March 16, 2020

Dear Friend,

Information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been rapidly developing in the past couple of days. As your Congressman, I want to make sure you are up to date on the latest developments regarding the virus and are informed on preventative measures you can take. 

Your health and safety is critically important, and that's why I’m inviting you to my Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall and Briefing on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30 PM CT to answer your questions and brief you on the work to stop the spread of coronavirus and help North Texans stay healthy. North Texas health experts will join me to discuss the latest on the coronavirus. 

RSVP here for my Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall

First and foremost, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has taken measures to combat the potential spread of coronavirus by preparing health care providers, first responders, and hospital organizations for infection control. Dallas County Health and Human Services also released guidance and resources to help the public prevent the spread of coronavirus as more presumptive positive cases are diagnosed in our community. 

CDC recommends avoiding crowds larger than 50 people, and many businesses and government agencies are taking responsible measures to allow their employees to work from home. Here are some healthy habits from Dallas County Health and Human Services to help stop the spread of contagious illness:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).

You can find more information on my coronavirus resources page at allred.house.gov/coronavirus, which has helpful preventative hygiene measures from DCHHS and the CDC, as well as information for travelers.

Congress passed the bipartisan Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding to combat the coronavirus epidemic which was signed into law. The House also recently passed an additional economic relief package that will ensure testing is free for those who need it, expand emergency paid sick leave and help those with food insecurity. 

The public health and safety of North Texas is always my utmost priority, and we will need a comprehensive, bipartisan plan to respond to any potential spreads of this pandemic in the United States. That’s why I am working with my colleagues in the House and federal health officials to ensure our country has the resources needed to combat a potential coronavirus spread.

If you have concerns or want to learn more about prevention efforts, I urge you to visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/coronavirus. My office is also available to provide public health resources at (972) 972-7949. 

Sincerely,

Colin Allred
Member of Congress

Click here to subscribe to my e-newsletter