Trump declares national emergency over coronavirus

The United States President, Donald Trump, on Friday declared a national emergency to help handle the growing outbreak of coronavirus in the country.

The declaration – “two very big words,” according to Mr. Trump – allows the federal government to tap up to $50bn (£40bn) in emergency relief funds.

The move loosens regulations on the provision of healthcare and could speed up testing – the slow pace of which has been criticised widely, the BBC reports.

At least 40 persons had been killed and 1, 701 infected by the coronavirus in the US.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday declared the virus a global pandemic after it killed about 4, 000 people and infected over 100, 000 in 22 countries across the globe.

READ ALSO: CORONAVIRUS: China says it has passed peak of the outbreak

Several European countries reported steep rises in infections and deaths with Italy recording its highest daily toll yet – 250 over the past 24 hours, taking the total to 1,266, with 17,660 infections overall.

Several US states had taken measures to stem the inflation rate, including banning large gatherings, sporting events, and closing schools.

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