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US coronavirus death toll passes 3,000 as Donald Trump mulls tougher restrictions

The US coronavirus death toll has now passed 3,000.

New York's Times Square on 17 March, 2020.
New York's Times Square on 17 March, 2020. Source: AAP

The US death toll from the coronavirus pandemic passed 3,000 on Monday, according to the running tally compiled by the Johns Hopkins University, with more than 163,000 confirmed cases.

The United States has recorded 3,008 deaths, according to the tally, while its 163,429 cases are by far the highest national number ahead of Italy, Spain and China.

Harrowing scenes from hospitals in New York and elsewhere have revealed a health system unprepared with basic supplies such as face masks, as well as life-saving devices like respirators.

Mr Trump said federal social distancing guidelines might be toughened and travel restrictions with China and Europe will stay in place as he urges Americans to help fight the coronavirus with tough measures through April.

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Speaking to reporters at the White House, Mr Trump said more than one million Americans had been tested for the coronavirus, which he called a milestone.

Navy Hospital Ship Reaches New York. But It’s Not Made to Contain Coronavirus.
A US Navy hospital ship has arrived in New York to assist with the city's effort to curb the coronavirus outbreak. Source: The New York Times

The president announced on Sunday that the recommendations, which include encouraging people not to gather in groups larger than 10 and to avoid dining in restaurants or bars, would be through the end of next month after initially being put in place for 15 days to curb the virus's spread.

"The guidelines will be very much as they are, maybe even toughened up a little bit," he told reporters on Monday.

Mr Trump, who has faced criticism for playing down the pandemic in its early stages, urged everyone to follow the restrictions.

"Every one of us has a role to play in winning this war. Every citizen, family, and business can make the difference in stopping the virus. This is our shared patriotic duty," he said.

Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he expected a coronavirus outbreak in the autumn as well but he said the nation would be better prepared to respond.

Mr Trump said he had just spoken with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and that the United States would send Italy about $US100 million worth of medical supplies that are not needed in the United States.

Mr Trump lauded an announcement from Ford Motor Co and General Electric's healthcare unit that they would produce 50,000 ventilators in 100 days.

He also noted General Motors and other US-based companies would make ventilators as well.


3 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AFP, SBS



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