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March 15 coronavirus news
By Jessie Yeung, Jenni Marsh, Ivana Kottasová and Amir Vera, CNN
Updated 10:22 PM ET, Sun March 15, 2020
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More coronavirus cases outside of mainland China than inside the country where pandemic began
From CNN's Michael Nedelman and Arman Azad
There have now been more cases of the novel coronavirus outside of mainland China than inside, according to numbers from the World Health Organization and from public health agencies tracked by CNN.
While China, the early epicenter of the outbreak, has still had more confirmed cases than any other country – more than 80,000 – a number of other countries have surged in recent days, including Italy with more than 24,000 cases, Iran with almost 14,000 and Spain with more than 7,000.
On February 26, the World Health Organization reported for the first time that the majority of new cases per day had come from outside of China. This trend has continued as newly confirmed cases in China have dwindled in recent days, while other countries have discovered thousands of new infections – including the United States, which has now reported more than 3,000 cases.
Sen. Lindsey Graham tests negative for coronavirus
From CNN’s Nicky Robertson
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said in a tweet that he has tested negative for coronavirus.
Graham has been under self-quarantine after potentially coming into contact with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s spokesman, Fabio Wajngarten, who did test positive for the virus.
It’s unclear how Graham was able to be tested as testing shortages abound across the country and the CDC only recommends those who are exhibiting symptoms to be tested.
GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida also received a test for the virus, without showing any symptoms, after he came into contact with someone who did test positive after attending the Conservative Political Action Conference and later interacted with President Donald Trump.
Las Vegas resorts begin to shut down operations
From CNN's Shawn Nottingham
The Las Vegas strip is feeling the effects of coronavirus as a number of resorts and casinos close in an effort to create social distancing.
Wynn Resorts has announced it will close its Wynn Las Vegas and Encore properties beginning on Tuesday and continuing for two weeks.
MGM Resorts will close its properties, announcing casino operations will close on Monday and properties will close on Tuesday.
Caesars Entertainment announced on their verified Twitter that all live ticketed performance would be suspended beginning Sunday night.
Travelers share their coronavirus complications:
Panama will limit entry into the country to residents and citizens, president says
From CNN’s Patrick Oppmann and Jackie Castillo
Only citizens and residents of Panama will be able to enter the country starting Sunday, Panamanian President Nito Cortizo announced in a tweet.
Panamanian travelers and residents allowed entry will have to complete a 14-day period of home quarantine to combat the spread of coronavirus nationwide, he said.
Bahamas confirms first case of coronavirus
From CNN's Patrick Oppmann
Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced the country's first confirmed case of coronavirus, according to a tweet from his office Sunday.
The first person to contract the virus is a 61-year-old woman with no recent history of relevant travel, Minnis said in his tweet.
She is being treated in isolation at a hospital in Nassau.
Here's how the novel coronavirus outbreak unfolded:
First US Navy sailor tests positive for virus aboard ship
From CNN’s Ryan Browne and Barbara Starr
A sailor serving aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer received a presumptive positive coronavirus test, the first case of a sailor aboard a Navy ship, according to a US Navy news release.
Personnel that the individual immediately identified having close contact with have been notified and are in self-isolation at their residences, the release said.
“The individual is currently quarantined at home in accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines,” the release said. “Personnel that the individual immediately identified having close contact with have been notified and are in self-isolation at their residences. None of them is aboard the ship currently.”
Earlier on Sunday, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar announced in statement that a second Marine stationed at the base in California has tested positive for coronavirus.
The air station is conducting an investigation to determine who may have had contact with the Marine and notify them of the situation. The Marine was placed into isolation in a barracks room at the base designated for quarantine, the statement said
New Orleans calls for early restaurant closures
From CNN's Shawn Nottingham
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has ordered all full-service restaurants with seating capacity to close at 9 p.m., according to a release from the city.
Mayor Cantrell has further asked establishments to attempt to reduce capacity by half. New Orleans joins a number of other cities and states attempting to slow the progress of coronavirus by encouraging social distancing.
See landmarks and cities deserted worldwide:
Maine governor declares state of emergency, recommends school closures
From CNN’s Gregory Clary
Maine Gov. Janet Mills declared a state of emergency Sunday and recommended school closures statewide, according to a news release from her office.
Mills is recommended postponing events with 50 or more people as well as the postponement of "all non-urgent medical procedures, elective surgeries, and appointments at hospitals and health care providers across the state until further notice."