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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to meet with top Democrats on March 9 to begin drawing up a response to the economic disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak, which already is threatening to stall growth.

Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is being treated for the coronavirus after testing positive, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced March 9.

BEIJING — Global stock markets and oil prices plunged March 9 after a fight among major crude-producing nations jolted investors who already were on edge about the surging costs of a virus outbreak.

Legislation to provide $8.3 billion for public health initiatives meant to tackle the spread of the coronavirus was signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 6.

WASHINGTON — A White House task force led by Vice President Mike Pence that is tackling the spread of the coronavirus is assisted by input from transportation officials, Secretary Elaine Chao reminded senators March 4.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce officials and travel industry leaders urged businesses and consumers not to overreact to the spread of coronavirus and to take precautions while going about business as usual.

Ford Motor Co. has banned all air travel for business after two of its employees in China contracted the coronavirus.

Economists who closely follow the transportation and trucking industry say the next month will be critical as to whether the economy avoids a recession in 2020 as concerns over the spread of the coronavirus mount.

The swirl of fresh coronavirus cases and growing risks to the global economy have some seasoned market strategists warning that U.S. growth could come to a halt this year and some Treasury yields may drop below zero for the first time.

President Donald Trump stressed public safety is his administration’s priority as it addresses growing concerns with the spread of the coronavirus. Trump also told reporters at the White House Feb. 29 he believed markets would rebound after experiencing recent record lows.