The global battle to acquire supplies | Coronavirus News | COVID-19 cases Individual governments have defended decisions to keep medical equipment at home, arguing they must take care of their medical workers and patients first

The global battle to acquire supplies

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

Iran said Thursday it "only acts in self-defence" after President Donald Trump warned it against attacks on US troops in Iraq, as a new war of words heated up despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Tensions between the arch-foes flared in Iraq where the United States deployed Patriot air defence missiles prompting neighbouring Iran to warn of consequences and demand a US withdrawal.

Both countries have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed more than 5,000 lives in the United States and more than 3,000 in Iran.

"Unlike the US -- which surreptitiously lies, cheats &amp; assassinates -- Iran only acts in self-defence," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.&nbsp;

"Don't be misled by usual warmongers, AGAIN," he said, addressing US President Donald Trump,

"Iran starts no wars but teaches lessons to those who do," he added.

Trump warned Iran on Wednesday that it would pay a "heavy price" in the event of further attacks on US troops.

He tweeted that "upon information and belief, Iran or its proxies are planning a sneak attack on U.S. troops and/or assets in Iraq."&nbsp;

In response, Zarif wrote on Twitter that "Iran has FRIENDS: No one can have MILLIONS of 'proxies'"

Iran responded angrily to the US Patriot deployment warning that Washington risked leading the Middle East to disaster in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Battle for influence

Iran and the US are in a tense battle for influence in Iraq, where Tehran has powerful allies and Washington has close ties to the government.

Bases in Iraq housing US troops and foreign embassies, particularly the American mission, have been targeted in more than two dozen rocket attacks since October that Washington has blamed on Iran-backed armed groups.

Tensions have risen sharply since Trump withdrew from a landmark nuclear agreement in 2018 and reimposed sweeping sanctions.

They escalated in January when the US killed Iran's Major General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike near Baghdad airport.

Iran retaliated by firing at bases in Iraq housing US troops.

While on high alert for a response, Iranian air defences accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner minutes after takeoff from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board.

Iran has repeatedly called on the Trump administration to reverse its sanctions policy, which has been opposed even by US allies, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

"This was the best, historic opportunity for the Americans to reverse their wrong path and for once, tell their nation they are not against the Iranian people," President Hassan Rouhani told a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Medicines and medical equipment are technically exempt from the US sanctions but purchases are frequently blocked by the unwillingness of banks to process purchases for fear of incurring large penalties in the United States.

European nations have delivered medical goods to Iran in the first transaction under the Instex financing mechanism set up to get round US sanctions, Germany said on Tuesday.

But it is more than a year since Britain, France and Germany announced the creation of Instex and Iran has questioned European governments' commitment to seeing it through in defiance of the Trump administration.

Iran said Thursday it "only acts in self-defence" after President Donald Trump warned it against attacks on US troops in Iraq, as a new war of words heated up despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Iran said Thursday it "only acts in self-defence" after President Donald Trump warned it against attacks on US troops in Iraq, as a new war of words heated up despite the coronavirus pandemic. Tensions between the arch-foes flared in Iraq where the United States deployed Patriot air defence missiles prompting neighbouring Iran to warn of consequences and demand a US withdrawal. Both countries have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed more than 5,000 lives in the United States and more than 3,000 in Iran. "Unlike the US -- which surreptitiously lies, cheats & assassinates -- Iran only acts in self-defence," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. "Don't be misled by usual warmongers, AGAIN," he said, addressing US President Donald Trump, "Iran starts no wars but teaches lessons to those who do," he added. Trump warned Iran on Wednesday that it would pay a "heavy price" in the event of further attacks on US troops. He tweeted that "upon information and belief, Iran or its proxies are planning a sneak attack on U.S. troops and/or assets in Iraq." In response, Zarif wrote on Twitter that "Iran has FRIENDS: No one can have MILLIONS of 'proxies'" Iran responded angrily to the US Patriot deployment warning that Washington risked leading the Middle East to disaster in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Battle for influence Iran and the US are in a tense battle for influence in Iraq, where Tehran has powerful allies and Washington has close ties to the government. Bases in Iraq housing US troops and foreign embassies, particularly the American mission, have been targeted in more than two dozen rocket attacks since October that Washington has blamed on Iran-backed armed groups. Tensions have risen sharply since Trump withdrew from a landmark nuclear agreement in 2018 and reimposed sweeping sanctions. They escalated in January when the US killed Iran's Major General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike near Baghdad airport. Iran retaliated by firing at bases in Iraq housing US troops. While on high alert for a response, Iranian air defences accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner minutes after takeoff from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. Iran has repeatedly called on the Trump administration to reverse its sanctions policy, which has been opposed even by US allies, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. "This was the best, historic opportunity for the Americans to reverse their wrong path and for once, tell their nation they are not against the Iranian people," President Hassan Rouhani told a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Medicines and medical equipment are technically exempt from the US sanctions but purchases are frequently blocked by the unwillingness of banks to process purchases for fear of incurring large penalties in the United States. European nations have delivered medical goods to Iran in the first transaction under the Instex financing mechanism set up to get round US sanctions, Germany said on Tuesday. But it is more than a year since Britain, France and Germany announced the creation of Instex and Iran has questioned European governments' commitment to seeing it through in defiance of the Trump administration.

