Trump moves on invoking powers to spur virus supplies after U.S. has over 4,500 new cases in 24 hours

WASHINGTON, DC -- President Donald Trump has invoked the Defense Production Act to get needed medical supplies on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak and the private sector mobilized against it.

Trump had said earlier in the week he would tap the act as needed. He said Friday he has put that “in gear” as the number of cases in the United States has increased as more testing is completed.

The effort comes as the administration tries to overcome its inability to provide the needed masks and ventilators to hospitals on the verge of being overwhelmed by coronavirus patients.

U.S. states reported 4,581 new cases of novel coronavirus over the last 24 hours, according to a tally compiled by CNN.

The tally reflected at least 8,898 cases with 149 deaths at 6 a.m. ET Thursday, rising to 13,479 total cases, with 196 deaths, one day later.

That is an increase of 4,581 cases and 47 deaths. Just a week ago, on March 13, there were 1,666 cases and 41 deaths.

These tallies include all cases detected and tested in the United States through the public health system across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and other U.S. territories.

Officials again urged Americans to maintain social distancing while Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, applauded strict new measures put in place by the governors of California and New York to limit mobility.

Trump and Fauci broke openly during Friday's White House briefing on the possible effectiveness of new drugs being explored to treat the virus. Trump said he believed that a combination of medications would would work to treat the virus. Fauci said no such declaration could be made without testing.

The task force briefing also turned contentious. At one moment, the president, when asked by a reporter what message he would have for frightened Americans watching at home, Trump responded, “I think you are a terrible reporter.”