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Dear Ga-11,

I would like to take a moment to update you on the efforts the Administration and Congress are taking to combat the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), as well as provide you with some useful information on how best to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Congress & Administration’s Response

As we speak, test kits are being put together and distributed throughout the country, eliminating the need to ship samples to the Center for Disease Control for testing. This will allow state and local health providers to test individuals on site, reduce detection time, and protect more people. Testing for the Coronavirus will also be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and your private health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, the test will be administered free of charge.

While there have been some cases of the Coronavirus reported in children, adults are more at risk. The most vulnerable to it are the elderly and individuals with preexisting conditions, like those with respiratory issues. Having said that, the Administration has issued new guidance to prioritize detection efforts at nursing homes, and protocols are in place to limit the transmission of the virus.

Last week, Congress passed an emergency spending bill with funds to fight this virus at home and abroad, including expediting vaccine development, purchasing essential equipment and supplies, and assisting state and local health departments. More than half of the funds will go to vaccines and treatments, and half of the $1 billion allocated to state and local response efforts will go out in the next 30 days.

When the Coronavirus was first reported in December, the Administration took decisive action, placing a travel restriction on travel from China, and following the further spread of the virus to other areas, they placed additional travel restrictions on Italy, South Korea, and Iran, thus protecting Americans from some of the worst hit areas in the world.

Last year, Republicans and the Administration significantly increased funding for Infectious Disease Response. We are better prepared to deal with an infectious disease like the Coronavirus than ever before.

Frequently Asked Questions*

*This section comes directly from the Center for Disease Control website.

Q: What is the novel coronavirus?

A: A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus, not previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.

Q: How does the virus spread?

A: This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so.

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

Q: What are the symptoms and complications that COVID-19 can cause?

A: Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about COVID-19 Symptoms.

Q: Does the CDC recommend the use of a facemask to prevent COVID-19?

A: CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Q: Should I be tested for COVID-19?

A: Call your healthcare professional if you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.

Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

For more frequently asked questions, CLICK HERE.

Best Practices

• 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
• 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

Be Aware of Scams and Misinformation

Please continue to watch out for scams and misinformation regarding COVID-19. Only trust information that comes from the CDC, Georgia Department of Public Health, or the Governor’s office.

Coronavirus Telephone Townhall

Join Rep. Barry Loudermilk, along with representatives from the Georgia Department of Public Health and a local Emergency Medical Service, for a telephone townhall. The purpose of the telephone townhall will be to provide you with updated information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Who: Rep. Loudermilk, representatives from the Georgia Department of Public Health, and a local Emergency Medical Service
When: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 @ 6:00 PM ET

How to participate: Register for Rep. Loudermilk’s townhall by clicking HERE (the number you register will be called Wednesday night at 6 pm) OR call-in using this phone number at 6 pm Wednesday night: 1-877-353-4701

Remember…Though some cases of the Coronavirus have been diagnosed in Georgia, there is no need for panic. Governor Kemp has made it clear, the Coronavirus Task Force he’s created, which is comprised of the top medical minds in the state, is working closely with Vice President Pence’s team and following all the Center for Disease Control’s preparedness, containment, and treatment guidelines. The safety and health of Georgians is a top priority, and I will continue to stay in close contact with the Administration and Governor Kemp’s team while we navigate this public health issue.

If you have any other concerns or questions about the Coronavirus, please do not hesitate to contact my office. If my staff cannot answer your questions, we will put you in contact with someone who can.

Sincerely,
Barry Loudermilk
Member of Congress