US President Donald Trump declared a national state of emergency on Friday afternoon, a move that would enable federal officials to direct $50 billion of funds allocated by Congress for disaster relief to address the coronavirus crisis.
The Trump administration took steps on Friday to speed up coronavirus testing as
confirmed cases rose to
1,701, including 41 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data on Friday.
The pandemic has shocked the stock market, fueled fears of a recession, canceled major sporting events, closed schools and limited air travel.
Reporter: Ai Heping
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