The Latest: Portugal's president declares national emergency

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 207,000 people and killed more than 8,200. The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems. More than 82,000 people have recovered so far, mostly in China.

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Portugal’s president is set to declare a state of emergency, granting authorities exceptional powers to help fight the spread of COVID-19.

The measure allows the government to place temporary limits on civil liberties, such as freedom of movement and the right to protest, and grants it special powers, including requisitioning private property.

The government can also fix prices and stipulate what goods are manufactured. The armed forces can be deployed to enforce the measures.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was due to announce the move in a nationally televised address Wednesday evening. The government and parliament have given their blessing.

Portugal on Wednesday reported a total of 642 cases, 194 higher than the previous day, and two deaths.

The country has close ties with its neighbor Spain, which is one of the countries most affected by the outbreak.

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The U.S. Transportation Security Administration reports a ninth case of an airport security screening officer testing positive for the new coronavirus.

The ageny said Tuesday that a checked baggage screener at Newark-Liberty International Airport in New Jersey is the most recent. The officer’s last shift was Saturday.

The other officers who previously tested positive worked at airports in San Jose, California; Fort Lauderdale and Orlando in Florida; Cleveland and Atlanta.

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Conservative Republican legislators in Kansas are moving to limit Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's...