FEMA Takes Over Coordinating Role in Federal Coronavirus Response

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has stepped up its role in coordinating the government’s overall response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, while the Department of Health and Human Services continues to lead the health and medical response.

President Donald Trump was expected to explain FEMA’s role during a teleconference Thursday with the nation’s governors from the agency’s headquarters, but he did not. Earlier, at the White House, Vice President Mike Pence said officials intended to “meet at the National Response Coordination Center at FEMA and outline President Trump’s decision to have FEMA take the lead in our national coronavirus response.” ...