Declared in early February as a "global health emergency" by the World Health Organization, the virus has since spread to every continent excluding Antarctica and has taken nearly 3,000 lives. Most deaths are in China where it originated, though officials confirmed on Monday the first two deaths from the disease in the U.S. — both in Washington State — as well as the first case in New York State, according to ABC News.

Healthcare professionals have shown concern for what they see as a lack of preparation. National Nurses United, a trade union, for instance, reports that one patient admitted to UC Davis on February 19 has now sent at least 36 RNs and 88 other health care workers into self-quarantine at home. It also found in a survey of 1,000 registered nurses that only 27 percent reported their practice had a plan for isolating patients with possible coronavirus, while 47 percent do not know if their practice even has a plan.

“Nurses and healthcare workers need optimal staffing, equipment, and supplies to do so,” said Bonnie Castillo, RN, executive director of National Nurses United, in a statement. “This is not the time for hospital chains to cut corners or prioritize their profits. This is the time to go the extra mile and make sure health care workers, patients, and the public are protected at the highest standards.”

The AHA and ANA note in their letter that additional funding may be required as the situation evolves. They request that supplemental funding not be offset by cutting other public health programs.

Negotiators hope to form a bill that can be passed and signed by President Donald J. Trump before a week-long recess that is set to begin on March 13.

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