WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) is working closely with the Office of Governor Ned Lamont, the Connecticut Emergency Management Association (CEMA), and the Connecticut Department of Public Health to monitor the status of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and evaluate our district’s ability to respond to any impact the Novel Coronavirus may have on Connecticut.
“I am working diligently with my colleagues in the House to advance a strategic funding package that fully addresses the scale of this potential health crisis. It is critical that we pass legislation that ensures we have the necessary funds to support health care centers in the district that keep our constituents safe and healthy.” said Congresswoman Hayes.“I encourage all residents, particularly caregivers, to continue to follow and share good virus prevention practices as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). It is incumbent upon us to instruct people about common sense preventative actions that reduce the spread of all viruses. We need to model those practices in our homes, classrooms, small businesses, and gathering spaces.”
At present, Connecticut does not have anyone diagnosed with COVID-19. State agencies are working to ensure communities have adequate personal protective equipment available for providers to support health care centers in the CT-05.
CDC Guidance on Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then through the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Congresswoman Hayes joined her freshman colleagues and sent a letter to House leadership this week in support of comprehensive supplemental funding for critical resources to federal, state and local agencies to address COVID-19. The President proposed to slash total CDC funding by $23 billion over a decade and cut $39 million from the CDC global health funding in Fiscal Year 2021. Congresswoman Hayes will fight against these types of cuts to public health funding that would leave our nation vulnerable.
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Rep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.
Currently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District.