Donald Trump declares national emergency over COVID-19

US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency, freeing up a total A$81 billion for state and local governments to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking at the White House, Mr Trump said he was asking hospitals to activate their emergency preparedness plans, and will give doctors "flexibility" in treating patients, as he waived federal regulations and laws. He also said he expected that up to half a million extra coronavirus tests will be available early next week, as he announced a public-private partnership to increase the national capabilities. President Trump alluded to the possibility of adding the UK to European countries banned from entering America admitting he may have to add more countries to the ban while taking others off the list. More than 30 people in America have died after contracting COVID-19 and with over 1,200 infections in 46 states. Mr Trump said he had not shown any symptoms of coronavirus after a photo emerged of him reportedly standing next to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's press secretary Fabio Wajngarten last weekend who has tested positive for COVID-19. He also refused to accept any responsibility for the slow rate of coronavirus testing in the country and said he was “given a set of circumstances” that wasn’t meant for the high numbers of potential COVID-19 infections. Image: AP

from World | Daily Telegraph https://ift.tt/2IIfQMw