Reopen Collier – Letter sent to Collier Commissioners

/4 Comments/in /by

Mr. Burt L. Saunders
Chairman
Collier County Board of County Commissioners
3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 303
Naples, FL 34112
Email: burt.saunders@colliercoutyfl.gov

Dear Mr. Saunders:
RE: 1, 2, 3 Go!

We would like to express our thoughts and prayers to those that have become ill or passed away from COVID-19. We are grateful to our President and all other government leaders and heroes, from healthcare workers to truckers, to grocery store attendants and all those in between for their untiring leadership during these most difficult times.

We also recognize the loss of jobs, standard of living, psychological mental damage and increased personal and national debt as an impediment to our future that will only increase without a safe and early opening of our community.

We feel it is important at this time to voice our united opinion about re-opening our community. We support the Collier County Commissioners reopening Collier County using President Trump’s 3 Phase Plan to Reopen America’s Economy as soon as possible.

  • Go! The President has established guideline criterion to start the re-opening process. Due to the good work of the Collier County residents during the stay at home period, Collier County has kept the case count relatively low and is on track to meet the criteria to begin the President’s Reopen plan. On April 9 we peaked and had 25 new cases. On April 20 and 21 we had just 6 new cases each day. Generally we have had diminishing new cases daily since April 9 except for April 15, 16 and 17. Clearly, we have been on the downward slope from April 17 to the 22st. In fact, a review of the Florida Department of Health’s Data shows 9 of 25 zip codes in Collier County have had no cases whatsoever, to include the entire communities of Everglades City, Plantation Island and large portions of nearby Bonita Springs.
  • Phase 1, Collier County residents need to continue to make good decisions by: extending handwashing hygiene, maintaining social distancing, keeping group meetings small and continuing to minimize non-essential travel. We expect vulnerable individuals will isolate as appropriate.
  • Phase 2, armed with a track record, we can work together to maintain our new, low daily case count until the end of this month. Thereafter, we can reasonably expect to lessen the physical distancing requirement and to permit assembly of groups of 50 and non-essential travel. We can anticipate vulnerable individuals will isolate as appropriate.
  • Phase 3, based on Phase 2 success, larger groups will be allowed. Vulnerable individuals will re-engage in activities as appropriate.

Should someone become ill during the re-open process, their case will be identified and people that had been in contact with them will be appropriately quarantined. New cases will be normally counted, and re-opening guidelines provided.

Based on our experience with the long-term social cost of the 2008 financial crisis, we believe moving forward as expeditiously and as prudently as possible, is in everyone’s best interest. Much has and will continue to be lost for many of our citizens. Americans will do their best to stage a comeback and continue to do the right things. It is our moral obligation to help them succeed in this endeavor.

We also believe in the benefit of Collier County forming a working group to stake a claim for jobs currently in China that could be moved to Collier County using our combination of technical high schools and available land for manufacturing in the Estates. We have the opportunity to provide an ideal landing place for jobs returning from China to the USA!
On behalf of the Collier County Republican Executive Committee,

Russell Tuff,
Chairman
Collier County Republican Executive Committee

Reopening America

/0 Comments/in /by

Logic and Steps to Opening America

  • President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force are leading an unprecedented, comprehensive, and aggressive whole of America approach to slow the spread of the virus. This decisive response started in January.
  • President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force released guidelines for opening America safely.
    • “Opening Up America Again” is a three-phased approach that is based on the advice of public health experts and empowers our local and state officials.
    • Individual states have the ability to reopen in phases and governors can tailor the roadmap to fit their needs. 20 states have announced they are making preparations to reopen.
    • Under this plan, Americans can safely return to work as conditions allow.
    • The President’s plan continues to prioritize the health and safety of the American people, especially our seniors and most vulnerable.
    • There has been critical progress made in flattening the curve thanks to the commitment of the American people.
  • President Trump announced the U.S. is putting a 60 day pause on immigration to ensure our workers are protected.
    • According to a recent USA Today/Ipsos poll, 80% of Americans favor an immigration pause.
    • Democrats and many in the liberal media have previously argued against mass migration. While he was a Senator, Barack Obama said mass migration “threatens to depress further the wages of blue-collar Americans and put strains on an already overburdened safety net.” “Immigration reduces the wages of domestic workers who compete with immigrants. That’s just supply and demand,” noted Paul Krugman.
  • As we continue to slow the spread of the coronavirus, President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force continue to expand testing and get supplies to areas in need.
  • President Trump is committed to ensuring our small businesses across the country have the support they need. Yesterday, the Senate passed new funding for the PPP which has saved $30 million jobs.
    • The new package includes:
       An additional $310 billion for PPP.
       $75 billion to support hospitals.
       $25 billion for expanding testing efforts.
       $60 billion for the SBA’s economic injury disaster loans.
    • The Democrats delay was inexcusable and likely cost millions of American jobs.
    • It’s time the House pass this package.
  • Polls continue to show Americans are approving of the President’s response efforts:
    • A Fox News poll showed President Trump’s approval at an all-time high – 49%.
    • A Harvard-HarrisX national poll shows 50% of respondents approve of the President’s coronavirus response.
  • Americans know President Trump is fighting for them during these challenging times.

Digital Campaigning

  • While the nation manages the coronavirus outbreak, the Trump campaign and RNC are turning to their unprecedented virtual and digital campaign tools to ensure there is safe campaigning.
  • The campaign and the RNC are virtually engaging volunteers. This is the first-time voter contact has been done purely remotely.
  • Efforts include:
    • Holding virtual events with top surrogates.
       The Trump campaign is offering online events 7 days per week.
       All Team Trump online broadcasts have achieved over 1 million unique viewers.
    • Utilizing online platforms to train thousands of members of the Trump Neighborhood Team.
       Since the virtual campaigning began on March 13, the RNC/Trump campaign have signed up 276,000 new volunteers.
    • Activating the massive volunteer network to make calls to rally support for President Trump in states voting soon.
  • Prior to the coronavirus outbreak we were well positioned for success in November.
    • We’ve already trained and activated over 1 million volunteers.
    • We have made 20 million voter contacts.
    • We’ve registered 80,000 voters – nearly double the 2016 cycle.
    • The RNC, Trump Campaign, and authorized joint fundraising committees continue to have unprecedented fundraising success. The fundraising entities raised $212 million in the first quarter of 2020.
       The RNC and Trump committees raised more than $63 million in March alone.
       The cycle to date haul Is $677 million, $270 million more than the Obama re-elect.
       The RNC and Trump campaign committees have over $240 million cash on hand.
  • This effort is unmatched by the DNC and the Biden campaign.
  • Even in these unprecedented times, Trump Victory is not missing a beat. We are full steam ahead to November to help re-elect President Trump and Republicans up and down the ballot.

We’re Flattening the Curve

/0 Comments/in /by
Message From RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters

Thanks to the hard work and efforts of Floridians like you across our state, data shows we are flattening the curve! The media reported we would be like Italy and New York, but today, we are not. We have more work to do, but Governor DeSantis is encouraged by the results.

Governor Ron DeSantis made fact based and data backed decisions to help flatten the curve and protect Floridians.

Watch the official video from Governor DeSantis highlighting what our state has done so far:

Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency and activated the Florida National Guard, suspended visitation to nursing homes and assisted living facilities and required strict screening procedures for all associated staff. He moved students to virtual learning, enacted a mandatory 14 day quarantine for visitors from coronavirus hotspots, and expanded testing. Florida has now tested nearly 260,000 people! Our state is currently running the biggest emergency operation in state history! Florida hired 100 additional epidemiologists to support the Department of Health’s contact tracing, opened field offices, and has over 400 medical professionals on standby, not including the national guards medical unit.

Data shows the efforts of Governor DeSantis, our state leaders, and Floridans across our state are working, especially compared to what experts expected many weeks ago.

Today, our hospital and ICU bed space has been INCREASING, not decreasing, and our field hospitals remain EMPTY. Data also shows the number of hospitalizations per 100,000 people are 15 times higher in New York than in Florida.

We have more work to do, but this is promising news for Floridians across our state. Thank you for social distancing and working hard to stop the spread.

– Joe Gruters

Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida

Watch Official Video Here: https://youtu.be/__MYRVVWbyE

 

Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review

/0 Comments/in , /by
Senator Rick Scott released the first step of his 60 Day “Let’s Get Back to Work” plan. This plan outlines the roles and responsibilities of government, the private sector and individuals necessary to get Florida and the nation back to work.

Senator Rick Scott said, “As we bend the curve and stem the spread of the Coronavirus, we need to lay out the roles and responsibilities of government, the private sector and individuals that will help our country get back to a ‘new normal.’ Every American will play a part in helping our state and our country recover from the economic devastation brought on by this pandemic. That starts with explaining what the economic recovery will look like and the role every level of government, the private sector and individual families will play in that process.  

“We can and we will come back better and stronger than before. America has faced many challenges in our 244-year history and we’ve always overcome them. It will not be easy – it will take strategic foresight, determination and diligence, and most importantly a commitment from everyone, but I know that after we heal the sick, we can also heal our broken economy and get back to work.”

SENATOR RICK SCOTT’S “LET’S GET BACK TO WORK” PLAN:

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD IMPLEMENT THE FOLLOWING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

  • Do whatever is possible to support and fund research and expedited development of a vaccine.
    • Develop a detailed plan, in coordination with state and local governments, to make this vaccine available nationwide and free to all Americans.
  • Promote and fund efforts by state and local governments and the private sector to continue expanding testing capacity, including monoclonal antibody testing, and contact tracing without violating our privacy rights. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should develop a plan to allow for the hiring or contracting of health care workers to implement these improvements across the nation.
    • For the economy to get back to normal, the United States MUST have the capacity to test anyone who wants to be tested. Period. There is no excuse.
    • Federal agencies, working with private-sector labs and health care providers, should create a system to identify those who have received an antibody test and have Coronavirus antibodies.
  • Provide guidance through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) for responsible safety precautions for individual Americans and businesses to go about their daily lives. The following questions need to be addressed:
    • Should everyone wear a mask? How often should individuals wash their hands? Should groups larger than 10 still be avoided?
    • Should communities be categorized by risk levels, based on factors including number of cases, hospital capacity and testing ability, so areas with few or no cases can be re-opened sooner?
    • Should businesses test all their employees before allowing them to return to work? Should businesses take temperatures daily before allowing employees to enter a building?
    • Is it safe to use mass transportation, like airplanes, trains and cruise lines? Are providers of mass transportation taking the necessary precautions to protect employees and travelers? Should passengers be required to take their temperature before boarding?
  • Provide guidance to health care providers on what criteria they would need to meet to begin elective procedures. In areas outside of hot spots like New York, New Orleans and Detroit, hospitals sit empty and are unable to perform the majority of their services, causing them to have to lay off staff.
    • Every health care provider should have point-of-care rapid diagnostic testing.
    • Health care providers should also take this opportunity – with relaxed federal and state regulations – to expand their tele-health capacity.
  • Reform the public health system to allow for more efficient information-sharing among federal, state, and county public health departments. This would allow faster detection and response to emerging public health emergencies.
    • Hospitals and commercial insurers should transmit viral-related patient data, with appropriate privacy protections, in real-time to the CDC.
    • Hospitals should also share information on the medication given to patients with the virus and the results, as well as symptoms and underlying conditions of patients who have died from the virus.
    • Government should partner with telecommunication companies to use cellular data for opt-in contact-tracing.
  • Continue to expand the national stockpile of Personal Protective Equipment to provide the equipment necessary for health care workers and those on the frontlines of fighting the virus, especially in hot spots and nursing homes, that will see the impact of this virus for many months to come.
    • The United States must reduce its reliance on Communist China for the equipment necessary to address pandemics – many of which originate in China.
    • The federal government, working with the private sector, should strengthen American-made supply chains to address this crisis and any pandemics in the future.
  • Provide more clarity to banks and small businesses about the Paycheck Protection Program and available resources through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Department of the Treasury and provide oversight to protect against potential fraud.
    • Small businesses and banks need to understand the regulations involved so that money can be disbursed quickly to the small businesses that need it.
    • Congress must also clarify that only small businesses that have seen their revenues substantially reduced by the Coronavirus should have access to taxpayer-funded loans, which will preserve these resources for those who truly need it.
  • FEMA must work with the CDC to update their guidance on how Emergency Managers can successfully keep their communities safe until the Coronavirus is completely gone.
    • This is particularly relevant to Florida due to the coming hurricane season, but also applies to tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, and other potential disasters.
  • Get serious about the threat of Communist China and the role the World Health Organization (WHO) played in helping China cover up the spread of the Coronavirus.
    • The American people need to see that the federal government is taking the threat from Communist China seriously – the federal government must hold Communist China accountable and liable for the thousands of American lives lost due to their negligence.
    • American tax dollars should not be used to purchase products made in Communist China. A new government-wide policy is needed.
    • Online sellers must be required to disclose where products are made, so consumers can choose to buy American-made products.
    • This pandemic should be the last straw. The United States needs to address the New Cold War occurring between the United States and China and be clear about the negative impacts of continuing to buy Chinese-made products.
  • Address our nation’s deficit by bringing spending in line with revenues once the current crisis ends. Even prior to Coronavirus, our nation was running trillion dollar yearly deficits. In order for America to be prepared for the next challenge, and ensure a prosperous economy for generations to come, Congress and the Administration must work together to bring spending under control.

