news

Here’s an update for Sunday, March 15, we will continue these updates a long as necessary. 

I’m available - as I always am. Right now we have many issues coming up. You can leave questions or comments you might have on my website below. I will continue to make myself accessible, even under these circumstances. With coroanvirus spreading, it's important we have all the facts and take the proper steps to prevent the spread.

https://debbiedingell.house.gov/contact/ 

The Senate still has not taken up the Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed by the House late Friday evening. This is critical support for Michiganders and American families that includes free testing for coronavirus and increases in Medicaid, economic security with both paid emergency sick leave and enhanced unemployment insurance, and food security to help food banks, kids who rely on the school meal program, and low-income seniors through Meals on Wheels. 

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act begins to meet the needs of our communities by going directly to the hardworking men, women, and families deeply affected by the virus. Congress will continue to work hard to deliver what the American people need during the crisis.

Starting Monday, many families and workers across the country will face kids home from school and the lack of paid sick leave. The House package – which has the support of the Administration – is desperately needed. The Senate can and must pass this quickly. 

Author Gretchen Rubin shared 11 tips for staying calm, I share with you for inspiration:
Take care of your body (important for health and mood).

Figure out how to keep active and moving. Even in a small space you can do yoga or use exercise apps.

Beware of information overload. Schedule a time to check current events so the news doesn’t overtake you.

Prepare wisely. Action is the antidote for anxiety.

Tidy up. Clearing up your space might help you feel calmer.

Look for ways to help others, to make sure they’re prepared that they know you’re looking out for them.

Use technology to connect with friends and family, and reach out to people who might feel isolated.

Make good use of this opportunity.

Catch up on books, podcasts, movies, or TV shows. Continue or create comforting rituals. Reach out with love.

Contact numbers for people looking for information are:

Centers for Disease Control, cdc.gov/coronavirus, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

Michigan.gov/coronavirus, Call 2-1-1 or 734-287-7870 from within Michigan to connect with help of all kinds including food, housing, healthcare, and more.

We continue to see more and more cancellations. It breaks my heart to hear of graduations and other traditional events with long histories of tying us together. It’s the responsible thing to do, but it’s still a tough decision. We just have to find other ways to celebrate and recognize individuals achievements. My office has put together a running list of all cancellations, suspensions, or postponements for schools, events, and meetings across Michigan’s 12th Congressional District. The page will be updated on a regular basis. Please find the link directly below.

Suspensions, Cancellations, Information, and More.

Finally, we all must take responsibility to mitigate the spread. There are many steps you can take to prevent the spread of the virus. You should frequently wipe down hard surfaces and high contact areas (telephones, doorknobs, desks, railings, counters, computer mouse etc.) with a standard home disinfectant product and allow to air dry per manufacturer instructions.

Hygiene Procedures

Remember to wash your hands. Period. Frequent hand washing with soap for at least 20 seconds at a time should be done immediately after touching high contact areas, such as doorknobs, railings, phones, etc. It is also highly encouraged to clean your phone, computers and iPads. When soap is unavailable, have hand sanitizer to use as a substitute. Personal hygiene matters.

You should wash hands/use hand sanitizers before and after visitations and meetings.

Social Distancing

Maintain a supply of medications, food and other essentials in your house.

This matters. You should be aware of your stance and positioning at all times and avoid close direct, contact with other individuals, such as shaking hands, hugging, taking selfies, people talking to you, standing in line, etc.

Avoid large meetings and events. Schools, universities, sports teams, etc. are all looking at this. Conduct meetings via teleconference. This protects the health of all participants. Reduce in- person gatherings and activities as well.

Avoid traveling if not necessary and limit non-essential work travel. People who are older and have underlying conditions need to be particularly vigilant.

Business should prepare and activate telework procedures. We need to remember this impacts many contract/independent workers who support many people. We must make sure we are not economically harming people during these times.

If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak. Limit visits to only those who are absolutely necessary.

Other things to think about

You can stay in social contact without physical presence. Call your family, use FaceTime, have virtual office meetings.

You can stay busy, catch up on home projects like cleaning your closets, watch movies, read that book you have been wanting to do.

Don’t isolate yourself, just think different about staying in touch.

Stay in touch with your family, colleagues, neighbors and seniors who need someone to care.

Food banks in our area are able to help you if you need it.

This is today’s thought. We will have regular communications to keep you updated and answer questions. Be safe, be calm and wash your hands.