Virus pandemic tightens grip; 10,000 dead worldwide

PARIS (AP) – The U.S. has warned Americans to avoid all international travel and told citizens abroad to return now or face an “indefinite” absence.

California’s governor is asking all 40 million residents to stay home to try to slow a pandemic toll that on Friday surpassed 10,000 people worldwide.

Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began, offered a ray of hope with no new infections reported for a second day in a row and only 39 cases reported nationwide.

Globally, governments are trying to balance the need to lock down residents with the need to keep food, medicine and other essentials flowing.