Specific states and local jurisdictions stand to benefit from federal funding under a targeted effort to counter COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced this week.
Through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an initial $25 million cooperative agreement will be provided to those areas that have had to invest the most into response and preparedness efforts to date. It is meant as immediate assistance for efforts such as traveler monitoring, data management, lab equipment, staffing, infection control, and others.
“State and local governments are the backbone of our public health system,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said. “They have been essential partners in the ongoing work to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. The Trump Administration is acting swiftly through every avenue we have to ensure state and local governments have the support they need to combat this outbreak.”
After supplemental funding has been provided, the CDC also intends to provide support to all states and local jurisdictions for various critical public health activities. Beyond this, another initial cooperative agreement of $10 million will be awarded to state and local jurisdictions to begin implementation of coronavirus surveillance networks throughout the U.S. As with the previous, once the supplemental funding is provided, more will be provided for all areas to enhance testing and surveillance.