On Sunday evening, President Donald Trump approved a request submitted by California Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier in the day for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support the state's COVID-19 emergency response.
“The declaration will supplement our state’s comprehensive COVID-19 surge planning and make vital resources available. We appreciate the quick response and partnership from the White House,” said Newsom.
It was the third Presidential Major Disaster Declaration that President Trump approved on Sunday to help the states hit hardest by COVID-19. He also signed declarations for New York and Washington state.
The Governor’s Office reported that the declaration includes any and all individual assistance programs to assist those affected by the outbreak and lessen the economic impacts of the crisis.
It will provide additional assistance, including but not limited to, mass care and emergency assistance, crisis counseling, disaster case management, disaster unemployment assistance, disaster legal services and Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance.
Also on Sunday, the president announced other measures to assist California, including approving Newsom’s request from Thursday to deploy the USNS Mercy hospital ship to the Port of Los Angeles, where it’s expected to be in place within a week; federal medical stations with 2,000 additional beds for California have been authorized; and the National Guard has been activated.
Californians remain under Newsom’s stay at home order, issued on Thursday evening, meant to stop the spread of the virus, which so far hasn’t been confirmed by testing in Lake County. Earlier that same day, Lake County’s shelter in place order went into effect.
Congressman Mike Thompson, whose Fifth Congressional District includes the southern portion of Lake County, lauded the president’s decision to declare a major disaster in California due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
On Sunday, Thompson wrote to President Trump to ask for the declaration in response to the pandemic, which began on Jan. 20.
“Our state has been hit hard by the Coronavirus pandemic, and we are working together to combat it and support each other,” said Thompson, adding he was pleased to see the president issue the declaration for the state, giving the governor and local leaders further tools and resources to combat this crisis.
“This is a good first step, but we must continue this effort. Know that I will do everything I can to bring back every federal dollar and resource to bear on our work to help our state through this public health emergency. I also want to remind everyone that we must all do our part to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Stay at home, listen to public health officials and together we will get through this,” Thompson said.
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Presidential Major Disaster Declaration approved for California due to COVID-19 pandemic
- Elizabeth Larson
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