Multibillion dollar stimulus plan could give cash relief directly to Americans - The latest coronavirus news and analysis

As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, here are some of the latest headlines, resources and stories to help you arm yourself with the best information.

COVID-19’s impact around the globe

Multi-billion-dollar stimulus plan could bring cash relief to Americans
As the coronavirus has stalled parts of the economy, the White House said Tuesday that it was considering a stimulus plan that would send cash payments directly to Americans to help replace lost wages. Roughly $250 billion of an $850 stimulus plan would go towards the payments. The remainder could help affected industries such as airlines. Read more here.

UK emergency bill proposed to help fight virus
A bill introduced yesterday could increase capacity for the healthcare system, allowing retired staff to return to work (without impacting entitlements) and providing employment safeguards so volunteers can pause their core jobs for up to four weeks to help care for patients. The bill could also provide for video or telephone hearings for court cases and suspend air traffic if border security can't be supported. Read more here.

Understanding what could happen after suppression tactics relax
Rigorous suppression tactics can help control the coronavirus. However, as a key report from London's Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team explained, a successful temporary suppression could lead to an epidemic down the line as the virus starts to spread once rules relax. According to the report, one that helped shape both the UK and US COVID-19 response plans, this could lead to a cycle of intermittent social distancing to respond to new rises in cases. Read more here.

Here’s how Norway is reassuring children over COVID-19 fears
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg told the country’s children on Monday it was okay to feel scared during the “special days” of the coronavirus outbreak. “It has been special days ... Many children think it is scary,” Solberg said during a news conference at her office dedicated to answering children’s questions about the pandemic. “It is okay to be scared when so many things happen at the same time.” Read more here.

These world-famous cultural institutions are catering to virtual visitors
Forced to cancel performances and shut their doors, a number of institutions have found ways to connect with people online. Opera companies have begun livestreaming performances while museums such as the Louvre and the Uffizi are offering virtual tours. Read more here.

How one university is using technology to help fight coronavirus
Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a range of solutions to help fight the virus. They include:

To see more innovations, read more here.