Pallone Provides Update on Coronavirus
Piscataway, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) held a press conference to update the public on the federal government's response to the novel coronavirus outbreak, officially known as COVID-19. He urged the public to employ everyday measures to help prevent the spread of the respiratory virus.
"Americans need a coordinated government response to the coronavirus outbreak that matches the scale and seriousness of this public health crisis. While the Trump Administration continues to create confusion with its mixed messages about viral spread and containment, the Congress took strong action and provided the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the front line state and local health officials the resources they need to respond to this outbreak," Congressman Pallone said. "All of us can be doing our part to keep the most vulnerable safe. Please heed the recommendations of the CDC – regular hand washing and staying home if you are sick can go a long way to prevent the spread of this virus."
President Trump originally requested only $1.25 billion in new funding for COVID-19 response. Last week, the House and Senate passed a bipartisan $8.3 billion coronavirus emergency response supplemental funding package. The funding package allocates $2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention and response, more than $3 billion for preparedness and response, including the development of COVID-19 treatments and a vaccine, and $300 million for the purchase of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. President Trump signed this funding package into law on Friday, March 6.
"As a public institution, Rutgers is a key health resource for the state," said Brian L. Strom, Chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. "Our researchers and clinicians are working to address this outbreak and we will continue to be a key partner for our state and federal agencies to ensure the health of our population."
"At the Rutgers School of Public Health, we are training the next generation of public health practitioners who are equipped with the tools necessary to address biological, social, and emotional components of epidemics, such as we are seeing with COVID-19," said Perry N. Halkitis, Dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health. "Training public health professionals who are guided by social justice and health equity is how we continue to support New Jersey's preparedness."