White House Coronavirus Task Force Holds News Conference | NBC News (Live Stream Recording)
White House briefing I'm a corona virus, pandemic here, is the president. To. The FDA so the. States are very much involved they have been involved from the beginning but. We're, setting it up as much as we can and the, testing procedures, are going well and, within a short period of time all of the private labs will kick in this never been done before and, it's it's, gonna be something very, I think, it's gonna be incredible, if it's done properly and, these are great companies these are among the greatest companies. In the, world actually, so. The state's going to be dealing. Through. Themselves and, with local. Government, local physicians. Local, everybody, they're also dealing with us but. We have a tremendous. Testing, capacity, today. We're also announcing a dramatic, expansion, of our Medicare telehealth, services. Medicare. Patients, can now visit any doctor by, phone or video conference, at no, additional cost. Including. With commonly. Used services, like FaceTime, and Skype a. Historic. Breakthrough this, has not been done before either. In. Addition, states of the authority, to recover telehealth, services, for. Their medical patients, and. By doing this the patient, is not seeing the doctor per se but they're seeing the doctor, so there's no getting. Close during this time we will. Not enforce, applicable. HIPAA. Penalties. So that doctors can greatly expand, care for their patients using, telehealth, so the penalties won't be enforced. We. Encourage everyone to maximize. Use, of telehealth to. Limit exposure to, the virus it's been a very successful. Method. Of communication, but never used on a on, a scale like we're going, to use at telehealth and, you'll. Be able to, also. Better maintain. Hospital. Capacity, by doing this, earlier. This morning I spoke with executives, from America's, fast food. Industry. Wendy's, McDonald's all. Of the the. Big ones Burger. King. And. They were great. We're talking about, the. Pickups in light of yesterday's, guidance. You heard to. Avoid eating or drinking at bars restaurants or, public food courts we discuss the important role that the drive-thru pickup, and delivery, service, can play in the weeks ahead so. That's happening. And, they, have been fantastic. They. Have been absolutely fantastic, and, they've been doing it already but they're, keeping it open and. Smaller. Staffs, very. Capable, people and very capable companies, and they're doing it pick ups our. Guidance yesterday, urges Americans, to take action, for 15, days to help stem the outbreak. So. It's a 15-day period I, guess now, would say it's a 14-day, period it's, 15 days from yesterday and we're asking everyone, to work at home a possible postpone, unnecessary. Travel, and limit. Social, gatherings, to no more than 10 people by. Making shared sacrifices. And temporary, changes, we can protect the health of our people and we, can protect our economy because I think our economy will come back very rapidly, so. It's 15 days from yesterday, we'll see what happens after that if we do this right, our, country, and the world frankly but our country can be. Rolling again pretty. Quickly, pretty quickly. We. Have to fight that invisible. Enemy. That I, guess. Unknown, what we're getting to know what a lot better today. The Senate has taken up, coronavirus. Legislation. That includes free testing, for those who need it as well as paid sick leave and, family medical leave for, work is affected, by, the virus. We're. Also committed, to getting small businesses, a support, that they need in fact one of the things we talked about with the fast food operations. We spoke to the chairman, and CEOs, of all of the companies but one, of the things we discussed is exactly, that getting small businesses, support. And flexibility. That they need for. Themselves and for their workers and that's being worked on right now, at. My direction. Secretary. Minuchin is meeting today with senators on additional, stimulus, packages, I can tell you who's meeting with them late, until the, night. Last night and. For. A big part of the day yesterday and tremendous. Things are happening there's, great spirit, tremendous, spirit and I. Can say that for Republicans, and Democrats, I. Can. Say that with respect to Governor Cuomo we had a great talk this morning we're both doing a really good job and. We're coordinating. It and we. Agree you know different states need.
Different Things and, we we, agree on that 100% but with a very good talk and I think we're right down the same track and. It's going to be very successful New, York has a. Pretty. Big problem I guess would be the number one hot spot, that's. No fault of anybody's it's just. The way it is but we're working very closely together we're, also getting FEMA, very. Much involved they've been involved but now we're getting them to a different level and. We'll, have, everything ready we're. Dealing, with the Army Corps of Engineers should, that be necessary we, have them working. In some cases on standby in other cases but my. Conversation. With. Andrew Cuomo, was, a very very productive one, and a very good one I appreciate, that we're. Giving relief. To affected industries, and small businesses and we're ensuring, that we. Emerge from this challenge, with the prosperous, and growing economy because, that's what's going to happen it's going to pop one, day we'll be standing possibly. Up here we'll say well we. Won and we're going to say that sure. As you're sitting there we're gonna say that and. We're going to win and I think we're going to win faster, than people think I hope later. Today I'll meet with the leaders from determined tourism, industry, as well as industrial supply, retailers, and wholesalers to, discuss their. Critical, roles as you know I met with the department. Store people all of the retail. As the big ones including, Walmart and others and it. Was great meeting they're stocking up their stores like they have devastated. Before, we're. Trying to get people to actually buy less if that's possible buy, less. Don't. Take everything just buy what you need for a while it's going to stay open, all. Hours of, the day and they've. Really been they've been fantastic, we're. Taking aggressive action now, as one nation and one family so that America, can rebound, stronger. Frankly. Stronger, than ever before, and, we recognize, that while many American, workers can work from home many others cannot, many. Of our health care providers first, responders, and men and women in the food service and manufacturing, are showing. That. They're. Showing up and standing. Up to provide us with the. Goods and services we need so we want people to stay home where they can but in many cases when you talk about food service, and manufacturing. Certain. Items in particular. They. Are they're. Going in and they're. Practicing all of the safety rules and regulations, that we talk about so with that I'd like to just, introduce our, trade, vice-president, Mike Pence he'll say a few words and then I'll make some other introductions, thank you very much.
Thank. You mr. president good morning it. Should be very, clear to the American people, that President, Trump has initiated not only a whole-of-government, approach, but, a whole of America approach, and the. President's, interaction, even today, and through the course of this day with leaders in industry around the country reflects that we're. Not only bringing the full weight of the federal government, to bear but the full way of the American economy and I know I speak on behalf of the president, when I say how. Inspired, we are at. The way the American people have stepped up in the way that American businesses large and small have, stepped up has truly been inspiring, our. Task, force met this morning and we continue to focus on president, Trump's priorities, of testing. Prevention. And, supplies. And. In that category I'm. Pleased to report that that while, testing is available in all 50 states as, the president, just indicated, through. The swift action, of the FDA at the encouragement of governors around the country now. State. Health, authorities, can. Authorize. Labs in their state and expand, existing, testing. Capabilities. But, also in connection with the FDA's, action, which you'll be more about in a moment, we now have continued, to expand, the public and private partnership, that the president, forged with. Vast commercial, laboratories. Around the country. Increasing. Access to the high-volume. High, throughput. Coronavirus. Testing, that is that. Is greatly expanding. Access. Even as we speak also, our, task force received a report this morning on the progress that the US Public Health Service and FEMA. Are making working closely with state governments, and also, partners, in the private sector like CVS, Target Walgreens, and, Walmart to, expand, remote, testing, sites around, the, country and we'll have a full report later this week as those come, online. It's. Important the American people understand the testing, is happening, all over the country but. All of our health. Experts, wanted, me to tell the American people you don't, need, the, results, of testing, to. Know what you should do and president. Trump's 15, day coronavirus. Guidelines, our, advice for every, American, in every, community they're. The result of the best guidance of CDC, and our health experts, and as, the president, said we continue to urge every. American. Over. The next 15 days to. Put into practice the principles, in the, president's, coronavirus.
Guidelines, By. Every, American practicing. These principles we believe that we can slow. The, spread of the corona virus in fact, our. Experts, have told our Task Force that if every, American, acts on the president's, coronavirus, guidelines, we could see a substantial. Reduction, in, the spread of the corona virus, but. As the president said it will take all of us to do it so, if you feel sick stay home if someone in your house tests positive keep. The entire household, home, especially. If you're a person, with an underlying health condition, we urge you to stay home and practice. Social, distancing, from people though, social gatherings, of more than 10 people use, drive-through, as the president, discussed with leaders in the industry today and every American, especially. Practicing, common sense and good hygiene for. The American people as a whole the risk of serious illness, remains low but. We're asking every, American, to partner, with us in this effort to slow. The spread of the virus and, aspects, chillie to, be mindful, of seniors. Or others, with serious, underlying health conditions for, whom the threat of the corona virus can. Be very significant. And very real as. I said the president has continued, to push our task force to. Bring a whole-of-government a whole of America approach, and we continue to be inspired the way our nation's governors, and nation businesses, are responding, we, spoke just yesterday, with the leaders of every broadcast network, in America that will soon be unveiling a public service campaign. Using, CDC, guidelines and, specifically. As we work on the issue of supplies. Meetings. Yesterday with Department, of Defense officials about, excess, supplies the. President and I will be meeting today to speak about the supply chain for hospitals, we, would make one specific, request and that is we would urge construction. Companies, to. Donate their, inventory. Of. N95. Mass to your local hospital and forgo. Additional. Orders of those industrial masks. Because, of what the president, asked to be included in legislation, moving, through the Congress today those. Industrial masks. That they use on construction, sites are. Perfectly, acceptable, for healthcare, workers to be protected, from a respiratory disease, but. We're asking construction. Companies, that our president, knows very well from his background we're, asking them to donate, their n95, masks to their local hospitals, and also, forego making, additional, orders it's, the president's direction we will we. Will continue, to do whatever it takes we'll continue to marshal. The best of the American people, the best of all the people behind me the people behind them our, state and local officials. And. We. Will get through this and we will get through this together thank, you mister. I want, to thank Chad, Wolfe and Homeland Security the job they did at the airports was really. Incredible, they screened, thousands. And thousands, of people. O'Hare, got backed, up but a little bit but. They. Got him out and but, everybody was screened and screened very carefully, they didn't want to rush it I think. Was 13 airports, and it, was it was an incredible, thing, then they had a big surge also from, the. UK and Ireland. And that, went very smoothly but they did a fantastic job, they work long hours and they did a fantastic job, I'd. Like to introduce the evolution and then I'm gonna ask Steve to leave because he's, going to the hill he's, been working very hard with the Senate and with actually. With the house on a very very, big. Bold package, it's, gonna be big it's gonna be bold and the level, again, of, enthusiasm. To get something done I don't, think I've ever seen anything quite like it so state. Minuchin please. Thank. You mr. president I'd like to announce some very significant. Actions, that the president has approved today the. First I would say is earlier today, I sent, a letter to Fed, Chairman Powell, approving. His request, to use, 13-3, and what. That will do is the. Fed will be setting up a special purpose vehicle, which the Treasury will invest 10 billion dollars in from. One of our funds that. Will enable the, Fed to, guarantee, the purchase, of a 1p, one commercial. Paper going forward that is a one trillion. Dollar, market. And is critical to American, workers it's, critical, to American, business, and it's, in critical, to American, savers who have a lot of that money in money.