Iran, US heat up war of words on Iraq despite virus pandemic

The coronavirus has affected even the mightiest countries of the world taking the global death toll to 48,276. Now according to some US researchers, there may be a ray of hope. BCG vaccine may offer protection against the deadly coronavirus. Watch report:

India's battle against COVID-19 Pandemic: BCG vaccine to offer COVID-19 protection

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

Makeshift hospitals pop-up across the globe to handle surge in COVID-19 patients

The US Navy’s hospital ships, which arrived on Monday to help out with the coronavirus pandemic has begun treating patients.

&nbsp;The two floating hospital ships arrived in New York Harbour and docked on Manhattan's West Side.

The 1,000-bed floating hospital is to help local efforts to beat back the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Originally designed to treat scores of servicemen injured in the war, the naval ships Mercy and Comfort, each is 894-foot vessels stocked with life-saving equipment.

The arrival of these ships come as the nation’s coronavirus cases crossed one lakh, surpassing the national tallies of China and Italy.

The Navy hospitals are largely to be used for non-coronavirus patients.

The ship is typically used to support military campaigns and humanitarian crises abroad, along with earthquake and hurricane relief.

Over 800 medical staff, including doctors, nurses, mariners, and corpsmen, are aboard the USNS Mercy to provide medical care to non-coronavirus patients in Los Angeles.

This will allow local hospitals to focus its resources and intensive care units (ICUs) on COVID-19 patients.

Navy officials insist that they are doing everything to try to keep it virus-free. Therefore, every patient who boards the ship will be screened accordingly.

The ship has the same functions and capabilities as a typical hospital.

Out of 1000 beds, 500 are designated for minimal case needs, another 400 for intermediate cases, 20 for surgical recovery, and 80 for intensive care patients.

The comfort ship has been around for over four decades and been deployed all around the world.

With 12 operating rooms, 1,000 hospital beds, radiology services, a laboratory, pharmacy and ct scanner, the comfort is its own fully-staffed hospital

It responded to the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 and showed up off the coast of New Orleans after hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.

The US Navy’s hospital ships, which arrived on Monday to help out with the coronavirus pandemic has begun treating patients. The two floating hospital ships arrived in New York Harbour and docked on Manhattan's West Side.

The US Navy’s hospital ships, which arrived on Monday to help out with the coronavirus pandemic has begun treating patients. The two floating hospital ships arrived in New York Harbour and docked on Manhattan's West Side. The 1,000-bed floating hospital is to help local efforts to beat back the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Originally designed to treat scores of servicemen injured in the war, the naval ships Mercy and Comfort, each is 894-foot vessels stocked with life-saving equipment. The arrival of these ships come as the nation’s coronavirus cases crossed one lakh, surpassing the national tallies of China and Italy. The Navy hospitals are largely to be used for non-coronavirus patients. The ship is typically used to support military campaigns and humanitarian crises abroad, along with earthquake and hurricane relief. Over 800 medical staff, including doctors, nurses, mariners, and corpsmen, are aboard the USNS Mercy to provide medical care to non-coronavirus patients in Los Angeles. This will allow local hospitals to focus its resources and intensive care units (ICUs) on COVID-19 patients. Navy officials insist that they are doing everything to try to keep it virus-free. Therefore, every patient who boards the ship will be screened accordingly. The ship has the same functions and capabilities as a typical hospital. Out of 1000 beds, 500 are designated for minimal case needs, another 400 for intermediate cases, 20 for surgical recovery, and 80 for intensive care patients. The comfort ship has been around for over four decades and been deployed all around the world. With 12 operating rooms, 1,000 hospital beds, radiology services, a laboratory, pharmacy and ct scanner, the comfort is its own fully-staffed hospital It responded to the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 and showed up off the coast of New Orleans after hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.

