San Francisco Mayor London Breed has confirmed that 70 people including 60 homeless and two staff members were tested positive for COVID-19 in a homeless shelter. All the patients are under isolation.

US: COVID-19 spreads in San Francisco homeless shelters

The United States is now worst-hit country with coronavirus in the world. The US has now surpassed Italy's death toll. The coronavirus cases topped 500,000 on Friday in US, the death toll is more than 20,500.

Coronavirus Outbreak: United States surpasses Italy's death toll

U.S. coronavirus cases topped 500,000 on Friday, according to a Reuters tally, although there are signs that Americans staying home was helping to curb new infections. Nearly 2,108 people lost their lives in US due to COVID-19 in last 24 hours.

Coronavirus Outbreak: US records rise of more than 130,000 cases in 5 days

Coronavirus Outbreak: US records its highest daily death toll

A five-year-old girl's heartwarming video in which she has urged people to stay at their homes and wash hands has gone viral and&nbsp;earned the praise of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

"I’m sorry if you can’t go to your play dates,"&nbsp;Nova Knight from Alaska, United States, said in the video.&nbsp;

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"Don’t go anywhere. And wash your hands. I’m serious."

The video has been seen more than 18,000 times.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-teachers-stop-teaching-via-zoom-app-after-intruders-gatecrash-online-session-291807">Singapore teachers stop teaching via Zoom app after intruders gatecrash online session</a>

Nova, who lives with her parents Roba and Rebecca Knight and two-year-old brother, has shared some advice for people to wash hands, which includes watching this video as a reminder of what to do to stay safe from the virus. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I’m really, really serious, so you should do this video every single day,"&nbsp;Nova said.&nbsp;

Nova's mother said that the two-year-old decided to make the video after her aunt sent her video in which Trudeau thanked children in Canada for not going on their play dates and for doing their bit to contain the spread of the virus.

"And then she actually asked me, 'Will you put me on Facebook Live? I have something I want to say,'" the mother said.&nbsp;

"I was like, well, you’re not wearing pants so I'm not going to put you on Facebook Live but I will tape a video."

A five-year-old girl's heartwarming video in which she has urged people to stay at their homes and wash hands has gone viral and earned the praise of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

A five-year-old girl's heartwarming video in which she has urged people to stay at their homes and wash hands has gone viral and earned the praise of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. "I’m sorry if you can’t go to your play dates," Nova Knight from Alaska, United States, said in the video. × "Don’t go anywhere. And wash your hands. I’m serious." The video has been seen more than 18,000 times. Also read | Singapore teachers stop teaching via Zoom app after intruders gatecrash online session Nova, who lives with her parents Roba and Rebecca Knight and two-year-old brother, has shared some advice for people to wash hands, which includes watching this video as a reminder of what to do to stay safe from the virus. "I’m really, really serious, so you should do this video every single day," Nova said. Nova's mother said that the two-year-old decided to make the video after her aunt sent her video in which Trudeau thanked children in Canada for not going on their play dates and for doing their bit to contain the spread of the virus. "And then she actually asked me, 'Will you put me on Facebook Live? I have something I want to say,'" the mother said. "I was like, well, you’re not wearing pants so I'm not going to put you on Facebook Live but I will tape a video."

Five-year-old Alaskan girl's video urging people to stay home goes viral, earns praise of Canadian PM

The United States has always ignored the role of other nations in its agenda for hegemony. It is now struggling to contain the Coronavirus and is trying to bully allies. Could this be the end of American hegemony? WION's Palki Sharma gets you the WION Edit.

WION Edit: The end of American supremacy?

As the official U.S. death toll surpassed 10,000 — standing at 10,530, including 4,758 in New York.

US Coronavirus death toll surpases 10,000 mark

As New York witnessed nearly 600 deaths on Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo extended the shutdown in the state until April 29.&nbsp;

Cuomo said the fatality rate in the state was "effectively flat" in the last two days but ordered the shutdown of schools and non-essential businesses until April 29.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-death-toll-due-to-coronavirus-crosses-over-5000-290970">UK death toll due to coronavirus crosses over 5,000</a>

"Now is not the time to be lax," he told reporters, adding fines for the violations of social distancing guidelines would be increased to $1000 from $500.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday, the governor said that the state witnessed 599 new deaths from Sunday, taking the death toll to 4,758.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-leadership-wilts-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-290963">American leadership wilts amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

New York recorded its highest daily death toll so far on Saturday with 630 deaths.&nbsp;

Cuomo said the death rates had been dropping off since, suggesting that the state is seeing the peak of coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

"It is hopeful but it is also inconclusive," the governor said. &nbsp;

However, he warned of a "mistake" if social distancing measures are relaxed too soon.&nbsp;

"If the curve is turning it's because the rate of infection is going down, if the rate of infection is going down it's because social distancing is working," Cuomo added.&nbsp;

"If we are plateauing then we are plateauing at a very high level and there's tremendous stress on the health care system."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in the US, there have been 10,335&nbsp;deaths from coronavirus and 347,003&nbsp;positive cases, according to the tally by John Hopkins University.&nbsp;

Almost 131,000 infections are confirmed in New York, Cuomo said.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

As New York witnessed nearly 600 deaths on Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo extended the shutdown in the state until April 29. Cuomo said the fatality rate in the state was "effectively flat" in the last two days but ordered the shutdown of schools and non-essential businesses until April 29.

As New York witnessed nearly 600 deaths on Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo extended the shutdown in the state until April 29. Cuomo said the fatality rate in the state was "effectively flat" in the last two days but ordered the shutdown of schools and non-essential businesses until April 29. Also read | UK death toll due to coronavirus crosses over 5,000 "Now is not the time to be lax," he told reporters, adding fines for the violations of social distancing guidelines would be increased to $1000 from $500. Earlier on Monday, the governor said that the state witnessed 599 new deaths from Sunday, taking the death toll to 4,758. Also read | American leadership wilts amid coronavirus pandemic New York recorded its highest daily death toll so far on Saturday with 630 deaths. Cuomo said the death rates had been dropping off since, suggesting that the state is seeing the peak of coronavirus outbreak. "It is hopeful but it is also inconclusive," the governor said. However, he warned of a "mistake" if social distancing measures are relaxed too soon. "If the curve is turning it's because the rate of infection is going down, if the rate of infection is going down it's because social distancing is working," Cuomo added. "If we are plateauing then we are plateauing at a very high level and there's tremendous stress on the health care system." Meanwhile, in the US, there have been 10,335 deaths from coronavirus and 347,003 positive cases, according to the tally by John Hopkins University. Almost 131,000 infections are confirmed in New York, Cuomo said. (With AFP inputs)

Coronavirus: New York shutdown extended till April 29 as US death toll crosses 10,000

In the first-ever time in its history, the United States on Monday declared a white supremacist group of Russia as a foreign terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

The State Department said that the Russian Imperial Movement runs paramilitary training camps in St. Petersburg and has attracted neo-Nazis from across the globe.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-136-new-deaths-as-authorities-say-gradual-downtrend-in-coronvirus-cases-290927">Iran reports 136 new deaths as authorities say 'gradual downtrend' in coronvirus cases</a>

This is the first time the US has declared a white supremacist group as a terror organisation, a tool that is traditionally used against Islamist radicals.

