The coronavirus death toll across the U.S. continues to climb and is nearing 17,000, according to an NBC News tally Friday. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in New York state has reached 162,882. Globally, the number of cases passed 1.6 million, according to data from Johns Hopkins University , as countries deliberate over further lockdown measures or worry about second wave outbreaks. Millions of people around the world are preparing for religious celebrations and a holiday weekend. Current and former U.S. officials, meanwhile, tell NBC News that American spy agencies collected raw intelligence hinting at a public health crisis in Wuhan, China , in November, but the information was not understood as the first warning signs of an impending global pandemic. Here’s what to know about the coronavirus, plus a timeline of the most critical moments . MAPS: Confirmed cases in the U.S. and worldwide , confirmed deaths in the U.S . and globally . Stay-at-home orders across the country: What each state is doing — or not — amid widespread coronavirus lockdowns. Download the NBC News app for latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak . Live Blog Corky Siemaszko 2h ago / 10:45 AM PDT Florida pastor arrested for defying stay-at-home orders to host online Easter service The Florida pastor who wound up in handcuffs after he defied a local stay-at-home coronavirus order by holding a church service for hundreds of worshippers will be celebrating Easter with his flock online this Sunday. Rodney Howard-Browne, who in previous statements railed at “tyrannical government” and threatened to sue the local sheriff for arresting him, made the announcement on The River at Tampa Bay Church’s Facebook page. “Join us ONLINE ONLY at 9:30 AM on Sunday, April 12th, for our Resurrection Sunday service as we celebrate the death, burial, and […]
