Statement from Sen. Lewis on the COVID-19 Virus

“We are facing an unprecedented situation with the global spread of the COVID-19 virus and the many impacts it is having on our communities. This is undoubtedly a confusing and challenging time for all of us to navigate, and we know that many of our neighbors, businesses, and institutions are facing significant disruption and hardship.

“For information about the virus and actions we all need to take, please continue to rely upon only trustworthy sources of information — your local town or city officials and Board of Health, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC). DPH is regularly updating a helpful website with many resources at:  https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19.

“Yesterday, my colleagues and I in the state Senate spent several hours discussing appropriate responses to the outbreak. Following recommended best practices from public health authorities, the Senate is implementing “social distancing” practices to limit the chance of virus transmission, including canceling State House events and tours, holding virtual committee meetings, and enabling more work to be done remotely. To that end, although the State House remains open to the public, I encourage constituents and advocates to contact my office by email at Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov, by phone at (617) 722-1206, or through social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Please rest assured that my office will continue providing constituent services and we remain focused on our work on the state budget, legislation, and important community projects.

“In addition to working closely with the House of Representatives and the Baker Administration, the Senate has also formed a Task Force to help us better understand and respond to the many impacts of this outbreak on our families, schools, municipalities, businesses, and other institutions. Please share with my office issues and concerns that you or your organization may encounter as we continue to deal with this rapidly evolving situation. We will consider appropriate actions that our state government needs to take, including providing additional resources and legislative action.”