Corporate America joined the fight against the spread of coronavirus on Friday, as President Donald Trump and executives announced that Google would offer a website to help people determine whether they needed tests and retailers would set up drive-through testing in parking lots.

Also read:<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/trump-suspends-travel-from-europe-to-us-in-coronavirus-crisis-285714"> Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis</a>

Shares of Google parent Alphabet Inc, Walmart Inc, Target Corp and drugstore owner CVS Health Corp all closed up more than 9%, in line with the broad stock market, though Alphabet dropped 2% after hours.

Pressure has been rising on U.S. officials to increase and improve testing for the fast-spreading virus, which has reached almost every U.S. state and infected more than 1,660 people in the country.

Also read:<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/coronavirus-effect-after-macron-trump-does-a-namaste-285974"> Coronavirus effect: After Macron, Trump does a 'Namaste'</a>

"I want to thank Google. Google is helping to develop a website, it's gonna be very quickly done, unlike websites of the past, to determine whether a test is warranted and to facilitate testing at a nearby convenient location," Trump said.

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"Google has 1,700 engineers working on this right now, made tremendous progress."

An administration presentation showed a potential user would be asked several questions on the website and then given a recommendation as to whether they should get a coronavirus test.

Those requiring a test would be referred to a store that can provide assistance, potentially including a drive-through test, according to the administration's presentation. Results would be available online in 24 to 36 hours.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said the website's launch date would be known by Sunday night.

Verily, a healthcare tech company also owned by Alphabet, said it was leading the effort to develop the web tool, with the help of an undisclosed number of Google employees.

"We are in the early stages of development, and planning to roll testing out in the (San Francisco) Bay Area, with the hope of expanding more broadly over time," Verily spokeswoman Kathleen Parkes said.

About 1,700 Google workers have volunteered to help with coronavirus-related efforts, according to a person familiar with the matter, but it is unclear whether all of them are involved with developing the new website.

Carolyn Wang, another Verily spokeswoman, said it initially aimed to assess testing needs for people more prone to catching the virus, such as healthcare workers. But she said Verily now plans to trial the system more broadly at several sites around the San Francisco region.

Wang added that Verily was "collaborating closely with organizations like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp who are also working on additional approaches to making testing more accessible and expedient in other areas."

Quest Diagnostics Inc and Laboratory Corp of America Holdings did not respond to after-hours requests for comment.

The Verily spokeswomen did not respond to questions on how data submitted by website visitors would be protected and used.

Leading U.S. retailers will work with the government to assist with drive-through coronavirus testing, the Retail Industry Leaders Association said. Senior leaders of Walmart, Target, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc and CVS stood with Trump at the announcement.

The tests will be conducted in retail store parking lots and sent to labs to complete testing in partnership with local health departments and diagnostic labs. The testing sites will not be run by the companies.

The cooperation with the Trump administration comes as Alphabet faces several antitrust investigations from state and federal agencies over its search and digital advertising businesses.

Trump has accused Google of skewing its search results to portray him negatively. The company has also attracted the administration's ire for not renewing a contract to provide its artificial intelligence technologies for a military drone program.

"Google cosying up to the government doesn't hurt," said Andre Barlow, an antitrust expert with the law firm Doyle, Barlow and Mazard. "Obviously there are a lot of factors that are weighed in the antitrust investigation, which could go either way."

Trump also is eager to increase testing after efforts were hampered by flawed kits distributed by the federal government in February, which gave some false results.

Corporate America joined the fight against the spread of coronavirus on Friday, as President Donald Trump and executives announced that Google would offer a website to help people determine whether they needed tests and retailers would set up drive-through testing in parking lots.

