LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Infections hit new highs

America led the world in coronavirus cases Thursday with more than 82,000 going into the weekend and more than 1,180 deaths. New York remains the epicenter with about 37,000 people who have tested positive. Known infections are almost guaranteed to rise amid more testing. The global death toll stood at more than 23,600 and over 523,000 infections.

Markets rebound

U. S. stocks notched their first threeday rally in six weeks in response to progress on the stimulus package while the outbreak in China showed signs of containment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 6.4% to close at 22,552.17. The Standard & Poor's 500 added 6.2%. It was the strongest three- day gain since 1931.

Waves of jail releases

Fearing that the virus could wreak havoc in jails, counties across the USA released hundreds of vulnerable inmates, an unprecedented action that comes with risks of balancing public health with community safety.

Risk to newborns

New guidance from the CDC and doctors says pregnant women who become infected or are exposed to the illness may need to be separated from their newborns for a week or more. It is not known whether pregnant women are more likely to get sick from the virus.

Trump's leadership

Americans are divided over President Donald Trump's response to the crisis, polls show. A Reuters/ Ipsos online survey of more than 4,000 Americans found 49% approve of his handling of the virus, while 44% disapprove, largely along party lines.

No peanuts and Cracker Jack

Major League Baseball was supposed to celebrate opening day Thursday. Instead of it being the earliest opening day in baseball history, the season's start date remains unknown, and stadiums across America sit empty.