“These designations are unprecedented,” Nathan Sales, US Counter-Terrorism, envoy, in a statement, said.

This decision came after the State Department in its last annual terrorism report last November said ethnically and racially driven terrorism had jumped alarmingly in 2018 both worldwide and in the US.&nbsp;

Russian Imperial Movement’s (RIM) recognize themselves as Russian Orthodox nationalists who support restoring the monarchy and privileging the interests of ethnic Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarussians.

With such designations, the US typically freezes assets of the blacklisted group in the country and bars any countrymen to financially transact with such a group.&nbsp;

Sales cited a series of attacks from late 2016 in the Swedish city of Gothenburg carried out by two people from RIM, adding that the individuals were trained in Russia.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the first-ever time in its history, the United States on Monday declared a white supremacist group of Russia as a foreign terrorist organisation. The State Department said that the Russian Imperial Movement runs paramilitary training camps in St.

In the first-ever time in its history, the United States on Monday declared a white supremacist group of Russia as a foreign terrorist organisation. The State Department said that the Russian Imperial Movement runs paramilitary training camps in St. Petersburg and has attracted neo-Nazis from across the globe. Also read | Iran reports 136 new deaths as authorities say 'gradual downtrend' in coronvirus cases This is the first time the US has declared a white supremacist group as a terror organisation, a tool that is traditionally used against Islamist radicals. “These designations are unprecedented,” Nathan Sales, US Counter-Terrorism, envoy, in a statement, said. This decision came after the State Department in its last annual terrorism report last November said ethnically and racially driven terrorism had jumped alarmingly in 2018 both worldwide and in the US. Russian Imperial Movement’s (RIM) recognize themselves as Russian Orthodox nationalists who support restoring the monarchy and privileging the interests of ethnic Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarussians. With such designations, the US typically freezes assets of the blacklisted group in the country and bars any countrymen to financially transact with such a group. Sales cited a series of attacks from late 2016 in the Swedish city of Gothenburg carried out by two people from RIM, adding that the individuals were trained in Russia.

In a first, US declares white supremacist group as terrorist organisation

Searchers and family members are going to resume the recovery mission on Monday for two missing family members of the&nbsp;Kennedy political family who went missing while canoeing.

According to US&nbsp;authorities, the grand-niece of the late president, Maeve Kennedy McKean, 40, and her eight-year-old son Gideon were last seen on Thursday&nbsp;in the&nbsp;South River in Maryland, near the vast Chesapeake Bay, near Washington DC.

The Coast Guard, police and firefighters immediately launched a search but did not find them even after several hours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shocking-revelations-from-the-recent-released-john-f-kennedy-assassination-files-24774">Shocking revelations from recently released John F Kennedy assassination files</a>

''The chances they have survived are impossibly small,''&nbsp;Maeve's husband, David McKean, wrote on Facebook on Saturday. ''It is clear that Maeve and Gideon have passed away.''

The victims'&nbsp;mother and grandmother, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, added in a press release that the searches launched by the authorities were no longer a rescue effort but a recovery operation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kennedys-departure-puts-abortion-gay-rights-in-play-at-high-court-147630">Kennedy's departure puts abortion, gay rights in play at high court</a>

The 68-year-old, is a former Maryland lieutenant governor, and the daughter of Robert F Kennedy, the onetime US attorney general in his brother's administration.

The Kennedy family has suffered untimely deaths since the ex-US president was slain.

Former US President Kennedy himself was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. While John F&nbsp;Kennedy Jr died when the small plane he was piloting crashed off the Massachusetts coast in 1999.

Searchers and family members are going to resume the recovery mission on Monday for two missing family members of the Kennedy political family who went missing while canoeing.

Searchers and family members are going to resume the recovery mission on Monday for two missing family members of the Kennedy political family who went missing while canoeing. According to US authorities, the grand-niece of the late president, Maeve Kennedy McKean, 40, and her eight-year-old son Gideon were last seen on Thursday in the South River in Maryland, near the vast Chesapeake Bay, near Washington DC. The Coast Guard, police and firefighters immediately launched a search but did not find them even after several hours. Also read: Shocking revelations from recently released John F Kennedy assassination files ''The chances they have survived are impossibly small,'' Maeve's husband, David McKean, wrote on Facebook on Saturday. ''It is clear that Maeve and Gideon have passed away.'' The victims' mother and grandmother, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, added in a press release that the searches launched by the authorities were no longer a rescue effort but a recovery operation. Also read: Kennedy's departure puts abortion, gay rights in play at high court The 68-year-old, is a former Maryland lieutenant governor, and the daughter of Robert F Kennedy, the onetime US attorney general in his brother's administration. The Kennedy family has suffered untimely deaths since the ex-US president was slain. Former US President Kennedy himself was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. While John F Kennedy Jr died when the small plane he was piloting crashed off the Massachusetts coast in 1999.

Search resumes for missing bodies of two Kennedy family members

The world is increasingly falling into the grip of COVID-19, the pandemic which has claimed over 69,000 lives globally.

The epicentre has shifted continents twice, first from China in Asia to European countries like Italy, and then to North America - the United States.

Currently, the US has over 300,000 active cases of the virus, with over 8,000 reported deaths. The toll is expected to increase over the next few weeks before the virus heats its peak in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-african-country-has-released-over-4000-prisoners-through-video-calling-to-limit-covid-19-clusters-290849" hreflang="en">This African country has released over 4,000 prisoners through video-calling to limit COVID-19 clusters!</a>

However, many religious congregations are defying the lockdown and social distancing directives.&nbsp;

In the US state of Louisiana, “Palm Sunday” was celebrated over the weekend. And the coronavirus didn’t stop a suburban church! Palm Sunday refers to the beginning of holy week among Christian churches.

The Life Tabernacle Church defied the stay-at-home orders on Sunday, with the pastor, Tony Spell telling people that there was “nothing to fear but fear itself.”

Besides this, across the area, gatherings of over 1,000 people have been happening in full-swing!

“We’re defying the rules because the commandment of God is to spread the Gospel,” Louisiana pastor Tony Spell said on Saturday.

The state of Louisiana has become one of the virus hotspots in the region, with over 400 deaths and 13,000 active cases.

“They would rather come to church and worship like free people than live like prisoners in their homes,” Spell further said.

