To the Editor:

A case of the coronavirus was first reported in Wuhan, China in December. By late January, there were confirmed cases in Japan, Thailand, South Korea, the United States, Italy, France, and several other European states. By mid-March, all 50 U.S. states had reported cases.

The current pandemic has made it abundantly clear: Our fate is inextricably linked to that of the rest of the world. Our New York State senators have vocally supported protection of the International Affairs Budget, which allows us to work with other countries to form a global response to crises like this one. However, the pandemic demands U.S. leadership.

By early April, the number of coronavirus cases in New York State outnumbered the cases in every country besides the United States. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer should co-sponsor the Global Health Security Act, which increases U.S. investment in health infrastructure in developing countries and increases accountability in existing global health projects.

It is the responsibility of New York Congressional leaders to push for a global response to the pandemic, to protect New Yorkers if not to protect the rest of the world.

Ava DeSantis

Delmar