|
|
March 5, 2020
Dear Friend,
The spread of the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) continues to
dominate the news and is a top concern for Americans across the country.
Our office has received a number of calls, emails and letters in the
past few days, particularly with new cases reported in Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York and along the West Coast. Our
hearts go out to the families and friends who have lost a loved one and
those battling the virus.
Given the concern and the amount of misinformation that is spreading
across the internet, I wanted to make sure that you had the most
up-to-date information so that you and your loved ones are prepared.
Public health experts leading the national response expect the
disease to spread in the coming days and weeks. While we cannot predict
where or when, you should not be surprised to see the number of positive
diagnoses rise significantly. However, there are some steps you can
take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Read below for some of the
steps suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and from our outstanding state and local public health departments:
STEPS TO TAKE
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing
your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap
and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does NOT recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to
protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to
help prevent the spread of the disease to others. Though they will not
necessarily protect you from the virus, the use of facemasks is still
crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Additionally, if you are planning to travel abroad in the coming
weeks, please check the State Department’s travel warnings for more
information about potential areas to avoid. Click here for more information.
SYMPTOMS
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry
cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny
nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin
gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms
and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease
without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who
gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing.
Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood
pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop
serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing
should seek medical attention.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE EXPOSED, SICK OR HAVE CONCERNS FOR A LOVED ONE
- If you are in close contact with someone suffering from COVID-19 and
develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider first and
tell them about your symptoms and your exposure.
- If you are a resident in a community where person-to-person spread
of COVID-19 has been detected and you develop COVID-19 symptoms, call
your healthcare provider first and tell them about your symptoms.
- If you have been in a country or affected area or have been exposed
to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you will face some limitations on your movement and activity for
up to 14 days. Please follow instructions during this time. Your
cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to
slow the spread of this virus.
- For people who are ill with COVID-19, but are not sick enough to be hospitalized, please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness.
ADDITIONAL PREPARATIONS
- Check on your regular prescription medications to make sure you have an adequate supply.
- Have an adequate supply of nonprescription drugs and other health
supplies on hand such as fluids with electrolytes, pain, flu and cold
relievers
- Have soap, tissues and hand sanitizer
- Have extra non-perishable food items at home
CONGRESSIONAL RESPONSECoronavirus
has the potential to cause severe disruptions across our society. I’ve
been pushing hard to ensure the federal government is ready and able to
meet the challenge.
Finally, remain vigilant about the source of any information you receive
regarding the coronavirus. Rely on federal, state and local public
health agencies for timely and accurate information. Be wary of news you
read on social media that has not been verified by governmental
experts.
If you have specific concerns, do not hesitate to contact our DC
office at (202) 225-5931 or our district office at (508) 431-1110.
Should conditions and guidance change, my office will continue to keep Massachusetts residents informed.
All my best,
Congressman Joe Kennedy III
P.S. If you'd like to continue receiving updates about what we're
doing in Washington and across the 4th District, please take a minute to
follow me on Facebook and Twitter. |
|
|
|
|
Washington, DC Office 304 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 phone: (202) 225-5931 fax: (202) 225-0182 |
Attleboro District Office 8 North Main St. Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 phone: (508) 431-1110 fax: (508) 431-1101 |
Newton District Office 29 Crafts St. Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 phone: (617) 332-3333 fax: (617) 332-3308 |
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment