Trump declares national emergency over coronavirus
US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency to help handle the growing outbreak of coronavirus, BBC reported.
The declaration - "two very big words", according to 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. There are 1,701 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the US, and 40 deaths.
Several US states have taken measures to stem the infections rate, including banning large gatherings, sporting events and closing schools.
It is noted that Trump's administration has come under recent scrutiny over its failure to provide Americans with widespread coronavirus testing.