A dangerous new coronavirus (COVID-19) is at its early stages of spreading in the U.S., and appears to be spreading rapidly, with new cases increasing at an exponential rate. Public health experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, agree that more than a million lives are at risk nationwide — as the virus can cause severe respiratory distress and lung failure. The oldest among us and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk, but everyone can be sickened, and people who aren't exhibiting any symptoms can carry and spread the virus. We have seen in China and are seeing now in Europe what happens when hospitals become overwhelmed -- it is a terrible scene. We must act aggressively or we will be in the same place. Forcing businesses to temporarily close may not be an easy political choice, but it is the morally clear one, in the best interest of the people of Virginia. Governor Northam and the rest of our Commonwealth’s government should heed the advice of public health experts and do all they can to #flattenthecurve at which this virus spreads. If the federal government will not take decisive action, state and local governments must. Gov. Northam, please close non-essential businesses, especially those such as bars and restaurants where large groups may congregate, to prevent unnecessary contagion and save lives. And please recognize the impacts this will have on workers and small businesses, and use the resources of the Commonwealth to ensure workers continue to get pay and that businesses forced to temporarily close are made whole.

A dangerous new coronavirus (COVID-19) is at its early stages of spreading in the U.S., and appears to be spreading rapidly, with new cases increasing at an exponential rate. The California Department of Public Health has established that the virus is present and spreading within California. Public health experts agree that more than a million lives are at risk nationwide — as the virus can cause severe respiratory distress and lung failure. The oldest among us and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk, but everyone can be sickened, and people who aren't exhibiting any symptoms can carry and spread the virus. We have seen in China and are seeing now in Europe what happens when hospitals become overwhelmed -- it is a terrible scene. We must act aggressively or we will be in the same place. Forcing businesses to temporarily close may not be an easy political choice, but it is the morally clear one, in the best interest of the people of California. Governor Gavin Newsom and the California government should heed the advice of public health experts and do all they can to #flattenthecurve at which this virus spreads. If the federal government will not take decisive action, state and local governments must. Governor Newsom, please close non-essential businesses, especially those such as bars and restaurants where large groups may congregate, to prevent unnecessary contagion and save lives. And please recognize the impacts this will have on workers and small businesses, and use the resources of California to ensure workers continue to get pay and that businesses forced to temporarily close are made whole. There is no reason we can't both act to prevent public health while also taking care of the workers and local businesses being asked to sacrifice so we can do so.

Americans need to be more aggressive in their approach to halting the spread of the novel coronavirus, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said today, Sunday March 15th. Specifically, he said he would support a 14-day national shutdown here in the United States. President Trump and the Coronavirus Task Force should adhere to this recommendation and initiate said shutdown immediately. Yesterday, March 14, 2020, Italy confirmed 398 deaths from COVID--19 in just one day. The U.S. death toll rose to 62, and the total number of confirmed cases surging to more than 3,200. More than 6,000 people have died around the world. The United States is weeks behind many other countries in mitigating the spread of this novel, deadly virus -- including Senegal which has prepared for COVID--19 since February and is reportedly able to test its citizens within a 4hr turnaround and South Korea which is able to test 15,000 citizens a day. We are behind the curve in protecting ourselves. A national shutdown is what is now needed. As evidenced by massive weekend turnout to bars in Nashville, Tennessee and New York City, New York, Americans will not, at scale, take social distancing seriously until mandated to do so. We need a 14-day national shutdown now.

Doctors in clinics cannot test for Covid-19 with personal protective equipment (PPE) even if the test kits arrive one day. We cannot see sick patients without N95 masks. Some offices are shutting down and only doing telehealth because they don’t have PPE. This should be the priority.

A dangerous new coronavirus (COVID-19) is at its early stages of spreading in the U.S., and appears to be spreading rapidly, with new cases increasing at an exponential rate. The DC Department of Health has established that the virus is present and spreading within Washington. Public health experts agree that more than a million lives are at risk nationwide — as the virus can cause severe respiratory distress and lung failure. The oldest among us and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk, but everyone can be sickened, and people who aren't exhibiting any symptoms can carry and spread the virus. We have seen in China and are seeing now in Europe what happens when hospitals become overwhelmed -- it is a terrible scene. We must act aggressively or we will be in the same place. Forcing businesses to temporarily close may not be an easy political choice, but it is the morally clear one, in the best interest of the people of Washington. Mayor Bowser and the DC government should heed the advice of public health experts and do all they can to #flattenthecurve at which this virus spreads. If the federal government will not take decisive action, state and local governments must. Mayor Bowser, please close non-essential businesses, especially those such as bars and restaurants where large groups may congregate, to prevent unnecessary contagion and save lives. And please recognize the impacts this will have on workers and small businesses, and use the resources of the District to ensure workers continue to get pay and that businesses forced to temporarily close are made whole. This is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, with a strong tax base and progressive council. There is no reason we can't both act to prevent public health while also taking care of the workers and local businesses being asked to sacrifice so we can do so.