Corporate America joined the fight against the spread of coronavirus on Friday, as President Donald Trump and executives announced that Google would offer a website to help people determine whether they needed tests and retailers would set up drive-through testing in parking lots. Also read: Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis Shares of Google parent Alphabet Inc, Walmart Inc, Target Corp and drugstore owner CVS Health Corp all closed up more than 9%, in line with the broad stock market, though Alphabet dropped 2% after hours. Pressure has been rising on U.S. officials to increase and improve testing for the fast-spreading virus, which has reached almost every U.S. state and infected more than 1,660 people in the country. Also read: Coronavirus effect: After Macron, Trump does a 'Namaste' "I want to thank Google. Google is helping to develop a website, it's gonna be very quickly done, unlike websites of the past, to determine whether a test is warranted and to facilitate testing at a nearby convenient location," Trump said. × "Google has 1,700 engineers working on this right now, made tremendous progress." An administration presentation showed a potential user would be asked several questions on the website and then given a recommendation as to whether they should get a coronavirus test. Those requiring a test would be referred to a store that can provide assistance, potentially including a drive-through test, according to the administration's presentation. Results would be available online in 24 to 36 hours. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said the website's launch date would be known by Sunday night. Verily, a healthcare tech company also owned by Alphabet, said it was leading the effort to develop the web tool, with the help of an undisclosed number of Google employees. "We are in the early stages of development, and planning to roll testing out in the (San Francisco) Bay Area, with the hope of expanding more broadly over time," Verily spokeswoman Kathleen Parkes said. About 1,700 Google workers have volunteered to help with coronavirus-related efforts, according to a person familiar with the matter, but it is unclear whether all of them are involved with developing the new website. Carolyn Wang, another Verily spokeswoman, said it initially aimed to assess testing needs for people more prone to catching the virus, such as healthcare workers. But she said Verily now plans to trial the system more broadly at several sites around the San Francisco region. Wang added that Verily was "collaborating closely with organizations like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp who are also working on additional approaches to making testing more accessible and expedient in other areas." Quest Diagnostics Inc and Laboratory Corp of America Holdings did not respond to after-hours requests for comment. The Verily spokeswomen did not respond to questions on how data submitted by website visitors would be protected and used. Leading U.S. retailers will work with the government to assist with drive-through coronavirus testing, the Retail Industry Leaders Association said. Senior leaders of Walmart, Target, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc and CVS stood with Trump at the announcement. The tests will be conducted in retail store parking lots and sent to labs to complete testing in partnership with local health departments and diagnostic labs. The testing sites will not be run by the companies. The cooperation with the Trump administration comes as Alphabet faces several antitrust investigations from state and federal agencies over its search and digital advertising businesses. Trump has accused Google of skewing its search results to portray him negatively. The company has also attracted the administration's ire for not renewing a contract to provide its artificial intelligence technologies for a military drone program. "Google cosying up to the government doesn't hurt," said Andre Barlow, an antitrust expert with the law firm Doyle, Barlow and Mazard. "Obviously there are a lot of factors that are weighed in the antitrust investigation, which could go either way." Trump also is eager to increase testing after efforts were hampered by flawed kits distributed by the federal government in February, which gave some false results.

Google, Walmart join US effort to speed up coronavirus testing

US President Donald Trump received praise for his address on the coronavirus outbreak. But, the camera and a hot mic caught some moments before and after the speech.

Gravitas: Donald Trump: Caught on a hot mic

Shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) called the coronavirus outbreak a "pandemic", US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that his country has suspended all travel from Europe for 30 days due to the deadly virus.

Trump suspends all travel from Europe to US to fight COVID-19

European Union leaders on Thursday slammed the United States for imposing a unilateral travel ban for people coming from Europe for 30 days.

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Coronavirus Outbreak: Washington, D.C declares emergency

US President Donald Trump commented on troops withdrawal. He said that countries have to take care of themselves.

Today Tonight: US President Trump warns Taliban may over-run Afghan

The race for the Democratic Presidential nomination has come down to two men. Who will take on Donald Trump in the 2020 US Election? Joe Biden or Bernie Sanders? This report has the details.

Gravitas: Race to the White House: Who will take on Donald Trump?

Four days after the peace deal was signed, the U.S. carried out airstrikes against the Taliban. Is Afghan peace deal still on the cards? This report brings you the latest.

Gravitas: 4 days after peace deal, Trump bombs Taliban

The Taliban killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of overnight attacks, government officials told AFP Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good" chat with the insurgents' political chief.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-8-policemen-killed-in-taliban-attack-271470">Afghanistan: 8 policemen killed in Taliban attack</a>

The militants have ramped up violence against Afghan security forces in recent days, ending a partial truce put in place during the run-up to a landmark US-Taliban withdrawal deal signed in Doha on Saturday.

