Trump continues attacking WHO 'COVID-19 inaction' after halting US funding amid pandemic

Continuing his tirade against World Health Organisation (WHO), US President Donald Trump on Friday, took to Twitter to question why WHO igred an email from Taiwanese health officials in late December about Coronavirus (COVID-19). He continued to question why WHO did t take decisive action in January and February, quoting yet ar Fox News anchor. Trump himself has been criticised by all for halting funding to WHO amid COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit US hardest.

New York extends COVID shutdown till May 15 after 10 states form pact to 'reopen states'

Trump continues attacking WHO 

COVID-19: Donald Trump unveils 3-phase plan to reopen US ecomy

Trump introduces 3-phase opening up plan for US

Earlier in day, White House released a three-phase plan to re-open America for “rejuvenation of ecomy”, once states fulfill a particular set of conditions. Phase one included vulnerable individuals to remain at home and public garings will be restricted to 10 people, with employers encouraging to work remotely and allowing limited essential travel. While bars will remain shut, gyms will be allowed to open along with hospitals resuming elective surgeries. 

In phase 2 states showing “ evidence of a rebound", number of people allowed will be increased to 50, keeping vulnerable people confined to ir homes, but opening schools and youth activities, along with bars. In phase 3, states showing cases of re-infections, vulnerable individuals will be allowed in public, staffing at full capacity and bars will be allowed to operate with a larger capacity. Currently, US has 6,79,752 cases with around 34,705 deaths.

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

Trump and China-WHO

Trump has claimed that WHO was very China-centric, before temporarily halting US' funding of World Health Organization (WHO) as it  "failed in its basic duty and it must be held accountable". In response, WHO director-general Tedros Adham 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'. Backing WHO, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Spokesperson said that US State Department was speaking with political motives and neglecting facts.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Virus' growth rate declines to 1.2 in April; cases at 13835

Trump and Coronavirus

Trump who had 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. 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.