Shelter matters during a disaster. As the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, and public health experts around the world plead with people to stay home during the pandemic, sheltering in safe housing empowers us to save lives by slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Social distancing preserves precious hospital and public safety resources, but it also means hardworking families are suffering lost wages and layoffs. If you do not act to stop evictions and foreclosures, some of our neighbors’ ability to stay in their homes will be in jeopardy. Their loss puts every one of us at risk. That’s why, in previous times of great crisis, lawmakers have moved quickly to stop evictions and foreclosures. Ending them will also preserve judicial and law enforcement resources for the vital work of keeping us all safe. So please: join lawmakers across the United States, including Miami-Dade, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Philadelphia, New York State, and New Jersey’s own Essex County, by putting an immediate stop to evictions and foreclosures throughout Hudson County. Resources: https://www.citylab.com/equity/2020/03/coronavirus-income-loss-paying-rent-eviction-housing-covid19/607426/ https://www.merkley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/20.03.12%20National%20moratorium%20on%20evictions%20and%20foreclosures%20COVID-19.pdf

Those of us who lived through the 2008 crash and Great Recession saw the lasting economic effects of so many Americans who could no longer afford to pay their mortgages and rents. It ruined lives, and many Americans never recovered. It depressed the economy for a very long time. Let's not make the same mistake twice. Ask Congress to pass legislation that will maintain the economic stability of American families while we navigate this crisis.

With the spread of coronavirus, school and business closures and a State of Emergency declared in Ohio, Athens County residents are experiencing loss of income. In the poorest county in Ohio, many people already live paycheck to paycheck. Our residents are facing evictions and utility shut offs due to this crisis, which will put us at increased risk of contracting the virus. While some utility companies and landlords are offering to halt evictions and shut offs, we cannot depend on the goodwill of property and business owners. We need action from our government to make sure that ALL Athens County residents are protected in our time of need.

It's important to decrease the spread of the Coronavirus and many people especially the elderly are not able to do their own taxes by hand or electronically. Tax preparers and clients are at risk by being in close contact. Yes, we can each file for an extension, but does everyone know how to do that or have the capacity to do so on their own? #COVIDtaxday #Extend415deadline

Older folks and folks with medical conditions are likely going to die without emergency medical care at a hospital. Tell Mayor Donald Grebien and Governor Gina Raimondo to reopen Pawtucket's Memorial Hosptial immediately.

We are in a health crisis and entering an economic crisis. During the Great Recession, leaders focused primarily on financial relief for big businesses and banks, causing communities of color and working-class people to lose massive amounts of wealth – forever. We must learn from this previous mistake, and provide consistent financial support for families that were already living paycheck to paycheck. We need to send Emergency Money to the People right away, and provide ongoing support. NBA stars, business owners, and concerned citizens on Twitter are sending people cash to cover lost wages and emergency supplies. The government should bolster what Americans already know to be correct – that cash allows people to solve problems for themselves, quickly.

As the coronavirus continues to spread and cause harm, undocumented families face harsh risks as they seek to care for their loved ones and seek access to health care. Currently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continue to target undocumented people in our community. As a result of fearmongering and misinformation, AAPI individuals in our communities have been harassed, racially profiled, and physically attacked. But now is the time for unity and protection for all our people, regardless of immigration status. We join together to reject xenophobia and racism, which only worsen the effects of the pandemic and put immigrants at harm. Together, we demand that this administration and government at all levels respond swiftly and universally to protect and support everyone, including undocumented immigrants. We know that this is an evolving situation, but time is of the essence. We must take up solutions that center public health needs and that would immediately have a positive impact on immigrants thereby extending to the health of our nation as we pursue a course of action to “flatten the curve.” The following demands are not exhaustive and are likely to expand as we get new information: Please join with us to demand that President Trump: Suspend ALL immigration enforcement activities and operations. DHS must suspend deportations, immigration arrests, mass raids, detentions and enforcement in sensitive locations. Provide Free COVID-19 testing, treatment, and services for ALL, regardless of immigration status. Black, brown, undocumented and low income communities are more vulnerable to health and economic crises. Additional supports and/or stimuli that shore up the safety net and the economic security of those most in need–from food stamps to rent/housing assistance to unemployment insurance to paid leave among others–should be universally accessible without triggering any immigration penalties. Guarantee safe conditions and provide healthcare, testing and support to protect those in detention and prisons. Add your name now to ensure all people, regardless of immigration status, have access to care and support to face the COVID-19 pandemic!