The floating hospitals!: Everything you to want to know about USNS Mercy and Comfort

A US infant has died from the COVID-19 illness, officials in the state of Illinois said on Saturday, marking an extremely rare case of juvenile death in the global pandemic.

At a news conference, Governor JB Pritzker said "an infant" was among the fatalities linked to the new coronavirus over the previous 24 hours.

The state Department of Public Health said the child who died in Chicago was younger than one year old and had tested positive for COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rips-into-lamestream-media-amid-rising-covid-19-cases-in-us-289147" hreflang="en">Trump rips into 'lamestream media' amid rising COVID-19 cases in US</a>

"There has never before been a death associated with COVID-19 in an infant,"&nbsp;the department's director Ngozi Ezike said in a statement.

"A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of death."&nbsp;

Pritzker described himself as shaken by the news.

"I know how difficult this news can be, especially about this very young child," he said.

"It's especially sorrowful for the family of this very small child, for the years stolen from this infant. We should grieve."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-drops-idea-of-new-york-lockdown-as-us-death-count-crosses-2000-289203" hreflang="en">Trump drops idea of New York lockdown as US death count crosses 2,000</a>

Last week, top French health official Jerome Salomon&nbsp;said a 16-year-old girl had died in the Ile-de-France region of Paris and its surroundings.

"Severe forms (of coronavirus) with the young are very rare," Salomon noted.

In the US state of California last week, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said that a teenager had tested positive for COVID-19 and died.

But the agency added the case is complex and there may be an alternate explanation.

Multiple studies have found the virus disproportionately affects older patients and those with underlying conditions.

The United States has the highest number of new coronavirus cases in the world, more than 120,000, although its death toll of more than 2,000 is still below that of other countries including Italy, Spain and China.

More than 450 US deaths occurred over the 24-hour period prior to Saturday afternoon.

The Chicago baby was among 13 new deaths in Illinois.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A US infant has died from the COVID-19 illness, officials in the state of Illinois said on Saturday, marking an extremely rare case of juvenile death in the global pandemic.

A US infant has died from the COVID-19 illness, officials in the state of Illinois said on Saturday, marking an extremely rare case of juvenile death in the global pandemic. At a news conference, Governor JB Pritzker said "an infant" was among the fatalities linked to the new coronavirus over the previous 24 hours. The state Department of Public Health said the child who died in Chicago was younger than one year old and had tested positive for COVID-19. Also read: Trump rips into 'lamestream media' amid rising COVID-19 cases in US "There has never before been a death associated with COVID-19 in an infant," the department's director Ngozi Ezike said in a statement. "A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of death." Pritzker described himself as shaken by the news. "I know how difficult this news can be, especially about this very young child," he said. "It's especially sorrowful for the family of this very small child, for the years stolen from this infant. We should grieve." Also read: Trump drops idea of New York lockdown as US death count crosses 2,000 Last week, top French health official Jerome Salomon said a 16-year-old girl had died in the Ile-de-France region of Paris and its surroundings. "Severe forms (of coronavirus) with the young are very rare," Salomon noted. In the US state of California last week, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said that a teenager had tested positive for COVID-19 and died. But the agency added the case is complex and there may be an alternate explanation. Multiple studies have found the virus disproportionately affects older patients and those with underlying conditions. The United States has the highest number of new coronavirus cases in the world, more than 120,000, although its death toll of more than 2,000 is still below that of other countries including Italy, Spain and China. More than 450 US deaths occurred over the 24-hour period prior to Saturday afternoon. The Chicago baby was among 13 new deaths in Illinois.

