Trump will get tested ‘soon’ after declaring emergency United States
US President Donald Trump yesterday declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency in order to free up more money and resources. But he denied any responsibility for delays in making testing available for the new virus, whose spread has roiled markets and disrupted the lives of everyday Americans.
Speaking from the Rose Garden, Trump said, ‘‘I am officially declaring a national emergency,’’ unleashing as much as US$50 billion (NZ$82.5b) for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak.
He also announced a range of executive actions, including a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities with drive-through locations. His administration has come under fire for being too slow in making the test available.
‘‘I don’t take responsibility at all’’ for the slow rollout of testing, Trump said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a deal with the Trump administration for an aid package from Congress aimed at direct relief for Americans – free testing, two weeks of sick pay for workers, enhanced unemployment benefits, and bolstered food programmes.
The rush of activity capped a tumultuous week in Washington as the fast-moving virus shuttered the US capital’s power centres, roiled financial markets and left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating through selfquarantines, school closures and a changed way of life.
The White House was under enormous pressure, dealing with the crisis on multiple fronts as it encroached ever closer on the president.
Trump has been known to flout public health advice – and eagerly shook hands during the more than hour-long media conference – but acknowledged that he ‘‘most likely’’ would be tested, after having been in contact with several officials who have tested positive for the virus. ‘‘Fairly soon,’’ he said.
Trump took several other actions to bolster energy markets, ease the financial burden for Americans with student loans, and give medical professionals additional flexibility in treating patients during the public health crisis.
Central to the aid package from Congress, which builds on an emergency US$8.3b (NZ$13.7b) measure approved last week, are the free testing and sick pay provisions.
Providing sick pay is a crucial element of federal efforts to stop the rapid spread of the infection.
Officials warn that America’s healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed with gravely sick patients, as happened in Italy, one of the countries hardest hit by the virus.
The ability to ensure paycheques will keep flowing – for people who stay home as a preventative measure or because they are feeling ill or caring for others – can help assure Americans that they will not fall into financial hardship.
Trump’s daughter
Ivanka infectious disease chief, US National Institutes of Health
Trump worked from home yesterday after meeting with Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, who is now in isolation at a hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus. White House spokesman Judd Deere said she was evaluated by the White House Medical Unit and it was determined that because she was exhibiting no symptoms, she did not need to self-quarantine.
US Attorney-General William Barr, who also met with Dutton, was staying home, though he ‘‘felt great and wasn’t showing any symptoms’’, according to a spokeswoman.
Hospitals welcomed Trump’s emergency declaration, which they and lawmakers in Congress had been requesting. It allows the Health and Human Services Department to temporarily waive certain federal rules that can make it harder for hospitals and other health care facilities to respond to an emergency.
The American Medical Association said the emergency declaration would help to ensure that the country’s healthcare system has sufficient resources to properly respond to the ongoing outgbreak.
Dr Anthony Fauci, infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health, said more tests would be available over the next week, but warned: ‘‘We still have a long way to go.’’
‘‘We still have a long way to go.’’ Dr Anthony Fauci,