U.S. COVID-19: 550 quarantined in DC, Grand Princess docks, and more

As COVID-19 spreads in the United States, nine cases are now confirmed in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

A third case in Northern Virginia was confirmed Monday. Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser urged hundreds of members of Christ Church Georgetown, a historic Episcopal church, to self-quarantine at a Monday news conference.

The church's rector is the city's first known coronavirus patient. Five patients are being monitored in Maryland.

The New York State Department of Health confirms 142 COVID-19 infections statewide, with 19 of the cases identified in New York City.

NY Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency on Saturday.

In this file photo taken on March 02, 2020 (L-R) Commissioner of Health for New York State Howard Zucker, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speak during a press conference to discuss the first positive case of novel coronavirus or COVID-19 in New York State in New York City. (Angela Weiss / AFP)

In California, at least 21 people aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship are infected with the coronavirus.

The ship docked Monday in Oakland, near San Francisco, with a total of 3,500 people on board.

Federal and state officials are preparing to receive them as the process of disembarking begins.

All will be required to enter quarantine.U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering some policy changes intended to limit the economic fallout of COVID-19.

The Princess Cruises Grand Princess cruise ship heads to a port in Oakland, CA on March 09, 2020 as seen from the Marin Headlands in Sausalito, California. The Princess Cruises Grand Princess has been held from docking until today as at least 21 people onboard have tested positive for COVID-19 also known as the Coronavirus. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP EZRA SHAW / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

The Washington Post quotes a senior administration official as saying items under discussion include paid sick leave and emergency help for small businesses.

Dr. Nancy Messonnier, the Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention held a briefing for reporters Monday morning and also offered guidance for the American public.

Among her points:

-The outbreak is mostly affecting adults, with older patients with underlying medical conditions particularly at risk.
- In South Korea, no one under age 30 has died. In Japan, no one under 50 has died.
- 78 U.S. labs now have capacity to test 75,000 people.
- Most U.S. communities are not seeing community transmission. That means this is the time to prepare.
-Americans should make a plan, stock up on groceries, medications, etc., and be ready to be quarantined if necessary.
-Avoid crowds.
-Local decisions may vary a great deal. Follow local guidance.