Hi there,

This week, the coronavirus or COVID-19 was classified officially as a pandemic.

Here’s what you need to know:

• As of March 7, coronavirus testing can be conducted in-state by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ (DHHR) Bureau for Public Health’s lab.
  
  
• Washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze remain best practices to keep you protected.
  
  
• West Virginia DHHR has a 24/7 hotline open for any and all questions: 1-800-887-4304

Learn more in my radio interview with Hoppy Kercheval:

Get updates from the medical experts at CDC.gov and West Virginia DHHR.

Staying on Top of this Issue:

I continue to be focused on this issue, particularly in ensuring the appropriate agencies have the funding they need to mitigate the spread of the virus, test those feeling ill, and treat those infected. As chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I’m making a point to ask the agencies I fund if they are prepared and ready to combat the coronavirus. Below are more details on my efforts:

• Met with a number of officials, including: Vice President Mike Pence, CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (WVDHHS) Commissioner and State Health Officer Dr. Cathy Slemp, members of the Coronavirus Taskforce, and others on the issue.
  
  
• Spoke with West Virginia Hospital Association President and CEO Joe Letnaunchyn and West Virginia Health Care Association CEO Marty Wright.
  
  
• Voted in favor of the emergency supplemental funding package to help states treat, prevent, and prepare for the Coronavirus. A portion of the funding provided for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is specifically tied to the FY2019 Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) grant awards for states and localities. In West Virginia, this means the state will receive at least $5 million in funding.
  
  
• Attended a senators-only Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee briefing to ask questions directly of leadership from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  
  
• Spoke with West Virginia Governor Jim Justice about West Virginia’s preparedness and readiness.
  
  
• Asked various government officials about the role of the aviation industry in containing the spread of the disease.
  
  
• During two Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee hearings:
       
  - Questioned Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske about TSA’s coordinating efforts with health agencies.

          - Asked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Chad Wolf           about the department’s efforts to monitor and control the coronavirus.

Washington’s Response

On Capitol Hill, my focus remains keeping our country safe and healthy. Last week, President Donald Trump signed an $8.3 billion supplemental aid package to help states treat, prevent, and prepare for the coronavirus. With this additional funding, our country is even more prepared to limit the spread of the coronavirus, test those showing symptoms, and treat those suffering.

I recognize the impact on small businesses and the global markets, which is why next week on Capitol Hill, the Senate will be back in session to continue discussions about several options for an economic stimulus. I spoke with Stuart Varney on Fox Business about these talks today:


Important Information If You’re Visiting D.C.

Because of coronavirus concerns, all Capitol and White House tours have been suspended indefinitely. Please contact our Washington office to reschedule. Additionally, requests for flags flown over the Capitol may be delayed, and access to the Capitol and House and Senate office buildings is being restricted. Feel free to contact our office at (202) 224-6472 with any questions. We apologize for any inconvenience.

In Case You Missed It

In addition to monitoring the coronavirus, below are a few highlights from this week in the Senate:

• Honored the Girls Scouts’ 108th birthday.
• Introduced bill to support child care workforce.
• Questioned HUD Secretary Ben Carson about flood mitigation.
• Introduced bill to support farmers and efforts to improve water quality.
• Celebrated my broadband mapping bill passing the Senate.
• Celebrated my veterans’ bill heading to President Trump’s desk.
  
  

How Can We Help?

Whether you need help with a casework issue or have a question about scheduling a meeting at one of my offices, my staff and I are ready to assist you. Learn more about the services we offer at www.capito.senate.gov.

You can also submit your feedback and share your stories with me by visiting my “Share Your Stories” webpage here: www.capito.senate.gov/ShareYourStories.

Social Media Recap

Join me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for regular updates and photos.

Sincerely,

Shelley Moore Capito

United States Senator