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By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

In a speech on Friday, President Donald Trump said this experience with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) virus will make the United States stronger as he declared a National State of Emergency.

“This will pass,” Trump said. “We will be stronger for it. We have learned a lot from this experience.”

Ten days ago, Trump reached out to commercial labs and announced a new partnership with private labs.

“We don’t want people taking the test if they don’t need it, only if they have certain symptoms,” Trump said.

He added a half million test would be available as early as Sunday and five million next month.

“I doubt we will need that many,” Trump said. “Drive thru testing will be made available in crucial areas.”

This announcement was declared an hour after the governor of Texas declared a State of Disaster for all Texas Counties.

“From the very beginning, our number one objective has been to implement preventative strategies that build on our state’s existing public health capabilities so that no matter how this situation unfolds, Texas will be ready,” said Governor Abbott. “That is exactly what our state agencies have done. The State of Texas is prepared, and we continue to take proactive measures along with the support of our federal and local partners to contain this virus and keep Texans safe. Declaring a State of Disaster is a key component of these efforts because it allows the state to effectively serve the people of Texas without hindrance or delay. When Texans come together, there is nothing we can’t overcome—and it is up to all of us to work proactively and collaboratively to respond to this challenge and protect public health.”