After months of being criticized for not taking the coronavirus (COVID-19) seriously and for his initial response, Trump has declared a national emergency for the United States.
Trump's emergency declaration comes after rumors began circulating early on Friday, March 13 that he was going to declare a state of emergency. However, just last week Trump called the coronavirus a Democratic hoax saying "this is their new hoax."
In making the official declaration, Trump is invoking the Stafford Act, which allows for more federal aid for states and local municipalities as they attempt to neutralize the disease.
This move by Trump will be helpful and a step in the right direction as COVID-19 sweeps through our country causing a major number of cancelations of major events.
Spain has also declared a 15-day state of emergency after "a 50 percent jump in fatalities to 120" and "infections increased to 4,200," according to BBC.
Other countries to declare states of emergency are Italy, Bulgaria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Latvia. More countries may follow suit in the coming days and weeks if the coronavirus continues to spread as it has been.