California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a letter to President Donald Trump requesting a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, which was granted hours after the request.
The request is intended to seek assistance in preparedness and response efforts to COVID-19, colloquially known as the coronavirus. More specifically, it calls for emergency assistance, crisis counseling, as well as assistance with unemployment, disaster case management, legal services and Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance.
“Earlier today we requested a presidential Major Disaster Declaration and this afternoon we got it,” Newsom said in a press release. “The declaration will supplement our state’s comprehensive COVID-19 surge planning and make vital resources available. We appreciate the quick response and partnership from the White House.”