Friend -- our country is going through very tough times. So is our South Florida community. I wanted to send you a quick update on what I have been doing as we work to contain the spread of COVID-19 and help our community weather this virus.

I want you to know that I am taking this very seriously, and I am working hard to protect South Florida and provide the resources that this community needs.

While there are trying times ahead, I am confident that we will come together and overcome this challenge. Our country has seen dark days before. By working together, we’ve always emerged stronger. And we will again.

I am proud that last week, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill to make COVID-19 testing free regardless of insurance, expand food assistance and take other measures to give relief to those impacted by the virus. I am pleased that the Senate passed this bill today and I expect the President to sign it quickly.

I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House -- Democrats and Republicans -- to provide relief for the people whose lives are being upended by the virus and its economic effects.

This week, I am back home. My family and I are practicing social distancing per the CDC’s guidelines.

Meanwhile, via phone and video calls, I have been talking to local leaders, including faith leaders, veterans’ groups and others. I have been in close contact with local authorities in Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties. And I have been in communication with constituents who are raising serious concerns about their jobs, their paychecks and their small businesses. I am working non-stop to make sure that what I am hearing here in South Florida informs our response in Washington.

I hope you will follow along on Twitter and Facebook. Please stay in contact with us.

Finally, my campaign has canceled all of our in-person events for the time being. We are taking extra precautions, and my whole team is working remotely. If you are able to work remotely, I encourage you to do so.

Nothing is more important than your safety at this time. Please take a moment to review the Center for Disease Control’s latest guidelines, especially if you or someone you know is feeling sick. Here is the link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

I am wishing you health and safety in this difficult time,

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

Paid for by Debbie for Congress