Torres Launches Coronavirus Resource, Approves Emergency Funding
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today launched an online coronavirus resource page for Inland Empire Residents to stay informed and safe.
The site launched as Congress passed $8.3 billion in emergency funding to address the ongoing health crisis.
Rep. Torres confronted the Administration on January 28th about its lack of funding and planning for coronavirus when it announced a repatriation flight from Wuhan, China destined for Ontario International Airport. Following the Congresswoman's concerns about landing a potentially contaminated plane in a populated area that serves as the logistics and shipping hub for the entire western United States, the Administration diverted the flight to an unused airfield in the Riverside desert.
"I asked the Administration if they had the resources needed to protect the American people from coronavirus – clearly they did not," Rep. Torres said. "The federal government's flat-footed response has endangered lives and enabled this virus to spread. The funding we passed today won't stop this situation if the Administration doesn't change its behavior, develop credible plans and implement them with competent people."
With seven cases now confirmed in the area, Los Angeles County declared a health emergency earlier today. Rep. Torres' Inland Empire Congressional District includes portions of Los Angeles County.
"The first line of defense against the coronavirus is to stay informed," Rep. Torres continued. "The County's declaration of a health emergency is not a reason to panic – it's a reason to pay attention, learn the steps that will keep you and your loved ones safe, and stick to them. My office is a resource for anyone with questions about how to protect themselves, and the easiest way to get the answers you need is to visit the online resource I launched today."
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