US has spent over $1 bil. to prevent spread of coronavirus; border authorities on high alert
Feb 21, 2020 |
Mission, TX |
Border Report — The deadly coronavirus has cost the federal government over $1 billion already, and immigration officials are using extreme caution as they screen incoming travelers and migrants crossing the Southwest border, a South Texas lawmaker said.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar said during a news conference Wednesday that these costs so far include over $700 million in coronavirus research, which is being conducted National Institute of Health.
He said officials with the Department of Homeland Security are in constant talks with members of Congress to ensure enough money is available to provide preventative measures “to make sure the men and women doing their jobs are protected.”
The virus has infected nearly 275,000 people worldwide and is blamed for at least 2,228 deaths.
In the United States, there are 29 active cases, including one patient who is being treated at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.
Cuellar says a reduction in flights from China, as well as travel restrictions on those returning from certain countries, has helped to keep the virus from spreading en masse to the United States.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “the U.S. government has taken unprecedented steps” to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes a Feb. 2 White House proclamation restricting entry to any foreign nationals who have been in China within 14 days. Read more.
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