States Sing Praise As President Trump Guides Country Through Reopening

Under The Direction Of The President, States Are Starting To Reopen And Are Singing High Praise For The President

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The Facts:

PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS BEEN WORKING WITH STATES TO REOPEN AMERICA

• In order to reopen the U.S. economy safely, President Trump has released guidance to help states across the country.
• The Trump Administration released a plan to assist states in making critical decisions on how and when to lift restrictions.
• The guidelines will help states mitigate the risk of a “resurgence in cases” and protect vulnerable populations while areas are reopening.
• With the encouragement and support from the White House, many states have started to reveal their plans to open back up.
• As of today, all states have started to loosen mandatory restrictions.

PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS PREPARED STATES, TERRITORIES, AND TRIBES FOR THE REOPENING BY BOOSTING CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

• On May 11, 2020, President Trump announced additional efforts “to ensure that every state, territory and tribe has the resources they need to meet the robust testing plans” listed in the President’s guidelines.
• The President released $11 billion in funding to help states, territories, and tribes meet testing goals.
• The Trump Administration announced that they will be sending out 12 million swabs to states in the month of May.
• President Trump is also working with manufacturers to ensure that they are producing enough testing supplies “such as reagents and extraction kits.”
• As of May 18, 2020, there have been more than 11.9 million tests conducted for the coronavirus in the United States.
• On May 17, 2020, there were 403,959 tests reported in the United States, the most ever reported in a single day.
• The United States has seen a 28% testing increase in the past seven days.
• As of May 18, 2020, FEMA has provided 11.5 million face shields, 133.7 million surgical masks, 3.8 million coveralls, 989.4 million gloves, 83.4 million, n95 masks, and 24.4 million gowns.
• FEMA has delivered 4.1 million swabs and 2.3 million media in the month of May.
• As Of May 18, 2020, FEMA has provided 12,868 ventilators to states, tribes, and U.S. territories.
• On May 15, 2020, President Trump released details on “Operation Warp Speed,” a national program dedicated to accelerating and developing “COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics”
• The FDA launched the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program, which will help speed up the approval of drugs and therapies.
• “72 therapies are now being tested,” and “another 211 are in active planning for clinical trials.”
• On May 18, 2020, Moderna released positive interim clinical data of its vaccine candidate from phase 1, which led them to announce that they expect to begin phase 3 of those trials in July.

IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S EFFORTS, HEALTH EXPERTS ARE GIVING A THUMPS UP ON REOPENING

• James Howell, physician and former Secretary of Health under Gov. Lawton Chilis (D-FL) said he believes Gov. DeSantis is “taking a wise road” after announcing his reopening measures.
• Bruce Dart, Executive Director of the Tulsa Health Department, stated that Tulsa is in a good place for reopening as cases have been “declining since the end of April, and local hospitalizations are also trending down.”
• Dr. George Monks, President of Oklahoma State Medical Association, said Oklahoma was prepared to reopen as there are “a large number of hospital beds, ICU beds and ventilators” which puts the state in a good position.
• Dr. Timothy Moser, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, said “the progress in statewide testing capabilities and mobile testing site in rural areas is making a difference.”
• Luis Ostrosky- Zeichner, a Professor of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology at The University Of Texas Health, said that Texas has handled reopening well as cases have not exceeded hospital capacity and the state is being “very cautious.”
• Dr. Mark Wilson, the Health Officer for Jefferson County, Alabama said that they are in "good shape” to start reopening as they have ramped up their capacity.

STATE CHAMBERS AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERS HAVE PRAISED THE REOPENING OF STATES, HIGHLIGHTING THE NEED TO RESTART THE ECONOMY

• The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Glenn Hamer praised the Governor Doug Ducey’s guidance to restart the economy, as it “has been data driven.”
• Hammer stated how Arizona has increased testing, and PPE dramatically to prepare for reopening, and also praised jobs coming back to the state.
• Chad Warmington, President and CEO of the Oklahoma State Chamber, said that the state is ready to move on, and restore the economy by reopening.
• Wayne Mansfield, Longview Economic Development Corp. President and CEO, said that the Governors reopening plan is “well thought out and is considerate of the public health and safety.”
• Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce President & CEO Kurt Bauer praised the Wisconsin Supreme Court for striking down the stay at home order.
• The North Carolina Chamber called for an “immediate reopening” of the state as “time is of the essence.”

