blogged by @_cierra.jones
On Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence informed reporters of the possibility of removing the coronavirus task force due to “tremendous progress we’ve made as a country.”
“I think we’re having conversations about that and about what the proper time is for the task force to complete its work and for the ongoing efforts to take place on an agency-by-agency level,” Pence said at the briefing. “And we’ve already begun to talk about a transition plan with [the Federal Emergency Management Agency].”
“It really is all a reflection of the tremendous progress we’ve made as a country,” he added.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Headed by Pence, the task force was created to supervise the federal government’s counter to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the task force are experienced public health officials including Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
The officials recommended states slowly remove social distancing restrictions assembled to control the coronavirus outbreak. But, amid news of the potential disbandment and subsequent criticism, Trump has walked back the plan, announcing the “task force will continue on indefinitely.”
“The White House CoronaVirus Task Force, headed by Vice President Mike Pence, has done a fantastic job of bringing together vast highly complex resources that have set a high standard for others to follow in the future. Ventilators, which were few & in bad shape, are now being […] produced in the thousands, and we have many to spare. We are helping other countries which are desperate for them. Likewise, after having been left little, we are now doing more testing than all other countries combined, and with superior tests. Face masks & shields, gloves, gowns etc. are now plentiful. “Trump said.
“The last four Governors teleconference calls have been conclusively strong. Because of this success, the Task Force will continue on indefinitely with its focus on SAFETY & OPENING UP OUR COUNTRY AGAIN. We may add or subtract people,” he continued, adding, “….to it, as appropriate. The Task Force will also be very focused on Vaccines & Therapeutics. Thank you!”
Since the start of the outbreak, over 1.2 million coronavirus cases have been recorded along with more than 70,000 related deaths. 46 US states have either encouraged or have ordered schools to close for the remainder of the school year, while K-12 and college students switched to complete online learning.
Stay-at-home orders were implemented as COVID-19 cases continued to rise. Businesses across the country were forced to close until further notice. Unemployment skyrocketed to over 17 million claims.
The Senate approved the historic $2 trillion coronavirus response bill to assist businesses and American citizens. On May 1, several states began their reopening.
