U.S. Rep. Jason Crow is closing his congressional offices to unscheduled visitors and plans to replace in-person events with other methods as a precaution amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Aurora Democrat told Colorado Politics.
“By taking commonsense measures, we as a community can help protect our public health,” Crow said in a statement. “In that spirit, we are finding alternative means for all in-person public events and our office will not be accepting walk-in meetings at this time.
“Our office looks forward to continuing to offer uninterrupted, consistent service to Colorado and encourage constituents to call our D.C. or district office at any time. Our health and safety is a community effort.”
It could mean Crow replaces his regular town halls and “Crow in Your Corner” community outreach events with other ways to meet remotely, including telephone town halls or Facebook Live events.
Crow’s re-election campaign is taking the same measures, a spokeswoman said.
The moves come as the country is rapidly adopting public health officials’ recommendations to limit person-to-person contact and large group gatherings in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
Crow is serving his first term representing the Aurora-based 6th Congressional District, which includes parts of Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties. He serves on the House Armed Services and Small Business committees.
One of the Republicans running in a primary for Crow’s seat lauded his opponent’s move.
“If I were Jason Crow, I would do exactly what he just outlined,” Steve House, a former chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, told Colorado Politics.
House said he hasn’t had to restrict his campaign’s activity due to concerns about the outbreak because he’s hasn’t been meeting with more than a few people at a time.
