For Immediate Release
March 16, 2020
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, announced plans to self-quarantine after a brief interaction with an individual who was at the time asymptomatic but later tested positive for COVID-19.
Congressman Luján is exhibiting no symptoms, and health professionals have advised that the congressman is at a low probability for infection. He first learned of the individual’s diagnosis Sunday afternoon. Still, out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the public, the congressman has chosen to self-quarantine.
Staff in the New Mexico and Washington, D.C. offices will begin previously-scheduled telework on Monday.
Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) at the National Congress of American Indians. Photo by Indianz.Com (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
Congressman Luján and his team will continue to serve constituents of New Mexico’s Third Congressional District who need assistance with federal agencies or in response to the coronavirus, and New Mexicans can reach staff members by calling the office numbers listed below:
SANTA FE
P: (505) 984-8950
RIO RANCHO
P: (505) 994-0499
FARMINGTON
P: (505) 324-1005
GALLUP
P: (505) 863-0582
LAS VEGAS
P: (505) 454-3038
CLOVIS
P: (575) 461-3029
The Washington, D.C. office will continue working on legislative priorities and the congressional response to the coronavirus. The public may reach staffers in Washington, D.C. by calling (202) 225-6190.
As Congressman Luján keeps New Mexicans informed about the federal and state responses to keep our families healthy during the coronavirus epidemic, he urges all individuals to follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
- Stay home when you are sick;
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe;
For the latest updates from the New Mexico Department of Health, click here.
For the latest updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, click here.
Those experiencing symptoms or have health questions can call the New Mexico Coronavirus Hotline Health Hotline at 1-855-600-3453.
Those with other questions about employment, schools, and non-emergency questions can call an information hotline at 1-833-551-0518.
Congressman Luján will continue monitoring this situation closely. New Mexicans who would like to receive updates on coronavirus and other issues, current legislation, or ways Congressman Luján’s office can be helpful to you, please follow our Facebook and Twitter, or visit our website at lujan.house.gov.