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Daily Coronavirus Update - April 21, 2020
" Our West Virginia businesses are being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA programs are meant to help businesses across America, but the rural small businesses like ours in West Virginia aren’t getting the help they need. That's why I’ve been fighting for dedicated funding for small rural businesses in the next COVID-19 emergency funding package, and why I will continue bringing you the most up-to-date information and resources possible. "
- Joe
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WV National Guard Increasing Sanitization Missions |
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The WV National Guard is seeking to expand sanitization lanes for first responder and public transport vehicles near five COVID-19 "hot spots" throughout the state. Today, a lane is being established in Cabell County, which will sanitize up to 50 buses and 30 ambulances over the next week. In Charleston, this team has sanitized 75 vehicles including ambulances, police vehicles and public transport buses to date.
Click here to learn more about the WV National guard's efforts. |
Unemployment Assistance Available Friday |
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Action Needed by April 22 for Social Security Recipients with Dependents Who Do Not File Tax Returns to Receive $500 Per Child Payment |
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SSA, RRB recipients with eligible children need to act by Wednesday to quickly add money to their automatic Economic Impact Payment
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service urge social security, railroad retirement and Veterans benefit recipients who have qualifying children and did not file a 2018 or 2019 tax return to go to the IRS Non-Filer tool by Wednesday, April 22, and enter basic information to receive the $500 per eligible child added to their automatic $1,200 Economic Impact Payment.
Those receiving federal benefits – including Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, or Veterans Administration benefits – who have qualifying children and who were not required file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 should go to IRS.gov and click on the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” button. The tool will request basic information to confirm eligibility, calculate and send the Economic Impact Payments:
· Full names and Social Security numbers, including for spouse and dependents
· Mailing address
· Bank account type, account and routing numbers (leave blank if you receive your benefits through Direct Express)
By entering this information, they can receive the $500 per dependent child payment automatically in addition to their $1,200 individual payment. Otherwise, their payment at this time will be $1,200. By law, the additional $500 per eligible child amount would be paid in association with a return filing for tax year 2020.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will have until a later date to provide their information in the IRS Non-Filers tool.
Click here for more details.
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WORKING FOR YOU |
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MANCHIN, CAPITO LEAD BIPARTISAN COLLEAGUES IN CALLING FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) led 27 Senators on a letter calling for the Senate to finally provide much-needed financial certainty during the COVID-19 pandemic for rural communities to ensure long-term funding needed for essential services through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) and Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs.
The Senators said in part, “The stop and start authorizations and payments under SRS and PILT have wreaked havoc on rural America for decades, and now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the budgets of these rural counties are decimated. These two programs fund roads, schools, law enforcement, and essential county services, such as public health programs. With inadequate funding and now additional demands on their resources, rural communities and counties are at the breaking point.”
Read the full letter here.
MANCHIN HEARS FROM WEST VIRGINIA PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, HOSPITALITY AND TRAVEL ASSOCIATIONS AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) participated in separate calls with the West Virginia Physical Therapy Association and the Food Service Division of the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association to hear their concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“Across West Virginia, our healthcare professionals are rapidly adjusting to caring for their patients with new services like telehealth to ensure that while we are practicing social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic West Virginians are still receiving the care they need. Our hospitality and travel businesses are also taking a hit due to this terrible pandemic. I am fighting to ensure our healthcare professionals receive the medical supplies they require and our small businesses across the state have the financial support they need to survive through this pandemic. I appreciate the physical therapists and hospitality and travel associations for taking the time today to answer questions and share their concerns,” said Senator Manchin.
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WV STRONG |
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I was always taught that if you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings. It's my privilege to share some inspirational stories from those on the ground who are donating their time and energy to helping their fellow West Virginians. These are just a few of the countless acts of kindness happening in our state every single day. Share your stories or recommend someone to be recognized for being WV Strong by emailing WVSTRONG@manchin.senate.gov.
Everyone knows we have the National Guard in the state and how great they are. But today, I want to tell you about another Army that we have.
It is the West Virginia Mask Army – a dedicated group of doctors, nurses, health care workers and seamstresses who have literally formed a battalion of sewing hubs in the past month.
Five women – Rose Ayoob, Hilary Brewster, Anna Strait, Suzanne Strait and Patricia Rogers organized quickly and just a month later, have sewn and distributed thousands of medical quality masks across the state. These founders are truly the generals leading the charge.
We’ve received multiple recommendations to highlight the West Virginia Mask Army. So, I say thank you to the founding members. And I must also give a special mention to Kimberly Musser and the West Virginia Mask Army's Potomac Highlands Chapter. Kimberly and her chapter are going above and beyond the call of duty to distribute masks in the eastern panhandle.
I’m proud to support efforts like the WV Face Mask Army, as well as other initiatives across the state like WV 211.
All of these efforts go a long way for our heroes in healthcare. Thank you for coming together to support those who need it most, and for sharing your stories.
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WV 211 |
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U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is encouraging West Virginians to utilize the 2-1-1 program operated by United Way of West Virginia. 2-1-1 connects callers with health and human services resources through trained certified specialists. Anyone can call 2-1-1 to learn about specific programs, intake requirements, eligibility, operation hours and more.
“United Way of West Virginia provides an important service to West Virginians by helping users navigate the vast number of resources available to aid with healthcare issues, food shortages, mental health questions and more. This program is more important now than ever as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic and I commend United Way for continuing to serve their fellow West Virginians through this time,” Senator Manchin said.
“United Way’s new 2-1-1 will make information on a wide variety of local support services more accessible across our entire state,” said United Way of Central WV President, Margaret O’Neal. “Whether it’s information for locating a health clinic, finding child care programs, or getting housing assistance, 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, go-to resource for individuals and families.”
To utilize these resources West Virginians can:
Call 2-1-1
Text your zip code to 898-211
Visit http://www.wv211.org/contact
Call toll-free 1-833-848-9905
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RESOURCES |
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Our office is working diligently to bring you the most up-to-date information as it becomes available. Click the links below for more information. All information regarding resources and more can be found on Senator Manchin's website.
Unemployment & Direct Payments
Veterans Assistance
Basic Needs
Business Assistance
Volunteer
Feeling Ill?
Any new or updated information will be posted below. All information is updated daily on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.
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TESTING / COLLECTION LOCATIONS |
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Where can I get a test? This is a question my office has received since the beginning of this pandemic. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list; there may be more testing sites out there that are added daily. In order to provide as much reliable information as possible, I am including testing sites that are verified through an official communication or news release.
I will keep this section of my newsletter and my website as up-to-date as possible. For any organizations or health care organizations who would like their site listed, or who have updates on their hours or requirements, please email me at common_sense@manchin.senate.gov . |
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It is recommended that you seek testing only when you begin exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Click here to view the screening criteria. To report your symptoms and be directed to one of the available testing sites, contact your primary care doctor or a designated hotline for your area. Most, if not all, sites require a physician's order before testing. If you have gone through these steps and are still having issues getting a test, please email me at common_sense@manchin.senate.gov and a member of my staff will reach out to you to see if we can assist.
Click here for WV DHHR's latest updates to reported COVID-19 cases
Click here to find a testing site near you.
Any new additions or updates will be included below.
PRINCETON
LOCATION: Princeton Community Hospital, 122 12th Street, Princeton, WV 24740
HOURS: Mon-Sun 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
COVID-19 testing is available daily at the hospital’s main entrance from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., when ordered by a physician. Drive-thru testing is no longer available. |
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CONTACT US
Email: common_sense@manchin.senate.gov
Social Media: Facebook Twitter YouTube
Or call the Charleston Office Toll-Free: (855) 275-5737 |
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