We must continue to follow the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus until we have a vaccine that has been properly tested. Once available, it must be distributed equitably. 

At the same time, we have to deal with the damaging and far-reaching effects of this public health and economic crisis.

The profound dedication and selflessness of our health care workers during the darkest days of the Covid-19 onslaught moved and inspired us.  These front line workers in our hospitals and health care facilities deserve not only our respect but also good pay and PPE; they should not have to rely heavily on de-contamination and re-use practices to do their jobs. 

I will support our health care workers affected by this public health crisis by:

• Supporting emergency paid sick time for any worker to quarantine due to COVID-19 or care for a family member who must quarantine

• Supporting priority testing for all healthcare workers, including home care workers

• Ensuring sufficient supply of PPE in hospitals and healthcare facilities so workers don’t have to rely heavily on decontamination and re-use practices. Our state must have an ample supply and the means to distribute it equitably.

Sixty percent of Coronavirus deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities. When a loved one of a nursing home patient could not be there, often it was the nursing assistant who brought them together using their phone to FaceTime, sometimes praying with the resident and their loved one. This humanity is beautiful. But it's not a replacement for strong, competent leadership and accountability.

I will push to increase protection for Veterans and all residents and staff in Long Term Care facilities by:

•  Strengthening oversight of these facilities to ensure proper preparation and standards of care as a condition of licensing

• Requiring Long Term Care facilities to report deaths to their local Boards of Health