(Submitted Photo)

NEW YORK - Congressman Anthony Brindisi held a phone conference with medical professionals and members of the public Thursday night.

The conference allowed members of the public to ask questions, and gave the professionals the opportunity to speak on their plans to battle the coronavirus.

SUNY Upstate Medical University Infectious Disease Division Chief Stephen Thomas, Rome Memorial Hospital Chief Medical Officer Andrew Bushnell, and Deputy District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Syracuse District Office Daniel Rickman were main speakers on the teleconference.

According to Brindisi, the conference was called to help alleviate anxiety and answer questions the public has about the coronavirus and what the government is doing to combat it.

“I understand how scary this is and how desperate you are for answers,” said Brindisi. “That’s why we’re holding this event tonight.”

“We want you to have answers to your questions, and to provide the information you need to protect yourself and your family, and give you the confidence that officials are doing everything we can to help keep our community safe.”

Brindisi said now is the time for diligence, while health officials do their jobs, we all have a duty to do our part to help slow the spread of the virus.