FAST FACTS: Trump declares National Emergency over Coronavirus
Updated: Mar 13, 2020
by Milkscope
At today’s press conference, President Trump announced he is declaring a National Emergency to meet the demands of the Coronavirus pandemic sweeping the nation. He announced major steps that he and his administration would be taking and here’s what you should know:
1. Trump has officially declared a National Emergency, to “unleash the full power of the Federal Government” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. The National emergency declaration would open up to 50 billion dollars for aid to states, territories and localities.
3. The FDA has approved a new test for the virus.
4. A half a million tests will be available by early next week,“an additional 1.4 million tests by end of next week” and “5 million within the month.”
5. The Secretary of Health and Human Services' authority has been greatly expanded to make fast decisions and meet the needs of this crisis. This will give the Secretary the ability to allow remote doctors from other states to provide services to states in the most need, and allow hospitals to expand the number of beds for patients and length of stay.
6. They are currently exploring the option of drive-through testing at local pharmacies and retailers
7. States will be required to set up emergency operation centers effective immediately and every hospital must activate their emergency preparedness plans.
8. The government has partnered with the private sector to increase the number of test available.
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