Trump, Pelosi Strike Deal on Virus Relief as Americans Prepare for Social Distancing

It will be imperative in the coming weeks that Americans do their part in order to curb the spread of coronavirus here in the states.  This means practicing “social distancing”, avoiding large crowds, and taking extra care around the elderly and immunocompromised.

This is not going to be easy, particularly for those of us whose jobs do not allow for telecommuting, and for those in service industries such as food service.  That’s where the federal government appears ready to step in and lend a helping hand.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced that Congress has reached an agreement with the Trump administration on an emergency aid package to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

The billions in relief will provide free coronavirus tests, paid sick leave, and bolster Medicaid funding for states.

“We are proud to have reached an agreement with the Administration to resolve outstanding challenges, and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” Pelosi wrote in a letter to fellow Democrat lawmakers.

The move is a serious one.

News: Pelosi and Mnuchin have reached a deal. pic.twitter.com/IYQeK5JTor

— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) March 13, 2020

The legislation comes just hours after the President declared the viral outbreak a “national emergency”, which also provides for the use of government funds to combat both the illness and to stave off the unfortunate economic impact that the virus could have.