Trump Declares Major Disaster In California Over Coronavirus

CALIFORNIA — President Donald Trump on Sunday approved Gov. Gavin Newsom's request to declare a major disaster in California, freeing up federal resources to fight the state's growing coronavirus outbreak.

The declaration opens up federal resources for emergency protective measures and crisis counseling for California residents affected by COVID-19, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

Trump also said he would send the USNS Mercy, a massive Navy hospital ship, to Los Angeles to help treat the area's surge of coronavirus patients. Previously, officials in Seattle had expected the ship would head there.

Meanwhile, the president said FEMA would send medical supplies to California, New York and Washington to help the hard-hit states respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Medical beds, N95 masks and gowns will be sent within the next 48 hours, Trump said.

The Major Disaster Declaration will aid people impacted by the outbreak and related economic downturn, Newsom's office said. In a letter to Trump on Sunday, Newsom asked the president for a disaster declaration that would include funding for unemployment assistance, emergency care and legal services for California residents affected by COVID-19.

Earlier Sunday, Trump announced at a news conference that he would approve Newsom's request, as he had already done for similar requests made by the governors of New York and Washington.

It was unclear whether Trump approved the entirety of Newsom's request. Earlier Sunday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said his office was still waiting for the president to approve most of his state's disaster requests, including funding for unemployment and food benefits.

So far, Trump has only approved funding for crisis counseling in Washington state.

"We appreciate the quick response and partnership from the White House," Newsom said in a statement.

"The request from the state of California was just received and we are working on getting that done very quickly," Trump said, adding it could be approved by Sunday night.

Patch editor Courtney Teague contributed to this report.

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