In rare case, US infant dies from COVID-19

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

Reports from the US state of Pennsylvania claim that a woman purposely coughed on food items worth $35,000 at a grocery store.

Just yesterday, the United States Department of Justice had said that people who are attempting to intentionally spread coronavirus shall be charged with terrorism.

The woman is expected to face criminal charges, CNN reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pandemic-will-cut-global-investment-flows-more-than-feared-un-288745">Pandemic will cut global investment flows more than feared, says&nbsp;UN</a>

Based on the Facebook post of the grocery chain’s co-owner, the woman coughed not only on produce, but on bakery items, meat, and other food items.&nbsp;

Soon after the staff discovered what was happening, the police were called in who took her into custody.

According to the police statement, the woman “intentionally contaminated” the food. Once her mental health treatment is complete, criminal charges shall be filed against her.

There’s no clarity on whether the woman is infected with the virus, but she will most probably be tested nevertheless.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-testing-kits-and-ventilators-are-they-the-difference-between-life-and-death-288763" hreflang="en">Coronavirus testing kits and ventilators, are they the difference between life and death?</a>

The produce, which amounts to over $35,000 has been discarded by Gerrity Supermarket, where the incident unravelled.

Besides this, everything and area that she came in contact with has been disinfected, as per the co-owner Fasula’s Facebook post.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e45dee0-8232-4f73-b6eb-de3a11c395b7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_48.jpg" /> 
A cashier wearing a face masks processes a customer's payment at a supermarket on March 26, 2020 in the Portuense district of Rome during the country's lockdown following the COVID-19 new coronavirus pandemic | AFP</h6>

Fasula further expressed her displeasure over the wastage of food, especially in a time when the world might face a potential shortage of basic food items, with lockdowns in place all over.

Social media is filled with coronavirus-related pranks, whereby people are licking items at public spots, for instance, a pole in the metro, or coughing purposely to create paranoia.&nbsp;

In the US city of New Jersey, a man claiming to have coronavirus purposely spat on a grocery store employee. The charges against him mentioned “terroristic threats”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-global-cases-cross-530000-death-toll-rises-to-24070-288799" hreflang="en">Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 530,000; death toll rises to 24,070</a>

The Justice Department had released a memo yesterday, according to which the virus qualifies as a biological agent. “Using COVID-19 as a weapon against Americans” will be perceived as a terrorist threat.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 530,000 worldwide on Friday and global deaths rose past 24,000, as COVID-19 spreads across Europe and North America.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-to-be-prosecuted-under-terrorism-law-if-they-intentionally-spread-coronavirus-us-justice-dept-288775" hreflang="en">People to be prosecuted under terrorism law, if they intentionally spread coronavirus: US Justice Dept</a>

COVID-19 has now infected more than 350,536 people, according to Johns Hopkins University, and killed at least 15,328 people. Around 122,203 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins.

According to the news reports, The United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

In the United States, more than 83,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19, edging out Italy, which has reported the most deaths, and China, where the virus was first detected in December in the metropolis of Wuhan.

Reports from the US state of Pennsylvania claim that a woman purposely coughed on food items worth $35,000 at a grocery store. Just yesterday, the United States Department of Justice had said that people who are attempting to intentionally spread coronavirus shall be charged with terrorism.

