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Hoyer, Brown Host Roundtable on the Coronavirus

March 5, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC - This afternoon, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) hosted a roundtable discussion on the coronavirus and steps that municipalities are taking to protect citizens from the public health emergency. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed legislation to provide $8.3 billion to states, communities, and federal agencies to help contain the spread of coronavirus and prevent further loss of life. The Senate passed the funding bill today, and it is headed to the President's desk for his signature.

"I appreciated the opportunity to meet with public health and safety officials as well as educators to discuss what steps the community is already taking to address the threat that coronavirus presents and what additional work will need to be done, said Congressman Hoyer. "Thankfully we haven't yet seen any cases of the coronavirus here in Maryland. However, we must stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves and our families safe."

"It is critical that we have a comprehensive and unified response," continued Congressman Hoyer. "Congressman Brown and I will continue to work with our colleagues at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure Maryland is ready to respond to the coronavirus. I join in thanking medical professionals throughout the region for their diligence and work to keep our communities healthy."

"Preventing the spread of the coronavirus, particularly to at-risk populations, is a serious responsibility we all share. While zero cases have been confirmed in Maryland, my office and I are closely tracking the spread of the coronavirus and working with our partners in state and local governments on prevention and to ensure the safety of all residents," said Congressman Brown. "This situation is rapidly evolving, so keeping the lines of communication between government and public health experts open will be crucial. By taking common-sense steps we can protect the health of our loved ones and neighbors."

Congressmen Hoyer and Brown were joined by:

  • Dr. Ernest Carter, Prince George's County Public Health Officer;
  • Dr. Suzan Lowry, Charles County Health Officer;
  • Mark Willis, Calvert County Administrator;
  • Kasey Memphis, St. Mary's County Health Department;
  • Dr. Andrew Pekosz, Professor and Vice Chair, Johns Hopkins University Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology;
  • Dr. Boris Lushniak, Dean, University of Maryland's School of Public Health;
  • Dr. Joseph Wright, University of Maryland Capitol Region Health;
  • Dr. Aminta Breaux, President, Bowie State University;
  • Dr. Sunil Madan, Chief Medical Officer, Doctors Community Hospital;
  • Dr. Maureen Murphy, President, College of Southern Maryland;
  • Dr. Meloyde Batten-Micken, Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management, Prince George's County Community College
  • Dr. Kimberly A. Hill, Superintendent, Charles County Public Schools;
  • Dr. Gwendolyn J. Mason, Chief, Division of Special Education and Student Services, Prince George's County Public Schools;
  • Thomasina Coates, Commissioner, Charles County;
  • Ronnie Gill, Director, Office of Emergency Management, Prince George's County;
  • Mary Lou McDonough, Director, Prince George's County Department of Corrections; and
  • Bill Smith, Charles County Fire Department.