VP Pence came to our caucus meeting today to discuss the latest on the #coronavirus response. I’ve been talking intensively with public health experts and people on the front lines in Oregon and nationally, and shared advice I've learned. Here's what I told him.
We need clear messages from the administration. Best way to limit the spread is for everyone to be hearing key messages starting w/ most important: 1. If you have symptoms, STAY HOME.
2. Most people can’t afford to stay home from work without pay. Our government should be doing everything it can to encourage employers to PAY workers who stay home ill. (And yes, we need national paid sick leave!)
3. The administration needs to guarantee that those who get tested will not have to pay out of pocket for those tests. The last thing we need is undiagnosed cases walking around because folks who have been infected cannot afford testing.
4. Remember your hands! Handwashing and hand sanitation are the best way to combat this outbreak right now. Skip handshakes (I’ll be moving to the ‘elbow bump’) and try to avoid touching your face as much as possible.
5. We need to make sure that fears over immigration status are not a barrier in combating this outbreak. That means: a) The administration must reassure patients that going to a clinic will not count against anyone’s green card decision under the ‘public charge’ rule. And…
(5, cont) b) We need an ironclad commitment that ICE will not target ANYONE, regardless of immigration status, at clinics or other health settings.
6. Finally, I’ve heard a lot of concerns from the affected communities that cleaning staff are being asked to deep clean affected spaces without the appropriate protective equipment or training to stay safe from the virus on the job.
(6, cont) We need clear guidelines and appropriate equipment for cleaning crews who are being asked to do this work, as soon as humanly possible.
To sum up: We need clear communication and smart policies to combat the spread of this virus. I hope that VP Pence and the administration will throw their full weight behind ALL of these recommendations without delay.
Many thanks to all of those who contributed their advice and guidance that I was able to convey to the VP today, including:
@OHAOregon
@AEnghouse
@OFNHP
@KPNorthwest
@OSEA6732
@OurLegacyHealth
@ProvHealth
@ORDeptED_Colt
@oregoneducation
@LOSchoolDistict (cont. below)
@OHAOregon
@AEnghouse
@OFNHP
@KPNorthwest
@OSEA6732
@OurLegacyHealth
@ProvHealth
@ORDeptED_Colt
@oregoneducation
@LOSchoolDistict (cont. below)