Reports from the US state of Pennsylvania claim that a woman purposely coughed on food items worth $35,000 at a grocery store. Just yesterday, the United States Department of Justice had said that people who are attempting to intentionally spread coronavirus shall be charged with terrorism. The woman is expected to face criminal charges, CNN reported. Also read: Pandemic will cut global investment flows more than feared, says UN Based on the Facebook post of the grocery chain’s co-owner, the woman coughed not only on produce, but on bakery items, meat, and other food items. Soon after the staff discovered what was happening, the police were called in who took her into custody. According to the police statement, the woman “intentionally contaminated” the food. Once her mental health treatment is complete, criminal charges shall be filed against her. There’s no clarity on whether the woman is infected with the virus, but she will most probably be tested nevertheless. Also read: Coronavirus testing kits and ventilators, are they the difference between life and death? The produce, which amounts to over $35,000 has been discarded by Gerrity Supermarket, where the incident unravelled. Besides this, everything and area that she came in contact with has been disinfected, as per the co-owner Fasula’s Facebook post. A cashier wearing a face masks processes a customer's payment at a supermarket on March 26, 2020 in the Portuense district of Rome during the country's lockdown following the COVID-19 new coronavirus pandemic | AFP Fasula further expressed her displeasure over the wastage of food, especially in a time when the world might face a potential shortage of basic food items, with lockdowns in place all over. Social media is filled with coronavirus-related pranks, whereby people are licking items at public spots, for instance, a pole in the metro, or coughing purposely to create paranoia. In the US city of New Jersey, a man claiming to have coronavirus purposely spat on a grocery store employee. The charges against him mentioned “terroristic threats”. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 530,000; death toll rises to 24,070 The Justice Department had released a memo yesterday, according to which the virus qualifies as a biological agent. “Using COVID-19 as a weapon against Americans” will be perceived as a terrorist threat. Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 530,000 worldwide on Friday and global deaths rose past 24,000, as COVID-19 spreads across Europe and North America. Also read: People to be prosecuted under terrorism law, if they intentionally spread coronavirus: US Justice Dept COVID-19 has now infected more than 350,536 people, according to Johns Hopkins University, and killed at least 15,328 people. Around 122,203 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins. According to the news reports, The United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. In the United States, more than 83,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19, edging out Italy, which has reported the most deaths, and China, where the virus was first detected in December in the metropolis of Wuhan.

Woman in US coughs on food, supermarket discards goods worth $35,000

With the number of coronavirus cases rising rapidly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the United States could become the next epicentre of the pandemic. According to US Surgeon General Dr Jerome Adams, the country is ''already be seeing the beginnings of this in some areas, marking a new stage of the nation's outbreak.''

US bumps china with most number of cases: More than 85,000 COVID cases

The Labor Department reported Thursday that Americans are filing for unemployment benefits, the number surged to 3.3 million last week, which happens to be the highest number ever recorded.

Coronavirus Outbreak: 3.3 mn Americans file for unemployment | WION News

The death toll has topped one thousand in the United States. In these extraordinary times, the US Justice Department has given the green light to use anti-terrorism laws to investigate and prosecute people who attempt or threaten to intentionally infect others with the deadly coronavirus.

These warnings are not simply precautionary measures. The law enforcement agencies have made it clear that when such threats or intentional exposures come to light, they are going to enforce the law.

A 50-year-old man from New Jersey, George Falcone has been charged with making terroristic threats after allegedly coughing in the direction of a local supermarket employee and claiming he suffered from the coronavirus.

The third-degree terrorism charge carries a sentence of three to five years in state prison. &nbsp;

Falcone denies that he has COVID-19 and that he coughed on the supermarket worker.

The Justice Department has not made it clear whether perpetrators must actually have a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis to be charged with terrorism-related crimes.

This development comes as the coronavirus outbreak crisis continues to intensify across with the US, with nearly 60,000 Americans testing positive for COVID-19 as of now.

More than twenty-one thousand people have died worldwide as a result of the highly-contagious virus.

The death toll has topped one thousand in the United States. In these extraordinary times, the US Justice Department has given the green light to use anti-terrorism laws to investigate and prosecute people who attempt or threaten to intentionally infect others with the deadly coronavirus.

The death toll has topped one thousand in the United States. In these extraordinary times, the US Justice Department has given the green light to use anti-terrorism laws to investigate and prosecute people who attempt or threaten to intentionally infect others with the deadly coronavirus. These warnings are not simply precautionary measures. The law enforcement agencies have made it clear that when such threats or intentional exposures come to light, they are going to enforce the law. A 50-year-old man from New Jersey, George Falcone has been charged with making terroristic threats after allegedly coughing in the direction of a local supermarket employee and claiming he suffered from the coronavirus. The third-degree terrorism charge carries a sentence of three to five years in state prison. Falcone denies that he has COVID-19 and that he coughed on the supermarket worker. The Justice Department has not made it clear whether perpetrators must actually have a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis to be charged with terrorism-related crimes. This development comes as the coronavirus outbreak crisis continues to intensify across with the US, with nearly 60,000 Americans testing positive for COVID-19 as of now. More than twenty-one thousand people have died worldwide as a result of the highly-contagious virus.

