Friend,

I know that many of you are worried about what the next few weeks will bring with the spread of the novel coronavirus. I am grateful to everyone working on the front lines to treat those who are sick and keep our most essential institutions like hospitals, grocery stores, and pharmacies running.

We should all be doing our part to slow the spread of the virus and flatten the curve to avoid overwhelming our healthcare system. That means practicing good hygiene like frequent handwashing, along with social distancing -- staying home whenever possible, especially if you're not feeling well, and avoiding large gatherings.

There are many ways we can help the most vulnerable members of our communities:

• Consider donating extra food and supplies you may have purchased, or running essential errands for older or at-risk family members, friends, and neighbors.
• Support local restaurants by ordering take-out or delivery.
• If you're healthy and able, consider offering childcare to those who still have to go into work and normally rely on our now closing schools.

As always, it is important to stay informed. Please visit the CDC's website for all of the latest updates and information on COVID-19.

My thoughts are with everyone around the country being impacted by this outbreak. We are living in unprecedented times, but I am incredibly proud of how we have come together as Americans to combat this crisis. I will continue to fight to ensure we have the federal resources we need.

We will get through this together.

Thank you,

Maria Cantwell