Even when the majority of churches have been holding services online, many churches continue to defy the orders, in different states like Florida, Texas, California.

“Satan’s trying to keep us apart, he’s trying to keep us from worshipping together. But we’re not going to let him win,” Kelly Burton, the pastor at Lone Star Baptist Church in Lone Star, Texas, said on Facebook.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e-commerce-giants-issue-face-masks-for-employees-but-is-it-an-effective-barrier-290841" hreflang="en">E-commerce giants issue face masks for employees, but is it an effective barrier?</a>

Even the chronic denier of coronavirus, President Donald Trump recently warned that “there’s going to be a lot of death” in the country, and asked the citizens to prepare for a big surge in deaths.

As per data from White House, over 1,00,000 to 2,40,000 Americans could be killed due to the pandemic, even with lockdowns in place.

The state of New York remains the hardest-hit, the number of deaths rising everyday, and medical supplies quickly running out!

The world is increasingly falling into the grip of COVID-19, the pandemic which has claimed over 69,000 lives globally. The epicentre has shifted continents twice, first from China in Asia to European countries like Italy, and then to North America - the United States.

The world is increasingly falling into the grip of COVID-19, the pandemic which has claimed over 69,000 lives globally. The epicentre has shifted continents twice, first from China in Asia to European countries like Italy, and then to North America - the United States. Currently, the US has over 300,000 active cases of the virus, with over 8,000 reported deaths. The toll is expected to increase over the next few weeks before the virus heats its peak in the country. Also read: This African country has released over 4,000 prisoners through video-calling to limit COVID-19 clusters! However, many religious congregations are defying the lockdown and social distancing directives. In the US state of Louisiana, “Palm Sunday” was celebrated over the weekend. And the coronavirus didn’t stop a suburban church! Palm Sunday refers to the beginning of holy week among Christian churches. The Life Tabernacle Church defied the stay-at-home orders on Sunday, with the pastor, Tony Spell telling people that there was “nothing to fear but fear itself.” Besides this, across the area, gatherings of over 1,000 people have been happening in full-swing! “We’re defying the rules because the commandment of God is to spread the Gospel,” Louisiana pastor Tony Spell said on Saturday. The state of Louisiana has become one of the virus hotspots in the region, with over 400 deaths and 13,000 active cases. “They would rather come to church and worship like free people than live like prisoners in their homes,” Spell further said. Even when the majority of churches have been holding services online, many churches continue to defy the orders, in different states like Florida, Texas, California. “Satan’s trying to keep us apart, he’s trying to keep us from worshipping together. But we’re not going to let him win,” Kelly Burton, the pastor at Lone Star Baptist Church in Lone Star, Texas, said on Facebook. Also read: E-commerce giants issue face masks for employees, but is it an effective barrier? Even the chronic denier of coronavirus, President Donald Trump recently warned that “there’s going to be a lot of death” in the country, and asked the citizens to prepare for a big surge in deaths. As per data from White House, over 1,00,000 to 2,40,000 Americans could be killed due to the pandemic, even with lockdowns in place. The state of New York remains the hardest-hit, the number of deaths rising everyday, and medical supplies quickly running out!

'Not going to let Satan win': Churches in US defy stay-at-home orders to hold services amid coronavirus pandemic

Now, it has become more or less obvious that if China wouldn't have hidden about coronavirus, the world could have avoided this outbreak that became a pandemic in no time. With each passing day, the demand to make China pay for this gross negligence is rising.

China's might and influence in the global arena are well known. Many countries, developed or poor, don't want to confront this Asian giant, but at this juncture, now the most-hit coronavirus country has again shown some way and hope.

In the US, there are already lawsuits filed against the Communist Party. And, now two lawmakers are gearing up to introduce a bill.

Watch |&nbsp;

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If the bill is passed, US President Donald Trump would able to exercise unprecedented powers to impose sanctions on Chinese officials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-chinese-doctor-to-raise-alarm-over-coronavirus-missing-since-her-now-deleted-interview-290483">First Chinese doctor to raise alarm over coronavirus missing since her now 'deleted interview'</a>

According to the bill, anyone who conceals or distorts information related to coronavirus can face actions from the US. Some of the provisions include revocation of visas, barring future travel, among others.

Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley are the two senators who are pushing this bill.&nbsp;

Also, the bill is named after the deceased whistleblower Li Wenliang, who tried to alert the administration with the outbreak of COVID-19. The Chinese regime tried to silence the physician who later himself succumbed to the coronavirus.&nbsp;

The bill is yet to move on the floor for a vote, but China has already started making its case that China was transparent enough.&nbsp;

A few hours ago, the Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson appeared before the media. Although she did not speak on the bill, but&nbsp;accused American lawmakers of disrespecting the deceased Chinese doctor.&nbsp;

A legal organisation has moved to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and made a range of allegations from inaction to negligence.&nbsp;

The International Council of Jurists has filed the petition and demanded reparations from the Chinese leadership.&nbsp;

China has caused "serious physical, psychological, economic and social harm to member states", the petition said.&nbsp;

Now, it has become more or less obvious that if China wouldn't have hidden about coronavirus, the world could have avoided this outbreak that became a pandemic in no time.

Now, it has become more or less obvious that if China wouldn't have hidden about coronavirus, the world could have avoided this outbreak that became a pandemic in no time. With each passing day, the demand to make China pay for this gross negligence is rising. China's might and influence in the global arena are well known. Many countries, developed or poor, don't want to confront this Asian giant, but at this juncture, now the most-hit coronavirus country has again shown some way and hope. In the US, there are already lawsuits filed against the Communist Party. And, now two lawmakers are gearing up to introduce a bill. Watch | If the bill is passed, US President Donald Trump would able to exercise unprecedented powers to impose sanctions on Chinese officials. Also read | First Chinese doctor to raise alarm over coronavirus missing since her now 'deleted interview' According to the bill, anyone who conceals or distorts information related to coronavirus can face actions from the US. Some of the provisions include revocation of visas, barring future travel, among others. Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley are the two senators who are pushing this bill. Also, the bill is named after the deceased whistleblower Li Wenliang, who tried to alert the administration with the outbreak of COVID-19. The Chinese regime tried to silence the physician who later himself succumbed to the coronavirus. The bill is yet to move on the floor for a vote, but China has already started making its case that China was transparent enough. A few hours ago, the Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson appeared before the media. Although she did not speak on the bill, but accused American lawmakers of disrespecting the deceased Chinese doctor. A legal organisation has moved to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and made a range of allegations from inaction to negligence. The International Council of Jurists has filed the petition and demanded reparations from the Chinese leadership. China has caused "serious physical, psychological, economic and social harm to member states", the petition said.

