WASHINGTON, Wednesday, United States President Donald Trump confirmed he plans to reopen the economy during his White Horse coronavirus task force briefing.
In his introductory remarks, Trump said he is “finalizing states’ guidelines to reopen.”
He confirmed Lake Bluff, Ill.-based Abbott Labs has devised an antibody test for coronavirus. This will enable up to 20 million Americans being tested in a matter of weeks, he stated.
Trump also confirmed Project Airbridge has completed numerous flights. Meanwhile, the “Dynamic Ventilator Reserve,” or DRA, will have General Motors shipping 600 ventilators in April alone.
Trump stated therapies are most important because they can take care of people immediately. 35 clinical trials are currently underway as well, he said.
Trump also confirmed that convalescent plasma (antibodies that naturally occur in the bodies of those who have overcome COVID-19 which fights off the remnants of the disease) remains promising.
Trump then announced plans to adjourn Congress because he spoke of how 448 federal judges have been approved but 129 judges are stuck in the Senate because of partisan lagging.
Should he follow through on these plans, Trump would become the first president in history to use Constitutional power to adjourn Congress. This would enable him to make recess appointments. Trump also expressed hopes and confidence that we will have “an economy that really comes back quickly.”
Trump concluded his initial remarks, saying that “we want our country back.”
White House Coronavirus Task Force coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx reminded Americans that even though COVID-19 conditions are improving in many parts of the country, people should refrain from gatherings of 20 or more for just a little bit longer.
This is because, Birx said, “this is a highly contagious virus.” However, she lauded the fact that cases are continuing to decline because Americans are cooperating. She also was impressed that several states have not even peaked because of their adherence to social distancing guidelines.
Birx spoke of how a “double influx” is being experienced in Providence, R.I. and first from New York and then en route to Boston. She concluded her statements by reminding everyone to adhere to social distancing.
Sonny Perdue, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture then spoke. He stated that CDC guidelines must be kept to ensure all residents are healthy.
He cited the important role that local and state health offices have to balance the economy and health of everyone.
He confirmed that “COVID-19 impacts food processing, but the American food supply chain has shown tremendous agility and is in good shape.”
Trump then returned to the podium, saying China has paid billions in tariffs. He informed Perdue to donate these funds to farmers, especially those who have been targeted.
Vice President Mike Pence then spoke, expressing optimism by saying “We’re getting there, America.” He then lauded Americans because half of the states in the country have less than 2,500 cases of coronavirus.
Pence also spoke of convalescent plasma and encouraged Americans to give blood to the Red Cross and should arrange a time for donation if they are interested.
The White House Coronavirus Task Force will again address the media Thursday with Trump’s big announcement promising to be the focal point.
