First few Article Sentences
On March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over the novel coronavirus, making $50 billion available for aid. This includes a requirement for all hospitals to enact their emergency preparedness/operations plans while lifting some regulatory barriers to care delivery that might impede successful crisis response.
This crisis triggers a cascade of activities hospitals must undertake to activate new protocols and committees, shore up resources and materials, establish communication plans and enact a myriad of other steps to transition into emergency mode. This includes adherence to the federal Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) guidelines to not turn away or redirect COVID-19 patients and/or any persons who suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19.