Coronavirus (COVID-19)
As America responds to confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to share the most comprehensive, up-to-date safety information for our community.
The CDC has a 24-hour hotline for COVID-19 related questions at 1-800-232-4636.
CDC RESOURCES
Constituents can now get to CDC’s home page on the coronavirus, simply by going to coronavirus.gov. Additional information can be found below.
NEW CDC INFORMATION ON STATE AND LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS: CDC points out that state and local public health authorities are on the front lines of the response to COVID-19 and often have the most up-to-date and detailed information on cases in their jurisdictions. State and local public health officials are often the experts best positioned to inform your constituents about the COVID-19 response in your state or locality.
STEPS TO KEEP AMERICANS SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS: CDC has published a new, excellent document that provides:
- Steps to keep workplaces safe from coronavirus
- Steps to keep schools safe from coronavirus
- Steps to keep your home safe from coronavirus
- Steps to keep commercial establishments safe from coronavirus
ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR OLDER AMERICANS AND/OR THOSE WITH SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS: In addition to the CDC guidance for all Americans on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus (such as hand washing, etc.), the CDC has now published additional guidance for older Americans and/or those who have serious chronic medical conditions – the individuals who are at higher risk of getting very sick from coronavirus. For those at higher risk of serious illness, the additional guidance includes:
- Stock up on supplies
- Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
- When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible.
- Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
- During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
NEW CDC GUIDANCE ON STRATEGIES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS IN NURSING HOMES: CDC recommends such steps as limiting visitors, aggressive disinfecting of facility, and closely monitoring residents with symptoms of respiratory infection.
TRAVEL RESRICTIONS: The government determined that the potential for widespread transmission of the coronavirus by infected individuals seeking to enter the United States threatens the security of the homeland. Travel restrictions now apply.
I AM STRANDED ABROAD. WHAT DO I DO?
Congressman Gonzalez is actively working on solutions for constituents stranded in different countries around the world. The Coronavirus pandemic brings a number of challenges when dealing with foreign countries, however, Congressman Cuellar is committed to bringing all constituents safely back home. If you or a loved one is stranded abroad, please see the information below:
An individual stranded abroad should email their name, date of birth, passport numbers, location and contact info to the public e-mail address of their closest embassy or consulate. To find the closest embassy or consulate, click here.
Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov. STEP provides updates from the State Department and helps the nearest embassy or consulate make contact with the traveler.
If you are concerned about a loved one overseas, please call:
- From the U.S. & Canada - 1-888-407-4747
- From Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
NEW CDC GUIDANCE ON CRUISE SHIP TRAVEL: CDC recommends travelers, particularly those with underlying health issues, defer all cruise ship travel worldwide. Cruise ship passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
NEW CDC INFOGRAPHICS ON CORONAVIRUS
Infographic on the Symptoms of Coronavirus (In English, Spanish, and Chinese)
Infographic on Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus (In English, Spanish, and Chinese)
More on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued a statement after President Trump shut down critical COVID-19 negotiations.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has moved the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) to November 21, 2020.
Congressman Gonzalez is urging people who don’t usually file a tax return and have not received an EIP to register as quickly as possible using the Non-Filers: Enter Info Here toolon IRS.gov. The tool will not be available after November 21.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) called for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to continue working toward a deal for COVID-19 relief for the American people. He along with 17 other Members of Congress in the Blue Dog Coalition sent a letter to the Speaker urging for negotiations to continue.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued a statement in response to the recent tapes that surfaced proving President Trump understood and withheld information about the dangers of the coronavirus from the American people for political purposes:
WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced a $400,000 grant award for the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council through the CARES Act. This funding comes as part of the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) greater $7.2 million investment of CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to 18 EDA Economic Development District organizations across Texas to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) voted in favor of H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act, to prohibit any attempt to dismantle, delay, or change U.S. Postal Service (USPS) operations and maintain reliable and efficient service. The House approved the legislation with a vote of 257 to 150 on Saturday, August 22, 2020.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued a statement following the concerning news that the Trump administration may attempt to suppress U.S. voters by tampering with the U.S. postal service (USPS):
MCALLEN, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced the new rescheduled date for the Vietnam War 50th anniversary commemoration lapel pinning ceremony for those in the 15th District of Texas. The event will be held virtually on Saturday, August 22 at 1 p.m. CT.
Veterans who are eligible to receive a Vietnam lapel pin must have been on active duty between November 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975. Veterans and their family members are welcome to register.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) and Filemon Vela (TX-34) urged U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham to continue self-response and non-response follow-up (NRFU) for the U.S. Census through October 31 as originally planned. Director Dillingham and the Trump administration recently indicated that Census efforts would end a month earlier than scheduled.
MCALLEN, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued a statement following the news that the Rio Grande Valley has reportedly hit a grim milestone: more than 1,000 lives have been lost due to the coronavirus.
“The news that the Rio Grande Valley has lost more than 1,000 lives due to COVID-19 is tragic and could have been avoided. My office hears daily from constituents who are grieving and frustrated with the insufficient state and federal response.