Coronavirus Update: San Francisco's early effort helping, D.C. includes fines, arrests for offenders

The primary strategy toward slowing the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. remains how to limit Americans gather in public space – with San Francisco reporting promising results and other cities like Washington, D.C., including possible fines and jail time for violators. 

San Francisco was among the first U.S. cities to issue shelter-in-place orders, and as of Monday reported 374 confirmed cases of the virus and six deaths. 

"We have already made a difference in saving lives," Mayor London Breed about early efforts to control the spread of the virus.

Such efforts are underway as the country tries to quickly expand virus testing, while scientists search for a vaccine and drugs to treat infected patients.

The U.S. now has 160,900 reported coronavirus cases and 3,000 deaths. The worldwide numbers are 800,000 cases and 38,700 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

Also on Monday, some of the most austere stay-at-home orders were issued.

The District of Columbia extended its order, and violators will be subject to a $5,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail. Virginia's plan extends until June.

President Trump on Monday suggested the administration is allow governors to make their own decisions, amid question about having a federal shelter-in-place plan.

"We’re letting the governors do in their states pretty much what they want with our supervision, and they consult with us in all cases," said Trump who this week told Americans to stay indoors through April. "Some go further than others, as you know. ... Some of the governors have taken it a step further."