People to be prosecuted under terrorism law, if they intentionally spread coronavirus: US Justice Dept

United States emerges as coronavirus hotspot

President Donald Trump declared the beginning of the end of the coronavirus crisis in the United States on Tuesday and called for a quick end to social distancing, even as New York's governor compared the growing pandemic to a "bullet train."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cure-cant-be-worse-than-problem-announces-trump-as-he-vows-to-reopen-us-economy-amid-covid-19-crisis-288294" hreflang="en">'Cure can't be worse than problem', announces Trump as he vows to reopen US economy amid COVID-19 crisis</a>

Trump, who is keen to get his reelection campaign back on track, said that social distancing has caused too much pain to the US economy, prompting Congress to debate a historic rescue package.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a>

"Our country -- it's not built to shut down," he said on Fox News. "You can destroy a country this way by closing it down."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

"I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter," said Trump, declaring he could see "light at the end of the tunnel."

The president said he looked forward to "packed" churches on Easter, which is on April 12 -- less than three weeks away.

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Social distancing and quarantine measures have been instituted across much of the United States, with stay-at-home orders for more than a third of the population, bringing the&nbsp;world's biggest economy to an abrupt halt.

An Ipsos/Axios poll released Tuesday found that 74 percent of Americans have stopped attending large gatherings, while 48 percent have canceled travel plans, leaving airports deserted.

Another significant casualty of the shutdown has been the presidential campaign, with Trump having to halt a relentless series of big rallies around the country.

Health experts have advised the measures as the foundation for preventing the easily transmitted, potentially fatal illness from multiplying uncontrollably.

The administration on March 16 declared "15 Days to Slow the Spread," a period which expires early next week.

But Trump made clear Tuesday that he thinks the response to coronavirus deaths has been blown out of proportion, saying "we lose much more than that to automobile accidents. We didn't call up the automobile companies to say, 'Stop making cars.'"

Later, Trump appeared to retreat from his Easter goal at a press conference alongside the renowned government infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci.

"We'll only do it if it's good," Trump said, adding that the reopening could be limited to a "portion" of the nation. He mentioned areas like farm country, Texas and the west, often sparsely populated.

His own press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, quarantined since coming into contact with Brazilian officials almost two weeks ago, has tested negative, the White House said Tuesday.

The plunge in activity and warnings of recession or even depression are a brutal reversal for what was until a few weeks ago a humming economy, with record low unemployment.

Congressional leaders said Tuesday they were getting closer all the time to delivering a major boost by passing a nearly $2 trillion rescue package for businesses, ordinary Americans and hospitals reeling from the shutdown.

Republicans and Democrats have been wrangling over the bill for several days but news that they were nearing a deal sent battered stock prices on Wall Street soaring.

This would be the biggest emergency injection of money into the economy in history, dwarfing even the bailouts of 2008, when a worldwide financial crisis sent the US economy into a tailspin.

More than 700 people have died from the new coronavirus in the United States, while the number of confirmed cases is near 54,000, a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University showed Tuesday.

The US has the third-highest number of confirmed cases globally, behind China and Italy.

And despite Trump's relentless optimism, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warned of "astronomical numbers" in the state and the nation's biggest city.

"We are not slowing it. And it is accelerating on its own," he said, comparing the spread of the disease to "a bullet train."

With his reelection campaign temporarily knocked off track, Trump is now seeking to turn the coronavirus calamity into a dramatic comeback story that will deliver him a second term in November.

One of his main claims to a second term, prior to the coronavirus outbreak, was the strong economy.

"We can't lose a Boeing, we can't lose some of these companies," he said on the Fox News broadcast from the White House. "If we lose those companies we're talking about hundreds of thousands of jobs, millions of jobs."

However, his push for a quick reopening of the economy carries the risk that some will see it as putting wealth over the survival of the sick, especially the vulnerable elderly.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said as much, urging those over 70 "not to sacrifice the country."

