WEBVTT 00:00.739 --> 00:04.136 - Good morning to all the people of Puerto Rico, 00:04.136 --> 00:06.420 good morning to all of the press, 00:06.420 --> 00:08.084 thank you for being here once again. 00:08.084 --> 00:11.344 We are here to update you on the current situation 00:11.344 --> 00:12.594 of Puerto Rico, 00:15.059 --> 00:17.778 what transpired in the past 24 hours, 00:17.778 --> 00:20.230 where we're at in the critical priorities. 00:20.230 --> 00:22.805 And I remind you that our priorities at this juncture 00:22.805 --> 00:26.842 are to make sure that food, water and other supplies 00:26.842 --> 00:29.398 get delivered to the people of Puerto Rico, 00:29.398 --> 00:31.803 that we can have an effective rotation 00:31.803 --> 00:35.303 to have hospitals working so that they can 00:35.977 --> 00:38.476 give proper service to our most vulnerable. 00:38.476 --> 00:41.769 To make sure that we establish communications 00:41.769 --> 00:45.936 and telecommunications as quickly and effectively as we can. 00:46.008 --> 00:49.175 To distribute and to provide energy to 00:49.768 --> 00:53.018 major important areas such as hospitals 00:53.465 --> 00:55.132 and water supplying. 00:58.349 --> 01:00.349 And air traffic control, 01:00.528 --> 01:03.611 as well as maintenance and accounting 01:04.173 --> 01:08.090 of the assets that are coming into Puerto Rico. 01:08.785 --> 01:10.405 I want to remind you that if you want 01:10.405 --> 01:12.988 to help Puerto Rico in any way, 01:13.600 --> 01:15.787 we have several vehicles to do so. 01:15.787 --> 01:18.355 UnitedforPuertoRico.com provides a platform 01:18.355 --> 01:20.978 for anybody that wants to donate. 01:20.978 --> 01:23.145 As well as our 800 number. 01:24.999 --> 01:26.499 It's 202 800 3134. 01:30.544 --> 01:34.119 We want to report that in terms of the personnel, 01:34.119 --> 01:37.320 we have increased, the DoD has increased their presence 01:37.320 --> 01:39.653 from 4600 about 36 hours ago 01:42.943 --> 01:44.110 to about 6400. 01:46.835 --> 01:49.502 So as you can see there is increased capability. 01:49.502 --> 01:51.677 Those capabilities are expected to increase, 01:51.677 --> 01:55.668 reach to a point where it'll increase and decrease 01:55.668 --> 01:57.465 depending on the necessities. 01:57.465 --> 02:01.632 Remember that the DoD is supporting on certain tasks, 02:01.896 --> 02:03.313 logistical tasks. 02:04.120 --> 02:06.239 So for example if a task is finished, 02:06.239 --> 02:08.795 some of those assets might be retrieved, 02:08.795 --> 02:11.113 while if other ones come in, 02:11.113 --> 02:13.030 new assets might ensue. 02:15.182 --> 02:18.254 By the same token, FEMA has all of their personnel helping 02:18.254 --> 02:22.421 in different areas of logistics, of distributions. 02:23.922 --> 02:26.318 Making sure that generators are installed, 02:26.318 --> 02:28.856 and getting to the appropriate places 02:28.856 --> 02:30.856 based on our priorities. 02:32.330 --> 02:34.852 I would also like to announce that I will be traveling 02:34.852 --> 02:37.352 today on some of the missions. 02:38.332 --> 02:41.846 Today we'll be going to Vieques and Culebra, 02:41.846 --> 02:43.263 as well as Anasco 02:43.520 --> 02:45.937 to provide services and food, 02:49.748 --> 02:53.581 and as well as to communicate with the leaders 02:53.637 --> 02:55.720 in those different areas. 02:56.253 --> 03:00.420 I would like to state that our dual-status commander 03:00.716 --> 03:04.049 for the National Guard is General Reyes, 03:04.142 --> 03:08.142 and our state coordinator is Secretary Vasquera. 03:10.172 --> 03:12.505 As well as let you know that 03:12.933 --> 03:16.047 some of the updates on the different priorities 03:16.047 --> 03:18.880 that we're going to be working on. 03:18.951 --> 03:21.954 Number one, gasoline and the distribution of fuel. 03:21.954 --> 03:24.598 We've been increasing the number of gas stations 03:24.598 --> 03:25.765 that are open. 03:26.792 --> 03:30.959 We've gotten to a point where it's over 720 gas stations 03:31.131 --> 03:32.548 that are working. 03:33.089 --> 03:36.672 And that we are verifying that distribution 03:37.502 --> 03:39.585 gets there appropriately. 03:40.336 --> 03:42.089 The different providers have been working 03:42.089 --> 03:44.432 with the private sector to get transportation, 03:44.432 --> 03:46.622 make sure that during night time, 03:46.622 --> 03:49.227 as well as the daytime, they can be distributing fuel, 03:49.227 --> 03:52.817 and it can get to the people of Puerto Rico. 03:52.817 --> 03:56.317 We also informed that we will be receiving 03:56.758 --> 03:59.435 more supplies in the coming days, 03:59.435 --> 04:03.518 in terms of fuel, both in gasoline and in diesel. 04:04.495 --> 04:06.662 We expect that we will get 04:07.874 --> 04:10.791 300,000 barrels of diesel by today, 04:14.835 --> 04:16.502 100,000 of gasoline. 04:18.531 --> 04:20.198 Next couple of days, 04:22.166 --> 04:25.666 close to half a million barrels of diesel, 04:26.139 --> 04:29.056 and close to a million of gasoline. 04:29.338 --> 04:32.495 So the flow is coming, gasoline is getting here. 04:32.495 --> 04:34.912 And we have sustained levels, 04:35.750 --> 04:38.250 as we use diesel and gasoline, 04:38.351 --> 04:40.768 but also are refurbishing it. 04:41.027 --> 04:42.110 So right now, 04:43.746 --> 04:47.913 we're at close to 550,000 barrels of diesel in Puerto Rico, 04:50.163 --> 04:54.330 and 470,000 barrels of gasoline in Puerto Rico as well. 04:57.621 --> 04:59.608 I would like to reiterate to the municipalities 04:59.608 --> 05:03.556 that they can sign contracts with our general services 05:03.556 --> 05:07.502 accounts that will allow them to get fuel for their needs 05:07.502 --> 05:09.002 as a municipality. 05:09.294 --> 05:12.236 And this is critical, because in this united front, 05:12.236 --> 05:15.007 in this collaboration, it is essential that 05:15.007 --> 05:17.924 we provide the services, the needs, 05:19.238 --> 05:21.693 so that municipalities can work appropriately 05:21.693 --> 05:25.425 and help in the supply chain that we're working on. 05:25.425 --> 05:28.440 So right now we have 16 municipalities 05:28.440 --> 05:30.802 that have gone into those contracts, 05:30.802 --> 05:34.711 and we hope and expect that more will be jumping in as well. 05:34.711 --> 05:36.658 I'd like to talk a little bit about the food 05:36.658 --> 05:40.778 and water supplies that are going around Puerto Rico 05:40.778 --> 05:42.150 and through Puerto Rico. 05:42.150 --> 05:44.680 And again, use it as an example of the importance 05:44.680 --> 05:47.551 of the collaboration between the DoD, FEMA, 05:47.551 --> 05:50.712 other federal agencies, the local governments, 05:50.712 --> 05:53.611 our National Guard, and the municipalities. 