Trump invokes Defence Production Act to fight coronavirus outbreak

Describing himself as a "wartime president", Donald Trump on Wednesday anunced that his administration will invoke Defence Production Act, a move which will gear up US armed forces to manufacture testing kits and or equipment, including masks and gloves, on a war footing to combat coronavirus outbreak.

Defence Production Act (DPA) allows authorities to expedite and expand supply of resources from US industrial base to support military, energy, and homeland security programmes.

Act, which was passed by Congress in 1950 at outset of Korean War, is rmally used during counter terrorism operations, emergency preparedness activities and protection and restoration of critical infrastructure.

Addressing reporters at White House, President Trump said he would sign DPA "in case we need it" as government stepped up efforts to combat coronavirus outbreak.

Responding to a question, Trump said, "I view (myself) as a, in a sense, a wartime president. I mean, that's what we're fighting. I mean, it's a very tough situation here."

president said his administration is ordering "thousands and thousands of ventilators" as part of its efforts to curb outbreak.

number of confirmed coronavirus cases in US surged past 6,500, with 115 deaths.

Health experts fear number to jump significantly in coming days.

"We will win ( fight against coronavirus)," Trump said, adding body has been swamped like this.

Trump also dismissed projections that US unemployment rate could soar to 20 per cent.

He said his administration is working very hard to help all sections of society and businesses.

Vice President Mike Pence, who was also present at White House, told reporters that US is increasing number of tests performed everyday by thousands.

Referring to various reports of young people getting seriously ill, White House Task Force Response Coordinator Deborah Birx said, "re may be a disproportional number of infections among millennials. But we have t seen any significant mortality in children."

Brix said number of confirmed cases in US can "dramatically increase over next 4-5 days" as a result of swifter processing of tests.