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Maryland Delegation Urges Trump Administration to Extend COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

July 18th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) yesterday wrote to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar requesting the extension of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. 

The COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, set to expire on July 25, helps ensure that states like Maryland continue to receive significant federal resources and support as the pandemic rages across the country.

The lawmakers write: “Our constituents rely on many of the flexibilities enabled by the public health emergency declaration. The increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) is essential to Maryland’s ability to ramp up medical care during the pandemic. In addition, waivers to facilitate the provision of telehealth services have proven critical to providers and patients alike, as they allow for our constituents to be seen by medical providers to address other pressing health issues (including mental health and substance use disorder) without having to expose themselves to potential COVID-19 infection.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities across our state, and we cannot afford to slow our efforts to combat it,” continued the lawmakers. “Extending the public health emergency will ensure that Marylanders can access the resources they need to stay safe and healthy during this crisis.”

4 Responses to “Maryland Delegation Urges Trump Administration to Extend COVID-19 Public Health Emergency”

  1. July 18, 2020 at 11:31 am, Joe Wellberg said:

    No need to extend the emergency. It has given excuse to treating 332 million people like convicts. Treating people like they are the plague and shoving masks at peoples throat. I don’t support anymore extension and time to phase out the COVID19 restrictions so people can go back to having a life.

    Reply

    • July 18, 2020 at 2:54 pm, Gail said:

      I appreciate the thoughtfulness and caring for our communities and Maryland’s citizens that this measure demonstrates. The state of emergency should continue as long as needed to protect the health of our people, especially those most at risk. I strongly support our democratic senators and congressmen and am grateful for their leadership.

      Reply

  2. July 18, 2020 at 12:43 pm, VERNON LOWERY said:

    HAS ANY ONE NOTICE HOW THE DEMOCRAT ARE Steady trying to prolong this COVID 19 flu to keep Trump from becoming President, “NOT GOING TO WORK” AND EVERYONE BETTER GET ON THEIR KNEES & PRAY HE DOES BECOME OUR PRESIDENT AGAIN.

    IF NOT THIS COUNTRY IS DOOMED AS WE KNOW IT

    Reply

  3. July 18, 2020 at 8:54 pm, Kathy said:

    Need to do away with the extra 600 so people go back to work

    Reply

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