Trump approves major disaster declarations in N.Y. and Washington

President Trump and members of his Coronavirus Task Force, charged with leading the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic, held a briefing Sunday as the global death toll from the illness topped more than 14,000.

Mr. Trump told reporters that the major disaster declarations in New York and Washington state have been approved; he will approve California's request "soon." The president also said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is working to assist states hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, including by activating the National Guard in those three states.

New York has surpassed Washington as the state with the highest number of coronavirus cases, with the total number topping 15,000, Governor Andrew Cuomo said earlier Sunday. The death toll in the state stands at more than 110.

As public health officials sound the alarm about a lack of personal protective equipment for medical workers assisting patients fighting the coronavirus, Mr. Trump detailed how the federal government, with the assistance of the private sector, is ensuring states have the facilities and supplies needed, including by providing face masks, ventilators, gowns and gloves.

The president said Sunday that four large medical stations with 1,000 beds each are going to be built in New York. Eight medical stations are heading to California over the next 48 hours. In Washington state, Mr. Trump said seven medical stations will be set up there. A hospital ship is in the process of being deployed to New York in the "next few weeks," according to Mr. Trump. In addition, the president said medical supplies are on the way to New York and California for health care workers on the frontlines of the pandemic.

"This is a challenging time for all Americans," Mr. Trump said. "We're enduring a great national trial and we will prove that we can meet the moment. I want to assure the American people that we're doing everything we can each day to confront and ultimately defeat this horrible invisible enemy. We're at war."

Vice President Mike Pence told reporters the government will issue new guidelines for first responders on Monday.

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