Coronavirus: Bernie Sanders says pandemic is 'on a scale of major war' and deaths could top Second World War

Presidential candidate called for swift measures to combat the epidemic, and urged unity as people begin self-isolation

Mr Sanders at a press conference on coronavirus on Thursday (AP)

Bernie Sanders has warned that the coronavirus pandemic could cause deaths on par with a major war, in an address slamming Donald Trump and calling for an aggressive response to the growing threat.

"In terms of potential deaths and in terms of the economic impact on our economy the crisis we face from the coronavirus is on a scale of a major war and we must act accordingly," Mr Sanders said during a speech in Burlington, before claiming the death rate could top the military fatalities seen during the Second World War.

During the address, Mr Sanders called for unity among people as they begin to work from home and self-isolate, before urging a swift response to the virus outbreak by Congress, including the creation of a board of experts who can quickly tackle the most pressing issues.

"As people stay or work from home and are directed to quarantine it will be easy for us to feel like we are all alone," he said.

"If there ever was a time in the modern history of our country when we are all in this together, this is that moment," he continued. "Now is the time for solidarity. Now is the time to come together with love and compassion for all, including the most vulnerable people in our society who will face this pandemic from a health perspective or face it form an economic perspective."

The Vermont senator, and presidential hopeful, also called for widespread testing and transparency from the White House, and said that any vaccine or medical treatment should be given to all Americans who need it. At a time when panic and uncertainty is gripping the nation, Mr Sanders suggested national hotlines to help spread accurate information to those in need, and said a bipartisan commission based on science is necessary to combat the spread of the virus.

The "government today must make it clear: everyone should able to get all the healthcare they need without cost", he said, before saying that it would be "morally unacceptable" to prioritise health care services to those with wealth over "working class or poor" people.

Mr Sanders and Joe Biden have both cancelled public events in recent days, citing concern about the coronavirus outbreak and the particular threat posed by big crowds to the spread of the disease.

The two are set to debate on Sunday night, but will meet before no spectators. The debate was originally planned to be held in Phoenix, but the venue has also been changed amid concern about the virus.