The Trump Administration's Whole Of Government Response Has Empowered Executive Agencies To Prevent The Further Spread Of The Coronavirus And Ensure The Health And Security Of The American People

The Facts:

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HAS BEEN ON THE FRONT LINE OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE EFFORTS

THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HAS ENACTED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS, AND ADMINISTERED ENHANCED SCREENING IN AN EFFORT TO CONTAIN THE CORONAVIRUS

THE USDA HAS TAKEN STRONG MEASURES TO RESPOND AND SUPPORT AMERICANS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS

THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE HAS USED ITS RESOURCES TO BOLSTER THE UNITED STATES' RESPONSE TO THE VIRUS

UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH DEPARTMENTS ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO ADDRESS THE CORONAVIRUS

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HAS DEPLOYED ALL RESOURCES TO RESPOND TO THE CORONAVIRUS

The Department Of Health And Human Services Have Been Taking Action To Prepare For The Coronavirus Since January

On January 27, 2020, The Department Of Health And Human Services (HHS) Declared A Public Health Emergency Which Gave State, Tribal, And Local Health Departments More Flexibility To Request And Reassign Personnel Temporarily To Respond To The Virus. "The emergency declaration gives state, tribal, and local health departments more flexibility to request that HHS authorize them to temporarily reassign state, local, and tribal personnel to respond to 2019-nCoV if their salaries normally are funded in whole or in part by Public Health Service Act programs. These personnel could assist with public health information campaigns and other response activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working closely with state health departments on disease surveillance, contact tracing, and providing interim guidance for clinicians on identifying and treating coronavirus infections. HHS is working with the Department of State to assist in bringing home Americans who had been living in affected areas of mainland China. HHS divisions also are collaborating with industry to identify and move forward with development of potential diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics to detect, prevent, and treat 2019-nCoV infections. In declaring the public health emergency, Secretary Azar acted within his authority under the Public Health Service Act. This declaration is retroactive to January 27, 2020." ( HHS , 1/31/20)

The Department Of Health And Human Services Has Been Working With American Manufacturers To Prepare For The Coronavirus Since January, And Have Worked With Private Suppliers, Health Care Purchasers, And The Commerce Department To Ensure Resources Are Going Where They Are Needed. SECRETARY AZAR: "'HHS has been working since January with American manufacturers to prepare for responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. We are coordinating closely with private suppliers, healthcare purchasers, and our federal partners like the Commerce Department to ensure that resources are going where they're needed." ( HHS , 3/18/20)

HHS Has Announced Many Proposals To Assist With Operational Readiness And Prevention Measures

On March 6, 2020, HHS Requested Proposals For The Development Of Coronavirus Diagnostics, Vaccines, And Therapeutics To Help Regulate The Immune System To Prevent Infections Before Or After Exposure To The Virus. "'Amid the expanding global outbreak of COVID-19, Americans need diagnostics, vaccines, and medicines to mitigate the potential impact of this virus", said BARDA Director Rick Bright, Ph.D. "To accelerate the availability of these lifesaving tools, BARDA took an important step today to request proposals for development of COVID-19 diagnostics, vaccines, or therapeutics, many of which will be developed using existing platform technologies to permit rapid development.' BARDA will provide funding as well as expertise and core services to support development projects selected through this BAA. These products include diagnostic tests (assays); vaccines; therapeutics; medications to help regulate or normalize the immune system (immunomodulators); therapeutics targeting lung repair; medicines that prevent infections either before or after exposure to the virus (pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis); respiratory protective devices; and ventilators." ( HHS , 3/6/20)

On March 11, 2020, HHS Announced That The Centers For Disease Control Was Awarding $560 Million To States, Localities, Territories, And Tribes To "Accelerate Planning And Operational Readiness For Coronavirus. "'Our state, local, tribal and territorial public health partners are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. The action we are taking today will continue to support their efforts to increase public health capacity where it's needed most,' said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. 'These funds will allow public health leaders to implement critical steps necessary to contain and mitigate spread of the virus in communities across the country.' On Friday, March 6, the President signed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020. The supplemental contains $8.3 billion government-wide, with resources directed for grants or cooperative agreements to states, localities, territories, and tribes to accelerate planning and operational readiness for COVID-19 preparedness and response, as well as develop tools and strategies, provide technical assistance and program support, as well as ensure ongoing communication and coordination among public health agencies and partners throughout the response. Today, CDC is contacting State Health Officers to move forward with awarding over $560 million to states, localities, territories, and tribes. CDC will use existing networks to reach out to state and local jurisdictions to access this initial funding ." ( HHS , 3/11/20)

