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The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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Please do not reply to this e-mail, as I am unable to respond to messages sent to this address. You can contact me directly at vgaydos@pahousegop.com or via RepGaydos.com. |
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CORONAVIRUS: What You Need to Know |
Last week, we saw an increase in cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) expand from two individuals statewide to nearly two dozen. In the wake of this increase and following an official pandemic designation from the World Health Organization, the Wolf administration laid out a series of new guidelines for Pennsylvanians during a press conference on Thursday.
Although the epicenter of the disease appears to be in the southeast part of the state, there are still measures that every Pennsylvanian can take to reduce their risk of infection. I encourage you to read the information below to learn what you can do to protect yourself from getting sick.
Please visit facebook.com/RegGaydos for updates on Pennsylvania's response to COVID-19.
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Sincerely,
Valerie Gaydos |
In this edition:
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State’s Insurers to Cover COVID-19 Testing |
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Coronavirus Symptoms and Transmission |
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Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 |
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Consumer Protections Available through Attorney General’s Office |
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Capitol Complex Closed to Visitors Until Further Notice |
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State’s Insurers to Cover COVID-19 Testing
To ensure potential cases are identified promptly, the Wolf administration announced this week the state’s major health insurers have all agreed to cover medically appropriate COVID-19 diagnostic testing and associated treatment for consumers and have committed to waive any cost-sharing for the testing.
The insurers include Highmark, UPMC Health Plan, Geisinger, Independence BlueCross, Capital Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Pennsylvania Health and Wellness, and Oscar.
Vistit health.pa.gov for more information.
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Coronavirus Symptoms and Transmission
Much like the flu, symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some will suffer mild symptoms while others may experience severe illness or death. It is important to seek testing and treatment if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.
Human coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold, including through the air by coughing or sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; touching an object or surface with the virus on it; or occasionally, fecal contamination.
If you have questions about symptoms you are experiencing, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
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Protecting yourself from COVID-19
Help protect yourself and others by covering coughs or sneezes with your elbow instead of your hands; wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available; clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes and other frequently touched items; and be sure to stay at home if you are sick.
The state Department of Health offers a wealth of resources about coronavirus to help you better understand the potential risk and how to mitigate it for yourself and your loved ones.
Click here to review the information. Resources are also available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.
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Consumer Protections Available through Attorney General’s Office
The COVID-19 disaster declaration for the Commonwealth triggers protections under state law against price gouging for consumers and businesses. Under rules governing a disaster emergency, companies and vendors are prohibited from charging a price for consumer goods or services that exceeds 20% of the average price for which those goods or services were sold for in the seven days preceding the date of declaration.
If you believe you experienced price gouging, send the details in an email to pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov.
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Capitol Complex Closed to Visitors Until Further Notice
In response to transmission concerns, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services announced Friday that all public events in the Capitol Complex be canceled until further notice.
All operations of the Governor’s Office and General Assembly will continue, but access to the Capitol Complex will be limited to employees and people with badge keycard credentials.
The cancelation of events applies to all interior and exterior venues in the Capitol Complex and will affect public gatherings such as rallies, school or group tours, choir performances and receptions.
If you have any questions, please call my Harrisburg office at 717-787-6651.
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Office Locations |
District Office: |
1009 Beaver Grade Road, Suite 220, Moon Township, PA 15108 | Phone: (412) 262-3780, Fax: (412) 262-3783 |
Capitol Office: |
Room 428, Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202044, Harrisburg PA 17120-2044 | Phone: (717) 787-6651 | |
Email: vgaydos@pahousegop.com |
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