Trump revealed that the government will begin by moving a total of $2.5 billion in funding to various programs to fight the coronavirus, noting that Washington is "very, very ready" for an uptick in COVID-19 cases, APA reports citing Sputnik.
US Vice President Mike Pence explained that he has been appointed as the head of a task force overseeing various groups and will ensure they have the necessary resources for the government response. He also asserted that Trump took "unprecedented steps" against the disease since Washington was alerted of its presence in the US.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar contended that Trump's early and decisive response to the coronavirus "succeeded in buying us incredibly valuable time."
Azar explained that the White House has issued a 5-priority request to Congress calling for the expansion of the government's surveillance network, supporting local governments, developing therapeutics, researching vaccines and the manufacturing of gowns and masks.
Trump warned that Washington was prepared to investigate credible reports of the price gouging of products related to anti-coronavirus efforts.
Dr. Anne Schuchat, the CDC Principal Deputy Director, advised individuals to cover their coughs, stay home if they are sick and wash their hands. The health official noted that many of the precautions one takes to avoid getting the flu are applicable to COVID-19.