05:53.611 --> 05:56.388 It is critical that we can establish what the needs are, 05:56.388 --> 05:58.266 what the expectations are, 05:58.266 --> 06:00.774 and that we can showcase that this food 06:00.774 --> 06:03.607 and this water are being delivered 06:03.785 --> 06:06.202 to the people of Puerto Rico. 06:06.639 --> 06:10.806 As you know, yesterday we received about 214 containers 06:11.373 --> 06:15.373 from FEMA that are being and will be distributed 06:16.208 --> 06:19.164 to the regional staging centers across Puerto Rico, 06:19.164 --> 06:22.408 as well as some particular missions that FEMA 06:22.408 --> 06:25.075 and that the DoD will embark on. 06:25.336 --> 06:27.274 I'd like to announce that yesterday 06:27.274 --> 06:30.107 59 missions went out individually. 06:30.646 --> 06:32.688 Aside from the missions that went to 06:32.688 --> 06:34.816 the regional staging areas for bulk food 06:34.816 --> 06:37.483 and for amassing the necessities 06:38.547 --> 06:41.297 for the different municipalities. 06:41.336 --> 06:45.503 59 missions went across the different municipalities. 06:45.582 --> 06:49.749 22 of them from the effort of United For Puerto Rico 06:50.297 --> 06:52.120 from the Office of the First Lady. 06:52.120 --> 06:54.370 13 from the National Guard, 06:54.478 --> 06:58.145 and 24 from FEMA and other federal agencies. 06:58.145 --> 07:02.312 As well as two efforts towards airlifting food and water 07:03.634 --> 07:07.801 to communities, or to townships that have communities 07:09.507 --> 07:13.502 that are very much so limited in terms of the access. 07:13.502 --> 07:16.025 And those are Utuado and Jayuya. 07:16.025 --> 07:19.158 Those two towns have had severe devastation 07:19.158 --> 07:20.961 in terms of their infrastructure. 07:20.961 --> 07:22.633 Some of the communities are disconnected, 07:22.633 --> 07:26.800 so one of the main efforts that the DoD will take on 07:27.759 --> 07:30.312 will be making sure that we can air supply 07:30.312 --> 07:32.937 some food and water to those communities 07:32.937 --> 07:36.104 while we establish a direct connection 07:36.852 --> 07:38.352 through the roads. 07:39.315 --> 07:41.464 I would also like to state that in this spirit 07:41.464 --> 07:43.572 and in the effort of collaboration, 07:43.572 --> 07:46.207 we have 11 regional staging areas, 07:46.207 --> 07:49.109 but there is an expectation now to increase those. 07:49.109 --> 07:50.692 Hopefully above 25, 07:52.375 --> 07:55.292 and the expectation is in doing so, 07:55.926 --> 07:58.176 in the next couple of days, 07:58.192 --> 08:00.141 that we start increasing that number 08:00.141 --> 08:02.558 from 11 to 25 and maybe more. 08:06.115 --> 08:08.115 It's a logistical issue. 08:08.628 --> 08:11.923 The more nodes that we have across Puerto Rico, 08:11.923 --> 08:15.029 the easier it is to get access to food and water 08:15.029 --> 08:17.112 for these municipalities. 08:17.341 --> 08:20.215 So the DoD and FEMA, and our government, 08:20.215 --> 08:22.406 are working together so that we can establish 08:22.406 --> 08:25.489 some of these locations and make sure 08:25.920 --> 08:29.019 that food and water gets distributed appropriately 08:29.019 --> 08:30.602 across Puerto Rico. 08:31.696 --> 08:35.779 There are close to 600 federal emergency officers 08:37.977 --> 08:40.472 that are working these routes. 08:40.472 --> 08:41.673 So there's plenty of people. 08:41.673 --> 08:44.324 And I would like to state that the State Guard 08:44.324 --> 08:47.010 and the National Guard are critical in this effort. 08:47.010 --> 08:50.260 The State Guard maintaining and running 08:50.440 --> 08:52.022 the regional staging areas, 08:52.022 --> 08:53.800 and the National Guard helping deliver 08:53.800 --> 08:56.100 some of the food and water supplies that are necessary 08:56.100 --> 08:57.946 for the people of Puerto Rico. 08:57.946 --> 08:59.989 So food and water is getting there, 08:59.989 --> 09:02.608 it is increasing, the logistics and the visibilities 09:02.608 --> 09:04.525 are increasing as well, 09:05.309 --> 09:07.524 although as I've stated before, 09:07.524 --> 09:11.107 we recognize we still need to do much more. 09:11.634 --> 09:13.742 So we're getting everybody involved 09:13.742 --> 09:16.030 from the government, from the not-for-profit sector, 09:16.030 --> 09:17.966 from the private sector, to be part of this effort 09:17.966 --> 09:21.633 so that we can distribute food and resources 09:21.955 --> 09:23.907 everywhere in Puerto Rico. 09:23.907 --> 09:26.855 Telecoms is another critical component. 09:26.855 --> 09:29.525 We've increased now to 36% of the clients 09:29.525 --> 09:32.025 having service in Puerto Rico. 09:32.157 --> 09:34.205 As I've stated before the distribution 09:34.205 --> 09:36.100 was one of the critical factors. 09:36.100 --> 09:38.736 Most of the service was provided, 09:38.736 --> 09:40.466 either in the metropolitan area 09:40.466 --> 09:42.574 or in the northeast part of the island. 09:42.574 --> 09:44.932 So our efforts right now have been 09:44.932 --> 09:47.054 to make sure we can get to those antennas 09:47.054 --> 09:49.662 in the parts that are not communicating. 09:49.662 --> 09:52.363 That we can establish either generators 09:52.363 --> 09:54.780 or fuel for those generators. 09:55.402 --> 09:58.999 Or start with priority to align those antennas. 09:58.999 --> 10:01.656 We've been working with several engineers 10:01.656 --> 10:03.995 from the private sector to make sure that happens. 10:03.995 --> 10:06.382 But in the meantime we're also establishing 10:06.382 --> 10:10.049 satcals that will provide immediate coverage 10:12.371 --> 10:15.315 in different areas that right now are not covered. 10:15.315 --> 10:17.979 So in the past few days, we've done so 10:17.979 --> 10:20.979 for the areas of Arrecibo and Ponce. 10:21.877 --> 10:25.661 That has increased, of course the number of clients 10:25.661 --> 10:27.145 that have service. 10:27.145 --> 10:31.312 And today, our expectation is that we will do the same 10:31.918 --> 10:34.410 for Aguadilla, which is the northeastern part of the island, 10:34.410 --> 10:36.264 getting some much-needed communication 10:36.264 --> 10:37.844 to that part of the island. 10:37.844 --> 10:41.337 We reiterate that now that Fajardo and Ceiba are in 10:41.337 --> 10:45.170 landline communications are 100% in full. 10:47.141 --> 10:50.141 And we expect in the coming 72 hours 10:51.821 --> 10:55.821 to install other satcals on Fajardo, Rio Grande, 10:57.173 --> 10:58.423 Humacao, Cidra, 10:59.401 --> 11:01.857 and we're working on the potential 11:01.857 --> 11:05.464 of installing another one in Mayaguez as well. 11:05.464 --> 11:09.464 The total of people in shelter has been reduced. 