NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- President Donald Trump declared a national emergency Friday afternoon, as the number of coronavirus cases in the US exceed 1,600.
"I am officially declaring a national emergency. Two very big words. The action I am taking will open up access to up to $50 billion ... in our shared fight of this disease," Trump said.
The delcaration will open up $50 billion for states to help fight the pandemic.
Just a couple of hours later, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a deal reached with the Trump administration on an emergency aid package for coronavirus that would provide free tests, sick pay for workers and bolster food programs.
“We are proud to have reached an agreement with the Administration to resolve outstanding challenges, and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” Pelosi announced in a letter to colleauges. The House was poised to vote.
Trump also called for states to set up emergency centers and called on hospitals to activate their emergency preparedness plans.
He also announced that FDA has approved new tests and 500,000 tests will become available beginning next week.
Approximately 1,700 Google engineers are helping to develop a website to help find convenient locations for testing.
This new approach to testing will start on the screening website facilitated by Google.
Trump also introduced Walmart CEO and said they will make their parking lots available for drive-through testing.
CVS, Walgreens and Target will also allow for mobile testing areas.
Trump also announced that interest on federally owned student loans will be waived, effective immediately, as part of a response to the coronavirus.