The Trump administration is drafting a legal blueprint for mining on the moon under a new US-sponsored international agreement called the 'Artemis Accords', according to people familiar with the proposed pact.

The agreement would be the latest effort to cultivate allies around NASA's plan to put humans and space stations on the moon within the next decade, and comes as the civilian space agency plays a growing role in implementing American foreign policy.

The draft pact has not been formally shared with US&nbsp;allies yet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bezoss-blue-origin-and-musks-spacex-to-collaborate-in-building-nasas-lunar-lander-296099">Bezos's Blue Origin and Musk's SpaceX to collaborate in building NASA's lunar lander</a>

The trump administration and other space-faring countries see the moon as a key strategic asset in outer space.

The moon also has value for long-term scientific research that could enable future missions to Mar,&nbsp;activities that fall under a regime of international space law widely viewed as outdated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-picks-masten-space-systems-to-deliver-cargo-to-moons-south-pole-in-2022-291531">NASA picks Masten Space Systems to deliver cargo to Moon's South Pole in 2022</a>

The artemis accords, named after the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's new Artemis Moon Program, propose "safety zones" that would surround future moon bases to prevent damage or interference from rival countries or companies operating in close proximity.

The pact also aims to provide a framework under international law for companies to own the resources they mine, the sources said.

In the coming weeks, US&nbsp;officials plan to formally negotiate the accords with space partners such as Canada, Japan, and European countries, as well as the United Arab emirates, opening talks with countries the Trump administration sees as having "like-minded" interests in lunar mining.

Russia, a major partner with nasa on the international space station, won't be an early partner in these accords, the sources said, as the pentagon increasingly views moscow as hostile for making ''threatening''&nbsp;satellite maneuvers toward US&nbsp;spy satellites in earth orbit.

The Trump administration is drafting a legal blueprint for mining on the moon under a new US-sponsored international agreement called the 'Artemis Accords', according to people familiar with the proposed pact.

The Trump administration is drafting a legal blueprint for mining on the moon under a new US-sponsored international agreement called the 'Artemis Accords', according to people familiar with the proposed pact. The agreement would be the latest effort to cultivate allies around NASA's plan to put humans and space stations on the moon within the next decade, and comes as the civilian space agency plays a growing role in implementing American foreign policy. The draft pact has not been formally shared with US allies yet. Also read: Bezos's Blue Origin and Musk's SpaceX to collaborate in building NASA's lunar lander The trump administration and other space-faring countries see the moon as a key strategic asset in outer space. The moon also has value for long-term scientific research that could enable future missions to Mar, activities that fall under a regime of international space law widely viewed as outdated. Also read: NASA picks Masten Space Systems to deliver cargo to Moon's South Pole in 2022 The artemis accords, named after the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's new Artemis Moon Program, propose "safety zones" that would surround future moon bases to prevent damage or interference from rival countries or companies operating in close proximity. The pact also aims to provide a framework under international law for companies to own the resources they mine, the sources said. In the coming weeks, US officials plan to formally negotiate the accords with space partners such as Canada, Japan, and European countries, as well as the United Arab emirates, opening talks with countries the Trump administration sees as having "like-minded" interests in lunar mining. Russia, a major partner with nasa on the international space station, won't be an early partner in these accords, the sources said, as the pentagon increasingly views moscow as hostile for making ''threatening'' satellite maneuvers toward US spy satellites in earth orbit.

Trump administration drafting 'Artemis Accords' pact for moon mining: Sources

Uber Technologies Inc will cut about 3,700 full-time jobs and Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi will forgo his base salary for the remainder of the year, the company said on Wednesday.

COVID-19 pandemic has hit ride-hailing firms, Uber to cut 3,700 jobs

United States President Donald Trump toured a new medical mask factory in Arizona on Tuesday -- but did not wear a face cover himself.

Trump took a rare trip out of Washington and visited a Honeywell International Inc factory making N95 face masks for healthcare workers. The facility is producing face masks for the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Trump wore safety goggles during the factory tour but did not wear a mask, even though production workers at the facility did and a sign was visible that read: "Attention: Face Mask Required in this Area. Thank You!"

His accomplices -- Honeywell Chief Executive Officer Darius Adamczyk, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and some other visiting dignitaries -- also did not wear masks.

Trump has so far declined to wear a face cover -- despite the federal government encouraging Americans since early April to wear masks to avoid spreading the virus even when not feeling any symptoms of COVID-19.

Vice President Mike Pence said on Sunday he erred in not wearing a face mask to the Mayo Clinic last month. His decision not to wear the mask had drawn widespread criticism.

The novel coronavirus is known to have infected more than 1.2 million people in the United States, including at least 71,000 who have died

Trump won Arizona in the 2016 election against Democratic presidential nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, but opinion polls show him currently trailing the presumptive 2020 Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, in the Southwestern state.

United States President Donald Trump toured a new medical mask factory in Arizona on Tuesday -- but did not wear a face cover himself. Trump took a rare trip out of Washington and visited a Honeywell International Inc factory making N95 face masks for healthcare workers.

United States President Donald Trump toured a new medical mask factory in Arizona on Tuesday -- but did not wear a face cover himself. Trump took a rare trip out of Washington and visited a Honeywell International Inc factory making N95 face masks for healthcare workers. The facility is producing face masks for the US Department of Health and Human Services. Trump wore safety goggles during the factory tour but did not wear a mask, even though production workers at the facility did and a sign was visible that read: "Attention: Face Mask Required in this Area. Thank You!" His accomplices -- Honeywell Chief Executive Officer Darius Adamczyk, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and some other visiting dignitaries -- also did not wear masks. Trump has so far declined to wear a face cover -- despite the federal government encouraging Americans since early April to wear masks to avoid spreading the virus even when not feeling any symptoms of COVID-19. Vice President Mike Pence said on Sunday he erred in not wearing a face mask to the Mayo Clinic last month. His decision not to wear the mask had drawn widespread criticism. The novel coronavirus is known to have infected more than 1.2 million people in the United States, including at least 71,000 who have died Trump won Arizona in the 2016 election against Democratic presidential nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, but opinion polls show him currently trailing the presumptive 2020 Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, in the Southwestern state.

Trump tours a new face-mask factory without wearing one himself!

The White House coronavirus task force will wind down as the country moves into a second phase that focuses on the aftermath of the outbreak.

Donald Trump to wind down coronavirus task force

US President Donald Trump has confirmed the White House coronavirus task force will be winding down.

Vice-President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that the emergency task force he heads will not ''be needed much longer than the end of this month.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-beijing-of-aggressive-behaviour-in-south-china-sea-296896" hreflang="en">US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea</a>

"I think we're starting to look at the Memorial Day (May 25) window, early June window" for shutting it down, he told reporters.

The coronavirus task force has spearheaded the complex response to the fast-spreading virus, which has already killed about 70,000 Americans.

The group headed by Pence and reporting to President Donald Trump coordinates between medical institutes, political staff and state governors, some of whom have spent weeks frantically trying to help overwhelmed hospitals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lead-coronavirus-expert-to-testify-in-senate-on-countrys-covid-19-response-296894" hreflang="en">US lead coronavirus expert to testify in Senate on country's COVID-19 response</a>

The task force also drew on medical experts to formulate national recommendations on social distancing.

Pence said that those efforts will soon be ready to be turned over to regular government agencies working "in a more traditional manner."

Downgrading of the situation from an outright emergency goes with Trump's new focus on pushing the country to embrace reopening of the economy.

Trump says that while he wants a "safe" reopening, the hardship caused by the economic shutdown is the main threat.

"We can't keep our country closed for the next five years," he said Tuesday while on a trip to a masks-making factory in Arizona.

He conceded that some people would be "badly affected."

Critics have accused the president of sacrificing Americans' public health in his eagerness to reopen the US economy ahead of his re-election battle in November.

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany insisted that Trump will continue to be briefed by the medical teams, even if there is no formal crisis group. She tweeted:

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Reporting on the task force is being misconstrued to suggest the White House is no longer involving medical experts. This is totally false. 
 
President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> will continue his data-driven approach towards safely re-opening.
— Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1257757508241895435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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US President Donald Trump has confirmed the White House coronavirus task force will be winding down. Vice-President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that the emergency task force he heads will not ''be needed much longer than the end of this month.

US President Donald Trump has confirmed the White House coronavirus task force will be winding down. Vice-President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that the emergency task force he heads will not ''be needed much longer than the end of this month.'' Also read: US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea "I think we're starting to look at the Memorial Day (May 25) window, early June window" for shutting it down, he told reporters. The coronavirus task force has spearheaded the complex response to the fast-spreading virus, which has already killed about 70,000 Americans. The group headed by Pence and reporting to President Donald Trump coordinates between medical institutes, political staff and state governors, some of whom have spent weeks frantically trying to help overwhelmed hospitals. Also read: US lead coronavirus expert to testify in Senate on country's COVID-19 response The task force also drew on medical experts to formulate national recommendations on social distancing. Pence said that those efforts will soon be ready to be turned over to regular government agencies working "in a more traditional manner." Downgrading of the situation from an outright emergency goes with Trump's new focus on pushing the country to embrace reopening of the economy. Trump says that while he wants a "safe" reopening, the hardship caused by the economic shutdown is the main threat. "We can't keep our country closed for the next five years," he said Tuesday while on a trip to a masks-making factory in Arizona. He conceded that some people would be "badly affected." Critics have accused the president of sacrificing Americans' public health in his eagerness to reopen the US economy ahead of his re-election battle in November. White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany insisted that Trump will continue to be briefed by the medical teams, even if there is no formal crisis group. She tweeted: Reporting on the task force is being misconstrued to suggest the White House is no longer involving medical experts. This is totally false. President @realDonaldTrump will continue his data-driven approach towards safely re-opening. — Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) May 5, 2020 ×

Trump set to disband White House coronavirus task force

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the White House coronavirus task force would continue "indefinitely" with its work on the pandemic, focusing on vaccines and therapeutics.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the White House coronavirus task force would continue "indefinitely" with its work on the pandemic, focusing on vaccines and therapeutics. "Because of this success, the Task Force will continue on indefinitely with its focus on SAFETY & OPENING UP OUR COUNTRY AGAIN. We may add or subtract people to it, as appropriate. The Task Force will also be very focused on Vaccines & Therapeutics," Trump said in a series of tweets. The White House CoronaVirus Task Force, headed by Vice President Mike Pence, has done a fantastic job of bringing together vast highly complex resources that have set a high standard for others to follow in the future. Ventilators, which were few & in bad shape, are now being.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 6, 2020 × Trump's latest tweets came a day after he confirmed that the White House coronavirus task force will be winding down. Trump followed Vice-President Mike Pence who on Tuesday said that the emergency task force he heads will not ''be needed much longer than the end of this month.'' ....gloves, gowns etc. are now plentiful. The last four Governors teleconference calls have been conclusively strong. Because of this success, the Task Force will continue on indefinitely with its focus on SAFETY & OPENING UP OUR COUNTRY AGAIN. We may add or subtract people .... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 6, 2020 × The coronavirus task force has spearheaded the complex response to the fast-spreading virus, which has already killed more than 71,000 Americans and infected over 1,205,130 patients. The group headed by Pence and reporting to President Donald Trump coordinates between medical institutes, political staff and state governors, some of whom have spent weeks frantically trying to help overwhelmed hospitals.

Will keep coronavirus task force indefinitely, says Trump amid rising US death toll

More than 72,000 COVID-19 deaths in US, Trump ignored virus warning

A normal visit for United States President Donald Trump to Honeywell’s mask-making factory on Tuesday has hit massive headlines -- for two reasons.

