Rep. Chris Smith, On the Coronavirus Threat

February 27, 2020

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Ranking Member of the House global health subcommittee, said today that the growing threat of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, requires Congress to immediately and adequately provide emergency funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies already working to protect US citizens.

“This week, the Trump administration is requesting at least $2.5 billion in additional funding to combat the coronavirus,” said Smith. “The President, Secretary Azar, and others have moved swiftly to identify comprehensive ways to protect US citizens and prepare for a potential pandemic.”

Smith recommended the CDC website for its background on the coronavirus and its guide on actions people can take to slow the spread of a pandemic virus and protect family and friends.

The CDC reports, as of Feb. 25, that 14 cases have been diagnosed in the United States, plus 39 cases among repatriated persons from high-risk settings (such as the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan), for a current total of 53 cases within the United States.

“We cannot afford to underestimate the potential risk to Americans across the country,” Smith said. “We must bring to bear the full expertise, weight and resources of the federal government to help mitigate the dangers and foster real protection going forward,” he said.

MidJersey.news update: (this is not from Chris Smith’s office but wanted to add to the same topic without starting another article). The CDC and several other health organizations have stated to “Prepare for the virus” and there are a number of ways that can help spread the flu, germs and the coronavirus. Download the CDC document on how to prepare and get ready here.

Read about: Cell Phones and Acinetobacter Transmission

Show Me the Science – Why Wash Your Hands?

Some tips on items you may want to keep clean to protect yourself and others:

Wash your hands, scrub with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. Do this after using the bathroom and several times per day.
Clean your cell phone. I personally use an alchol based wipe to clean my phone and accessories.
Computer key board, clean the keys on the board every day.
Land line phones clean at least daily and possibly after every use with a antiseptic wipe.
Door knobs, and other items frequently touched clean with a disinfectant.
Vehicle steering wheels, knobs, door handles.

Some experts also say to stock up on food, diapers, medicines, and other items. One of the main reasons they say to stock up on those items is because the supply chain could be interrupted so it would be a good idea to have a couple week supply of essentials handy just in case.