President Trump is strongly considering having the federal government send Americans emergency checks within two weeks as measures being taken to mitigate and suppress the Wuhan coronavirus COVED-19 outbreak are keeping them home from work.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said at a coronavirus task force press briefing at the White House Tuesday that sending checks now is considered to be more effective in the short run than a payroll tax holiday that is also being considered.

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.@benstracy: "When you say a stimulus package for American workers, do you mean direct payments to Americans or a payroll tax holiday?"

Mnuchin: "…We're looking at sending checks to Americans immediately…Americans need cash now and the president wants to get cash now." pic.twitter.com/dQxS5IZjZb — CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) March 17, 2020

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While the figure of $1000 checks has been mentioned by the likes of Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), Mnuchin said the amount may be more.

Mnuchin also made other announcements regarding tax extensions and deferments, however he urged Americans due for refunds to file as soon as possible so they can get their returns processed and over-payments refunded quickly.

Politico reported Trump and Mnuchin will be consulting with Congress to seek to exempt high earners from the emergency checks.