PA Residents: Continue Social Distancing

As our nation continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to follow CDC recommendations: stay home as much as possible, wash your hands often, and practice social distancing. If you must venture out of your home, please wear a cloth mask during any essential travel. My mask protects you and your mask protects me.

This week, my office launched a website that provides access to resources and information regarding the federal response to COVID-19. You can view the resource page here. 

I had the opportunity to talk with Rob Vaughn of WFMZ-TV in Allentown about the COVID-19 crisis. Click here to watch the full interview.

Possible Symptoms:

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you have been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive or traveled to a country outside of the U.S. within the past two weeks and develop symptoms, call your doctor.

Steps to Slow the Spread:

By taking the same precautionary measures you might to mitigate contracting the flu, you can decrease the risk of contracting COVID-19.

It is important that individuals practice social distancing as much as possible. Guidance from federal and state officials encourages Americans to avoid all discretionary travel, including shopping trips, social visits, and gatherings of more than ten people.

In addition to social distancing, individuals are encouraged to practice good hygiene, avoid sick people, and stay home when sick.

Hand sanitizers are no more effective than traditional soap and water, when they are used properly. There is no need to go out of your way to procure hand sanitizer.

How to Help:

FEMA has now created a website to collect the incredible outreach for help in a formal, systematic way. You can reach out directly to nbeoc@fema.dhs.gov. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has also established a procurement portal to source the most needed medical supplies. Manufacturers, distributors, and other suppliers can use the portal to let the state Department of Health know if they have supplies for hospitals and medical facilities.

Further Information:

The Centers for Disease Control provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides information on the virus and safety precautions.

I encourage all Pennsylvanians to take this situation very seriously and observe the recommendations developed by the CDC.

Major Victory for Philly's Shipyard

This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration announced the Philly Shipyard will build the first two National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs).

This is tremendous news for the Philly Shipyard, its workers, and the entire region. Hundreds of jobs will be created and the shipyard's workload will be sustained for years to come. With its unique ability to deliver vessels on-time and on-budget, a skilled workforce, and state-of-the-art shipbuilding infrastructure, the Philly Shipyard is the right choice to build these essential ships in support of our nation's defense readiness. The shipyard is deserving of this contract and I was proud to support the efforts by sending a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in February 2019 recommending the Philly Shipyard for this project.

Happy Easter!

This Easter, my family and I join Christians around the world in celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter will certainly be different this year, as it is vital we all continue to practice social distancing. While I understand the desire to spend time with family, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to stay home and celebrate Easter with your household only.

I realize how difficult it is to avoid congregating during such a special time, but it is very important that we each do our part to slow the spread. Wishing all of those across our commonwealth who celebrate a very blessed Easter!