State Sen. John Yudichak, I-Luzerne/Carbon, Hazleton native and current manager of the Los Angeles Angels Joe Maddon, and Major League Baseball All Star Albert Pujols are joining together to get the message out to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and stay home.

“The COVID-19 coronavirus has affected everyone’s lives, and it has hit Luzerne County, specifically the Hazleton area particularly hard,” said Yudichak. “During this time, it’s important to get the message out to wash your hands frequently, stay home and practice social distancing when you have to go out. I thank Hazleton’s own Joe Maddon and future baseball Hall of Famer Albert Pujols for helping us get this message out in northeastern Pennsylvania.”

Former U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta assisted Sen. Yudichak in contacting Joe Maddon. Other public service announcements featuring pro athletes will be released in the near future.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends that people:

• Wash your hands often

• Cover your coughs and sneezes

• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth

•Clean surfaces frequently

• Avoid other people who are sick

• Stay home and avoid crowds

Additionally, it has been recommended by Gov. Tom Wolf that people wear a mask anytime they leave the house for life-sustaining reasons.

For more information on COVID-19, visit https://www.health.pa.gov.