Washington, D.C. – On Saturday, March 14, 2020, Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX-14) issued the following statement:

Like most Americans, my family and I have been closely monitoring the news and developments pertaining to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  And, just like you, we are interested in knowing how best to deal with this unfamiliar situation while keeping our friends, family and neighbors safe. Yesterday, it hit closer to home.  Galveston County officials reported the first confirmed case of COVID-19 involving a 14^th Congressional District resident.  This individual is reportedly receiving care in Austin, Texas.  With this news, I wanted to share some information and resources that might assist us all in our response to this illness.

Federal, State and County officials are working closely with our local communities to control the spread of the coronavirus.  With the first case of COVID-19 being confirmed from Galveston County, it is important that members of the public remain careful but calm as we work together to manage this situation.  I am grateful for our local elected officials, emergency management staff, and our local healthcare providers for the essential work they are doing right now across our district to keep our community healthy and safe.  We are fortunate to have some of the best doctors, nurses and researchers in the world in our own backyard.

In our community, there are steps that we can take to slow the spread of this disease, which will help protect the most vulnerable among us, especially the elderly and those with suppressed immune systems.  Social distancing (reducing your proximity to others when in public places and reducing your time spent in those places) will help us slow the virus’ spread, reducing the burden on our hospitals.  Additionally, those who are ill should stay home. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, this is a simple but critical prevention tool.  Many who catch the virus will show only mild symptoms, but they can still spread the disease to other more vulnerable Americans.

While these steps may seem small, as a group we can dramatically lessen the burden on our local hospitals and other healthcare providers.  America has the best healthcare system in the world, with the most advanced treatments available.  However, like any health system, there is a finite limit to the number of hospital beds and medical supplies initially available.  Lessening the burden can dramatically support the condition of our healthcare system - saving American lives.  I hope you will join me in doing what we can do as individuals to minimize the number of infected in our community.

President Trump announced yesterday the federal government will be using the full force of its resources to provide State and Local officials with the tools and flexibility they need to push back against the spread of this virus. He announced the rollout of a drive through testing system where people who qualify can get the testing they need. 

Congress will continue provide funding and legislative resources needed to ensure families and communities weather this storm.  While we must address this situation, we cannot use it as an excuse to create permanent programs or government spending that will long outlast this virus.   Early this morning, the House passed legislation that was not made available to Members until just minutes before the vote.  I did not support it because I am not in favor of passing a bill to find out what is in it.  Having said that, if it passes the Senate and becomes law, we will do everything we can to make sure it is implemented and our district receives the full benefits afforded by law.

To stay up to date with the most recent local information, please follow our county officials and health departments, as well as the Texas Department of State Health Services at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at (www.cdc.gov). 

My offices remain open and available to help answer any questions you may have during this time.


GALVESTON COUNTY:

409-938-7221

https://www.gchd.org/about-us/news-and-events/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov


BRAZORIA COUNTY:

Brazoria County Health Department

https://www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/health-department

(979) 864-2168


JEFFERSON COUNTY:

https://www.co.jefferson.tx.us/PublicHealth/PublicHealth.htm

Beaumont – (409) 835-8530

Port Arthur – (409) 983-8380


I remain committed to what’s best for our District.  I work for you.

Randy Weber

 

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