The first, we had reported, was his choice of irony. Trump&nbsp;wore safety goggles, but did not wear a face cover in the dire times of coronavirus -- even though production workers at the facility did and a sign was visible that read: "Attention: Face Mask Required in this Area. Thank You!"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tours-a-new-face-mask-factory-without-wearing-one-himself-296924">Also read |&nbsp;Trump tours a new face-mask factory without wearing one himself!</a>

The second was the choice of music -- the Paul McCartney-penned “Live and Let Die,” as performed by Guns ‘N Roses, blared in the background as Trump walked through the factory.

A clip posted on YouTube by Reuters shows Trump walking through the Arizona facility without a mask to the song.

The background music for the tour also included Trump rally stalwarts such as Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” and Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.”

The song’s climactic lines blasted as a Honeywell representative explained&nbsp;to the president. Rose could be heard singing, “If this ever-changing world in which we live in / Makes you give in and cry / say live and let die.”

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For the unversed, Rose, an outspoken Trump critic, had once called the president the “gold standard of what can be considered disgraceful.”

The Guns N Roses song is frequently played at Trump campaign rallies.

In a tweet, Brian Tyler Cohen&nbsp;noted the first thought that comes to the mind when one watches the bunch of ironies: "Live and Let Die." That's the song that Trump had pumped into the mask factory during his visit. Seriously. Like, seriously."

Seriously!

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"Live and Let Die." That's the song that Trump had pumped into the mask factory during his visit. Seriously. Like, seriously.<a href="https://t.co/zidsZhfxmu">pic.twitter.com/zidsZhfxmu</a>
— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) <a href="https://twitter.com/briantylercohen/status/1257824852074827777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It still is unclear whether the music was the choice of the White House or Honeywell, but it wasn't liked by many -- as they called it insensitive, given the magnitude of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed the lives of more than 70,000 Americans.

A normal visit for United States President Donald Trump to Honeywell’s mask-making factory on Tuesday has hit massive headlines -- for two reasons. The first, we had reported, was his choice of irony.

A normal visit for United States President Donald Trump to Honeywell’s mask-making factory on Tuesday has hit massive headlines -- for two reasons. The first, we had reported, was his choice of irony. Trump wore safety goggles, but did not wear a face cover in the dire times of coronavirus -- even though production workers at the facility did and a sign was visible that read: "Attention: Face Mask Required in this Area. Thank You!" Also read | Trump tours a new face-mask factory without wearing one himself! The second was the choice of music -- the Paul McCartney-penned “Live and Let Die,” as performed by Guns ‘N Roses, blared in the background as Trump walked through the factory. A clip posted on YouTube by Reuters shows Trump walking through the Arizona facility without a mask to the song. The background music for the tour also included Trump rally stalwarts such as Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” and Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.” The song’s climactic lines blasted as a Honeywell representative explained to the president. Rose could be heard singing, “If this ever-changing world in which we live in / Makes you give in and cry / say live and let die.” × For the unversed, Rose, an outspoken Trump critic, had once called the president the “gold standard of what can be considered disgraceful.” The Guns N Roses song is frequently played at Trump campaign rallies. In a tweet, Brian Tyler Cohen noted the first thought that comes to the mind when one watches the bunch of ironies: "Live and Let Die." That's the song that Trump had pumped into the mask factory during his visit. Seriously. Like, seriously." Seriously! "Live and Let Die." That's the song that Trump had pumped into the mask factory during his visit. Seriously. Like, seriously.pic.twitter.com/zidsZhfxmu — Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) May 6, 2020 × It still is unclear whether the music was the choice of the White House or Honeywell, but it wasn't liked by many -- as they called it insensitive, given the magnitude of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed the lives of more than 70,000 Americans.

'Live and Let Die' blasts as Trump tours mask factory, without wearing one

Backing US President Donald Trump's assertion, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the Coronavirus was made in a lab. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about how the fight between the US and China is escalating.

Gravitas: Pompeo says Coronavirus was made in a lab

Are six medical supplies companies profiteering from the Coronavirus outbreak in the US? A program created by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is now under the scanner of lawmakers.

Gravitas: Is a 'medical cartel' controlling coronavirus supplies in the US?

United States President Donald Trump has nominated Indian-Americans for key positions in his administration.

AS REPRESENTATIVE TO IBRD

Ashok Michael Pinto has been nominated as a representative to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

Trump had announced his intent to nominate Pinto for this position on April 9.&nbsp;

Pinto currently serves as Counselor to the Under Secretary for International Affairs at the United States Department of the Treasury.

Pinto was on Monday nominated as US Alternate Executive Director of IBRD for a term of two years. He, if confirmed by the Senate, would replace Erik Bethel.

Pinto was Special Assistant and Associate Counsel to President George W Bush during private practice at two international law firms. He was also a law clerk to Judge F A Little, Jr Of the United State District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.

He has also held senior leadership roles in the United States Congress, including Chief Investigative Counsel and Policy Director to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in the Senate, Chief Counsel for Investigations to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in the House of Representatives, and Special Counsel to the Committee on the Judiciary in the Senate.

Bethel has resigned from the post.

AS FEDERAL COURT JUDGE

Trump also nominated an Indian-American attorney to a federal court in New York -- the judge of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Saritha Komatireddy is a prosecutor and teaches law at the Columbia Law School.

She has clerked under the former judge of the same district, Brett Kavanaugh. 
Komatireddy is currently Deputy Chief of General Crimes in the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.

Previously she was Acting Deputy Chief, International Narcotics and Money Laundering (June, 2018 - January, 2019) and Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Coordinator (2016-2019).

Komatireddy has served as a law clerk to then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She also served as counsel to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling.

On February 12 this year, Trump had announced his intent to nominate Komatireddy to serve as a United States District Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

AS OECD ENVOY

Trump has nominated senior Indian-American diplomat Manisha Singh as his envoy to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Currently Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs at the State Department, Singh will be the US representative to OECD with the rank of an Ambassador.

Paris-based OECD is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 36 member countries to stimulate economic progress and world trade.

On April 27, Trump had announced his intent to nominate Singh for this position. 
Singh.

Singh has previously served as the acting under secretary of Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment and as a deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs at the State Department.

