Ohio Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge responds to coronavirus outbreak in Cleveland area she represents, Fudge Black, as is her 11th congressional district, primarily...Rep. Fudge said that "thoughts are with the individuals and families impacted by COVID-19, and I am praying for their speedy recovery"....

Ohio 11th Congressional District
Congresswoman
Marcia L, Fudge (D-OH)

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WASHINGTON D.C. –U.S. Rep. Marcia L. Fudge, a Warrensville Heights Democrat whose largely Black 11th congressional district includes Cleveland and several of its eastern suburbs of Cuyahoga County,  responded Monday after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that the first three confirmed cases of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, are residents of Cuyahoga County.

Treated at University Hospitals in Cleveland, none of the infected persons at issue have been hospitalized, authorities have said. 

“Today, the first three cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were confirmed in the state of Ohio, all of which were identified in Cuyahoga County," said Rep Fudge, one of two Blacks in Congress from Ohio and a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. "Thoughts are with the individuals and families impacted by COVID-19, and I am praying for their speedy recovery. "

A federal lawmaker since 2008, Fudge said that "as new details emerge regarding the impact of this disease on Ohioans, it is important for us to avoid panic, stay informed, and take basic precautions to keep the Northeast Ohio community healthy and safe."

Congress passed a bipartisan, bicameral emergency coronavirus response package of $8.3 billion to help combat this health concern and protect the American people.

The bill designates funding for research and development of vaccines; public health prevention, preparedness, and response at the local level.

It also provides for low-interest loans to impacted small businesses and includes funding in an effort to ensure any future vaccines are affordable and available to all Americans.

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) basic precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, such as staying home while sick, seeing a doctor when needed, and avoiding large gatherings and close contact with those infected, are recommended. 

Symptoms include a dry cough, fever and difficulty breathing.

The outbreak of the virus has plagued China where thousands are dead. 

The disease has infected more than 108,000 people around the world coupled with some 3,800 deaths, more than 700 of cases occurring in the U.S.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus and information on travel advisories, visit the CDC's Information Page for the Coronavirus Disease.  For updates on the number of confirmed cases in the state of Ohio, visit the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Page.