Hospitals also in crisis. Were at one center serving 55,000 vets with only 102 beds. Is the v. A. Prepared if infection spikes . Supermarket safety with america shut down, theyre still on the job inside americas Grocery Stores. What theyre doing to keep workers and you safe. And helping hands keeping Health Care Heroes fed while also giving a lifeline to struggling restaurants. This is the cbs evening news with Norah Odonnell, reporting from the nations capital. Odonnell good evening, and thank you for joining us. We begin with breaking news, and something unthinkable just weeks ago tonight, the u. S. Has more confirmed cases of the deadly coronavirus than any other country in the world, surpassing even china and italy. Since we were with you last night, cases nationwide have surged, growing by more than 17,000 in just one day. Sadly, more than 1,000 people in the u. S. Have died. Another Staggering Number arly t week. Thats more than the population of chicago. And this graph says it all. Since 2,000, weekly claims had been in the hundreds of thousands. Chart. Eeks numbers are off the today should have been opening day for americas favorite pastime, major league baseball. Instead, tonight the president is talking about reopening the economy, saying the country has got to get back to work. The president says he will be giving states new guidelines on social distancing, getting some people back on the job in places that havent been hard hit by the virus. Ngr team is covering every angle of this crisis, and Mark Strassmann leads us off from just outside atlanta. And mark, is it possible that those jobless numbers could be even higher . Es whatyou have to. As grim as those numbers are, erght gut punch. Ikely worse. Candice delong lost both her jobs in los angeles. Scared for the way life is going to be after, yes, if were going to have jobs to come back to, yes. If were going to have income to pay for things, yes. T reporter in the last two weeks, one million californians have filed for unemployment. Pennsylvania, nevada, massachusetts, and rhode island, also bled badly. 10 states reported more than 100,000 new unemployment claims. Hardest hit sectors the hospitality industry, travel and tourism and retail. Economist diane swonk warns the reality dwarfs the official numbers. This is such an unprecedented surge, and those people applying for the unemployment insurance, the sites actually froze. Reporter in many states, applying for benefits is a full time job. Julie griffith, a laid off dental hygienist in boulder, colorado. I believe that i had to file e ve separate times to finally get into the system. Reporter in georgia, Labor Department offices are closed, its website overwhelmed. 110,000 people tried filing yesterday. In washington, d. C. Tomorrow morning, the house will vote on a 2 trillion stimulus lifeline. Among many provisions extending unemployment and direct payments up to 1200 to most americans, like marie silkridgeashford. Her onewoman operation, the cheesecake boutique, closed today. The governments direct payment to her would take at least three weeks. She needs it now. Its just not knowing, not really having any foundation, being able to make a plan to reporter this is the envelope thousands of jobless georgians are waiting for. Inside, is a stateissued debit card worth up to 365 a week its a fraction of what most of them need. Norah. Odonnell incredible. All right, mark, thank you. And now to washington, where for the last year the president has presided over an historically low unemployment rate, but the numbers today are the first sign that will no longer be the case. The president says the jobless numbers are nobodys fault, and that he will soon outline new guidelines to get some people back to work. Paula reid reports from the white house. Reporter President Trump today confronted the historic rise in unemployment. I heard it could be six million, could be seven million. Its 3. 3, or 3. 2. But its a lot of jobs. But i think well come back very strong. The sooner we get back to work you know, every day we stay out, it gets harder to bring itac very quickly. Reporr sourcl cbs news the president is frustrated that a tanking economy may hurt his chances of reelection. In a letter to the nations governors, mr. Trump said he will categorize counties as high k,sk, medium risk, or low risk in an effort to encourage local leaders to reopen their businesses. Im concerned about the desire of the president to ignore potentially the science to try to do something that i know hes, you know has a desire to do. Dy reporter already, theres a dispute within the Auto Industry about when to resume work. Ford announced today it will reopen some of its plants as early as april 6, while toyota and fiatchrysler extended their shutdowns until later next month. In a rare interview, the chairman of the Federal Reserve acknowledged the country may already be in a recession, but did say there is reason for hope. If we get the get the virus spread under control fairly quickly, then Economic Activity can resume. Reporter on saturday, the president will head to norfolk, virginia, to see the u. S. Navy medical ship the comfort as it heads to new york city to help with the coronavirus response. Norah. Odonnell all right, paula, thank you. And on that note tonight, new yorks governor, andrew cuomo, says hospitalizations in the state went up 40 . New york has nearly half of all the Coronavirus Infections here in the u. S. 911 operators in new york city say theyre on pace to receive as many as 7,000 calls just today. A hospital in the borough of queens is now at the center of the crisis, and mola lenghi there. Mola. Reporter well, norah, in just 24 hours in new york city, 100 people have died due to the virus. Across the state, 1200 people are currently in i. C. U. Medical staff from doctors to nurses to e. M. T. S, theyre struggling to keep up with the influx of patients, and nowhere is that illustrated more than this hospital here. Orushpaen overng 50 adtion rkers re sent the to help. Some of the sick are being transported elsewhere, this after 13 people died in just 24 hours at elmhurst. E. M. T. Worker Anthony Almojera from the perspective of being properly prepared, the training is there. The