Norton Sends Letter to Peace Corps Director on Assistance to Peace Corps Volunteers Compelled to Return Because of the Coronavirus

March 18, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today sent a letter to the Director of Peace Corps, Jody Olsen, containing specific questions regarding assistance to Peace Corps volunteers returning home during the worldwide suspension of the agency's program because of the coronavirus. Norton's letter comes as approximately 7,000 Peace Corps volunteers are returning to the United States. With one of the largest returned Peace Corps volunteer communities, Norton was contacted by concerned constituents about issues facing current volunteers, including only one month of health insurance provided to volunteers upon return and additional assistance needed to ensure volunteers are able to self-quarantine for two weeks upon return.

In her letter, Norton wrote: "The District, like many other jurisdictions, has largely shut down to flatten the curve. As a result, PCVs will be coming to D.C. and other jurisdictions with almost no immediate employment opportunities and social support."

The full letter is below:

Judy Olsen

Director

Peace Corps

1275 First Street NE

Washington, DC 20526

Dear Director Olsen:

I write to inquire about how the Peace Corps will assist Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) as they are all brought back to the United States as a result of the coronavirus. I urge the Peace Corps to provide immediate information and support to PCVs when they return.

As you know, the District has among the highest number of returned PCVs. On March 11, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency in the District, which currently has 33 cases of confirmed coronavirus cases. The District, like many other jurisdictions, has largely shut down to flatten the curve. As a result, PCVs will be coming to D.C. and other jurisdictions with almost no immediate employment opportunities and social support.

I ask you to respond to the following questions immediately:

How is the Peace Corps supporting PCVs in their transition back to the United States?
Will the short-term health insurance provided to returning PCVs be extended beyond the standard one month, in as much as volunteers are being asked to self-quarantine for two weeks and have limited employment opportunities?
Will aid be provided to PCVs to find appropriate accommodations to self-quarantine?
How is the Peace Corps ensuring safe and immediate return travel for PCVs abroad?
In light of travel delays, are PCVs being provided adequate information, supplies and isolation, if necessary, to prevent contracting or spreading the virus?
How are PCVs being informed about this evolving situation?

I urge the Peace Corps to provide information and support for PCVs returning to the United

States.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Holmes Norton