CDC expects ‘community spread’ of coronavirus, as top official warns of 'severe' disruptions

The CDC is warning that the coronavirus outbreak could continue to spread in communities across the U.S. and that disruption to daily life could be "severe," according to a senior agency official. Thus far, 14 cases of Covid-19 have been diagnosed in the U.S., although at least 40 other U.S. residents have been infected in other parts of the world. Top CDC official Nancy Messonnier urged Americans to start preparing for a larger outbreak: Parents ought to ask their kids' schools about possible closures, and businesses should consider telecommuting options for employees.

A WHO expert who led a coronavirus mission to China also said yesterday that, contrary to popular belief, a large number of mild cases aren't being missed, dashing hopes that the outbreak's lethality is likely exaggerated. The data the agency has doesn't support the theory that what's unfolding is "the tip of the iceberg," Bruce Aylward said. To date, some 80,000 people have been infected, and more than 2,700 people have died.