President Donald Trump proposed a slew of insurance policies to deal with the coronavirus pandemic in an Oval Workplace handle on Wednesday nigh
President Donald Trump proposed a slew of insurance policies to deal with the coronavirus pandemic in an Oval Workplace handle on Wednesday night time — asserting that journey to the US from most of Europe can be banned for 30 days and calling for brand new efforts to stimulate the financial system at house.
It was the primary time Trump actually acknowledged the depth of the outbreak of Covid-19, the illness brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, citing the World Health Organization’s declaration that it’s now a pandemic.
However he additionally solid coronavirus as a overseas risk — actually calling it “a overseas virus” — and centered largely on financial measures as an alternative of public well being ones, whereas repeatedly making an attempt to reassure People that his administration has issues beneath management.
“That is probably the most aggressive and complete effort to confront a overseas virus in fashionable historical past,” Trump stated. “I’m assured that by … persevering with to take these powerful measures we’ll considerably cut back the risk our residents and we’ll in the end and expeditiously defeat this virus.”
Regardless of Trump’s assurances, the virus has continued to unfold in America, with the whole variety of confirmed instances within the US topping 1,300 as of Wednesday, in accordance with the Johns Hopkins interactive map. On account of coronavirus fears, the NBA announced it was suspending video games shortly after Trump spoke.
Trump introduced a journey ban for many of Europe
Trump’s largest announcement was a journey ban, which can prohibit individuals from coming to the US from Europe for 30 days starting on Friday at midnight. Trump stated there shall be exceptions, notably “for People who’ve undergone applicable screenings.”
The restrictions additionally gained’t apply to the UK, which has fewer reported coronavirus instances than its continental friends however still nearly 500 confirmed cases. The administration beforehand put in place restrictions on journey from China.
It’s unclear how this may have an effect on commerce with Europe, which may doubtlessly damage the financial system.
Trump promised extra financial stimulus
Trump additionally promised a number of measures to stimulate the financial system, after every week wherein coronavirus scares contributed to the stock market plummeting. He known as for tax breaks and help to small companies, however didn’t promise paid sick leave or every other assist for hourly employees and others with out these advantages who would possibly want to remain house — a key demand of Democrats in Congress in any coronavirus aid invoice.
- He known as on Congress to extend funding for the Small Enterprise Administration by $50 billion to assist increase financial loans to impacted areas. (Up to now, Washington state, New York, and California are the locations most affected, nevertheless it’s unclear how or if help will go there.)
- He additionally promised to take government motion that may “present greater than $200 billion of further liquidity to the financial system” via deferments on tax funds and penalties for individuals and companies negatively impacted by the outbreak.
- And he requested Congress to chop the payroll tax. Trump argues this could put cash into the financial system rapidly, together with for people and firms, however some experts are skeptical that tax cuts may have an effect rapidly since they’ll take some time to trickle out into the fingers of shoppers and companies.
What Trump didn’t say a lot about: testing
In the remainder of the speech, Trump tried to reassure People about his administration’s response to the outbreak thus far. He identified he signed a invoice into regulation that added $8.three billion in funding for federal businesses to combat the coronavirus and help associated efforts, and claimed he’s reduce “large quantities of crimson tape to make anti-viral remedy accessible in report time.”
He additionally stated that health insurers have agreed to remove copayments, cease shock medical billing, and develop protection associated to the coronavirus.
“The virus won’t have an opportunity towards us,” Trump stated. “No nation is extra ready or extra resilient than america. We’ve the most effective financial system, probably the most superior well being care, and probably the most proficient docs, scientists and researchers wherever on this planet. We’re all on this collectively. We should put politics apart, cease the partisanship, and unify collectively as one nation and one household.”
He didn’t do a lot to deal with the ongoing problems with federally provided test kits. States, counties, cities, and medical suppliers have complained that there are merely not sufficient check kits accessible, forcing them to ration assessments and switch individuals away. Consultants say testing is essential to discovering out who’s contaminated to allow them to be remoted and people they got here in touch with could be put in quarantine.
On that situation, Trump merely acknowledged “testing and testing capabilities are increasing quickly, day-to-day,” offering few new particulars.