She also previously served as the deputy chief counsel to the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Singh was the Senior Fellow for International Economic Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council and was a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

United States President Donald Trump has nominated Indian-Americans for key positions in his administration. AS REPRESENTATIVE TO IBRD Ashok Michael Pinto has been nominated as a representative to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

United States President Donald Trump has nominated Indian-Americans for key positions in his administration. AS REPRESENTATIVE TO IBRD Ashok Michael Pinto has been nominated as a representative to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Trump had announced his intent to nominate Pinto for this position on April 9. Pinto currently serves as Counselor to the Under Secretary for International Affairs at the United States Department of the Treasury. Pinto was on Monday nominated as US Alternate Executive Director of IBRD for a term of two years. He, if confirmed by the Senate, would replace Erik Bethel. Pinto was Special Assistant and Associate Counsel to President George W Bush during private practice at two international law firms. He was also a law clerk to Judge F A Little, Jr Of the United State District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. He has also held senior leadership roles in the United States Congress, including Chief Investigative Counsel and Policy Director to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in the Senate, Chief Counsel for Investigations to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in the House of Representatives, and Special Counsel to the Committee on the Judiciary in the Senate. Bethel has resigned from the post. AS FEDERAL COURT JUDGE Trump also nominated an Indian-American attorney to a federal court in New York -- the judge of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Saritha Komatireddy is a prosecutor and teaches law at the Columbia Law School. She has clerked under the former judge of the same district, Brett Kavanaugh. Komatireddy is currently Deputy Chief of General Crimes in the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. Previously she was Acting Deputy Chief, International Narcotics and Money Laundering (June, 2018 - January, 2019) and Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Coordinator (2016-2019). Komatireddy has served as a law clerk to then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She also served as counsel to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. On February 12 this year, Trump had announced his intent to nominate Komatireddy to serve as a United States District Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. AS OECD ENVOY Trump has nominated senior Indian-American diplomat Manisha Singh as his envoy to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Currently Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs at the State Department, Singh will be the US representative to OECD with the rank of an Ambassador. Paris-based OECD is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 36 member countries to stimulate economic progress and world trade. On April 27, Trump had announced his intent to nominate Singh for this position. Singh. Singh has previously served as the acting under secretary of Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment and as a deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs at the State Department. She also previously served as the deputy chief counsel to the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Singh was the Senior Fellow for International Economic Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council and was a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Trump nominates Indian-Americans as US representative to IBRD, federal court judge and OECD envoy

According to a new government report, the United States will witness 200,000 cases and over 3,000 deaths per day by June 1. According to the document accessed by the New York Times, the deaths will increase by 70 per cent from the current numbers.&nbsp;

Nearly 1,750 Americans succumb to coronavirus every day. The United States has been under lockdown to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus but re-opening the American economy will have catastrophic consequences.&nbsp;

The United States is the worst affected in terms of coronavirus pandemic with more than 1.2 million cases and 69,000 deaths due to the virus.&nbsp;

The American economy has been hit hard after more than 30 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits.&nbsp;

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A new coronavirus model has projected 3,000 daily deaths in the United States by the month of June, as the country pushes to reopen its economy. 
 
Is the US exiting lockdown too soon? Watch video <a href="https://t.co/kIGOf7U1Ek">pic.twitter.com/kIGOf7U1Ek</a>
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According to the New York Times, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned, “There remains a large number of counties whose burden continues to grow.”

Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington has estimated nearly 135,000 deaths in the beginning of August, this prediction is double than what was predicted earlier in April.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, more than a dozen US states eased COVID-19 restrictions and another over a dozen have announced their plans to do so in the coming days.

States like Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Illinois, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont, and West Virginia have lifted restrictions.

According to a new government report, the United States will witness 200,000 cases and over 3,000 deaths per day by June 1. According to the document accessed by the New York Times, the deaths will increase by 70 per cent from the current numbers.

According to a new government report, the United States will witness 200,000 cases and over 3,000 deaths per day by June 1. According to the document accessed by the New York Times, the deaths will increase by 70 per cent from the current numbers. Nearly 1,750 Americans succumb to coronavirus every day. The United States has been under lockdown to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus but re-opening the American economy will have catastrophic consequences. The United States is the worst affected in terms of coronavirus pandemic with more than 1.2 million cases and 69,000 deaths due to the virus. The American economy has been hit hard after more than 30 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits. A new coronavirus model has projected 3,000 daily deaths in the United States by the month of June, as the country pushes to reopen its economy. Is the US exiting lockdown too soon? Watch video pic.twitter.com/kIGOf7U1Ek — WION (@WIONews) May 5, 2020 × According to the New York Times, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned, “There remains a large number of counties whose burden continues to grow.” Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington has estimated nearly 135,000 deaths in the beginning of August, this prediction is double than what was predicted earlier in April. Meanwhile, more than a dozen US states eased COVID-19 restrictions and another over a dozen have announced their plans to do so in the coming days. States like Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Illinois, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont, and West Virginia have lifted restrictions.

United States will witness 200,000 cases and 3,000 deaths per day by June 1: reports

The Chinese state media&nbsp;lambasted US Secretary of&nbsp;State&nbsp;Mike&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;for backing President Donald Trump's assertion that&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;originated in&nbsp;China.

Earlier, during a television interview on May 3, Pompeo&nbsp;had said that there is “significant amount” of evidence that the virus originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intel-shared-among-us-allies-contradicts-trumps-claims-says-coronavirus-outbreak-more-likely-came-from-market-296696" hreflang="en">Intel shared among US allies contradicts Trump's claims, says coronavirus outbreak more likely came from market</a>

Chinese state broadcaster, CCTV&nbsp;calling his claims "insane and evasive".

