U.S. President Donald Trump revealed his administration is conducting "serious investigations" into the Chinese government's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak that swept across the globe. He also said the U.S. government would seek damages from China.

At the Monday briefing, Trump said there are numerous ways to hold China accountable for the spread of the pandemic. He also said he believes the virus could have been stopped when it was first reported in Wuhan in December 2019.

"It wouldn't have spread all over the world," he claimed.

Trump announced his administration is looking into seeking damages. He said they are thinking of asking for more money than what Germany is asking for.

According to a German newspaper editorial, the European country is seeking $165 billion in damages. The country joined the ranks of the U.K. and France in blaming the Chinese government for withholding vital information that could have prevented the deaths of over 218,000 people globally.


Fake Kits


Peter Navarro, the White House trade adviser, also accused the Chinese government of sending counterfeit COVID-19 antibody test kits. He also claimed Beijing is taking advantage of the pandemic to profit from "fake tests."

The allegation comes after a series of controversial shipments made its way into the U.S. China introduced strict guidelines last month to address the issue. The administration should approve all medical equipment and testing before they can be exported.

Local suppliers voiced out their concerns after facing a hard time getting the domestic license required. The Chinese government loosened the requirements. Medical products now only need to meet the importing country's standards.


Political Game


Geng Shuang, the spokesman for China's foreign ministry, said the U.S. government is "lying through their teeth." He advised the country to "mind its own business" as the war of words between the two economic powerhouses escalated. He said American officials should instead focus their attention on controlling the coronavirus pandemic instead of playing tricks or deflecting the blame.

China's ambassador to Australia also warned that the government's attitude towards China would lead to a reduction of economic cooperation with the country. He cautioned that independent international inquiry could lead to a Chinese boycott of Australian products and fewer Chinese exchange students and tourists.


'Ruptured Heart'

A recent autopsy result of the first known COVID-19 death in the country revealed the victim died from a ruptured heart.

Patricia Dowd died in her home at San Jose, California, on February 6, after reportedly experiencing flu-like symptoms associated with the new coronavirus. An investigation into her death revealed she was infected with COVID-19---two weeks earlier than the first officially reported case.

The report showed the virus spread to the 57-year-old's heart muscle, causing a valve to rupture. According to a forensic pathologist, her immune system was attacking the virus, and in turn, damaging the heart until it burst.

Heart ruptures typically occur in people with high cholesterol levels or heart defects. However, Dowd's heart was reasonable both in size and weight. She exercised regularly before she fell sick.

Previous studies made in China have noted a connection between the coronavirus and the heart. A small study found more than 1 in every 5 COVID-19 patients develop heart damage.


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