Franklin Matters: Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #10

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #10

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #10

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Hi friends,

I hope you all are staying safe during these trying times. My team and I are still working around the clock to respond to this pandemic and support constituents and communities throughout the Commonwealth. My commitment to intersectional equity and justice has always been a top priority, and this commitment is stronger than ever.

There is no doubt that black and brown communities, low-income families, and undocumented individuals are disproportionately impacted by the significant economic downturn spawned by COVID-19 and are over-represented in coronavirus cases nationwide. I pledge to continue centering equity and justice as we continue to devise and implement solutions to this unprecedented challenge.

Quick update on my personal work: I was asked to serve on the Senate’s COVID-19 public safety subcommittee. I accepted immediately, and was honored to be asked by leadership. I also continue to serve in my capacity as the Senate Chair of the Municipalities Committee. I am deeply focused on crafting legislative solutions that constituents and communities so desperately need, and getting those solutions across the legislative finish line.

A note about face masks: on Friday, April 3, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a recommendation encouraging cloth face coverings in public settings, since individuals who contract COVID-19 can carry the virus without symptoms and transmit the virus to others. The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in places such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and anywhere else where community-based transmission may be high.

This recommendation does not replace social distancing, stay-at-home measures, and hand washing recommendations that remain in effect. Also, this does not mean people need N95 or medical grade masks; the clinicians and first responders need those. If you have access to N95 masks, please contribute those resources to the statewide COVID-19 response efforts.

Yours in service,