Decision to suspend my campaign for the presidency. Pete buttigieg ends his white house bid. How his sudden departure shakes up the race on the eve of super tuesday. All that, plus, inexcusable. Kobe bryants wife, vanessa, is outraged over the reports that Law Enforcement officials shared Graphic Photos of the crash site. Breaking overnight, remembering a titan. Jack welsh of General Electric has died. Ahead, his two decades in charge of the iconic brand he helped grow into the worlds most valuable company. And ageold battle. Zion. Young rookie sensation, Zion Williamson, going toe to toe with nba legend lebron james. Over zion. Who came out on top in one for the ages . Today, march 2nd, 2020. Announcer from nbc news, this is today with Savannah Guthrie and hoda kotb, live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. Hi, everybody. Good morning. Welcome to today. Its nice to have you with us on a monday morning. If youre missing hoda, so are we. Guess what . Shes got the flu. We think she will be out until midweek. Maybe longer. Were sending her our best wishes. Get well, hoda. She did get the flu shot, by the way, for those wondering. We want to get to the breaking news, on the coronavirus this morning. A second death was announced overnight in the United States. A Washington State man where the first victim died. New york city has its first confirmed case, as well. The cdc is set to expand testing. That would allow hundreds of labs to test for the coronavirus and identify potential patients, which could mean the numbers really skyrocket. Americans preparing for the worst. Major drug chains and supermarkets are struggling to keep items like Hand Sanitizer and bottled water on the shelves. Were covering every angle on this story, and theres a lot of developments to get to. Lets start with nbc National Correspondent miguel almaguer. Miguel, good morning to you. Reporter savannah, good morning. As we approach 100 cases of coronavirus in the United States, 13 of them are here in Washington State, including those two fatalities you mentioned. For several weeks, investigators say the virus may have been spreading across this area. This as they try to contain the outbreak. Overnight in Washington State, a second death linked to coronavirus. The victim, a man in his 70s, with Underlying Health conditions in the seattle area. The announcement comes one day after the first coronavirus death in the u. S. In the same state. A man in his 50s, also with Underlying Health conditions. This as researchers say a genetically similar strain of the virus may have been spreading in Washington State undetected for nearly six weeks. The victim in his 70s, was a resident in this nursing home in seattle, where officials are investigating a possible outbreak, after six people here tested positive for the virus. Now, more than 50 residents and staff are experiencing symptoms and awaiting testing. Theres a staff member who livings here, so lots of concern, of course. Reporter in texas, fears of a potential public exposure, after one patient was released from a several week long quarantine. Overnight, a lab test coming back positive for the virus. Despite two prior negative test results. That person now back in quarantine again. With several schools closed today after concern infected employees or student may have been inside, so far, at least four u. S. Coronavirus cases have been contracted through community spread. Meaning none of the patients have traveled to a highly infected country or known to be in contact with someone who has the virus. The first, a woman at this sacramento hospital, is believed to have infected at least two Health Care Workers that came into contact with her. Now, the coronavirus is in at least 13 states, including a new case in new york confirmed overnight. A woman in her 30s, who lives in manhattan, and recently traveled to an infected area. The president looking to ease fears in a rare saturday press conference. Our country is prepared for any circumstance. Reporter but as the virus spreads from coasttocoast, the next challenge may be containing an outbreak. This morning, at some Grocery Stores and box Stores Across the country, there has been a run on of supplies from Hand Sanitizers to the masks, if they are available. Later on today here in Washington State, we hope to get an update from the governor and Health Officials about the coronavirus cases that are happening here. Officials say theyre trying to do all they can to contain the outbreak. An ambulance pulled up at the facility behind me. So far, good news, no one is coming out of the facility. Well have more as it develops. Savannah, back to you. Miguel in the state of washington, leading us off. Thank you very much. The spread of the coronavirus is having a major impact on some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. This morning, the louvre mau semiis closed for the second day in a row. And italy has an increase of cases there. Bill neely is in milan for us. Bill, good morning to you. Reporter good morning, craig. The mood matches the weather here. Pretty grim, more deaths. In italy, churches are still closed. In france and germany, a dramatic spike in cases. And, for the first time, the number of cases worldwide, greater than 3,000. Its currently the worlds most contagious virus and it shut down the worlds most visited museum. At the louvre in paris, long lines but no entry. Staff afraid. Tourists worried. The virus has gone viral. Reporter cases have spiked in france. The Health Minister advising people not to kiss or shake hands when meeting. As