HHS Announced That The Centers Of Medicare And Medicaid Services (CMS) Would Be Expanding The Use Of Telehealth Including Waiving HIPPA Penalties, And Providing More Flexibility For "Healthcare Providers To Reduce Or Waive Beneficiary Cost Sharing For Telehealth Visits Paid By The Federal Government." "On Tuesday, the Trump Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced unprecedented steps to expand Americans' access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Centers for Medicare & and Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded Medicare coverage for telehealth visits, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced it will waive potential HIPAA penalties for good faith use of telehealth during the emergency, and the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) provided flexibility for healthcare providers to reduce or waive beneficiary cost-sharing for telehealth visits paid by federal healthcare programs." ( HHS , 3/17/20)

The Health Resource And Services Administration Is Supporting The Trump Administration's Efforts By Launching An Information Collection System To Survey HRSA- Funded Health Centers To See How The Response Of The Coronavirus Pandemic Is Effecting "Our Healthcare System" "On Wednesday, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) launched an information collection effort to support the Trump Administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, surveying HRSA-funded health centers on their involvement in the COVID-19 response, including whether they are offering diagnostic tests. This effort was made possible by a Paperwork Reduction Act waiver issued pursuant to statutory authorities that became available as a result of the public health emergency declared by HHS Secretary Alex Azar in late January. Secretary Azar issued the following statement: 'Reaching out to health centers will give us a better sense of how the response to the COVID-19 pandemic is unfolding and what stresses our healthcare system is experiencing as a result. Health centers are on the frontlines of providing accessible, affordable care in many of our communities, and health centers have been and will be playing a vital role in the COVID-19 response. This action under the emergency authorities given to the Secretary of HHS is just the latest example of the Trump Administration cutting red tape that may be impeding the COVID-19 response.'" ( HHS , 3/18/20)

HHS Has Worked With The Administration To Promote Public And Private Partnership In Order To Ramp Up Production Of Necessary Products

On March 18, 2020, President Trump Invoked The Defense Production Act Which Will Give Power To Allocate Health Care Supplies And Ramp Up Production Of Necessary Products To Counter The Coronavirus. SECRETARY AZAR: "'President Trump's bold invocation of the Defense Production Act gives his administration the necessary power to allocate healthcare supplies in the event that such a step is necessary. Through measures like a February notice of procurement for 500 million respirators, the Trump Administration is taking every step necessary to help American industry ramp up production of the products we will need to save lives.'" ( HHS , 3/18/20)

The Department Of Health And Human Services Announced A Public Private Partnership To Create A U.S Based High Speed, High Volume Emergency Drug Packaging Solution To Prevent A Shortage Of Drugs That Americans Need During Widespread Health Emergencies. "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public-private partnership to create a U.S.-based, high-speed, high-volume emergency drug packaging solution using low-cost prefilled syringes. Working with HHS' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the new consortium for Rapid Aseptic Packaging of Injectable Drugs, or RAPID, will enable the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to fill and finish, on a rapid basis, hundreds of millions of prefilled syringes to respond quickly and efficiently to widespread health emergencies, such as the novel coronavirus outbreak. Projects are under evaluation to expedite this process and could yield results within six months. 'The ability to deliver vaccines and therapeutic drugs when they are needed the most is among our top priorities. As vaccines and therapeutics become available, we must not be caught short on our capacity to deliver emergency drugs to Americans in need,' said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. 'The creation of RAPID is the right move at the right time, both for immediate and longer-term national public health emergency needs.'" ( HHS , 3/18/20)

THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HAS ENACTED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AND ADMINSTERED SCREENING IN AN EFFORT TO COMBAT THE CORONAVIRUS

The Department Of Homeland Security Has Prepared The Nation By Redirecting Flights And Administering Screening And Quarantine Measures Over Those Potentially Infected By The Coronavirus

