HARRISBURG — In order to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and protect the health and safety of local residents and office staff, Sen. Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway, announced that his Brockway, Wellsboro and Harrisburg offices will be temporarily closed for meetings, effective Monday and until further notice.

The 2019 novel COVID-19 coronavirus is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person. This virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

Scarnati explained that although in-person meetings will not take place in his Senate offices, staff will still be available to respond to emails and phone messages during this time. Community residents who need help with any problem related to state government are encouraged to visit www.sentorscarnati.com for assistance.

“The coronavirus is a serious situation that changes daily,” Scarnati said. “It remains our top priority to do what is in the best interest of protecting public health. It is extremely important that during this health emergency we listen to the advice of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and avoid large group events and limit contact when possible.”

Scarnati noted that while the governor has closed the State Capitol Building to visitors, the Senate still plans to convene for session on Monday, to provide legislative authorization for the funding needs across our Commonwealth relating to coronavirus, in addition to addressing the needs of schools during this time. Committee meetings and session will be live streamed for the public at: PASenateGOP.com.