Sen. Markey Calls for President Trump to Declare Coronavirus Pandemic A National Emergency

EDWARD J. MARKEY MASSACHUSETTS		975 JFK FEDERAL BUILDING 15 NEW SUDBURY STREET BOSTON, MA 02203 (617) 565-8519
	United States Senate March 17, 2020

 

WATCH: SENATOR MARKEY "YOUR SAFETY IS MY TOP PRIORITY"; LAYS OUT EFFORTS TO ADDRESS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH CONNECTOR EXTENDS ENROLLMENT UNTIL APRIL 25

We are officially facing a global coronavirus pandemic. Massachusetts residents are worried about keeping their children, their families, and themselves safe. Day-to-day, even hour-to-hour, there is a lot of uncertainty during this public health emergency. But there is one thing I want my constituents to know for certain: I share your concern for your loved ones and your safety is my top priority.

Governor Baker has declared a state of emergency. It is important that you all have the critical information necessary to effectively care for yourselves and your loved ones during this time. The situation is changing rapidly as this pandemic continues to evolve. I want you to know that my office is a resource for you, and we will offer periodic updates regarding any new actions we are taking, as well as how any new developments from the federal government will affect Massachusetts. Families need clear, non-biased, accurate, and reassuring information. They need it from public health officials and medical professionals. They need it from their elected leaders. I encourage you to stay up to date with the latest information by following my coronavirus resource page and following our public health officials:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19

Centers for Disease and Control COVID-19

World Health Organization COVID-19

I am working hard to ensure that our response to the COVID-19 emergency matches the seriousness of the crisis:

• Ensure widespread and free coronavirus testing, and affordable treatment for all. The White House has been dangerously confusing about its testing information, which is why I'm calling for daily, accurate updates from the CDC on its testing plan.

• Ensure paid sick leave for our workers. The House-passed legislation is a good step, but we must go further to ensure that all workers have paid sick leave.

• President Trump should use authorities under the Defense Production Act to increase production of medical supplies such as gowns, gloves, face shields, surgical masks, N95 respirators, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizers. Our hospitals and nurses are facing a shortage of testing kits and critical medical equipment. We are at war with coronavirus and we need a massive wartime manufacturing mobilization.

• President Trump should appoint a permanent Global Health Chief, one qualified individual who can coordinate the strongest government-wide response we can muster.

• Vice President Pence's Coronavirus Task Force should immediately appoint a Labor Department representative to advocate for the concerns of frontline workers - our nurses, flight attendants, educators, and more - who are key to combatting this threat.

• Enhance Unemployment Insurance and expand and support programs like SNAP, WIC, school lunch and other initiatives, to support food security. Banks should suspend payments on mortgages for those struggling with the economic impacts of this crisis.

• Expand the E-Rate program to ensure that the millions of the students sent home due to public safety concerns can continue to remotely continue their education.

• Protect consumers. That includes shielding them from scams and price gouging on products like face masks and hand sanitizer. No one should be allowed to reap a windfall from fear and human suffering.

• We know the coronavirus is not the first, and will not be the last biothreat the United States faces. I introduced legislation to provide $1 billion for research into a universal coronavirus vaccine that prevents the next biothreat.

No one in Massachusetts, or anywhere in this country, should have to wonder: will I be able to work? Will I be able to get medical care? Will I be able to pay the mortgage or the rent? In the days ahead, I will be fighting to ensure my constituents have the resources and information they need to stay safe.

During this emergency, we all have a to responsibility to act - to support those who are most vulnerable and will be most impacted by this virus - our grandparents in nursing homes, our young children, the uninsured and the undocumented. They need our help.

Please, stay informed, and stay safe.