NEWSLETTER:

As we continue to learn more information about COVID-19 each day, it is important that we all stay informed and are aware of the next steps to battle the outbreak.

While the information we have on COVID-19 continues to change rapidly, I would like to provide you all with an update on the steps our local community is taking, as well as the response from Congress.

We’re In This Together 

We’re all making sacrifices as we continue to practice social distancing in order to Flatten the Curve. Our health care professionals and first responders need us all to be patient, be kind, and be safe.

In Congress and here at home, I’m working to ensure that our medical providers have the masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) they need along with the equipment necessary to administer COVID-19 tests.

I will continue to fight to make sure that we are producing enough of the vital equipment necessary to keep health care professionals safe because those on the front lines must be protected.

South Jersey’s health care professionals are protecting our community, and I am confident that all of our local providers are doing all they can to protect their patients, visitors and staff, while continuing to adjust as circumstances surrounding the coronavirus continuously change. I’m grateful for their work and dedication during this time.

In South Jersey

I am in regular contact with local, state and federal officials and organizations to help the people of South Jersey during the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, I met with all four of our hospital systems to discuss their efforts, as well as my efforts in Congress to provide our families and health care professionals with the support and supplies they need. The visits included meetings with senior leadership at Inspira Health, Cooper Hospital, Virtua Health and Jefferson Hospital.

I also participated in a virtual town hall on Thursday, during which local public officials, health and I provided coronavirus updates, information and resources to residents who tuned in on Facebook Live. You can watch video of the town hall here. I will continue to provide updates to our community through online events in the coming days and throughout this crisis.

In Congress

Last week, in addition to the $8.3 billion dollars in supplemental funding to combat and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Congress passed the bipartisan Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which was signed into law by the President. The Families First Act provides paid sick leave and paid family leave, strengthens unemployment benefits, ensures free COVID-19 testing for all those who need it, and provides food and medical aid to those in need. 

We need to protect our small businesses and employees, so they can make it through this. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act set up safety nets for workers and families, but more must be done.

This week, Congress is working to pass a third relief bill intended to secure our health care system and our economy, and which will provide a massive influx of resources for health care professionals, relief for workers and families impacted by the coronavirus, and support for small businesses to get through this extraordinarily difficult time for our nation.

Additional Resources:

The New Jersey Department of Health has a coronavirus information page here.

New Jersey Government has a COVID-19 website with live updates and resources here.

All residents with questions or concerns about COVID-19 and resources available to them can call 2-1-1. NJ 211 is New Jersey’s statewide, comprehensive, information and referral service operated by United Ways of New Jersey.

Residents call also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information and stay informed. To receive live text assistance, residents can text their zip code to 898-211.

The Center for Disease Control has a resource page here.

My office has a resource page here.

Please make sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter, and visit our website for updates.

To receive updates from my office, sign up here.

It is an honor to serve this community and we will get through this, together.

###