Washington, May 22: President Donald Trump on Friday urged US state governors to allow places of worship to reopen immediately, as the country moves gradually towards a lifting of COVID-19 lockdown measures.

"Today I am identifying houses of worship -- churches, synagogues and mosques -- as essential places that provide essential services," Trump told a news conference at the White House. US President Donald Trump Lashes Out at WHO, Says UN Health Body Is a Puppet of China.

"The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now, for this weekend," he said.

"If they don't do it, I will override the governors. In America, we need more prayer, not less."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 23, 2020 12:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).