equipment is not. They all have. Reporter this doctors video, posted by the new york times, illustrates the bleak picture. I dont really care if i get in trouble for speaking to the media. I want people to know that this is bad. People are dying. We dont have the tools that we need in the Emergency Department and in the hospital to take care of them. Reporter makeshift morgues are being set up at city hospitals. Across the country, more than 1,000 have already died. A review by the Washington Post found that 65 were over 70 years old, and 60 were men. In michigan, this emergency nurse sounded the alarm. I didnt choose nursing or the Health Care Field to not help people, and thats exactly what the choices are that theyre giving us. Theyre giving us no choice but to help only the people that they think that can survive. Reporter but the sick keep coming. In chicago, a blunt warning from the citys mayor we could be expecting upwards of 40,000 hospitalizations in the coming weeks. Reporter in miami, more than a dozen crew members were escorted off this cruise ship by people wearing protective gear. Back in new york, Health Care Workers are continuing to express their concerns over worsening conditions. We are on the front lines of this, doing it to the point of exhaustion. Were going to run out of these masks unless we get some type of emergency supply. Reporter well, testing here at elmhurst hospital will continue in the tents that you see behind me there. That will pick back up tomorrow morning. But that concern that you heard in that e. M. T. s voice, thats real. Their union tells us that 400 of their uniformed members have been diagnosed with covid19, that is 10 of their workforce, norah. Odonnell mola, thank you. Joining us now is someone who knows what our medical providers are facing on the front lines. Dr. Megan ranney is an Emergency Room Physician at brown university. And were worried about what comes next and about our ability to take care of our patients and our communities, as well as our ability to take care of ourselves. Odonnell doctor, this is a difficult question but, what are some of the doctors and nurses and colleagues that you work with doing to prepare for the case that they may themselves catch covid19 . Norah, i already have dozens, literally dozens of friends in emergency medicine across the country who have been infected by covid19. A couple of them have been hospitalized. A couple are in intensive care. My friends and colleagues are doing things like recording videos for their kids, writing letters to their spouses or their kids or their grandkids, making sure that their wills are in order because we know that if we end up getting admitted to the hospital, we, like everyone else with covid19, would be isolated from our family and friends and may not have the chance to say goodbye in person. Odonnell thats a thats hard to hear that. It is unbelievably difficult. You know, as Health Care Providers, we run towards disaster. We are trained and ready to help anyone who needs it. Were not used to our helping putting us at such risk. Odonnell what are you seeing at your hospital in terms of covid19 patients and supplies . Alcross the country, is day by day seeing dramatic increases in the number of patients with symptoms consistent with covid19. We are also seeing dropping numbers of supplies. A lot of the supplies that were intended for hospitals like mine have been diverted to new york. Odonnell what is something that people at home can do to help their local Health Care Providers . So, the first and biggest thing that people at home can do is truly to stay home. I know how difficult social distancing is. If you can stay home, you can stop the spread of this virus, and allow us in health care to better help you. Odonnell well doctor, we cant say thank you enough to you and to everyone who is caring for americans all around the world. Thank you. Thank you, norah. Odonnell tonight, the nations Largest Health care system, the department of ra onslaught of coronavirus patients. The v. A. Cares for millions of elderly veterans and it has now confirmed nearly 500 cases, a 60 spike since tuesday. The retired rear admiral who runs the v. A. Center in philadelphia, spoke with our jim axelrod about the urgent need for beds and ventilators. Were looking at a surge in capacity. Reporter the challenge here in philadelphia is stark serving a population of 55,000 vets, theyve got 102 beds. We are able to expand by 50 plus beds. Reporter still 152 beds. Is that enough for what you anticipate happening here . Were not sure. Reporter with the average veteran served by the v. A. Older than 60, many also have underlying medical conditions. This is a population that is especially vulnerable to respiratory issues from coronavirus. Do you have enough ventilators . So we have ventilators on order. Reporter i take that to mean you dont have enough right now. We put an order in, in anticipation that, you know, 30 to 40 of the veterans we see may need some ventatory support. Reporter are you anticipating a crisis . Im not. I certainly can speak for patients, and when they get sick, they get really sick. Reporter what is different about the population of v. A. Patients from the general public . Our typical patient might have Heart Disease and peripheral arterial disease. So we worry when they need care that theyre going to be a challenging patient to look after. And some of them really are. Reporter does 150 beds seem like enough for 50,000plus veterans . I hope it is. Im worried that its not. Reporter if there is a spike in numbers, the v. A. Would have to fulfill another part of its mission in times of national emergency, taking care of the general public as well. Jim axelrod, cbs news, philadelphia. Odonnell and as were talking about our military, there are new orders from the pentagon that mean all u. S. Overseas military personnel will have to stay put for the next 60 days to slow the spread of coronavirus. 