Congressman Derek Kilmer will hold a telephone town hall to talk about the federal government’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The town hall is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26.

“I work for the people I represent and it’s important to me that I get the opportunity to hear directly from you,” said U.S. Rep. Kilmer, a Gig Harbor Democrat who represents Washington’s 6th Congressional District.

“I hope folks will be able to join the town hall on Thursday evening to learn more about COVID-19, my ongoing efforts to ensure the federal government steps up, and to get questions answered about the COVID-19 threat,” Kilmer added.

In addition to a discussion on the legislation passed by Congress to support workers and families, organizers of the event said the telephone town hall will feature experts to help answer constituent questions regarding best practices and ongoing medical efforts to address the COVID-19 public health emergency, including:

• Dr. Paul Pottinger, a board certified physician and director of the Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine Clinic at UW Medical Center and a UW associate professor of Medicine and Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and

• Dr. Nathan Schlicher, president-elect of the Washington State Medical Association and regional medical director of quality assurance for the emergency departments at CHI Franciscan.

Rep. Kilmer has held town halls so far in the 116th Congress in Port Angeles, Quilcene, Tacoma, Belfair, Poulsbo, Kingston, Gig Harbor, Montesano, Westport, Forks, over the phone, and on Facebook.

Residents of the 6th District who would like to join the call can send an email to kilmer.teletownhall@mail.house.gov with their name, address, and phone number.

Residents who sign up before the deadline will automatically receive a phone call inviting them to join the telephone town hall.