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March 13 coronavirus news
By Jessie Yeung, Joshua Berlinger, Adam Renton, Meg Wagner, Mike Hayes and Veronica Rocha, CNN
Updated 9:49 p.m. ET, March 13, 2020
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Trump tweets support for coronavirus relief bill
From CNN's Matthew Hoye
President Trump tweeted his support Friday night for a coronavirus relief bill, which would give some Americans paid emergency leave and offer free testing for COVID-19.
The legislation is part of a deal between House Democrats and the White House. Trump said the bill will be voted on in the House Friday night.
Read Trump's tweets:
Brazilian president’s lawyer says she tested positive for coronavirus
From CNN’s Taylor Barnes in Atlanta
Attorney Karina Kufa, who reportedly traveled with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on his recent trip to the United States, tweeted Friday night that she tested positive for novel coronavirus.
“My coronavirus exam came back positive. I returned yesterday from Miami and I isolated myself immediately when I learned about the state of @Fabiowoficial’s health,” she wrote, referring to Bolsonaro’s press secretary, Fabio Wajngarten, who tested positive for the virus on Thursday. “I am following the protocols and feeling well. Now I only need a few days of rest to get back in the fight again!”
The Brazilian newspaper Estado de Sao Paulo, among other Brazilian media, reported that Kufa, who is Bolsonaro’s attorney and the treasurer of a political group launched by Bolsonaro, traveled with the Brazilian president on his recent trip to meet President Trump.
An Instagram account under Kufa’s name includes an image that appears to be the lawyer standing next to an artistic rendering of Bolsonaro in the studio of Miami artist Romero Britto. The Brazilian presidency published an article about Bolsonaro’s visit to Britto’s studio that includes the president standing next to the same rendering.
Earlier on Friday, Bolsonaro said that his own coronavirus test came back negative.
Washington Monument will temporarily close
From CNN's Diane Ruggiero
The Washington Monument will close temporarily, effective Saturday, suspending elevator tours, according to the National Park Service.
Visitors will still be able to visit grounds, as well as other monuments along the National Mall, according to a NPS statement.
IOC president says governing body will listen to WHO's recommendation about future of Tokyo Olympics
From CNN's Homero De La Fuente
If the World Health Organization says the Olympic Games should be canceled, they will be, the Olympics' governing body president said.
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said in an interview with CNN affiliate ARD on Thursday that the IOC will listen to the advice of the WHO, and if the WHO tells the IOC to cancel the 2020 Tokyo Games, the IOC will follow that recommendation.
"We listen to the advice of the WHO that is the expert group who is responsible for exactly these questions," he told ARD. "That is why we have been linked to the WHO in a task force since mid-February and have constant contact. ... We will follow the advice of the WHO."
Miami mayor says he's starting to feel the symptoms of coronavirus
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez learned Friday that he tested positive for coronavirus and he said he's already starting to feel the symptoms.
"You know it feels similar to the on set of a cold," he told CNN's Erin Burnett on Friday.
Suarez said he plans to share his experience in the hopes that "it calms people down because it's something I'm going through myself."
The mayor went on to say that he's not sure where he caught the virus, but noted that he was recently in close proximity of someone who tested positive for the virus.
In a statement that he released earlier, Suarez said, "If we did not shake hands or you did not come into contact with me if I coughed or sneezed, there is no action you need to take whatsoever. If we did, however, touch or shake hands, or if I sneezed or coughed near you since Monday, it is recommended that you self-isolate for 14 days, but you do not need to get tested."
ICE suspends social visitation at detention facilities because of coronavirus
From CNN's Priscilla Alvarez
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is suspending social visitation at detention facilities “as a precautionary measure,” the agency announced Friday in a statement.
There have not been any confirmed cases among detainees in custody, ICE said, adding that the agency is incorporating US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and instituting screening guidance for new arrivals.
Poland will close borders to foreigners due to coronavirus
From CNN’s Artur Osinski in London
Poland will not allow non-resident foreigners into the country for at least 10 days, starting Sunday midnight local time, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced Friday.
He said the measures were being implemented to tackle the spread of the novel coronavirus. Any Poles coming from abroad will be automatically put into quarantine for 14 days. Goods will be allowed to go through. All international flights and train services will be suspended.
Starting Saturday midnight local time, shopping malls will be partially shut, with only pharmacies, grocery stores, laundromats and chemical stores open. All dine-in restaurants, pubs, bars, casinos and nightclubs will be shut for at least 14 days. It will be possible to order takeaway or delivery food. All gatherings of more than 50 people will be banned.
At least 68 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Poland. Two deaths from coronavirus have also been reported there.
Trump declares Sunday a national day of prayer
From CNN's Jason Hoffman
President Trump tweeted that he is declaring Sunday will be a National Day of Prayer as many churches around the country are closed due to the spread of coronavirus.
Large gatherings have been discouraged as social distancing is being used in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus.
"No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL!" he wrote in a subsequent tweet.
Read Trump's tweet: