THE U.S. Senate passed the nation’s largest-ever rescue package late Wednesday, a US$2t lifeline to suffering Americans, depleted hospitals and an economy ravaged by a rapidly spreading coronavirus crisis.

The monster deal thrashed out between Republicans, Democrats and the White House includes cash payments to American taxpayers and several hundred billion dollars in grants and loans to small businesses and core industries. It also buttresses hospitals desperately in need of medical equipment and expands unemployment benefits.

The measure cleared the Senate by an overwhelming majority and was headed next to the House of Representatives, which must also pass it before it goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.

About US$250 billion in direct payments will be made to people. Those who made up to US$75,000 based on 2018 tax returns are eligible to receive checks of US$1,200. Couples who made up to US$150,000 are eligible to receive US$2,400 with an additional US$500 per child.

Roughly US$100 billion are expected to assist hospitals; US$350 billion to assist small businesses; and US$500 billion in aid for corporations, such as airline companies and cruise lines.

US$150 billion are expected in coronavirus stimulus bill to aid state and local governments, some US$250 billion for expanding unemployment insurance.

The death toll from COVID-19 in the United States surpassed 1,000 as of 10:30 pm U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.

A total of 1,031 people have died from the novel coronavirus in the country, where there are currently 68,572 confirmed cases, the CSSE said.

New York state suffered the most deaths in the country at 366, 280 of which occurred in New York City. Washington State reported 133 fatalities and California 65, according to the CSSE.

(SD-CGTN)