Market, Funds so we heard loud and clear there were liquidity, issues this, is very, significant. And will, create I don't, think we'll need to use it all but we have the ability to have, the Fed purchase, up to one, trillion. Dollars, of commercial. Paper is needed that has already created. Significant. Stability. In the market today the. Second thing I would say is, you, know we've previously, talked, about. Deferring, IRS, payments, the president, earlier this morning. Authorized. Me to announce this program I have previously announced we would defer 200, billion the president, suggested, we increased, that to 300. Billion which will we will, be doing now let me just be clear on the specifics, we. Encourage, those Americans, who can file their taxes, to continue, to file their taxes, on April 15th, because, for many Americans, you will get tax refunds, and we don't want you to lose out on those tax refunds, we, want you to make sure you get them many, people do this electronically. Which is easy for them and easy for the IRS, if. You. Owe a payment. To. The IRS you. Can defer up to a million dollars, as an individual, and the reason why we're doing a million dollars is that covers lots of pass throughs and small businesses, and ten. Million dollars, to corporations. Interest-free. And penalty, free for. 90 days all you have to do is file. Your taxes, you'll, automatically. Not. Get charged, interest in penalties now of course any American, has the right to extend their taxes, we're not taking, that, a right but the president, has asked, us to go up to 300, billion dollars that's, also, an enormous amount of liquidity, in the system the. Third thing is the President and I worked on a very significant. Economic stimulus. Plan thank, you for being available last night and throughout this morning and I will be presenting, that to the Republicans. In the, Senate this morning and, also. Discussing, that with the house we, look forward to having bipartisan. Support we're, now working with the Senate to pass this, legislation. Very. Quickly and these will be payments. To small businesses. We've. Talked about loan, guarantees, so two critical. Industries. Such as Airlines, and hotels and. We've. Also talked about a stimulus, package to the American worker you. Can think of this as something, like business interruption, payments. For the American workers thank you do you have any questions, or the secretary, of the Treasury. Say a stimulus, package for American, workers do you mean direct payments, to Americans, are you talking about a payroll tax holiday although. The president likes the idea that the payroll tax holiday I will, tell you what we've heard for many people and the president has said we can consider this the, payroll tax holiday would get people money, over the next six to eight months we're, looking at sending checks, to Americans, immediately and what we've heard from hardworking, Americans, many companies, have now shut down whether, it's bars or restaurants Americans. Need cash now and the president, wants to get cash now and I mean now in the next two weeks I, will. Be previewing. That with, the Republicans, there's some numbers out there they. May be a little bit bigger than what's in the process. We've. Had, discussions, with all the airline CEOs. This week, the, airline CEOs have had conversations with, the Senate and the, house as the president said I was up with a subset, of the. Republican. Senators, last night I've discussed that with them I think, as you know this, is worse than 9/11 for. The airline industry this. Is they, are almost ground to a halt the president, wants to make sure that although we. Don't want people to travel unless it's critical, we want to maintain for critical travel, the right to have domestic, travel. I'm. Not gonna comment on the specifics, I will tell you we're, very focused there's a lot of workers the, this, is strategically, important, to us and we'll be working with Congress, on the, airline industry we'll be in good shape yeah go ahead. Thousand. Dollars tax to every. American, it's increasing, support. Republicans. And some Democrats for, that would. You support that going, to everyone, or would you support some sort of income, restriction. On who gets a check well I think it's clear we don't need to send people who make a million dollars a year checks, okay, but, we, like that's one of the ideas we like we're. Gonna preview, that today and then we'll be talking about details, afterwards, well I think I think we're going to do something that gets money to them as quickly as possible that. May not be an accurate way of doing it because obviously some people shouldn't be getting checks for $1,000.
And We'll. Have a pretty good idea by the end of the day what we're going to be doing. How. Was the mechanics, of this work and we've been talking about a payroll tax holiday. Some. Five hundred billion dollars worth was floated to me today but so how would this idea of, sending people to check work would you would. That be sort of an advance on what they would pay actually, again. We, want to make sure Americans. Get money in their pockets, quickly we want to make sure small business, owners have, access, to funds we want to make sure that. Hotels. Airlines. We. Have an entire package will be laying out those details later today yeah, I have to say this there are four different ways you can do it that's, a four. You can hear me well enough and magic keep it okay. Those. Are very important people come. To think especially, your, people, look. We have four or five ways we can do it four ways in particular I think there's a fifth possibility. But there are some very good ways of, getting. The money out and getting it out quickly. Payroll. Tax is one way but it does come over a period of months. Many months and we want to do something much faster than that so I think we have ways of getting money out pretty quickly and very accurately. We. Have to do this now, so. This is now week. We, are gonna work with the Senate who's in session right now actively. We. Will continue to have conversations with, the house I've already spoken to Speaker Pelosi once, today this, is stuff that needs to be done now the president, has instructed me that, this is no fault to, American, workers for. Medical reasons we are shutting down parts, of this economy and we're going to use all the tools we have as I've said and what tools we don't have we're going back to Congress. But. It's a substantial, number going big the, expression, we could do it two ways we could keep going back every day or every week we're. Going big and that's. Where Mitch. McConnell, that's the way he wants to go that's the way I want to go I think we want to get it done and, have, a big infusion, as opposed to going, through little meetings. Every every. Couple of days we don't want to do it that way we want to go big go solid the, country is very strong we've never been so strong and that's what we're going to be doing we don't want, with. This invisible, enemy we don't want Airlines going out of business we don't want people losing their jobs or not having money to live when. They were doing very well just four, weeks ago so. We're going big and that's the way it'll be and that's the way everybody seems to like it on the hill any other questions. Today was any type of emergency, assistance discussed. On that call a lot of restaurants have to close even if they are doing delivery they're not making as much money as they would with a full house let, me make two comments on on the restaurants, and the, president, understands, this this was emphasized, this morning first of all we, want to make sure that the states allow the drive-thru. Portion. Of these fast foods to, stay open particularly. In a time period where. We're telling people don't, go to, restaurants these. Companies. Feed a big part of America, and I expect, they're gonna feed, a bigger, part of America, the second, thing they asked me to emphasize, I wasn't, going to do it now but as long as you asked many, of these companies have apps you. Can order, ahead of time that, way when you get there it's as simple as they'll have it packed they. Can give it to you as social, distancing. And it'll, be very fast so we, expect that they, will be able to feed a large, part of the population, and. In regards, to support. I will say a lot of these businesses, are small businesses, or companies, franchisees. 500, or less and we have, a specific, program we'll be unveiling that. Helps. All businesses. Small and medium-sized businesses, of five hundred and Lessing's. Question regarding of Marriott, corporation that announced that it is furloughing, thousands. Of individuals, because of the. Impacts, of the coronavirus. Rule your legislation. I. Hope. So that's one of the reasons why we got to act very, quickly, because. We, understand, whether it's the airlines. Hotels. For. Good reasons. To protect, the United States on medical, issues. These. Businesses, are shut down and the president, wants to make sure as I've said we will use all the powers we have you saw this today trillion. Dollars of potential, liquidity into the market and the powers we don't have we're, going to Congress and I will say there's a lot of bipartisan, support for.
These, Issues so I'm, going to apologize because I have to go deal, with some other. I. Do. Want to comment on this okay. We. Absolutely believe in keeping the markets open okay. Americans, need to know they have access to their money after. September 11th the only reason why the markets, were closed was. Because, the technology, was disrupted, I've been on the phone with the major banks with the New York Stock Exchange everybody, wants to keep it open we may get to a point where, we shorten the hours if that's something they need to do but, Americans, should know that. We are going to do everything to, make sure that they have access to their money at their banks to the money in their 401ks. And to the money in stocks, so I want to just be very clear we. Intend to keep the markets open and. The banks are record-setting, Slone so we have we, have that which is a much different, event, than what we had, not. So long ago. Mr.. Chun mr., president you mentioned the army corps of engineers of, the conversation. With Governor Cuomo people. Used in New York is going to run out of hospital, beds are you prepared to mobilize, your kness to increase, capacity yes, we're starting to we're studying the process, and it's a process. We hope it's not going to be necessary, but it could be necessary, the, state is working on it very hard themselves, but we'll probably supplement. What they're doing and given, that, many, of the precursors, for our pharmaceuticals, come from China and, there have been destroyed, as there. Have been supply, disruption, that supply. Chain has been broken to some degree you expect, that we could run into a shortage, of prescription, drugs no I don't see that at all and I think China has every. Incentive. To. Make sure that things work well, Jonah. Wants, to make sure that things work very well they have every, incentive to do so Jeff, the. Governor of Ohio has called, off the election that was supposed to happen today the primary election, do you agree with that decision and what steps are you taking to, ensure that, elections. Going forward, if this pandemic, I continues. That, elections, will be able to happen including the, course to, think one of the fall well the governor Ohio is doing a great job he. Called, that off and we'll, see what happens as a court case and it, hasn't been fully determined yet but. If he called it off I could understand, that because you know he's, definitely, somebody that knows what he's doing, we'll be seeing, what very soon, you. Know they're going by the rule of ten as opposed to 50 and it's pretty tough I would. Say probably you could violate that if you wanted to for an election I just think an election is a very special thing he's going to chose he chose a different, date I think a date sometime in June but. That. Would be a decision that would be made by him he, felt it was necessary, the. Courts are somebody's. Challenging, it so the courts will ultimately, decide. Elections. We're. Still in this situation. From, now two months ya. Know. What, I'm doing Jones very simple we're getting rid of this virus that's what we're doing that's the best thing we can do by the way for the markets for everything it's very simple very simple solution, we, want to get rid of it we, want to have, very as, few, deaths as possible, this is a horrible, thing you look at what's going on with Italy we don't want to be in a position like that but. A much larger, because we're a much larger, country we don't want to be there and I. Think we've done really well I think we've done well I think the states have done well we're all working together the. Best thing we can do is get rid of the virus, once that's gone it's gonna pop back like nobody's ever seen before that's my opinion but I think it'll pop back like nobody's ever seen before please. Facilities. Put the Army Corps of Engineers build, and, also what specific, measures are you taking to try to increase the number of ventilators, in the fight we've ordered massive. Numbers of ventilators. We have by any normal standards, we have a lot of respirators. Ventilators. We have tremendous amounts of equipment but compared. To what we're talking about here this has never been done before and. Yesterday I gave the governor is the right to go order directly if they want if they feel they can do it faster, then going through the federal government. Now we've knocked out all of the bureaucracy it's, very direct but it's still always faster, to order directly and I gave them that was totally.
Misinterpreted, By the New York Times on purpose unfortunately. But, the the, but, it's very important yes, please. A. President. Directed us to work with the Department of Defense there's two ways that DoD, can be helpful in terms of expanding medical, capacity I, know the governor of New York has asked, us to look at the Army Corps of engineer which could perhaps. Renovate, existing buildings. But, the president also has us inventory. Especially. We. Spoke with a Governor Inslee yesterday, in Washington State we. Have resources, in, that part of the country that we could move and as. Governor's make these requests, we, will process them bring them to the president, but there are two different, lanes that VOD can provide in addition to many. Medical supplies to augment our national, reserves and the president has tasked us to to. Evaluate, and make available and, to consider every every. Request, from governor's for either field hospitals, expanding, facilities or the, Army Corps of engineer that could retrofit, existing buildings. The, Army Corps is very prepared. To do as we say, and we're looking at where it's going but. And. They do call them mash hospitals, but the field hospitals, go very quickly there. We. Have them we have all, of this equipment. In stock and we're, looking at different sites and a few different locations and, we're not going to need them in West, Virginia where so far I guess they have none, still none still, none West, Virginia, Big. Jim the governor's you must be doing a good job. That's. What's reported. Well. That's all that I just see West Virginia is the only one that has no cases, so. Obviously that's being treated differently than in New York or Nora, California. Different, parts of California, I do say this so the the, Army Corps of Engineers is ready. Willing and able we. Have to give them to go ahead if we find, that it's going to be necessary we think we can have, quite. A few units. Up very rapidly, I'm, gonna work with Governor. Cuomo I'm going to work with a. Number, of the governor's governor, Newsom has been very generous and, is in. His words and I'm being generous to him to because we're all working together very well and and I think, a lot a lot, of very positive things have taken place we're. Talking to California, about different, sites but we can we, can have a lot of units up fairly quickly if we think we need them I, think. What I'll do is I might, ask Seema to say a few words on the telehealth and then we can get back to this place Sheila. Thank. You mr. president, and. As the president, announced, earlier we are doing. A dramatic, expansion, of what's known as telehealth, for our 62. Million Medicare, beneficiaries, who are amongst, the most vulnerable to, the corona virus and we're, acting in accord with the appropriations, bill that was signed, March 6 as well as the president's, emergency declaration. Last week and this, action is a part of our broader effort, to ensure that government. Requirements, rules and regulations, don't get in the way of patient. Care during, an emergency and, today's, announcement builds, on the significant. Progress of the president has already made over the past three, years around, telehealth, services, and, while we have allowed for virtual. Check-ins full telehealth, benefits, have been restricted to those living, in rural areas established. Patients, and just, for those brief visits, but, no longer Medicare, beneficiaries. Across, the nation no matter where they live will now be able to receive a wide range, of services, via, telehealth, without. Ever having to leave home and these, services can also be provided in a variety of settings including nursing, homes hospital, outpatient, departments, and more and thanks. To the leadership of HHS, will also be temporarily. Relaxing. Certain HIPPA requirements so, that doctors, can provide telehealth, with their own phones and, we'll be using enforcement. Discretion when, it comes to collecting co-pays, so, that cost won't be a barrier, this. Is a part of our larger efforts, around mitigation. And as we are encouraging, Americans, to stay home whenever possible we. Don't want our Medicare, policies, getting, in the way and so, consider the implications of this perhaps an elderly patient with diabetes needs.
