Summary:

Scott Gottlieb says US can still avoid "Italy-like" outcome

Reports claim once again that Merkel is ready to whip out the checkbook

EU officials condemned Trump's travel ban

La Liga suspends season after Real Madrid player tests positive

Blackstone advises portfolio companies to draw down revolving credit lines

NHL rumored to be planning a league play suspension as playoffs begin

Passenger on JetBlue flight from NY to FLA tests positive for virus

Spanish cabinet being tested for coronavirus

Scandinavia begins shuttering schools

Iran reaches out to 3 million Iranians who may have been infected

Market participants wary of dissipating bond market liquidity Global deaths pass 4,600

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Update (0850ET): Former FDA Director Dr. Scott Gottlieb posted another thread of advice about the outbreak before appearing once again on CNBC's "Squawk Box" Thursday morning. In it, he said the outbreak would last for a few more months, and that the US has the tools to mitigate the impact of the virus on both public health and the economy. Watch live: WHO updates on COVID-19 as Spain announces surge in cases