President Trump hosted an event at the White House on Thursday to reveal the steps his administration is taking to protect older Americans, the group most vulnerable to the coronavirus that has now taken over 62,000 American lives. In particular, he announced "vital new actions" to protect seniors in nursing homes.
White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway previewed it as "an exciting event as well about all we are doing for our elderly.”
Lawmakers like Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and representatives from the National Guard are also provided comments on how they are working to protect seniors and nursing homes.
In his remarks, Trump made a few major announcements. FEMA, he said, will send supplemental shipments to all 15,400 Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes. Trump is also finalizing a new rule to mandate that coronavirus cases at nursing homes be reported directly to CDC, and the data will be posted online. Those facilities must also inform residents and family members of any cases or outbreaks.
Trump then announced the creation of the Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes, which will begin to convene in May. The commission will identify the best practices and provide recommendations for how to protection nursing home residents, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Seema Verna explained.
The month of May, Trump added, will officially be declared Older Americans Month.
Watch the "Protecting America's Seniors" event below.
Editor's Note: This post has been updated.