ATLANTA — Georgia Sen. David Perdue has released a public message offering optimism during the coronavirus outbreak, saying "we're all in this together" and that we can "win in this crisis."
The Republican, Georgia's senior senator, issued the message on Monday. In it, he praises the CDC, thanks medical professionals and retail workers who are driving the public response and calls on Georgians to continue following the advice of public health officials, including social distancing.
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The full text of his message is below:
“First of all, I know this virus is causing a lot of concern, and rightfully so. Let me assure you of this: the world’s best public health officials are right here in Georgia at the CDC. They’re working around the clock to help contain this virus and to develop a vaccine. I just visited the CDC’s headquarters in Atlanta with President Trump, and we all should be incredibly proud of the work they’re doing there at the CDC.
“The President’s early travel restrictions gave us time to prepare for the virus, and we’re continuing to take action to safeguard public health. We’re doing this by: cutting red tape; partnering with the private sector to expand testing availability; and ensuring state and local officials have the resources they need. We’re also working on ways to help families and businesses that might be impacted financially.
“On a personal note, it’s encouraging to see so many Georgians stepping up to lend a hand during this challenging time. Thank you to the doctors and nurses working around the clock, to retail workers stocking shelves, to truck drivers putting in overtime, and to parents who have suddenly become teachers, as well. We’re facing a big challenge in America, but we’re stronger when we work together.
“Finally, please remember to follow the advice of public health officials: stay home if you are sick; wash your hands frequently with soap and water; keep a safe distance from others. If you are experiencing symptoms, call your health care provider right away. You don’t necessarily need to go there, just call them and give them your symptoms.
“Remember this: we’re all in this together, and together, we can continue to lead by example and win in this crisis. Thank you and God bless.”
The senator also wrote an opinion piece published in The Washington Examiner on Monday. As Congress debates a major economic relief bill, Perdue argues many small businesses need the help to avoid going under and, with them, many more people losing their jobs.
"At the center of this issue are the relationships between employers and employees. With reduced revenues, businesses cannot make payroll, meaning furloughs and even pink slips for millions of U.S. citizens. Once this crisis ends, companies will scramble to hire back displaced employees. Getting our economy back up and running will be much harder," Perdue writes. "This is why the federal government’s No. 1 focus should be helping companies make payroll to keep as many people employed as possible. If we inject liquidity into the market, people will still have a job to go back to when the coronavirus is contained."
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