It attacked Pompeo by calling him ''evil'' and saying that he is wantonly spewing poison and spreading lies,''&nbsp;referred to statements by WHO Executive Director Mike Ryan and Columbia University virologist W Ian Lipkin.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-250000-die-of-coronavirus-worldwide-confirmed-recoveries-near-12-lakh-296685" hreflang="en">More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh</a>

''These flawed and unreasonable remarks by American politicians make it clear&nbsp;to more and more people that no evidence' exists,''&nbsp;the commentary said.

The theory of the Chinese origin of the coronavirus has been heavily pushed by the administration of President&nbsp;Donald Trump, who has been increasingly critical of China's handling of the outbreak that first emerged in Wuhan late last year.

Trump said&nbsp;he saw evidence that gave him confidence the virus emerged from a lab in Wuhan, without offering support to his claim.

COVID-19 has infected 3,642,068 people worldwide and 252,024 people have been killed due to this pandemic till date.

&nbsp;

The Chinese state media lambasted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for backing President Donald Trump's assertion that coronavirus originated in China. Earlier, during a television interview on May 3, Pompeo had said that there is “significant amount” of evidence that the virus originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

The Chinese state media lambasted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for backing President Donald Trump's assertion that coronavirus originated in China. Earlier, during a television interview on May 3, Pompeo had said that there is “significant amount” of evidence that the virus originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China. Also read: Intel shared among US allies contradicts Trump's claims, says coronavirus outbreak more likely came from market Chinese state broadcaster, CCTV calling his claims "insane and evasive". It attacked Pompeo by calling him ''evil'' and saying that he is wantonly spewing poison and spreading lies,'' referred to statements by WHO Executive Director Mike Ryan and Columbia University virologist W Ian Lipkin. Also read: More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh ''These flawed and unreasonable remarks by American politicians make it clear to more and more people that no evidence' exists,'' the commentary said. The theory of the Chinese origin of the coronavirus has been heavily pushed by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has been increasingly critical of China's handling of the outbreak that first emerged in Wuhan late last year. Trump said he saw evidence that gave him confidence the virus emerged from a lab in Wuhan, without offering support to his claim. COVID-19 has infected 3,642,068 people worldwide and 252,024 people have been killed due to this pandemic till date.

China lashes out at Pompeo, calls his coronavirus origin theory 'insane'

A draft government report predicts that the daily death toll from the coronavirus could reach 3,000 by June 1 — twice the current rate.

Is United States exiting lockdown too soon?

The United States faces a stark choice in the Middle East if it continues its maximum pressure campaign against Iran: confront the Islamic republic militarily or withdraw from the region.

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute in Washington and a former head of the National Iranian American Council, recently drew that harsh conclusion. No doubt, Parsi may be correct in the ultimate analysis. US-Iranian tensions could easily spin out of control into an all-out war that neither Iran nor the United States wants.

There are, however, lots of shades of grey that separate long-standing tit-for-tat attacks on US targets – primarily in Iraq, occasional Iranian harassment of US naval vessels in the Gulf, and sporadic US responses, from all-out war.

The United States and Iran have been engaged in tit-for-tat with varying degrees of intensity for years and so far have avoided an uncontrolled escalation despite incidents such as the 1988 downing of Iran Air flight 655, that killed 274 people, and the targeted assassination earlier this year of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.

Leaving aside potential black and grey swans, a more likely scenario is that a US desire to reduce its commitment to Gulf states, increased Gulf doubts about US reliability as a regional security guarantor, and a new world in which Gulf and Western states struggle to come to grips with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, create an environment more conducive to a multilateral security arrangement. One that would reduce the risk of war, even if multilateralism globally seems to be on the retreat.

US President Donald Trump’s threat in early April to cut off military sales to Saudi Arabia, if the kingdom did not bury the hatchet in its oil price war with Russia – sparking the collapse of oil markets, is an inevitable epic battle for market share.

More immediately, it drove the message home in Riyadh that US security guarantees were conditional and reinforced Saudi perceptions that the United States was getting disproportionately more out of its close ties to the kingdom than Saudi Arabia.

The Trump administration, in a little-noticed sign of the times, put Saudi Arabia in late April on a priority watch list for violations of intellectual property rights because of its pirating of sports broadcasting rights owned by Qatar’s beIN television franchise. The listing threatened to complicate Saudi Arabia’s already controversial bid to acquire English soccer club Newcastle United.

It is still too early to assess the geopolitical impact of the global economic downturn. Depressed demand and pricing for oil and gas could enable China to diversify its sourcing and potentially reduce its dependence on the Middle East, a volatile region with heightened security risks. China imported 31 per cent more oil from Russia last month while its intake of Saudi crude slipped by 1.8 per cent compared to March 2019.

At the same time, low oil prices that make US production commercially less viable could temporarily increase Washington’s interest in Gulf security.

Fundamentally, and irrespective of what scenario plays out, little will change. The US will still want to reduce its exposure to the Middle East. For its part, China will still need to secure oil and gas supplies as well as its investments and significant diaspora community in the region while seeking to avoid being sucked into intractable regional conflicts.

By the same token, the gradual revival of economic life, including a probable phased revitalisation of supply chains and international travel, combined with a need to rethink migrant worker housing and create local employment, could alter Middle Eastern perspectives of China’s way of doing business.

China’s Belt-and-Road projects often have a China-wins-twice aspect to them that may have always been problematic but have become even more so in a post-pandemic economic environment. China-funded projects rely by and large on Chinese labour and materials supply rather than local sourcing.

The People’s Republic’s “China First” approach extends beyond economics and commerce. In an environment in which the United States is an irreplaceable but unreliable partner, Gulf states may look differently at Chinese hesitancy to co-shoulder responsibility for regional security with the risk of having to involve itself in multiple conflicts it has so far been able to stay aloof from.

The coronavirus pandemic constitutes a watershed that will colour Middle Eastern attitudes towards all of the region’s foremost external players: the United States, China, and Russia. Prior to the crisis, Russia, the weakest of the three, was playing a weak economic hand well, but may find that more difficult going forward.

Gulf states are likely to conclude that assertive go-it-alone policies are risky and only work in specific circumstances where big powers are either part of the ploy or look the other way. Though such were easier to pursue in a stable economic environment in which their oil and gas revenue base appeared secure.