US senators lead the way to hold China accountable for coronavirus

6 million people in the United States have lost their jobs due to the Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, France has requested $500 billion aid from G20 for African nations. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the big global developments for Thursday.

Gravitas: Top 10 global developments for April 2 | Wuhan Coronavirus

Fans of musical theatre forced by the coronavirus pandemic to stay at home will now be able to watch some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most popular shows for free every week on Youtube.

The shows must go on: Lloyd Webber musicals to be aired for free

From the United States to Germany, thousands of people have been left on the streets in some of the world's richest nations. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the homeless are struggling for basic supplies.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: World's richest nations have deserted the poor

The death toll due to coronavirus in the United States touched a new single-day high with 884 fatalities. The number of total death across the United States has now reached 4,475.

Donald Trump hopeful of overcoming medical supplies shortage

The United States is the worst affected country in the world with more than 2 lakh positive cases. American hospitals are flooded with patients making conditions worse is the shortage of medical equipment, protective gear, and medicines. Watch report:

Fineprint: US becomes the most infected country: New York is the hotspot of coronavirus

Highest rise in daily COVID-19 death toll in US

The United States, the world's most powerful country, has unfortunately become leaders of coronavirus infections as well with over 200,000 cases and 5,137 deaths. At such a time, the city of New Orleans, in the&nbsp;US state of Louisiana, is witnessing death rate about seven times more than that of New York City.

Officials said on Tuesday that New Orleans's death rate of local COVID-19 confirmed cases could reach 5 per cent, which is far more than the national average of more than two percent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-global-cases-cross-900000-death-toll-rises-to-47522-290148">Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 900000; death toll rises to 47,522</a>

So why is the city witnessing such a crisis? Let's find out.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-does-not-trust-china-says-its-coronavirus-figures-are-on-the-light-side-290000">Trump does not trust China, says its coronavirus figures are on 'the light side'</a>

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that diabetes and heart disease increase the risk of coronavirus infections and New Orleans ranks high in both these conditions, more than the national average.&nbsp;

Doctors, experts and other officials also say the New Orleans' high levels of obesity and related diseases may make patients more vulnerable to the coronavirus.&nbsp;

"Obesity helps cause diabetes, which helps cause kidney issues, and we know that coronavirus attacks kidneys. And obesity is also linked to heart disease, heart disease is also linked to poverty," said Rebekah Gee, who until January was the Health Secretary for Louisiana and now is the head of Louisiana State University's healthcare services division.

About 97% of those who died of COVID-19 in Louisiana had a preexisting condition, as per the state's health department. Diabetes makes up for 40 per of the deaths, obesity 25 per cent, chronic kidney disease in 23% and cardiac problems 21 per cent.&nbsp;

A CDC report released for the first time this week show that 78% of coronavirus-affected patients in ICUs in the United States had an underlying health condition, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease.

However, the report included less than 6 per cent of the infections, still, Louisiana doctors said it was consistent with what they are observing and is in line with what Italy and China witnessed.&nbsp;

"I think it's a very good question whether or not just having that phenotype, those conditions, simply render you unable to control the viral replication and whether there's something in the immune response in those individuals that is either insufficient or even perhaps excessive, causing too much inflammation. We think that a lot of the organ dysfunction that we see in this COVID syndrome is the result of excessive systemic inflammation. We know that folks that are obese a lot of times have markers in their blood and a lot of times systemic inflammation," LSU Health New Orleans critical care doctor Kyle Happel said.

Official data shows that New Orleans ranks among worst in the US when it comes to diabetes, obesity and blood pressure with nearly 39 per cent with high blood pressure, 36% obesity and about 15% diabetes.

These rates are very high than the national median which is 32 per cent with high blood pressure, 31 per cent obesity and 11 per cent with diabetes.

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

The United States, the world's most powerful country, has unfortunately become leaders of coronavirus infections as well with over 200,000 cases and 5,137 deaths.

The United States, the world's most powerful country, has unfortunately become leaders of coronavirus infections as well with over 200,000 cases and 5,137 deaths. At such a time, the city of New Orleans, in the US state of Louisiana, is witnessing death rate about seven times more than that of New York City. Officials said on Tuesday that New Orleans's death rate of local COVID-19 confirmed cases could reach 5 per cent, which is far more than the national average of more than two percent. Also read | Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 900000; death toll rises to 47,522 So why is the city witnessing such a crisis? Let's find out. Also read | Trump does not trust China, says its coronavirus figures are on 'the light side' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that diabetes and heart disease increase the risk of coronavirus infections and New Orleans ranks high in both these conditions, more than the national average. Doctors, experts and other officials also say the New Orleans' high levels of obesity and related diseases may make patients more vulnerable to the coronavirus. "Obesity helps cause diabetes, which helps cause kidney issues, and we know that coronavirus attacks kidneys. And obesity is also linked to heart disease, heart disease is also linked to poverty," said Rebekah Gee, who until January was the Health Secretary for Louisiana and now is the head of Louisiana State University's healthcare services division. About 97% of those who died of COVID-19 in Louisiana had a preexisting condition, as per the state's health department. Diabetes makes up for 40 per of the deaths, obesity 25 per cent, chronic kidney disease in 23% and cardiac problems 21 per cent. A CDC report released for the first time this week show that 78% of coronavirus-affected patients in ICUs in the United States had an underlying health condition, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease. However, the report included less than 6 per cent of the infections, still, Louisiana doctors said it was consistent with what they are observing and is in line with what Italy and China witnessed. "I think it's a very good question whether or not just having that phenotype, those conditions, simply render you unable to control the viral replication and whether there's something in the immune response in those individuals that is either insufficient or even perhaps excessive, causing too much inflammation. We think that a lot of the organ dysfunction that we see in this COVID syndrome is the result of excessive systemic inflammation. We know that folks that are obese a lot of times have markers in their blood and a lot of times systemic inflammation," LSU Health New Orleans critical care doctor Kyle Happel said. Official data shows that New Orleans ranks among worst in the US when it comes to diabetes, obesity and blood pressure with nearly 39 per cent with high blood pressure, 36% obesity and about 15% diabetes. These rates are very high than the national median which is 32 per cent with high blood pressure, 31 per cent obesity and 11 per cent with diabetes. (With Reuters inputs)

Why New Orleans coronavirus death rate is leaping? Diabetes, obesity a reason

A doctor and an IT professional were among the three Indian Americans who have tested positive for novel coronavirus in Houston in the United States this week and are in a critical condition.&nbsp;

The families of Rohan Bavadekar, an IT professional, and Lavanga Veluswamy, a doctor, made an urgent appeal for blood donation from anyone who has recently recovered from COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-close-to-2000-case-50-deaths-says-health-ministry-290112">Coronavirus in India: Close to 2000 case; 50 deaths, says Health Ministry</a>

Rohan. 42, contracted the disease due to his recent travel history and his wife Manasi and three children have also tested positive for the deadly virus and are quarantined at their home.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-video-conference-with-chief-ministers-over-coronavirus-290068">PM Modi holds video conference with chief ministers over coronavirus</a>

Manasi and Dr Veluswamy's wife, who herself is a physician, have urged for blood donation with group A or AB for their coronavirus-infected husbands.&nbsp;

The third Indian-American who is in the critical stage preferred to stay anonymous and is waiting for the plasma transfusion for the treatment at Memorial Hermann hospital here.

