FEMA Issues Major Disaster Declaration For New York

NEW YORK, NEW YORK — FEMA issued a major disaster declaration for New York as the state grapples with the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The declaration approved late Friday by President Donald Trump opens up federal emergency aid for areas affected by the pandemic.

New York, and New York City in particular, have become the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, with more than 5,000 confirmed cases in the city alone.

The disaster declaration potentially unlocks billions of dollars of aid for New Yorkers, wrote Senators Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand in a joint statement.

“We’re at a vital point in the battle against the disease, and we need to do everything in our power to stop it, right here, right now," Schumer wrote. "There is no compromise when it comes to the health and lives of New Yorkers, and I’m glad the administration recognized that and approved the nation’s first Major Disaster Declaration in response to the coronavirus, right here in New York."

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FEMA can now provide public and individual assistance for expenses related to coronavirus efforts at cost of 75 percent paid by the feds to 25 percent handled by the state, according to a statement. New York also has access to $42.6 billion in the nation's Disaster Relief Fund.

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