WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced changes to the operating status of his Washington, D.C. and New Mexico offices after the Senate Sergeant At Arms (SAA) announced new restrictions on access to the United States Capitol and House and Senate office buildings.
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to be consistent with the recommendations of public health officials, Udall will temporarily close his physical Washington, D.C. office, with staffers working remotely under office telework procedures until further notice. Udall will continue to carry out his official duties – including voting in the United States Senate and conducting other legislative business – and his office will continue to serve New Mexico constituents without interruption. A small number of staff will continue to be present in the Washington, D.C. office as needed. In addition, Udall’s New Mexico offices will limit in-person meetings, but continue to work regular office hours and be available to assist constituents by phone, mail, and email.
Neither Udall nor any member of his staff are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms at this time. However, it has been announced that a staffer in another Senate office has tested positive for COVID-19. Udall’s office will closely monitor developments in Washington D.C. and New Mexico and consult with the Office of the Attending Physician and other officials to determine a schedule for returning to normal operating status.
Udall issued the following statement:
“My top priority in Congress is the health and safety of New Mexico and the nation, including my own staff and the constituents and stakeholders they interact with on a regular basis. As we face the COVID-19 pandemic, I and my office want to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of this virus to limit the impact on our health care system and keep communities safe. Consistent with that aim, I am temporarily closing my physical Washington, D.C. office and instituting protocols to enable my staff to work remotely. I want to emphasize that my office will continue to serve the people of New Mexico with minimal disruption. I encourage the people of New Mexico to continue following the guidance of federal, state and local public health officials to keep their families and communities healthy.”
New Mexicans can visit the New Mexico Department of Health’s website at https://cv.nmhealth.org/ for the latest updates on COVID-19.