president macron did days ago with italys leader. In italy and germany, the infection rate doubled in nearly a day. Nearly 1,600 cases and 34 dead. The World Health Organization advising anyone over 60 or with underlying conditions, thats hundreds of millions globally, to avoid crowded areas. Day by day, we see the window of opportunity closing. Reporter in south korea, another huge surge of infections. The intientire population urged stay home. The leader of a religious sect apologizing today. Twothirds of the countrys cases are linked to his group. The capitals mayor leveling murder charges against him. The pope has canceled todays annual retreat. He coughed and sneezed praying in rome sunday. The vat caican says he has a co not the virus. And voting in the election, a special polling space for voters who have been kwaquarantined. The caribbean has its first infection, an italian tours in the dominican republic. Australia and thailand reporting their first deaths. In china, the lowest number of new cases in a month, one bright spot in a bleak crisis. More than 60 countries are now battling the virus. More than 60 countries. Remember, many of those countries have just one or two cases. And most of the cases, in fact, 80 , are just mild infections. Sometimes with no symptoms at all. Globally, authorities are saying, dont panic. But theyre also saying, these are critical days in battling the spread of this virus. Guys, back to you. Chief global correspondent bill neely there in milan. Thank you. Were joined by dr. Joseph fehr. He was on the front lines to contain the Ebola Outbreak in africa. Doctor, good morning. Good to have you with us. Thank you. The notion the cdc has lowered the criteria so more people can be tested to see if they have coronavirus, potentially, that means we could see the numbers really go high. Thats the impact of that decision . Thats presumably what we will see. Undoubtedly, thats what well see. The more we test, the more well see. Overnight, weve gone from two states to seven states with active cases, and those are being tested by local Public Health laboratories, yet to be confirmed by the cdc. A lot of the symptoms found are like the common cold, sounds like the flu. How can you determine who has coronavirus . Who should be tested . You personally cannot because of the words you mentioned. You know, it is going to present just like the common cold. It is going to present just like the common flu. The thing to do is go to your primary care physician. Get those ruled out. First of all, get your flu shot. That way, it helps us rule out flu to start with. Go to your physician if you have the common cold. Theyll test to see if it is the common form of coronavirus cold, because were in the middle of cold and flu season, and that will raise the level. If youre negative for that but have the symptoms, itd indicate you probably need to be tested for covid19. There are reports that this virus can be asymptomatic. Show no symptoms at all, that raises the specter of it. It can be here and people not knowing they have it. Do you consider that to be a likely possibility . Absolutely. Just like with your common cold, theres mild to moderate. Thats the majority of cases, mild to moderate. 50 to 20 is where were seeing the severe illness, severe acute respiratory symptoms. If youre one of the people who im asking for a friend, who will live with the common cold and go to work and keep on trucking, is this the time if you have a cold, go to your doctor and get it ruled out . Absolutely. Its more important than ever to do that. Really quickly, dr. Fair, what more should we be doing that we are not doing . Trying to present the outbreak from continuing. It comes down to the individual. Its each of our responsibilities. Use hand washing. Increase that. Use tissues for elevator butts opinion wipe down that seat. Wipe down the tray table. When they clean the airplane, theyre not disinfecting the airplane. Do the masks work at all . On any level. They work but for Health Care Professionals because were trained in what we call Infection Prevention and control. The vast majority of people dont know how to use a regular surgical mask. It doesnt protect you from a respiratory illness. It is more to protect an open body of patients that are having surgery. Dr. Fair, thank you. Appreciate it. Pete buttigieg announced the end of his campaign after the disappointing show for him in South Carolina. His exit could impact what happens at the polls tomorrow, super tuesday. Nbcs Senior CorrespondentAndrea Mitchell is here with more on all of that. Good morning. Good morning, so navannah. With Pete Buttigieg out, the field is narrowing, and this is a possible advantage for biden. Bidens problem into super tuesday, he has very little money and organization in major states like california, where more than 2 million early voters already cast their ballots before his huge victory in South Carolina. Reporter Pete Buttigieg dropping out after failing to make in roads with africanamericans in South Carolina, a signal he cant build the coalition hed need to win the nomination. I will no longer seek to be the 2020 democratic nominee for president , but i will do everything in my power to ensure that we have a new democratic president come january. Reporter the former south bend, indiana, mayor signaling he made history being the first openly gay president ial candidate. Whatever marks a kid out as different means theyre destined to be less than. For someone who once felt that way, able to become an american president ial candidate with his husband at his