President Donald Trump declared a national emergency as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the country. As of Friday (March 13) morning, there have been more than 1,700 confirmed cases in the United States. Health officials said that 41 people have died.

President Trump said the emergency declaration would free up around $50 billion of federal funds that can be used to help fight the virus, known as COVID-19, and assist people who are impacted by the outbreak.

Trump unveiled a plan to expedite testing across the country. People who believe they are sick will be able to go online and fill out a survey about their health. If they are showing symptoms, they will be directed to the nearest drive-thru testing site to get screened for COVID-19. The results should be available online within 24 hours.

He also waived interest rates on federal student loans, and ordered the Secretary of Energy "to purchase large quantities of crude oil for the US strategic reserves."

Trump told reporters that he is not showing any symptoms of COVID-19 and said he has not been tested yet, though he expects that he will "most likely" be tested in the future.

Congress is also working on a relief package that would include paid sick leave to help employees who are unable to go to work, either because they are ill or because their workplace was forced to close. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been in negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and hopes to hold a vote on the bill on Friday.

Republicans and Democrats still appear divided on the details of the bill.

"We just don't think they're giving enough, we don't think the Democrats are giving enough," Trump said. "We thought we had something, but all of a sudden, they didn't agree to certain things."

At least 125,000 people have been infected with the virus throughout the world, and more than 4,900 people have died.

To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Gary Jeff Walker

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