Update on COVID-19
Dear Friend,
With the first confirmed cases of coronavirus in New Mexico, I know a lot of families are feeling scared and overwhelmed. I want you to know that the health of all of our state's communities is my top priority.
My office remains in close communication with federal, state, tribal and local agencies and we are working to ensure that our state has the resources it needs to protect public health and keep families safe. I will continue to hold the Trump administration accountable to do more to ensure the widespread availability of testing and monitoring, to effectively and transparently communicate with state agencies, and to assure the public that there is seamless coordination in the federal government's response to COVID-19.
I encourage every New Mexican to stay informed about the virus and how to keep yourself and your family healthy. There are steps you can take to protect yourself, such as washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with other people. You can also do things to protect others, including staying home if you're sick, covering coughs and sneezes, using a facemask if you are sick, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily.
I want to ensure you have accurate, science-based information, which is why I launched a Coronavirus Resource Center on my website. If you have any questions, please be sure to speak with your health care provider, call the New Mexico Department of Health's coronavirus hotline at 1-855-600-3453, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website on the coronavirus.
The New Mexico Congressional Delegation announced today that our state will immediately receive $6 million in federal funding as part of the $8 billion emergency funding bill passed by Congress last week to bolster the U.S. coronavirus response. These critical funds will allow New Mexico's health care professionals to quickly and more effectively assess, inform, and care for residents across the state.
We must have an all hands on deck, science-based approached to stop COVID-19 from spreading in our communities and prevent more Americans from getting sick. That needs to start with immediate expansion of diagnostic testing. Which is why I introduced legislation to expand free testing for COVID-19 infection to every single American who needs one. I am pleased that New Mexico's Superintendent of Insurance is guaranteeing free testing for health care services related to COVID-19.
I am also focused on economic relief measures that would help workers and small businesses that face serious financial impacts from the virus and public health response measures. The New Mexico Economic Development Department is taking steps to assist with emergency loans or lines of credit for local businesses. There are also many workers facing the impossible choice of caring for their health or keeping their job, which is why I just introduced legislation to provide paid sick days to workers in light of the coronavirus crisis, and in preparation for future public health emergencies. I have also called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide flexibility in the Child Nutrition Program to ensure none of New Mexico's children go hungry when their school is closed during a public health crisis.
Finally, I would also like to take a moment to thank New Mexico's health care professionals for their work and vigilance. They are on the front lines of this crisis, and I will continue to do everything in my power to support them. We all need to take this deadly outbreak seriously. All of us have neighbors and family members who are at high-risk. We each have a role to play in following the recommendations of public health officials. We must remember that steps that each of us can take right now will make a real difference and literally save lives.
As always, please contact my office if I can be of assistance to you or your family.
Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator
