Daily Coronavirus Update - March 20, 2020

manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus

“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try” – President John F. Kennedy.  

In this time, let us pull together as Americans do and believe in the power of ingenuity and progress.  We will overcome this challenge together.  

Testing/Collection locations are included at the end of this newsletter and are updated daily.

UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE ECONOMY

West Virginians who may lose their paycheck need a lifeline.  Senator Manchin has been advocating to waive unemployment regulations and it has been confirmed.  For more information, click here or call WorkForce WV at 1-800-252-5627.

West Virginians applying for unemployment benefits should not to go to a local unemployment office in person but rather to apply online or by telephone at 1-800-252-JOBS, which is 1-800-252-5627. Click here to learn how to apply for unemployment benefits.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Jefferson County Community Blood Drive
  • When: Friday, April 3 from 9 am to 7 pm
  • Where: Ranson Civic Center, 432 West Second Avenue, Ranson

More than 5,000 Red Cross blood drives have been cancelled across the country resulting in some 170,000 fewer blood donations. If you area healthy and feeling well, the American Red Cross West Virginia Region is seeking blood donors. Schedule an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org using sponsor code: JC2020  
Learn more here or on the American Red Cross WV Region Facebook page.

 

Volunteer WV Opportunities
Click here for Volunteer WV opportunities, to share an opportunity to volunteer, and to learn about best practices for managing volunteerism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Truist (formerly BB&T) announces COVID-19 relief measures for communities, clients and teammates: $25 million philanthropic pledge will support basic needs, medical supplies and financial hardship relief.  Click here to learn more.

 

West Virginia Radio Corporation Stations Offering Free Promotion to Restaurants Still Operating with Delivery, Carry-Out, or Curbside Service

West Virginia Radio Corporation stations are recognizing the need to help fellow businesses impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. For any restaurant still open and operating with delivery, carry-out or curbside service, WVRC will provide free promotion on the air and on their social media channels. Reach out to jeff.adams@wvradio.com for details.

RESOURCES

FOR PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND THE ELDERLY

According to the CDC, early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

Older adults
People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
Heart disease
Diabetes
Lung disease
The CDC recommends the elderly and those at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 STAY HOME and away from other people.

More information for those at higher risk of serious illness can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html

  • FCC CONSUMER ADVISORY: COVID-19 SCAMS

The Federal Communications Commission today launched a COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips webpage – https://www.fcc.gov/covid-scams – to alert consumers to the proliferation of scam phone calls and texts related to the coronavirus pandemic.  Scammers are promoting bogus cures, offering fake test kits, sending hoax text messages, and generally preying on virus-related fears. 


FOR VETERANS

Any Veteran with symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath should immediately contact their local VA facility. VA urges Veterans to call before visiting – you can find contact information for your closest VA facility.

Alternatively, Veterans can sign into MyHealtheVet to send a secure message to VA or use telehealth options to explain their condition and receive a prompt diagnosis.

Upon arriving at VA, all patients will be screened for flu-like symptoms before they enter in order to protect other patients and staff. A VA health care professional will assist you with next steps once this screening process is complete.

At this time, VA is urging all visitors who do not feel well to please postpone their visits to VA facilities.

More information for Veterans can be found here: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/

FOR TRAVELERS

The CDC has made the following recommendations for travelers:

1. Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for severe disease and should consider postponing nonessential travel.
2. Travelers should avoid contact with sick people and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
3. Travelers should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.
4. Travelers that are sick with fever, cough, or have trouble breathing should stay home and call ahead before seeking medical care.
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to the global impact of COVID-19. Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions. Even countries, jurisdictions, or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice. More information on global health advisories from the Department of State can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/travel-advisory-alert-global-level-3-health-advisory-issue.html

The CDC has issued travel health notices for countries with COVID-19 transmission. West Virginians should be aware of the CDC’s latest geographic risk assessment for COVID-19 transmission before traveling, and should avoid nonessential travel to areas under a travel health warning. Visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/ for the most up-to-date list of travel health notices.

CDC recommends all people defer all cruise ship travel worldwide, including river cruises, because of the increased risk of COVID-19 spread onboard ships.

FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Governor Jim Justice has closed schools statewide through March 27. Parents and guardians should monitor local media of the West Virginia Department of Education's COVID-19 information page (https://wvde.us/covid19/) for updates.

