COVID-19: Federal Efforts Could Be Strengthened by Timely and Concerted Actions, Report to Congressional Committees   [open pdf - 11MB]

From the Highlights: "As of September 10, 2020, the U.S. had over 6.3 million cumulative reported cases of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] and over 177,000 reported deaths, according to federal agencies. The country also continues to experience serious economic repercussions and turmoil. Four relief laws, including the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act, were enacted as of September 2020 to provide appropriations to address the public health and economic threats posed by COVID-19. As of July 31, 2020, the federal government had obligated a total of $1.6 trillion and expended $1.5 trillion of the COVID-19 relief funds as reported by federal agencies on USAspending.gov. The CARES Act includes a provision for GAO [Government Accountability Office] to report bimonthly on its ongoing monitoring and oversight efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This third report examines key actions the federal government has taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving lessons learned relevant to the nation's response to pandemics."