Friend —

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold across our country and around the world, it is more important than ever that we all work together to minimize the spread of this illness.  That means taking action individually and collectively.

We are beginning to see just what that means, and will continue to in the days and weeks ahead.  In this moment, we also see how important it is to have capable leaders at every level of government and across our communities

By working together, we can have a real impact.  It is critical that each of us do so now.  The CDC has issued guidance on what we can all do to protect ourselves and, just as important, to protect others:

• Clean your hands often – wash with soap and water for at least 20 second frequently
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  “Close contact” is defined as within 6 feet for a period of time.
• Put distance between yourself and other people.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.  If seeking medical care, call first
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.  And throw used tissues in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

You can see more on the CDC’s website, www.cdc.gov.  For more information in Houston and Harris County, you can:

• call the City of Houston COVID-19 Call Center at (832) 393-4220, or visit its website,
• call the Harris Health My Nurse Hotline at (713) 634-1110, or
• visit the Harris County Public Health website.

As you have likely read elsewhere, a critical part of mitigating the spread COVID-19 across communities is social distancing.  There are great articles explaining in detail what it means to “flatten the curve” and make sure we do not overwhelm our health system at any one time.  This article in the Washington Post is a great resource.  The experts — scientists and doctors in our community and across the country — are telling us this is something we must do.  That means each of us must help slow the spread by following this guidance.

Congress is at work to ensure a whole-of-government response that makes possible the work that must be done at the federal, state, and local levels.  A bipartisan, $8.3 billion emergency response bill has already been signed into law.  A bipartisan bill to protect the health and economic security of American families — providing for paid testing for COVID-19, paid sick leave, and extended unemployment insurance, among other provisions--passed the House on Friday and should pass the Senate soon.  The experienced and steady leadership that the House of Representatives has shown, focused on the needs of the American people at this time and in the near future, is critical to this effort.

In cities and towns across the country, life is changing on a daily and even hourly basis.  As uncertain as things are, we know we will get through this.  And we will do so by working together.

Together, we can do anything,