By: Mary Gay Scanlon
In response to the global outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), I want to take a few moments to share an update with all of you on the steps our office is taking to keep everyone safe.
We will continue to share information with you as that information becomes available. Below you will find more information on the protocols we have put in place, legislation we are working on, and how to keep yourself, your loved ones, and neighbors safe.
Steps to Protect Yourself & Others
The most important thing is to take steps to socially distance yourself from others, even if you are not sick. You should avoid any public gathering, including bars and restaurants. The next ten days are crucial to slowing the spread of the virus and the best way to stay safe is to put distance between yourself and other people.
– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
– If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
If You Feel Sick
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry couch, shortness of breath) call your Primary Care Physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH to see if you should get tested. If you decide to go to the emergency room, be sure to call ahead first to protect yourself and others from spreading the virus.
Constituent Services
We are committed to doing all we can to meet the needs of our constituents during this challenging time. Our team has worked diligently to prepare for situations like this and we have implemented necessary technology to serve our constituents in the community and remotely. Effective immediately, our offices will no longer be open to the public for in-person meetings, but we are still fully operational and here’s how we will continue to work for you.
If you need help with a federal agency, please call 610–626–2020. You will be connected, via phone, to a constituent services representative who will assist you. You may also reach us at our DC office if you have any questions by dialing 202-225-2011.
If you need to send us documentation regarding your case, please send these materials via email at scanlon.privacyrelease@mail.house.gov or by fax at 610–626–2380.
If you had a meeting scheduled, or regularly attend our satellite office hours, please call 610–626–2020 for all of your questions or needs.
Legislation and Oversight
Families in our region and across the country deserve a coordinated, fully-funded, whole-of-government response to keep everyone safe from the Coronavirus epidemic.
We have passed, and the President has signed, legislation authorizing $8.3 billion dollars in supplemental funding to combat and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Early Saturday morning, the House passed legislation providing for free COVID-19 testing, paid emergency leave, and increased funding for Medicaid and food security. It is expected the Senate will pass the bill when they return to Washington tomorrow night.
