Coronavirus and Meetings
Head here to see Northstar Meetings Group’s comprehensive and continuing coverage of how coronavirus is affecting meetings
UPDATED: MARCH 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. EDT
LATEST: Drive-through testing sites have begun to open across the nation, including in Florida, California and New York. According to NBC New York, testing usually takes about 15 minutes and results are expected 2-3 days after. Many testing sites are by appointment only; patients must be referred by a health care provider to make an appointment. High-risk individuals who are showing symptoms will be given priority.
President Trump declared a national emergency over the growing coronavirus outbreak. In a news conference held at the White House Rose Garden, Trump said he would allocate $50 billion to fight COVID-19 and gave broader authority to Health and Human Services secretary Alex Azar to waive provisions so doctors, hospitals and health-care providers have more flexibility to respond to the virus. Trump also urged every state to set up emergency operations centers and asked every hospital to activate its emergency preparedness plans.
"Through very collective action, shared sacrifice and national determination, we will overcome the threat of the virus," said Trump.
As coronavirus spreads and demand for tests increases, the White House has established a new partnership with the private sector to increase and accelerate testing. Trump said half a million additional tests should be available early next week and that drive-through testing is in the works. Drive-through testing is already being done in South Korea. A testing center that opened in Colorado became so popular that it had to temporarily shut down.
"At the same time, we've been in discussions with pharmacies and retailers to make drive-through tests available in the critical locations identified by public health professionals," he said. "The goal is for individuals to be able to drive up and be swabbed without having to leave your car."
The announcements came two days after Trump issued a travel ban on foreign nationals who have been to Europe within the past 14 days. The ban does not apply to American citizens, green card holders or family members; although they will be screened and asked to self-quarantine for two weeks.