WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s travel restriction barring entry of non-U.S. citizens from Europe goes into effect Friday. No one, other than U.S. citizens or Britains will be able to fly into the U.S. for 30 days. This is just one of several measures the White House and Congress are working on to contain the spread of COVID-19, the disease that has already killed over 30 Americans, including one Californian, and is keeping thousands in quarantine. 

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There is one Southern California lawmaker who is at the forefront of the coronavirus response, answering questions from not only his constituents, but even other lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. 

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz stays well-informed; as the congressman out of Eastern Riverside County, he knows the deadly coronavirus is spreading rapidly across the world, with California one of the hardest-hit states.

“Californians should be at a higher level of alert, be cognizant, be conscious,” said Ruiz. 

He’s fighting for measures like paid sick leave and state and local government reimbursements regarding coronavirus efforts. But more than that, he’s reminding everyone of good hygiene and practices, like washing your hands, and staying away from others when you’re sick. 

“Those simple behavioral changes will save lives. It could save your parents' lives, your uncles’ lives, your grandparents’ lives,” said Ruiz. “Especially if they’re over 60 and they have underlying illnesses.”

President Trump addressed the nation this week, calling for economic stimulus, asking for tax breaks and aid to small businesses. On top of the travel ban for non-U.S. citizens from Europe, President Trump also mentioned that the availability of test kits was “expanding rapidly.” 

“I have decided to take several strong but necessary actions to protect the health and wellbeing of all Americans,” said President Trump. 

California Republicans like House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy give the president credit for his actions, like closing the border to China and signing the $8.3 billion bipartisan emergency bill last week.

But some Democrats, like Ruiz, say there is little value to the travel restrictions and that the president should focus on mitigation measures within the communities. 

“The president has lost all credibility during a crisis,” said Ruiz, in response to the address this week. 

Ruiz said he plans to introduce a bill this month that would legislatively reinstate the Office of Pandemic Response, which President Trump defunded and disbanded in 2018. 

“If we had that office, if we have plans to address international pandemics then we wouldn’t have to figure it out on the spot,” said Ruiz. “If you’re thinking about what to do when it’s occurring, then it’s too late.”

The president this morning on Twitter is blaming the CDC, the Obama Administration, and former Vice President Joe Biden for the slow response to the coronavirus, especially with the slow rollout for testing.