President Trump Declares National Emergency to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 13, President Trump declared a national emergency to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration would open $50 billion to help fight the pandemic and give the Secretary of Health and Human Services emergency authorities to waive certain laws and regulations to ensure that patients can be treated and the virus is contained.  ASA staff is reviewing all aspects of the declaration and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

The President also asked every hospital to enact emergency preparedness plans and ordered all states to set up emergency operation centers, among additional measures.

ASA staff will continue to monitor the ongoing and evolving developments related to COVID-19.