Coronavirus: Donald Trump signs largest ever US stimulus package

President Donald Trump has signed into law a massive coronavirus rescue package as the number of cases in the US continues to rise and millions apply for unemployment benefits

President Donald Trump signs the coronavirus stimulus relief package in the Oval Office

President Donald Trump signs the coronavirus stimulus relief package in the Oval Office at the White House Source: AP

The US House of Representatives has passed the $US2 trillion($A3.3 trillion) stimulus package, even as lawmakers said another rescue package would be needed.

The bill passed on a voice vote. President Donald Trump signed the measure on Friday afternoon in the Oval Office.
President Donald Trump finishes signing the coronavirus stimulus relief package in the Oval Office at the White House.
President Donald Trump finishes signing the coronavirus stimulus relief package in the Oval Office at the White House. Source: AP
Most Americans will receive a one-time payment of $US1200 ($A1988) plus $US500 ($A828) per child. The bill also provides hundreds of billions of dollars in loans and loan guarantees to business, as well as a massive expansion of unemployment insurance.

A record-shattering 3.3 million Americans filed for unemployment last week, as non-essential businesses have been forced to shut down across the country to slow the spread of the disease.
Another bill will likely provide additional funding for hospitals, as well as a long list of other items.

The Senate approved the bill on a vote of 96-0 on Wednesday night. House members were called back to Washington to vote on Friday morning.

Under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provision of the bill, unemployment benefits will be extended to those who self-certify that they were "scheduled to commence employment" and now cannot go to work due to the virus.
Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, poses with Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, poses with Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (R). Source: EPA
The bill also provides $US100 billion ($A166 billion) to hospitals, as well as aid to state and local governments.

However, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said the bill provides only a "drop in the bucket" compared to what his state will need.

Cuomo said Thursday that he expects the state will lose $US10 billion ($A17 billion) to $US15 billion ($A25 billion) in revenue due to the crisis.

Australians must stay at least 1.5 metres away from other people. Indoors, there must be a density of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000. SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments.

News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus


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