The White House is expected to recommend that Americans wear a face covering when they go out.
On Thursday, the coronavirus death toll in the U.S. topped 5,000 on Thursday, according to NBC News' tally, and nearly 240,000 cases have been confirmed across the country. Globally, more than 1,000,000 people have tested positive and more than 50,000 have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.
In the United States, government relief payments will begin the week of April 13 — although people who don’t have direct deposit on file with the Internal Revenue Service may have to wait months for checks to arrive, according to a memo obtained by NBC News.
The economic fallout from the pandemic accelerated with a record 6.6 million jobless claims filed last week.
Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak
- Here's what to know about the coronavirus, plus a timeline of the most critical moments.
- MAPS: Where cases have been confirmed in the U.S. and worldwide.
- Stay-at-home orders across the country: What each state is doing — or not doing — amid widespread coronavirus lockdowns.
Download the NBC News app for latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak.
This live coverage has ended. Continue reading April 3 Coronavirus news.
Patriots plane ferries critical masks from China to U.S.
White House setting up COVID-19 hotline for lawmakers
More in California adopting mask policies
With U.S. border work on track, rural towns fear virus spread
Florida rapper in jail on murder charges tests positive
Photo: California's deserted beaches
Louisiana extends stay-at-home through April 30
Roy Moore to advise Louisiana pastor arrested for violating coronavirus orders
New York City burials delayed due to surging coronavirus deaths
Private jet industry touts new coronavirus tax break
Fact check: Biden claims Trump is holding up stimulus checks
Disney announces employee furloughs
The coronavirus crisis has turned NYC into a warzone for first-responders: EMS chief
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine released early from jail amid coronavirus health concerns
Banks warn of 'utter chaos' in new small business lending program
Fact check: Trump falsely claims U.S. is testing more people per capita than other countries
Navy relieves captain who raised alarm about outbreak on aircraft carrier
White House doctor: Trump again tests negative for COVID-19
3 more federal inmates die after testing positive
New York City mayor advises residents to cover faces when in public
Global coronavirus cases surpass 1 million
Tennessee issues stay-at-home order
Biden slams McConnell, calls on Congress to pass fourth coronavirus stimulus package
A new app asks people to submit crucial data — how they feel each day
Detroit, still clawing back from financial crisis, reels as coronavirus claims lives
Trump uses Defense Production Act to streamline ventilator supply chain for manufacturers
Instacart to distribute safety kits to shoppers
Photo: The scene in Spain
Many Americans may have to wait months for coronavirus relief checks
15 people charged in New Jersey after funeral where dozens gathered
Economic crisis jolts unemployment offices into the coronavirus front lines
British man runs backyard marathon
'Top Gun' and 'A Quiet Place Part II' get new release dates
Coronavirus deaths top 5,000 in the U.S.
FDA reduces restrictions on gay blood donors amid 'urgent need'
Feds distribute thousands of surgical masks, gloves seized by FBI
Unemployed Americans face prospect of losing health benefits
Hong Kong to shutter bars on Friday
Lawmakers ask that evacuated Peace Corps volunteers be allowed to aid response
Western states report 600 deaths to date
Democratic Party delays July convention until August over coronavirus concerns
New York has 85,000 volunteers to fight pandemic as deaths in state pass 2,000
Photo: Messages for NHS in Britain
Georgia's GOP governor admits he just learned asymptomatic people can spread coronavirus
NYC emergency medical services to stop taking unresponsive cardiac patients to hospitals
Putin extends stay-at-home guidance until the end of April
Texas city says it may fine, jail residents who do not cover their face
Michigan closes its school buildings for the rest of the academic year
Health care workers running short of drugs for COVID-19 patients turn to Twitter
Thailand issues nationwide curfew to contain outbreak
Photo: Raising awareness about social distancing in India
Schumer calls on Trump to appoint 'military man' to oversee coronavirus supply distribution
FedEx drivers say they're not getting coronavirus protections other delivery workers receive
Greece quarantines camp after migrants test positive
Pentagon plans to provide 100K body bags to FEMA
China county sets new lockdown guidelines to avoid second wave outbreak
Fauci on threats to his safety: 'I've chosen this life'
WHO says 95 percent of Europe's dead are over 60 years of age, but young not immune
A record 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment last week
Global update on Spain's grim death toll, a quarantined migrant camp, Duterte's warning, and more
High speed trains continue to relocate patients in France to ease hospital pressure
Foster kids who can't visit parents are struggling under isolation
Italy will receive first coronavirus aid, E.U. says
Massachusetts gets 1 million N95 masks from China — with help from the New England Patriots
Out of the hospital, Rep. Ben McAdams says COVID-19 'hit me really, really hard'
Vacation towns have a message for seasonal residents: Stay away
Coronavirus cases in Iran top 50,000
U.S. purchased medical supplies from Russia, State Department says
Biden says he thinks convention will have to be postponed until August
Spain's death toll tops 10,000 after record daily rise
Man jailed for COVID-19-related assault on police officer in London
Rows of freshly dug graves mark cemetery in São Paulo, Brazil
Adam Schlesinger, Fountains of Wayne musician, dies of virus at 52
Israeli PM in isolation after health minister tests positive
'Shoot them dead': Philippine leader warns lockdown violators
Examining the etiquette of social distancing from shopping to traveling
Jazz patriarch Ellis Marsalis, 85, dies while fighting coronavirus
Number of infected UT spring breakers grows to 44
