We are in the middle of the biggest story in the world, and our coverage reflects the dedication and talent of the local reporters and editors on the ground in communities nationwide.
Sacramento went all in, reporting the first case of unknown origin in this new coronavirus epidemic. Tacoma, Olympia, Tri-Cities and Bellingham — our newsrooms in the hardest-hit state in the nation, are working around the clock to deliver information that people in these communities need to make decisions about the safety of their families. The D.C. Bureau is delivering local angles on Washington’s mismanagement.
Our Real-Time and local breaking news teams have coordinated and collaborated with newsrooms to help drive our coverage and broaden our approach. Reporters and editors on these teams are finding fresh angles, providing national roundups and answering questions on the disease and personal preparation.
Our Audience Growth and Retention Team is aggressively helping to ensure our coverage reaches an ever-expanding audience with pop-up newsletters, calls-to-action and notes to readers about our decision to lower the paywall on these crisis stories.
Health reporters have stepped up across the country, along with government, business, immigration and sports reporters and editors. Indeed, this story has touched all of our newsrooms and all of our beats. We are giving our communities the news and information they need in a moment of crisis.
That is our mission. That is what it means to be essential.
Read on for this special edition of Extraordinary Journalism.
First U.S. coronavirus case of unknown origin confirmed in Northern California, CDC says
Story By Darrell Smith and Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee
Video By Meta Viers, McClatchy
- Updates: What to know about coronavirus in California as patient is treated in Sacramento
- Updated: See a map of the California counties with reported coronavirus cases
First US coronavirus death confirmed in Washington. State health officials declare emergency
Story By Adam Lynn, Video By Joshua Bessex, The News Tribune
Breaking news
- State Department warns against traveling by cruise ship during coronavirus outbreak — Miami Herald
- Wildhorse casino closes after employee tests positive for coronavirus — Tri-City Herald
- North Carolina has its first reported case of coronavirus — The News & Observer
- First case of coronavirus confirmed in Kentucky. Patient is at UK Chandler Hospital. — Lexington Herald-Leader
Accountability
NY man with novel coronavirus recently traveled to Miami. Florida just found out
Story By Ben Conarck, Video By José A. Iglesias, Miami Herald
Trump administration orders immigration courts to remove coronavirus posters — then takes it back — Miami Herald
Coronavirus evacuees passed through California military base. Did safety plan break down? — McClatchy DC and Sacramento Bee
Utility
Here’s how to make your own hand sanitizer amid coronavirus shortages
Story By Summer Lin, McClatchy Real-time
How long does coronavirus live on a sink? On an Amazon box? Early test results are in — McClatchy Real-time
A lot of toilet paper? Here’s what experts say you need in a coronavirus quarantine — McClatchy Real-time
NC Coronavirus Q&A: We answer your questions about symptoms, soap, travel, pets and more — Raleigh News & Observer
Wearing a face mask could put you at greater risk for coronavirus. Here’s why — McClatchy Real-time
Seeking solutions
The race is on for a coronavirus vaccine among military, government and private labs
Story By Tara Copp and Michael Wilner, McClatchy DC
University of California hospitals launch in-house coronavirus testing as US shortage continues — By Tony Bizjak and Hannah Wiley, Sacramento Bee
Roundups
Health officials retrace steps of latest NC coronavirus patients: voting, dining, travel
Story By Zachery Eanes and Dan Kane, Raleigh News & Observer
Coronavirus updates: First US patient dies in Washington; Trump urges calm — McClatchy Real-time
Coronavirus live updates: Number of reported cases in North Carolina rises to 7 — Raleigh News & Observer and McClatchy Real-time
Sports
SEC locks fans out of rest of tournament. Some UK fans say it’s overreaction.
Story By Jerry Tipton, Video By Marcus Dorsey, Lexington Herald-Leader
- NCAA makes it official: No fans at men’s and women’s basketball tournament games
- ‘I don’t want to die:’ Why Bruce Weber will understand if Big 12 cancels tournament — The Wichita Eagle
- College basketball’s last fans allowed, and now comes a tournament like none before — The Kansas City Star
Video
Answers to your questions on origins of the coronavirus outbreak
Video By David Caraccio, McClatchy Video
Reporting By Don Sweeney, McClatchy Real-time
Who should get tested for coronavirus? Health official gives CDC rules — Sacramento Bee
