Billy Long: How Congress is handling the coronavirus

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

For the last several weeks, coronavirus has dominated the airwaves and water cooler conversations leaving many to wonder how seriously to take the threat.

I myself have been in several briefings including two with Vice President Pence and several top scientists and healthcare professionals in the last 7 days. 

A very impressive team has been assembled by the Trump administration including several that have previous experience working on AIDS, SARS, EBOLA, and others past serious health risks and epidemics. 

While this virus is serious, it’s important for you to know that we have been working with these healthcare experts to closely monitor and respond to the situation, and due to legislation passed this Congress, health agencies are able to more closely coordinate and provide critical resources to state and local governments to prevent further exposure to the virus. 

As your representative in Congress, it is my job to ensure that you are well-informed and safe; I have been monitoring the situation carefully and will continue to work with my colleagues to maintain the safety and well-being of the American people.

The coronavirus is a respiratory illness that is transmitted from person to person. Infected patients may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. There are currently over 80,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in China and approximately 3,000 confirmed deaths. 

Thanks to preventative measures, the U.S. only has 124 confirmed cases in twelve states. There have been eleven deaths reported in California and Washington state, but there are currently no cases in Missouri. (Note: One has been announced since this news release was issued earlier today.) 

The World Health Organization- China Mission, which included American experts from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), has concluded that the epidemic in Wuhan peaked between January 23 and February 2 and has been declining since then. They also determined that most people recover within two to six weeks depending on the severity of their case.

Many of the public health preparedness and response programs in place for combatting this virus were reauthorized last year in the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act that was signed into law by President Trump. 

This measure bolsters our nation’s health security strategy, strengthens the country’s emergency response workforce, streamlines coordination between health agencies, and accelerates the advanced research, development, and stockpiling of medical countermeasures. 

This law creates a framework for how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will lead public health emergency preparedness and response. Ultimately, this law helps medical personnel and the government respond quickly to preserve public safety by eliminating many of the roadblocks that prevent proactive or rapid response to a national or global health hazard.

Congress has also worked closely with the Trump Administration to carefully monitor the situation, including daily updates with CDC and other expert health officials. Additionally, Congress passed a nearly $8 billion emergency aid package dedicated to containing and treating the coronavirus, the majority of which will be dedicated to bulk purchases of test kits and supplies to be made available to providers.

It is critical to me that my constituents are well-informed and have access to the proper resources to stay healthy. Please rest assured that I am receiving regular updates on this matter and will do all I can to keep you apprised of the situation. For more information on how you and your family can stay healthy, please visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the CDC.