Reported cases of coronavirus in the United States surpassed those in every other country, making it the new epicenter (NYT) of the pandemic. U.S. health experts have warned (CNN) that cases are rapidly increasing in several hotspots across the nation.

The United States has more than 85,000 cases and 1,300 deaths from the virus, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, with more than half the reported cases in New York. Amid nationwide business closures and orders to stay home, a record 3.28 million workers (WSJ) applied for unemployment benefits last week. U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone (SCMP) yesterday to affirm the importance of collaborating to combat the pandemic, signaling a possible thaw in tensions.

U.S. Attorney General William Barr announced the indictment (WaPo) of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and several other Venezuelan officials on narcoterrorism and drug trafficking charges, offering a $15 million reward for Maduro’s capture.
 
In Foreign Affairs, Michael J. Camilleri writes that Washington must reassess its strategy in Venezuela.
 
Canada: New emergency legislation on the coronavirus gives the health minister powers to circumvent patent law (Reuters) to ensure the production of medical supplies and medications.

Beginning at midnight, China will temporarily ban entry (SCMP) by non-citizens, including those with valid visas, in hopes of containing the spread of the coronavirus.
 
Hong Kong: Support for the ouster of leader Carrie Lam, universal suffrage, and an independent probe of the police response to anti-government protests has increased (Reuters) since December, even as the protests have paused due to the coronavirus, according to a poll by Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa pardoned and released (AFP) Sunil Ratnayake, an army officer convicted of killing eight civilians from the Tamil ethnic group during the country’s civil war. Ratnayake’s conviction had been seen as a rare example of accountability after the war.
 
Afghanistan: A small explosion interrupted funeral services (RFE/RL) for twenty-five people killed in an attack on a Sikh temple. The explosion occurred near a crematorium, and no injuries were reported.
 
This CFR In Brief looks at how major religions are responding to the coronavirus.

Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz was elected (Times of Israel) speaker of the Israeli parliament in a move that signals a unity deal with his rival, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
 
Iran: Washington issued fresh sanctions (Al-Monitor) on twenty Iranian companies and individuals, saying they had ties to terrorist groups. This week, the UN human rights chief called on countries to lift sanctions (Al Jazeera) on Iran so it may better fight the coronavirus.

Malian opposition leader Soumaila Cisse and six of his staff were abducted by gunmen (AFP) while campaigning, according to his party.
 
Cameroon: The Southern Cameroons Defense Forces separatist group said it would observe a two-week cease-fire (BBC) as “a gesture of goodwill” during the coronavirus crisis.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced (Guardian) he has tested positive for the coronavirus, saying he is experiencing mild symptoms and will self-isolate and work from home.
 
EU: European Union ambassadors agreed to launch a new naval patrol (Politico) to enforce a UN arms embargo on Libya and relocate migrants rescued at sea within the bloc on a voluntary basis. Italy blocked a previous patrol due to concerns that it would receive the migrants.
 
In Foreign Affairs, Nanjala Nyabola looks at Europe’s reluctance to accept refugees amid a broader collapse of the asylum process.