These are trying times for Arizona, the United States, and the entire world. The coronavirus has ravaged nearly every continent and is now on our doorstep. The crisis we now face is unprecedented, but let me assure you—we can and we will get through this together.
I have been in constant communication with the White House, Governor Doug Ducey, and the federal coronavirus taskforce non-stop since the beginning of this outbreak. While there are many frustrations about how quickly testing is taking place across the country, coordination between our federal, state, tribal, and local governments and the private sector is remarkable.
Right now, every single one of us is on the frontlines of the battle against this pandemic. We will beat this, but we have to come together. It is incumbent upon each of us, especially the young and healthy, to make sure we are not spreading this virus to those who are older or have underlying medical conditions. The most at risk is our Greatest Generation—the Americans who fought in World War II with support back home to defeat tyranny and evil. These heroes were called upon to risk their lives on foreign soil for us. Now younger generations today are asked to stay inside to slow the spread of this virus and save their lives. We can do this.
These are extraordinary times, but we are not helpless. We can each do our part to “flatten the curve” of the spread. This will ensure that first responders and health care workers stay healthy, more vulnerable people are protected, and our healthcare system doesn’t get overwhelmed.
We are working to swiftly pass more legislation to provide immediate cash relief for workers, small businesses, seniors, and families hurt by the economic impact of our response. We should all follow the White House Coronavirus Task Force guidelines:
- Work from home if possible
- Postpone unnecessary travel
- Limit social gatherings to no more than 10 people
- Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts—use drive-through, pickup, or delivery options
- Do not visit nursing or retirement homes unless to provide critical assistance
- Practice good hygiene:
- Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface
- Avoid touching your face
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible
We are all Arizonans and Americans and we have to come together to defeat this. We are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world and we will come out of this stronger than ever before.
If you are in need of assistance with a federal agency, do not hesitate to reach out to one my offices. You can contact my Phoenix office by calling (602)952-2410 or you can also call my Tucson office at (520)670-6334.