"Every public health expert I've spoken with has stressed that this virus will continue to spread, but we must flatten the curve so that the increase does not overwhelm our health care system," Representative Seth Moulton said. "To do it, our communities and health care workers need test kits and supplies. This will help bring them where they're most needed. I'm going to keep raising our community's needs and delivering."
"While our state and local officials are working to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the federal government must provide a coordinated, fully funded response to mitigate harm to vulnerable communities," said Congresswoman Pressley. "I am grateful that the Commonwealth has received funding from the CDC that will ensure resources are provided to support our local public health infrastructure such as the availability and affordability of testing kits."
"With the number of coronavirus cases in Massachusetts on the rise, additional federal assistance is needed," said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. "That's why this CDC funding is such welcome news. It's crucial for our dedicated health care workers to fight this pandemic. I intend to continue working to make sure Massachusetts has the resources necessary to fight the spread of coronavirus, and to support families, workers, and businesses who are bearing the brunt of its impact."
The funding awarded to Massachusetts follows the enactment of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020, which provides $8.3 billion nationwide to combat COVID-19's spread. The appropriations package directs resources for grants or cooperative agreements to states, localities, territories, and tribes to accelerate planning and operational readiness for COVID-19 preparedness and response. The funding will also support the development of tools and strategies, provide technical assistance and program support, as well as ensure ongoing communication and coordination among public health agencies and partners throughout the response.
Last week, the Commonwealth was awarded $500,000 in initial coronavirus funding from the CDC, and has received a total of $12,149,309.30 in supplemental funding to date.
For more information about this virus, please visit CDC's website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. For the latest information on the outbreak, visit CDC's Novel Coronavirus 2019 website.
Massachusetts-specific information about the coronavirus outbreak, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment, is available here.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, Senator Warren has worked to ensure that the Trump Administration is effectively responding to the outbreak and that the U.S. has the resources needed to address this threat. Her ongoing efforts include urging VP Pence to take swift, specific action to support Massachusetts and other states as they combat the spread of COVID-19; introducing legislation that would generate an estimated $10 billion in funding for coronavirus efforts by shifting funding from President Trump's border wall; and asking the CEOs of the U.S.-based "Too Big to Fail" banks how they are preparing to mitigate the economic risks of the outbreak of the coronavirus.