Routine, Checkup and it says nothing to do with the coronavirus and so, with our new telehealth, benefits, this. Person, who's not really who's, at risk for the corona virus doesn't, have to venture outside their, home they, can talk to their doctor via Skype and they don't have to risk exposure, to the virus and they can receive that care from the safety, of their own home it. Could be another Medicare, recipient, who's experiencing. Mild flu-like. Symptoms, and instead, of leaving the house and sitting, in a waiting room full, of other vulnerable, people they can also receive, advice from. Their doctor from their home and, this, shift is very important, for, clinicians and providers who, over the coming weeks will face considerable strain, on their, time and resources and, now, Medicare, patients, who don't absolutely need, to come in to, an office. Won't have to and this allows the healthcare system, to prioritize. For. Care for those that are more that, have more needs or in dire need and preserves, protective. Equipment as, well, state. Medicaid agencies. Can also provide, telehealth, services, without. Federal approval and so we're asking all states to make this available as well and we've also asked, private insurance, companies, to expand their telehealth benefits, and make it clear to their providers, and their, members what they cover as our. Nation seeks to balance the, twin imperatives, of getting Americans, the care that they need during, this outbreak and limiting, the spread of the virus the impact, of this historic, action simply, cannot, be overstated. In an emergency, those, on the front lines shouldn't have to worry about federal, rules and red, tape hamstringing. Them when they need flexibility, above all else and, we're doing everything in our power to make sure that that doesn't happen I also. Just want to briefly mention that because of the president's, emergency declaration, we, do have the ability to provide a lot of Medicaid, waivers, and Florida. Was the first state to be approved we were able to do that in a matter of days thank. You any questions. Where. Do senior, citizens, go for instructions, on how to do the Telo they. Should call their doctor's office and their doctor's office can tell them how to do that I'm also, you know there may be some of our Medicare. Members that may not have access to equipment so we're asking family, members but to help with this but also respecting, the requirements, around social distancing, and if any of those family members or, neighbors, have symptoms they should obviously stay away be posting memorisation, that's correct I, used way to do it if, you post. And. They can also call our 1-800 Medicare. Number and they can also get information those phone lines are open, thank. You. We're going like dr., Burks. Well. Thank, you very much as we talked about earlier this week the. Commercial system is rapidly, advancing. In the testing capabilities. As. Of, today our public health laboratories, meaning. The CDC and the public health labs have reported, out 30. 1878. Tests, so almost 32,000. Tests the. Clinical, laboratories. The association. Of clinical laboratories. Have. Reported, out 20. 27,000. Tests and most, importantly, of those 27,000. During the cumulative period, of time. 8200. Of them were yesterday this, is showing the dramatic, ramp as the high throughput comes, in we, don't have the numbers this morning from the American Hospital Association which. Means all the individual, Hospital, laboratories, we, will have that up coming in the next day or so and then ambassador, birx will have this whole process a. Fixed. Under with the legislation, that everything will roll up into a common reporting, probably. By the end of next week in, terms of our drive through laboratories, again these are blossoming, all over the country by. Individual, states the ones that we are heavily involved in and really. Pushing equipment, to we, expect, over the next few, days to, begin, setting up 47. Of these in approximately. 12 states, the. Material, is already palletized. And being shipped to, the locations, most, cities, have the specific locations, some, do not but it's still going to a central receiving, and we know that we'll be deploying. At least 140, commissioned Corps officers, about. Half of the sites have reported their requirements, about a hundred and forty officers will be going we expect that to go up so, this is going on the, way we expected.
We. Did a trial site yesterday with a full mobile. Unit, for, driving through with. Full PPE we, had a lot of kinks in the system as you can expect that's why we do a, test. Before we go out into the field don't. Expect these to be a hundred percent perfect, the moment they come they're, going to be adapted, to the state the local situation, but we're very, confident, that these will add, testing. To the already very robust, health, care system and commercial system Thank You mr. president. And. This has never been done before and it sets a great roadmap, for future. Should. We have something like this in the future I hope we don't but. It's never been done before and they've done an incredible, job and again we're working with the states and relying on the states we have to because they they, have its point of sale that's point of sight and, we're. In I think just about every instance getting along really well with the with, the states if I could. Dr.. Burks if you could say a couple of words please. So. I think what you've been hearing from us is to find solutions, that are high-quality and. Sustainable. Based, on the front line workers, and governor's, request and I those, come in on the governor's call we've been immediately, responsive. To those and that's the the, level of red tape and bureaucracy that, we have removed I think. That point about sustainability. And quality is, very important, because as the president says we're creating, a roadmap for a different level of functionality, for, future pandemics our, flu. Pandemic, preparedness plan, was. A plan now. We're seeing where we have to revise where, we have to create new, avenues. Of research, and new avenues of work to really ensure, that the need, of the American people can be reached we. Were adamant. About having, a high quality test. Based. On our commercial, vendors. Over. The next few months you will begin to see that other tests, that were utilized, around the world we're, not of the same quality resulting. In false positives, and potentially, false negatives, these, tests. Were studied, and studied by, the FDA, to really, ensure that they are that level of quality and we've given the states the permission, to ensure that same, level of quality now. I wanted to say one minute, on the testing.