11:10.401 --> 11:14.234 We're about at 8800 refugees at this juncture. 11:18.008 --> 11:19.425 And 139 shelters. 11:20.840 --> 11:23.923 So again, going from 500 ten days ago 11:25.246 --> 11:27.163 to about 139 right now. 11:28.086 --> 11:30.305 We're consolidating, we're making sure people 11:30.305 --> 11:32.622 get to their homes when they can get to their homes, 11:32.622 --> 11:36.789 and providing alternative housing in the meantime. 11:38.842 --> 11:41.842 We also state that FEMA has embarked 11:42.977 --> 11:46.809 on several missions to identify the damage assessments 11:46.809 --> 11:50.642 on the individuals that go with their tablets, 11:50.889 --> 11:52.481 so they can get all of that data, 11:52.481 --> 11:56.275 and Alejandro will provide some of those stats 11:56.275 --> 11:59.108 once he gets a turn at the podium. 11:59.545 --> 12:02.387 In terms of the ports and the airports, 12:02.387 --> 12:06.054 today we expect to have 39 passenger flights 12:08.870 --> 12:12.120 in Puerto Rico and over 250 in general. 12:12.780 --> 12:14.407 That number again has been increasing, 12:14.407 --> 12:17.930 from six that we had on the 22nd of September, 12:17.930 --> 12:20.430 to 17 on the 27th, and now 35. 12:22.763 --> 12:24.929 And the expectation again is 12:24.929 --> 12:27.297 within the next couple of days, 12:27.297 --> 12:29.214 hopefully under a week, 12:30.178 --> 12:32.600 we can get to maximum efficiency 12:32.600 --> 12:35.683 by getting about 60 of these flights. 12:39.512 --> 12:42.595 In terms of hospitals and healthcare, 12:43.060 --> 12:45.056 and public health emergency. 12:45.056 --> 12:46.972 This is another critical aspect. 12:46.972 --> 12:49.273 We're attending to an emergency, 12:49.273 --> 12:51.600 but we're also preparing to prevent 12:51.600 --> 12:55.767 what could be other public health emergency crises. 12:56.033 --> 12:58.887 So it is important that we attend to our hospitals, 12:58.887 --> 13:01.369 that everybody knows where those hospitals are. 13:01.369 --> 13:03.869 You can see them at status.pr, 13:04.173 --> 13:07.076 all the information is there on the 51 hospitals 13:07.076 --> 13:09.882 that either are energized, which are nine of them, 13:09.882 --> 13:12.715 or that are running on diesel fuel 13:12.796 --> 13:16.479 and that have been prioritized by FEMA logistic loop 13:16.479 --> 13:20.646 so that they can get their fuel and operate effectively. 13:23.391 --> 13:26.284 HHS has identified and is working on preparing 13:26.284 --> 13:28.534 the super medical shelters, 13:29.685 --> 13:32.768 with a capacity of over 250 patients, 13:33.667 --> 13:37.834 in Mayaguez, Manati, Ponce, Bayamon, and San Juan, 13:39.286 --> 13:41.343 Fajardo being the only region 13:41.343 --> 13:44.343 where that effort has not commenced. 13:45.944 --> 13:50.111 We expect that the USS Comfort will be here in Puerto Rico 13:50.364 --> 13:52.122 between the third and the fourth. 13:52.122 --> 13:55.034 That will give Puerto Rico an additional 13:55.034 --> 13:59.201 an additional degree of freedom to get more patients 14:01.486 --> 14:02.736 to get service. 14:03.997 --> 14:07.830 The USS Comfort can take up to 1,000 patients. 14:08.092 --> 14:09.732 They could either be airlifted, 14:09.732 --> 14:11.961 or the USS Comfort could dock. 14:11.961 --> 14:15.790 It depends on our necessity to move the USS Comfort 14:15.790 --> 14:17.373 across Puerto Rico, 14:17.514 --> 14:21.097 versus the accessibility of flying patients 14:21.696 --> 14:24.808 from different regions of Puerto Rico. 14:24.808 --> 14:27.412 This is another example where the federal government, 14:27.412 --> 14:28.662 FEMA, HHS, DoD, 14:31.339 --> 14:33.910 local government and municipalities, 14:33.910 --> 14:37.381 need to have a critical loop and conversation 14:37.381 --> 14:41.548 so that we're updated continuously of what's going on. 14:43.313 --> 14:47.480 The DoD has established an effort to support logistics. 14:48.564 --> 14:51.884 We've identified that there are two major areas 14:51.884 --> 14:56.051 in Puerto Rico where we need to provide more healthcare 14:58.559 --> 15:00.226 or hospital support. 15:01.135 --> 15:04.617 The DoD will establish some alternative locations, 15:04.617 --> 15:08.236 those being somewhat in the southeastern part of the island, 15:08.236 --> 15:11.819 and the middle north of the island as well, 15:13.564 --> 15:16.897 so that we can get patients to hospitals 15:17.656 --> 15:20.573 and get the service that they need. 15:21.032 --> 15:23.782 46 out of the 48 dialysis centers 15:24.403 --> 15:26.653 are now in the diesel loop. 15:27.418 --> 15:30.168 They're all, again, at status.pr, 15:30.248 --> 15:32.941 so that patients can find it over there, 15:32.941 --> 15:35.205 or the media can help communicate 15:35.205 --> 15:36.538 where these are. 15:37.708 --> 15:39.312 In terms of personnel, 15:39.312 --> 15:42.562 we spoke about the increase in presence 15:42.566 --> 15:43.816 of DoD support, 15:45.126 --> 15:49.192 over here under the leadership of General Buchanan. 15:49.192 --> 15:52.886 But there's also efforts coming in from EMACs, 15:52.886 --> 15:54.719 from different states. 15:56.821 --> 15:59.029 Let me give you an update on that. 15:59.029 --> 16:01.178 We have solicited about 25 EMACs, 16:01.178 --> 16:03.011 12 of them are active. 16:03.030 --> 16:05.780 That represents about 1200 people 16:06.520 --> 16:08.888 that will be helping in some capacity 16:08.888 --> 16:10.121 here in Puerto Rico, 16:10.121 --> 16:13.704 whether it's technical support or security. 16:13.922 --> 16:15.922 So we have, for example, 16:16.967 --> 16:20.800 we expect we have about 210 soldiers over here 16:22.529 --> 16:26.612 to assist police stations all across Puerto Rico. 16:27.374 --> 16:29.275 We expect to receive more 16:29.275 --> 16:32.034 New Jersey Police Department today. 