President Donald Trump announed Friday that he is declaring a national emergency to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Speaking from the Rose Garden, Trump said said the declaration would open up nearly $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak. He also waived interest on federally held student loans and he moved to prop up energy markets, by directing the Department of Energy to buy oil to fill the strategic petroleum reserve “’right up to the top.”
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Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar has also been given emergency authorities to waive federal regulations and laws to give hospitals and doctors “flexibility” in treating patients.
Additionally, Trump announced a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities. The partnership will include drive-thru testing in some locations and an online poral tos creen those seeking to get tested.
