Congresswoman calls on FBI to investigate after fake letter claims coronavirus outbreak in Carson
(Janice Hahn Twitter)
CARSON, Calif. - Congresswoman Nanette Barragan called on the FBI Monday to launch a full-scale investigation after a fake notice was released informing residents there was a coronavirus outbreak in Carson, causing panic in the city.
RELATED: Fake letter claiming coronavirus outbreak in Carson, officials warn
Barragan represents California’s 44th congressional district, which includes Carson, San Pedro, and Walnut Park.
The letter in question stole logos from local and federal health departments, including the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, and has more than 5,000 shares on social media.
In a news conference late Monday morning, Barragan quoted Alex Azar, the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, who recently stated that “the risk to the American public remains low at this time.”
She called on the perpetrator or perpetrators to be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Los Angeles County Health Officers Dr. Muntu Davis says health screenings were “intensified” at the Los Angeles International Airport for those who have traveled to China within the last 14 days. He added those travelers were subject to a 14-day quarantine.
Dr. Davis also says those who are asymptomatic are being asked to self-isolate.
Barragan says they will continue to work with federal health authorities to get updated information.