The LuLac Edition #4,238, March 16th, 2020

MESSAGE FROM SENATOR BOB CASEY ON COVID 19

I know there's a lot of concern right now about the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Pennsylvania and across the country, so I'm reaching out to address your concerns and ensure you have the accurate information you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.
My main priority first and foremost is to protect families and communities within the Commonwealth. As of March 14, Pennsylvania has 47 presumed positive cases of COVID-19. I want to let you know my office is closely monitoring the situation and has been in direct contact with federal, state and local government and public health officials to ensure Pennsylvania receives all necessary resources to keep our communities safe and prepared. In Washington, I worked with my colleagues to pass an emergency funding bill that includes significant resources for Pennsylvania, including at least $16.9 million for public health emergency preparedness activities. I have been focused on calling attention to the additional steps I believe we need to take to mitigate harm for those who are most at risk, such as older adults and people with disabilities. And I will continue to support localities in Pennsylvania that have announced decisive measures to keep their communities safe, like canceling large events and encouraging employees to telework when possible.
Public health experts have indicated that the new coronavirus is spreading more rapidly in the United States, and have emphasized the steps that people should take regardless of whether they are at heightened risk for the disease. Currently, the best advice for protecting your health remains to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; disinfect frequently-touched objects and practice appropriate social distancing. Individuals at higher risk should consider limiting time spent outside the home.
Your public health officials are here to help. The Pennsylvania Health Department will continue to keep Pennsylvanians updated on state response efforts and have made available different resources and emergency planning guidance. These are available at Health.PA.Gov, by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH or by following their social media pages @PAHealthDept. Additional information and resources can be found at CDC.Gov/Coronavirus. If you are traveling, please take care to heed the warnings from the State Department.
My office is also adjusting its operations in the interest of protecting the health and safety of my constituents and my staff. The House and Senate Sergeant at Arms have ordered limited access throughout the United States Capitol complex from 5:00 PM on March 12 through 8:00 AM on April 1, 2020. As a result, my Washington staff will be working remotely and independently to serve the people of the Commonwealth, and all official business will be conducted by e-mail, phone or videoconference. Out of an abundance of caution, my offices in Pennsylvania have also transitioned to virtual meetings and are not able to offer in-person meetings or drop-bys, but will be open and responding to constituent needs and requests. If you have any questions or comments that do not require you to speak with a member of my staff, please feel free to contact my office online and we will respond as quickly as possible. I will continue to re-evaluate the steps my office is taking to ensure everyone's safety, and will make additional changes as necessary.
As we learn more about the coronavirus, I urge all Pennsylvanians to follow the instructions of their medical providers, public health professionals and federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The people of Pennsylvania wish a speedy recovery to those who have contracted COVID-19, and we stand ready to help those patients and families through this challenging time.