Trump calls on governors to open 'essential' places of worship

President Donald Trump said he has deemed churches and other houses of worship “essential” and called on governors to allow them to reopen this weekend despite the coronavirus threat.

“Today I’m identifying houses of worship — churches, synagogues and mosques — as essential places that provide essential services,” Mr Trump said during a hastily arranged press conference.

He said if governors do not abide by his request, he will “override” them, though it is unclear what authority he has to do so.