The West Virginia Department of Education has developed a statewide list of feeding sites for students to receive a free meal during the school closure. More information can be found here: https://wvde.us/covid19/feeding-site-information/. Additional questions should be directed to your local county board of education.

FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Front-line healthcare personnel in the United States should be prepared to evaluate patients for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The CDC has prepared a Healthcare Personnel Preparedness Checklist for COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/hcp-personnel-checklist.html

The FDA is providing a hotline (1-888-INFO-FDA) that is available 24 hours a day for labs to call regarding difficulties obtaining test kits for collecting patient samples for COVID-19, including swabs, media needed for transport, and conservation of the samples. This is not a resource for PPE's. We also encourage labs to reach out at CDRH-EUA-Templates@fda.hhs.gov with any questions related to diagnostic development.

FOR BUSINESSES

  • Now is the time for businesses to create an Infectious Disease Outbreak Response Plan. Employers should emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees. Employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately.

    Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time.

    Do not make determinations of risk based on employees' race or country of origin, and be sure to maintain confidentiality of people with confirmed COVID-19.

    More information for businesses can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html

  • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans now open to WV Small Businesses - West Virginia small businesses (according to SBA’s size standards) and most private non-profits with substantial economic injury due to coronavirus can now apply for loans of up to $2 million. These loans can provide working capital to meet the needs of payroll, accounts payable, and fixed debt payments until the situation improves. Interest rates are 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profits.

    Click here to apply for an economic injury loan.

 

  • West Virginia Radio Corporation stations are recognizing the need to help fellow businesses impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. For any restaurant still open and operating with delivery, carry-out or curbside service, WVRC will provide free promotion on the air and on their social media channels. Reach out to jeff.adams@wvradio.com for details.


FOR TAXPAYERS

The Department of Treasury and the IRS have announced further guidance with regards to the upcoming filing deadline. As of now, the filing deadline will remain on April 15th in the hopes of being able to get as many people a tax refund as quickly as possible. However, all individuals and non-corporate tax filers can defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including the self-employment tax) payments that were originally due on April 15, 2020 until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. Corporate taxpayers will be able to defer up to $10 million of federal income tax payments until July 15, 2020 without penalties or interest.

To view the notice from Treasury and the IRS, Click here

To view other resources from the IRS with regards to filing your taxes, Click here

 

TESTING / COLLECTION LOCATIONS

This is the main question my office is receiving: Where can I get a test? 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.


Locations and hours will be updated daily.


BECKLEY
LOCATION: Beckley ARH Hospital, 306 Stanaford Road, Beckley, WV 25801
Testing if you meet criteria. For ARH COVID-19 updates and information call 606-439-7100 or visit arh.org.  

 
BECKLEY
LOCATION: Raleigh General Hospital, 1710 Harper Road, Beckley, WV 25801
Testing if you meet criteria set by state and federal guidelines. Call 304-256-4100 for information.  

 
BECKLEY
LOCATION: Beckley-Raleigh Health Department. 1602 Harper Road, Beckley, WV 25801
Testing if you meet state criteria set by state and federal guidelines. Call 304-255-8531 for information.  

 

BECKLEY
LOCATION: Dr. Ayne Amjad’s office, 330 N Eisenhower Drive, Beckley, WV 25801
HOURS: Mon-Fri 10am - 12pm

Patients should call 304-252-5900 and fill out a questionnaire over the phone, or they will have to have an order from another doctor to be tested. Patients will drive up with their window half up. The person testing will be wearing personal protective equipment.

 
BRIDGEPORT
LOCATION: United Hospital Center
HOURS: Mon-Sun 10 am - 4 pm

Patients without a valid order for testing should contact primary-care office to determine if they need a screening test. They can also contact the WVU Medicine Nurse Navigator line at 304-598-6000 Option 4.

Tests will be reserved for people who meet screening criteria based on CDC recommendations and are sick with symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. 

The testing itself will be supported by both Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, which will process the specimens that WVU Medicine collects from patients. Patients will typically learn test results in three-to-four days, although time will likely vary based on the volume of tests these two companies will be performing. 
 

BUCKEYE
LOCATION: Pocahontas Memorial Hospital, 150 Duncan Road, Buckeye, WV 24924

Testing is available. This facility is following state and federal guidelines to determine whether a test should be administered. Patients who present fever, cough or shortness of breath or have had potential exposure to COVID-19 should call ahead at 304-799-7400 to alert staff so isolation measures can be implemented as soon as possible if needed. 


