Trump declares national emergency due to coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what it means

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency as the United States fights the spread of coronavirus.

Trump invoked the Stafford Act, a declaration that gives FEMA authority to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as the death toll rises and more Americans become infected.

“Two very big words,” Trump said of the declared national emergency during a press conference.

By Friday, the United States had more than 1,700 confirmed cases with 40 deaths.

The declaration will allow the federal government to unlock funding for state and local governments to respond to the pandemic. Under the declaration, FEMA can construct medical facilities or help move patients, Reuters reported.

The declaration will open access to $50 billion in funding for states to use in the “shared fight” against the virus, Trump said. The federal government could provide 75 percent in funding for eligible initiatives, according to the act.

“No resource will be spared. Nothing whatsoever,” Trump said.

Trump also announced plans to waive laws he says block access to medical care.

“We’ll remove every obstacle possible for patients to receive care,” Trump said.

Other measures announced by the president including supporting the energy market by purchasing oil to fill the petroleum reserve, The Associated Press reported. He also announced a waiver on interest for student loan debt.

At least 24 states and Washington D.C. already have declared emergencies, CNN reported.

“This will pass,” Trump said. “This will pass through. We’re going to be even stronger for it. We’ve learned a lot.”

This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 1:31 PM with the headline "Trump declares national emergency due to coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what it means."