On March 13, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This declaration freed $50 billion in federal resources to combat the spread of the virus, which had infected over 1,600 Americans at that time. Alongside the national emergency, additional travel bans were imposed on non-U.S. citizens traveling from 26 European countries to limit the virus spread. Many U.S. states and local governments began implementing restrictions, including event cancellations, school closures, and shifts to remote work and learning. This day marked a critical escalation in the U.S. response to the pandemic, profoundly impacting daily life and government policy across the country.
Locally, many communities saw closures of schools, libraries, government offices, and cancellations of public events and performances. Social and religious gatherings shifted online or outside to comply with new health directives. Economic rescue packages were being negotiated in Congress to support those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
March 13, 2020, is widely seen as a turning point for the U.S. in recognizing and responding to the seriousness of the pandemic, triggering widespread changes in public health policy and societal behavior.
