COVID-19: US tops Italy as 'worst-hit country' with 19,715 deaths; single-day toll at 2000

After witnessing 2000 deaths in past 24 hours, United States on Saturday officially topped Italy as worst-hit country due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) with 19,715 deaths. Italy, which has seen a slight decrease in number of cases, has reported 19,468 deaths till date. Globally, number of cases stands at 17,33,943 with 1,06,518 deaths.

New York sees 799 deaths in one day, Goverr Cuomo claims 'COVID-19 in its first wave'

Trump attacks WHO, threatens slashing in funding

On Tuesday, President Trump took to Twitter that World Health Organisation (WHO) really blew it. Trump who has faced severe criticism for his delayed response to COVID-19 pandemic, claimed that WHO was very China-centric, hinting at a change in funding after stating 'WHO was largely funded by US'. In response, WHO director-general Tedros ham Ghebreyesus urged United States to join with China in combating disease rar than indulging in a blame game saying 'If you don't want many more body bags, n you refrain from politicising it'. China has slammed US stating that US State Department was speaking with political motives and neglecting facts.

COVID-19: China slams Trump's attack on WHO; reminds 'One-China' policy on Taiwan feud

New York worst-hit

New York which has witnessed 783 deaths in past 24 hours, is worst-hit 'hotspot' in US.  Goverr Andrew Cuomo has termed Coronavirus "much more consequential for ecomy than 9/11" - terror attack on World Tre Centre. This development comes three days after Cuomo declared that lockdown in state is extended till April 29. Cuomo - whose bror and CNN News anchor Chris Cuomo too has tested positive for virus, has maintained that state has started finally 'flattening curve'.

Trump says when to reopen US ecomy 'biggest decision ever' as COVID-19 cases spike

Trump and Coronavirus

Trump who h earlier downplayed Coronavirus's effects - terming it a 'Chinese virus', has w called it 'worst thing to hit US'. USA which has overtaken China in number of positive cases has emerged as epicenter of pandemic with 5,07,534 cases and 19,816 deaths. While initially, Trump claimed to have country 'up and running by Easter', he extended its social distancing restrictions till April 30. White House, which has forecasted over 1,00,000- 2,40,00 deaths in US, stopped federal funding to states for testing, but reversed it after facing a severe backlash.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Five states extend lockdown till Apr 30, total cases at 7529