WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today announced that he is requiring all staff members in his offices in Washington, D.C., St. Joseph, and Kalamazoo to telework starting today. Constituent services and case work will not be interrupted. The physical offices will be temporarily closed as the government continues to monitor the coronavirus outbreak.

“As the coronavirus outbreak grows more serious, we need all hands on deck. This situation should not be taken lightly. I understand folks are concerned and frustrated. We need to step up. We’re in this together.

Today. I am encouraging employers across Michigan’s Sixth District and across the country to explore ways to require employees to telework. Every job is important, but it’s a necessary step as we fight the coronavirus. Starting today, all my staff will be required to telework. Days ago we started preparing for this possibility and are ready to continue to serve the people of the Sixth District.

Protecting the health and safety of all Americans must remain our top priority. The fact is that the only way to break this cycle is to limit person to person contact.

I want to be clear that providing excellent constituent services and helping folks with federal agencies and challenges will continue without disruption. There are three ways constituents can still contact my office. First, staff members will continue to respond to messages in their staff email accounts. Second, constituents can share their views or request assistance through my website – upton.house.gov/contact/. That inbox will be monitored regularly. Third, constituents can call our offices and leave a message. Those messages will also be monitored regularly.

My office will keep sharing regular updates on my social media channels - @RepFredUpton on Twitter and Facebook.com/RepFredUpton. I would encourage folks to visit www.coronavirus.gov to access helpful tips and ways to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during this outbreak, including:

• Washing your hands
• Cleaning frequently touched objects
• Avoid contact with those who are sick
• Stay home if you are sick

Over the coming weeks, I will remain in contact with federal, state, and local public health officials and experts as we work together to keep our communities safe.”

The latest updates and additional information on the coronavirus are available at www.cdc.gov. Upton continues to share updates, safety tips, and other information on his social media channels.

Additional Background information: Upton’s actions to date to combat the coronavirus

This week, Upton has continued to participate in daily briefings with members on the Hill about the latest information on the coronavirus outbreak.

On Friday, March 6, the President signed an $8.3 billion funding package that Upton helped pass through the U.S. House. The funding will help expedite the development of a vaccine, purchase essential supplies for local and state health officials who are on the front lines, and provide further assistance for state and local health officials.

Last Friday, Upton also met with medical professionals, public health officials, and local leaders at Western Michigan’s Med School on the coronavirus. Upton provided an updated on the funding package that was passed, and they shared what they were hearing on the ground, what resources they had, and what resources they still need.

Upton also penned a letter with U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy asking the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to encourage states to cover telemedicine services during the coronavirus outbreak so that folks across the country can receive the services that they need when and where they need them.

On Tuesday, March 3, Upton and members of the Problem Solvers Caucus met with Vice President Mike Pence and Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Dr. Debbie Birx, to discuss solutions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Upton on Monday, March 2 joined the Problem Solvers Caucus in calling for leaders in Washington to put politics aside and focus on bipartisan solutions.

On Friday, February 28, Upton and his office reached out to local health officials in Michigan’s Sixth Congressional District to open up direct lines of communication with the folks on the ground.

In early February, Upton and Rep. Debbie Dingell addressed a letter to Azar, Director of the National Economic Council Larry Kudlow, and Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun asking for the U.S. government to work to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on the supply chain of American automotive firms. Hundreds of thousands of Michigan jobs depend on the auto industry and auto manufacturing and millions of more jobs rely on other Chinese exports.

As Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Upton helped lead the passage of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA), important bipartisan legislation to help government agencies better coordinate to protect the American people from public health emergencies. President Trump last year signed into law the reauthorization of PAHPA.