Vice President Visits Washington Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

LAKEWOOD, WA — Vice President Mike Pence touched down in Western Washington Thursday afternoon as Washington's confirmed cases of the new coronavirus climbed to 70 and the state's death toll rose to 11. Pence has been tasked with coordinating the Trump administration's response to COVID-19, which has infected at least 150 people in 13 states.

Pence met with Gov. Jay Inslee and Washington's Congressional delegation to discuss federal assistance for the ongoing outbreak and deliver supplies to assist health workers throughout the state. An Associated Press reporter tweeted a photo showing Inslee and Pence meeting on the tarmac after the Vice President landed at McChord Field, shortly before 4 p.m.

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According to the pool report, Pence attended a roundtable discussion with state leaders and the Centers for Disease Control, then toured Washington's emergency operations center before a televised press conference at Camp Murray.

In a short briefing before the discussion, Pence said President Trump intended to sign a bill passed by both chambers on Congress, allocating nearly $8 billion in funding to assist with coronavirus measures on the federal, state and local levels.

The Vice President also praised Washington's response to the crisis, acknowledging it was the first state in the nation to face a high level of illnesses and deaths linked to the virus.

"Washington state is setting a great example," Pence said. "As states around the nation continue to experience the advent of the coronavirus in their communities, we're going to continue to look to the example that you've set here, and your health department has set here, and I want to thank you very much for your leadership."

Listen to the Vice President's full remarks here:

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During the Thursday night press conference, Pence underlined Washington's prominence in the fight against the coronavirus and pledged continued federal support.

"Washington state is on the frontlines of the coronavirus in America," Pence said. "President Trump wanted me to be here to assure the people of Washington state that we are with you."

The Vice President said at least 150 coronavirus cases had been confirmed in the United States, with a large percentage of those illnesses recorded in Washington state.

According to Pence, the CDC has prioritized delivery of testing kits to Washington and California. The Vice President said deliveries scheduled across the country next week should allow for an additional 1.2 million tests.

Ahead of Pence's visit, more than 100,000 masks, respirators, gloves and gowns were delivered to Washington to help keep health care workers safe from exposure while they treat patients.

CDC Director Robert Redfield called Washington the "tip of the spear" for COVID-19 in the U.S. and praised the state for having "the strongest public health system we have in this nation."

Earlier in the day, Inslee announced the state will cover testing costs for patients who are uninsured and recommended for screening by their doctors. Washington's insurance commissioner said people covered by state-regulated plans would have copays and deductibles waived.

The Associated Press reports Medicare, Medicaid, and "Obamacare" insurance plans will cover testing costs, along with several major insurers. The AP said those with employer-based insurance will need to check with their providers.