U.S. House of Reps passes Coronavirus relief bill

The United States House of Representatives have passed a coronavirus relief bill. Inclusive in the 110-page bill, are packages that will provide free testing and paid sick leave, in a bid to limit the economic damages from the pandemic that has led to shutting down of schools, sports arenas and offices.

By a bipartisan vote of 363 to 40, the Democratic-controlled House passed the multi-billion dollar effort that would launch safety-net programs to help those who could be thrown out of work in the weeks to come. The bill would provide two weeks of paid sick and family leave for those affected by the virus. Businesses would get a tax credit to help cover the expense. U.S. Economists have earlier predicted that the outbreak, which has infected 138,000 people worldwide and killed more than 5,000, could lead the U.S. economy into recession.

U.S. President Donald Trump has shown his support for the bill. Trump tweeted: “Good teamwork between Republicans & Democrats as the House passes the big CoronaVirus Relief Bill. People really pulled together. Nice to see!” Trump’s support is likely to influence the bill passage at the Republican controlled U.S. senate.