Back in October, I was talking with a friend, and he mentioned that during a time of crisis, “There is something about humans. Humans love to rally around a cause in order to solve it. The world will buy in and solve a crisis, when there is a real crisis.” We are in a real crisis now. We need to understand the gravity of the situation, know what is currently being done, and what we can do.

With the news of the first death from the novel coronavirus in the United States, I understand that many of you are concerned about the ongoing effects. This morning, I spoke with WFAA's Inside Texas Politics Jason Whitely and Bud Kennedy. I explained that over my time in Congress I have witnessed several outbreaks - Zika, Ebola, MERS, H1N1, Bird Flu, and SARS viruses - and none have concerned me as much as this one. 

Additionally, I stated in an op-ed for Fox News, our agencies are working together to protect the American people from this outbreak. Thus far they have been successful in delaying the arrival of coronavirus and limiting infections in the United States. Last year, Congress passed the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019. I believe that our response efforts have shown that this legislation is working, and our public health system has adapted and improved since the Zika and Ebola responses. This weekend, we began to see confirmed cases of community spread of coronavirus in the United States. The threat to the general American public remains low, but it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently and stay home when you feel sick. These common sense actions can prevent illness from spreading.

Americans must remain vigilant by knowing the symptoms, by taking action if they suspect they might have those symptoms, and by seeking treatment to help prevent the spread of this coronavirus. What we are witnessing right now is that thus far during this outbreak, our public health system is working as federal, state, and local health officials work in tandem in this robust, rapid response.

As always, I appreciate hearing from you on this issue or any other issue. May God bless you and your family, and as the song says, God bless you Texas.