US: Coronavirus death toll rises to 41, President Trump declares national emergency

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over the novel coronavirus yesterday, unlocking up to 50 billion US Dollars in federal funds to combat the fast-spreading pandemic. The infection has killed over 5,000 people and triggered fears that the deadly outbreak will lead to a global economic recession.

The announcement came as infections and deaths soared in Europe, with the World Health Organization (WHO) calling the continent the pandemic’s current epicentre.

The deadly virus, which has killed over 5,000 people globally, including 41 in America has spread to 46 of the 50 US States, with nearly 2,000 cases being reported from across the country.

The declaration of a national emergency allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist state and local governments and coordinate the nation’s response to the crisis.

The US president has asked every state to set up emergency operation centres immediately.

He said, every hospital has been directed to activate its emergency preparedness plan so that they can meet the needs of citizens.