The United Arab Emirates appears to have read the writing on the wall. It began a year ago to hedge its bets by reaching out to Iran in a bid to ensure that it would not become a theatre of war if US-Iranian tensions were to spin out of control. Still, that has not stopped its support for rebel forces in Libya led by renegade Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar in violation of an international arms embargo.

Trump’s threat of a cut-off in military sales to Saudi Arabia should have driven the point home. Yet, financially and economically weakened, less able to play big powers off against one another, and deprived of any viable alternative options, the kingdom and other Gulf states may find that a multilateral security arrangement that incorporates rather than replaces the United States’ regional defence umbrella is the only security straw they can hold on to.

Nevertheless, in eventually attempting to negotiate a new arrangement, they may also find that they no longer have the kind of leverage they had prior to a pandemic that in many ways has pulled the rug from beneath them.

&nbsp;(First published <a href="https://insidearabia.com/gulf-security-arab-gulf-states-have-no-good-options/">on Inside Arabia</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The United States faces a stark choice in the Middle East if it continues its maximum pressure campaign against Iran: confront the Islamic republic militarily or withdraw from the region.

The United States faces a stark choice in the Middle East if it continues its maximum pressure campaign against Iran: confront the Islamic republic militarily or withdraw from the region. Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute in Washington and a former head of the National Iranian American Council, recently drew that harsh conclusion. No doubt, Parsi may be correct in the ultimate analysis. US-Iranian tensions could easily spin out of control into an all-out war that neither Iran nor the United States wants. There are, however, lots of shades of grey that separate long-standing tit-for-tat attacks on US targets – primarily in Iraq, occasional Iranian harassment of US naval vessels in the Gulf, and sporadic US responses, from all-out war. The United States and Iran have been engaged in tit-for-tat with varying degrees of intensity for years and so far have avoided an uncontrolled escalation despite incidents such as the 1988 downing of Iran Air flight 655, that killed 274 people, and the targeted assassination earlier this year of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Leaving aside potential black and grey swans, a more likely scenario is that a US desire to reduce its commitment to Gulf states, increased Gulf doubts about US reliability as a regional security guarantor, and a new world in which Gulf and Western states struggle to come to grips with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, create an environment more conducive to a multilateral security arrangement. One that would reduce the risk of war, even if multilateralism globally seems to be on the retreat. US President Donald Trump’s threat in early April to cut off military sales to Saudi Arabia, if the kingdom did not bury the hatchet in its oil price war with Russia – sparking the collapse of oil markets, is an inevitable epic battle for market share. More immediately, it drove the message home in Riyadh that US security guarantees were conditional and reinforced Saudi perceptions that the United States was getting disproportionately more out of its close ties to the kingdom than Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration, in a little-noticed sign of the times, put Saudi Arabia in late April on a priority watch list for violations of intellectual property rights because of its pirating of sports broadcasting rights owned by Qatar’s beIN television franchise. The listing threatened to complicate Saudi Arabia’s already controversial bid to acquire English soccer club Newcastle United. It is still too early to assess the geopolitical impact of the global economic downturn. Depressed demand and pricing for oil and gas could enable China to diversify its sourcing and potentially reduce its dependence on the Middle East, a volatile region with heightened security risks. China imported 31 per cent more oil from Russia last month while its intake of Saudi crude slipped by 1.8 per cent compared to March 2019. At the same time, low oil prices that make US production commercially less viable could temporarily increase Washington’s interest in Gulf security. Fundamentally, and irrespective of what scenario plays out, little will change. The US will still want to reduce its exposure to the Middle East. For its part, China will still need to secure oil and gas supplies as well as its investments and significant diaspora community in the region while seeking to avoid being sucked into intractable regional conflicts. By the same token, the gradual revival of economic life, including a probable phased revitalisation of supply chains and international travel, combined with a need to rethink migrant worker housing and create local employment, could alter Middle Eastern perspectives of China’s way of doing business. China’s Belt-and-Road projects often have a China-wins-twice aspect to them that may have always been problematic but have become even more so in a post-pandemic economic environment. China-funded projects rely by and large on Chinese labour and materials supply rather than local sourcing. The People’s Republic’s “China First” approach extends beyond economics and commerce. In an environment in which the United States is an irreplaceable but unreliable partner, Gulf states may look differently at Chinese hesitancy to co-shoulder responsibility for regional security with the risk of having to involve itself in multiple conflicts it has so far been able to stay aloof from. The coronavirus pandemic constitutes a watershed that will colour Middle Eastern attitudes towards all of the region’s foremost external players: the United States, China, and Russia. Prior to the crisis, Russia, the weakest of the three, was playing a weak economic hand well, but may find that more difficult going forward. Gulf states are likely to conclude that assertive go-it-alone policies are risky and only work in specific circumstances where big powers are either part of the ploy or look the other way. Though such were easier to pursue in a stable economic environment in which their oil and gas revenue base appeared secure. The United Arab Emirates appears to have read the writing on the wall. It began a year ago to hedge its bets by reaching out to Iran in a bid to ensure that it would not become a theatre of war if US-Iranian tensions were to spin out of control. Still, that has not stopped its support for rebel forces in Libya led by renegade Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar in violation of an international arms embargo. Trump’s threat of a cut-off in military sales to Saudi Arabia should have driven the point home. Yet, financially and economically weakened, less able to play big powers off against one another, and deprived of any viable alternative options, the kingdom and other Gulf states may find that a multilateral security arrangement that incorporates rather than replaces the United States’ regional defence umbrella is the only security straw they can hold on to. Nevertheless, in eventually attempting to negotiate a new arrangement, they may also find that they no longer have the kind of leverage they had prior to a pandemic that in many ways has pulled the rug from beneath them. (First published on Inside Arabia) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Coronavirus will reshape security and political landscape of Middle East

US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo backed President Donald Trump's assertion that coronavirus had originated in a research lab in Wuhan. China state broadcaster CCTV hit back fiercely. Watch report.

