Rep. Takano Statement on Whistleblower Complaint Alleging Improper Training and Procedures for HHS Workers Handling Coronavirus Response at March Air Reserve Base
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released this statement following reports about a whistleblower complaint filed by a senior U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) official alleging that HHS workers were “improperly deployed” without adequate training or equipment to repatriate Americans from Wuhan, China.
“I am extremely concerned and alarmed by the allegations a senior official at HHS has raised in a whistleblower complaint regarding HHS workers who received evacuees from Wuhan, China at March Air Reserve Base and other bases in California. According to the whistleblower complaint, HHS employees were not properly trained on safety procedures prior to engaging with evacuees, and they failed to wear proper safety equipment while monitoring the health of these individuals. These allegations are very serious and must be investigated given the potential consequences this could have on the public health of our community and communities across the country.
“I have requested an immediate briefing from senior officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense to get more information regarding these allegations and any threats they may pose to public health. I will also be demanding more information from administration officials during a scheduled bipartisan congressional briefing on coronavirus set to take place tomorrow, Friday, February 28.
“As we learn more, I urge our community to remain calm. No cases of coronavirus have been reported in Riverside County. I will continue to follow any developments closely and will relay any updates.”
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Dayanara Ramirez (202) 225-2305