EDITORIAL BOARDS HAVE COMMENDED STATES WHO HAVE REOPENED, APPLAUDING THEIR EFFORTS AS “RESPONSIBLE”

• Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board: “Gov. Ron DeSantis has outlined a responsible re-opening of Florida.”
• Post Register Editorial Board: the process of reopening the state was only possible “because of the success of Gov. Brad Little’s” (R-ID) leadership.
• Post Register Editorial Board praised Gov. Little, as his decisions have “prevented an overwhelmed health care system” and an “economic apocalypse.”
• Albuquerque Journal Editorial Board: urged that it’s time “to move forward” and reopen as policies put in place have prevented hospitals from being overwhelmed.

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PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS BEEN WORKING WITH STATES TO REOPEN AMERICA SAFELY

The White House Has Sent Out Guidance To Help States Across The Country With Reopening Efforts

In An Effort To Reopen The U.S. Economy, President Trump Has Released Guidance To Help States Through The Process. “President Trump on Thursday evening unveiled guidance for a phased reopening of parts of the U.S. economy that leaves the final decisions up to governors.” (The Hill, 4/16/20)

• The Trump Administration Released A Plan To Assist States On How And When To Lift Restrictions. “The 18-page plan for ‘Opening Up America Again’ identifies the circumstances necessary for areas of the country to allow employees to start returning to work – but the decision to lift restrictions will ultimately be made by state governors.”(CNBC, 4/16/20)

The Guidelines Laid Out Will Help States Mitigate The Risk Of A “Resurgence In Cases” And Also Protect Vulnerable Populations While Areas Are Reopening. “The goal of the guidelines, according to the White House, is to mitigate the risk of a resurgence in cases and protect vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.” (The Hill, 4/16/20)

• The White House Has Urged That States Have To Be Trending Downward Before The State Or Region Take On Reopening. “Before entering the first phase, the guidelines say that the number of cases, positive tests and reports of flu- or Covid 19-like symptoms in a state or region should be trending downward. There should also be a ‘robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers, including emerging antibody testing,’ according to the guidelines.” (CNBC, 4/16/20)

With The Support Of The White House, Numerous States Have Announced Reopening Under White House Guidelines

With The Encouragement And Support From The White House, Many States Have Started To Open Back Up. PRESIDENT TRUMP: “We’ve encouraged the more than 30 states that have taken steps to resume economic activity already — we’ve given them tremendous encouragement and support. We’re backing them 100 percent. You know, many governors have called me, telling me their plans, laying them out: governor of Texas, Oklahoma, governor of Arkansas — many, many governors. I spoke with Governor Cuomo. We had a great talk today on a different subject, but he wants to get open. Everybody wants to get open. They want to get open, and they want to get back to business. And their constituents, the citizens of this country, want to get back. And that’s what’s happening.” (The White House, 4/29/20)

As Of Today, All States Have Started To Loosen Mandatory Restrictions. “By Wednesday, every US state will have begun lifting measures enacted weeks ago to curb the spread of coronavirus -- though daily case rates still are rising in parts of the country. The last state to lift some restrictions will be Connecticut, which is set Wednesday to allow outdoor dining spaces, offices, retail stores and malls, museums and zoos to reopen with restrictions.” (CNN, 5/19/20)

PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS PREPARED STATES, TERRITORIES, AND TRIBES FOR REOPENING BY BOOSTING THEIR CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

President Trump Has Ensured That States, Territories, And Tribes Have Enough Resources To Boost Testing

On May 11, 2020, President Trump Announced Additional Efforts “To Ensure That Every State, Territory And Tribe Has The Resources They Need To Meet The Robust Testing Plans” Listed In The President’s Guidelines. “On May 11, President Trump announced additional efforts to ensure that every state, territory and tribe has the resources they need to meet the robust testing plans described in the President’s Guidelines for Opening up America Again and the Testing Blueprint unveiled by the President on April 27.” (FEMA, 5/16/20)

The President Released $11 Billion In Funding To Help States, Territories, And Tribes Meet Testing Goals. “The Administration is sending $11 billion to help States, territories, and tribes meet the testing goals set out by their Governors and tribal leaders.” (White House, 5/11/20)

The Trump Administration Announced That They Will Be Sending Out 12 Million Swabs To States In The Month Of May. “The Federal Government will be sending approximately 12 million swabs to States over the course of May to supplement private sector resources.” (White House, 5/11/20)

President Trump Is Also Working With Manufacturers To Ensure That They Are Producing Enough Testing Supplies “Such As Reagents And Extraction Kits.” “President Donald J. Trump is also working to ensure manufacturers are producing enough testing supplies – such as reagents and extraction kits – to support our robust testing system.” (White House, 5/11/20)

