DC Coronavirus: Trump Declares Disaster In District

WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump on Sunday approved a request by Mayor Muriel Bowser to declare a major disaster in the District of Columbia. Trump's disaster declaration will free up some federal resources to fight the District's growing coronavirus outbreak.

D.C. has 342 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, Bowser reported Saturday night. Five people have died in the District of Columbia from the virus.

The disaster declaration will provide relief for emergency response services in the District and to residents and businesses that have been "severely impacted by COVID-19," according to a statement from Bowser. Funding will also be available to certain nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures.

The mayor asked for assistance addressing public health and safety threats, medical care and sheltering needs, supply and logistics transport and other programs to slow the spread of the virus.

"Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the District and warranted by the results of further assessments," according to a statement from Trump's office.

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At 5 p.m. Monday, Bowser is hosting a call for businesses leaders who have been affected or who have questions about the virus.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Pete Gaynor named MaryAnn Tierney the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the District.

See more on the District's response to the coronavirus.

See Also:

• Bowser Staff Member Dies From Coronavirus
• DC State Of Emergency Declared After 10 Coronavirus Cases: Mayor