STATE GOVERNMENTS SHOULD IMPLEMENT THE FOLLOWING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

  • Work with federal and local governments, as well as private-sector partners, to continue expanding testing capacity, including antibody testing.
  • Build their own stockpile of Personal Protective Equipment, and monitor existing and potential hot spots to quickly redirect health care resources.
    • States should pay particular attention to potential outbreaks in rural communities that don’t have significant testing capacity or health care resources.
  • Provide guidance through state agencies, in coordination with the CDC, to businesses in the state on responsible safety measures. The following questions need to be addressed:
    • Should restaurants continue to keep tables six feet apart for a period of time? Should they put plexiglass between booths? Should movie theaters leave seats between patrons? What cleaning regimens should amusement parks use? Should every business be required to have hand sanitizer available for patrons?
  • Create plans to consistently and continuously monitor senior centers and assisted living facilities.
  • Departments of Education and the Board of Governors should give clear guidance about this school year and provide regular updates on summer classes and the 2020-2021 school year.
    • Parents need this information so they can begin making plans and students need to have guidance on their current and future studies.
    • Teachers need the runway to continue developing digital learning lesson plans as well as professional development opportunities regarding remote-teaching.
    • Departments of Education must also create clear guidelines on whether all students should be tested before returning to school or have their temperature taken before entering school buildings, as well as proper cleaning procedures.
    • Higher education institutions should consider enhancing remote learning and developing alternate ways to allow students to continue their education, without putting additional financial burden on the students.
  • Create contingency plans for state budgets.
    • States should not and cannot rely on federal dollars to back-fill their budgets for lost revenue.
    • States MUST begin creating contingency plans that protect the most important functions of government. Sacrifices will have to be made, but vulnerable populations must be protected.
    • This recovery will not be complete by the end of 2020 – it will take a few years. State budgets must be structured to support the long-term recovery of vulnerable industries that drive economic growth in Florida, such as tourism and construction.
  • State Emergency Management officials need to communicate updated emergency protocols to citizens. The following questions need to be addressed:
    • What’s the plan for shelter? Where can I safely quarantine if I am sick? How do families evacuate? What’s the plan to prepare for a hurricane if there’s a new outbreak or hot spot?
  • State governments should lead the way in connecting job seekers with available jobs. While the small business landscape of Florida will certainly look different, there will be jobs available – people just need to know where to find them.

THE PRIVATE SECTOR: 

  • Businesses should start creating plans NOW for re-opening and getting back to a “new normal.”
    • Each business needs to make a decision for itself and its employees and customers about whether they will test all their employees before allowing them to return to work and whether they will take temperatures before allowing anyone into their facilities.
    • This will require the businesses themselves, in consultation with federal, state and local officials, to ensure the testing capacity is available.
    • Businesses will also need to ensure they have access to the necessary Personal Protective Equipment and sanitizing products.
    • Businesses should evaluate their business practices to make sure appropriate social distancing is continued to encourage patrons to feel comfortable visiting their establishment.
    • Businesses should also disclose where their products are produced, and promote American-made products.
  • Businesses should create, and make public, a crisis plan to address future pandemics or the re-emergence of the Coronavirus.

FLORIDA FAMILIES:

  • Every family needs to think through the basic guidelines and safety precautions that would make them feel comfortable going about their normal lives. Our state back can’t get back to work until Florida families feel SAFE going back into their communities, shopping at local stores, dining at local restaurants and going on vacation.
  • Every Florida family should make sure they have received access to programs that address their needs – including expanded Unemployment Insurance, direct cash payments, Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses, and deferment of financial transactions provided by many major financial institutions, utilities, and property owners.
  • Utilize local manufacturers and local stores to obtain simple Personal Protective Equipment, particularly masks.
  • Focus on buying American and Florida-made products to build American jobs.
    • Every family needs to understand that Communist China is responsible for this pandemic. China is our adversary who has exploited the spread of the virus to gain a strategic advantage over the world.
    • This pandemic has exposed the need to vastly reduce consumer reliance on products made in Communist China. Every family needs to understand that when they purchase products made in China, they are supporting the Chinese Communist Party and their efforts to control the world and destroy freedom.
    • Whenever possible, every family should try to buy American and buy local!

—

See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.
Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Ron Johnson and Colleagues Request Information on World Health Organization’s Role in Helping China Cover Up Coronavirus

Senators Rick Scott, Ron Johnson, Martha McSally, Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines, Todd Young and Joni Ernst sent a letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) requesting information ahead of a Congressional hearing to investigate the WHO’s role in helping Communist China cover up information regarding the threat of the Coronavirus. In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for FOX News last week on how the WHO should be held accountable for its role in helping Communist China cover up the Coronavirus pandemic, which cost thousands of lives around the world. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.

—

Sen. Rick Scott Releases Daily Update on Coronavirus Growth Rate by State and Florida County 

This week, Senator Rick Scott continued to release updates on the growth rate of cases of the Coronavirus by state, and by county in Florida, according to Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering and Florida Department of Health data. Senator Scott is releasing this information daily to show which states are slowing the growth of Coronavirus. See updates from this week HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

—

Sen. Rick Scott Requests Information on PAHO’s Response to Coronavirus and Cooperation with the WHO

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Dr. Carissa Etienne requesting additional information on PAHO’s response to the Coronavirus and any coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Communist Party of China, whose efforts to cover up the pandemic cost thousands of lives around the world. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.
Sen. Rick Scott: Don’t Let Your Guard Down, Prepare for Hurricane Season NOW

Senator Rick Scott wrote a letter to the editors of Florida’s papers urging families to stay vigilant and get prepared now for the 2020 Hurricane Season, beginning June 1, as our nation continues working to end the spread of the Coronavirus. Last week, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issue guidance to address the CDC’s Coronavirus guidelines and procedures to keep Floridians safe and healthy in the event of a storm. Read more HERE.

