Vicente Gonzalez is currently serving his third term in the United States Congress as the elected representative of the 15th District of Texas which encompasses the growing suburban counties of Brooks, Duval, Guadalupe, Jim Hogg, Karnes, and Live Oak as well as portions of Hidalgo, and Wilson counties. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez came to Washington to continue fighting for South Texans and ensure that individuals and communities have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Congressman Gonzalez earned his GED in 1985 before attending Del Mar College where he received an Associate’s degree in Banking and Finance in 1990. He worked his way through college at Embry Riddle University where many of his classmates were active duty military personnel.
As America responds to confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to share the most comprehensive, up-to-date safety information for our community.​
The CDC has a 24-hour hotline for COVID-19 related questions at 1-800-232-4636.
CDC RESOURCES
Constituents can now get to CDC’s home page on the coronavirus, simply by going to coronavirus.gov. Additional information can be found below.
NEW CDC INFORMATION ON STATE AND LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS: CDC points out that state and local public health authorities are on the front lines of the response to COVID-19 and often have the most up-to-date and detailed information on cases in their jurisdictions. State and local public health officials are often the experts best positioned to inform your constituents about the COVID-19 response in your state or locality.
STEPS TO KEEP AMERICANS SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS: CDC has published a new, excellent document that provides:
ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR OLDER AMERICANS AND/OR THOSE WITH SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS: In addition to the CDC guidance for all Americans on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus (such as hand washing, etc.), the CDC has now published additional guidance for older Americans and/or those who have serious chronic medical conditions – the individuals who are at higher risk of getting very sick from coronavirus. For those at higher risk of serious illness, the additional guidance includes:
NEW CDC GUIDANCE ON STRATEGIES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS IN NURSING HOMES: CDC recommends such steps as limiting visitors, aggressive disinfecting of facility, and closely monitoring residents with symptoms of respiratory infection.
TRAVEL RESRICTIONS: The government determined that the potential for widespread transmission of the coronavirus by infected individuals seeking to enter the United States threatens the security of the homeland. Travel restrictions now apply.
I AM STRANDED ABROAD. WHAT DO I DO?
Congressman Gonzalez is actively working on solutions for constituents stranded in different countries around the world. The Coronavirus pandemic brings a number of challenges when dealing with foreign countries, however, Congressman Cuellar is committed to bringing all constituents safely back home. If you or a loved one is stranded abroad, please see the information below:
An individual stranded abroad should email their name, date of birth, passport numbers, location and contact info to the public e-mail address of their closest embassy or consulate. To find the closest embassy or consulate, click here.
Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov. STEP provides updates from the State Department and helps the nearest embassy or consulate make contact with the traveler.
If you are concerned about a loved one overseas, please call:
NEW CDC GUIDANCE ON CRUISE SHIP TRAVEL: CDC recommends travelers, particularly those with underlying health issues, defer all cruise ship travel worldwide. Cruise ship passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
NEW CDC INFOGRAPHICS ON CORONAVIRUS
Infographic on the Symptoms of Coronavirus (In English, Spanish, and Chinese)
Infographic on Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus (In English, Spanish, and Chinese)