"Taliban fighters attacked at least three army outposts in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz last night, killing at least 10 soldiers and four police," said Safiullah Amiri, a member of the provincial council.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/10-afghan-soldiers-killed-in-taliban-attack-270736">10 Afghan soldiers killed in Taliban attack</a>

A defence ministry official speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity confirmed the army toll while the provincial police spokesman Hejratullah Akbari confirmed the police fatalities.

The insurgents also attacked police in central Uruzgan province Tuesday night, with the governor's spokesman Zergai Ebadi telling AFP: "Unfortunately, six police were killed and seven wounded."

The violence has cast a pall on the nascent Afghan peace process, with the insurgents clashing with Kabul over a prisoner exchange dispute ahead of talks that are due to begin on March 10.

But on Tuesday, Trump told reporters in Washington that he had a "very good" relationship with Taliban political chief Mullah Baradar, with the pair speaking on the phone for 35 minutes, according to the insurgents.

"The relationship is very good that I have with the mullah. We had a good long conversation today and you know, they want to cease the violence, they'd like to cease violence also," he said.

Trump has touted the Doha deal as a way to end the bloody, 18-year US military presence in Afghanistan -- right in time for his November reelection bid.

Under the terms of the deal, the US and other foreign forces will quit Afghanistan within 14 months, subject to Taliban security guarantees and a pledge by the insurgents to hold talks with the national government in Kabul.

The agreement also includes a commitment to exchange 5,000 Taliban prisoners held by the Afghan government in return for 1,000 captives -- something the militants have cited as a prerequisite for talks but which President Ashraf Ghani has refused to do before negotiations start.

The Taliban killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of overnight attacks, government officials told AFP Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good" chat with the insurgents' political chief.

The Taliban killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of overnight attacks, government officials told AFP Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good" chat with the insurgents' political chief. Also read: Afghanistan: 8 policemen killed in Taliban attack The militants have ramped up violence against Afghan security forces in recent days, ending a partial truce put in place during the run-up to a landmark US-Taliban withdrawal deal signed in Doha on Saturday. "Taliban fighters attacked at least three army outposts in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz last night, killing at least 10 soldiers and four police," said Safiullah Amiri, a member of the provincial council. Also read: 10 Afghan soldiers killed in Taliban attack A defence ministry official speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity confirmed the army toll while the provincial police spokesman Hejratullah Akbari confirmed the police fatalities. The insurgents also attacked police in central Uruzgan province Tuesday night, with the governor's spokesman Zergai Ebadi telling AFP: "Unfortunately, six police were killed and seven wounded." The violence has cast a pall on the nascent Afghan peace process, with the insurgents clashing with Kabul over a prisoner exchange dispute ahead of talks that are due to begin on March 10. But on Tuesday, Trump told reporters in Washington that he had a "very good" relationship with Taliban political chief Mullah Baradar, with the pair speaking on the phone for 35 minutes, according to the insurgents. "The relationship is very good that I have with the mullah. We had a good long conversation today and you know, they want to cease the violence, they'd like to cease violence also," he said. Trump has touted the Doha deal as a way to end the bloody, 18-year US military presence in Afghanistan -- right in time for his November reelection bid. Under the terms of the deal, the US and other foreign forces will quit Afghanistan within 14 months, subject to Taliban security guarantees and a pledge by the insurgents to hold talks with the national government in Kabul. The agreement also includes a commitment to exchange 5,000 Taliban prisoners held by the Afghan government in return for 1,000 captives -- something the militants have cited as a prerequisite for talks but which President Ashraf Ghani has refused to do before negotiations start.

Hours after Trump call, Taliban attacks kill 20 in Afghanistan: Officials

As American health authorities say they expect the novel coronavirus to eventually spread in the United States, the city of San Francisco in California declares emergency to prepare for the virus.

America at risk of coronavirus spread

In this segment of WION Wallet, WION's Business Correspondent Sumit Chaturvedi is in conversation with Lockheed Martin India CEO William Blair.

WION Exclusive report with Lockheed Martin India CEO | WION Wallet

WION talked to US-India Strategic Partnership Forum President Mukesh Aghi on the trade issues between India and the United States.