CHARLESTON
LOCATION: Sunnyside Health Center located inside Kanawha/Charleston Health Department, 108 Lee St. E., Charleston, WV 25301
HOURS: Tue-Thu 8 am - 4 pm

Patients should call first - 681-205-2455.


CHARLESTON
LOCATION: CAMC, Chesterfield Avenue, Kanawha City

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are concerned about COVID-19/Coronavirus, you can use CAMC’s 24/7 Care app to talk to a provider FREE – anytime, day or night. It only takes a few minutes to download the 24/7 Care app and set up an account. Then you can request a free visit using coupon code COVID. A CAMC provider will call you or video chat with you to talk about your symptoms and give you information about what to do should you need screened for Coronavirus.

If you do not have a smart phone or computer or if you have trouble downloading the 24/7 Care app, call (304) 388-9200 for assistance. We will help you sign up for 24/7 Care and get connected with a provider at no cost. Please do not call this number with general health questions about Coronavirus; we can only assist you with 24/7 Care. For general questions and concerns about COVID-19/Coronavirus, call the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources hotline at 1-800-887-4304.

If a patient follows the above 24/7 care process and is given an order for the COVID-19 test, then they  are given directions to a site off campus for drive-thru testing. 
 

HUNTINGTON
LOCATION: St. Mary’s Center for Education, 2853 5th Ave., Huntington, WV 25702
HOURS: Opening Thursday, March 20, 2020 at 1 pm
Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm

Individuals with a valid order from a doctor will be allowed to be tested. Individuals should bring their physician order, insurance information and a valid ID. 
 

MADISON
LOCATION: Boone Memorial Hospital, 701 Madison Avenue, Madison WV 25130

Upon arrival to Boone Memorial Hospital or one of its clinics, a soft screening of all staff, visitors and those presenting for care will be completed. A soft screening consists of a few simple questions to assess possible symptoms or things which may put one at high risk such as travel history, possible exposure to COVID-19, etc. In addition, temperatures will be taken for all staff, visitors and those presenting for care.

For precautionary measures, Boone Memorial Hospital has erected tents and walls to allow for additional triage stations to quickly identify those presenting with COVID-19 symptoms via the screening measures mentioned above. Those in which symptoms are present will be segregated and directed accordingly by hospital staff to undergo further evaluation. Learn more here. 

 
MARLINTON
LOCATION: Community Care, 821 3rd Avenue, Marlinton, WV

All patients should enter through back of building. No appointment necessary. Call 304-799-4404 for more information. 


MARTINSBURG
LOCATION: Berkeley Medical Center, 2500 Hospital Dr., Martinsburg, WV 25401
HOURS: Mon-Sun 10 am- 4 pm

Patients without a valid order for testing should contact primary-care office to determine if they need a screening test. They can also contact the WVU Medicine Nurse Navigator line at 304-598-6000 Option 4.

Tests will be reserved for people who meet screening criteria based on CDC recommendations and are sick with symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. 

The testing itself will be supported by both Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, which will process the specimens that WVU Medicine collects from patients. Patients will typically learn test results in three-to-four days, although time will likely vary based on the volume of tests these two companies will be performing.


MORGANTOWN
LOCATION: University Town Centre, 6040 University Town Centre Drive, Morgantown, WV 26501
HOURS: Mon-Sun 10 am- 4 pm

Patients without a valid order for testing should contact primary-care office to determine if they need a screening test. They can also contact the WVU Medicine Nurse Navigator line at 304-598-6000 Option 4.

Tests will be reserved for people who meet screening criteria based on CDC recommendations and are sick with symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. 

The testing itself will be supported by both Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, which will process the specimens that WVU Medicine collects from patients. Patients will typically learn test results in three-to-four days, although time will likely vary based on the volume of tests these two companies will be performing. 


MORGANTOWN
LOCATION: Mon Health is setting up its first drive-through testing site at the main campus in the SurgiCare South entrance. 1200 JD Anderson Dr., Morgantown, WV 26505 
HOURS: Monday-Friday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm.

Before coming, patients must pre-screen and pre-register by calling the COVID-19 Patient Outreach Line at (304) 285-3798. Once registered, patients may come to the drive-through site to receive their swab.

