One of Trump's plans to add resources to fight the pandemic
was announced on March 13, 2020.
Trump declares national emergency, frees up $50B to fight virus
Trump said the move would free up $50 billion in additional funding and waive requirements to speed up coronavirus testing and care.
Speaking from the Rose Garden, Mr. Trump said, “I am officially declaring a national emergency.” He said it would free up as much as $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak.
Mr. Trump said he was giving Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar emergency authorities to waive federal regulations and laws to give doctors and hospitals “flexibility” in treating patients.
He also announced a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities, as his administration has come under fire for being too slow in making the test available.
Trump declares national emergency, frees up $50B to fight virus