Capito, Manchin Announce $5.5 Million for Coronavirus Response in West Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $5,556,448 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the coronavirus response across West Virginia. This funding is through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.

“During the outbreak of COVID-19, the Senate has acted swiftly to appropriate supplemental funding to states and local public health partners. The $5.5 million allocated to West Virginia is crucial in our efforts to protect our citizens during this outbreak and supply the resources our state health providers need,” said Senator Capito. “As this continues to evolve, I have remained in constant contact with state officials and will continue to do so, as well as continue to deliver the federal resources our state needs to best stay healthy during this uncertain time. West Virginians must have access to proper medical care and testing, and this money from the supplemental funding package will help expand both.”  

“Our state and local public health professionals are vital to addressing and preparing for this coronavirus outbreak. This funding will support West Virginia’s public health organizations so they can be better prepared to manage and address the COVID-19 virus. West Virginians should not be lulled into a false sense of safety because we have no confirmed coronavirus cases in the state. We have one of the most vulnerable populations in the nation and we must prepare our health providers for the inevitable cases in West Virginia. Our state and nation must come together during this time to protect and take care of one another,” said Senator Manchin.

On March 6^th, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020. The supplemental contains $8.3 billion government-wide, with resources directed for grants or cooperative agreements to states, localities, and territories to accelerate planning and operational readiness for COVID-19 preparedness and response. The funding also helps to develop tools and strategies, provide technical assistance and program support, as well as ensure ongoing communication and coordination among public health agencies and partners throughout the response.?

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