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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) today announced changes to the operating status of her Georgia and Washington, D.C. offices amid the coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak.
In accordance with the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health experts to limit contact through social distancing, effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Loeffler’s Senate offices in Atlanta and Washington will be closed to the public and staff will be working under a modified operating status, including telework, until further notice.
“To protect the health and safety of our constituents and our staff in the midst of this public health emergency, my staff in our Washington and Atlanta offices will operate remotely,” said Loeffler. “While the physical offices may be closed, services and assistance for Georgians will not be disrupted. My staff is working at full capacity and will continue to answer questions and provide information as we monitor the spread of this outbreak.
“In the days ahead, we must all do our part to prevent the spread of the virus and protect ourselves, loved ones and the most vulnerable in our communities. Please continue to heed the guidance of local and state government and health authorities and remain vigilant by washing your hands, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, covering your mouth when you cough, staying home when you’re sick and avoiding large gatherings.”
To ensure a prompt reply, Georgians should email or call Senator Loeffler’s D.C. office at 202-224-3643 or Atlanta office at 770-661-0999 in place of physical mail when possible.
To help prevent the spread of the virus, the CDC recommends:
· Practice social distancing and avoid close contact with people who are sick;
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
· Stay home when you are sick;
· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash;
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe; and
· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of coronavirus, and you develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within fourteen days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have coronavirus, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.
For updates and tips on how to prepare for yourself and your family, call the Georgia Coronavirus Hotline at 1-844-442-2681.
For additional information, visit Senator Loeffler’s website, the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website or the CDC’s website.