Over 1.5 billion globally asked to stay home to escape virus

LORI HINNANT and FOSTER KLUG  Associated Press PARIS (AP) — The hunt for masks, ventilators and other medical supplies consumed the U.S. and Europe, as more than 1.5 billion people — one-fifth of the world's population — were urged or ordered to stay home Monday to try to blunt the spread of the coronavirus. Political paralysis stalled efforts for a quick aid package from Congress. Investor fears about the outbreak's economic toll pushed U.S. stocks down in morning trading even after the Federal Reserve said it will buy as much government debt as necessary and lend to small and large businesses and local governments to help them cope. In New York, a near-lockdown took effect statewide over the weekend amid worries the city of 8.4 million could become one of the world's biggest h