Coronavirus

In response to the recent global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), I want to provide you with important information that will help you and your family stay healthy and informed on the virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers the coronavirus to be a serious public health threat. It is important that you are aware of the disease and take the necessary efforts to prevent its spread.

What is it?

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The 2019 novel coronavirus is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illnesses, like the common cold.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the coronavirus usually appear within 2-14 days after exposure.Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Call your health care professional if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. There are everyday preventive actions you can take to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and other respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Here is some practical advice from doctors and public health experts to protect families at home and their communities against the spread of coronavirus. 

In Arizona

Arizona is taking proactive steps to limit community spread of COVID-19. The Arizona State Public Health Laboratory can test up to 450 samples a day with results either on the same or following day. This will help identify an infected individual faster, as potential case samples will no longer have to be sent out of state for testing. In-state testing will help limit the spread of COVID-19, and health officials will be able to quarantine cases to protect the wider public.

Congressional Funding for Coronavirus

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a bill with my support to provide $7.8 billion in emergency supplemental funding for the U.S. response to coronavirus. This funding will be used to produce broadly available diagnostic tests, develop medicine to treat the infected, research and develop vaccines, procure vaccines when available, and assist with state and local response efforts.

Travel

As of now, the CDC recommends that travelers avoid nonessential travel to China, Iran, South Korea, and Italy due to widespread transmission of the coronavirus. In addition, the CDC advises that older adults or people suffering from chronic medical conditions postpone travel to Japan. For the most up to date information,please visit the CDC website by clicking here.

Additional Information

To stay up to date, I highly encourage you to visit some of the following websites for the latest information.

• The Arizona Department of Health Services has up to date information on cases and testing for COVID-19 in Arizona.
  
  
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)website has updated information on coronavirus symptoms, treatments, and frequently asked questions.
  
  
• The State Department has information for people who are traveling or plan to travel outside of the United States.

• The Phoenix Department of Veterans Affairs has information about facility status and service information. 

• The Department of Veterans of Affairs has information on resources for veterans. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact either my Washington, DC or Surprise district office at the phone numbers below.