Doctors at the St Lukes and Memorial Hermann, said, that someone who has recovered from COVID-19 in the past two weeks and is now healthy would be the right match for the blood donation. They added that the hospitals are trying their best to find a plasma match.&nbsp;

Sewa International, a nonprofit humanitarian charity, is working with the affected families and sharing the potential donor information.&nbsp;

"Sewa International is collecting information of all potential donors and only the doctors can say if the donor matches or not after due testing and evaluation," Achlesh Amar, a volunteer of the group, said.&nbsp;

Houston Methodist Hospital is the first hospital in the US to experiment with convalescent serum therapy for COVID-19 treatment.

"Convalescent serum therapy could be a vital treatment route because unfortunately there is relatively little to offer many patients except supportive care, and the ongoing clinical trials are going to take a while," Dr. Eric Salazar, a physician-scientist with Methodist's Research Institute, said in a statement.&nbsp;

"We don't have that much time."

SEWA has appealed to the entire community through its 40-plus chapters in the US and through Facebook for the donation of plasma for the treatment.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs) 
&nbsp;

A doctor and an IT professional were among the three Indian Americans who have tested positive for novel coronavirus in Houston in the United States this week and are in a critical condition.

A doctor and an IT professional were among the three Indian Americans who have tested positive for novel coronavirus in Houston in the United States this week and are in a critical condition. The families of Rohan Bavadekar, an IT professional, and Lavanga Veluswamy, a doctor, made an urgent appeal for blood donation from anyone who has recently recovered from COVID-19. Also read | Coronavirus in India: Close to 2000 case; 50 deaths, says Health Ministry Rohan. 42, contracted the disease due to his recent travel history and his wife Manasi and three children have also tested positive for the deadly virus and are quarantined at their home. Also read | PM Modi holds video conference with chief ministers over coronavirus Manasi and Dr Veluswamy's wife, who herself is a physician, have urged for blood donation with group A or AB for their coronavirus-infected husbands. The third Indian-American who is in the critical stage preferred to stay anonymous and is waiting for the plasma transfusion for the treatment at Memorial Hermann hospital here. Doctors at the St Lukes and Memorial Hermann, said, that someone who has recovered from COVID-19 in the past two weeks and is now healthy would be the right match for the blood donation. They added that the hospitals are trying their best to find a plasma match. Sewa International, a nonprofit humanitarian charity, is working with the affected families and sharing the potential donor information. "Sewa International is collecting information of all potential donors and only the doctors can say if the donor matches or not after due testing and evaluation," Achlesh Amar, a volunteer of the group, said. Houston Methodist Hospital is the first hospital in the US to experiment with convalescent serum therapy for COVID-19 treatment. "Convalescent serum therapy could be a vital treatment route because unfortunately there is relatively little to offer many patients except supportive care, and the ongoing clinical trials are going to take a while," Dr. Eric Salazar, a physician-scientist with Methodist's Research Institute, said in a statement. "We don't have that much time." SEWA has appealed to the entire community through its 40-plus chapters in the US and through Facebook for the donation of plasma for the treatment. (With PTI inputs)

US: Three Indian-Americans infected with coronavirus in critical condition

The United States recorded 865 new deaths in just 24 hours due the coronavirus epidemic with the number of confirmed cases surging to 188,547, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre.

US records highest death toll due to coronavirus

President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed plunging oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic Monday, the Kremlin said, as Trump said Moscow is pressing for an end to US sanctions.

The two "expressed serious concern regarding the scope of the spread of the coronavirus" and "discussed closer cooperation," a brief Kremlin statement said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-delays-reforms-vote-holds-back-on-tough-virus-measures-288549">Putin delays reforms vote, holds back on tough virus measures</a>

Trump announced he'd be using the call to raise objections over a Russian-Saudi price war driving down world oil prices and "really hurting" the US energy industry.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/800000-us-physicians-ask-trump-not-to-lift-social-distancing-restrictions-289462">800,000 US physicians ask Trump not to lift 'social distancing' restrictions</a>

"We don’t want to have a dead industry," Trump told Fox News in an interview shortly before talking to Putin. "This is a fight between Saudi Arabia and Russia ... and they both went crazy."

"I never thought I’d be saying that maybe we have to have an oil (prices) increase, because we do," Trump said.

The Kremlin statement after the call merely said they had "exchanged opinions" on the oil market.

&nbsp;Sanctions&nbsp;

Trump also told Fox he expected Putin would use the call to push for a lifting of US sanctions on Russia.

"He'll probably ask for that," Trump told Fox News. "He's been asking that for two years."

The Kremlin statement did not mention sanctions but said unspecified "certain issues" of bilateral relations were aired.

Trump did not say what his response would be, noting that he had put sanctions on Russia but adding: "They don't like that. Frankly we should be able to get along."

The bulk of US sanctions against Russia were imposed over Moscow's annexation of Crimea in Ukraine and what US investigators say was a concerted attempt to interfere in the 2016 presidential election won by Trump.

Last Thursday, Putin told G20 leaders during a conference call that he wanted a moratorium on sanctions as a "matter of life and death" during the global coronavirus outbreak.

In the comments, Putin did not specify which countries he was talking about but Russia is being hit hard by the economic fallout from coronavirus and the parallel oil price drop.

Another point of US-Russian contention is Venezuela, where Washington, supported by dozens of other countries, has been trying unsuccessfully to promote the toppling of leftist strongman Nicolas Maduro. Russia is one of the few countries propping up his government.

"We may discuss that too," Trump said.

Russian state oil company Rosneft said Saturday it is pulling out of Venezuela and argued that US sanctions on a Rosneft subsidiary -- imposed as part of Washington's attempt to cripple the Maduro government's revenue sources -- should now be lifted.

However, Russia remains a key partner to Caracas.

'Every country does it'&nbsp;

Trump has often resisted punishing Moscow, which denies meddling in US politics, but his hand on imposing sanctions was forced by his own Republican party in Congress, which sees the Putin government as hostile.

The warm relationship between Trump and Putin -- seen by many Western capitals as an increasingly authoritarian leader responsible for assassinations of opponents at home and abroad -- has been a constant source of controversy in the United States.

In his Fox interview, Trump dismissed reports that Russia and China are seeking to exploit the coronavirus disruption by planting disinformation aimed at putting the United States in a bad light.

"They do it and we do it," he said, calling The Washington Post newspaper, which recently reported on the issue, "fake."

"Every country does it," he said.

Trump then questioned why Russia was considered an enemy by many in the West. As he has often in the past, he again also cast doubt on what was for decades the rock solid transatlantic alliance between the United States and Germany.

"I'm not saying they're babies, I'm not saying they're perfect," he said of the Russians.

"But you know they also fought World War II, they lost 50 million people. They were our partner and now we don't talk to Russia, we talk to Germany."

"Germany was the enemy and Germany is like this wonderful thing. Well, Germany takes advantage of us on trade for years. They pay far too little in NATO."

 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed plunging oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic Monday, the Kremlin said, as Trump said Moscow is pressing for an end to US sanctions.

President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed plunging oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic Monday, the Kremlin said, as Trump said Moscow is pressing for an end to US sanctions. The two "expressed serious concern regarding the scope of the spread of the coronavirus" and "discussed closer cooperation," a brief Kremlin statement said. Also read | Putin delays reforms vote, holds back on tough virus measures Trump announced he'd be using the call to raise objections over a Russian-Saudi price war driving down world oil prices and "really hurting" the US energy industry. Also read | 800,000 US physicians ask Trump not to lift 'social distancing' restrictions "We don’t want to have a dead industry," Trump told Fox News in an interview shortly before talking to Putin. "This is a fight between Saudi Arabia and Russia ... and they both went crazy." "I never thought I’d be saying that maybe we have to have an oil (prices) increase, because we do," Trump said. The Kremlin statement after the call merely said they had "exchanged opinions" on the oil market. Sanctions Trump also told Fox he expected Putin would use the call to push for a lifting of US sanctions on Russia. "He'll probably ask for that," Trump told Fox News. "He's been asking that for two years." The Kremlin statement did not mention sanctions but said unspecified "certain issues" of bilateral relations were aired. Trump did not say what his response would be, noting that he had put sanctions on Russia but adding: "They don't like that. Frankly we should be able to get along." The bulk of US sanctions against Russia were imposed over Moscow's annexation of Crimea in Ukraine and what US investigators say was a concerted attempt to interfere in the 2016 presidential election won by Trump. Last Thursday, Putin told G20 leaders during a conference call that he wanted a moratorium on sanctions as a "matter of life and death" during the global coronavirus outbreak. In the comments, Putin did not specify which countries he was talking about but Russia is being hit hard by the economic fallout from coronavirus and the parallel oil price drop. Another point of US-Russian contention is Venezuela, where Washington, supported by dozens of other countries, has been trying unsuccessfully to promote the toppling of leftist strongman Nicolas Maduro. Russia is one of the few countries propping up his government. "We may discuss that too," Trump said. Russian state oil company Rosneft said Saturday it is pulling out of Venezuela and argued that US sanctions on a Rosneft subsidiary -- imposed as part of Washington's attempt to cripple the Maduro government's revenue sources -- should now be lifted. However, Russia remains a key partner to Caracas. 'Every country does it' Trump has often resisted punishing Moscow, which denies meddling in US politics, but his hand on imposing sanctions was forced by his own Republican party in Congress, which sees the Putin government as hostile. The warm relationship between Trump and Putin -- seen by many Western capitals as an increasingly authoritarian leader responsible for assassinations of opponents at home and abroad -- has been a constant source of controversy in the United States. In his Fox interview, Trump dismissed reports that Russia and China are seeking to exploit the coronavirus disruption by planting disinformation aimed at putting the United States in a bad light. "They do it and we do it," he said, calling The Washington Post newspaper, which recently reported on the issue, "fake." "Every country does it," he said. Trump then questioned why Russia was considered an enemy by many in the West. As he has often in the past, he again also cast doubt on what was for decades the rock solid transatlantic alliance between the United States and Germany. "I'm not saying they're babies, I'm not saying they're perfect," he said of the Russians. "But you know they also fought World War II, they lost 50 million people. They were our partner and now we don't talk to Russia, we talk to Germany." "Germany was the enemy and Germany is like this wonderful thing. Well, Germany takes advantage of us on trade for years. They pay far too little in NATO."

Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin discuss oil price plunge, coronavirus

As of Friday (March 27) the coronavirus had infected more than 100,000 people in the United States, now the US is leading the world leader in cases of COVID-19.

US leads the world in COVID-19 confirmed cases

Coronavirus Outbreak: Health Workers at risk in Spain, Italy and UK | WION News | World News The coronavirus death toll has surpassed 8,000 in Italy, erasing some of the hope seen earlier this week when the number of reported deaths seemed to have slowed down.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Health Workers at risk in Spain, Italy and UK

Spain returns faulty test kits to China | Spain Coronavirus News | World news As Spain’s death toll hit 4,089, the Chinese embassy in Madrid said on Thursday (26 March) that the Spanish government had bought a batch of faulty COVID-19 testing kits from an unauthorised Chinese company.

Spain returns faulty test kits to China | Spain Coronavirus News

In the United States, Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to wreak havoc. The fatalities doubles in just 3 days. Trump said that quarantine will be be necessary. He issues travel curbs on New York instead. The United States of America is still underprepared for COVID-19. Most cities of U.S. still lacks masks & ventilators.

What made New York vulnerable to COVID-19

The United States has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak which has infected over 500,000 people globally.

However, the country is facing massive shortages of the paraphernalia required to treat the rising number of infections, which is about to reach 100,000 in the US.

A recent survey in the US which asked states about their preparedness in the face of the virus made the grim reality clear. Almost 90 per cent of the US mayors claim that they do not have enough testing kits, face masks, and other protective equipment to deal with the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-ozone-layer-is-healing-289054" hreflang="en">The ozone layer is healing!</a>

An additional 85 per cent said that they simply do not have enough ventilators, the basic tool required to help with respiratory illnesses, like the COVID-19.

The survey, titled “US Conference of Mayors” was published on Friday and recorded data between March 20 and 24.&nbsp;

This data was collated from over 213 American cities spread across 41 states, with a combined population of 42 million.

The survey report claims that the shortage “has reached crisis proportions”.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3ae3955-36f8-43b0-b195-7b8f1943997c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_26.jpg" /> 
Improvised hospital rooms are seen at the Jacob K&nbsp;Javits Convention Center, which will be partially converted into a hospital for patients affected by the coronavirus&nbsp;disease | AFP</h6>

“Despite their best efforts, most cities do not have and cannot obtain adequate equipment and supplies needed to protect their residents,” the report added.

&nbsp;“This is a life-threatening crisis that will continue unless the federal government does everything in its power to help us safeguard our first responders and health care workers — our first line of defence — and the millions of other public servants in our cities whose work today puts them at risk”, it further added.

