Mnuchin: "We're looking at sending Americans checks immediately" during coronavirus crisis

What he's saying: "Americans need cash now," Mnuchin said. "And I mean now — in the next two weeks."

• It's still unclear who would get money and how much, but Mnuchin indicated it would be aimed at those hurt most by the coronavirus outbreak.
• "We don't need to send people who make a million dollars a year checks," Mnuchin said.
• Some on Capitol Hill and liberal and conservative economists have called for direct government payments of $1,000 to every American adult. Mnuchin said the amount of each check "may be a little bit bigger than what's in the press."

Other highlights:

• Mnuchin also announced that the government will defer up to $300 billion in tax payments, allowing individuals to defer up to $1 million and corporations to defer up to $10 million — interest-free and penalty-free for 90 days.
• He said that the administration intends to keep financial markets open, but shorter hours may be necessary.