90,000 troops who were scheduled to deploy or come home will be affected. There are currently almost 300 confirmed cases throughout the military. There is still much more news ahead on tonights cbs evening news. Some of americas most vulnerable workers in this outbreak are grocery workers. Whats being done to keep them and you safe from the virus . Later, as we all say, were in this together. So we have a story about a Community Helping two industries by feeding those Health Care Heroes. D thinkorswim . This is totally customizable, so you focus only on what you want. Okay, its got screeners and watchlists. And you can even see how your predictions might affect the value of the stocks youre interested in. Now this is what im talking about. Yeah, itll free up more time for your. Uh, true crime shows . British baking competitions. Hm. Didnt peg you for a crumpet guy. 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For a scent with even more giddy up, try gain scent blast in detergent, fabric softener and scent beads. But when allergies attack,f any the excitement fades. Allegra helps you say yes with the fastest nondrowsy allergy relief and turning a half hearted yes, into an all in yes. Allegra. Live your life, not your allergies. Odonnell youve probably noticed it across america, downtowns have become ghost towns. Streets are mostly empty. But not the aisles at supermarkets where workers are needed now more than ever. A number of them are now testing positive for the coronavirus. Errol barnett looks at whats being done to keep them and you safe. Thank you for all youre doing. Thank you. Reporter Joe Colalillo is c. E. O. Of wakefern, a Grocery Store cooperative of nearly 80,000 workers, including ones who tested positive for coronavirus. Our associates take very seriously their role to feed people, right. Thats what we do. Thats the business were in. Reporter with staffers working alongside the public every day, colalillo says keeping employees and customers safe is their top priority. We do regular cleaning all the time, all day long, to protect the environment. Reporter its sobering business for the entire supermarket industry frequent cleaning, sneeze guards between cashiers, and floor markers encouraging social distancing have all become the norm. Some stores even offer rubber gloves. I was not about to just grab that basket with my bare hands. Reporter employees are working overtime, in some ways jeopardizing their own health to keep shelves stocked as quickly as they can. But grocers like gristedes c. E. O. John catsimatidis says ouere is no shortage. For how long ahead should people be purchasing food for . You should have enough merchandise for a week or two weeks but you shouldnt be buying three months or four months. Reporter assistant manager eddie ortiz calls his staff frontline warriors. Theyre courageous people. They didnt hesitate for one minute to stay and meet the needs of the public. Thank you. Reporter errol barnett, cbs news, new york. Odonnell and coming up next, how a plan to help struggling restaurants ended up helping a lot of Health Care Heroes. Odonnell weve been saying here at cbs were all in this together, and we found a great example of that right here in washington. A community has come together to help workers in two different industries. The idea came to Elena Tompkins or 3 00 in the morning. I called a few friends in the Restaurant Business and said, hey, what do you think about providing some meals for hospitals . Reporter tompkins was worried about restaurants in her community, so she began raising thoughwho better to receive them than those on the front lines. In a week, we have provided over 700 meals to our local hospitals and medical centers. Odonnell 700 meals. Yes. Odonnell in a week. In a week. Thank you. Odonnell what has the response been from the hospital workers, nurses, doctors . Its been overwhelming. There have been a lot of tears, happy tears, a little bit of disbelief. Thank you so much. Youre welcome. Odonnell and gratitude. Alexis white is a nurse at sibley memorial hospital. Like, i just literally called and said, hey, someone is here who will be delivering coffee and pastries to us. They said, to us, to me, why . Theyre so thankful and overwhelmed with gratitude. Odonnell so far feed the fight has delivered to 17 medical sites across the d. C. Area, and tompkins says theyll keep going as long as theyre needed. People are hurting and any relief that they can get is so appreciated. Absolutely. And the fact that they know that thes a whole community rrg them and throwing arms around them when were not allowed to actually throw arms around them, and doing anything they can, i think its whats odonnell feed the fight has supported 16 restaurants here in the washington area, including my husbands. Groups in other states have started similar programs, all with one goal supporting our Community Restaurants and feeding our local heroes. Well be right back. Introducing the capital one walmart rewards card. Well. You said you wanted a new chair. Earn unlimited 5 back on everything you buy at walmart online, including things for your new puppy. No no no no. We need a mop and bleach. When you want all that, you need the capital one walmart rewards card. Earn unlimited 5 back at walmart online and unlimited rewards everywhere else. Whats in your wallet . But when allergies attack,f any the excitement fades. 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Odonnell on tomorrows cbs evening news, Steve Hartman started Something Big this week, teaching kids across the country about kindness through an online class. Tomorrow, professor hartman, as were calling him now, will bring us the lessons we can all learn from our littlest students. And if you cant watch us live, dont forget to set your dvr so you can watch us later. That is tonights cbs evening news. Im Norah Odonnell in washington. Well see you back here tomorrow. Stay safe and good night. Right now at 7 00. Numbers and tonight, more positive coronavirus cases confirmed that san franciscos largest nursing home including patient. The lines stretching block after block at a busy bay area testing site. I thought it would come early and beat the line but it was already here so. If we are sick we cant take care of you. They area medical workers are begging for more medical supplies. Nurses are on the floors using single use paper masks for an entire shift and that isnt safe. Right now on the kpix 5 news at 7 00 and streaming on cbsn for the bay area, there are new na