President Donald Trump is movingto wind down the coronavirus task force as early as this month, a major shift in the White House strategy for responding to the greatest health crisis in a century.
Vice President Mike Pence, who has led the group since it was created in January, said Tuesday the group's work will be transferred to other parts of the government, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency. That change could take place this month or in early June, he said.
Trump, who was traveling in Arizona – one of his first forays outside the White House in months – linked the decision to disband the task force with his broader desire to reopen the nation and recharge its economy. Winding down the group would signal a new phase in the government's response to the virus.
"I'm viewing our great citizens of this country to a certain extent and to a large extent as warriors.They're warriors," Trump said when asked about the decision . "We have to open our country. Will some people be affected, badly? Yes. But we have to get our country open."
As he toured a mask manufacturing facility in Arizona, Trump declined to wear a face mask himself. He wore eye goggles as he toured theHoneywell aerospace plant, even though he suggested earlier he would wear a mask. At least one sign posted in the facility read "face mask required in this area" and many of the workers in the facility were wearing masks.
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Trump announced the coronavirus task force Jan. 29, saying its goal was to "monitor, contain and mitigate the spread of the virus." The group has met virtually every day – bringing together not only White House officials but also top public health experts within the Trump administration. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the administration would continue to rely on a "data-driven approach" to reopening.
"I think we’re having conversations about that and about what the proper time is for the task force to complete its work and for the ongoing efforts to take place on an agency-by-agency level," Pence said.Read the rest of the story HERE and follow links below to related stories and resources:
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