The survey further found that there was little difference of shortage supply among cities and towns.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-virus-cases-exceed-100000-doctors-decry-scarcity-of-drugs-and-equipment-289041" hreflang="en">As US virus cases exceed 100,000, doctors decry scarcity of drugs and equipment</a>

Even though many large cities claimed to have received supplies from state governments, almost two-thirds of the cities still haven’t received any help.

In all, US cities require 28.5 million face masks, 24.4 million items of protection like gowns and gloves, 7.9 million testing kits, and over 139,000 ventilators.

Due to shortages, even distributors and sellers are compelled to increase the prices. A mask which earlier cost 97 cents now costs $5.

A group of doctors and medical workers have requested lawmakers to provide assistance worth $250 billion to cities that are experiencing a sharp shortage.

Recently, at one of the daily coronavirus briefings, President Donald Trump said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency intends to distribute over 9 million N95 masks, 20 million surgical masks, and over 6,000 ventilators.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/help-us-after-deaths-on-coronavirus-hit-ship-guests-clamour-to-leave-289039" hreflang="en">'Help us': After deaths on coronavirus-hit ship, guests clamour to leave</a>

“I have a feeling that a lot of the numbers that are being said in some areas are just bigger than they’re going to be,” Trump said recently in an interview with Fox.

New York state, which is one of the worst-hit places, has demanded 30,000 ventilators. Currently, the state has over 5,000 coronavirus patients.

Donald Trump does not believe they require 30,000 ventilators. “I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” Trump said.&nbsp;

“You know, you go into major hospitals sometimes they’ll have two ventilators, and now all of a sudden they’re saying, ‘Can we order 30,000 ventilators?'”

The United States has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak which has infected over 500,000 people globally. However, the country is facing massive shortages of the paraphernalia required to treat the rising number of infections, which is about to reach 100,000 in the US.

The United States has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak which has infected over 500,000 people globally. However, the country is facing massive shortages of the paraphernalia required to treat the rising number of infections, which is about to reach 100,000 in the US. A recent survey in the US which asked states about their preparedness in the face of the virus made the grim reality clear. Almost 90 per cent of the US mayors claim that they do not have enough testing kits, face masks, and other protective equipment to deal with the pandemic. Also read: The ozone layer is healing! An additional 85 per cent said that they simply do not have enough ventilators, the basic tool required to help with respiratory illnesses, like the COVID-19. The survey, titled “US Conference of Mayors” was published on Friday and recorded data between March 20 and 24. This data was collated from over 213 American cities spread across 41 states, with a combined population of 42 million. The survey report claims that the shortage “has reached crisis proportions”. Improvised hospital rooms are seen at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center, which will be partially converted into a hospital for patients affected by the coronavirus disease | AFP “Despite their best efforts, most cities do not have and cannot obtain adequate equipment and supplies needed to protect their residents,” the report added. “This is a life-threatening crisis that will continue unless the federal government does everything in its power to help us safeguard our first responders and health care workers — our first line of defence — and the millions of other public servants in our cities whose work today puts them at risk”, it further added. The survey further found that there was little difference of shortage supply among cities and towns. Also read: As US virus cases exceed 100,000, doctors decry scarcity of drugs and equipment Even though many large cities claimed to have received supplies from state governments, almost two-thirds of the cities still haven’t received any help. In all, US cities require 28.5 million face masks, 24.4 million items of protection like gowns and gloves, 7.9 million testing kits, and over 139,000 ventilators. Due to shortages, even distributors and sellers are compelled to increase the prices. A mask which earlier cost 97 cents now costs $5. A group of doctors and medical workers have requested lawmakers to provide assistance worth $250 billion to cities that are experiencing a sharp shortage. Recently, at one of the daily coronavirus briefings, President Donald Trump said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency intends to distribute over 9 million N95 masks, 20 million surgical masks, and over 6,000 ventilators. Also read: 'Help us': After deaths on coronavirus-hit ship, guests clamour to leave “I have a feeling that a lot of the numbers that are being said in some areas are just bigger than they’re going to be,” Trump said recently in an interview with Fox. New York state, which is one of the worst-hit places, has demanded 30,000 ventilators. Currently, the state has over 5,000 coronavirus patients. Donald Trump does not believe they require 30,000 ventilators. “I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” Trump said. “You know, you go into major hospitals sometimes they’ll have two ventilators, and now all of a sudden they’re saying, ‘Can we order 30,000 ventilators?'”

US cities facing major coronavirus equipment shortages, 28.5 million masks needed

The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday approved a $2.2 trillion aid package - the largest in history - to help cope with the economic downturn inflicted by the intensifying coronavirus pandemic, and President Donald Trump quickly signed it into law.

The massive bill passed the Senate and House of Representatives nearly unanimously. The rare bipartisan action underscored how seriously Republican and Democratic lawmakers are taking the global pandemic that has killed more than 1,500 Americans and shaken the nation's medical system.

"Our nation faces an economic and health emergency of historic proportions due to the coronavirus pandemic, the worst pandemic in over 100 years," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at the close of a three-hour debate before the lower chamber approved the bill. "Whatever we do next, right now we're going to pass this legislation."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/already-in-icu-europe-awaits-major-crisis-once-coronavirus-ends-289020" hreflang="en">Already in ICU, Europe awaits major crisis once coronavirus ends</a>

The massive bill also rushes billions of dollars to medical providers on the front lines of the outbreak.

But the bipartisan spirit seemed to end at the White House. Neither Pelosi nor Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer was invited to Trump's all-Republican signing ceremony for the bill, aides said.

Their Republican counterparts, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, did attend, along with three Republican House members.

"This will deliver urgently needed relief to our nation's families, workers and businesses," Trump said. "I really think in a fairly short period of time ... we'll be stronger than ever."

In an statement about signing the bill, Trump rejected aspects of a provision in the law setting up an inspector general to audit some loans and investments.

Asked about the statement, Pelosi told MSNBC: "Congress will exercise its oversight and we will have our panel ... appointed by the House, in real time to make sure we know where those funds are being expended."

She called Trump a "dangerous president" who had chosen to ignore the threat of the coronavirus.

"Our next thrust will be about recovery and how we can create good-paying jobs so that we can take the country into the future in a very strong way," Pelosi said.

The Democratic-led House approved the package on a voice vote, turning back a procedural challenge from Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who had sought to force a formal, recorded vote.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-coronavirus-outbreak-triggered-another-debate-on-science-vs-religion-289025" hreflang="en">How coronavirus outbreak triggered another debate on ‘Science vs Religion’</a>

To keep Massie's gambit from delaying the bill's passage, hundreds of lawmakers from both parties returned to Washington despite the risk of contracting coronavirus. For many, that meant long drives or overnight flights.

