Congressmen issue statements in regard to COVID-19

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Sen. Doug Jones issued the following statement on Temporary COVID-19 Office Policies:

U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today announced that his Washington, DC staff will institute a temporary tele-work policy beginning today. All operations will continue as normal, with the exception of in-person constituent meetings in the Washington office.

Until April 1, the U.S. Capitol, Senate and House office buildings, and the Capitol Visitor Center will also be closed to all tours and visitors. Only Members of Congress, essential personnel and credentialed media will be allowed in the congressional buildings.

Regarding his office’s temporary telework policy, Senator Jones issued the following statement:

“My top priority is keeping my constituents and my team safe and healthy. As such, and out of an abundance of caution, I have directed my staff in Washington to begin to temporarily telework effective today in order to ensure their health and their ability to serve Alabamians seamlessly. During this time, my team will continue to provide first-class service to Alabamians, and I will continue to monitor the COVID-19 response and stay engaged fully through my role on the Senate health committee. While we passed a significant $8.3 billion funding bill last week, I am still deeply concerned about the lack of testing available and the near- and long-term economic impacts, particularly for working families and for folks who don’t have paid sick leave. I’m working with my colleagues now to address these concerns and also to help make it easier to provide telehealth services in more rural states like Alabama.

“Please understand that there will be some inconveniences from the measures folks across the country are taking, but we need to remember that these are important steps we must take to protect ourselves and our loved ones. If we all take smart steps now, we can do our part to minimize the severity of this outbreak.”

 

Congressman Bradley Byrne issued the following statement that his office will remain open: 

Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement ensuring constituents that his Washington and district offices will remain open to serve them despite modification of public access to the U.S. Capitol due to coronavirus precautions.

Congressman Byrne said: “My staff and I are here to serve you, and my Washington and district offices remain open for business.  Although the U.S. Capitol is presently closed to tours and non-official visits, my staff continues to work to serve the people of South Alabama.  Should any of my office locations be ordered closed, my staff is equipped to continue to provide the same level of service needed to assist our constituents.”

“As always, please don’t hesitate to call or come by my office with any questions about the coronavirus or if we can help you with any legislative issues or casework.  While Congress continues to work with the Trump Administration to address the coronavirus, I encourage everyone to practice good hygiene and use common sense.”

For more information about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s response page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.