Since May 18, 2020, There Has Been Over 11.9 Million Tests Conducted For The Coronavirus In The United States. (COVID Tracking, 5/19/20)

On May 17, 2020, There Was 403,959 Tests Reported In The United States, The Most Ever Reported In A Single Day. (COVID Tracking, 5/18/20)

The United States Has Seen A 28% Testing Increase In The Past Seven Days. (COVID Tracking, 5/18/20)

The Trump Administration Has Increased Supplies To Combat The Coronavirus

FEMA Has Provided 11.5 Million Face Shields, 133.7 Million Surgical Masks, 3.8 Million Coveralls, 989.4 Million Gloves, 83.4 Million, N95 Masks, And 24.4 Million Gowns. (FEMA, Accessed 5/19/20)

• FEMA Has Delivered 4.1 Million Swabs And 2.3 Million Media In The Month Of May. “FEMA has procured and delivered 4.1 million swabs and 2.3 million media so far in the month of May. In support of the White House Task Force’s testing initiative, FEMA is supporting the procurement of specimen collection supplies to supplement the supplies states and healthcare providers are procuring from the private market.” (FEMA, 5/16/20)
• FEMA Has Provided 12,868 Ventilators To States, Tribes, And U.S. Territories. (FEMA, Accessed 5/19/20)

President Trump Has Released Measures To Increase The Development Of Vaccines And Therapies

On May 15, 2020, President Trump Released Details On “Operation Warp Speed,” A National Program Dedicated To Accelerating And Developing “COVID-19 Vaccines, Therapeutics, And Diagnostics” “On May 15, President Trump announced Operation Warp Speed. The goal of this national program is to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Operation Warp Speed is a public-private partnership between components of HHS, the Department of Defense, private firms and other federal agencies. The program aims to have substantial quantities of a safe and effective vaccine available for Americans by January 2021.” (FEMA, 5/16/20)

The FDA Launched The Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program, Which Will Help Speed Up The Approval Of Drugs And Therapies. “FDA launched the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP) to speed approval of drugs and therapies.” (FEMA, 5/16/20)

• “72 Therapies Are Now Being Tested,” And “Another 211 Are In Active Planning For Clinical Trials.”“72 therapies are now being tested, including hydroxychloroquine, and another 211 are in active planning for clinical trials.” (FEMA, 5/16/20)
• On May 18, 2020, Moderna Released Positive Interim Clinical Data Of Its Vaccine Candidate From Phase 1, Which Led Them To Announce That They Expect To Begin Phase 3 Of Those Trials In July. “‘With today’s positive interim Phase 1 data and the positive data in the mouse challenge model, the Moderna team continues to focus on moving as fast as safely possible to start our pivotal Phase 3 study in July and, if successful, file a BLA,’ said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer at Moderna. ‘We are investing to scale up manufacturing so we can maximize the number of doses we can produce to help protect as many people as we can from SARS-CoV-2.’” (Moderna, 5/18/20)

IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S EFFORTS, HEALTH EXPERTS ARE GIVING A THUMPS UP ON REOPENING

After States Have Released Their Plans To Reopen, Health Experts Praise The Reopening As States Have Reached Preparedness Goals

James Howell, Physician And Former Secretary Of Health Under Gov. Lawton Chilis (FL-D) Said He Believes Gov. DeSantis Is “Taking A Wise Road” After Announcing His Reopening Measures. “James Howell, physician and the former Florida secretary of health under Gov. Lawton Chilis: ‘ I think he’s taking a wise road. He’s listened very well to the professionals in the area. He’s listened to our mayors and all. It’s a very challenging decision to make. But he’s doing it incrementally.’” (Miami Herald, 5/3/20)

Bruce Dart, Executive Director Of The Tulsa Health Department, Stated That Tulsa Is In A Good Place For Reopening As Cases Have Been “Declining Since The End Of April, And Local Hospitalizations Are Also Trending Down” “Bruce Dart, executive director of the Tulsa Health Department, said local cases have been declining since the end of April, and local hospitalizations are also trending down. Both good signs for moving into the next phase, he said.” (KTUL ABC, 5/14/20)

