Today President Trump declared a National Emergency due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
According to the President, this declaration means:
The opening of Emergency Operation Centers
$50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak
Activation of cross-county hospital emergency plans
Regulations and laws to be waived by HHS regarding: (1) Telehealth; (2) Length of Hospital Stay and Bed Limits; and (3) Hospital Stay Minimums Prior to Entering a Nursing Home
He also announced a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities, the emergence of a new FDA-created test for Coronavirus, and anticipated availability of drive-thru testing in certain locations.The President continued that testing locations will be announced Sunday night and that Google is creating a website Americans can use for initial screening and location information.
Other emergency actions the Trump Administration will be taking include:
Waiving interest on student loans
Allowing the Secretary of Energy to purchase large quantities of crude oil
Temporarily limiting visitation to Nursing Homes
Suspending all travel from Europe except for Americans who will be screened and asked to self-quarantine for two weeks.
Trump spoke as negotiations continue between the White House and Congress on an aid package, but there was no announcement of a breakthrough, as House Democrats prepare to vote on their own measure Friday.