side. Reporter the 55th anniversary this week of the historic march known as bloody sunday. One of the few survivors, congressman john lewis, appearing. Vote like youve never, ever voted before. Reporter joe biden, fresh off his victory in South Carolina, propelled by overwhelming support from black voters, reflecting on the lessons of selma. We cannot let our anger, when we gain power, rule us like it has the other party and this president. Reporter in contrast, Mike Bloomberg on the ballots to the first time tomorrow. Facing a silent protest from nearly a dozen churchgoers, turning their backs on the former new york city mayor. Criticized for the controversial stop and frisk police program, for which he has since apologized. Every place, i have tried to listen and i have tried to learn. You are making them very nervous. Reporter Bernie Sanders skipping alabama to rally supporters in california, the biggest super tuesday delegate prize. Touting his campaigns 46 million fundraising haul in february. We have an excellent chance to win some of the largest states in this country. Andrea, as we talk about this race, lets set up, i mean, how important super tuesday is. It is tomorrow night. 14 states. One u. S. Territory holding primaries, including big ones. California, texas. 1,357 delegates up for grabs, more than a third of the total. Heres where it stands. Bernie sanders is in the lead with 63 delegates. At the moment, biden has 53 delegates. We know about bidens big win in South Carolina. Bernie sanders goes into super tuesday with momentum. He had the huge rallies. When you look at the number of people who turned out for him in places like california and massachusetts, he has the potential to really run up the score on super tuesday. Biden has a path, but it is a narrow one. Very narrow one. Look, first of all, we dont know how Mike Bloomberg is going to do. This is the first time were going to test him with voters. Biden wants to turn this into a Biden Sanders race coming out of super tuesday. The fact is, he was locked down in South Carolina to win as big as he did there. He has not campaigned in super tuesday states. He doesnt have a field organization. Really, his path is to maybe get 20 in california, be competitive in texas, try to do well in massachusetts, do well in colorado, sweep the south. Bernie sanders is doing well in massachusetts, possibly leading in massachusetts, where elizabeth warrens home state, and minnesota, Amy Klobuchars home state. Could be the end of their campaigns after super tuesday. A lot is at stake. We have real suspense tomorrow night. Well see you tomorrow for our super tuesday coverage. Bring you the results live as we get them. Starts at 8 00 7 00 central. Well be on until the wee hours. We have breaking news from the business world. Jack welch, legendary former ceo of General Electric, has died. Jo ling kent joins us with a look at his legacy. What a legacy it was. Sure was, craig. Good morning to you. Jack welch, once called the manager of the century by Fortune Magazine in 1999. Famous for his warmth and mentoring so many future business leaders. He died late last night. Im jack welch, chairman and chief executive of General Electric. Reporter born in 1935 to a working class family in massachusetts, jack welch would go on to work at General Electric as a plastics engineer. He took reins of the Manufacturing Company and tur d ed it into a Global Leader in hightech health care and media. He drove ges value from 14 billion to more than 400 billion. A 4,000 increase. But he wasnt without critics. He was a hottempered guy. He had to rein some on that in. When it came to profits, he wanted to be number one. Reporter in 1986, welch oversaw ges purchase of nbc, later sold in 2011. Throughout his tenure, hed earn a nickname for cutting more than 100,000 jobs in his early days of running ge. By the end of his time at the top of ge, he was known less as a ruthless cost cutter and more for his Dynamic Management style. He had an eye for talent. He groomed many of todays top executives. Then in 2001, before 9 11, he stepped down as the ceo of ge. Welch sat down with nbcs Anne Thompson in 2001. Will ge notice when jack welch walk s away . It is a Family Grocery store. Now, there is a new guy running the grocery store. Reporter his retirement was anything but. He wrote several New York Times wellselling books. You have to get everyone in the country around innovation and driving new growth. I think im going to jane up, too. Who is better than him . Reporter a pioneer who transformed business. A kid from salem, ending up with the greatest job in the world. Trying to make 10,000 to live on. I had a great run. Reporter jo ling kent, nbc news. His wife said he died from renal failure. He was surrounded by his family and beloved dogs. The president tweeting this morning, there was no corporate leader like neutron jack. He was my friend and supporter. He will never be forgotten. Craig . Jo, thank you. Let us head over to mr. Roker for a look at the west coast weather. What are we looking at . We have a few watches and warnings. High wind advisories. We have high surf advisories. We have Winter Weather advisories stretching from San Francisco to san diego. 50mileperhour winds in the mountains. Snow continues to move to the south. As far as your western weather, showers in seattle. 49. L. A. , sunshine, 74. L. A. , sunshine, 74. Denver, clouds and 49 degrees. [laughs] blue buffalo, huh . Yeah, purina one . Yeah. I use to feed purina one but i read the ingredients. Oh yeah. Yeah. Its right there. Chicken, rice flour