Friends -

COVID-19 (the coronavirus) is officially a global pandemic. More than 100 countries have documented cases, and here in Massachusetts, Governor Baker has declared a state of emergency.

I wanted to give you an update on COVID-19 — what we know, what you can do to stay safe, what I’m doing in the Senate to help mitigate this pandemic, and what our campaign is doing in response.

Donald Trump’s mismanagement of this crisis so far has been unconscionable. From downplaying the risk to denying the threat, his lack of leadership has led his administration to worsen this public health emergency.

We are currently facing a major testing crisis. We’re not testing for coronavirus at the scale or rate needed to fully understand the scope and spread of the problem we are already facing. We need to make testing widespread and free.

Yesterday I spoke on the Senate floor and called on President Trump to declare a federal emergency in order to make available more than $42 billion in federal funds to help states and municipalities address this outbreak. Instead, he addressed the nation last night, and in ten minutes created even more panic for people and the economy.

I know many of you are worried. Schools are closing. Businesses are struggling. And there are questions of whether people can or should go to work — and if they can even afford to stay home. I share your concerns. You deserve clear, accurate information. Your safety is my top priority.

Here are a few things you can do to help keep your loved ones and our communities safe:

• If you feel ill, contact your health care provider and follow these steps from the CDC.
• To help reduce spread of the virus, follow these CDC guidelines on prevention.
• Right now, many cities and communities are implementing best practices on social distancing and limiting large gatherings. These steps help limit transmission, and it’s an important step all of us can take to limit the “community spread” and help protect our most vulnerable.
• For information on the state’s preparation efforts and emergency response plan, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s website.

Here’s what I’m working on in Washington:

• We need to pass paid sick leave legislation to make sure no worker has to make the choice between missing a paycheck and staying healthy. That’s why I am urging Congress to pass S.3415, an updated version of the Healthy Families Act, to ensure that employees have the paid sick time they need.
• 
I will be introducing legislation to increase the amount of federal dollars that go into Medicaid, sending more resources to states immediately. We did this during the Great Recession; we should do it again. 
• 
We must strengthen Unemployment Insurance, expand support programs like SNAP, WIC, and school lunch, and provide housing assistance for those who need it. That includes rental assistance and suspending mortgage payments so that no one impacted is at risk of homelessness. 
• 
We need to protect consumers from scams and price gouging, which I called on Amazon to do. And Amazon took action, removing bad actors from the site who were charging upwards $400 for hand sanitizer. No one should be allowed to reap a windfall from fear and human suffering. 
• 
The White House has floated bailouts for the fossil fuel industry. But I’m fighting hard to make sure any economic stimulus is focused on working people — not multinational corporations and the super-wealthy.
• 
This will not be the last biothreat we face as a nation. That’s why I have introduced legislation that would invest $1 billion in research for a universal coronavirus vaccine.

What our campaign is doing:

• We are continuing to run a grassroots, people-focused campaign, engaging with voters in many ways across the state. But as the pandemic evolves, our campaign is closely monitoring this situation and will listen to recommendations made by public health officials and medical professionals. 
• 
We support the Massachusetts Democratic Party’s decision to postpone any remaining caucuses. We are looking forward to the eventual completion of the caucus process.
• 
Nothing is more important than the health and safety of voters and our campaign staff, and we will take all appropriate steps moving forward.


The reality is that this pandemic is going to get worse before it gets better. I know that sounds scary, but together we will get through this. We must listen to the scientists. We must listen to public health officials.

And we will support those who are most vulnerable – our loved ones in nursing homes, our young children, the uninsured and the undocumented. They need our help. I pledge to give it to them. Please stay safe and be careful.

All my best,

Ed Markey