Chinese state media CCTV: 'Wuhan lab theory hype completely fake'

President Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States will have a coronavirus vaccine by the end of this year.

"We are very confident that we're going to have a vaccine at the end of the year, by the end of the year," Trump said in a Fox News "town hall" show broadcast from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-says-enormous-evidence-virus-came-from-wuhan-lab-296446" hreflang="en">Mike Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab</a>

He also said he would urge the reopening of schools and universities in September, saying "I want them to go back."

The vaccine prediction moves up the timeline that has been discussed as the United States and other countries race to be the first to bring out a way to prevent COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/glad-he-is-back-and-well-donald-trump-on-kim-jong-uns-first-appearance-in-three-weeks-296325">'Glad he is back and well': Donald Trump on Kim Jong Un's first appearance in three weeks</a>

Trump insisted he would be happy for another country to beat US researchers to the medicine, saying "if it's another country I'll take my hat off."

"I don't care, I just want to get a vaccine that works."

Trump appeared to acknowledge that he was getting ahead of his own advisors on the prediction for the vaccine.

"The doctors would say 'well, you shouldn't say that.' I'll say what I think," he said.

Asked about risks during human trials in a research process that is going unusually quickly, Trump said "they're volunteers. They know what they're getting into."

President Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States will have a coronavirus vaccine by the end of this year. "We are very confident that we're going to have a vaccine at the end of the year, by the end of the year," Trump said in a Fox News "town hall" show broadcast from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.

President Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States will have a coronavirus vaccine by the end of this year. "We are very confident that we're going to have a vaccine at the end of the year, by the end of the year," Trump said in a Fox News "town hall" show broadcast from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Also read: Mike Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab He also said he would urge the reopening of schools and universities in September, saying "I want them to go back." The vaccine prediction moves up the timeline that has been discussed as the United States and other countries race to be the first to bring out a way to prevent COVID-19. Also read: 'Glad he is back and well': Donald Trump on Kim Jong Un's first appearance in three weeks Trump insisted he would be happy for another country to beat US researchers to the medicine, saying "if it's another country I'll take my hat off." "I don't care, I just want to get a vaccine that works." Trump appeared to acknowledge that he was getting ahead of his own advisors on the prediction for the vaccine. "The doctors would say 'well, you shouldn't say that.' I'll say what I think," he said. Asked about risks during human trials in a research process that is going unusually quickly, Trump said "they're volunteers. They know what they're getting into."

US will have coronavirus vaccine by end of year, says Trump

Angered by the forced closures, the protesters in the United States ignored social distancing guidelines and took to the streets. Watch this report to know more.

US: People take to streets to protest prolonged shutdown

US regulators have allowed the emergency use of the experimental drug remdesivir, which appears to help some coronavirus patients recover faster.

US allows emergency use of experimental drug for coronavirus

Angered by the forced closures, the protesters ignored social distancing guidelines and demanded the beaches be reopened.

California: Protests against lockdown breaks out; protesters demand end of COVID-19 restriction

Coronavirus deaths in the United States jumped by 1,435 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total toll to more than 66,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

The coronavirus cases in the country are more than 1.1 million, which includes 66,224 deaths as of 8:30 pm on Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), as per the tally.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-remdesivir-as-several-states-ease-lockdown-296248">US approves Remdesivir as several states ease lockdown</a>

The US is the worst-hit country by the virus and the other severely-affected nations are far behind.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-in-europe-top-15-million-report-296285">Coronavirus cases in Europe top 1.5 million: Report</a>

Earlier on Friday, Texas became the latest and largest state to ease lockdown measures despite recording its highest single-day deaths.&nbsp;

The pressure of reopening is mounting on several US states as anti-lockdown demonstrations were held in many parts, including California, where authorities had re-closed beaches from Friday after crowds flocked to the shoreline last weekend.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths in the United States jumped by 1,435 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total toll to more than 66,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Coronavirus deaths in the United States jumped by 1,435 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total toll to more than 66,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. The coronavirus cases in the country are more than 1.1 million, which includes 66,224 deaths as of 8:30 pm on Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), as per the tally. Also read | US approves Remdesivir as several states ease lockdown The US is the worst-hit country by the virus and the other severely-affected nations are far behind. Also read | Coronavirus cases in Europe top 1.5 million: Report Earlier on Friday, Texas became the latest and largest state to ease lockdown measures despite recording its highest single-day deaths. The pressure of reopening is mounting on several US states as anti-lockdown demonstrations were held in many parts, including California, where authorities had re-closed beaches from Friday after crowds flocked to the shoreline last weekend.

US sees 1,435 new coronavirus deaths; total toll over 66,000

Hours after Kim Jong Un's images of attending a public gathering published, US President Donald Trump said he is "glad" the North Korean leader is back and healthy.&nbsp;

"I, for one, am glad to see he is back, and well!" the US president tweeted.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-makes-first-public-appearance-after-nearly-three-weeks-296212">Kim Jong Un makes first public appearance after nearly three weeks</a>

The images shared by North Korean media showed Kim making a first public appearance after nearly three weeks, ending speculations over his critical health or possible death.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-health-matters-296259">Why North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's health matters</a>

North Korean state television showed Kim walking, laughing, and smoking a cigarette during the event held for the opening of a fertilizer factory on Friday in Sunchon, north of Pyongyang.&nbsp;

Earlier, rumours related to Kim's poor health started floating since he missed April 15 celebrations, the most important day in the North Korean political calendar. On April 15, Kim's grandfather and North Korea's founder was born.&nbsp;

There were some unconfirmed reports that even claimed Kim is dead.&nbsp;

However, officials from South Korea and the United States rejected these claims, including Trump.&nbsp;

Earlier on Saturday, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that Kim cut a ribbon at the inauguration ceremony on Friday and people attending it "burst into thunderous cheers of 'hurrah!' for the Supreme Leader..."