Dr. George Monks, President Of Oklahoma State Medical Association, Said Oklahoma Was Prepared To Reopen As There Are “A Large Number Of Hospital Beds, ICU Beds, And Ventilators” Which Puts The State In A Good Position. “Dr. George Monks, president of medical association, stuck by his initial assertion that the governor’s May 1 date for the first phase of reopening was hasty. But he said Stitt had to take into account more than just medical advice. ’He’s got economic advisors and he’s got medical advisors, and he’s in a really tough position because he has to weigh the economic health of our state with the health of the citizens,’ Monks said Friday. ‘It’s a really, really tough job. But he’s made a decision and so now we’re moving forward and we’re going to continue to work with the governor to make sure that we take care of the Oklahoma citizens.’ Monks said data shows Oklahoma is in good shape so far on hospital beds and ventilators. ‘We’re very blessed as a state to have a large number of hospital beds, ICU beds and ventilators compared to our population,’ Monks said. ‘We were in a good position going into it and we’re significantly below our maximum capacity on all of those things.’” (Oklahomawatch.org, 4/24/20)

Dr. Timothy Moser, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, Said “The Progress In Statewide Testing Capabilities And Mobile Testing Site In Rural Areas Is Making A Difference.” “In a statement on Friday, Dr. Timothy Moser, association president, urged the governor to proceed with extreme caution. ‘We have grave concerns on the announced plan to open the state this week as the pandemic continues to make its way to rural parts of our state. So many physicians and their clinical staff focus on caring for our elderly rural population in hospitals and long-term care facilities, where it is significantly more difficult to get access to health care,’ Moser said. The progress in statewide testing capabilities and mobile testing sites in rural areas is making a difference, he said.” (Oklahomawatch.org, 4/24/20)

Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, A Professor Of Infectious Diseases And Epidemiology At The University Of Texas Health, Said That Texas Has Handled Reopening Well As Cases Have Not Exceeded Hospital Capacity And The State Is Being “Very Cautious.” “We’ve been stable for a while with the number of cases. We haven’t exceeded hospital capacity. He’s trying to give a jump-start to the economy, being very cautious about it,” said Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, a professor of infectious diseases and epidemiology at UT Health. “It’s kind of a measured way he did it.” (The Texas Tribune, 4/29/20)

Dr. Mark Wilson, The Health Officer For Jefferson County, Alabama Said That They Are In “Good Shape” To Start Reopening As They Have Ramped Up Their Capacity. DR. MARK WILSON, THE HEALTH OFFICER FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL: “Here in Jefferson County, we're actually in relatively good shape. We have capacity. We've already ramped up our contact tracing capacity at our health department to about 30 people. We anticipate a need of 50 to 100. So we're well on the way and we're currently keeping up just fine and pretty well-resourced compared to the rest of the state.” (NPR, 5/4/20)

STATE CHAMBERS AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERS HAVE PRAISED THE REOPENING OF STATES HIGHLIGHTING THE NEED TO RESTART OUR ECONOMY

State Chambers And Local Economic Development Leaders Have Applauded The Reopening Of The U.S. Economy

The Arizona Chamber Of Commerce And Industry President, Glenn Hamer Praised The Governors Guidance To Restart The Economy, As It “Has Been Data Driven.” “The governor’s plan to restart the economy in phases received praise from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry which chamber president Glenn Hamer discussed with Lorraine Rivera .’We really appreciate that the governor has been data driven and his first priority has been to protect the health of Arizonans,’ Hamer said.” (Arizona Public Media, 5/1/20)

• Hammer Stated How Arizona Has Increased Testing, And PPE Dramatically To Prepare For Reopening, And Also Praised Jobs Coming Back To The State. “We're in the midst of a testing blitz that has dramatically increased the number of tests given in just a few weeks. Maricopa County has undertaken a massive contact tracing effort. Honeywell is churning out millions of N95 masks as it adds 500 manufacturing jobs in the Valley. Professional sports have gotten the ok to resume games here when the leagues start up again. Hotel pools are open again. Zoom, whose video conference software has been indispensable as many of us work from home, announced it is bringing hundreds of jobs here. And, surprising everyone except the outstanding Arizona Commerce Authority team, Taiwan's TSMC — a global semiconductor powerhouse — made international news with its plans to bring 1,600 jobs to Arizona as part of a $12 billion investment in the state. So, the ball's in our court. We can sustain the progress we've achieved, continue to control the spread of the virus, and ensure that our economy returns stronger. But it's up to all of us to act smartly and responsibly.” (Tucson Sentinel, 5/15/20)

