Task Force met this afternoon as we do every day and let me begin today by simply saying thank you to the American people and thank you for the way that people across this country, seven days into 15 days to slow the spread the people in communities large and small across America are responding, are cooperating, are communicating not just on behalf of their own health and the health of their family, but more importantly, on behalf of the most vulnerable among us.

So on behalf of your president, uh, in our entire task force, just thank you to the American people.

I also want to express our appreciation to the governors across the country.

President today just announced action in New York, California and Washington State as the latest demonstration that this administration we'll do whatever it takes to support the leadership at the state and local level.

Aziz.

The American people confront the spread of the Corona virus, the legislative efforts that are underway being negotiated on Capitol Hill as we speak.

The bipartisan spirit that's taking place there that's reflected in all of our interactions with state leaders around the country is a great credit to the nation.

But it should be a great encouragement to the American people that that your government, at the federal level, at the state level, working with courageous healthcare providers all across America, coming together to meet this moment, and that is the way our system works.

It's extremely important that the American people recognize that one of the things that makes America different is that we have a system of federalists and that the the by putting FEMA in the lead.

The president has emphasized that our response to the Corona virus is in in the anthem of thema.

Think FEMA it is, Ah, locally executed state manage and federally supported.

We want the people on the ground.

The decision makers toe have what they need.

We want states to be able to manage the unique circumstances in their states and whether it be the legislation moving through the Congress or, uh, this the efforts the President announced today Major disaster declarations Title 32 of the National Guard resource is flowing, hospital beds flowing.

We're gonna continue to make sure that our states have what they need to meet this moment.

Our task force continues to focus on the priorities President's given us.

They are testing mitigation and supplies and on the subject of testing.

As is evident to people across the country.

Testing is Maur and Maura.

Available.

Every single day will be detail ng tomorrow from this podium the progress that we are making on tests.

Attn.

This ah days reporting 254,000 Americans have been tested and received results in Corona virus test, with slightly more than than 30,000 actually testing positive.

There's a bit of an encouraging word in that for every American, remember everyone that's being tested now, with the exception of our health care workers, are people that have symptoms that make them think they may have the Corona virus.

And as our numbers come in consistently because the 254,000 does not include all the local hospitals are all the local labs in our states.

It's working out to be about one in 10 Americans who've been tested who thought they had Corona virus actually had it.

Nine out of 10 did not.

But we'll continue to roll out the testing, too.

Provide that resource to the American people and we're working to make testing happen faster.

We expect from word from the commercial labs that we should be caught up on the backlog and testing by the middle of the week.

And we are urging today on the president's behalf that all labs would prioritize in patient testing.

Let me say again, all of the commercial labs in the country, you will receive guidance from HHS tomorrow.

But on behalf of the president and the White House Corona Virus Task Force, we are urging all commercial labs to prioritize in patient testing.

We want people that have been checked into a hospital.

They're being treated for what they suspect to be corona virus to receive those tests more quickly.

Um, also, I'm pleased to report that yesterday the FDA approved an emergency authorization on a new test that should be in production by the end of March.

It actually would be a Corona virus test, the results of which come back in 45 minutes, and we're also working on.

The FDA is working with manufacturers around the country to come up with even faster, more innovative tests.

And as we told our governors in several calls, this week, governors and state health officials should simply contact FEMA for the latest information on testing solutions.

Let me also say tomorrow when we gather at this podium will be unveiling with Dr Bob Redfield in the lead.

New guidance for people that work in law enforcement first responders, people that work in what we call critical infrastructure in the country.

It was in early March with CDC issued guidance for people that were asymptomatic or did not have symptoms, but who had been exposed to someone with Corona virus who gave them guidance about being able to return to work wearing a mask for 14 days and tomorrow at this podium, CDC will unveil in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, new guidance, which will make it possible for people that have been exposed to return to work more.

Click quickly with by wearing a mask for a certain period of time.

Let me also amplify a point on behalf of the president and on behalf of the State Department about Americans abroad, one of the one of the reasons why the United States is in a different position today.

Then portions of Europe are, and China and elsewhere is because the president suspended all travel from China.

He suspended travel from Europe in the UK in Ireland.

But the State Department is working around the clock to assist Americans who may find themselves overseas.

They're able to come home.

There's no barrier to Americans coming back to American soil.

They're screened when they come home through a series of airports.

But we're aware that with flights being canceled, some Americans have found themselves unable to find a way home.

And, as the president said, we've been working very diligently through the State Department to make it possible.

Their commercial flights have been chartered, were also working with the military for a backup on flights.

At this point, the State Department has brought more than 3000 Americans back home.

But speaking to the secretary of state today, he wanted me to share a website and a phone number for any American that might be looking on from overseas.

You can call the Smart Traveller Enrolment program at 1888 40747 47 or you could go online at step dot state dot gov.

This will allow our embassies and consulates toe gather important information about your situation and work to facilitate to bring you home, Let me say Finally, as I began, let me close as the chairman or the leader of this White House Corona Virus Task force.

We are seven days into 15 days, and the American people are responding because as we speak about supplies as we speak about testing the most important thing every American can do is he the guidance in the direction from your state and local officials, particularly in areas where we have widespread Corona virus infections?

But for every American putting into practice, these measures that the president alluded to at the very beginning of his remarks is a way that we can, that we can do this America we can.

We can lessen the magnitude of the Corona virus in our country with the cooperation, compassion, generosity and prayers of the American people.

We can slow the spread, we can protect the most vulnerable, and we can heal our land.

So let's do it.

Hi, everyone.

George Stephanopoulos here.

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