Coronavirus preparedness and the Congressional stimulus

We discuss the degree to which hospitals are ready for an increase in coronavirus patients in the coming weeks. Then, a look at the stimulus package from Congress.

Listen 49:13
A health care worker stands by at a COVID-19 temporary testing site at Abington Hospital in Abington, Pa., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

A health care worker stands by at a COVID-19 temporary testing site at Abington Hospital in Abington, Pa., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

Guests: David Shulkin, Jared Bernstein

Health care systems around the country are preparing for a surge in coronavirus infections but, shortages of protective gear, ventilators, hospital beds, and health care workers is an increasing cause for concern. This hour, we start off talking with former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. DAVID SHULKIN about hospital preparedness and how to shore up the vulnerabilities in our health care system. Then, we’ll talk about the emergency aid package that was passed by the Senate yesterday and the plan to send direct payments to Americans starting April 6th. We’ll take a closer look at what’s in the new stimulus plan and how it will likely impact families, businesses, and the economy with JARED BERNSTEIN, senior fellow for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal