Sinema urged the President to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for Arizona in order to access more public safety resources
WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced today that $13 million in federal COVID relief funds is heading to the Arizona Department of Health Services to reimburse the state for purchases of gowns, coveralls, disposable thermometers, gloves, and N95 masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Today’s funding will help shore up budgets in Arizona and continue to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect frontline health workers caring for Arizona families during the pandemic,” said Sinema.
“These funds are important to ensure Arizona can continue getting our health care workers the protective equipment they need to safely treat patients as we face a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. To slow that rise all Arizonans should follow public health guidance including wearing masks and social distancing,” said Kelly.
The Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency funds cover 75% of the cost share, meaning that a total of $17,716,359.41 was spent on reimbursable costs from May 7, 2020 to June 26, 2020 for Arizona Department of Health Services’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These funds were made possible through Sinema’s urging of the President to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for Arizona, which allows the state to access more public safety resources to combat the coronavirus outbreak.