[20200415]IF11507_消防员应对2019冠状病毒疾病的资金.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov April 15, 2020Funding for Firefighters for COVID-19 ResponseCOVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by a novel coronavirus that originated in China in late 2019. It spread rapidly around the globe, and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the situation a pandemic. In the United States, by the end of March 2020, the disease had spread to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories except American Samoa. Firefighter personnel providing emergency medical services (EMS) serve as first responders to calls for help from those who are infected. Challenges for firefighters, many of whom are volunteers, include a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and a high likelihood of exposure to the virus. This can lead to health impacts and staffing shortages due to long quarantine or recovery periods. Congress has provided emergency funding to assist firefighters responding to COVID-19 calls, and additional congressional action may be considered. Impact of COVID-19 on Firefighter Personnel As the coronavirus spreads across the United States, people are turning to doctors, hospitals, and other health facilities for dia