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[firstname],

 

I hope this email finds you and your family safe and healthy. It has been more than one week since Governor Greg Abbott decided to re-open Texas. While some retail stores, malls, restaurants, movie theaters, libraries, and museums across our community and state are open, the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continue to rise. We have lost 32 El Pasoans and 1,322 people have tested positive.

 

As the numbers continue to increase, our lives are being challenged more and more. Our way of life has been turned upside down and the fight against this virus is far from over.

 

This isn’t the time to start losing our sense of community and leave our homes. As we celebrate the mothers in our lives this weekend, we must continue to do our part and stay home unless we 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.

CDC Guidance

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.

Studies also indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of the virus. It may also be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

If you have to leave your home for an essential activity, such as going to work, buying food or groceries, purchasing prescriptions, providing care for a friend or relative or exercising outside, please consider following the guidance below:

  • Practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a face covering when around others in public.
  • Avoid gatherings of any size outside of your household, such as a friend’s house, parks, restaurants, shops, etc.
  • Use mail-order for medications, if possible.
  • Consider a grocery delivery service.
  • Work from home when possible.
  • Avoid using any kind of public transportation, taxis, and ridesharing, if possible.

COVID-19 and Mental Health

Isolation from our family and friends can be very difficult. The economic stress many people are facing is having an impact on their mental health. May is Mental Health Month and a good opportunity to share some tips you and your loved ones can follow during these hard times:

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories.
  • Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
  • Exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Try a new hobby.
  • Stay connected while staying away by calling, video chatting, and using social media.

If you or a loved one are struggling with coping with the stress caused by COVID-19, you are not alone. Fear and anxiety about the pandemic can be overwhelming, but there are resources available. To read a full and comprehensive list of resources available to El Pasoans, please visit my resource guide.

Mobile Testing in El Paso County

Robust testing and contact tracing are key to containing COVID-19 and keeping El Pasoans safe but unfortunately, Texas ranks near the bottom in testing. As I will continue fighting and advocating for more testing in our community, I want to make sure El Pasoans are aware of the available testing sites.

Mobile testing centers throughout the city are now open and are free of charge. The City of El Paso has a mobile testing center for any person of any age with COVID-19 symptoms or any person evaluated by a medical provider and with a Quest laboratory order. For more information on location, operation hours, and how to make an appointment, please click here.

Additionally, the City of El Paso partnered with Walmart to expand COVID-19 testing. The new testing centers are available for anyone who meets CDC and state and local guidelines on who should be tested, including first responders, healthcare providers, and others with symptoms of COVID-19 and those in risk groups without symptoms. The locations are:

  • 4530 Woodrow Bean, El Paso, TX 79924
  • 1850 N Zaragoza Road, El Paso, TX 79936
  • 7555 N Mesa Street, El Paso, TX 79912

For more information, make an appointment, and to determine if you are eligible for testing, please click here.

Starting next week, more mobile testing centers will be available:

  • Vinton (May 13)
    West Valley Fire Department. 510 Vinton Road, Anthony, TX 79821
  • City of Horizon (May 13)
    Horizon First Baptist Church. 17018 Darrington Road, Horizon City, TX 79928
  • San Elizario (May 13)
    San Elizario Fire Station. 1415 San Antonio Street, San Elizario, TX 79849
  • Fabens (May 12)
    El Paso County ESD#2. 16001 Socorro Road, Fabens, TX 79838
  • Montana Vista (May 12)
    Montana Vista Fire Station 2. 5411 Paso View Drive, El Paso, TX 79938
  • Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo (May 13)
    11200 Santos Sanchez Boulevard, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, TX 79927

For more information, please click here.

Additional Resources
Because new information on 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. 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 is offering a hotline for residents to call for more information regarding COVID-19. The number is 915-21-COVID, or 915-212-6843.
 
The Texas Department of State Health Services provides updates on the disease's spread within the state.

The safety of you and your loved ones is of the utmost importance. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office via email at Veronica.Escobar@mail.house.gov or by phone at 915-541-1400. 

Sincerely,

Veronica Escobar
Member of Congress
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