The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday recommended that people wear "cloth face coverings," in places where it is hard to maintain social distancing — like grocery stores. Officials say surgical masks or respirators should be reserved for health care workers.
President Donald Trump announced the recommendations but said he is choosing not to wear one.
The U.S. recorded more than 1,000 deaths between Thursday and Friday, according to NBC News' tally. As of Friday night, more than 7,000 U.S. deaths have been linked to the disease. Globally, the death toll is more than 59,100, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The U.S. economy lost 701,000 jobs in March, according to data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate soared to 4.4 percent from 3.5 percent.
Support on Capitol Hill among both Republicans and Democrats for an independent 9/11-style commission to investigate the country’s response to the outbreak appeared to be growing.
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 4 coronavirus news.
Supreme Court cancels courtroom argument for rest of the term
A reassuring message in the sky over Los Angeles
Photo: Lining up for groceries in Johannesburg
Making your own face mask? Some fabrics work better than others
Polish official who relayed horrors of Holocaust dies of coronavirus
USAID asks relief groups around the world for medical supplies, protective gear for U.S. use
The Week in Pictures: Coronavirus tightens vise around the globe
Two more federal inmates dead from coronavirus
N.J. to fly flags at half-staff to honor coronavirus victims
CNN's Brooke Baldwin says she's tested positive for the coronavirus
Rogue paddleboarder arrested at California beach
Massive hospital ship in NYC has only about 20 patients, but mayor says it will be full 'very soon'
Photo: Video call with relatives from a hospital bed
Watch sailors cheer Navy captain relieved of command after raising alarm on coronavirus
New York closes in on 3,000 deaths as Cuomo says he will order redistribution of ventilators
Cuomo says he spoke to Pelosi, will work with her on next relief bill
Photo: Mt. Sinai medical workers protest equipment shortage
Mosques stay open in Pakistan even as virus cases rise
Fauci: 'I don't understand' why all states are not under stay-at-home orders
Trump admin advises nursing homes to set up separate COVID-19 facilities
Engel calls on White House to cut exports of coronavirus PPE
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson to stay in self-isolation
Schumer, Wyden call for Labor Dept. to speed extra unemployment cash
Sen. Gardner calls for investigation into ventilator stockpile
How contagious is the coronavirus?
Senators pushing bill to aid evacuated Peace Corps volunteers
Mexico's Grupo Modelo to stop brewing Corona beer
U.S. economy lost a total of 701,000 jobs in March
Death toll in Spain nears 11,000
Army Corps chief says N.Y.'s Javits Center is safe as it prepares for COVID-19 patients
'Hello in there': John Prine still 'very ill' in ICU
Britain's Prince Charles opens London's new coronavirus hospital
Switzerland's Matterhorn mountain illuminated with message of hope
Britain has 'huge amount of work to do' to up testing, health secretary says
Houston hasn't reported a surge of coronavirus cases. But its hospitals tell a different story.
Trump's Navy chief 'shot the messenger,' Biden says
German leader Angela Merkel resumes work in office after quarantine
European countries develop new ways to tackle domestic violence during lockdowns
American in Wuhan warns U.S. over lockdowns
Oprah Winfrey to donate $10 million to coronavirus relief in U.S.
Crowded in refugee camps, Rohingya in Bangladesh vulnerable to virus
Singapore tightens restrictions and closes workplaces, schools
Italy likely to extend lockdown to May 1, official says
African continent faces 'existential threat,' health official says
The Week in Pictures: Coronavirus tightens its vise around the globe
Elton John, Paul McCartney among British celebrities cheering health workers
Funeral directors overwhelmed by COVID-19 death toll
COVID-19 cases, deaths overwhelm Ecuador
USNS Comfort has 19 New York patients aboard
