President of the United States, Donald Trump, has announced a national state of emergency on Friday, freeing up $50 billion in federal funds for the battle against the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic.
“To unleash the full power of the federal government, I’m officially declaring a national emergency,” Trump said in a statement on the White House lawn.
He called on all US states to set up emergency operation centres and said the government was accelerating testing, amid criticism about the lack of sufficient test kits nationwide.
The fund will be for state and local governments to combat the spread of the pandemic.
More than 30 people in America have died after contracting COVID-19 and there have been over 1,200 infections in 46 states.
Speaking at the White House, Trump also said a Google website will help the American public work out if they need to take the test, and what drive-through testing options are available to them, including in supermarket car parks.
By declaring the pandemic an emergency, the president has invoked a law known as the Stafford Act, which was originally introduced in 1988.
It allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – part of the Department of Homeland Security – to assist state and local governments during “natural catastrophes” and co-ordinate the nation’s response.
FEMA controls tens of billions of dollars in federal disaster relief funding which could be used for measures including helping to build medical facilities and transport patients.
It comes as the speaker in House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, announced the Democrat-controlled House would approve a coronavirus aid package.
The plan would provide free coronavirus testing and two weeks of paid sick and family leave for those affected by the disease, Ms Pelosi said.
