On Wednesday, February 12, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) pushed for a boost in federal investment to combat coronavirus and prevent the spread of the virus within the United States, by urging Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar to request emergency supplemental appropriations from Congress.

In recent days, there were concerns that Chinese passengers on a cruise ship docked in New Jersey were suspected to have had coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have since cleared the passengers. The World Health Organization (WHO) has rated the global risk of the virus as ‘high.’

According to the most recent reporting from the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 43,000 confirmed coronavirus cases globally.

Newark Liberty International Airport is one of eleven U.S. airports designated for enhanced screening procedures for passengers arriving from impacted areas to ensure the virus does not spread further.

In his letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) wrote, “It is critical that your Department has the resources needed to fully combat this virus and prevent the further spread within the U.S.”

Gottheimer continued, “Recently, my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee wrote to you urging you request emergency supplemental resources to respond to this crisis. I join their call for you to submit this request for any needed emergency resources to Congress to attack the novel Coronavirus head on.”

Read Gottheimer’s letter HERE.

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