Important coronavirus updates

March 9 - March 13, 2020

In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, if you are like me, you’re closely following the news and advice coming from our health officials. COVID-19 must be taken seriously, but now is not the time to panic. We will get through this as a country, but we must work now to protect ourselves and our most vulnerable—working together in our common interest.

I thought it best to pass along the CDC’s guidance on best practices to prevent illness and limit the spread of COVID-19:

Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water—for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing—preferably with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. And avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash hand towels frequently if you are using them to dry your hands.

Practice social-distancing: Avoid close contact with people who are sick and large social gatherings (considered 100 or more people). When in public, put distance between yourself and others.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily—including doorknobs, light switches, countertops, phones, and faucets.

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. If you need to seek medical care, please follow CDC guidelines, like calling ahead before visiting your doctor.

All seniors, especially those like me who are over the age of 70, and those in high-risk groups, must take every precaution. We are the ones most likely to suffer the most severe complications from COVID-19—complications that will overwhelm the healthcare system. I urge seniors to follow strict social-distancing and even consider self-quarantine.

In order to protect the health of my staff and the people we serve, I have instructed all members of my team in D.C. and Utah to work from home as a precautionary measure. We will continue to provide assistance to Utahns who need help, and you can contact my offices here.

Our office remains in touch with the Utah Department of Health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the State Department as coronavirus preparations and response efforts continue. Senator Lee and I are working with the Administration to provide guidance to Utahns who are abroad and wish to return to the U.S. My team will continue working to keep Utahns informed about response efforts.

All the best,

It’s critical that everyone stays informed about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and what you can do to protect yourself from it and other illnesses. If you have any questions, please be sure to speak with your health care provider and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website on the coronavirus.

For Utah-specific updates on the coronavirus, Utahns should look to the Utah Department of Health and Governor Herbert's Coronavirus Task Force.

Senator Romney teamed up with his colleagues to introduce two pieces of legislation amid the coronavirus outbreak. Partnering with Senators Peters (D-MI), Schatz (D-HI), Young (R-IL), and Hirono (D-HI), the Senator introduced the Coronavirus Worker Relief Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would expand the current Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program to provide assistance to people unable to work due to the current coronavirus outbreak. Americans shouldn’t have to choose between a paycheck and protecting their own health.

The Senator also joined colleagues, led by Senators Alexander (R-TN) and Durbin (D-IL), to introduce the bipartisan Commission on America’s Medical Security Act—legislation aimed at safeguarding America’s medical supply chain by addressing U.S. dependence on foreign-made medical equipment, specifically our over-reliance on China for critical drugs, equipment, and devices.

Full story by Thomas Burr here.

This week, the Administration announced it is restricting travel to the U.S. of foreign nationals who have recently been in certain European countries. While these restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens, the Administration has indicated U.S. citizens may be subject to screening in order to return and will be directed to a limited number of airports where screening can take place. Senators Romney and Lee are working together to ensure Utahns currently abroad are able to return following the Administration's imposed travel restrictions, saying: "We are seeking additional information from the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security regarding specific guidance for Utahns and family members of Utahns who are currently abroad and wish to return to the U.S." They also compiled recommended actions and resources for travelers, found here.

Senator Romney also spoke with KSL's Boyd Matheson about his efforts with Senator Lee to help Utahns, as well as his legislative solutions to aid workers and small businesses affected by the coronavirus.

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