COVID-19: Trump Declares Sunday a National Day of Prayer

President Trump announced on Friday a National Day of Prayer for this upcoming Sunday, suggesting that Americans turn to God for protection. This occurred shortly after him declaring a state of emergency amid the fast-spreading COVID-19 pandemic, saying the move will open access to $50 billion in federal funds for states, territories and localities in the fight against the disease.

Since 1988, the first Sunday of every March has been designated a National Day of Prayer in the US; Trump personalized this year's day of prayer in the face of the outbreak of the novel virus.

"It is my great honor to declare Sunday, March 15th as a National Day of Prayer. We are a country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these," Trump tweeted. "No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL!"

Thus far over 145,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide, including more than 5,400 deaths and around 71,000 recoveries. In the United States, cases numbered 2,269, with 40 reported deaths and 41 recoveries.

On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, pushing the threat beyond the global health emergency it had issued in January. However, WHO also stressed that all countries can take fruitful steps to get the pathogen under control.