the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC, 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 President made the announcement flanked by Vice President Pence who heads the Presidents crisis team , Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Dr. Deborah Birx, the State Department health expert and Doctor Anthony S. Fauci head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
This 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 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.
He said he would give Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar “broad new authority” allowing him to waive various laws and regulations related to hospital operations.