On February 2, 2020, Acting Secretary Chad. F Wolf Redirected Inbound Flights From China To Be Routed Through Eleven U.S. Airports, Who Had Enhanced Screening Procedures And Quarantine Capabilities. "To protect the American people from exposure to the coronavirus, on Sunday, February 2, 2020, the Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf issued instructions supplementing a decision issued on January 31, 2020, and directed all flights from China and all passengers who have traveled to China within the last 14 days to be routed through one of eight U.S. airports, effective Sunday, February 2nd, 2020, for flights departing after 5:00 PM Eastern. Three additional airports will be added to the list of airports authorized to receive such flights beginning at various times on Monday, February 3, 2020. At these eleven airports, the United States Government has established enhanced screening procedures and the capacity to quarantine passengers, if needed." ( DHS , 2/11/20)

On February 29, 2020, The Trump Administration Announced Do Not Travel Warnings To Areas Of Italy And South Korea, Barred All Travel To Iran And Barred Entry Of Foreign Citizens Who Have Visited Iran Within The Last 14 Days. "Vice President Mike Pence said the administration was issuing its highest-level warning, known as a 'do not travel' warning, to areas of Italy and South Korea most affected by the virus. The United States is also barring all travel to Iran, and barring entry to any foreign citizen who has visited Iran in the last 14 days. There will also be screenings of travelers coming from Italy and South Korea." ( The New York Times , 02/29/20)

On March 13, 2020, DHS Announced That Americans, Legal Permanent Residents, And Their Immediate Families Returning From Certain European Countries, Iran, And China Were Required To Go Through One Of The 13 Airports For Screening Purposes. " In order to help prevent the spread of travel-related cases of coronavirus in the United States, today the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf issued a Notice of Arrival Restrictions outlining the process for American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home after recently visiting certain European countries (listed below), China, and Iran. Effective for flights taking off at 11:59 PM EDT on Friday, March 13th, Americans returning from all restricted countries will now be required to travel through the following 13 airports." ( DHS, 3/13/20)

In Response To The Coronavirus, DHS Has Announced Restrictions On Non-Essential Travel To Our Northern And Southern Border

On March 20, 2020, DHS Announced The Restriction Of All Non Essential Travel Across The US- Canada Border To "Exercise Caution," And Prevent Further Spread Of The Virus. "The US-Canada land border serves as an economic engine that supports over $1.7 billion (USD) dollars in daily cross-border trade. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States and Canada are temporarily restricting all non-essential travel across its borders. In each of our countries, we are encouraging people to exercise caution by avoiding unnecessary contact with others. This collaborative and reciprocal measure is an extension of that prudent approach. 'Non-essential' travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. The United States and Canada recognize it is critical we preserve supply chains between both countries. These supply chains ensure that food, fuel, and life-saving medicines reach people on both sides of the border. Supply chains, including trucking, will not be impacted by this new measure. Americans and Canadians also cross the land border every day to do essential work or for other urgent or essential reasons, and that travel will not be impacted. This decision will be implemented on March 21, 2020, at which time the US and Canada will temporarily restrict all non-essential travel across the US-Canada land border. The measure will be in place for 30 days, at which point it will be reviewed by both parties." ( DHS , 3/20/20)

On March 20, 2020, DHS Announced The Restriction Of All Non- Essential Travel Across The U.S.- Mexico Border In Order To Halt The Spread Of The Coronavirus Across Borders. "We agree to the need for a dedicated joint effort to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus and address the economic effects resulting from reduced mobility along our shared border. The U.S. and Mexican governments further recognize critical services such as food, fuel, healthcare and life-saving medicines must reach people on both sides of the border every day. Essential travel must therefore continue unimpeded during this time. In order to ensure that essential travel can continue, the United States and Mexico are also temporarily restricting all non-essential travel across its borders. 'Non-essential' travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. Additionally, we are encouraging people to exercise caution by avoiding unnecessary contact with others. This collaborative and reciprocal initiative is an extension of our nations' prudent approach that values the health and safety of our citizens in the joint decisions made by our respective leaders regarding cross-border operations." ( DHS , 3/20/20)

THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE HAS TAKEN STRONG MEASURES TO RESPOND AND SUPPORT AMERICANS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS

This March, The United States Department Of Agriculture Announced A Partnership With the Department Of Labor To Maintain The Agricultural Workforce By Identifying Foreign Domestic Workers In The Agriculture Sector

The United States Department Of Agriculture (USDA) And The United States Department Of Labor Announced A Partnership To Identify Foreign And Domestic Workers Who Are Available For A Transfer To Other U.S Agriculture Sector Employers To Help Maintain The Agriculture Workforce. "U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to help facilitate the identification of foreign and domestic workers that may be available and eligible to transfer to other U.S. agricultural sector employers to fulfill critical workforce needs within the U.S. under existing regulatory authority during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Ensuring minimal disruption for our agricultural workforce during these uncertain times is a top priority for this administration,' Secretary Perdue said. 'President Trump knows that these workers are critical to maintaining our food supply and our farmers and ranchers are counting on their ability to work. We will continue to work to make sure our supply chain is impacted as minimally as possible. USDA and DOL have identified nearly 20,000 H-2A and H-2B certified positions that have expiring contracts in the coming weeks. There will be workers leaving these positions who could be available to transfer to a different employer's labor certification.'"( USDA , 3/19/20)

USDA Has Been Working With Private Partners To Deliver Nearly 1,000,000 Meals A Week To Students Affected By School Closures

On March 17, 2020, Secretary Of Agriculture Sonny Perdue Announced A Collaboration With Businesses In The Private Sector To Deliver Nearly 1,000,000 Meals A Week To Students Affected By School Closures In Rural America. "U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a collaboration with the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, McLane Global, PepsiCo, and others to deliver nearly 1,000,000 meals a week to students in a limited number of rural schools closed due to COVID-19. 'Feeding children who are affected by school closures is a top priority for President Trump and this Administration. USDA is working with private sector partners to deliver boxes of food to children in rural America who are affected by school closures,' said Secretary "( USDA, 3/17/20)

USDA Has Made Programs Flexible To Serve Program Participants Across All 15 Nutrition Programs By Waiving Congregate Feeding Requirements In All 50 States, The District Of Columbia, And Puerto Rico. "USDA is using all available program flexibilities and contingencies to serve our program participants across our 15 nutrition programs. We have already begun to issue waivers to ease program operations and protect the health of participants. As of today, USDA has been asked to waive congregate feeding requirements in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico; USDA has granted those requests." ( USDA , 3/17/20)

Programs Like SNAP And WIC Have Been Expanded To Give More Flexibility To Applicants Who Have Been Impacted By Coronavirus

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act Signed By President Trump And Authorized By USDA Will Expand The Snap And WIC Programs, Adding $500 Million To The WIC Program For Low Income Pregnant Women Or Mothers Who Have Lost Their Job Due To Coronavirus. "President Trump just approved the 'Families First Coronavirus Response Act,' which provides "waivers and modifications of Federal nutrition programs" among other measures. Specifically, this bill includes an expansion of the SNAP food security program and the WIC program. The bill states that $500 million will be provided for the WIC program 'to low-income pregnant women or mothers with young children who lose their jobs or are laid off due to the COVID-19 emergency.'" ( Heavy , 3/18/20)

The Bill Also Include $400 Million To The Emergency Assistance Program To Help Food Banks Meet Heightened Demand. "It also includes $400 million to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to help local food banks so they can meet the heightened demand. This $400 million is to be split with $300 million going to purchasing nutritious foods and $100 million for the storage and distribution of the food." ( Heavy , 3/18/20)

The Bill Allows The USDA To Waive State Requests To Emergency SNAP Benefits By Giving Applicants More Flexibility In Response To Coronavirus. "The bill also authorizes the USDA to approve the Pandemic Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (P-SNAP) or the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) plans that states put forward. USDA can approve state requests to provide emergency SNAP benefits 'to households with children who would otherwise receive free or reduced-price meals if not for their schools being closed due to the COVID-19 emergency. In order to be eligible, the child's school must be closed for no less than 5 consecutive days.' The bill also waives certain required responses in SNAP applications during the COVID-19 emergency and gives more flexibility to states in managing the SNAP program." ( Heavy , 3/18/20)

THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE HAS USED ITS RESOURCES TO HELP SUPPORT THE MEDICAL RESPONSE

The Department Of Defense Is Using Its Resources To Support The President's Fight Against The Coronavirus

On March 22, 2020, The President Enacted The National Guard To Operate Under Title-32, Which Will Have The Guard Troops Report To Their Governors While The Federal Government Will Pay For The Cost , To Three Of The States Hit Hardest By The Coronavirus. "As the number of coronavirus cases increases in the U.S., President Donald Trump Sunday night ordered National Guard troops in three states to operate under a status that allows them to be managed by state governors but be paid by the federal government. Trump's initial order called for National Guard troops in the three-hardest hit states - New York, California, and Washington - to operate under what is called Title 32. Under this federalized status, Guard troops still report to the governor, but the government picks up the cost. Normally, it is a 75-25 split, with states picking up the smaller portion, but Trump waived that split and the federal government will absorb the entire cost." ( Military Times , 3/22/20)

