Fear and loathing bloom as American tempers fray in coronavirus crisis

FILE PHOTO: An empty bar is pictured in the French Quarter neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Bachman

NEW YORK (Reuters) - From sidewalk shouting matches to politically fuelled online sniping, tempers showed signs of fraying in some U.S. cities as the nation stepped up its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

A new fault line appeared in the already-polarized country - between those committed to complying with public health officials urging people to stay home to prevent the spread of disease, and those trying to go about their normal lives outside.