Cook Announces Several Action Items to Best Serve 49th District During COVID-19 Crisis

March 23, 2020

BELLE VERNON – Rep. Bud Cook (R-Washington/Fayette) announced today that his office will be taking several actions to better serve the residents of the 49th District during the current COVID-19 crisis, including launching an effort to make homemade masks.

“We want to thank everyone who has been reaching out to myself and my staff over the past week. You can only imagine the volume of concerns and questions we have received. It is our goal to be mitigating the fear of the unknown as much as we are mitigating spread of the virus,” said Cook. “At this point in the current challenge, we simply don’t have enough facts or answers to systematically address everything. We are and will continue to work through this challenge. If we have factual answers, we will share them with you, but also know when we do not, we will share that with you as well.”

While Cook’s office is still closed to walk-ins, they will continue to have staff in the office during their regular scheduled time. Residents with state-related issues can still call or email but should keep in mind that many state-resource contacts may not be available right away.

Cook’s office will also be launching a “49th Cottage Industry Attack Plan” starting with individuals who would like to make masks in their home.

“This effort is fashioned much like the individual efforts made during World War II,” said Cook. “We are currently in the process of getting a video of how to make the masks, materials to make the masks and then identifying individuals who wish to participate. Based on the success of this program, we may expand to other first responder and health needs as they arise. People are looking for something to do and want to be part of the solution to this challenge. We are Americans and coming together for the greater good is what we do best.”

Cook’s office has also reached out to the county commissioners of both Fayette and Washington counties and additional county commissioners in surrounding counties to see if they can be of any assistance to them during this time.

Additionally, Cook’s staff will be reaching out to volunteer fire departments, EMS and other health and safety providers on a regular basis to establish their needs. Depending on the response, Cook says this frequency will begin weekly and increase if requested.

Cook’s office will continue to post and share the latest and most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 as it becomes available on his legislative Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/RepBudCook.

“It is my objective that we can get out ahead of the current challenge by working together,” said Cook. “We need to take care of families first, neighbors second and finally do what we can for our community.”

Representative Bud Cook
49th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Brooke Haskell
717.260.6351
bhaskell@pahousegop.com
www.RepBudCook.com/ www.Facebook.com/RepBudCook