13 things to know today about coronavirus

Welcome to The Hill’s daily roundup of coronavirus news.

Coronavirus cases in the U.S. climbed to nearly 63,000, with nearly 900 deaths as of Wednesday afternoon.

Senators have almost clinched a deal on a $2 trillion coronavirus economic package, but there are still last-minute details holding up a vote. It’s not clear how quickly the House would be able to act, but Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is working hard to bring her caucus on board and ensure smooth passage— even if it doesn’t happen until Friday.

In the states, more governors are extending school closures and ordering citizens to stay at home, even as President Trump continues to insist he wants to stop severe prevention measures by Easter. They are also working to try to secure more medical supplies, either through their own private-sector efforts or by pressuring the administration. 

Here’s what you need to know today…

In Congress:

• Senators largely reached a deal on a coronavirus response package, but last-minute objections from some GOP senators over the structure of unemployment insurance provisions are holding it up. Jordain Carney has more.
• The senators holding it up: Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) said there was a “massive drafting error” within the package that would have “devastating consequences.” They are asking for an amendment vote that would cap unemployment benefits at 100 percent of an individual’s income. Jordain has the details.
• As the Senate continued to negotiate, a key House Democrat said the House might not vote until Friday. Marty Johnson has more.

In the states:

• Abortion providers in Texas are suing Gov. Greg Abbott (R) challenging his statewide ban on abortions during the coronavirus outbreak. Jessie Hellmann has the story here.
• Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) warned Wednesday that New Orleans could run out of ventilators by the first week in April. Peter Sullivan reports.
• A group of 16 state attorneys general is urging President Trump to use his powers under the Defense Production Act to get more critically needed supplies like masks and ventilators. Read more here.
• In some possibly good news, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said the hospitalization rate in the state might be improving. Justine Coleman reports. 
• Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) warned that the peak of the virus is not expected to hit the state until May 1. Read more here. 
• Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) ordered anyone in the state who has recently traveled to the greater New York area to self-quarantine to avoid spreading the coronavirus. Nathaniel Weixel has the story here.
• Idaho’s Republican Gov. Brad Little said Wednesday that he will order residents to remain in their homes most of the time to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus for the next 21 days. More here from Zack Budryk.

In other news:

• Former President Barack Obama called for maintaining social distancing policies to slow the spread of the virus (one day after President Trump expressed eagerness to lift them). Zack Budryk has more. 
• Former Vice President Joe Biden warned on Wednesday that President Trump’s desire to reopen the U.S. for business by Easter would put the country at risk of a “second spike” of coronavirus infections that could prolong America’s outbreak of the pandemic. Max Greenwood has the story here.
• Apple said it would donate 10 million masks to health care workers in the United States, working with the company’s supply chain. Read more here.