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Texas receives $36.9 million from CDC as part of allotment from emergency coronavirus bill

By Lauren Reid
Updated  March 23, 2020 1:26pm CDT
Coronavirus
FOX 7 Austin

Texas receives $36.9 million from CDC

Governor Abbott says Texas has received $36.9 million dollars from the CDC.

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas has received $36.9 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of the state's initial allotment of funding from the first emergency coronavirus bill passed by Congress, according to Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will distribute $19.5 million to 43 local health departments to aid in their COVID-19 response. This includes $1.75 million for Dallas County, Tarrant County, and the San Antonio Metro Health District where operations have been impacted by federal activities.

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The remaining funds will be used by DSHS to support operations in areas of the state not covered by local health departments and for statewide response activities, according to a press release from the governor.

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“The State of Texas is at a crucial stage in our COVID-19 response, and these funds are essential to supporting health authorities throughout the state to scale-up testing and community intervention efforts,” said Governor Abbott. “To ensure these resources are used swiftly and effectively, a majority of the funds will go directly to our local health departments which understand best the needs of their communities. I thank President Trump, the Texas delegation, and leaders in Congress for quickly passing this aid package. The State of Texas continues to work with federal and local partners to give our communities the resources and support they need as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

What does the public health disaster entail?

Abbott said the statewide orders are to make sure Texas is following guidance provided by the federal government.

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