California's 24th District Representative Salud Carbajal is responding to the three reported cases of coronavirus in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
Rep. Carbajal is asking community members to remain proactive and calm as more information and cases surface locally.
In a statement he said, "The best thing we can do is listen to the experts and continue taking smart, preventive steps to stop the spread of disease: practice social distancing, stay home as much as you’re able, wash your hands often, call a doctor to alert them of your symptoms before visiting."
We have to take care of each other and use as many preventive measures as possible to protect our most vulnerable. Please do all you can to practice social distancing and stop the spread of #COVIDー19.#SocialDistancing https://t.co/rLqdG5vmp0
— Rep. Salud Carbajal (@RepCarbajal) March 15, 2020
Earlier this month, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law a bipartisan bill to allocate $8.3 billion in emergency funds to respond to the spread of COVID-19, support local health efforts and develop a vaccine.
“At home and in Washington, I have been working diligently with local, state and federal officials as well as health experts to ensure our community has the resources—including free, available testing—to stay healthy and safe," said Rep. Carbajal. "I wish a quick recovery to the patients who tested positive, and I will continue to keep our community updated on the latest information.”
Last week, the House passed a bill to provide free coronavirus testing for all who need it included those who are uninsured. This bill also includes establishing an emergency paid leave program, strengthens food assistance programs (school meals, senior nutrition and food banks), enhances unemployment aid and safeguards Medicaid.
The Senate is expected to consider the bill next week.
