Coronavirus Information

For the most up-to-date information on what you should know about the coronavirus, state and local updates, and travel advisories please visit the following websites:

Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) released the bipartisan, bicameral, coronavirus emergency supplemental Appropriations bill.  Leahy was a lead negotiator in the $7.8 billion package to address the expanding public health crisis as the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States and the globe. The agreement also includes a $500 million authorization for a telehealth program over a 10 year period. Here in Vermont, we have 331 people being monitored, 376 who have completed monitoring, 2,261 total tests for COVID-19, 184 cases testing positive for COVID-19, and 10 deaths as of March 27, 2020.   

The agreement will provide: Nearly $1 billion irectly to state, local and tribal governments to support public health preparedness and response;

  • Over $3 billion in research and development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics;
  • Nearly $1 billion for healthcare preparedness, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and community health;
  • $1.25 billion to support the response and containment overseas;
  • $7 billion in low interest loans for small businesses; and
  • It also includes nearly $500 million to enhance availability of telehealth services across the country. 

More information is available BELOW:

Statements/Releases:

Coronavirus Emergency Relief Vill Will Bring Nearly $2 Billion to Vermont

Comment On State Department Level 4 Global Health Advisory

Statement On Trump/McConnell Stimulus Proposal

Statement On Senate Consideration Of The Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Statement On President Trump's National Security Declaration

Leahy Announces $4.9 Million In Emergency Grants To Combat Coronavirus In Vermont

Senate Floor Statement On The Emergency Coronavirus Supplemental Request

Leahy Releases Bipartisan Coronavirus Supplemental Appropriations Bill

Summaries/Fact Sheets:

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: Questions and Answers

Q & A w/ VT Digger (March 20, 2020)

How to Volunteer and Donate (VT Digger)

The Coronavirus and Global Health Security (March 6, 2020) - US Global Leadership Coalition

Coronavirus Preparedness And Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (Updated, March 4, 2020)

CDC Coronavirus State, Local, and Tribal Grants Awards

Coronavirus Preparedness And Response Supplemental Appropriation Act

Guidance From FEMA About Certain Assistance During The Coronavirus Pandemic
(Prepared by the Office of Senator Patrick Leahy):

On March 13th President Trump issued a nationwide emergency declaration as a result of the pandemic. This declaration authorizes FEMA to provide Public Assistance (PA) funding for Emergency Protective Measures (Category-B) taken by state and local governments and qualified private non-profit’s (PNP’s).
Much is unclear as to how PA will be provided during the pandemic but it is likely that funding will be available for a range of activities such as providing or securing food, shelter, information, medical supplies, transportation etc.

Municipalities are included and assistance may also be available to a range of PNP’s that have not previously qualified during floods, ice storms and such. As we work through this, there are several things that PNP’s should know, and do, to improve their chances to have their costs covered:


• This is a reimbursement program. Payments will take weeks, months, or more. Don’t look to it for current cash-flow.
• The standard reimbursement is 75%. Congress, or the Administration can increase the federal share, and the State of Vermont may also buy down the local share. To be determined in this case.
• Records are critical. Document your costs, beginning on March 13th. Also document your procurement process (did you get competitive prices?). Overtime, operating, equipment . . all of it.
• To be reimbursed the costs likely need to be in addition to your standard operations and directly supportive of the response to the pandemic. Establish and keep records that will help you make this case.
• We don’t know yet which PNP’s may qualify but we do know that State agencies, municipalities, public hospitals, public schools and colleges, etc. do qualify. If you are with a PNP, it may be very helpful to establish, and document, a relationship supporting the work and priorities of a public/quasi-public institution. They can apply to FEMA and reimburse the PNP as a service provider. A contract, MOU, letter of request, invoices, even an email string may be helpful.  
• The State of Vermont, VEM delivers this program for FEMA and will be your point of contact, and portal to FEMA, if seeking to participate.
• To make your own assessment of whether your organization and your activities may qualify, here is a FEMA guidebook, see info regarding PNP’s and Category B assistance around page 10 and page 57. Information and guidance more appropriate to the pandemic (as v. floods and fires) should be forthcoming and available through VEM or the congressional offices.