BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — President Trump has declared a major disaster in Massachusetts due to the coronavirus pandemic, at the request of Gov. Baker.
The move will allow for additional federal assistance for state, tribal, and local recovery efforts, according to a statement from the White House. It will also make federal funding available for crisis counseling for all affected people in the state.
"Federal funding is also available to Commonwealth, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for all areas in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts impacted by COVID-19," the statement said.
President Trump made similar declarations of major disasters in more than a dozen other states related to the pandemic, starting with New York last week.
Gov. Baker requested the major disaster declaration be made for Massachusetts last Thursday, when he gave an emotional speech about the state's frustrated efforts to secure more personal protective equipment and medical necessities.
Trump approved the same request for Michigan hours before Massachusetts. Both states are among those with the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the nation.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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