The Department Of Defense (DOD) Announced That The U.S. Military Will Support The Country's Medical Response By Providing "5 Million Respirators Masks And Up 2,000 Deployable Ventilators To HHS." "The Pentagon will give 5 million respirator masks and up to 2,000 deployable ventilators to Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Tuesday." ( The Hill , 3/17/20)

The DOD Announced The Deployment Of Two Hospital Ships, Which Will Be Launched To The East And West Coast To Help Support The Presidents Response To The Coronavirus. "Speaking beside Trump in the White House, Defense Secretary Mark Esper also announced that he has alerted field and expeditionary hospitals to be prepared to deploy as needed to support the response. The Navy has two hospital ships. The other, USNS Mercy, is being prepared to deploy to a location on the West Coast, Trump said. The ships will be launched in the next week, he said, noting that he spoke with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who announced the Comfort deployment in a press conference minutes before the president's comments. ( Politico , 3/18/20)

The DOD Has Five Vaccine Initiatives In Development, And Three Antiviral Therapeutic Studies, And The FDA Has Enabled Production Through An Emergency Use Authority Process For Applicable DOD Candidates. "Vaccines: DOD has five vaccine initiatives at different stages of development. Antiviral Medication: DOD has three antiviral therapeutic studies underway and the FDA is enabling their production through the Emergency Use Authority Process for applicable DOD candidates established in the FY18 NDAA." (​ House Armed Services Committee , 3/19/20)

DOD Has Provided 13 Bases As Temporarily Housing For U.S. Citizens And Legal Permanent Residents Who Require A Mandatory Quarantine Upon Re-Entering The United States. "DOD is providing 13 bases to temporarily house U.S. Citizens and legal permanent residents who require mandatory quarantine as they re-enter the United States, including passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship." ( House Armed Services Committee , 3/19/20)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Assigned The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers To A Mission Assignment To Support Medical Facility Planning. "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received a Mission Assignment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support medical facility planning." ( House Armed Services Committee , 3/19/20)

In At Least 27 States, Approximately 2,050 National Guard Members Are Supporting State Emergency Centers, Drive Through Testing Centers, Transport Support For Quarantined Individuals, Compiling State Medical Supply, And Providing A 24 Hour Emergency Pre Hospitalization Stabilization Response. "To date, 2,050 National Guard Members are supporting governors in at least 27 states. Support to governors includes, but is not limited to, supporting state emergency centers, supporting drive through testing centers, transport support for quarantined individuals, and 24-hour emergency pre-hospitalization stabilization response activities. The National Guard is training personnel in COVID-19 response and compiling state medical supply inventories." ( House Armed Services Committee , 3/19/20)

The Department Of Defense Has Been Working With It's Service Members And Civilians To Prevent Further Spread Of The Coronavirus

The DOD Has Ordered That Almost All Permanent Change Of Station And Temporary Duty Government Funded Movement Of DOD Servicemembers, Families, And Civilians Be Stopped. "DOD has stopped almost all Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and Temporary Duty government-funded movement of servicemembers, DoD civilian personnel and DoD families." ( House Armed Services Committee , 3/19/20)

The DOD Has Announced That All Ceremonies Be Postponed, And To Maximize Telework For All Eligible Personnel. "All large social gatherings and ceremonies have been postponed. Telework opportunities are being maximized for eligible personnel." ( House Armed Services Committee , 3/19/20)

Under DOD, TRICARE Has Provided Guidance Encouraging Beneficiaries To Use Tele- Medicine, And,For Those Who Have Coronavirus Symptoms, To Use The Nurse Advance Line Instead Of Walking Into A Clinic To Prevent Further Spread. "TRICARE is utilizing tele-medicine where possible and strongly encouraging those beneficiaries with COVID-19 symptoms to use the Nurse Advice Line instead of walking into an MTF or clinic to avoid community spread." ( House Armed Services Committee , 3/19/20)

MANY DEPARTMENTS HAVE BACKED THE PRESIDENT'S EFFORTS TO HELP AMERICANS WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY THE CORONAVIRUS

