Trump's devaluing of science is a danger to US coronavirus response, experts warn

Efforts to address the outbreak risk are being undermined by an exodus of scientists and a leader who regularly distorts facts

The Trump administration's jettisoning of scientific expertise and the president's habit of spreading misinformation means the US is in a much weaker position to deal with the threat of coronavirus, experts have warned.

There are now at least 149 known coronavirus cases across 13 states, with 11 deaths. US lawmakers have put together an $8.3bn emergency bill to help contain the virus, with laboratories set to be allowed to develop their own coronavirus tests without seeking regulatory approval first.