'The president urged states to set up emergency operation centers and hospitals to active emergency preparedness plans, as well as a partnership with private companies to increase testing capabilities. He also said that the administration was working to set up drive-thru test sites.
The administration has faced intense criticism over the slow rollout and availability of tests.''President Trump on Friday declared a national emergency over the coronavirus, freeing up additional resources and funding as federal, state and local governments attempt to combat the rapidly spreading disease.
The move allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to tap into billions of dollars and mobilize personnel more quickly to help state and local agencies and leaders respond.
“I am officially declaring a national emergency — two very big words,” Trump said in remarks in the Rose Garden, adding that the move would release up to $50 billion dollars in federal aid.
As part of the government response, Trump said he would waive interest on federal student loans “until further notice,” and that the Department of Energy would buy up crude oil for storage in U.S. reserves.
The president urged states to set up emergency operation centers and hospitals to active emergency preparedness plans, as well as a partnership with private companies to increase testing capabilities. He also said that the administration was working to set up drive-thru test sites.
The administration has faced intense criticism over the slow rollout and availability of tests.'
- The Hill,
Trump declares national emergency over coronavirus, March 13, 2020
Context(BBC) Coronavirus confirmed as pandemic by World Health Organization - 'He said he was "deeply concerned" by "alarming levels of inaction" over the virus.' - 'The case of the Netherlands..'(CNN) - The coronavirus has officials running the world from home(CNN, Covid-19) - '..This is a time for pulling out all the stops..' - WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus