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Indianapolis – April 24, 2020 – After signing the next phase bill for the Paycheck Protection Plan, President Donald Trump opened today’s press briefing saying “We’re opening our country and it’s very exciting to see, the whole world is watching us. They respect what we’re doing so much.”
In attendance for today’s briefing was Vice President Mike Pence and Dr. Stephen Hahn, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.
President Trump reported that the closely monitored infection rates are consistently going down across the nation. Today, he also signed the Paycheck Protection Plan fund replenishment, which consisted of direct payments to 81 million Americans.
POTUS noted that the United States will be sending ventilators to Mexico, Honduras, Indonesia, Spain, France, Italy and possibly Germany. And President Trump announced that the FDA just approved the first COVID-19 at home testing kit.
Dr. Hahn reported that the FDA has cut regulatory barriers for new tests, without comprising on safety.
The FDA is working around the clock to ensure safe testing is distributed. A process that usually takes years has been condensed into weeks and months, 63 diagnostic and antibodies tests have been approved. We are leaving no stone unturned on finding treatments for COVID-19.
Vice President Pence reported that FEMA, HHS and the private sector are working together to coordinate supplies and shipments to states nationwide. Pence stated that 5.1 million Americans have been tested for COVID-19 and as testing increases dramatically across the country, the number of cases will increase as well, but people should not be discouraged by those numbers.
Pence confirmed today that he will be traveling to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota next week. He will also be in his home state of Indiana on Thursday. The Trump Administration is ramping up their travel schedule as a signal of encouragement to the rest of country.
After all remarks, only one question was answered by Dr.Hahn about the findings by an oversight subcommittee about the FDA having no reviews on antibody testing.
When full transcript becomes available, PSB will update this story.
Full video of today’s briefing:
(courtesy of White House YouTube)
Clips from today’s briefing:
Nationwide, the percentage of Coronavirus tests that come back positive has declined very significantly.
In New York, new cases are down 50%, and fatalities are down 40%. pic.twitter.com/Gv6qgXdFWM
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 24, 2020
Half of all Americans live in states that have now taken steps to re-open their economies.
We ask every American to remain vigilant and continue to follow Federal, state, and local guidelines. pic.twitter.com/KBLNW8xSKP
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 24, 2020
Today, President @realDonaldTrump signed into law much-needed additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program! pic.twitter.com/wLg4a3anfv
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 24, 2020
A whole-of-government approach means not only Federal government—but a true partnership between Federal, state, and local officials. pic.twitter.com/oSu3vNnZIf
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 24, 2020
(courtesy of White House Twitter)
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