 

OAK HILL
LOCATION: Mountain Laurel Medical Clinic, 119 Main Street, Oak Hill, WV 25901

Patients must be pre-screened by calling 304-465-0544. Collected specimens are delivered to the State Lab in Charleston with results coming within 24 to 48 hours.

 

OAK HILL
LOCATION: Chase Bank parking lot, 215 Main Street, Oak Hill, WV 25901
HOURS: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1pm - 3 pm pending availability of supplies

Operated by the Fayette County Health Department. Call 304-574-1617 for information.

 

PARKERSBURG
LOCATION: Camden Clark Medical Center, 800 Garfield Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101
HOURS: Mon-Sun 10 am- 4 pm

Patients without a valid order for testing should contact primary-care office to determine if they need a screening test. They can also contact the WVU Medicine Nurse Navigator line at 304-598-6000 Option 4.

Tests will be reserved for people who meet screening criteria based on CDC recommendations and are sick with symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. 

The testing itself will be supported by both Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, which will process the specimens that WVU Medicine collects from patients. Patients will typically learn test results in three-to-four days, although time will likely vary based on the volume of tests these two companies will be performing. 

 
PETERSBURG
LOCATION: Grant Memorial Hospital, 117 Hospital Drive, Petersburg WV 26847

If you are concerned about possibly having the COVID-19 virus, please contact the Hospital’s main number at (304) 257- 1026 and request to speak to the ER Nurse before coming to the Hospital or local clinics. The ER Nurse will ask questions to evaluate and assess your symptoms prior to your visit. 

 
PRINCETON
LOCATION: Princeton Community Hospital, 122 12th Street, Princeton, WV 24740

Princeton Community Hospital is testing if criteria is met. Call 304-487-7000 before you go.


PRINCETON
LOCATION: Bluestone Health Center, 3997 Beckley Road, Princeton, WV 24740

If you have traveled out of Country and have a fever with respiratory symptoms or have been exposed to the Coronavirus please call ahead to 304-431-5499 and remain in your vehicle. 


RAINELLE
LOCATION: Rainelle Medical Center, 176 Medical Center, Rainelle, WV 25962
HOURS: 24/7

Patients with respiratory issues are asked to call 304-438-6188 from their car so they can be screened prior to coming inside. All main locations remain open to patients. The only exception is that the dental office is closed.

 

RONCEVERTE
LOCATION: Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, 1320 Maplewood Avenue, Ronceverte, WV 24970
HOURS: Mon-Fri  5:30 am - 5 pm

Patients with respiratory issues are asked to call 304-438-6188 from their car so they can be screened prior to coming inside. All main locations remain open to patients. The only exception is that the dental office is closed.


SUMMERSVILLE
LOCATION: Summersville Regional Medical Center, 400 Fairview Heights Road, Summersville, WV

Hospital testing if you meet testing criteria set by state and federal guidelines. Call 304-872-2891 before visiting.


WELCH
LOCATION: Welch Community Hospital, 454 McDowell Street, Welch, WV 24801

Only testing those that have fever and present symptoms as set by state and federal guidelines. Call 304-436-8461 before visiting. 


WHEELING
LOCATION: Wheeling Park parking lot
HOURS: Mon-Sat 10 am- 4 pm

To get pre-screened, contact your primary care physician or call Wheeling Hospital COVID-19 Line: 304-221-3995.

Tests will be reserved for people who meet screening criteria based on CDC recommendations and are sick with symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. 

The testing itself will be supported by both Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, which will process the specimens that WVU Medicine collects from patients. Patients will typically learn test results in three-to-four days, although time will likely vary based on the volume of tests these two companies will be performing.

MORE INFORMATION

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Food and Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html

Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/02/coronavirus-scammers-follow-headlines

WV Department of Health and Human Resources: http://www.coronavirus.wv.gov/

WV Department of Education: https://wvde.us/covid19/

West Virginia University: https://coronavirus.wvu.edu

Marshall University: https://www.marshall.edu/coronavirus

Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Map: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

West Virginia 211: https://prd.icarol.com/landing.html?token=1ae3b4f7-3057-4ae7-a501-6d78d8c9de57&cssMode=Publish&orgNum=126088&db=126088

 

CONTACT US

Email: common_sense@manchin.senate.gov  

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

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