Dear Neighbor,

I'd like to take a moment to share with you an important resource from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In times of crisis, it can be hard to distinguish between fact and fiction. The purpose of this FEMA page is to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to COVID-19 pandemic.

Below, I'll include a few of the dangerous myths FEMA has addressed thus far, but please make sure to use their website as a resource going forward. And, as always, please turn to trusted sources of information to get the facts about COVID-19.

Take care of yourselves and each other. And be sure to keep up with the latest information and resources on my website's Coronavirus Information page. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call my office at (703) 256-3071.

Sincerely,

Gerald E. Connolly
Member of Congress

RUMOR CONTROL FROM FEMA:

MYTH: A Recent Death Reported In China Was Due To A New Hantavirus That Can Spread From Person To Person Like COVID-19.

FACT: Hantavirus is not new – according to the CDC, it was first observed in the 1950s in Asia during the Korean War, and in this country in 1993 in the Four Corners area. It is spread primarily to humans through contact with the waste products of infected rodents. Transmission from one human to another may occur, but is extremely rare. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus for more information.

MYTH: There Is A National Lockdown And The Entire Country Will Be Quarantined For Two Weeks.

FACT: There is no national lockdown. As with all information online or shared via social media, it is important to verify the source of the information. You can find the latest information as well as links to additional resources at www.coronavirus.gov.

MYTH: FEMA Has Deployed Military Assets.

FACT: No, FEMA does not have military assets. Like all emergencies, response is most successful when it is locally executed, state managed and federally supported. Each state’s governor is responsible for response activities in their state, to include establishing curfews, deploying the National Guard if needed and any other restrictions or safety measures they deem necessary for the health and welfare of their citizens.

MYTH: I Need To Stockpile As Many Groceries And Supplies As I Can.

FACT: Please only buy what your family needs for a week. It is important to remember that many families may be unable to buy a supply of food and water for weeks in advance. Consumer demand has recently been exceptionally high – especially for grocery, household cleaning, and some healthcare products. Freight flows are not disrupted, but stores need time to restock.

MYTH: I Heard That The Government Is Sending $1,000 Checks. How Do I Sign Up?

FACT: The U.S. Government is not mailing checks in response to COVID-19 at this time. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer. It’s important that you only trust information coming from official sources. The Federal Trade Commission recently provided more information about this scam and other common COVID-19 related scams on their website.

MYTH: Only Those Over 60 Years Of Age And Those With Existing Health Problems Are At Risk From The Coronavirus.

FACT: It is an unfortunate rumor that only people over 60 years of age are at risk of getting this disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), those at higher risk include older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions. However, symptoms can range from mild to severe with and may have different complications for each individual. The CDC has a list of COVID-19 symptoms you may experience. Please continue to follow the official information from the CDC.