June 5, 2020

manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus

WV STRONG

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.

Today’s Better Angels are the staff at Wheeling Hospital’s Continuous Care Center. With nursing homes across the country restricting visitor access to keep our seniors safe, many families have struggled with the separation from their loved ones - so many facilities are getting creative to help residents stay in touch with them.  At Wheeling Hospital’s Continuous Care Center, staff are using technology that allow residents and their families to share special occasions and stay in touch virtually. Staff broadcast the virtual calls through a wide screen television so residents can easily see their loved ones. In addition to virtual calls, the staff are periodically calling families with updates to give them some much-needed peace of mind.

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN LEADS BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO EXPAND COVID-19 TESTING FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), led his bipartisan colleagues in calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a nationwide COVID-19 testing strategy that includes regular testing of all homeless Veterans. The Senators urged the VA to deploy comprehensive testing capabilities at homeless shelters and locations where Veterans access services in order to care for at-risk Veterans and slow the spread of COVID-19. Senator Manchin continues to advocate for programs that assist Veterans currently experiencing homelessness and address chronic Veteran homelessness across West Virginia.

The Senators said in part, “Homeless veterans are some of the most at-risk for COVID-19 complications, and live in conditions that make them much more likely to contract the virus. VA has already shown it has the ability to test and care for at-risk veterans – the Department’s efforts in caring for veterans in State Veterans Homes (SVHs) and community nursing homes has saved lives. And VA has already taken up Fourth Mission assignments to assist homeless veterans – providing homeless outreach and screening in the New Haven community. Homeless veterans are some of the most vulnerable individuals in this outbreak, and deserve the same care and support that VA provides other at-risk veterans.”

In Case You Missed It: SENATE PASSES MANCHIN'S PPP LOAN DEADLINE EXTENSION

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed by unanimous consent a bill to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness period from 8 to 24 weeks and amend the rehire date from June 30th to December 31st. This is consistent with Senator Manchin’s PPP DEAL Act which would also extend the coverage period for the loan forgiveness program and amend the rehire date. The bill that passed the Senate today also gave small businesses the flexibility they need to rehire and reopen in accordance with state and local regulations by lifting the arbitrary 25% cap on non-payroll expenses to 40% and clarifying that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an allowable expense. Senator Manchin has strongly advocated for both of these changes in response to concerns he heard from impacted West Virginia businesses.

“I’m glad the Senate has finally passed this bipartisan and commonsense proposal to extend the PPP forgiveness period, change the rehire date, and adjust the arbitrary 25% cap. These changes come at no additional cost to taxpayers and provide additional flexibility for small business owners as they adapt to doing business in the era of COVID-19. I am proud to have helped lead the fight to make these commonsense changes that should provide West Virginians more opportunity to get back on their feet and bring employees back in a timeframe that suits their business needs,” Senator Manchin said.

TESTING / COLLECTION LOCATIONS

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 .

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.

Upcoming testing events:

SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020

CLARKSBURG
LOCATION: Monticello Playground, 518 Monticello Avenue, Clarksburg, WV 26201
HOURS: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals.  Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested.  Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.


WHEELING
LOCATION: Laughlin Chapel, 129 ½ 18th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
HOURS: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals.  Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested.  Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.


KEYSTONE
LOCATION: City Hall, 32509 Coal Heritage Road, Keystone, WV 24852
HOURS: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals.  Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested.  Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2020

MANNINGTON
LOCATION: Mannington Senior Center, 1 Senior Drive, Mannington, WV 26582
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Testing available to anyone. Valid ID required. Active phone number required.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

CROSS LANES
LOCATION: Perrow Presbyterian Church, 5345 Big Tyler Road, Cross Lanes, WV
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Appointments preferred. To make an appointment, call Kanawha-Charleston Health Department at 304-348-1088.

WHITE HALL
LOCATION: White Hall Public Safety Building, 118 Tygart Valley Mall, White Hall, WV 26554
HOURS: 10am- 2pm

Photo ID required.

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

RIVESVILLE
LOCATION: Rivesville Elementary School, 229 Phillips Ave, Rivesville, WV 26588
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Testing available to anyone. Valid ID required. Active phone number required.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020

MONONGAH
LOCATION: Monongah Elementary School, 628 Walnut St, Monongah, WV 26554
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Testing available to anyone. Valid ID required. Active phone number required.

CHARLESTON
LOCATION: Laidley Field, 1549 Piedmont Road, Charleston, WV
HOURS: June 12 & 13, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Testing open to everyone. No insurance or appointment necessary.

LEWISBURG
LOCATION: Dorie Miller Park, 2300 Rosewood Ave., Co Route 32/1, Lewisburg, WV
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This testing is available to all individuals in the county, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Identification, such as a driver's license, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

LOGAN
LOCATION: Cora Volunteer Fire Department, 28 Aldridge Branch, Logan, WV
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This testing is available to all individuals in the county, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Identification, such as a driver's license, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

WEIRTON
LOCATION: Weirton Event Center, 3322 East Street, Weirton, WV
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This testing is available to all individuals in the county, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Identification, such as a driver's license, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

More sites are listed on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus and are subject to change.

WV 211

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

RESOURCES

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.

CONTACT US

Email: common_sense@manchin.senate.gov  

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Or call the Charleston Office Toll-Free: (855) 275-5737