U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will invoke the Defense Production Act, allowing the government to get private sector resources to help confront the coronavirus pandemic. 

The move is part of U.S. government efforts to prepare for a possible surge in COVID-19 cases.

Trump said two U.S. Navy hospital ships will help expand testing capabilities. One will deploy to New York City and a second will head to the West Coast.

The President also announced that they Department of Housing and Urban Development will suspend foreclosures and evictions through April, as people face possible unemployment and could then miss rents and mortgage payments. 

Earlier in the day, Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the U.S.-Canada border would be closed, except for essential personnel and trade. 

During the press conference, Trump downplayed talk from Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, who suggested that in the near-term the outbreak could lead to 20% U.S. unemployment. 

Trump said that was an "absolute total worst-case scenario." 

Meanwhile, the Trump White House is petitioning Congress to pass a $1 trillion rescue package to protect the economy a speed relief to the American people in a matter of weeks, the Associated Press reports.