Thanks for joining us today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the tragic loss in tremendous hardship that people are experiencing both here in the United States and around the world. The coronavirus outbreak is first and foremost a Public Health crisis and the most important response is coming from those in the front lines in hospitals, emergency services, and care facilities. On behalf of the Federal Reserve, let me express are severe sincere gratitude to those who put themselves in risk. The forceful measures we are taking to control the spread of the virus have brought much of the economy to an abrupt halt. It is worse worth remembering the measures we are taking to combat the virus are an investment in our individual and collective health. We should do everything we can to provide relief to those suffering for the public good. While many standard Economic Statistics have yet to catch up with the reality we are experiencing, it is clear that the effects on the economy are clea
Around the world. The coronavirus outbreak is first and foremost a Public Health crisis and the most important response is coming from those in the front lines in hospitals, emergency services, and care facilities. On behalf of the Federal Reserve, let me express our sincere gratitude to those dedicated individuals who put themselves at risk. The forceful measures that we as a country are taking to control the spread of the virus have brought much of the economy to an abrupt halt. Many businesses have closed, people have been asked to stay home, and basic social interactions are curtailed. People are putting their lives and livelihoods on hold at significant economic, and personal cost. All of us are affected, but the burdens are falling most heavily on those least able to carry them. It is worth remembering the measures we are taking to combat to contain the virus are an investment in our individual and collective health. As a society we should do , everything we can to provide relief