What we can do

By Charlene Lovett
Every day we are bombarded with the latest developments regarding COVID-19. The seriousness of the issue translates into a constant barrage of alarming news. What to do to protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors is the question. While much has been said on how to prevent transmission and apply for financial assistance, there are other ways we can act as individuals to make a difference. During the conference call hosted by the White House Intergovernmental Affairs Office on Wednesday, March 25, we were asked to do the following:

PREVENT HOARDING/PRICE GOUGING

While this crisis has brought out the best in most Americans, there are those who are using it to get rich quick. Recently, President Donald Trump issued an executive order prohibiting the hoarding of scarce health care and medical items as designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. According to a memo from the Office of the Attorney General, “once an item is designated, the statute makes it a crime for any person to accumulate that item either (1) in excess of his or her reasonable needs or (2) for the purpose of selling it in excess of prevailing market prices.”

The public is encouraged to report suspected activity of this type to the Department of Justice via phone at 1-866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected]. For more information, please go to justice.gov/coronavirus.

REPORT CORONAVIRUS FRAUD

According to the Department of Justice, there are reports of a variety of scams and fraudulent activity related to COVID-19. Examples include: individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud; phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); malicious websites and apps that appear to share virus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received; and seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.

If you suspect you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it via 1-866-720-5721 via email at [email protected]. For more information, please go to justice.gov/coronavirus.

USE TOOLS TO SUPPORT/UPLIFT COMMUNITY

Surgeon General Jerome Adams spoke of the need to support and uplift the community. Given the infectiousness of COVID-19, he emphasized the need to adopt and encourage behavior that protects the most vulnerable among us. Whenever possible, utilize Telehealth for medical concerns. Keep contact lists and phone trees up-to-date. Keep food pantries stocked. Reach out to marginalized groups and those who are already battling life-threatening diseases. Speak out against behavior that counters health and safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC. He reminded us that social distancing does not mean isolation or social disengagement. Therefore, use the buddy system. Lastly, encourage those who can to give blood.

ENROLL IN SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM

The Bureau of Consular Affairs is focused on helping those Americans overseas who want to return home. Given the global nature of COVID-19 and the sheer number of citizens overseas, ensuring travelers have access to the officials that can help with this process is vital. Registering via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is strongly encouraged and will provide travelers up-to-date safety and security information and help officials reach them in an emergency abroad. For more information on this program, embassy/consulate contact information or travel to foreign countries, please go to travel.state.gov.

Collectively, our individual actions will make a marked difference in our ability to overcome COVID-19. As the Surgeon General said, “we can win this war if we all commit to taking the right and timely actions for our country.” Thank you for all that you have done, are doing and will continue to do to win this war.

Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and a 22-year Army veteran. She welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].