Cspan. Next, the World Health Organization holds a briefing on the coronavirus outbreak. We heard about social distancing, testing needs and how closing schools and canceling sporting events can slow the spread of the virus. This runs an hour 10 minutes. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you very much for watching this press conference on covid19. Whether you watch it on our twitter, facebook, Youtube Channel or you have dialed in and are watching through zoom. Today we have dr. Tedros, our directorgeneral, dr. Maria and our chief for operations and support and logistics. We also have dr. Cryer on the phone who will be able to answer some questions. Before i give the floor to dr. Tedros, two small announcements. W. H. O. Has activated its continuity plan in order to deliver public guidance and deliver on its mandate. From today, staff is performing functions through teleworking arrangements. Only staff whose critical function can only be performed on site will have access to the campus.
With james hodge who is director of the center for Public Health law and policy at Arizona State university. Washington journal is next. Is next. Is next host good morning. This is washington journal for tuesday, march 17, 2020. There is very little celebrating planned due to the shutdown of bars and restaurants nationwide because of the coronavirus and further restrictions and limited by the federal government, the white house, State Governments and localities. We would love to hear what you are seeing in response to the outbreak. The7488000 is the line in eastern and central time zones. For mountain and pacific residence, 2027488001. In the line we have set aside for medical professionals. Your line, 2027488002. We would love to hear your experience. You can text us a message. That is 2027488003. We would love to hear where you are texting from, your name as well. Andwitter we are cspanwj post your comments on facebook, facebook. Com cspan. There was a briefing yesterday with the Cor
States have been involved from the beginning but we are stepping it up as much as we can and the testing procedures are going well. Within a short time, the private labs will kick in. It has never been done before and i think it will be incredible if it is done properly. These are great companies, the greatest companies in the world. The states are going to be dealing through themselves and local government, local physicians, local everybody. They are also dealing with us, but we have a tremendous testing policy. Ofare announcing a expansion medicare telehealth. Medicare patients can visit a video without additional cost using facetime and skype. This has not been done before either. Telehealth services for patients , the patient is not seeing the doctor but they are seeing the doctor so there is no getting close. During this time, we will not ipaarce applicable hui penalties. They will not be enforced. We encourage everyone to max if i was use of telehealth to avoid the spread of the
Breathe your strength and peace into our senators and use them for your glory. May they continue to totally depend on you knowing that with your mighty power you will surround them with the shield of your blessing. Holy god, your goodness will prevail until the end of time, we pray in your great name. Amen. The president pro tempore please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The presiding officer the senator from iowa. Mr. Grassley i request one minute to address the senate in morning business. The presiding officer without objection. Mr. Grassley as the coronavirus spreads, u. S. Federal health and intelligence agencies are working hard to protect the public. Its critical that their hard work not go to waste. Federal Health Agencies must have access to all Intelligence Community information
It is important we distinguish between federal and state roles but the state is is at. He action they are the possessors of the broadest Public Health powers that you can actually have in the United States. Some states delegate those two locals. They have got the Sovereign Authority to respond in real powers thaterent you are seeing put into effect as we speak. They use those the extensively in an emergency like this. We have seen states act across the country, thinking of new york state, maryland, california, obviously. Of note soou seen far . It is important to observe one thing we have never seen before in u. S. History to my knowledge. Every single state, all u. S. Territories, simultaneous declared state of emergency. We have never seen that. This is that serious. We have unleashed Public Health powers traditional things we might do we are now using those on expedited basis. Everything in relation to testing, screening, social distancing, measures pursuant to quarantine, isolation