WASHINGTON: On Friday afternoon, US President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency so as to provide additional resources and prepare the country to battle the virus threat. He also denied responsibility for delays in making mass testing available for the pandemic.
"I am officially declaring a national emergency," Trump announced at the White House. This decision will provide as much as $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the pandemic outbreak.
Trump also announced decisions to bolster energy markets, reduce the burden of student loans and give medical professionals additional "flexibility" in treating patients as coronavirus crisis hits the US population.
"I don't take responsibility at all" Trump added for the slow rollout of testing.
The total number of cases reported in the US as of Friday were 1,629 resulting in 41 deaths.
"I am officially declaring a national emergency," Trump announced at the White House. This decision will provide as much as $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the pandemic outbreak.
Trump also announced decisions to bolster energy markets, reduce the burden of student loans and give medical professionals additional "flexibility" in treating patients as coronavirus crisis hits the US population.
"I don't take responsibility at all" Trump added for the slow rollout of testing.
The total number of cases reported in the US as of Friday were 1,629 resulting in 41 deaths.