THE WHITE H0 USE
wasntNoToN

March 26, 2020

To America?s Governors:

As you know, on March 16, 2020, I published my Coronovirns Guideiinesfor America. States,
localities, and citizens across our country have responded to this call to action in full force,
making tremendous sacri?ces in support of our National effort to defeat the virus. I want to
thank each of you, along with your frontline responders and essential workers, for stepping up to
help America confront this unprecedented global pandemic. Together, we are proving that no
challenge can match the indomitable strength, ingenuity, and determination of the American

people.

There is still a long battle ahead, but our efforts are already paying dividends. As we enhance
protections against the virus, Americans across the country are hoping the day will soon arrive
when they can resume their normal economic, social, and religious lives.

in furtherance of this shared goal, my Administration is working to publish new guidelines for
State and local policymakers to use in making decisions about maintaining, increasing, or
relaxing social distancing and other mitigation measures they have put in place.

This is what we envision: Our expanded testing capabilities will quickly enable us to publish
criteria, developed in close coordination with the Nation?s public health of?cials and scientists,
to help classify counties with respect to continued risks posed by the virus. This will incorporate
robust surveillance testing, which allows us to monitor the spread of the virus throughout the
country. Under these data-driven criteria, we will suggest guidelines categorizing counties as
high-risk, medium-risk, or low-risk.

With each passing day, our increasingly extensive testing capabilities are giving us a better
understanding of the virus and its path. As testing gives us more information about who has
been infected, we are tracking the virus and isolating it to prevent further spread. This new
information will drive the next phase in our war against this invisible enemy.

The virus has in?icted a heavy toll on our country. A number of our fellow citizens have
tragically succumbed to its ravages, while many more are ?ghting for their lives. We mourn
alongside those who have lost loved ones, and we send our prayers for the recovery of all who
are still sick. In their honor, we pledge to marshal every resource and power we have to
overcome and vanquish this threat.

Thr?ugh it all, I am deeply inspired by the un?inching dedication cf Americans in every state
who are rallying tegcther tn defeat the virus. I lee-k furward te witnessing that same heundlese
spirit drive our reccyery and quickly return us to the path cf exceptional health, safety, and
prusperity fur all (if our citizens.

Sincerely,