American Lives Depend on an Immediate and Robust Response to Coronavirus

Dear Friends,

The outbreak of coronavirus has gripped the American public and the world. This global threat demands a coordinated and comprehensive effort to stop the spread of this virus and protect our communities.

This week, Congress took critical action to confront the coronavirus epidemic. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a $8.3 billion coronavirus emergency response package. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in a vote of 415–2. The following day, the Senate advanced the legislation, and on Friday morning the President signed it into law.

H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, delivers the smart, strong and science-based response to this crisis that Americans need and expect. Among other provisions, H.R. 6074:

• Commits more than $3 billion to the development of treatments and a coronavirus vaccine and includes an additional $300 million to ensure Americans will have access to the vaccine regardless of their ability to pay; 
• Provides $2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention, preparedness and response, including nearly a billion dollars specifically to alleviate the immense financial strain on state, local, tribal and territorial hospitals and health systems;
• Supports nearly $1 billion for procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, to support healthcare preparedness and Community Health Centers and to improve medical surge capacity;
• Pledges $435 million to support health systems overseas to prevent, prepare, and respond to the coronavirus;
• Allows Medicare providers to extend telemedicine services to seniors regardless of where they live, at an estimated cost of $500 million; and
• Delivers $1 billion in loan subsidies to be made available to small businesses impacted by the virus, enabling the Small Business Administration to provide $7 billion in low-interest loans to affected businesses.

With more than 40 cases of coronavirus in New York State and thousands under quarantine, I want to take a few moments to share some basic information on how to keep you, your family and your loved ones safe and healthy. 

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of 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.
•  Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • 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. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• 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.
    

Coronavirus has already impacted many aspects of daily life in the United States, including closures of school systems and creating shortages of products such as facemasks, hand-sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Unfortunately, this widespread panic has also resulted in a surge in xenophobia, particularly in anti-Asian racism.

Being Chinese or Asian American does not in any way increase the chance of getting or spreading coronavirus. I am thankful for the work of my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to dispel the unfounded stigma and discrimination against the Asian American community in the United States and abroad.

Experts are continuing to learn more about coronavirus each day. The CDC and WHO provide updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals.  You can sign up for the CDC's email updates here and WHO's email updates here. The State Department also provides a list of travel advisories for those who are planning to travel outside of the United States.

I promise to continue fighting to advance legislation that provides a robust and swift response to coronavirus.

In the midst of this outbreak, I thank the incredible efforts of our healthcare workers, who are putting their lives on the line each day. Their safety and well-being must be a priority throughout the course of this public health emergency.