Testing. Should not be used, as an assessment, of your risk we. Are asking, every single American. No matter what your generation, from. Z and up to X and, Millennials, in between to. Really ensure that your following these guidelines we, here every night of people, who are not in work moving. That time into bars and, other areas, of large gatherings, if we, continue, with that process we. Will fail in containing, this virus, so, every, single generation has, a role to play we're. Asking, our older generation. To stay in their homes and we're, asking the younger generations, to support, them in social contacting. Through, videos, and other Skype, type functions, or just the simple telephone, we're. Asking the younger generations. To, stop going out in public places to, bars and restaurants. And spreading. A symptomatic, virus. Onto countertops. And knobs and grocery, stores and grocery carts, I heard. An innovation, last night and this morning again, on the news I really want to applaud, the private, sector, who, are now creating. Senior, only shopping, times I think. That's extraordinary, I think, that shows what America. Brings and I think other countries. Will learn from us about how to really protect seniors, in this type of way I'm hoping, that carries through to next, year when we have our flu epidemic, where we can really have a very different prototype, for a file of the amount of mortality, that we have during flu that we never talked about anywhere. From 15,000. To, 45,000. Individuals are, lost every year if we learn how to do this well and sustain. Some of those core changes we, can change the way respiratory. Viruses, not only for this but the future affect Americans, it's, a big thing. A. Question. On the clinical, data, so. We've. Had now early, 5,000, people test positive we've had. 90. Deaths or so when. Are we going to know the data, of who, those people are, who, has been infected what the ages, are what the pre-existing, conditions are how serious, it was both, for those who. Have been tested positive, but, also those who have died, well. You're singing, my sheet, of music I'm very data oriented so thank you for bringing up this issue of data I really, want to applaud HHS. We, had a discussion about this several days ago they've made calls in to Seattle, and California. To really understand. That and also, importantly, to understand, how, many of their patients needed, ventilators, how many of them needed oxygen. Support. How many of them needed and, what they needed could, we predict, early, someone. Who was going to have a more difficult course, these, are all the questions we're asking, right and answering, right now we, did get an early report back from Santa Clara and Seattle, we're digesting it, we just got it this morning we're. Looking at that carefully, because we think that roadmap is very important, to other communities, we have not discussed, this with New York yet we do know from other countries, and that all, is available online that profile, you. Can see that mortality, under. 30 is extraordinarily, low, the, mortality across, the board outside of Wuhan is now settling, somewhere, around 0.7. But, that should not be reassuring.
Because, It's much, higher in people, with pre-existing medical, conditions. Even if young and people. That are older with pre-existing, medical conditions. And so we still want every, American focused. On doing what they can do today to. Change the course of this pandemic to making that data public, so we will all know we're. Committed, not only to making it public but to have a website that everyone, can see in real-time. There. You, are signaling, a much more aggressive. Posture, toward. Containment. Mitigation, now in. Many states have been very, aggressive but there is a small number of states that. Has not have. Not issued public guidance, to their residents, is, it important, for the success of the effort that 100%. Of, the, states be. Forward leaning on this and if. So mr. president what would be your message to those states that have not, so, that's why the, vice president, and the president, yesterday. Issued those critical. Guidelines, as I, said this morning on Fox and Friends you can look at them as with guidelines you can look at our requirements. And you can look at him as the president, asking every American, in every state to follow those that's, why we put them out at the federal, level we wanted to make sure every, American knew. What they could do today to, change the course of this epidemic. I think it's empowering, I think, it says all of us have a social responsibility to. Each. Other and that's why we, believe, that every, mayor and every, governor, should be instituting. These, guidelines. That. Came from the White House and the President of the United States and, we've been very tough in those states, I know exactly who you're talking to we've been very tough in them thank you. You've. Been telling us for days now that millions, of tests have been sent out so, why have fewer than 60,000. People actually, been tested I think you will see different numbers this week you heard just at 8,000. Remember all of these tests the high-speed tests. Were approved, last Friday last Friday night and last Thursday night I think, if I could talk to thermo. Fisher and. The. Other groups that have these platforms, out there do, not rely, on a pull, technology. Push out those tests, because. We can only make, them available groups. Have to order them so I we've, been talking to thermo Fisher, one of the key platforms to, push out tests based.
On Need and not. Wait for orders. That's. A great question I know part, of it is getting the test out right now I think the Admiral and others are working on getting the the, issues related, to getting the tests conducted, obviously. That does take time he is working on innovative, solutions, that are creative, and sustainable. That will be a game changer in testing, but we don't have the data yet this is a critical, comparator, can you do it yourself can. You actually sample, yourself these. These are the kinds, of things we're working on right now and he's getting the data, and. The states are actually doing a lot of us the governor's and the states are doing a lot of it with even our tests. Okay. Thank. You can. You give us a sense of how long these, tough new restrictions, will need to be in place until we start to see the. Rate of this virus going down and also can you speak to this study that as many as 2.2, million, people in the United States could die if there weren't this type of action. By the government taken. I. Think you know models, are models and they're based on input, and they're based on infectiousness. Without. Any controls, I, can, tell you we've never seen that level of infections, that modeled up to that 2.2. Million. And mortality, so, we are looking at that we are having a particularly, model, meeting, tomorrow, I think that's really going to be important, I've. Dealt with a lot of modelers, in my time they're wonderful, people but they, all have their favorite, inputs, and they all have their favorite, integration, functions, so we're evaluating, all, of those so we can integrate and create the best model, for the United States based, on the best data and that, first set of recommendations, you saw were, based on what, we could do today, to. Prevent anything that looks like that if I could just say one other thing to the hospitals, and dentists out there. Things. That don't need to be done over the next two weeks don't, get it done if you're a person with an electric cert elective, surgery you don't want to go into a hospital right now there's. A lot of distraction. There's, a lot of people doing a lot of other things to save people's lives so let's all be responsible, and, cancel, things that we can cancel to, really free up hospital. Beds in space and then let's do everything that we can to ensure. That we. Don't need the ventilators, because we've protected the, people who would have needed to use them. Ability of more actions like for, example limiting, travel, within the United States argument it's possible, it's possible we'll, see how it goes a, lot, of it's, been great cooperation, with local. Governments, states we'll. See how it goes it's going it's, going right now pretty well yeah place good. Defense. Production act, to get more of those medical, supplies, different, well we're able to do that we have two right now we haven't had two but it's certainly ready. If I want it we can do it very quickly we've studied, it very closely over two, weeks ago actually. We'll make that decision pretty, quickly if we need it we hope we don't need it too, big step you. Know. When you save the stage in, particular, three, states need some help and some, states you. Know have two people three. People no. People in the, case of again West Virginia so we're. Looking at it very closely, we've. Taken. It apart fifteen different ways it's a very difficult thing to do it's, a very big step and if we need that step we'll take it okay, first. Question a, lot of people have got travelled to places, that are considered hot spots yeah Caribbean, Mexico that sort of thing over the next few weeks would you recommend that they follow through with those plans I would, just say, enjoy.
