Friend,

President Trump has declared a national emergency to address the coronavirus. Governor Justice has done the same in West Virginia. The U.S. Senate will be in session next week to do our part to address this growing public health crisis. My top priority is the health, safety and well-being of all West Virginians.

Due to the evolving concerns over the coronavirus, I have asked my campaign to postpone all campaign related events in West Virginia that are scheduled for the next few weeks. I will also not be attending any political events during this time. I encourage all West Virginians to stay home as much as possible and remain safe. I look forward to returning to the campaign trail. In the meantime, my campaign will use other methods to reach out and talk to voters.

For more about the virus go to the

Center for Disease Control’s website.

All of us play a key role in preventing the spread of this disease. Good practices include washing your hands, coughing into your elbow, avoid touching your face and replacing conventional greetings like handshakes by looking people in the eye when greeting them.

Symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days from exposure. They include a fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you feel like you have the virus, please contact your doctor and self-quarantine to protect others. West Virginia has a large elderly population which are the most at risk for developing complications from this virus.

West Virginians are resilient. We take care of each other. Now is not the time for panic. It is a time to use good judgement, practice common sense and check in on family, friends and neighbors.

Stay safe.

Shelley Moore Capito

U.S. Senator