President Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Louisiana.
The order makes federal assistance available for "crisis counseling," alongside federal funding for emergency protective measures across state, tribe and other local governments.
State leaders asked for the declaration amid a stay-at-home order and dwindling resources in hospitals.
"I want to thank President Trump for his quick action on my request for a major disaster declaration for Louisiana. Because of the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana, we have overwhelmed our stocks of key resources and supplies for hospitals, first responders and emergency managers. This declaration should allow for additional resources from the federal government and provide us with more tools and equipment to treat the sick and increase our hospital capacity," said Gov. John Bel Edwards. "We have taken aggressive mitigation measures to flatten our curve, and this Major Disaster Declaration will help us further combat COVID-19 in Louisiana. I am very appreciative of the President’s quick approval of Louisiana's request, and the federal government’s support throughout our response. And I appreciate our Congressional delegation’s help in securing this declaration."
Louisiana is the fourth state to get a major disaster declaration.
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