The White House COVID-19 Update: Anti-Viral Therapies Explored

https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/videos/841654633019767

Maui Quick Links:

• Maui Now’s Coronavirus Section.
• Maui Now’s Running List of Closures, Cancellations, Postponed Items and Notices for Maui.
• Mayor Victorino’s Emergency Rules begin at 7:45 a.m. on Friday, March 20

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President Donald J. Trump on Thursday invoked the defense protection act to help facilitate distribution of essential supplies.

“When this is defeated–this hidden scourge–I think we’re going to go up very rapidly,” President Trump said of the US economy.

Today the president shared progress the the FDA is making with the private sector to get past red tape to develop vaccines and therapies as quickly as possible.  This comes on the heels of an announcement earlier this week that the first clinical trial of a vaccine candidate for the virus had begun.

“As we race to develop a vaccine, we’re also developing anti-viral therapies,” said President Trump noting that treatments will help reduce the severity or duration of the symptoms.

The president named several prospective therapies including chloroquine, which has been used in the past for the treatment of malaria.  The drug has gained FDA approval for testing as a potential COVID-19 treatment.

President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday signed a legislative package that he says provides extensive assistance to Americans impacted by the coronavirus.  Details are posted below:

STRONG LEGISLATIVE ACTION: President Donald J. Trump is signing a legislative package that provides extensive assistance to Americans impacted by the coronavirus. 

• President Trump is signing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, ensuring that American families and businesses impacted by the virus receive the strong support they need.
• This legislation provides strong economic assistance to American businesses, workers, and families, alleviating financial burdens experienced by those affected by the virus.
• The act provides free coronavirus diagnostic testing for the American people, regardless of their economic circumstances or health coverage.
• The President and his Administration have worked tirelessly with Congress to secure this legislative package.

• • The Administration says its negotiation efforts were highly effective and resulted in “substantial improvements” from the initial bill brought by House Democrats.

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES, WORKERS, AND FAMILIES: This package delivers on President Trump’s commitment to provide strong economic support to Americans harmed by the virus.

• This White House says the legislation builds on the Administration’s longstanding commitment to take every step necessary to provide economic relief and support for Americans affected by the virus.
• The act establishes tax credits to provide paid sick and family leave for coronavirus-related employment interruptions.

• • Eligible workers who are sick with the virus, quarantined, taking care of someone affected or caring for a child whose school has closed, will continue to be paid.
  • Employees will receive pay directly from their employers, rather than from a less-efficient government-run program.

• Though every dollar of required paid leave will be offset by tax credits for eligible employers, the act protects small businesses by offering an exemption in the rare event that paid leave requirements would jeopardize their business.
• The legislation incentivizes states to ease access to unemployment benefits, assisting Americans who may be unemployed due to the impact of the virus.
• To support families and the most vulnerable, the bill also provides funding and flexibility for emergency nutritional aid for senior citizens, women, children, and low-income families.

TESTING FOR ALL AMERICANS: This legislation helps to realize President Trump’s primary goal of ensuring coronavirus testing is accessible to every American.

• The President is committed to ensuring that every American who needs to be tested for the coronavirus is able to do so, regardless of their circumstances.
• To that end, this legislation offers free coronavirus testing – including free testing through commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, Indian Health Service, and TRI-CARE.
• President Trump continues to work tirelessly with the Federal government and the private sector to protect expand Americans’ access to coronavirus testing.

• • As a result of the President’s efforts, testing is now available in all 50 states and we are testing faster than ever.