Chad Warmington, President And CEO Of the Oklahoma State Chamber, Said That The State Is Ready To Move On, And Restore The Economy By Reopening. “Chad Warmington, president and CEO of the State Chamber and chair of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Bounce Back Advisory Group: ‘Once we get Oklahoma open safely, we can start talking about restoration and restoring the economy. That is obviously of big importance to the business community of Oklahoma.’ ‘(Stitt) identified some strong business leaders that we put on this — across the state of Oklahoma, across the industry sectors. They asked a lot of good questions. They wanted to know right from the very beginning: Talk to us about the health measures. Are we on pace for all those things and how is the state measuring those outcomes? We’re very satisfied for the answers that we got. We were able to move on to: Now we need to talk about phasing in the opening of the Oklahoma economy … and I think we’re really ready to move on to the restoration part once we get open for business.’” (The Oklahoman, 4/23/20)

Wayne Mansfield, Longview Economic Development Corp. President And CEO, Said That The Governors Reopening Plan Is “Well Thought Out And Is Considerate Of The Public Health And Safety.” “Longview Economic Development Corp. President/CEO Wayne Mansfield said he was excited to hear the Abbott’s plan for reopening activities that have been shuttered during the pandemic. Mansfield said he doesn’t think it is too soon to reopen retail, especially with the phased approach that the governor outlined Friday. ’The plan seems to be well thought out and is considerate of the public health and safety, and at the same time, beginning the process of return to normal,’ Mansfield said. ‘It allows businesses to begin operations again and also provides for continuation of public safety.’” (Longview News Journal, 4/17/20)

Wisconsin Manufacturers And Commerce President & CEO Kurt Bauer Praised The Wisconsin Supreme Court For Striking Down The Stay At Home Order, As The Decision Is A Win For The State’s Economy. “Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) President & CEO Kurt Bauer released the following statement after the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Emergency Order #28 – which extended the state’s Safer at Home order – as unlawful, invalid and unenforceable: ‘We commend the state Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law and understanding that coequal branches of government must work together, especially in times of crisis. Today’s decision is a win for the state’s economy, countless businesses and hundreds of thousands of unemployed Wisconsinites who are ready to get back to work. WMC looks forward to working collaboratively with the legislature and Gov. Evers to ensure the state begins its economic recovery in a safe and sustainable way so we can protect both lives and livelihoods.’” (WMC, 5/13/20)

The North Carolina Chamber Called For An “Immediate Reopening” Of The State As “Time Is Of The Essence.” “The state's top business lobbying group called Tuesday for an immediate reopening of most North Carolina businesses during the coronavirus pandemic as long as they can adhere to safety guidelines. ‘We must respond now,’ the North Carolina Chamber said in a statement. ‘Time is of the essence if we hope to act on these lessons and relaunch North Carolina at the same pace as competing states.’” (WRAL, 5/5/20)

EDITORIAL BOARDS HAVE COMMENDED STATES WHO HAVE REOPENED, APPLAUDING THEIR EFFORTS AS “RESPONSIBLE”

Editorial Boards Listed Governors Efforts To Reopen As A Success, While Criticizing Those Who Have Been Slow To Reopen

Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board: “Gov. Ron DeSantis Has Outlined A Responsible Re-Opening Of Florida.” “Gov. Ron DeSantis has outlined a responsible re-opening of Florida that allows restaurants and retailers to resume limited operations next week.” (Editorial, Tampa Bay Times, 4/29/20)

Post Register Editorial Board: The Process Of Reopening The State Was Only Possible “Because Of The Success Of Gov. Brad Little’s” (R-ID) Leadership. “Idaho is beginning the gradual process of reopening. It is a welcome development and one that is only possible because of the success of Gov. Brad Little’s stay-home order.” (Editorial, Post Register, 5/3/20)

Post Register Editorial Board Praised Gov. Little, As His Decisions Have “Prevented An Overwhelmed Health Care System” And An “Economic Apocalypse.” “Instead, as of Friday, we have a little over 2,000. The suffering Little has so far prevented — an overwhelmed health care system that would leave people dying of pneumonia in their homes, mass graves and an economic apocalypse that would make our current suffering look trivial — is incalculable.” (Editorial, Post Register, 5/3/20)

Albuquerque Journal Editorial Board: Urged That It’s Time “To Move Forward” And Reopen As Policies Put In Place Have Prevented Hospitals To Be Overwhelmed. “But it’s time to move forward knowing there is no guarantee there will ever be a vaccine and that at some point half the population could get this virus (and almost certainly many thousands already have and didn’t even know it. Colorado estimates that number between 65,000 and 75,000.). Our policies have been designed to keep everyone from getting it at the same time so hospital care will be available for those who do contract it. Hopefully, we’ve finished the sprint phase of this deadly race. Now, it’s time to settle into the marathon and figure how to manage the virus rather than have it manage us.” (Editorial, Albuquerque Journal, 4/26/20)

 

 

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