The US on Thursday surpassed 1,600 confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19 and the death toll climbed to 41. Kansas reported its first death on 12 March 2020.

NBC news stated that Wall Street recorded historic losses as fears intensified over the economic fallout from the pandemic, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling by 10% and the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 both down by 9%. It was reportedly the worst point drop ever for the Dow and its worst performance since the market crash in 1987.

Also, disruption in the sports world continued, with March Madness cancelled, suspension of MLB's spring training and a pause on the National Hockey League season.

NBC News added that US health and government officials continue to call for the end of large gatherings and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints suspended public gatherings worldwide, while the Smithsonian announced it will close indefinitely all museums in Washington DC and New York City and Broadway theatres cancelled performances through 12 April 2020.