Kim last appeared publicly on April 11, when he chaired a Workers' Party politburo meeting. &nbsp;

Hours after Kim Jong Un's images of attending a public gathering published, US President Donald Trump said he is "glad" the North Korean leader is back and healthy.

Hours after Kim Jong Un's images of attending a public gathering published, US President Donald Trump said he is "glad" the North Korean leader is back and healthy. "I, for one, am glad to see he is back, and well!" the US president tweeted. Also read | Kim Jong Un makes first public appearance after nearly three weeks The images shared by North Korean media showed Kim making a first public appearance after nearly three weeks, ending speculations over his critical health or possible death. Also read | Why North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's health matters North Korean state television showed Kim walking, laughing, and smoking a cigarette during the event held for the opening of a fertilizer factory on Friday in Sunchon, north of Pyongyang. Earlier, rumours related to Kim's poor health started floating since he missed April 15 celebrations, the most important day in the North Korean political calendar. On April 15, Kim's grandfather and North Korea's founder was born. There were some unconfirmed reports that even claimed Kim is dead. However, officials from South Korea and the United States rejected these claims, including Trump. Earlier on Saturday, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that Kim cut a ribbon at the inauguration ceremony on Friday and people attending it "burst into thunderous cheers of 'hurrah!' for the Supreme Leader..." Kim last appeared publicly on April 11, when he chaired a Workers' Party politburo meeting.

'Glad he is back and well': Donald Trump on Kim Jong Un's first appearance in three weeks

A Chinese state media website has put up 10 questions for the US government. What are they all about?

Gravitas: China escalates its information war against US

185 days are left for the US Presidential Election. US President Donald Trump is trying to build a new narrative amid the coronavirus crisis. It centres around his opponent - Joe Biden and China.

Trump's two adversaries: Biden and Beijing | Gravitas

Retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the former head of US forces in Afghanistan, is planning to deploy tech originally developed to counter ISIS propaganda in service of a domestic political goal — to combat online efforts to promote President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Democrats employ tech to combat online efforts to promote Trump’s handling of pandemic

As many as 1,883 new coronavirus deaths were recorded in the United States in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities to about 65,000.

According to the coronavirus tally of Johns Hopkins University, more than 1.1 million people have so far tested positive with coronavirus as of 8:30 pm Friday (0030 GMT Saturday).&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-beijing-biden-trump-strategy-to-stay-in-white-house-296175">Target Beijing &amp; Biden - Trump strategy to stay in White House</a>

The US has witnessed 64,789 deaths from coronavirus, a jump of three per cent from a day earlier.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-hes-seen-evidence-coronavirus-originated-in-chinese-lab-295950">Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab</a>

The country has seen the most number of COVId-19 deaths and infections and the nations preceeding are far behind, reflecting the severity of crisis in the US.&nbsp;

The latest figures came after Texas became the latest state in the US to ease lockdown measures despite witnessing highest single-day deaths.&nbsp;

Stores, restaurants, movie theaters, malls, museums and libraries were allowed to function with 25 per cent of occupancy in the largest US state.&nbsp;

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, said in a tweet that "Texans should continue to practice social distancing" and follow health guidelines.

On Thursday, Texas reported 50 coronavirus deaths, the most since the outbreak began and 1,000 cases, the highest single-day figures since April 10.&nbsp;

Over 29,200 COVID-19 cases are confirmed in Texas, including 816 deaths, as per state health officials.&nbsp;

According to federal guidelines, the number of cases need to fall for 14 consecutive days for lockdown to be relaxed, however, a number of states in the country have bypassed it.&nbsp;

As many as 1,883 new coronavirus deaths were recorded in the United States in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities to about 65,000. According to the coronavirus tally of Johns Hopkins University, more than 1.

As many as 1,883 new coronavirus deaths were recorded in the United States in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities to about 65,000. According to the coronavirus tally of Johns Hopkins University, more than 1.1 million people have so far tested positive with coronavirus as of 8:30 pm Friday (0030 GMT Saturday). Also read | Target Beijing & Biden - Trump strategy to stay in White House The US has witnessed 64,789 deaths from coronavirus, a jump of three per cent from a day earlier. Also read | Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab The country has seen the most number of COVId-19 deaths and infections and the nations preceeding are far behind, reflecting the severity of crisis in the US. The latest figures came after Texas became the latest state in the US to ease lockdown measures despite witnessing highest single-day deaths. Stores, restaurants, movie theaters, malls, museums and libraries were allowed to function with 25 per cent of occupancy in the largest US state. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, said in a tweet that "Texans should continue to practice social distancing" and follow health guidelines. On Thursday, Texas reported 50 coronavirus deaths, the most since the outbreak began and 1,000 cases, the highest single-day figures since April 10. Over 29,200 COVID-19 cases are confirmed in Texas, including 816 deaths, as per state health officials. According to federal guidelines, the number of cases need to fall for 14 consecutive days for lockdown to be relaxed, however, a number of states in the country have bypassed it.

Coronavirus death toll nears 65,000 in US as malls, theatres open in Texas

Trump’s sharpened rhetoric against China reflected his growing frustration with Beijing over the pandemic, which has cost tens of thousands of lives in the United States alone

Donald Trump more critical of China than ever

In United States of America, China is emerging as a new campaign for 2020 race to the White House or 2020 Presidential election. Watch this video to know, How?

US: China emerging as a new campaign for 2020 race to the White House

The top United States intelligence agency has said that the virus originated in Wuhan was neither manmade nor genetically modified. Watch this video to know more.

US intelligence: COVID-19 was not 'manmade or genetically modified'

US President Donald Trump is upping the ante against China. US Intelligence agencies are investigating 'what China hid' during the Coronavirus outbreak. Funding to a research project in China on 'Coronaviruses and bats' has been stopped.

Coronavirus Pandemic: WHO, China to be investigated by the US

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday (April 30) it was possible that China either could not stop the spread of the coronavirus or let it spread, as his rhetoric on Beijing toughened.

Donald Trump: China either could not stop virus spread or let it spread

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