Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor provided a Congressional COVID-19 update to Tampa Bay health care, policy and elected leaders regarding health care coverage, testing and resources included in the four federal COVID-19 aid packages passed by Congress since early March.

“Congress directed that testing be provided at no cost and that the Trump Administration work in partnership with states and local communities on a widespread testing framework to save lives as Governor DeSantis allows businesses to reopen,” said Castor. “It is critical that officials rely on science, data and public health experts, and I want them to have the most up-to-date information on federal laws relating to testing and health coverage.

“The key to reopening and to our neighbors’ peace of mind is testing, testing, testing. Local communities need the Trump Administration to assist with supply chains for PPE, swabs, reagents and other critical supplies. States and local communities should not have to compete with each other. Rather than chaos, we need leadership at the federal level in partnership with state and local communities. These funds are a lifeline for the Tampa Bay area as we work together to ramp up testing and address disparities. I’m in constant contact with local community and health leaders and will continue to work to speed the aid we need back home.”

The memorandum can be read here.