US President Donald Trump has invoked a Korean War-era law that allows the government extensive powers, including the ability to compel businesses to sign contracts, which can be used to expand production of necessities such as protective masks.
Putting the US on a 'war footing', Mr Trump also ordered a 1,000-room US Navy hospital ship to head for New York harbour. Announcing the moves, Mr Trump likened himself to a "wartime president" vowing "total victory over an invisible enemy".
The number of deaths in the United States from Covid-19 has reached 150, with confirmed cases soaring to more than 9,300. US stocks suffered deep losses as Trump tried to downplay fears that the unemployment rate in the world's number one power could spike to 20