In the letter, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “As Floridians, we know better than anyone that preparedness saves lives. Complacency is the enemy. As we continue to do everything we can to stop the spread of the Coronavirus so we can get back to our everyday lives – we must also prepare for what lies ahead. 

The 2020 hurricane season is quickly approaching, and preparing for a storm this year might look a little different. You’re probably asking questions like: How can I evacuate if I’m socially distancing? What would a hurricane shelter look like if we’re avoiding crowds? How do I build a disaster preparedness kit for my family if I can’t go to the store?

Hurricane season begins June 1, and while we all hope that in two months the threat of Coronavirus is over, we must prepare for the worst and have a plan.

Federal, state and local officials are going to have to address how to keep families safe while adhering to CDC guidelines on the Coronavirus. Floridians are going to have to get creative in their preparedness efforts. And the time to start thinking about this is now.

To the extent that your family is financially able to – consider purchasing supplies for your disaster supply kits online. That includes vital supplies, like food, water, flashlights, batteries and other necessities. Every family and business needs to make or revisit their emergency plans. You can find resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan at www.ready.gov.

As your Senator, I’ll do everything I can at the federal level to protect Florida’s families and businesses. I’m working with FEMA to issue guidance to states, local governments, tribes and territories regarding how to address hurricane preparedness in the wake of Coronavirus.

I know everyone is exhausted from the effects of the Coronavirus, but we cannot let our guards down. In case of a storm, always stay tuned to your local news reports and follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency management officials. As I always say, you can rebuild your home, but you cannot rebuild your life.

We must keep doing everything we can to take care of each other and protect our families. Don’t wait to take action. Start getting prepared TODAY.”

—

Senador Rick Scott: No baje la guardia, prepárese para la temporada de huracanes AHORA

El senador Rick Scott escribió una carta a los editores de los periódicos de la Florida instando a las familias a mantenerse vigilantes y prepararse ahora para la Temporada de Huracanes 2020, que comienza el 1 de junio, mientras nuestra nación continúa trabajando para terminar con la propagación del Coronavirus. La semana pasada, los senadores Rick Scott y Marco Rubio solicitaron que la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) a orientar a los estados en los procedimientos y guías del CDC para el Coronavirus para mantener a los floridanos seguros y saludables en caso de tormenta. Puede leer la carta AQUÍ.

En la carta, el senador Rick Scott escribió: “Como floridanos, sabemos mejor que nadie que la preparación salva vidas. La complacencia es el enemigo. A medida que continuamos haciendo todo lo posible para detener la propagación del Coronavirus para que podamos volver a nuestra vida cotidiana, también debemos prepararnos para lo que nos espera.

La temporada de huracanes 2020 se acerca rápidamente, y prepararse para una tormenta este año podría ser un poco diferente. Probablemente esté haciéndose preguntas como: ¿Cómo puedo evacuar si me estoy distanciando socialmente? ¿Cómo serán los refugios de huracanes si tenemos que evitar a las multitudes? ¿Cómo preparo un kit de materiales para desastres para mi familia si no puedo ir de compras?

La temporada de huracanes comienza el 1 de junio, y aunque todos esperamos que en dos meses la amenaza del Coronavirus haya terminado, debemos prepararnos para lo peor y tener un plan.

Los funcionarios federales, estatales y locales tendrán que decidir cómo mantener a las familias seguras mientras se adhieren a las guías del CDC sobre el Coronavirus. Los floridanos tendrán que ser creativos en sus esfuerzos de preparación. Y el momento de comenzar a pensar en esto es ahora. 

En la medida en que su familia pueda financieramente, considere comenzar a comprar suministros para desastres en línea. Eso incluye suministros vitales, como alimentos enlatados, agua, linternas, baterías y otras necesidades. Toda familia y empresa necesita hacer o revisar sus planes de emergencia. Puede encontrar recursos e información sobre cómo crear un plan de emergencia personalizado en www.ready.gov/es

Como su Senador, haré todo lo que pueda a nivel federal para proteger a las familias y empresas de la Florida. Estoy trabajando con FEMA orientas a los estados, gobiernos locales, tribus y territorios sobre cómo abordar la preparación para huracanes a raíz del Coronavirus.

Sé que todos están exhaustos por los efectos del Coronavirus, pero no podemos defraudar a nuestros guardias. En caso de tormenta, manténgase siempre atento a los informes de noticias locales y siga las instrucciones de las autoridades locales y los funcionarios de gestión de emergencias. Como siempre digo, puedes reconstruir tu hogar, pero no puedes reconstruir tu vida.

Debemos seguir haciendo todo lo posible para cuidarnos unos a otros y proteger a nuestras familias. No esperes para tomar medidas. Comience a prepararse HOY”.

—

National Journal: Rick Scott adapts his governor playbook to Washington’s coronavirus response

Fox News Radio: Sen. Rick Scott on Reopening Florida’s Economy

Breitbart: Florida Sen. Rick Scott: Businesses Should Begin Crafting Plans for Reopening ‘Now’

Florida Daily: Florida’s Senators, Three Representatives Named to Economic Recovery Group

WESH: Florida lawmakers to serve on Opening Up America Again Congressional Group

Tampa Bay Times: Prepare for hurricanes before it’s too late, says Sen. Rick Scott | Letters

Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sen. Rick Scott: While stuck at home, prepare for hurricanes

Florida Daily: Rick Scott: Don’t Let Your Guard Down, Prepare for Hurricane Season Now

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Releases First Step of Plan to Get Economy Moving Again After Coronavirus Pandemic

ABC News: GOP senators, starting probe, demand WHO turn over details on COVID-19’s origin

NBC News: Senate Republicans investigating WHO and China’s coronavirus response

NPR: Sen. Rick Scott On Reopening Economy, Florida’s Troubled Unemployment System

