WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency. He is speaking to the American people from the Rose Garden as Washington struggles with providing Americans with relief and officials race to slow the spread of outbreak. Trump also waived interest on federally held student loans and he moved to prop up energy markets, by directing the Department of Energy to buy oil to fill the strategic petroleum reserve “’right up to the top.” Negotiations continue between the White House and Congress on an aid package, but there was no announcement of a breakthrough, as House Democrats prepare to vote on their own measure on Friday.

For questions related to COVID-19, the public can call the NDDoH health hotline at 866-207- 2880 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Individuals who need medical advice should contact their health care provider.

World leaders are warning of nearly wartime measures to come to contain the spreading pandemic. Schools have closed across three continents and security forces are on standby to guard against large gatherings of people. France’s president has announced leaders of the G-7 democracies will hold a video-conference summit to coordinate vaccine research and an economic response. On Wall Street, stocks have recouped some losses after the worst day in three decades.