16:32.034 --> 16:35.698 Yesterday we got four Black Hawks from New York, 16:35.698 --> 16:36.948 and their crew. 16:39.117 --> 16:40.867 And there's close to, 16:43.134 --> 16:46.801 as I said, 64,000 personnel from DoD as well 16:49.436 --> 16:50.686 in Puerto Rico. 16:51.469 --> 16:52.302 6400, yes. 16:54.533 --> 16:57.950 We've also received firefighters, police, 16:58.429 --> 17:02.262 and expect to receive much more today as well. 17:03.382 --> 17:04.965 In terms of energy, 17:06.479 --> 17:09.061 the energy grid and energy production, 17:09.061 --> 17:11.948 yesterday we informed the people of Puerto Rico 17:11.948 --> 17:14.868 and the press that we signed a mission assignment 17:14.868 --> 17:16.550 with the Army Corps of Engineers 17:16.550 --> 17:20.084 so that we can start the critical construction 17:20.084 --> 17:24.001 of energy access for the people of Puerto Rico, 17:24.096 --> 17:26.432 recognizing that our objective is 17:26.432 --> 17:30.599 to get energy as quickly as possible to most places, 17:31.050 --> 17:33.087 to the people of Puerto Rico, 17:33.087 --> 17:36.420 but without hampering the long-term view 17:36.546 --> 17:39.471 of generating a grid that is sustainable, 17:39.471 --> 17:40.721 that is modern, 17:41.091 --> 17:43.755 and that can mitigate some of the impact 17:43.755 --> 17:46.005 that we've had in the past. 17:47.249 --> 17:51.416 Yesterday we got the Isla Grande Airport energized. 17:51.515 --> 17:53.432 The 911 system as well. 17:54.560 --> 17:56.487 Corrections Administration. 17:56.487 --> 17:59.237 The emergency management efforts, 18:00.343 --> 18:02.010 some hotels as well. 18:03.960 --> 18:06.325 And today the efforts will go to energize 18:06.325 --> 18:09.257 the Caracol Terminal and continue on the efforts 18:09.257 --> 18:12.340 with the Val de Rioti Casa de Bombas. 18:17.049 --> 18:20.431 Those are some of the updates that I have. 18:20.431 --> 18:23.547 And also, finally, in terms of aqueducts 18:23.547 --> 18:24.964 and water access. 18:27.030 --> 18:29.947 A generator was installed in Manati 18:30.370 --> 18:32.120 which provides water, 18:33.536 --> 18:35.369 4400 people in Manati. 18:36.416 --> 18:39.168 So some of these efforts in collaboration, again, 18:39.168 --> 18:41.168 with the DoD, with FEMA, 18:42.253 --> 18:45.550 and others are starting to produce some results. 18:45.550 --> 18:48.352 Those are the critical updates that we have. 18:48.352 --> 18:50.935 But also, Alejandro De La Campa 18:51.058 --> 18:52.481 is going to give you some more 18:52.481 --> 18:55.264 perennial details on the actions that the federal government 18:55.264 --> 18:56.597 has been taking. 18:59.102 --> 19:00.102 - Thank you. 19:00.458 --> 19:02.215 Good morning, everybody. 19:02.215 --> 19:04.219 We continue working in close coordination 19:04.219 --> 19:05.731 with the government of Puerto Rico, 19:05.731 --> 19:08.273 with the governor, all the state agencies, 19:08.273 --> 19:11.440 the municipalities and private sector, 19:11.788 --> 19:13.712 private non-profit organizations. 19:13.712 --> 19:17.069 Because this is a whole community concept 19:17.069 --> 19:20.236 that we're working all of us together, 19:20.302 --> 19:24.107 including DoD and all the other federal agencies. 19:24.107 --> 19:26.524 So I'll try not to repeat some of the updates 19:26.524 --> 19:28.149 that the governor just provided, 19:28.149 --> 19:30.745 and I will go through other areas, 19:30.745 --> 19:34.328 or be more specific in some of the numbers. 19:34.487 --> 19:36.650 Our priorities, as I indicated yesterday, 19:36.650 --> 19:40.140 remain the same: saving lives, commodity delivery, 19:40.140 --> 19:42.390 fuel delivery and security, 19:43.135 --> 19:45.306 diesel delivery to hospitals, 19:45.306 --> 19:46.302 hospital assessments, 19:46.302 --> 19:49.552 restorations of the telecommunications, 19:49.615 --> 19:51.992 restoration of the electrical grid, 19:51.992 --> 19:54.670 and restoration of the water and sewer system. 19:54.670 --> 19:56.452 As the governor indicated, 19:56.452 --> 19:59.785 we have been distributing food and water 20:00.426 --> 20:02.509 to the 11 regional areas. 20:04.577 --> 20:05.966 So we continue doing that. 20:05.966 --> 20:08.383 Yesterday we received a barge 20:08.385 --> 20:10.968 with a large quantity of water, 20:11.557 --> 20:15.035 meals, and they're being transported today 20:15.035 --> 20:17.535 to the regional staging areas. 20:17.733 --> 20:20.341 We started that process yesterday, 20:20.341 --> 20:21.638 and will continue today. 20:21.638 --> 20:24.531 And in addition, yesterday we were able to 20:24.531 --> 20:27.031 transport to 21 municipalities 20:28.695 --> 20:31.278 direct transportation for food, 20:32.315 --> 20:33.898 and also for water. 20:34.106 --> 20:37.439 The municipalities were Jayuya, Vieques, 20:37.709 --> 20:40.959 Orocovis, San Isabel, Fajardo, Corozal, 20:41.262 --> 20:43.512 Canovanas, Loisa, Orocovis, 20:43.890 --> 20:46.973 Lares, Utuado, Luquillo and San Juan. 20:47.804 --> 20:49.510 So we're doing it both ways. 20:49.510 --> 20:52.273 We're sending to the regional staging areas, 20:52.273 --> 20:55.773 and such 57 municipalities have been going 20:57.316 --> 21:00.318 to the regional staging areas to pick up commodities. 21:00.318 --> 21:03.337 We are transporting directly to some other municipalities, 21:03.337 --> 21:07.087 that for different reasons are not able to go 21:07.217 --> 21:08.975 to the regional staging areas. 21:08.975 --> 21:12.448 This morning we were discussing with General Buchanan, 21:12.448 --> 21:13.865 Governor Rosello, 21:15.096 --> 21:17.938 the new plan that we're planning to establish. 21:17.938 --> 21:21.296 So increasing the number of regional staging areas, 21:21.296 --> 21:23.796 probably over 25, close to 30. 21:25.715 --> 21:27.663 That number will be determined based on 21:27.663 --> 21:30.595 the National Guard capabilities in the armory. 21:30.595 --> 21:34.678 So that way we can increase the delivery process. 21:36.101 --> 21:38.768 In terms of the fuel task force, 21:40.860 --> 21:43.789 we are currently refueling 31 medical facilities 21:43.789 --> 21:46.456 on a three-and-a-half-day cycle. 21:47.284 --> 21:50.617 For the Department of Health priorities. 21:51.777 --> 21:55.071 Yesterday we provided fuel to seven hospitals 21:55.071 --> 21:56.571 around the island, 21:57.296 --> 22:00.180 today we're providing fuel to an additional 22:00.180 --> 22:03.029 eight hospitals all over the island, 22:03.029 --> 22:05.177 not just in the metropolitan area. 22:05.177 --> 22:06.960 We have the details for the media 22:06.960 --> 22:08.897 if you would like to have those details 22:08.897 --> 22:11.147 after the press conference. 22:11.922 --> 22:14.755 Related to the medical task force, 22:14.863 --> 22:18.696 nine hospitals are now back on the grid power, 22:19.094 --> 22:22.761 69 facility assessments have been completed. 22:23.060 --> 22:27.223 50 facilities or hospitals are operational at this time. 22:27.223 --> 22:28.588 They are now pending assessments. 22:28.588 --> 22:32.755 As the governor said, 46 of the 48 of the dialysis centers 22:35.223 --> 22:36.556 are operational. 22:37.683 --> 22:40.229 Seven disaster medical assistance teams 22:40.229 --> 22:43.096 were deployed to the municipalities of Fajardo, 22:43.096 --> 22:44.929 Mayaguez and Arrecibo. 