Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Trump: Premature to Declare National Emergency Due to Coronavirus

Steve Herman

   WHITE HOUSE - As the reported number of coronavirus cases and
   fatalities on Monday increased in the United States, President Donald
   Trump said there is no immediate need to declare a national emergency.

   "I don't think you'll need that, because I really think we're in
   extremely good shape," the president said. "We're prepared for
   anything. And we can always do that at a later date if we need it."

   There have been media reports that the Federal Emergency Management
   Agency is preparing for such a presidential declaration that would
   allow FEMA to get more funding and personnel to respond to the
   anticipated impact from the virus.

   The president attempted to put the coronavirus outbreak in perspective,
   noting that there are between 25,000 and 70,000 influenza diagnoses in
   the United States every year.

   "Here we're talking about a much smaller range," Trump said.
   "Hopefully, it stays that way."

   There are about 100 known cases of the coronavirus in the United
   States.

   WATCH: Virus outbreak in US

.