Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updates and Resources

Dear Friends,

As your Member of Congress, one of my top priorities is to keep you informed on critical issues such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). My office continues to receive new information regarding the global COVID-19 pandemic and I want to provide you with the latest information and resources so you can stay up to date and prepared.

I am in frequent contact with local, state, and federal officials regarding preparedness and protocol in the event a case COVID-19 appears in the 15th District of Texas. As of now, there are no reported or known cases in South Texas or the 15th District of Texas. 

Last week, I voted to 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 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

I shared this update in a press conference last Friday, March 6, 2020 with Dr. John Krause, Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Together, we detailed how the community is working together to prepare for any situation that may arise as a result of COVID-19. 

Everyone can help in these efforts by checking on elderly relatives or those who are particularly vulnerable due to other medical conditions, and by sharing up-to-date, verified information and public health advisories. 

It is important to familiarize yourself with local health department resources. Most schools have or are developing emergency operations plans, and I strongly encourage students and parents to familiarize themselves with those plans now.

In any public health emergency, it is important to get trusted, verified information. In the rest of this email, you will find more helpful information from the CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Trusted and 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?

What can you do to prevent the spread of the virus?

To receive additional updates from my office on the coronavirus, please sign up for our newsletter or share this link with others. 

The best thing we can do right now is to make sure we do not panic, stay informed and be prepared.

Should you have questions or comments, please contact the McAllen District Office at (956) 682-5545 or the Washington, D.C. Office at (202) 225-2531.

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez
Member of Congress