WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Friday that he would declare a national emergency in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.
Why is that important?
The declaration begins the process under which state and tribal governments can get access to federal dollars as they respond to the spread of the virus. The declaration helps ensure that the government is leveraging resources to help avert the human suffering and loss of income that would occur in a pandemic.
How can states access the federal money?
Governors will still need to ask for a "major disaster" declaration for their states, and Trump has encouraged all governors and tribal leaders to consider making such a request.
How much money is available?
Most disaster assistance from the federal government is made available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency through a Disaster Relief Fund that had a $41.6 billion balance at the end of February. The bulk of the money is used to reimburse state and local governments when disaster costs are too much for them to absorb. States generally cover 25 percent of the cost with the federal government paying 75 percent.
Have Presidents previously used emergency declarations to confront infectious diseases?
Yes, under President Bill Clinton in 2000, the detection of West Nile virus in New York and New Jersey was used as the basis of an emergency declaration.
Where can federal assistance help?
The federal funding can help in a range of areas, such as providing temporary medical facilities when existing ones are overloaded; providing for food, water, ice and other consumable supplies; helping communicate health and safety information to the public; and transporting supplies and people. (AP)