John,

The last few weeks have been very challenging for us all. Our daily lives have been upended, and there are so many concerns we all have about the future.

Our primary concern is, and must remain, the health and well-being of our fellow Americans. Each of us must do our part to "Flatten the Curve." This collective strategy will prevent spread, save lives, and help to ensure we have enough medical resources to care for those who are ill. What we all do today can definitively alter what happens tomorrow. I want to remind everyone to visit the CDC website to learn the basic precautions we should all be taking.

It all feels very unsettling right now. But, mixed in with the fear and worry I see in so many people's faces are the compassion and selflessness that I see in their actions. Neighbors looking out for each other, volunteer brigades delivering groceries and prescription medications to seniors, school districts providing meals for students during school closures, Microbreweries using their supplies and equipment to make hand sanitizer, people sending food to overworked medical staff. It is in all of these actions we see the best of our humanity. Let's all try to be a part of the solution.

Here's some practical guidance:

Where can I find information?

-CDC website: [link removed]
-If you are an Arizona resident, you can call 2-1-1 for resources in English and Spanish
-World Health Organization Website: [link removed]

What do you do if you feel sick?

If you are feeling sick, first and foremost- stay home and avoid contact with others. Consult with your physician and be sure to call ahead if you think you have been exposed. If you develop emergency symptoms such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face- seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 immediately if you feel it is a medical emergency.

What do you do if you need help?

Websites like [link removed] can connect you with resources like food, financial assistance and housing.

What if I lost my job?

The State of Arizona has extended unemployment benefits for those who work at a business that has temporarily closed or has reduced hours due to COVID-19, those who have to quarantine because of COVID-19, or those who have to care for a family member with COVID-19. These folks have all been added to the list of people eligible for unemployment insurance. The state has also waived the one week waiting period before applying and waived the work search requirements.

You can apply online and find more information here: [link removed]

I encourage everyone to seek factual guidance, ignore anecdotes and opinions from non-experts. Let the physicians and epidemiologists and virologists and clinical researchers - not the politicians - lead us through this. This is a time to lead with science, facts, and an evidence-based approach to smart policy implementation. Be safe, wash your hands, stay home, self-quarantine if you're not feeling well, seek medical attention as directed, and let's look out for each other, especially folks who need a helping hand.

Remember, if we look back and think, "Wow, we really overreacted, that wasn't so bad," we will all have done our part in preventing a worse public health crisis.

With love & hugs (from 6 feet away, of course) ~

HiralPaid for by Hiral for Congress

15255 N 40th Street
Suite #125
Phoenix, AZ 85032

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