CULPEPER STAR-EXPONENT

U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger will host an hourlong telephone town hall at 6 p.m. Friday with health-care officials to discuss preparations and precautions related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Spanberger, who represents Central Virginia’s 7th District, had planned to host an in-person event in Spotsylvania County, but modified it to a telephone town hall out of a sense of caution.

Residents will be able to ask questions and hear recommendations for seniors and families from Dr. Christopher Newman, chief medical and operations officer at Mary Washington Healthcare; Dr. Brooke Rossheim, director of the Rappahannock Area Health District; and Dr. William Petri, chief of the University of Virginia’s Division of Infectious Diseases and vice chair of UVA’s Department of Medicine.

Spanberger advised that residents “should not panic” but be prepared “for a continued spread of the disease and take necessary precautions to mitigate its effects.”

“The growing coronavirus outbreak in the United States has the potential for significant disruptions to our economy, our national security, and the health and safety of Central Virginia families,” the freshman lawmaker said in a statement. “Central Virginians should not panic, but we need to be prepared for a continued spread of the disease and take necessary precautions to mitigate its effects.”

To join the interactive town hall, from 6 to 7 p.m., participants should call 855-920-0555.

To listen to the conversation, visit spanberger.house.gov/live during the event.