Cuomo, whose daily news conferences have made him a major national voice during the crisis, shot back at those calling for rapid economic reopening, saying "my mother is not expendable."&nbsp;

President Donald Trump declared the beginning of the end of the coronavirus crisis in the United States on Tuesday and called for a quick end to social distancing, even as New York's governor compared the growing pandemic to a "bullet train.

President Donald Trump declared the beginning of the end of the coronavirus crisis in the United States on Tuesday and called for a quick end to social distancing, even as New York's governor compared the growing pandemic to a "bullet train." Also read: 'Cure can't be worse than problem', announces Trump as he vows to reopen US economy amid COVID-19 crisis Trump, who is keen to get his reelection campaign back on track, said that social distancing has caused too much pain to the US economy, prompting Congress to debate a historic rescue package. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase "Our country -- it's not built to shut down," he said on Fox News. "You can destroy a country this way by closing it down." Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? "I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter," said Trump, declaring he could see "light at the end of the tunnel." The president said he looked forward to "packed" churches on Easter, which is on April 12 -- less than three weeks away. × Social distancing and quarantine measures have been instituted across much of the United States, with stay-at-home orders for more than a third of the population, bringing the world's biggest economy to an abrupt halt. An Ipsos/Axios poll released Tuesday found that 74 percent of Americans have stopped attending large gatherings, while 48 percent have canceled travel plans, leaving airports deserted. Another significant casualty of the shutdown has been the presidential campaign, with Trump having to halt a relentless series of big rallies around the country. Health experts have advised the measures as the foundation for preventing the easily transmitted, potentially fatal illness from multiplying uncontrollably. The administration on March 16 declared "15 Days to Slow the Spread," a period which expires early next week. But Trump made clear Tuesday that he thinks the response to coronavirus deaths has been blown out of proportion, saying "we lose much more than that to automobile accidents. We didn't call up the automobile companies to say, 'Stop making cars.'" Later, Trump appeared to retreat from his Easter goal at a press conference alongside the renowned government infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci. "We'll only do it if it's good," Trump said, adding that the reopening could be limited to a "portion" of the nation. He mentioned areas like farm country, Texas and the west, often sparsely populated. His own press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, quarantined since coming into contact with Brazilian officials almost two weeks ago, has tested negative, the White House said Tuesday. The plunge in activity and warnings of recession or even depression are a brutal reversal for what was until a few weeks ago a humming economy, with record low unemployment. Congressional leaders said Tuesday they were getting closer all the time to delivering a major boost by passing a nearly $2 trillion rescue package for businesses, ordinary Americans and hospitals reeling from the shutdown. Republicans and Democrats have been wrangling over the bill for several days but news that they were nearing a deal sent battered stock prices on Wall Street soaring. This would be the biggest emergency injection of money into the economy in history, dwarfing even the bailouts of 2008, when a worldwide financial crisis sent the US economy into a tailspin. More than 700 people have died from the new coronavirus in the United States, while the number of confirmed cases is near 54,000, a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University showed Tuesday. The US has the third-highest number of confirmed cases globally, behind China and Italy. And despite Trump's relentless optimism, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warned of "astronomical numbers" in the state and the nation's biggest city. "We are not slowing it. And it is accelerating on its own," he said, comparing the spread of the disease to "a bullet train." With his reelection campaign temporarily knocked off track, Trump is now seeking to turn the coronavirus calamity into a dramatic comeback story that will deliver him a second term in November. One of his main claims to a second term, prior to the coronavirus outbreak, was the strong economy. "We can't lose a Boeing, we can't lose some of these companies," he said on the Fox News broadcast from the White House. "If we lose those companies we're talking about hundreds of thousands of jobs, millions of jobs." However, his push for a quick reopening of the economy carries the risk that some will see it as putting wealth over the survival of the sick, especially the vulnerable elderly. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said as much, urging those over 70 "not to sacrifice the country." Cuomo, whose daily news conferences have made him a major national voice during the crisis, shot back at those calling for rapid economic reopening, saying "my mother is not expendable."

Trump declares coronavirus fight close to end, but cases rise

With the number of coronavirus cases rising rapidly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the United States could become the next epicentre of the pandemic. Out of the new cases recorded in the last 24 hours, 40 per cent came from the United States alone.

Nearly 6,000 infected & over 800 dead in United States

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