Hi,

I sincerely hope that this email finds you and your loved ones healthy and well.

As you’ve likely heard, this week the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic. It follows, of course, that Granite Staters and individuals across the country have questions about how to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors.

Protecting ourselves and each other is a shared responsibility that each of us need to take very seriously.

I’m recommending that you continue to check in with the CDC for updates, and that you:

• Wash your hands often
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• If you get a fever, cough, or other flu-like symptoms, stay home, reach out to your doctor, and make sure to tell them about any recent travel
• Practice social distancing by not shaking hands and avoiding large gatherings

Last week, Congress passed a bipartisan emergency funding bill that secured an initial $5 million to help New Hampshire’s public health officials contain and mitigate the spread of this virus.

Now, I’m focused on continuing that bipartisan work and passing additional measures to ensure that Granite Staters and our fellow Americans receive necessary support during this public health emergency, including expanding paid leave options and access to food assistance programs.

Before I close, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our doctors, nurses, first responders, cleaning staff, and so many others who have found themselves at the forefront of mitigating this pandemic. I’m so incredibly thankful.

Again, if you have questions, I encourage you to visit the CDC’s website.

With every good wish,

Maggie Hassan