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 all of 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 information on how to keep yourself, your loved ones, and neighbors safe.
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 610–262–2020. You will be connected, via phone, to a constituent services representative who will assist you.
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.
The House has passed, and the President has signed, legislation authorizing $8.3 billion dollars in supplemental funding to combat and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. House Democrats introduced legislation to provide for free COVID-19 testing, paid emergency leave for all workers, and increased funding for medicaid and food security. This package is currently being negotiated with the White House and the Senate, and it is my hope that the most important parts of the legislation are quickly passed the House, the Senate, and signed by the President.
Prevention & Safety
The best way we prevent this virus from infecting more members of our community is for each of us to take responsibility for our own health and safety practices. If we all follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, we will help contain the spread of COVID-19.
Steps to Protect Yourself
- 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 a 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.
Steps to Protect Others
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
The Use of Face Masks
If you are otherwise well, the CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Face masks are currently in limited supply and they should be saved for health care workers and those most at risk of serious illness.
Additional Resources
Experts have been working hard to understand COVID-19. Because new information surfaces every day, please visit the sites below to stay up to date.
CDC COVID-19 Resources Page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
CDC Guidance for Travelers: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
PA Department of Health Resources Page: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
As always, when more information becomes available we will be sure to update you in real time.
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It is an honor to serve this community and we will get through this, together.