The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic doesn’t discriminate based on how much money you make, on how good your health insurance plan is, or on political ideology.

This is a global pandemic that impacts all of us.

In the Senate, I am working on efforts to protect the Affordable Care Act. I am also working with Senator Cory Booker to help Americans with the medical costs of any tests, care, or treatment related to the coronavirus with the Care for COVID-19 Act.

Additionally, Senator Cory Booker and I have urged President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Agriculture to give New Jersey and other states the flexibility needed to ensure students can keep getting fed during coronavirus school closures.

On Saturday, the House passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This bill is crucial to assist working families with the medical and economic impacts of COVID-19.

I strongly urge Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to allow the Senate to vote on and pass this legislation immediately so it can go to the President for his signature. Doing so will enact paid sick leave, provide enhanced unemployment insurance, assist with food security, protect frontline workers, and provide free coronavirus testing for Americans across the country.

Here in New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy has shown what effective executive leadership looks like — declaring a state of emergency, shutting down public schools, launching an online dashboard and hotline, standing up for those who may be food or housing insecure, and fighting price gouging.

The most important thing you can do right now is not to panic, but prepare and educate yourself.

Be wary of information on social media that does not link to official government websites or established health care providers. To combat the spread of misinformation on social media, please read and share the following links to help keep yourself and your community healthy and safe during this time.

You can visit the New Jersey Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information:

If you develop a fever, a cough, and experience shortness of breath, or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, contact your doctor immediately.

Additionally, here are some recommendations to keep you and your family healthy: