Coronavirus: US death toll rises as outbreak spreads across the world

Transcript

On Tuesday (Yesterday) the Federal Reserve slashed interest rates by half a percentage point in an attempt to give the US economy a jolt, amid economic fears over the coronavirus outbreak.

It’s the first, unscheduled, emergency rate cut since 2008.

Experts are hoping the decision will move leaders in the health sector and the White House to enact more serious policies to stop the virus’ spread and its effects.

Congressional negotiators still haven’t finalized a spending bill to help battle the coronavirus, and its passage hinges on Democrats insisting any vaccine against the virus is made affordable for everyone.

As of Wednesday (Today) there are 92,000 worldwide cases, with infections in more than 70 countries and territories.

The US the death was written to nine, all in Washington state.

In Iran 54,000 people will be temporarily released from prisons to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease in crowded jails.

And in Italy schools and universities around the country will be closed until the middle of this month as officials work to contain the outbreak.

Posted – 3.4.20