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UNDATED (AP) — The U.S. Defense Department is planning to halt all domestic travel for military members after President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency. The Pentagon says new travel restrictions have been approved on service members and Defense Department civilians assigned to military installations and surrounding areas within the United States and its territories. The new guidance takes effect Monday and last through May 11. The Pentagon says it will “halt all domestic travel, including Permanent Change of Station and Temporary Duty.” Service members will be authorized local leave only, although the Pentagon says exemptions may be granted “for compelling cases.”
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency in order to free up more money and resources. He has also thrown his support behind an aid package from Congress that is headed for a House vote late Friday, on track to provide direct relief to Americans. Still, he has denied any responsibility for delays in making testing available for the new virus, whose spread has roiled markets and disrupted the lives of everyday Americans. The aid package from Congress that would provide free tests, sick pay for workers and bolster food programs. The crush of late-day activity caps a tumultuous week in Washington.
PHOENIX (AP) — The U.S. government says a new rule disqualifying more people from green cards if they use government benefits will not apply to immigrants who seek care for symptoms of the illness caused by coronavirus. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said late Friday that seeking treatment or preventive services won’t affect someone’s immigration status under the new public charge rule, which took effect last month. The announcement came after lawmakers and advocacy groups urged the government to suspend the rule during the coronavirus outbreak. Advocates say they have been fielding panicked calls from immigrants who are worried about the impact on their status if they seek health care.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is scrambling to broaden testing for the coronavirus with a flurry of new measures. Federal officials announced a new effort to screen thousands of patients at drive-thru testing sites. The shift came a day after one of the government's top health officials called the initial testing effort “a failing” and health care professionals, politicians and patients across the country complained about lack of access to testing in the U.S. Public confusion persisted over who should be tested and how to get checked for the disease.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he will “most likely” be tested for the novel coronavirus, as questions swirl about why he, his top aides and his family aren't doing more to protect themselves and others after repeated exposure to COVID-19. Trump has now had multiple direct and indirect contacts with people who have tested positive for the pandemic virus, includes two people at his Mar-a-Lago club. Trump on Friday declared a state of emergency as schools and workplaces across the country shuttered, flights were canceled and Americans braced for war against the threat.
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