Sunday after Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said he had tested positive for COVID-19. Romney showed no symptoms of the viral infection.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, also went into self-quarantine following Rand’s diagnosis.

Death toll in Spain surpasses China

Update 9 a.m. EDT March 25: Spain has now the world's second highest tally of coronavirus deaths after a 738 spike was recorded Wednesday, the highest so far in one day. With 3,434, Spain surpassed China's 3,285 and has more than half of Italy's 6,820.

Infections also rose on Wednesday by 20% from a day earlier to 47,610, Spain’s Ministry of Health announced. More than 5,000 people have recovered, the ministry said.

The outbreak has hit Spain and put a tragic strain on its healthcare system, especially in the central region around Madrid, with one third of the positive cases and roughly half of the casualties.

4 new coronavirus cases reported in Kuwait, bringing total to 195

Update 8:55 a.m. EDT March 25: Health officials in Kuwait reported four new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the country's total number of cases to 195.

The numbers include 43 cases in which patients recovered and six patients who were last listed in intensive care units, according to officials. Two of the new cases were determined to be related to travel to Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom while the other two remained under investigation Wednesday.

Mirka and Roger Federer donate $1.02 million to struggling families

Update 8:50 a.m. EDT March 25: Roger Federer and his wife, fellow tennis star Miroslava "Mirka" Federer, announced Wednesday that they are donating 1 million Swiss Francs (about $1.02 million) to support the most vulnerable families in their home country of Switzerland.

“Our contribution is just a start,” Roger Federer said in an Instagram post Wednesday. "We hope that others might join in supporting more families in need. Together we can overcome this crisis! Stay healthy!

Queen Elizabeth II ‘remains in good health,’ Buckingham Palace says

Update 7:31 a.m. EDT March 25: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II "remains in good health," Buckingham Palace said Wednesday after Clarence House revealed that her son, Prince Charles, tested positive for coronavirus.

According to CNN, the queen, who is 93, last had contact with Charles on March 12 following "an investiture ceremony for public awards at Buckingham Palace." That day, he also had a public engagement in London supporting Australian brush fire relief.

Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus

Update 6:37 a.m. EDT March 25: Britain's Prince Charles, 71, has tested positive for coronavirus, Clarence House told ITV on Wednesday.

“He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual,” Clarence House said in a statement.

Charles' wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, tested negative for the virus, ITV reported.

"In accordance with Government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland," the statement continued.

Mnuchin: Trump will ‘absolutely’ sign $2T stimulus bill if it passes

Update 4:38 a.m. EDT March 25: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters that the bipartisan, $2 trillion stimulus deal that White House and Senate leaders reached early Wednesday is "terrific."

"I've spoken to the president many times today, and he's very pleased with this legislation and the impact that this is going to have," Mnuchin said, according to The New York Times.

If the legislation passes the Senate and House, Trump will “absolutely” sign it, Mnuchin said, adding that he hopes House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will take up the bill “as-is.”

The Senate plans to reconvene at noon and vote Wednesday afternoon, the Times reported.

Eddie Bauer to make masks, donate them to health care facilities

Update 3:34 a.m. EDT March 25: In response to the high demand and shortage of protective equipment during COVID-19 pandemic, Seattle-based Eddie Bauer said it will be shifting some of its production line to help make masks for hospitals.

The outdoor brand announced Tuesday it will make N95 and surgical masks.

"With our production capabilities and supply-chain resources, Eddie Bauer is working with our vendors to shift apparel production to make the masks our healthcare workers so urgently need," said Damien Huang, Eddie Bauer President. "Our neighbors here in Washington state and the greater Seattle area have been seriously impacted by COVID-19. We've been a part of this community for 100 years, and we take our responsibility to our community seriously. While as a retailer we have been hit hard by the circumstances, we will do what we can to support health care workers and facilities in our own backyard."

The company plans to donate 20,000 masks and will start as early as next week.

Eddie Bauer will donate the masks through the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, which will ensure they are distributed to the counties and facilities with the greatest need.

McConnell, Schumer announce $2T stimulus deal on Senate floor

Update 2:48 a.m. EDT March 25: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) took to the Senate floor early Wednesday to announce that a deal has been reached on a $2 trillion economic stimulus plan.

"At last, we have a deal," McConnell said. "After days of intense discussions, the Senate has reached a bipartisan agreement on a historic relief package for this pandemic. It will rush new resources onto the front lines of our nation's health care fight, and it will inject trillions of dollars of cash into the economy as fast as possible to help American workers, families, small businesses and industries make it through this disruption and emerge on the other side ready to soar."

Schumer added: "After five days of arduous negotiations, after sleep-deprived nights and marathon negotiating sessions, we have a bipartisan agreement on the largest rescue package in American history."

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Senate is expected to vote on the bill as soon as "midday Wednesday."

"We're going to pass this legislation later today," McConnell tweeted shortly before 2 a.m.

Lawmakers have not yet released the bill's full text; however, CNN reported that people who earn $75,000 or less annually are expected to receive $1,200 each, while married couples who file taxes jointly and make $150,000 or less will receive $2,400. An additional $500 will be paid out for each child, according to the news outlet. The payment amounts would be less for those with higher incomes, "phasing out entirely" for individuals making $99,000 or more and couples making at least $198,000, CNN reported.

The plan also includes a $367 billion small business loan program; $500 billion "for industries, cities and states"; $150 billion "for state and local stimulus funds"; $130 billion to help hospitals; and an expansion of unemployment insurance, according to the Washington Post.

White House, Senate leaders reach deal on $2T stimulus proposal

Update 1:26 a.m. EDT March 25: Senate leaders and the White House reached a deal on a $2 trillion stimulus plan overnight, CNN and the Washington Post are reporting.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are done. We have a deal,” Eric Ueland, legislative affairs director for the White House, said about 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell likely will announce the deal on the Senate floor soon, the news outlets reported.

According to the Post, "many Americans" would get $1,200 checks under the legislation.

Ueland said he hoped to be able to circulate the bill's text later Wednesday morning, CNN reported.

More than 55,000 cases reported in the US

Update 12:41 a.m. EDT March 25: The number of novel coronavirus cases reported in the United States rose past 55,000 early Wednesday, according to numbers compiled by John Hopkins University.

The university reported 55,148 COVID-19 cases in the U.S. as of 12:41 a.m. EDT. In at least 35 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, 796 deaths have been reported thus far.

Eleven states have reported more than 1,000 coronavirus cases each: New York, 26,376; New Jersey, 3,675; California, 2,590; Washington, 2,472; Michigan, 1,793; Illinois, 1,537; Florida, 1,467; Louisiana, 1,388; Massachusetts, 1,159; Georgia, 1,097; and Texas, 1,001.

Worldwide, 422,915 confirmed cases and 18,915 deaths have been reported, according to the university.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.