Rep. Fred Upton discusses coronavirus pandemic on 16 Morning News Now

Federal lawmakers are taking action to help boost the American economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic.

Michigan 6th District Rep. Fred Upton spoke with Tricia Sloma on 16 Morning News Now Wednesday to discuss the pandemic’s impact nationally and locally, the timeline of coronavirus testing and social distancing practices.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $100 billion plus package last week to increase testing and help increase paid sick leave and unemployment insurance benefits.

“We expect that (coronavirus testing) to be ramped up all across the state of Michigan, here in Indiana as well,” Upton said. “Literally in the next number of days.”

Upton hopes the U.S. Senate will pass the measure and act quickly on the stimulus package that will inject money directly into the United States economy with payments made directly to citizens.

While citizens wait for federal assistance, Upton stressed the importance of measures that individuals and families can practice during these trying times. He said it is important to break everyday cycle when practicing social distancing.

“We have to limit physical contact with people to break that curve so that we don’t get totally inundated with our hospital facilities with folks that are coming down with this virus.”