Your Home, stay. I would just say right now we. We have to get this problem fixed and then we'll get back into business real really quick will open up our country. Will open up our society the world will hopefully open up we see areas. Of the world that are that. Haven't done well and we see areas, that are doing very, well and I would put us in the category, of doing very well for. A country so big I, think, that I would. Recommend that they just enjoy. Their living room. I'm. Not happy with those people if they're not but you know those people are being shouted down by other people, they know they're being. It's. Almost like self policing, people. Went in there are a couple of instances, I guess probably more than a couple where people are not happy when they see others, doing what they're not supposed to be done we have to get rid of this we have to win this war, and ideally, quickly, quickly. There's. The longer it takes it's not, a good situation and. I'm not even talking about the economy I'm talking about the. Lives of a lot of people yeah please did yeah. I. Think. It's all the work in progress what President, Trump has, made clear, to industries, around the country is that we're. Gonna do whatever it takes we. Understand this is an extraordinary moment, in, the life of our nation it's. The reason why the president brought in leaders of the financial, sector airline. Industry, he'll meet with all new. Additional, industry, leaders today in tourism, and hospitality, but. He, has tasked the Secretary of the Treasury to. Work with members of Congress in, both parties to. Make sure that we construct, the kind of economic. Support, that. Will allow those industries, to weather the. Period of the coronavirus, and then to come back stronger than ever before. We've. Had we've had such incredible. I. Don't, know it's almost the word spirit is the best word it's like a spirit, the. Banks have come in and the banks are doing things that they would have never done they're working on extensions. And lots, of things that they wouldn't have done copays. With regard to the insurance companies, I mean for, them to be doing what they're doing you know all about the co-pays they would have never done that and they did it they, were in my office they, I, would.
Say The 11 biggest in. This country I guess probably the 11 biggest of the world the big ones all the big ones and they they. Did, things on copay, that nobody, would be doing that they wouldn't have done in a million years but they're doing it there's a great spirit going on right down with the country so you want to yes, please dr. pouchy, dr., pouchy you said you. Like being, accused of overreacting. Because. That. Is an indication we may be doing things necessary. To beat this, bend the curve how. Long do you think it will take for you to be confident, that yes. We're bending the curve or no or not you. Know I can't. Give you a firm number on that because the, dynamics, of outbreaks, in some. Respects are predictable, historically, they do this and that we, don't know because this is really unprecedented, I, mean of all the outbreaks, that I've been involved with over the, last at least 36, years and then going historically, back we've. Never had a situation, where. The, mobilization. Of all the different components travel. Restrictions, internal. The, containment, mitigation. Financial. Assistance public health assistant, testing, so. We don't really know but the one thing I do know I do, know that if you look at models with all of their vice, institutes of models is that, when you have input into the kinds of mitigations, and things that we're doing. We're. Gonna see a hump. Instead of a peak I would. Be really surprised, if all the things that we're doing and and this is really a a comprehensive. Approach I was struck. As I was listening to everyone make their their, presentations. That. You know I'm a scientist, I'm a health. Person, and I'm a physician who. Sees patients so. I look at it from one particular standpoint. But. What I'm being impressed by is that this is really a comprehensive. Thing that. Has multiple components. To that all of them got to succeed, if we're, gonna get to that end point that I've described, multiple, times from. This podium, so. I hope that if everyone does their job we're. Gonna be able to give you a number and say you know we've seen that inflection and we're coming down I would, hesitate to do it now to be honest with you because. It. Might be misleading and I don't want to be misleading, I just, want to say one other thing because I heard dr., Berg say it and I, think we need to say it over and over again, when. I was young a long time ago I felt that I was invulnerable the, way I think many of us feel were, invulnerable and, when, we're asking, the young people, to.
