Dear friend,

The recent spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Maryland is a serious public health emergency. We will get through this crisis together, and it is important that we all take the proper precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones. I am taking this pandemic very seriously, and working with my colleagues in Congress to respond accordingly. 

Last week, I brought to the House Floor a bill to provide $8.3 billion in emergency funds to help states, communities, and federal agencies respond to the coronavirus. This funding will accelerate research and development of treatments and vaccines, help communities contain an outbreak, and provide small businesses that have been affected with loan assistance. Tonight, I brought legislation to the Floor to take additional action to address some of the economic impacts this pandemic may have on families. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will ensure Americans can be tested for coronavirus free of charge; provide paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave to those diagnosed, quarantined, or caring for a family member; ensure unemployment insurance is available to those who lose their jobs as a result of the crisis; and ensure access to nutrition assistance for seniors, children, and low-income households. 

I continue to urge all Americans to follow guidance that the Centers for Disease Control has issued to prevent the spread of the coronavirus:

"There is currently no vaccine to prevent the coronavirus. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• 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.
• 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. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• 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."

Additional information about the coronavirus can be found by visiting http://coronavirus.gov/. 

I encourage all Marylanders to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from the coronavirus. I will continue to work to ensure our communities have the necessary resources to protect our citizens.

With kindest regards, I am,

Sincerely yours,

Steny H. Hoyer