The Department Of Transportation Has Been Providing Hours Of Service Regulatory Relief In Response To The Coronavirus

The Department Of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Declared A National Emergency Declaration To Provide Regulatory Relief On Hours Of Service (HOS) In Response To The Coronavirus. "On the heels of President Trump late last week issuing a national declaration emergency in response to the frenetic impact of the coronavirus, the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) said it has formally issued a national emergency declaration to provide motor carrier hours-of-service (HOS) regulatory relief in response to the coronavirus outbreak." ( Logistics Management , 3/16/20)

FMCSA Officials Announced That The Declaration Will Provide Regulatory Relief To Commercial Motor Vehicles Who Are Providing Assistance And Support To Emergency Relief Efforts During This Time. "FMCSA officials said that this declaration provides for regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts intended to meet immediate needs for: Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19; Supplies and equipment, including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants, necessary for healthcare worker, patient and community safety, sanitation, and prevention of COVID-19 spread in communities; Food for emergency restocking of stores; Equipment, supplies and persons necessary for establishment and management of temporary housing and quarantine facilities related to COVID-19; Persons designated by Federal, State or local authorities for transport for medical, isolation or quarantine purposes; and Personnel to provide medical or other emergency services." ( Logistics Management , 3/16/20)

The Department Of Labor Announced Flexibilities In Administering State Unemployment Insurance Programs

The Department Of Labor Has Provided Flexibilities For States In Administering Their Unemployment Insurance Programs In Order To Assist American Who have Been Affected By Coronavirus. "Following President Donald J. Trump's swift action to protect the American workforce from exposure to COVID-19 - also known as novel coronavirus - the U.S. Department of Labor today announced new guidance outlining flexibilities that states have in administering their unemployment insurance (UI) programs to assist Americans affected by the COVID-19 outbreak." ( Department Of Labor , 3/12/20)

The Small Business Administration Announced The Offering Of Low Interest Federal Disaster Loans To Help Businesses Who Have Been Impacted Economically By The Coronavirus

The U.S. Small Business Administration Announced That They Are Offering Low Interest Federal Disaster Loans To Small Businesses, Private, And Nonprofit Organizations In States And Territories To "Help Alleviate Economic Injury Caused By The Coronavirus" "The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state's or territory's Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration. Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations in designated areas of a state or territory to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)." ( SBA , 3/12/20)

The Department Of Education Has Waived Interest On Federal Student Loans And Has Provided Guidance To Educators On How To Administer Distance Learning

Under The Direction Of The President, The Department Of Education Will Waive Interest On All Federal Student Loans, "In An Effort To Stem The Financial Impact Of The Coronavirus." "The Trump administration said Friday it will waive interest on all federal student loans in an effort to stem the financial impact of the coronavirus on the 42 million Americans holding $1.5 trillion in federal education debt. 'To help our students and their families, I've waived interest on all student loans held by federal government agencies," President Trump said during a Rose Garden news conference Friday. 'That's a big thing for a lot of students that are left in the middle right now.' Interest rates on all federal loans made to undergraduates, graduate students and parents will be set at zero until further notice, according to the Education Department. Students attending college will not have interest accrue, while any payments borrowers make from here on will go strictly to the principal of their loans." ( The Washington Post, 3/13/20)

The Department Of Education Has Been Giving Educators Resources To Ensure That Students' Civil Rights Are Upheld, And That Distance Learning Is Accessible While Schools Are Closed Due To Coronavirus. " As schools across the nation shutter in response to coronavirus, federal officials are giving educators additional insight on how to handle the needs of students with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights issued a webinar and fact sheet this week for education leaders aimed at ensuring that students' civil rights are upheld while schools are closed due to COVID-19. The webinar reminds school officials that distance learning must be accessible unless 'equally effective alternate access is provided.'" ( Disability Scoop , 3/18/20)

The Department Of Energy Is Using Their Facilities To Screen And Expand Research That May Affect The Coronavirus