WION Wallet: USISPF President speaks to WION | Exclusive

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the second day of India visit paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi during the wreath-laying ceremony at Raj Ghat. Trump and Melania Trump also wrote in the visitor's book at Raj Ghat. Watch the video for more information.

Donald Trump pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat on 2nd day of India visit

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan today morning for ceremonial reception, a day after he received a grand welcome, which included a 22-km roadshow and the ‘Namaste Trump’ event at a packed Motera Stadium with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Ram Nath Kovind, his wife Savita Kovind and PM Narendra Modi receive US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

PM Modi welcome Trumps for ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan

US President Donald Trump is on a visit to India. He arrived in India on February 24. Today is his day 2 in the country. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and top brass of his administration. Watch the video to know what is scheduled on day 2 for Trump's India visit.

Trump's India visit day 2, What is on the agenda?

Donald Trump thanks Indian people for their warm welcome. In state banquet Trump said that he will miss india and Indian people.

Trump at State Banquet: I will miss India and Indian People

US President Donald Trump, asked today about the violence in parts of Delhi over CAA and religious freedom. He said, I had word with PM Modi and he wants people to have religious freedom. He said, it's up to India.

Do You want to know What Trump has said on CAA?

Donald Trump Addresses Media in his two day visit of India. He talks about religious freedom.Trump Said, PM Modi always want religious freedom in his Country.

US President Addresses Media, Talks about Religious Freedom

Donald Trump speaks about Terrorism again and again in his speech. Trump not only talks about Pakistan but has mentioned how America is actively working against Terrorism.

Trump's Double Attack on Terrorism

India and the US signed a $3 billion defence deal on Tuesday. On the other hand Trump had a roundtable with India's Business Leaders.

Trump Talks with India's Business Leaders

India and the US held talks in five major categories - security, defence, energy, technology and people to people contact, with President Donald Trump. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Tuesday.

Foreign Secy briefs Media: India-US held talks in Five Major Categories

US President Donald Trump spoke to the media after India-US bilateral talks. He said, "Earlier today we expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than $3 billion of advanced American military equipment, including Apache & MH-60 Romeo Helicopters - finest in the world. These will enhance our joint defence capabilities."

Trump-Modi meet: Donald Trump confirms $3 BN helicopter deal

Melania Trump attends 'Happiness class', receives a traditional tilaka | WION News | World News Melania attended happiness classes at Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School, an educational program implemented by the Delhi government for students first through eight grades.

Melania Trump attends 'Happiness class', receives a traditional tilaka

Indo-US Joint Statement: Indian Oil-Exxonmobil MoU announced | India-US Ties | PM Modi India is the world’s third-largest oil importer and the fourth-largest buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The country is a key Asian refining hub, with an installed capacity of more than 249.4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) through 23 refineries.

Indo-US Joint Statement: Indian Oil-Exxonmobil MoU announced | India-US Ties | PM Modi

US First lady MelaniaTrump reaches Delhi govt school | WION News | World News Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held talks at the Hyderabad House. Meanwhile, US First Lady Melania Trump is attending 'Happiness Class' programme at a Delhi school.

US First lady Melania Trump reaches Delhi govt school

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump, into the Hyderabad House where the two world leaders are scheduled to hold talks on business.

PM Narendra Modi receives Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Hyderabad House

US President's Donald Trump two-day India visit is not just about theatrics but India and US are also looking at signing pacts in areas of defence deals, intellectual property rights, nuclear power cooperation, homeland security etc. Watch report:

What will be the outcome of Modi-Trump meet, Trade, Defence and much more

US President Donald Trump has met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. Both the leaders have seated themselves for the bilateral talks which will continue for one and half hour. Watch WION's exclusive report on Trump's India visit.

WION exclusive report on Trump's India visit | Bilateral talks begin | Hyderabad House

WION in an exclusive conversation spoke with South Asia Bureau chief for Financial Times Amy Kazmin on Donald Trump's India visit.

WION exclusive conversation with Amy Kazmin on Trump's India visit

Melania attended happiness classes at Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School, an educational program implemented by the Delhi government for students first through eight grades. Post happiness Curriculum, #FLOTUS interacts with the students and told that 'it's her first visit to India and she is very delightful for such a warm welcome'

Melania Trump interacts with school students post 'Happiness Class' | FLOTUS Speech

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