Newsweek: China Hawks In Congress Want Beijing To Pay Compensation For Coronavirus Pandemic

Axios: Scoop: Lawmakers demand answers from WHO

New York Post: GOP senators call for tough response against China over coronavirus crisis

The Hill: GOP senators target WHO as part of coronavirus probe

Washington Examiner: ‘Urgent’: Bipartisan group of senators urge China to ‘immediately close’ all wet markets

Washington Times: Republican senators seek answers on WHO’s early response to coronavirus outbreak

Townhall: Senate Republicans Pen Letter to WHO Director General Demanding Information on China

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Wants Information from WHO About Its Role in Helping Chinese Government Cover Up Coronavirus

Florida Daily: Marco Rubio, Rick Scott Urge Donald Trump to Keep Pro-Life Protections for Coronavirus Research

MESSAGE OF THE DAY | President Trump Has Led an Unprecedented Effort to Ramp Up Testing

/0 Comments/in /by

Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States has quickly ramped up testing to an unprecedented scale.

REVOLUTIONIZING THE TESTING SYSTEM

  • President Trump has led a historic effort to revolutionize the testing system in the U.S. and confront this challenge.
  • The Administration has cut red tape and authorized new, innovative testing solutions that have enabled us to rapidly ramp up testing.

UNPRECEDED TESTING ACROSS THE COUNTRY

  • The United States has conducted more than 3.78 million tests – far more than any other countries.
  • In hot spots like New York and Louisiana we’ve conducted more tests on a per-capita basis than South Korea, Singapore, and others.

TESTING CAPACITY FOR REOPENING

  • Thanks to President Trump’s efforts, we have already built sufficient testing capacity for states to begin re-openings if governors choose to do so.
  • There is a tremendous amount of unused testing capacity in states for governors to utilize.

Politics – It’s Local – State Committee Woman Jan Face Glassman

/0 Comments/in /by

Jan Face Glassman
Collier County State Committtewoman

Collier County Precinct Committeemen and Committeewomen are the visible boots-on-the-ground leadership of the Republican Party. Voters and other residents in our precincts frequently stop us to ask us questions about candidates, issues, bills before Congress, and about what is happening locally

We are also extremely fortunate to live in a Republican County where people stop us to tell us that the President is doing a great job. I love it when someone overhears someone else saying this to me – it reinforces our message!

As Republicans, we believe in local government and in personal responsibility and accountability. Our President and our Governor have recognized that there is no single solution that will work for all states or for all counties with the Corona Virus. Our County is working with the State just as the State is working with the Federal Government and making decisions that will work best for us. Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats just don’t get it!

Through this crisis, we can once again demonstrate that Collier Republicans make a real difference in Collier County no matter what type of ‘storm’ hits us.

After Irma hit, we had Deborah Cox Roush, Director of Senior Corps and former Florida State Grassroots Director for Donald J. Trump for President, as our honored guest at our fall Cocktails and Conversation, by Invitation Only. We had to move the venue due to flooding.

Most important, we were able to use the event as an opportunity to help Everglades City, which had been hard hit by the hurricane. We collected gift cards which we brought to the school principal in Everglades City.

Even when the school re-opened, the gym was too heavily damaged to use. The sports teams had to play all their games away. The principal used gift cards to purchase meals from local businesses for the teams to have on the bus on their way to/from their games. These gift cards helped local businesses stay open while at the same time helping families by feeding the students and reinforcing our Republican belief in small businesses being the heart of our communities.

Right now, the single most important step we can take is to step up as leaders in our communities. Leading by example is simple but effective and sends a clear message that Republicans are compassionate leaders who believe in our local community.

We know our communities and are closest to those who may need help.   We are judged by our actions. The Golden Rule of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” should guide each one of us as we go through each day.

Check on those whom we know are alone; we can create a round-robin, daily calling chain or email chain; we can offer to pick up supplies at the store for those who are unable or afraid to go themselves; or we can give our number to those who may just need to have someone with whom to talk. There are many ways that each of you already do this.

You can help the Trump campaign at home by joining President Trump’s army by filling out the form below;  Tyhe website is a one-stop online destination to get involved with President Trump’s re-election campaign, allowing people to become a volunteer or activist in communities throughout the country. Providing a unique experience for online visitors, the website includes options for: registering voters, becoming a Trump Team leader, making calls on Trump Talk, knocking on doors, hosting a MAGA meetup, and other opportunities to join President Trump’s army. I encourage you to try it out!

Finally, stay tuned for our CCREC office to reopen once we know the crisis has passed. In the meantime, please continue to stay in touch by reading our CCREC newsletters in your email or by visiting https://colliergop.org.  If I can personally be of any help, please contact me at jfaceg1@hotmail.com.

Fill out my online form.

Amazing Accomplishments & Recognition for Trump Victory SWFL

/1 Comment/in /by

Missi Lastra Regional Director Trump Victory Team

Happy Holy Week

I want to take this time to thank the entire team for your commitment to WINNING for President Trump on November 3rd in his re-election campaign. And we are winning! I will repeat that we broke any previous single day record prior to October in any election campaign for phone calls made at 1.5 million phone calls.

That was a National campaign achievement. At home in our SWFL Region (Collier/Lee) we surpassed our phone banking goal this week at 32,210 calls made. Also, Cindy Holliday was recognized by our State Director for producing the most phone calls as a Field Organizer in the Gulf Coast Region and I was recognized as having the highest connection rate.

What does all this mean? It means we are engaging with voters for President Trump on a mass level, the only way we can at the current time. None of this would be possible without YOU! The only way Donald J Trump will be re-elected is by the efforts our volunteer Army puts forward. Thank you for your continued effort.

In honor of Good Friday, Passover and Easter, we will not be making phone calls 4/10-4/12, but will come back strong on Monday, 4/13. If you know of new volunteers that need training please plug them into one of the three upcoming virtual events at https://www.trumpvictoryswfl.com/events. And have them ‘like’ our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TrumpVictorySWFL/.

We appreciate and love every volunteer in our Trump Victory family. Every phone call made is important. Every voter engaged is priceless. At this time I would like to recognize those that dedicated many hours over the past two weeks for the cause, as well as our contest winners.

