Protesters frustrated with President Donald Trump and his administration's handling of the coronavirus crisis have placed 'body bags' outside a hotel owned by his family.

The black garbage bags, filled with cardboard to make them look like body bags with coronavirus victims inside, were placed outside the Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC.

The demonstration also included a motorcade in which a truck carried a giant inflatable chicken made to look like Mr Trump.

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The protest was organised in part by left-wing non-profit organisation The Center for Popular Democracy, the Washington Post reported.

"One of the saddest things about this epidemic is we're dying alone, and we can't memorialise and lift up someone's life together in the way that we're used to," Jennifer Flynn Walker, the group's senior director of mobilisation and advocacy, told the publication.

"We're angry at Trump, but mostly we're trying to save the lives of our neighbours and our friends."

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The US, the worst-hit country in the world, has now recorded more than 860,000 cases of coronavirus and more than 50,000 deaths.

It comes a day after Mr Trump suggested disinfectant injections or doses of "very powerful light" could help treat patients infected with coronavirus.

He later walked back the comments, saying he was speaking "sarcastically".

Earlier this week, the head of the US agency in charge of developing a vaccine against coronavirus said he was removed from his job for questioning chloroquine, a drug endorsed by Mr Trump that is yet to undergo thorough vetting.

Dr Rick Bright said he was removed on Tuesday as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the government agency for developing and procuring treatments and vaccines, and moved to a lesser position in the National Institutes of Health.

Since mid-March, Mr Trump has advocated for the use of chloroquine to treat COVID-19 infections, with scant evidence from studies of its safety or effectiveness.

The House of Representatives voted on Thursday to add another nearly half-trillion US dollars to efforts to stimulate an economy ravaged by the coronavirus shutdown.

The funds will be used to support small businesses, finance hospitals and expand COVID-19 testing.

With the Trump administration pressing for a return to some form of economic stability, several states have taken steps to ease lockdowns.

"We're opening our country. It's very exciting to see," Mr Trump said.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.

Additional reporting by AFP.