PROVIDENCE, RI — The state of Rhode Island was awarded $500,000 in federal funding to help with the new coronavirus containment effort in the state. The money comes from the Centers for Disease Control, and at least $4.9 million more is expected in the coming days.

The additional funding is part of an $8.3-billion bipartisan emergency supplemental aid package approved by the House of Representatives. It could pass the Senate in the coming days, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse's Office said in a release. "Rhode Islanders want us to work together and get things done, and we did," said Senator Jack Reed, who sits on the Appropriations Committee. "This bipartisan bill is a critical down payment that includes needed investments in vaccine development, support for state and local governments, and other measures to help stop the outbreak."

The first $500,000 from the CDC can be used for monitoring travelers, data management, lab equipment, supplies, infection control and surge staffing. If the full package is passed, Rhode Island will receive at least $4.9 million. States also have the opportunity to apply for more funds from the CDC of nearly $350 million included in the package. "Congress needs to work together to get it quickly passed, signed into law, and get the resources in place where they are most needed," Reed continued. "And we need to be prepared to take additional steps if the outbreak spreads and the situation on the ground warrants additional action. We also need to hear from the Administration about how it plans to fix the gaps in our system for now and in the future."



The rest of the state's Congressional delegation underscored the importance of getting the funding passed through Congress. "This initial funding from the CDC is a down payment to immediately bolster efforts already underway to protect Rhode Islanders from the coronavirus," Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said. "Bipartisan, bicameral negotiations have moved with urgency to get additional resources on the ground to help contain this outbreak. The supplemental aid package will give prevention efforts a significant boost and get more testing kits and protective equipment into the hands of front line medical professionals and first responders."

"We need to act with urgency to protect Rhode Islanders and stem the spread and impact of the coronavirus," Congressman Jim Langevin said. "This initial funding comes at a critical time for our state and will provide much needed support for response efforts. I'll continue to advocate with my Congressional colleagues for adequate resources to confront this crisis."