US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency to help handle the growing outbreak of coronavirus.
The order allows the federal government to tap up to $50bn (£40bn) in emergency relief funds to help state and local health officials.
The move loosens medical insurance regulations, and could speed up the creation of new hospitals and the search for new treatments.
There are 2,022 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the US, and 41 deaths.
NBA, NHL and MLS all suspend their seasons.