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Dear [firstname],

I hope you’re staying well and healthy. With over 18,000 active COVID-19 cases reported today, 978 hospitalized, 273 in the ICU, 234 on ventilators, and 605 El Pasoans taken from us, it’s clear this public health crisis is far from over.

El Paso, we are in a state of emergency. I’ve heard from countless constituents about long lines at testing sites, outbreaks at schools and with sports teams, and ongoing mask-less gatherings occurring around the community. I’ve heard from overworked frontline health care workers, overwhelmed teachers, and worried small business owners.

There is no doubt that a two-week shutdown has significant negative impacts, especially on a community that has already suffered immensely. Had there been aggressive contact tracing, enforcement, and full public disclosure, and a rejection of all waiver requests by the City, we wouldn’t be here. But we are, and the status quo is not a responsible option.

I’m working with local, state, and national health care experts and agencies to ensure El Paso has all of the resources we need to combat the crisis. You may be glad to know that with the help of the Houston United Medical Memorial Center, the County of El Paso and I were able to open a seventh COVID-19 testing site. The site, located in the County SportsPark, will allow for more than 1,000 free tests per day to any person that needs to get tested.

El Pasoans, please stay safe. We each have a personal obligation to slow the spread or we will not see the end of this crisis anytime soon. Wear your mask, wash your hands, and stay home. We must protect the people around us and make the sacrifices our community needs.

Voting Safely 

More than 222,000 El Pasoans have already voted in person and by mail in the early voting period! Despite the COVID-19 crisis in our community, voters have turned out in record numbers to ensure their voices are heard. 

If you didn’t vote during the early voting period, please make a plan to vote TOMORROW, November 3^rd! Precautions will be in place to ensure everyone is able to stay safe while exercising their right to vote, and curbside voting is available at multiple locations throughout El Paso.

Polls will be open from 7 am – 7 pm tomorrow. Please make a plan and make sure your voice is heard in the 2020 Elections!

For more information on locations, please click here.

COVID-19 Resources Available to El Pasoans 

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone in El Paso. Our community has overcome and recovered in the face of hardship before, and this is no different. I want to share some resources that are available to El Pasoans with you. It’s important everyone be aware of the resources that are available, so please feel free to forward this email to anyone you know. 

Thanks to the CARES Act, El Paso received over $145 million that has worked its way through our local governments and organizations to assist you and your family.

The City of El Paso approved $10 million in federal funds for a Rental Assistance Program to help tenants who are at risk of eviction as a result of direct financial impact caused by COVID-19. For more information on how to apply, please click here. Individuals can also apply for General Assistance from El Paso County, which includes assistance with rent, mortgage, or utilities. To learn more, click here.

El Pasoans who need help paying for groceries or providing meals for their families can contact the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank at (915) 298-0353 to learn more about their food pantry programs throughout the city. El Pasoans can also apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if they meet certain eligibility requirements. Please dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, or click here to learn more about SNAP.

The El Paso Community Foundation, in partnership with Project BRAVO, is providing assistance to El Paso County residents of up to $1,000 through debit cards that can be used at grocery stores and pharmacies. The cards are designated for El Pasoans that meet the requirements and who can demonstrate economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, click here.

If you own a small business and need financial assistance, please click here to learn more about available loans, grants, and assistance as well as information about how to keep employees and customers safe.

CDC Guidance 

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, and the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

If you have to leave your home for an essential activity, such as going to work, buying food or groceries, voting, purchasing prescriptions, providing care for a friend or relative, or exercising outside, please consider following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Practice social distancing
• Wear a mask when around others
• Avoid large gatherings

The fight against COVID-19 is far from over, and this is not the time to let our guard down. We have to do our part and stay home unless we absolutely need to leave for an essential activity. We all have a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting ourselves, our family, and our community.

New information about COVID-19 is coming out daily, please visit my resource page on my website for the latest updates, recommendations from the CDC, and a Frequently Asked Questions section to know the latest. Additionally, visit the sites below to stay up to date.

The CDC provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals, as well as Frequently Asked Questions available here.

The City of El Paso has a hotline for residents to call for more information regarding COVID-19. The number is 915-21-COVID, or 915-212-6843.

If you need to get tested because you believe you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, please get tested. The City of El Paso also offers mobile testing centers throughout the city that are now open and are free of charge for any symptomatic or asymptomatic person. So, whether you are exhibiting symptoms or not, you can get tested! For more information on locations and operating hours, please click here.

The Texas Department of State Health Services provides updates on the disease's spread within the state.

Sincerely,

Veronica Escobar
Member of Congress