22:45.299 --> 22:46.902 That was done yesterday, 22:46.902 --> 22:50.091 today we will have additional disaster medical assistance 22:50.091 --> 22:53.758 teams deploying to different municipalities. 22:55.397 --> 22:58.397 Related to the utilities task force, 22:58.650 --> 23:01.483 we continue coordination with EPA, 23:03.901 --> 23:07.068 with HHS, FEMA, Department of Defense, 23:07.339 --> 23:11.506 to initiate planning for the isolated communities. 23:13.120 --> 23:15.993 We're working on a specific plan to address them. 23:15.993 --> 23:19.485 We have been able to address it on a daily basis, 23:19.485 --> 23:22.516 but we would like to have a comprehensive plan 23:22.516 --> 23:25.097 for those isolated communities because of 23:25.097 --> 23:28.097 landslides, roads that been damaged. 23:29.205 --> 23:33.001 It's gonna be for a while until we can reach them. 23:33.001 --> 23:34.283 In terms of communications, 23:34.283 --> 23:36.189 the Fire Department of New York 23:36.189 --> 23:38.838 is coordinating with the Puerto Rico Fire Department 23:38.838 --> 23:40.839 to restore communications. 23:40.839 --> 23:44.122 Satellite phones requested to provide interim communication. 23:44.122 --> 23:47.458 So we have another example of the cooperation 23:47.458 --> 23:50.270 through EMAC of different entities. 23:50.270 --> 23:52.553 The Fire Department of New York 23:52.553 --> 23:56.146 working with the Fire Department in Puerto Rico. 23:56.146 --> 23:58.300 And that's part of the whole community effort. 23:58.300 --> 24:00.217 We all need to respond, 24:00.694 --> 24:04.194 we all have a responsibility in these efforts. 24:04.194 --> 24:06.944 Related to temporary restoration, 24:07.332 --> 24:10.314 we continue with the installation in critical facilities. 24:10.314 --> 24:12.302 They are hospitals, they are water, 24:12.302 --> 24:16.302 and sewage treatment plants and other facilities 24:16.341 --> 24:18.312 that have been identified. 24:18.312 --> 24:20.691 Yesterday we completed several installations 24:20.691 --> 24:22.191 across the island. 24:22.276 --> 24:25.550 Today we will continue with the leading efforts 24:25.550 --> 24:28.191 of the Department of Defense principally, 24:28.191 --> 24:30.486 the US Army Corps of Engineers. 24:30.486 --> 24:32.854 Related to bulk water distribution, 24:32.854 --> 24:35.884 yesterday we delivered 30,000 gallons of water 24:35.884 --> 24:37.801 to 14 dialysis centers, 24:39.515 --> 24:43.334 and 102,000 gallons of water to several hospitals 24:43.334 --> 24:44.834 around the island. 24:45.877 --> 24:49.752 In addition, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewage Authority 24:49.752 --> 24:52.152 has several oasis locations around the island 24:52.152 --> 24:54.902 to provide water to the families. 24:56.349 --> 24:57.932 Airport operations. 24:58.651 --> 25:01.731 Roosevelt Roads status is capable of, 25:01.731 --> 25:03.315 former Roosevelt Road Airport, 25:03.315 --> 25:05.815 capable of 24-hour operations. 25:06.570 --> 25:09.794 And airfield is under the Air Force command, 25:09.794 --> 25:13.794 and we are conducting most of our operations now 25:14.579 --> 25:17.494 from the Seva Airport that is becoming 25:17.494 --> 25:19.614 our incident support base. 25:19.614 --> 25:21.641 As the governor indicated earlier, 25:21.641 --> 25:23.975 the San Juan Airport is open for business, 25:23.975 --> 25:28.142 and is capable of handling over 250 flights per day. 25:28.875 --> 25:31.806 In terms of assistance to the families and individuals, 25:31.806 --> 25:35.223 we have received over 63,000 applications 25:37.672 --> 25:39.505 since Hurricane Maria, 25:40.546 --> 25:43.560 and we have disbursed close to $7 million 25:43.560 --> 25:47.401 to the families that applied for assistance from FEMA. 25:47.401 --> 25:49.470 And this covers the entire island. 25:49.470 --> 25:51.887 As we have indicated earlier, 25:52.565 --> 25:54.591 we're sending our teams to areas 25:54.591 --> 25:56.798 where there's no telecommunications 25:56.798 --> 26:00.399 with electronic tablets so they can take registrations 26:00.399 --> 26:04.566 from the families and individuals around the island, 26:04.901 --> 26:06.891 and that's why we have that large number 26:06.891 --> 26:11.058 so far of 63,000 applications already across the island. 26:11.701 --> 26:13.856 That includes all municipalities 26:13.856 --> 26:17.939 and is in a way thanks to our teams are going out 26:19.287 --> 26:22.489 and taking registrations even in municipalities 26:22.489 --> 26:25.489 where there's no telecommunications. 26:25.597 --> 26:28.339 Now I would like to talk about the efforts 26:28.339 --> 26:32.274 that other agencies are conducting that are very important. 26:32.274 --> 26:34.814 And those are the private non-profit organizations. 26:34.814 --> 26:38.901 Those are doing an outstanding job in support of FEMA, 26:38.901 --> 26:42.169 in support of the Government of Puerto Rico. 26:42.169 --> 26:45.793 So we are coordinating closely with voluntary agencies 26:45.793 --> 26:47.832 for the administration of emergency supplies 26:47.832 --> 26:49.872 to remote areas of concern. 26:49.872 --> 26:54.039 For example, the Lion's Grove Club in Puerto Rico, 26:56.202 --> 26:58.387 and the Department of the Family 26:58.387 --> 27:01.387 yesterday distributed 600 food boxes 27:01.639 --> 27:04.222 to the municipality of Managua, 27:04.234 --> 27:06.291 and they will continue doing that today. 27:06.291 --> 27:09.874 Heart To Heart, another private non-profit, 27:10.472 --> 27:13.282 have performed taking care of hospitals 27:13.282 --> 27:16.408 and taking care of patients in the municipalities 27:16.408 --> 27:20.575 of Caguas, Cayey, Aibonito, Barraquitas and Jayuya. 27:21.036 --> 27:23.286 We have the Salvation Army, 27:23.448 --> 27:27.493 that delivered 6,000 food boxes in seven locations 27:27.493 --> 27:29.410 throughout Puerto Rico. 27:30.937 --> 27:34.505 American Red Cross distributed in the 24 hours 27:34.505 --> 27:37.588 7,000 liters of water and 25,00 meals 27:38.387 --> 27:41.238 to the municipalities of Toa Alta, Toa Baja, 27:41.238 --> 27:45.155 Jatillo, Naranjito, Vega Baja and Quebradillas. 27:46.024 --> 27:48.978 And they are also planning, the American Red Cross, 27:48.978 --> 27:52.240 to distribute food and water to the municipalities 27:52.240 --> 27:55.323 of Trujillo Alto, Utuado and Comerio. 27:57.165 --> 28:00.557 The Department of the Family distribute four trucks 28:00.557 --> 28:03.974 with 600 food boxes to Llauco and Mericao 28:05.940 --> 28:08.557 and completed their mission to Orocovis 28:08.557 --> 28:12.224 serving food and water to over 400 families. 28:15.392 --> 28:17.803 The Department of Agriculture distributed food 28:17.803 --> 28:20.720 for 100 individuals in six shelters 28:21.370 --> 28:22.870 located in Manati. 28:24.914 --> 28:27.831 And Feeding America is working with 28:28.510 --> 28:30.402 the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture 28:30.402 --> 28:34.069 to obtain 57 additional trucks to serve 1600 28:34.398 --> 28:37.981 food boxes from the Department of Education 28:40.040 --> 28:42.827 federal to senior citizens living centers. 28:42.827 --> 28:45.126 Save the Children distributes food supplies 28:45.126 --> 28:47.459 to five shelters in Bayamon. 28:48.742 --> 28:51.405 So you see that it's not only FEMA, 28:51.405 --> 28:54.006 it's not only DoD, this is a whole community, 28:54.006 --> 28:58.173 we all are supporting the efforts across the island. 28:59.759 --> 29:01.856 In terms of infrastructure and support 29:01.856 --> 29:05.223 to the municipalities, we have been able to approve 29:05.223 --> 29:08.390 over $21 million to the municipalities 29:10.308 --> 29:13.641 to cover some of their initial response, 29:13.668 --> 29:16.585 under the Public Assistance Program 29:16.631 --> 29:19.059 and we will continue approving funding 29:19.059 --> 29:21.142 to the 78 municipalities. 29:22.310 --> 29:25.967 US Army Corps of Engineers continue with their missions 29:25.967 --> 29:30.134 of generator installation, debris removal operations 29:31.461 --> 29:34.878 and the tarps, the blue plastic sheeting. 29:35.064 --> 29:37.304 Yesterday we initiated that process, 29:37.304 --> 29:41.471 so municipalities already came to our distribution center 29:41.490 --> 29:43.823 to pick up plastic sheeting, 29:43.950 --> 29:46.111 they were the municipalities of Dorados 29:46.111 --> 29:47.876 San Sebastian and Cayey, 29:47.876 --> 29:49.672 and today we have additional municipalities 29:49.672 --> 29:52.188 that will be coming to our distribution center 29:52.188 --> 29:54.355 to distribute those tarps. 29:55.354 --> 29:58.299 In addition we will be transporting them 29:58.299 --> 30:00.416 along with the water and the food 30:00.416 --> 30:02.916 to the regional staging areas. 30:04.966 --> 30:08.466 With that I complete my report, thank you. 30:09.459 --> 30:10.920 - Thank you Alejandro, 30:10.920 --> 30:14.943 and now I will just briefly make remarks in Spanish. 30:14.943 --> 30:18.860 (speaking in foreign language) 38:01.765 --> 38:03.068 - [Woman] Good morning, 38:03.068 --> 38:04.696 we will take some questions, 38:04.696 --> 38:06.086 one question per media outlet, 38:06.086 --> 38:08.586 we will start with Noticentro. 38:08.731 --> 38:12.898 (journalist speaking in foreign language) 38:51.717 --> 38:55.634 (speaking in foreign language) 43:38.199 --> 43:41.964 - I have to reiterate one question per media outlet, 43:41.964 --> 43:43.565 because we are a lot of journalists. 43:43.565 --> 43:44.815 Poro Noticioso. 43:45.708 --> 43:49.875 (journalist speaking in foreign language) 44:00.205 --> 44:04.122 (speaking in foreign language) 44:44.224 --> 44:45.391 - [Woman] NPR. 44:47.031 --> 44:49.141 - [Journalist] Along those lines, 44:49.141 --> 44:51.321 when will you all update the number of deaths 44:51.321 --> 44:53.571 related to Hurricane Maria? 44:54.132 --> 44:56.333 As she said, doctors are reporting around the island 44:56.333 --> 44:58.963 that there are cadavers in their morgues. 44:58.963 --> 45:01.267 We're hearing more and more of this. 45:01.267 --> 45:04.914 In hurricanes the number tends to go up and up, 45:04.914 --> 45:07.052 especially with a dramatic storm like this, 45:07.052 --> 45:09.794 it's hard to imagine that there were only 16 or 19 deaths 45:09.794 --> 45:11.063 related to the storm. 45:11.063 --> 45:13.730 - I get it, and I've always said 45:14.259 --> 45:15.956 that as soon as we get more information, 45:15.956 --> 45:17.808 we will provide it to you. 45:17.808 --> 45:19.492 Our message has been consistent, 45:19.492 --> 45:21.442 this was a devastating event. 45:21.442 --> 45:25.156 Obviously you hope that the number doesn't rise, 45:25.156 --> 45:28.906 but you recognize that that is a possibility. 45:29.352 --> 45:32.769 Our inside commander, Secretary Pasquera, 45:34.663 --> 45:38.413 has been dealing with this situation head on, 45:38.547 --> 45:40.247 so I would like for him to make some comments 45:40.247 --> 45:42.080 on the granular level. 45:43.354 --> 45:44.501 - Thank you, good morning. 45:44.501 --> 45:47.656 We talked to all the hospital owners, managers, whatever, 45:47.656 --> 45:51.823 and we can only certify 16 deaths related to the hurricane. 45:52.437 --> 45:54.921 We're still reviewing those deaths that occur at hospitals 45:54.921 --> 45:57.187 to see if there is any connection whatsoever 45:57.187 --> 45:58.770 with the hurricane. 45:58.811 --> 46:02.098 However, there has bean a lot of rumors out there 46:02.098 --> 46:04.146 that there hospitals that were closed 46:04.146 --> 46:06.231 because of the energy situation 46:06.231 --> 46:08.981 that had bodies in their morgues. 46:09.345 --> 46:11.095 That is not the case. 46:11.113 --> 46:12.801 We have reviewed each and every case 46:12.801 --> 46:16.110 and we've talked to each and every of the hospital managers. 46:16.110 --> 46:17.572 That was not the case, 46:17.572 --> 46:19.358 and I think yesterday I cleared up, 46:19.358 --> 46:22.230 because that was a persistent rumor, 46:22.230 --> 46:25.249 and I want to make sure that it's taken care of. 46:25.249 --> 46:29.416 (journalist speaking in foreign language) 46:57.670 --> 47:01.587 (speaking in foreign language) 48:32.604 --> 48:34.492 - [Journalist] I'll ask the question in English as well 48:34.492 --> 48:35.983 for my English-speaking colleagues. 48:35.983 --> 48:40.150 It's regarding (speaking in foreign language) 48:53.048 --> 48:54.450 I'm asking in regards to the visit of the President 48:54.450 --> 48:56.533 this week, how does that, 48:56.732 --> 48:59.274 it's a sensitive terrain right now 48:59.274 --> 49:01.027 in the limited resources, 49:01.027 --> 49:03.309 how does the local government work around that? 49:03.309 --> 49:04.986 How do some other things compare 49:04.986 --> 49:06.811 and what benefits can we get from his visit 49:06.811 --> 49:08.394 during this crisis? 49:08.712 --> 49:10.396 - Right, well first of all, 49:10.396 --> 49:13.121 the President will come with a lot of the resources 49:13.121 --> 49:14.704 that will maintain, 49:14.755 --> 49:18.922 that will address the logistics as well as the security. 49:20.135 --> 49:22.961 Number one. Number two, why is it important? 49:22.961 --> 49:25.595 I think it's important that the chief executive 49:25.595 --> 49:28.490 of the United States sees first-hand 49:28.490 --> 49:30.576 what's going on in Puerto Rico, number one. 49:30.576 --> 49:33.467 Number two, his visit demonstrates, 49:33.467 --> 49:35.484 his visit and the Vice President's visit later on, 49:35.484 --> 49:37.742 as well as visits of other governors 49:37.742 --> 49:40.659 such as Cuomo and Scott demonstrate 49:40.944 --> 49:44.130 that there is interest to help the people of Puerto Rico 49:44.130 --> 49:46.895 move past this emergency and move past this catastrophe. 49:46.895 --> 49:50.478 Third, I would say that his visit over here 49:51.645 --> 49:55.228 to all of the DoD and the federal employees 49:56.737 --> 49:57.962 is very important. 49:57.962 --> 50:01.712 The federal employees from the emergency side 50:01.913 --> 50:05.080 have been stretched by three disasters 50:06.137 --> 50:09.137 in the past month, month and a half. 50:09.210 --> 50:13.377 So it is important that your chief executive comes, 50:14.462 --> 50:17.432 sees you, sees the work that you're doing, 50:17.432 --> 50:20.002 and recognizes the work that they're doing. 50:20.002 --> 50:22.002 And I think that fourth, 50:22.759 --> 50:24.564 for the people of Puerto Rico it's important to see 50:24.564 --> 50:28.731 that even though this has been a catastrophic situation, 50:29.036 --> 50:30.747 and even though we need to do more, 50:30.747 --> 50:32.997 the President will be here, 50:33.750 --> 50:35.815 and he has not forgotten about the US citizens 50:35.815 --> 50:37.065 of Puerto Rico. 50:37.713 --> 50:39.949 - [Woman] One question per media outlet. CNN. 50:39.949 --> 50:43.866 (speaking in foreign language) 51:49.629 --> 51:52.966 - [Journalist] President Trump has tweeted this morning 51:52.966 --> 51:55.546 that all buildings have been inspected. 51:55.546 --> 51:57.172 Can you confirm that? 51:57.172 --> 51:58.257 - All buildings? 51:58.257 --> 51:59.554 - [Journalist] Have been inspected. 51:59.554 --> 52:01.857 Does that only pertain to government buildings 52:01.857 --> 52:03.357 or all structures? 52:04.174 --> 52:07.091 - I'm not aware of such inspection. 52:07.481 --> 52:09.695 Of course there are areas of Puerto Rico 52:09.695 --> 52:12.500 which we haven't really gotten contact, 52:12.500 --> 52:15.752 perhaps he was referring to a particular set of buildings, 52:15.752 --> 52:19.752 I'm not sure what the context of the message is. 52:19.831 --> 52:20.998 - [Woman] CBS. 52:23.932 --> 52:25.203 - [Journalist] Good morning, Governor. 52:25.203 --> 52:26.765 Just since you've been talking this morning, 52:26.765 --> 52:28.658 the president of the Ponce Research Institute 52:28.658 --> 52:30.198 sent a message saying we desperately need supplies 52:30.198 --> 52:31.862 in Ponce and in areas around it. 52:31.862 --> 52:34.509 In Lares, there's a man who says they've been using 52:34.509 --> 52:38.181 a kid's swimming pool to get rainwater from the roof 52:38.181 --> 52:39.654 that they've been drinking. 52:39.654 --> 52:42.509 You've said this morning that we're doing as much as we can, 52:42.509 --> 52:44.426 but we need to do more. 52:44.642 --> 52:47.669 It is still an emergency situation 11 days 52:47.669 --> 52:49.324 after this hurricane. 52:49.324 --> 52:53.007 What more can you get, what more do you need, 52:53.007 --> 52:56.340 in order to move this past an emergency? 52:56.607 --> 52:58.857 - People, which we're getting. 52:58.857 --> 53:01.440 Resources, which we're getting. 53:01.668 --> 53:04.085 And fine-tuning the logistics 53:04.518 --> 53:06.859 of a new logistical system in Puerto Rico 53:06.859 --> 53:09.426 because the roads have been decimated. 53:09.426 --> 53:11.676 Let me put this in context. 53:15.567 --> 53:17.317 Any state, any state, 53:18.213 --> 53:20.134 that would've passed through the situation 53:20.134 --> 53:21.884 that Puerto Rico has, 53:22.324 --> 53:24.991 would've had as many challenges, 53:26.362 --> 53:28.041 or similar challenges to us. 53:28.041 --> 53:32.152 And any state, any state passing through this situation 53:32.152 --> 53:34.266 would have needed the full support 53:34.266 --> 53:37.223 of anybody that was willing to do it, 53:37.223 --> 53:39.789 in terms of logistics, supplies, and so forth. 53:39.789 --> 53:43.390 Of course, we talked about, early and often, 53:43.390 --> 53:47.557 about how, the differentiating facts of Puerto Rico. 53:48.051 --> 53:50.276 We're an island, the limitations that we have, 53:50.276 --> 53:52.226 the strength of the hurricane, 53:52.226 --> 53:53.809 the ferocity of it. 53:53.890 --> 53:57.557 The impact that it had on all of the island. 53:57.710 --> 53:59.043 But I think it's 54:00.985 --> 54:04.652 a moment that I invite everybody to reflect. 54:06.768 --> 54:09.525 I invite everybody to reflect on this situation. 54:09.525 --> 54:12.692 I know this might not get to everyone, 54:13.370 --> 54:17.537 but nonetheless, I really want to communicate this. 54:21.263 --> 54:24.012 I invite you to reflect on why Puerto Rico 54:24.012 --> 54:28.179 is in the current state of disadvantage and inequality. 54:28.459 --> 54:32.284 It's not something that happened just a few months 54:32.284 --> 54:35.117 or a few weeks prior to the storm. 54:35.243 --> 54:37.807 It is a condition that has happened 54:37.807 --> 54:41.057 for more than a century in Puerto Rico. 54:42.073 --> 54:45.240 I invite you to reflect on the reality 54:45.559 --> 54:49.059 that even after the storm hit Puerto Rico, 54:49.249 --> 54:52.908 and even when it was evident that it was a disaster 54:52.908 --> 54:54.658 in the United States, 54:55.543 --> 54:59.200 only half of our US citizens in the mainland 54:59.200 --> 55:02.617 knew that Puerto Ricans were US citizens. 55:04.963 --> 55:08.046 I invite you to reflect what it means 55:08.380 --> 55:10.880 that because of our condition, 55:12.860 --> 55:15.777 and also in this current situation, 55:16.796 --> 55:20.833 that Puerto Ricans, the US citizens in Puerto Rico, 55:20.833 --> 55:24.833 receive one third of the funding for healthcare, 55:25.787 --> 55:28.977 as would another citizen receive it in the United States. 55:28.977 --> 55:31.977 I invite you to reflect, and ponder, 55:35.089 --> 55:37.672 on the reality that in essence, 55:38.203 --> 55:42.370 half of our population, a population in the United States, 55:42.541 --> 55:45.041 lives under the poverty level. 55:46.434 --> 55:49.220 I invite you to reflect and to consider, 55:49.220 --> 55:52.357 that Puerto Rico has had one of the highest 55:52.357 --> 55:54.747 per-capita participation rates in our military 55:54.747 --> 55:58.480 and armed forces, compared to all the states. 55:58.480 --> 56:02.456 And right now, we have over 150,000 veterans, over here, 56:02.456 --> 56:05.804 that don't get equal treatment just because 56:05.804 --> 56:08.221 they live here on the island. 56:11.994 --> 56:14.827 You know, during this catastrophe, 56:18.122 --> 56:20.955 the President, the Vice President, 56:21.734 --> 56:24.317 state governments, Congressmen, 56:26.099 --> 56:29.432 on a bipartisan, or non-partisan effort, 56:30.400 --> 56:34.067 have responded to the people of Puerto Rico. 56:34.445 --> 56:36.776 Governor Cuomo came over here early 56:36.776 --> 56:38.036 and brought resources. 56:38.036 --> 56:41.764 Governor Christie as well deployed immediately, 56:41.764 --> 56:44.217 as well 17 other governors that have pledged their help 56:44.217 --> 56:47.384 directly to the people of Puerto Rico. 56:47.947 --> 56:50.966 We have spoken to senators, congressmen, 56:50.966 --> 56:54.530 congresswomen, that have pledged their commitment 56:54.530 --> 56:56.806 to help Puerto Rico in an aid package 56:56.806 --> 56:59.306 that has the critical elements 57:00.207 --> 57:02.463 so that we can get through this emergency 57:02.463 --> 57:04.898 and that we can start rebuilding effectively. 57:04.898 --> 57:08.438 And these go all the way from Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, 57:08.438 --> 57:11.188 to Leader Shumer and Cory Booker. 57:13.164 --> 57:14.592 They have pledged their support. 57:14.592 --> 57:18.759 Now, I know that there is more that we need to do. 57:20.922 --> 57:22.865 But it is important that we recognize 57:22.865 --> 57:26.032 that the President, state governments, 57:29.189 --> 57:32.606 are helping, are putting their resources. 57:32.768 --> 57:36.601 And just because one of them, or some of them, 57:36.856 --> 57:39.023 haven't put it on a tweet, 57:40.592 --> 57:44.759 does not mean that they are not working for Puerto Rico. 57:44.804 --> 57:47.956 I am here to tell you, as chief executive of Puerto Rico, 57:47.956 --> 57:50.956 that they are, that they're working. 57:51.292 --> 57:54.292 And that they're working tirelessly, 57:54.972 --> 57:57.456 so that we can get all of the resources. 57:57.456 --> 58:00.373 So I invite all of you to consider, 58:00.648 --> 58:04.565 to think of Puerto Ricans as your constituents. 58:06.352 --> 58:10.519 Think of Puerto Ricans as constituents of your own state. 58:11.266 --> 58:14.349 Think about it as a moral imperative. 58:15.382 --> 58:17.379 Because we are US citizens, but more importantly, 58:17.379 --> 58:20.712 because we're all equal as human beings. 58:22.951 --> 58:26.868 And if we don't, and if we don't consider that, 58:26.873 --> 58:30.040 because of the inequality that exists, 58:31.752 --> 58:34.825 because of the grave challenges that we have 58:34.825 --> 58:37.825 to embark on, then that presumption, 58:39.952 --> 58:43.177 of thinking of Puerto Ricans as your constituents 58:43.177 --> 58:46.896 might come true because of the massive exodus 58:46.896 --> 58:48.646 that it will provoke. 58:49.701 --> 58:52.522 So now, this generation of Puerto Ricans 58:52.522 --> 58:56.022 has had to take on a challenge far greater 58:57.236 --> 58:59.236 than others in the past. 58:59.659 --> 59:01.315 We had a fiscal situation, 59:01.315 --> 59:05.148 a slumping economy for decades in Puerto Rico. 59:07.807 --> 59:09.534 We have a fiscal oversight board, 59:09.534 --> 59:12.451 we have zero access to the markets, 59:12.719 --> 59:15.357 and on top of that we have two major disasters 59:15.357 --> 59:18.274 coming to Puerto Rico back to back. 59:19.334 --> 59:22.166 I know that this is a huge challenge. 59:22.166 --> 59:24.717 I know that this is a huge challenge. 59:24.717 --> 59:27.300 But I implore you, to everyone, 59:29.204 --> 59:32.504 to look at this as a nonpartisan solution. 59:32.504 --> 59:36.587 To forget the fighting, and to focus on outcomes. 59:38.463 --> 59:42.630 And by doing so, we will get out of this emergency, 59:42.646 --> 59:46.646 we will make sure that we stabilize Puerto Rico, 59:47.275 --> 59:50.270 and by doing so, you will be part of the generation 59:50.270 --> 59:54.437 that helps Puerto Rico come out of this stronger than ever. 59:54.739 --> 59:58.906 (journalist speaking foreign language) 01:00:09.960 --> 01:00:13.877 (speaking in foreign language) 01:01:06.101 --> 01:01:07.684 - [Woman] ABC News. 01:01:08.902 --> 01:01:10.105 - [Journalist] Thank you, Governor. 01:01:10.105 --> 01:01:11.427 This might actually be a question better answered 01:01:11.427 --> 01:01:13.717 by the FEMA representative regarding hospitals 01:01:13.717 --> 01:01:15.388 throughout the country. 01:01:15.388 --> 01:01:16.891 Specifically, you said that there were 01:01:16.891 --> 01:01:18.929 50 operational hospitals. 01:01:18.929 --> 01:01:21.248 What do you mean by operational? 01:01:21.248 --> 01:01:23.007 And then you also had mentioned 01:01:23.007 --> 01:01:25.126 that there were two hard-hit areas in the country, 01:01:25.126 --> 01:01:27.221 the southeast and the north central part of the island. 01:01:27.221 --> 01:01:31.157 What's happening in regards to hospitals in those areas? 01:01:31.157 --> 01:01:35.324 - Yes, the Department of Health and Human Services, 01:01:35.340 --> 01:01:38.182 federal, have been conducting assessments 01:01:38.182 --> 01:01:40.785 around the island to all the hospitals. 01:01:40.785 --> 01:01:44.838 And the assessment's results were what I mentioned earlier, 01:01:44.838 --> 01:01:47.671 the number that I reported earlier 01:01:48.329 --> 01:01:51.055 are the ones that are operational. 01:01:51.055 --> 01:01:53.131 That means that either they have electricity, 01:01:53.131 --> 01:01:55.391 at this time we know that only nine hospitals, 01:01:55.391 --> 01:01:58.750 or nine facilities, they have electricity. 01:01:58.750 --> 01:02:01.417 The others are using generators, 01:02:01.937 --> 01:02:05.104 and we are refueling them with diesel. 01:02:05.517 --> 01:02:08.180 Related to the most affected areas, 01:02:08.180 --> 01:02:10.506 the governor has been clear many times. 01:02:10.506 --> 01:02:13.245 That is the southeast and the south part of the island. 01:02:13.245 --> 01:02:15.668 That's where the eye of the storm entered, 01:02:15.668 --> 01:02:19.835 and that's the area that created destructive damage, 01:02:20.242 --> 01:02:23.550 to the municipalities, to the electrical grid, 01:02:23.550 --> 01:02:27.217 to the homes and to other public facilities. 01:02:30.482 --> 01:02:34.649 (journalist speaking in foreign language) 01:03:08.609 --> 01:03:12.526 (speaking in foreign language) 01:04:06.243 --> 01:04:10.410 - [Woman] We conclude the press conference, thank you.