Week 3/27-4/2

1. Susan Selby – Cape Coral – 2017 calls! *Contest Winner
2. Nancy Purcell – Cape Coral – 1173 calls! *Contest Winner

A strong week for these folks as well.
1. Georgette Serenko – 791 calls!
2. Kelly Latham – 604 calls!
3. Aaliyah Smith – 506 calls!
4. Steve Larkin – 500 calls!

Week 4/2 – 4/9

1. Kyle Johanesson – Naples – 4,790 calls! *Contest Winner
2. Susan Selby – Cape Coral – 4,781 calls! *Contest Winner

A strong week and an extra Thank You for these folks as well.

1. Nancy Purcell – 3,053 calls!
2. Sue Noe – 1,740 calls!
3. Georgette Serenko – 1,130 calls!
4. Holly Tramutola – 505 calls!
5. Zack Martin – 477 calls!
6. Jane Boaz – 421 calls!
7. Marianne Dixon – 318 calls!

THANK YOU********THANK YOU********THANK YOU********

To everyone that participated. The folks listed above dedicated at least three hours, and some many, many more, toward the voter engagement efforts for the Trump Victory campaign. All our folks listed above will receive a Trump/Pence yard sign and bumper sticker. The top two from each week will choose an item from our Trump swag (hats, visors, shirts, mugs, bracelets/bands).

Be well. Be safe. And have a blessed and happy Holy Weekend.

May God bless each of you and your families.

Yours in Victory,
Missi Lastra
Regional Field Director
RPOF/Trump Victory
786-339-5790
mlastra@flvictory.com

Trump and the Corona Virus

/0 Comments/in /by

President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force are leading an unprecedented, comprehensive, and aggressive whole of America approach to slow the spread of the virus. This response started in January. Recent actions taken:

    • The President is extending the White House and CDC guidelines to slow the spread until April 30.
    • We have conducted over 1.8 million tests nationwide. No nation has developed a more robust testing capacity.
      • 1,200 Abbott Machines have been shipped to hospitals nationwide and 500 more are being produced weekly.
    • The Army Corps of Engineers is building 22 field hospitals and alternate care sites in 18 states.
      • The facilities can support more than 15,000 beds to treat patients in need.
    • More than 8,000 ventilators have been sent from the national stockpile to states.
      • 110,000 more ventilators are arriving in the coming days.
    • 27 Project Airbridge flights – carrying much needed supplies – are scheduled for the near future.
      • 5 planes are scheduled to arrive today.
    • President Trump addressed the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on black Americans.
    • To provide much needed relief for small businesses, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) began accepting applications last week. On Friday, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply.
      • The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a nearly $350 billion program – included as a provision in the CARES Act – that provides 8 weeks of cash flow assistance to small businesses.
      • Over 13,000 loans valued at more than $4.3 billion have already been allocated.
      • President Trump will ask Congress to secure an additional $250 billion for the PPP.
    • The CARES Act is providing continued relief for workers and small businesses including additional payroll tax credits, supplements to state unemployment benefits, and expansions to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.
  • Private sector partners continue to step up and produce much needed personal protection equipment (PPE), respirators, ventilators, and supplies that are being delivered to COVID-19 hotspots across the country and all 50 states. This is truly a whole of America response.
  • The White House Coronavirus Task Force remains in constant communication with world, Federal, State, and Local officials. The public and media continue to be informed through press conferences and interviews.
  • Polls continue to show Americans are approving of the President’s response efforts:
  • Americans know President Trump is fighting for them during these challenging times.
  • To celebrate examples of heroism and patriotism the White House launched the social media hashtag #AmericaWorksTogether.

Democrats’ Proposed Election Changes

  • Democrats are attempting to use the global coronavirus outbreak to make nationwide election changes to fit their far-left agenda and give them a political edge.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against allowing ballots to be cast after Election Day is over.
    • The decision will help protect the integrity and orderly administration of future elections.
  • Democrats’ calls for a national all-mail election would fundamentally change our voting process a mere 7 months before the election.
    • Most states do not have expertise in vote-by-mail elections, and it could result in significant problems to impose this one-size-fits-all approach so late in the game.
  • Democrats’ all-mail ballot proposal is nothing but an attempt to install ballot harvesting nationwide.
  • Even Joe Biden doesn’t support those in his party who are pushing for federally-mandated vote-by-mail, saying he “prefers to have in person voting.”
  • Democrats’ plan would allow any person to return an unlimited number of absentee ballots, and in some cases get paid to return ballots.
  • Vote by mail and legalized ballot harvesting would greatly expand opportunities for fraud and weaken confidence in our election process.
    • Even the New York Times noted “fraud is easier by mail.”
    • Liberal election law expert Richard Hasen has said fraud committed via vote by mail is “the most common kind of voter fraud.”
  • The Republican Party supports free and fair elections and are open to being flexible on voting changes in light of the coronavirus, but we must also ensure the integrity of our elections.
  • This pandemic cannot be used as an excuse to throw election integrity out the window.
  • The RNC is fighting this effort to take away every election safeguard.
    • The RNC and Trump campaign are undergoing a more than $10 million dollar effort to challenge Democrats’ voting-related lawsuits, hold state and election officials accountable when necessary, install a robust Election Day Operations Program (EDO), and prevent intimidation of our voters, political staff, and volunteers.
  • What We Are Reading:
    • Fox News: Harmeet Dhillon: Coronavirus and elections – Dems doing this to gain political edge

Updated Information – 2020 Republican National Convention Delegate Qualifying Information

/0 Comments/in /by

Jan Face Glassman
Collier County State Committtewoman

Most importantly, I hope that you and your families are safe and staying well during this difficult period.

The President is doing a great job as Commander-in-Chief and unifying the country behind him. We will have even more to celebrate at the Convention in August when we formally nominate him for his second term.

Due to COVID 19 pandemic, the Caucus Meetings for both Congressional District 19 and Congressional District 25 have been changed.

The CD 19 Caucus meeting to elect Delegates and Alternate Delegates for the 2020 Republican National Convention will be held on May 29 at 6 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs.

The CD 25 Caucus meeting will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 11 am at:
First Baptist Church of Labelle
330 North Main Street
Labelle, FL 33935

There will be 3 Delegates and 3 Alternate Delegates from Congressional District 19 and Congressional District 25 each.

The convention will be held in Charlotte, NC from Monday, August 24, thru Thursday, August 27. As a reminder, Delegates and Alternates pay all their own travel, registration, and other expenses related to attend the Convention.

