As infectious diseases and HIV specialists on the frontlines of responses to COVID-19 across the country, members of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and its HIV Medicine Association welcome the president's announcement Sunday that he has amended his projected duration for stay-at-home and physical distancing guidelines to last at least through April based on medical and public health guidance.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America commends March 24 action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to open access through its emergency Investigational Drug Applications to treatment with COVID-19 convalescent plasma for patients suffering severe or life-threatening impacts of the disease.

As infectious diseases and HIV specialists and other health workers confronting the mounting challenges of COVID-19 without a vaccine, proven treatment and adequate diagnostic tools, we are troubled by President Trump’s suggestions that restrictions on gathering and travel may be lifted soon, or before an arbitrary date.

In the midst of the new global health threat posed by COVID-19, this World TB Day reminds us that global efforts to control the world’s leading infectious disease killer must be accelerated to rid us of our oldest pandemic.

Infectious disease and HIV physicians, healthcare epidemiologists and other medical professionals on the frontlines defending our country from COVID-19 urgently need equipment and supplies to protect themselves, identify infections, treat patients, and save lives.

With attention to diagnostic, treatment, health care and community needs that must be met if we are to reverse the trajectory of COVID-19 spread in the United States, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act addresses some of the most critical challenges facing our country in the weeks and months ahead.