One member who spent hours in a car was Republican Representative Greg Pence, the brother of Vice President Mike Pence, whom Trump has put in charge of efforts to handle the coronavirus crisis.

Pence drove the nearly 600 miles (966 km) from his home state, Indiana, to Washington on Thursday. "We can't afford to wait another minute," he said on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-parent-alphabet-to-donate-800-million-in-response-to-coronavirus-crisis-289031" hreflang="en">Google-parent Alphabet to donate $800 million in response to coronavirus crisis</a>

'Third-rate grandstander'

Massie wrote on Twitter that he thought the bill contained too much extraneous spending and gave too much power to the Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank. His fellow lawmakers overruled his request for a recorded vote.

Trump attacked Massie on Twitter, calling him a "third rate Grandstander" and saying he should be thrown out of the Republican party. "He just wants the publicity," wrote the president, who last week began pushing for urgent action on coronavirus after long downplaying the risk.

Democratic and Republican leaders had asked members to return to Washington to ensure there would be enough present to head off Massie's gambit. The session was held under special rules to limit the spread of the disease among members.

At least five members of Congress have tested positive for the coronavirus and more than two dozen have self-quarantined to limit its spread.

The Senate, which approved the bill in a unanimous vote late on Wednesday, has adjourned and is not scheduled to return to Washington until April 20.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-146-new-coronavirus-cases-highest-in-a-week-289033">South Korea reports 146 new coronavirus cases, highest in a week</a>

Democratic and Republican House leaders appeared together at a news conference at the Capitol to celebrate the bill's passage - an unusual event for a chamber that is normally sharply divided along partisan lines.

"The virus is here. We did not ask for it, we did not invite it. We did not choose it. But with the passing of the bill you will see that we will fight it together, and we will win together," McCarthy said.

He did not say whether Massie would face any disciplinary measures from the party.

The rescue package is the largest fiscal relief measure ever passed by Congress.

The $2.2 trillion measure includes $500 billion to help hard-hit industries and $290 billion for payments of up to $3,000 to millions of families.

It will also provide $350 billion for small-business loans, $250 billion for expanded unemployment aid and at least $100 billion for hospitals and related health systems.

The number of coronavirus cases in the United States exceeded 100,000 on Friday, according to a Reuters tally, the most of any country.

Adding to the misery, the Labor Department reported the number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits surged to 3.28 million, the highest level ever.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday approved a $2.2 trillion aid package - the largest in history - to help cope with the economic downturn inflicted by the intensifying coronavirus pandemic, and President Donald Trump quickly signed it into law.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday approved a $2.2 trillion aid package - the largest in history - to help cope with the economic downturn inflicted by the intensifying coronavirus pandemic, and President Donald Trump quickly signed it into law. The massive bill passed the Senate and House of Representatives nearly unanimously. The rare bipartisan action underscored how seriously Republican and Democratic lawmakers are taking the global pandemic that has killed more than 1,500 Americans and shaken the nation's medical system. "Our nation faces an economic and health emergency of historic proportions due to the coronavirus pandemic, the worst pandemic in over 100 years," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at the close of a three-hour debate before the lower chamber approved the bill. "Whatever we do next, right now we're going to pass this legislation." Also read: Already in ICU, Europe awaits major crisis once coronavirus ends The massive bill also rushes billions of dollars to medical providers on the front lines of the outbreak. But the bipartisan spirit seemed to end at the White House. Neither Pelosi nor Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer was invited to Trump's all-Republican signing ceremony for the bill, aides said. Their Republican counterparts, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, did attend, along with three Republican House members. "This will deliver urgently needed relief to our nation's families, workers and businesses," Trump said. "I really think in a fairly short period of time ... we'll be stronger than ever." In an statement about signing the bill, Trump rejected aspects of a provision in the law setting up an inspector general to audit some loans and investments. Asked about the statement, Pelosi told MSNBC: "Congress will exercise its oversight and we will have our panel ... appointed by the House, in real time to make sure we know where those funds are being expended." She called Trump a "dangerous president" who had chosen to ignore the threat of the coronavirus. "Our next thrust will be about recovery and how we can create good-paying jobs so that we can take the country into the future in a very strong way," Pelosi said. The Democratic-led House approved the package on a voice vote, turning back a procedural challenge from Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who had sought to force a formal, recorded vote. Also read: How coronavirus outbreak triggered another debate on ‘Science vs Religion’ To keep Massie's gambit from delaying the bill's passage, hundreds of lawmakers from both parties returned to Washington despite the risk of contracting coronavirus. For many, that meant long drives or overnight flights. One member who spent hours in a car was Republican Representative Greg Pence, the brother of Vice President Mike Pence, whom Trump has put in charge of efforts to handle the coronavirus crisis. Pence drove the nearly 600 miles (966 km) from his home state, Indiana, to Washington on Thursday. "We can't afford to wait another minute," he said on Twitter. Also read: Google-parent Alphabet to donate $800 million in response to coronavirus crisis 'Third-rate grandstander' Massie wrote on Twitter that he thought the bill contained too much extraneous spending and gave too much power to the Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank. His fellow lawmakers overruled his request for a recorded vote. Trump attacked Massie on Twitter, calling him a "third rate Grandstander" and saying he should be thrown out of the Republican party. "He just wants the publicity," wrote the president, who last week began pushing for urgent action on coronavirus after long downplaying the risk. Democratic and Republican leaders had asked members to return to Washington to ensure there would be enough present to head off Massie's gambit. The session was held under special rules to limit the spread of the disease among members. At least five members of Congress have tested positive for the coronavirus and more than two dozen have self-quarantined to limit its spread. The Senate, which approved the bill in a unanimous vote late on Wednesday, has adjourned and is not scheduled to return to Washington until April 20. Also read: South Korea reports 146 new coronavirus cases, highest in a week Democratic and Republican House leaders appeared together at a news conference at the Capitol to celebrate the bill's passage - an unusual event for a chamber that is normally sharply divided along partisan lines. "The virus is here. We did not ask for it, we did not invite it. We did not choose it. But with the passing of the bill you will see that we will fight it together, and we will win together," McCarthy said. He did not say whether Massie would face any disciplinary measures from the party. The rescue package is the largest fiscal relief measure ever passed by Congress. The $2.2 trillion measure includes $500 billion to help hard-hit industries and $290 billion for payments of up to $3,000 to millions of families. It will also provide $350 billion for small-business loans, $250 billion for expanded unemployment aid and at least $100 billion for hospitals and related health systems. The number of coronavirus cases in the United States exceeded 100,000 on Friday, according to a Reuters tally, the most of any country. Adding to the misery, the Labor Department reported the number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits surged to 3.28 million, the highest level ever.

Historic $2.2 trillion coronavirus bill passes US House, becomes law

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