 

The information and forms can be accessed by clicking the forms below.

There will be opportunities for guests to attend as well. As soon as we have further information on guests, we will let you know.

As we receive additional information on the convention, we will share it with you. 2020 is a great year to be a Republican, to re-elect President Trump, and to retire Nancy Pelosi by taking back Congress!

Jan Face Glassman
CD19 Vice Chair
Collier County Republican State Committeewoman

RPOF Instruction Material

Qualifying Form Download

What You Need To Know | President Trump’s Coronavirus Response Efforts

/0 Comments/in /by

President Trump and his Administration are working every day to protect the health and wellbeing of Americans and respond to the coronavirus.

WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT APPROACH

  • The President signed the CARES Act, providing unprecedented and immediate relief to American families, workers, and businesses.
  • President Trump declared a national emergency, inviting States, territories, and tribes to access over $42 billion in existing funding.
  • President Trump signed initial legislation securing $8.3 billion for coronavirus response.
  • President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, ensuring that American families and businesses impacted by the virus receive the strong support they need.
  • To leverage the resources of the entire government, the President created a White House Coronavirus Task Force to coordinate response.
  • The Vice President named Dr. Deborah Birx to serve as the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator.
  • At the request of President Trump, FEMA is leading federal operations on behalf of the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
  • FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center has been activated to its highest level in support of coronavirus response.
  • The President held a teleconference with other G20 leaders to coordinate coronavirus response.
  • President Trump signed an executive order giving the DoD and DHS the authority to activate the ready reserve components of the armed forces to assist with coronavirus response.

SUPPORTING STATE AND LOCAL EFFORTS

  • President Trump issued a letter informing our nation’s governors that the Administration is developing new guidelines for state and local policy makers.
  • Through the CARES Act, we more than doubled the funds available through the President’s Emergency and Disaster Declarations to help State, local, and tribal leaders effectively respond.
  • The President has approved major disaster declarations for heavily impacted states.
  • The Administration is covering costs of deploying National Guard units to assist with response efforts in hard hit states, while ensuring governors remain in command.
  • The President has held multiple teleconferences with our nation’s governors to coordinate response efforts and offer his full support.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

  • In January, President Trump reacted quickly to implement travel restrictions on travel from China, buying us valuable time to respond to the virus.
  • The President has announced further travel restrictions on global hotspots, including Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Iran.
  • American citizens returning from travel-restricted countries are being routed to specific airports, where they can be screened and isolated as needed.
  • The United States reached mutual agreements with Mexico and Canada to restrict non-essential travel across our northern and southern borders.
  • The Administration announced it will expeditiously return aliens who cross between ports of entry or are otherwise not allowed to enter the country, as the facilities in which these aliens would be held cannot support quarantine for the time needed to assess potential cases.
  • The Administration raised travel warnings to their highest level for other hot spot locations, like Japan and South Korea.
  • The President has expanded airport screenings to identify travelers showing symptoms and instituted mandatory quarantines.
  • The State Department issued a global level 4 travel advisory, urging Americans to avoid all international travel due to the coronavirus outbreak worldwide.
  • The State Department has worked to safely repatriate thousands of Americans from around the world.

EXPANDING TESTING ACCESS

  • The FDA has issued emergency approval for multiple new commercial coronavirus tests, including some that deliver results to healthcare providers within minutes.
  • The President secured legislation that will ensure Americans are able to be tested for free.
  • The Administration is working with state and local partners and the private sector to open up drive-through testing sites.
  • The Administration worked with Apple to launch an app and website to help Americans determine if they should seek care for coronavirus, and provide them guidance on next steps.
  • HHS is providing funding to help accelerate the development of rapid diagnostic tests for the coronavirus.
  • The FDA cut red tape to expand testing availability.
  • Admiral Brett Giroir – the Assistant Secretary for Health and head of the Public Health Service – has been appointed to coordinate coronavirus testing efforts.
  • The FDA is empowering states to authorize tests developed and used by laboratories in their states.
  • The Department of Defense has set up 15 coronavirus testing sites worldwide.
  • The President signed legislation requiring more reporting from state and private labs to ensure our public health officials have the data they need to respond to this outbreak.
  • DoD and HHS worked to airlift hundreds of thousands of swabs and sample test kits from Italy to the United States.

HELPING FAMILIES AND WORKING AMERICANS

  • President Trump signed historic legislation to provide direct payments to Americans, significantly expand unemployment benefits, and more.
  • The Administration negotiated legislation which will provide tax credits for eligible businesses that give paid leave to Americans affected by the virus.
  • The Department of Labor issued guidance to help inform Americans about the paid family and medical leave available to them.
  • The Administration took action to provide more flexibility in unemployment insurance programs for workers impacted by the coronavirus.
  • The Treasury Department moved tax day from April 15 to July 15.
  • President Trump signed legislation providing funding and flexibility for emergency nutritional aid for senior citizens, women, children, and low-income families.
  • USDA announced new flexibilities to allow meal service during school closures.
  • USDA announced a new collaboration with the private sector to deliver nearly 1,000,000 meals a week to students in rural schools closed due to the coronavirus.
  • USDA launched a partnership with Panera Bread and the Children’s Hunger Alliance to provide meals to children across Ohio, with more states to come.
  • HHS has announced $250 million in grants to help communities provide meals for seniors.
  • The Administration is halting foreclosures and evictions for families with FHA-insured mortgages.
  • The Department of Labor announced up to $100 million in dislocated worker grants in response to the coronavirus national health emergency.
  • The White House worked with the private sector to launch a central website where families, students, and educators can access online education technologies.
  • President Trump signed legislation to provide continuity in educational benefits for veterans and their families who attend schools that have had to switch to online learning.
  • The Department of Education has given broad approval to colleges and universities to allow them to more easily move their classes online.
  • The Department of Education set interest rates on all federally-held student loans to 0% for at least 60 days.
  • The Department of Education announced borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments on federally-held student loans for at least two months.
  • The Department of Education is providing waivers for federal testing requirements to states that have had to close schools.

