The US Commits $100 Million To Contain & Combat the 2019-nCoV Outbreak

A new statement from U.S. Secretary of State Micheal R. Pompeo’s office says ‘the United States government is prepared to spend up to $100 million dollars in existing funds to assist China and other impacted countries to contain and combat the novel coronavirus.’

This announced on February 8, 2020, ‘demonstrates strong U.S. leadership in response to the 2019-nCoV outbreak,’ says this State Department press release.

‘This commitment – along with the hundreds of millions generously donated by the American private sector – demonstrates strong U.S. leadership in response to the outbreak.’

Additionally, ‘the State Department has already facilitated the transportation of nearly 17.8 tons of donated medical supplies to the Chinese people, including masks, gowns, gauze, respirators, and other vital materials.’

‘This assistance only adds to what the United States has done to strengthen health security programs around the world.’

‘For the last 2 decades, the United States through USAID has invested over 1 billion dollars to strengthen the capacity of more than 25 countries to prevent, detect, and respond to existing and emerging infectious disease threats.’

‘Since 2015, under our commitment to the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), this support has helped improve surveillance and laboratory systems, risk communication, outbreak response, and address the rising threat of anti-microbial resistance.’

‘The United States is and will remain the world’s most generous donor.’ concluded Secretary Pompeo’s statement.

Furthermore, the U.S. Department of State reaffirmed it’s Level 4 Travel Advisory for China on February 8, 2020.

This ‘Do not travel’ advisory says ‘travelers to China should be prepared for the possibility of travel restrictions, with little or no advance notice. Most commercial air carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China.’

And, as of February 10, 2020, regular visa services at the U.S Embassy in Beijing and the U.S. Consulates General in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenyang are suspended.

This suspension is due to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates having very limited staffing and may be unable to respond to requests regarding regular visa services.

While some limited emergency appointments may be available, intending applicants should note that on February 2nd, a Presidential Proclamation was issued that suspended entry for individuals who have been in China less than 14 days prior to their arrival in the U.S.

If during this period you have urgent travel to China that you believe may qualify for an exemption under this Proclamation, please go to US Travel Docs to submit an emergency appointment request.

Please note if your urgent travel does not qualify under an exemption, your request will be denied until the proclamation is rescinded.

More information about the Proclamation can be found here.

Coronavirus outbreak news is published by Coronavirus Today.com.