Trump Declares National Emergency over Coronavirus

Today, US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to help deal with the countrywide spread of coronavirus.

The order allows the federal government to access up to $50bn in emergency relief funds to help state and local health officials.

In his speech on the White House lawn, he noted that through the move, medical insurance regulations can be loosened, new hospitals created and the search for new treatments strengthened.

Trump said his team expected “half a million additional tests will be available early next week which will bring probably 1.4 million tests next week and five million in a month".

“Our overriding goal is to stop the spread of the virus,” he said.

There are 1,701 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the US, and to date there have been 40 deaths. Some states have banned large gatherings and sporting events, and closed schools.

By Katie Ruth Davies

Image source: CDC