The Department Of Energy Is Expanding Access For Coronavirus Research Which Will Help Screen Known Chemical Compounds That Might Affect The Novel Coronavirus. "The computing speed of DOE's fastest and most powerful supercomputers and its laboratories' deep expertise in artificial intelligence is being used to rapidly screen known chemical compounds that might affect this novel coronavirus. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory announced that they have used Summit, the world's fastest and smartest supercomputer, to screen more than 8,000 drug compounds for 77 that have potential for use in the fight against COVID-19. Coordinating and Expanding Access for Coronavirus Research: DOE is making its unique, world-class user facilities available to the scientific community on a priority basis for COVID-19 work. The DOE X-ray light sources are coordinating priority access to their structural biology resources." ( DOE , 3/18/20)

The Dept. Of Energy Announced A Private Public Partnership To Give Researchers Access To "At Least 16 Supercomputers To Help Speed The Discovery Of Vaccines And Drugs To Combat The Novel Coronavirus." "The U.S. government, International Business Machines Corp. and others are giving researchers world-wide access to at least 16 supercomputers to help speed the discovery of vaccines and drugs to combat the novel coronavirus. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on Sunday announced the Covid-19 High Performance Computing Consortium, a partnership that includes IBM, the Energy Department national laboratories, Alphabet Inc.'s Google Cloud, Amazon.com Inc.'s Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Corp. and others." ( The Wall Street Journal , 3/22/20)

The Department Of Housing And Urban Development Enacted An Immediate Foreclosure And Eviction Moratorium For Single Family Homeowners For The Next 60 Days

U.S. Department Of Housing And Urban Development Authorized The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) To Enact An "Immediate Foreclosure And Eviction Moratorium For Single Family Homeowners With FHA-Insured Mortgages For The Next 60 Days." "WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, in consultation with the Trump Administration and the Coronavirus Task Force, today authorized the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to implement an immediate foreclosure and eviction moratorium for single family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages for the next 60 days. These moratoriums are part of the continued effort by President Trump to address impacts to the financial well-being of America's individuals, families, and businesses caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19). 'Today's actions will allow households who have an FHA-insured mortgage to meet the challenges of COVID-19 without fear of losing their homes, and help steady market concerns," said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. 'The health and safety of the American people is of the utmost importance to the Department, and the halting of all foreclosure actions and evictions for the next 60 days will provide homeowners with some peace of mind during these trying times.'" ( HUD , 3/18/20)

The Federal Communications Commission Is Working With Telecom And Broadband Companies To "Keep Americans Connected" During The Coronavirus Pandemic

The Federal Communications Commission Introduced A New Broadband And Telecom Industry Measure "Keep Americans Connected Pledge," Which Will Ask Companies To Not Terminate Service For Customers, To Waive Late Fees Due To Economic Effects From The Virus, And To Open Access To Public Wi-Fi Hotspots For The Next 60 Days. "Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai introduced a new broadband and telecom industry measure on Friday called the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, which is designed to rein in any potential abuses from US internet service providers during the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic. The pledge, which is for the next 60 days, asks that companies not terminate service for residential or small business customers, waive any late fees incurred due to the economic effects of the virus, and open access to public Wi-Fi hotspots to 'any American who needs them.' So far, Pai says that virtually every major company in the US broadband and telecom businesses has committed to the pledge, including AT&T, Charter, CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox, Sonic, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, among others." ( The Verge , 3/13/20)

The Pledge Also Encourages Companies To Suspend Data Caps, Not Charge Long- Distance And Overage Fees, And "Prioritize Connectivity To Health Care Providers And Hospitals." "Part of the Keep Americans Connected Pledge is also urging other companies to follow AT&T in suspending data caps as well as asking companies not to charge long-distance and overage fees and to prioritize connectivity to health care providers and hospitals. All of these policies should help alleviate issues stemming from the spike in work-from-home policies being instituted throughout the country to promote social distancing and help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus." ( The Verge , 3/13/20)

"Part of the Keep Americans Connected Pledge is also urging other companies to follow AT&T in suspending data caps as well as asking companies not to charge long-distance and overage fees and to prioritize connectivity to health care providers and hospitals. All of these policies should help alleviate issues stemming from the spike in work-from-home policies being instituted throughout the country to promote social distancing and help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus." ( The Verge , 3/13/20) So Far Every Major Company In The U.S. Broadband And Telecom Business Has Committed To The Pledge, "Including AT&T, Charter, CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox, Sonic, Sprint, T-Mobile, And Verizon." "So far, Pai says that virtually every major company in the US broadband and telecom businesses has committed to the pledge, including AT&T, Charter, CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox, Sonic, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, among others." ( The Verge , 3/13/20)

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