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Archived Content

In an effort to keep DHS.gov current, the archive contains outdated information that may not reflect current policy or programs.

Coordinating the Federal Response

Coordinating the Federal Response

On March 19, 2020, Vice President Mike Pence, head of the Coronavirus Taskforce, designated the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security, to lead the federal response in combating the Coronavirus. The approach is locally executed, state managed, and federally supported. FEMA plays the central role in coordinating our federal support.

FEMA is working with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and state, local, tribal and territorial governments to execute a Whole-of-America response to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and protect the public.

All 50 states, the District of Columbia, five territories and four tribes are working directly with FEMA under the nationwide emergency declaration for COVID-19.

The federal government continues to take aggressive and proactive steps to address the COVID-19 threat as the health and safety of the American people remain a top priority.

FEMA Hard at Work

FEMA activated the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak in the United States. The NRCC is a multi-agency center that coordinates the overall federal support for major incidents and emergencies. NRCC also provides a clearinghouse of resources and policies for local and state governments in impacted regions. The NRCC came online on March 19, 2020.

Approximately 2,500 FEMA employees have been deployed nationwide to support the state and local response of COVID-19.

View Original "A Message from Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf on FEMA’s Efforts Throughout the COVID-19 Crisis" video

Vaccine Support

FEMA continues to support the White House COVID-19 Response Plan by working with federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners to assist, augment and expedite vaccinations in the United States. View the latest information on FEMA's Vaccine Support page.

Special Delivery

As of July 3, FEMA, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the private sector combined have coordinated the delivery of, or are currently shipping: 176.1 million N95 respirators, 719.7 million surgical masks, 29.4 million face shields, 318.3 million surgical gowns/coveralls and over 18.2 billion gloves.

FEMA continues to play a supportive role for state and local governments. State governments continue to lead the response to address local situations with federal support.

"Project Airbridge" for Medical Supplies

FEMA is expediting movement of critical supplies from the global market to medical distributors in various locations across the U.S. and continues to coordinate an airbridge for flights from Asia.

All supplies are national supplies and will be distributed to hot spots and through the vendors regular supply chain to locations across the country. Upon arrival, PPE is provided, in varying quantities, first to medical distributors in areas of greatest need; then, the remainder will be infused into the broader U.S. supply chain. Prioritization will be given to hospitals, health care facilities, and nursing homes around the country.

On June 30, the final Airbridge flight landed in Columbus, Ohio. A total of 249 flights delivered the following supplies from overseas manufacturers to the U.S. and into private sector supply chains from March 29 through June 30:

  • nearly 5.3 million N95 respirators;
  • 937 million gloves;
  • 122 million surgical masks;
  • 63.3 million surgical gowns;
  • more than 2.4 million thermometers;
  • more than 2.6 million face shields;
  • 1.4 million coveralls;
  • 109,000 stethoscopes;
  • 370,000 oxygen masks, and;
  • more than 160,000 cannulas.

Keeping Rumors Under Control

During emergency times, disinformation can be dangerous. Learn the truth and get the facts by verifying your source - use FEMA’s Rumor Control page to verify information.

Helping your Neighbors

During difficult times, the American spirit truly shines. Americans are coming together to help their friends and neighbors, and FEMA has developed trusted ways for you to stay up to date on how to do your part.

Disaster Declarations

As of April 20, 2020, FEMA has authorized 56 Federal Disaster Declarations for states and territories.

Press Releases, Fact Sheets, & Notices

Previous Administrations

Last Updated: 09/09/2024
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