SUPPORTING IMPACTED BUSINESSES

  • President Trump signed legislation providing almost $350 billion in loans for small businesses and much needed payroll tax relief.
  • The President secured legislation giving the Treasury and Federal Reserve $500 billion to provide liquidity and purchase business, municipal, and State debt.
  • Thanks to legislation signed by President Trump, the Federal Reserve can leverage more than $4 trillion in funds if needed during this crisis.
  • The Small Business Administration has announced disaster loans which provide impacted businesses with up to $2 million.
  • SBA relaxed criteria for disaster assistance loans – expanding small businesses’ access to economic assistance.
  • The President directed the Energy Department to purchase large quantities of crude oil for the strategic reserve.
  • President Trump has held calls and meetings with business leaders from the pharmaceutical industry, airlines, health insurers, grocery stores, retail stores, banks, and more.
  • The Treasury Department approved the establishment of the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility to provide liquidity to the financial system.
  • The Export-Import Bank announced four new temporary relief programs to provide maximum financing flexibility and inject liquidity into the market.

INFORMING THE PUBLIC

  • The Administration launched a website – coronavirus.gov – to keep the public informed about the outbreak.
  • The President announced he is extending CDC guidelines for 30 days to slow the spread of the virus.
  • The President launched a partnership with the Ad Council, media networks, and digital platforms to communicate public services announcements about the coronavirus.
  • The President announced guidelines for Americans to follow and do their part to stem the spread of the virus.
  • The Task Force is holding nearly daily press conferences to provide the American people with the latest information.
  • The Task Force recommended mitigation strategies to heavily impacted communities, like those in New York, Washington, and California.
  • CMS announced guidance to protect vulnerable elderly Americans and limit medically unnecessary visits to nursing homes.
  • President Trump’s PREVENTS initiative started a new public awareness campaign to promote emotional wellbeing for veterans during the coronavirus pandemic.

SUPPORTING PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

  • The President worked with Congress to secure $100 billion for out healthcare providers.
  • In January, the Administration declared the coronavirus to be a public health emergency.
  • The President donated his fourth-quarter 2019 salary to the Department of Health and Human Services for coronavirus response efforts.
  • The Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA are helping to build temporary hospitals and medical facilities in hard hit areas.
  • The Vice President penned a letter to hospital administrators asking hospitals to report testing data to HHS to help inform policies.
  • The President took action to give HHS authority to waive rules and regulations so that healthcare providers have maximum flexibility to respond to this outbreak.
  • CMS issued sweeping regulatory changes to increase hospital capacity, rapidly expand the healthcare workforce, and cut paperwork so doctors can put patients first.
  • HHS is providing funding to help healthcare systems across the country quickly prepare for a surge in coronavirus patients.
  • CMS is giving flexibility to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans to waive cost-sharing for coronavirus tests and treatment.
  • The President announced that Humana and Cigna will waive co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles for coronavirus treatments.
  • CMS created new billing codes for coronavirus tests to promote better tracking of the public health response.
  • The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy coordinated with the NIH, the tech industry, and non-profits to release a machine readable collection of 29,000 coronavirus-related research articles, which will help scientists discover insights to virus’ genetics, incubation, treatment, symptoms, and prevention.
  • The White House launched a new public-private consortium to help provide coronavirus research projects access to powerful supercomputer resources.
  • The Administration announced that health plans with health savings accounts will be able to cover coronavirus testing and treatment without co-payments.
  • CMS dramatically expanded telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries, ensuring more patients can access their doctors remotely while avoiding exposure.
  • HHS lifted HIPAA penalties to enable healthcare providers to expand telehealth access for patients.
  • The FDA took action to allow expanded use of devices to monitor patients’ vital signs remotely, reducing hospital visits and minimizing risks of exposure.
  • The VA established 19 emergency operations centers across the country and put in place visitation restrictions to limit patients’ exposure.
  • Thanks to a waiver from the Office of Personnel Management, the VA is working to rehire retired medical personnel during the coronavirus outbreak.
  • CMS and the VA are working to limit nonessential, elective medical procedures to free up healthcare resources.
  • The Department of Defense issued guidance to delay elective medical procedures at military facilities in order to preserve healthcare resources.
  • The Navy deployed two medical ships to help support impacted areas.
  • The President announced Carnival Cruise Lines will be making ships available for hospitals to use for non-coronavirus patients.

STRENGTHENING ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES

  • The Administration mobilized a Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force led by Rear Admiral John Polowczyk.
  • FEMA is working to distribute ventilators and other critical supplies to hard hit states.
  • FEMA launched Project Airbridge to help quickly airlift critical supplies across the country.
  • The President invoked the Defense Production Act, providing a number of authorities that can be used as needed.
  • The President took action under the Defense Production Act to compel General Motors to accept, perform, and prioritize Federal contracts for ventilators.
  • President Trump signed an executive order providing HHS and DHS with the full authorities available under the Defense Production Act to respond to this outbreak.
  • The President urged the private sector to bolster response efforts, leading companies across the country to produce more critical supplies like masks, ventilators, and hand sanitizer.
  • The President signed a memorandum directing his Administration to make general-use face masks available to healthcare workers.
  • HHS announced it will be purchasing 500 million N95 respirators for the Strategic National Stockpile.
  • The Department of Defense announced it will be providing 5 million respirator masks and 2,000 specialized ventilators to assist.
  • The Department of Defense is procuring 8,000 ventilators worth an estimated $84.4 million
  • The President signed legislation removing restrictions that prevented manufacturers from selling industrial masks – which can readily protect healthcare workers – directly to hospitals.
  • The FDA gave emergency approval to a new system to sterilize N95 masks, helping hospitals get the most use out of their masks.
  • The President signed an executive order to prevent hoarding and price-gouging of critical medical supplies.
  • The Department of Justice has taken action to combat coronavirus related fraud.

DEVELOPING VACCINES AND THERAPEUTICS

  • The Administration is working to help accelerate the development of therapeutics and a vaccine to combat the coronavirus.
  • The FDA is evaluating existing drugs that could serve as potential therapeutics for coronavirus patients.
  • The FDA approved emergency use of convalescent plasma treatments for seriously ill coronavirus patients.
  • HHS accepted 30 million doses of hydroxychloroquine sulfate donated by pharmaceutical companies.
  • The Trump Administration is actively working with drug manufacturers to monitor any potential drug supply chain issues.
  • The Administration is expanding research and consulting with experts to better understand the transmission of coronavirus.
  • The National Institutes of Health has announced the beginning of a clinical trial for a coronavirus vaccine candidate.