BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — On Saturday, the White House held another coronavirus task force meeting. During today’s press conference, officials announced updates on the measure's that officials are taking to contain the spread of the virus.
Dr. Fauci said the death toll in the United States has now reached a total of 50. During the briefing, officials said we are making progress and 99 percent of those infected will recover.
This press conference comes after President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on Friday.
If you missed Saturday's press conference here are some of key takeaways you should know.
PASSING THE VIRUS
Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House’s coronavirus response coordinator, said officials are trying to understand if those under 20 years of age are asymptomatic and could be passing the virus.
"With that unknown, we don’t want to say the risk is low when we don’t know how the numbers are for the people that are asymptomatic. The risk of serious illness may be low but they could be potentially spreading the virus to others," said Dr. Birx.
TIGHTENING TRAVEL BANS
The Trump Administration has now restricted travel from the United Kingdom and Ireland into the U.S. The new restrictions on the European travel ban will begin Monday at midnight.
During the briefing, it was announced that American citizens, family members under the age of 21, foreign diplomats and others outlined in the legislation are exempt from the ban. However, those traveling back will be screened be subject to a 14-day self-quarantine.
Cargo is also exempt from the ban and restrictions do not apply to cargo, economic air cargo, Maritime cargo economic shipping.
President Trump said he was also considering domestic travel restrictions but didn’t mention specific details.
LOCAL TESTING
The Trump Administration is also working to create a public and private partnership to provide local testing. The administration said they are working with state and local authorities to receive guidance and support to ensure mitigation in impacted areas that have shown community spread.
They are also working to address the issues of capacities at hospitals and how to handle the possible lack of equipment. On Sunday at 2 p.m., a list will be released with details for local testing locations and which communities will be providing testing.
SICK LEAVE
Legislation was passed by The House and is currently in the Senate to approve paid sick and medical leave for coronavirus-related job interruptions. The bill is called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and would also fund free testing, SNAP benefits and paid sick leave, among other things.
The president has come out in support of the legislation.
