Buchanan wants federal government to declare coronavirus a public health emergency
The federal government needs to get a head start on containing the 2019 Novel Coronavirus by declaring a public health emergency, according to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan.
“Speed is essential in dealing with infectious diseases that threaten all Americans. Taking precautions now could save lives later,” Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, said in a statement Tuesday morning.
“That’s why I’m calling on the Department of Health and Human Services to formally declare a public health emergency so our government can respond quickly to contain the threat,” he added.
Researchers say the symptoms of a person infected by the coronavirus are difficult to detect and can be delayed for as long as two weeks after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
A public health emergency would authorize the use of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s $85 million Infection Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund, which Buchanan pushed for following the global outbreak of the Zika virus. Those funds could pay for enhanced screening at ports of entry, increased staffing and other critical resources for state and local health departments, Buchanan said.
“Safeguards now could save lives later, especially with a virus we have never encountered before,” Buchanan tweeted.
Coronavirus began to spread from Wuhan, China last month, and several cases are being investigated in the United States. No cases of the disease have been reported or confirmed in Florida, according to a department of health spokesperson.
According to a Monday evening update from the CDC, there have only been five confirmed cases of the illness in the United States, but 73 cases are still pending in 26 states.
This story was originally published January 28, 2020 at 2:45 PM.
