Texas Border Business
As your Member of Congress, one of my top priorities is to keep you informed on critical issues such as the coronavirus. My office continues to receive new information regarding the global coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and I want to provide you with the latest information and resources so you can stay up to date and prepared.
This week, I helped pass an $8.3 billion spending package to fund the federal government’s response, including vaccine development, support for state and local governments, and assistance for affected small businesses. Specifically, the supplemental supports the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) repatriation and quarantine efforts, laboratory testing, emergency operations, epidemiological investigations, public information, and surveillance and data analysis.
I spoke to the Appropriations Committee regarding the incident that occurred in San Antonio in order to address the city’s concerns. The city has asked that the CDC change its protocols to ensure that no infected person is a risk to public health. Please see the attached letter here that addresses this issue.
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One of the most effective ways you can mitigate risks to you and your family is to employ routine hygiene practices. Those include: washing your hands regularly, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, and staying home if you are feeling ill.Â
In any public health emergency, it is important to get good, verified information. In the rest of this email, you will find more helpful information from the Center of Disease Control and the Texas Department of Public Health. If you have any further concerns, we encourage you to reach out to my office.
Trusted resources on the coronavirus (COVID-19):
For the latest updates from the Texas Department of Public Health, click here.
For the latest updates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here.
For the latest updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), click here.
Frequently asked questions on the coronavirus (COVID-19):
What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. In rare cases, animal coronaviruses can be transmitted from animals to humans. This novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Typically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
In some cases, COVID-19 can cause more severe respiratory illness.
What can the public do to limit the spread of COVID-19?
The Texas Department of Public Health recommends the following steps to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:
- 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. Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- 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.
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