Help Us with. This mitigation. Strategy, by, staying out of staying, out of the restaurants, really, trying to distance yourself. Don't. Get the attitude well, I'm young I'm invulnerable. You are well in some respects you're certainly less vulnerable than. I am, however, which. You might inadvertently do, and I know you don't want to do that, you, don't want to put your loved ones at risk particularly. The ones who, are elderly and, the ones who have compromised, conditions, we. Can't do this without the, young people, cooperating. Please, cooperate. You. Know that. Question keeps coming up and I'm not gonna evade. The question but I want to make a point, we. Tend to think that we're. Not gonna be able to mitigate or contain without testing. They. Complement, each other in some respects, but they're separate channels, even, if we had no testing, we, should be doing what we're doing now the. Question, are asking so I won't evade it is specifically, would. It be important, outside. Of a doctor patient, coming in together of knowing, what's out there what might be under the radar screen the answer to your question is yes, so. Let me tell you what the CDC is doing right now they're, going out there and part of their program, is to, get a feel, for what, is there that wasn't initially thought, to be corona virus that was thought to be something else when, you do that you're also going to get a feel of what the penetrance, is in society, so we are heading with, the high-throughput things, that you've been hearing about to, get an answer to your question. He. Believes, that cool CFP in terms of infection, in 45, days. You, know it's possible I mean I I know that the, governor has been really, I I, believe, doing a really good job of trying to stay ahead of this 45. Days is not unreasonable you have to be careful, when, you get a number, you own the number and then if the number doesn't come out you're in trouble and that's the reason why from our standpoint from the federal government, we're, talking, about a range so, within that range. It. Isn't like you want to be correct for the sake of being correct. To. Something and then have to back off. Okay. So. What's happening, I mean if you look as metaphor, it's kind of like a race against. A virus if left, to its own devices will. Do this and. Us. Trying. To somehow blunt. That now, you could see the virus going up and up and your affect your, your work what you're trying to do may, actually be, having an effect but. You may, not see it because it'll still be going up and as, you're trying to, implement. Your your, interference. With the virus you. May not realize that you actually interfere me and I'll say wait a minute it's still going up what's going on you've done nothing but you don't know whether it would do this, versus. That so. The answer to your question it probably. Would be several. Weeks and maybe longer, before, we know whether we're having an effect it may be at the end of the day we'll, see a curve, that, would have been way way up but, I wouldn't like put. Us to task every, few days what wait a minute it's going up is, it working or not that would be really, misleading, if we do that. Guidelines. Which were. One. Of those guidelines, was a recommendation, against. Gatherings, of ten or more people and today the, governor of Alabama issued, her, own guidelines. What, is your recommendation for, people of Alabama people, across all, of the country as far as the. Guidelines, that were announced yesterday by, the family okay, so, the, one thing we don't want to do is to get hung up on the difference between ten and twenty five I think you might agree with that when, we give guidelines they're. Only guidelines. We, sit down we look at the data as dr. Burke said we're data-driven, and we say on different. Models ten. Looks good if someone. Wants. To do 25, we're not gonna fault them but if someone wants to come to us and ask, us what we think the best is we, stand by the numbers, it isn't perfect it isn't precise, math. It's. Assumptions. And it's data that make you get your decision. But. This is the United States of America there's a lot of free enterprise there people do their own thing, and quite, frankly I don't think there's a big deal difference, between ten and twenty five we, got many, many more important things to worry about than that difference.
Said. That there's an idea of floating around the administration. To cut taxes, for companies who would be bringing their supply chickens back to. United States he said he specifically, liked immediate, hundred percent right Oscar structures, equipment, he said you haven't endorsed that yet would, you endorse about you looking at many ideas that's one of them frankly and we're looking at creating, incentives for companies not. Only that type of company but other companies we're. Also looking to help. Companies. Such as the airline industry within, the airline industry, and we'll. Be doing that we will be doing that this is not their fault. And they've, been very understanding, actually, and we're gonna be helping them we will have a very powerful airline. Industry, and it'll start. Up as soon as this is over we'll, we'll, have those we'll. Have those planes ready to go so we have to help them during the short term with very important. Difficult. Choice whether it's shutting, down society. Or overwhelming. The healthcare place down is that something that we look at every model we've, relied, on the very talented people, and there's no better team that the people be behind, me and I will say that all of, the people that have done those models, are all in. Constant, touch with dr.. Burks and, Tony. And everybody that, you've been hearing so. Much from over the last couple of weeks, we've. Looked at we've looked at many different models and the. Model we have is we want to save a lot of lives we, want to save a lot of lives if we get too steep in that curve you're gonna lose a lot of lives perhaps. Unnecessarily now. We're gonna find out if everything, has a risk we're going to see but, if people do what we're telling them to do what we're asking them to do you're, gonna see the saving of a lot of lives now Boris, in. UK, yesterday, you saw what happened, it looked like they were gonna get different way but that he went, away of similar. I guess simpler, I don't know exactly, but I would, say we had a conversation yesterday similar. To what we're doing so, a lot of people seem to think this is going to be we are we are looking to save the maximum, number, of lives. Everything. Else is going to come back a life is never going to come back but, everything else our economy is gonna come roaring back you're, gonna know we're gonna know we're gonna all know that day if somebody was asking about the day when will you know when will you know we're, gonna you know all, of a sudden we're gonna say wow that's looking, good that's looking good that's looking good and we're. Gonna be on the other side of the curve and that's, a day that we look forward to okay. You, saw this week though that that. Made you decide that yes now at the time to, implement these much, more. Stringent. Social. Distancing, measures oh I don't think so this is where we were going I really think from the beginning this is where we were going this is what we had in mind we. Were, just we're just going step by step that was the next step the next logical step. As. Dr.. Foutch she said and I think very importantly one. Of the most important, things when you write the history of this was the fact that we closed it down to China and Europe but, in particular China, we closed it down to China the source very, very early very, very early far earlier, than even.
The Great professionals, wanted to do and. I think in the end that's going to be but, that will have saved a tremendous, don't. Some. People did note that your tone seemed more somber yesterday, you talked about that August, timeline did, you see a projection, some people thought perhaps that two million potentially. I may, be prompted. Part of that was there a shift in tone I didn't. Think I mean I have seen that where people actually. Liked, it but I didn't feel different I've. Always known this is a this. Is a real this. Is a pandemic, I felt, it was a pandemic, long before it was called a pandemic all you had to do is look at other countries I think, now it's in almost, 120. Countries all over the world no, I've always viewed it as very serious there was no difference yesterday, from days. Before, I feel the tone is similar but some, people said it wasn't. I. Mean I don't think in terms of recession I think in terms of getting it out because, when. We're finished with the virus we will win we, will win and when, that victory. Takes place our economy, is going to go through the roof it. Is so pent up it is so built up it is so ready to go, in. A in an upward direction but. We have to knock out this enemy this is a really tough, enemy but we have to knock out all of us that's all of us so, I don't think in terms of recession not recession it's, words we, have to knock out this and we, will have an economy I actually think we'll have an economy like we've never had before it's, all pent up, I. Think. The question, about, about. The actions that the president authorized, beginning in January, when. He took the unprecedented step, of suspending, all travel from China the. Efforts to, issue. Travel advisories, for portions, of Italy and South Korea and then to begin screening all the passengers, the, efforts regarding suspending, travel for Europe and what went into effect at midnight last night adding, the UK and Ireland - that have. All been informed, by the experts, that are surrounding, us what, the president asked us to do from the very beginning, as. Dr.. Burks and dr. Fauci often say is let's follow the data, bring.
The President the best options, in, response, to what is actually happening, on the ground but. But. With, regard to yesterday's, a, 15.
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