(Washington, DC) – Today, following a briefing to Members of Congress, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) made the following statement regarding the coronavirus and issued guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help keep communities safe:

“The CDC has warned that coronavirus could pose a serious and potentially wide-scale public health threat in our country.  While the CDC stressed that current risks remain low, we need to be prepared to take the necessary measures to help keep our communities safe and, when necessary, to contain the virus,” said Congresswoman Fletcher.  “I urge our neighbors to stay informed and to follow guidance from the CDC.”

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that has spread internationally since December, 2019.  Since Monday, six new countries – Iraq, Oman, Algeria, Austria, Croatia, and Switzerland – have reported confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

While there is currently no reported community spread of the coronavirus in the Houston area, the CDC warned earlier this week that it expects the disease to begin spreading at a community level across the country and urged people to start preparing for the possibility of an outbreak.

In light of this warning, Congresswoman Fletcher is urging residents in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and across Texas to stay informed and calm, and issued the following guidance:

Where to find information on the coronavirus:

• Printable infographics in English, Spanish, and Chinese can be found here. 
• An explainer video can be found here. 

Prevention and Treatment: The CDC provides the following guidance for Americans who want to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus: 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
• Stay home when you are sick;
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe;
• The CDC does not recommend that people who are well to wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including the coronavirus;
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms to help prevent the spread of the disease to others and by health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility);
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; and 
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Symptoms: The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

If you feel you are at risk: The CDC has issued the following recommendations: 

• Stay home except to get medical care;
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home;
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor;
• Wear a facemask;
• Cover your coughs and sneezes; and
• Clean your hands often.