Press Releases

I am reaching out to ensure you have the best available information to protect and care for yourself and your loved ones as we learn more about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 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 the efforts necessary to prevent its spread.

Symptoms

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you have visited China within the past two weeks and start to feel ill, call your doctor immediately.

Prevention

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. There are simple everyday preventative actions to help combat the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:

• Stay home except to get medical care
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor
• Wear a facemask
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Avoid sharing personal household items
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Travel Warnings

CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China, South Korea, Iran and Italy. CDC also advises that older adults and those with chronic medical conditions consider postponing nonessential travel to Japan. Travelers should practice usual precautions when traveling to Hong Kong. If you plan to travel internationally, I encourage you to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive important messages, alerts, updates, and travel advisories while you are there.

Further Information

Experts have been working hard to understand this new strain of coronavirus. Because new information is coming out every day, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for the most current information. The CDC website continually updates to provide information on matters relating to public health, the coronavirus, and safety information for both the public as well as healthcare professionals.

As I head back to Washington this week, I wanted to let you know I am working with my House colleagues on a legislative package that would make federal resources available to address the spread of coronavirus, assist medical professionals, and keep West Michigan families safe. My hope is that there will be a bipartisan vote on the legislation this week. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Federal government’s ongoing response to the coronavirus, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.