Coronavirus: What you need to know. CONGRESSMAN JOE KENNEDY III. 4TH DISTRICT, MASSACHUSETTS.

The spread of the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) continues to dominate the news and is a top concern for Americans across the country. Our office has received a number of calls, emails and letters in the past few days, particularly with new cases reported in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York and along the West Coast. Our hearts go out to the families and friends who have lost a loved one and those battling the virus.

Given the concern and the amount of misinformation that is spreading across the internet, I wanted to make sure that you had the most up-to-date information so that you and your loved ones are prepared.

Public health experts leading the national response expect the disease to spread in the coming days and weeks. While we cannot predict where or when, you should not be surprised to see the number of positive diagnoses rise significantly. However, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Read below for some of the steps suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and from our outstanding state and local public health departments:

STEPS TO TAKE

• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Though they will not necessarily protect you from the virus, the use of facemasks is still crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).  
• Additionally, if you are planning to travel abroad in the coming weeks, please check the State Department’s travel warnings for more information about potential areas to avoid. Click here for more information.

SYMPTOMS

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE EXPOSED, SICK OR HAVE CONCERNS FOR A LOVED ONE

• If you are in close contact with someone suffering from COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider first and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure.
• If you are a resident in a community where person-to-person spread of COVID-19 has been detected and you develop COVID-19 symptoms, call your healthcare provider first and tell them about your symptoms.
• If you have been in a country or affected area or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you will face some limitations on your movement and activity for up to 14 days. Please follow instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow the spread of this virus.
• For people who are ill with COVID-19, but are not sick enough to be hospitalized, please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness.

 ADDITIONAL PREPARATIONS

• Check on your regular prescription medications to make sure you have an adequate supply.
• Have an adequate supply of nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand such as fluids with electrolytes, pain, flu and cold relievers
• Have soap, tissues and hand sanitizer
• Have extra non-perishable food items at home

CONGRESSIONAL RESPONSE
Coronavirus has the potential to cause severe disruptions across our society.  I’ve been pushing hard to ensure the federal government is ready and able to meet the challenge.

• Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee convened a hearing on the Trump Administration’s response to the coronavirus where I urged Secretary Alex Azar to ensure that all Americans will be able to access critical tests and medication.  
• We pushed congressional leaders to ensure community health centers received additional funding to care for at-risk patients and ensured that these funds did not come at the expense of low-income families who are dependent on LIHEAP.
• I convened an emergency discussion in East Boston with health care experts and local leaders to understand the complexities of dealing with an outbreak and to ensure that Congress allocates sufficient funds and amends critical policies to best address the risks before they happen.
• On March 4, Congress passed an $8.3 billion emergency funding package that will ensure access to testing, treatment, and eventually, vaccines for all patients, invest in medical supplies and preparedness for providers, and help battle the spread of the potential pandemic overseas. To read more about this package, please click here.  It’s a good start, and we are ready to adjust our response as necessary.

Finally, remain vigilant about the source of any information you receive regarding the coronavirus. Rely on federal, state and local public health agencies for timely and accurate information. Be wary of news you read on social media that has not been verified by governmental experts.

If you have specific concerns, do not hesitate to contact our DC office at (202) 225-5931 or our district office at (508) 431-1110.

Should conditions and guidance change, my office will continue to keep Massachusetts residents informed.

All my best, 

JOE KENNEDY III.