Washington, Feb 25 The White House has sent its $2.5-billion supplemental budget proposal for the country's fight against the fast spreading novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The budget proposal was sent on Monday as the number of coronavirus cases in the US increased to 35, reports Xinhua news agency.
According to the US Office of Management and Budget, over $1 billion will be used for vaccine development, and the other funds will be spent on supporting preparedness and response activities as well as procuring needed equipment and supplies.
The Politico reported that American public health groups had pushed the White House to ask for emergency funds.
However, Monday's funding request was much smaller than the $6.2 billion package during the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
( With inputs from IANS )