Daily Coronavirus Update - March 23, 2020

manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus

Click here for WV DHHR's latest updates to reported COVID-19 cases

MANCHIN FIGHTS FOR FRONT LINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS ON SENATE FLOOR

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today spoke on the Senate Floor about the lack of adequate funding to protect healthcare professionals as they fight on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Republican proposal protects Wall Street instead of helping those on the front lines, our healthcare providers, and small businesses. To watch Senator Manchin’s speech please click here.

“This comes down to, can we give people the confidence that we can rise to the occasion to keep the people healthy in our states? My hospitals need to stay open. My healthcare workers need to be healthy. They need to be protected. And it seems like we're talking about everything else about the economy versus the healthcare. That doesn't make any sense to me whatsoever. The people aren't getting a check right now. We can get a check to them. We should. But it seems like we're more focused on the big corporations and the health of Wall Street than we are the healthcare of the people in rural America and Main Street. That's the problem that I have had on this and that's the problem that we have been talking about. So we want to fix this,” Senator Manchin said in part.

MEDICAL RESOURCES

If you know of reputable supply resources for medical professionals, please share by emailing common_sense@manchin.senate.gov and we will include them here and on our website.

The White House Office of Legislative Affairs has compiled this list of manufacturers you can purchase swabs from directly.

  • Swabs can be purchased directly from these manufacturers:

    Copan Diagnostics
    26055 Jefferson Avenue Murrieta, CA 92562
    800-216-4016

    Becton, Dickinson and Company
    1 Becton Drive
    Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-1880
    Phone: 201.847.6800

    Thermo Fisher Scientific
    168 Third Avenue | Waltham, MA 02451
    781-622-1000
    800-678-5599
     
    Princeton BioMeditech Corporation
    P.O. Box 7139, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-7139 U.S.A.
    Tel: (732) 274-1000
    4242 U.S. Route 1, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852-1905 U.S.A.
    Fax: (732) 274-1010
    Internet E-mail: info@pbmc.com

 

Harbor Freight Tools is donating their entire supply of n95 masks, face shields, & 5 and 7 mil Nitrile gloves to front line hospitals with 24-hour emergency rooms in their communities. "If you work at a hospital with a 24-hour emergency room in need of these items, please ask the office in charge of procurement at your hospital to visit https://hf.tools/ppe-request so they can provide us with the information we'll need to determine if we can make a donation. If you're not with a hospital but would like to give us the name of a hospital with a 24-hour emergency room in your community, please email us at hospitalhelp@harborfreight.com, identify with hospital's city and state in the subject line and our team will follow up." Please don't make requests at your local store or the Harbor Freight call center. Click here to view the Harbor Freight Facebook post.

 

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. New locations are highlighted.

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 local 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.


BECKLEY
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care Center, 520 Beckley Crossing Shopping Center, Beckley, WV 25801
HOURS: Mon-Sun 8am - 8pm

The Beckley Crossing MedExpress is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call our center at 304-252-6639 before leaving your home. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, please search this site for the nearest alternative location.

 
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. 
 

CHARLESTON
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care, 1416 Maccorkle Ave. SW, Charleston, WV 25303
HOURS: Mon-Sun  8 am – 8pm

The Charleston MedExpress near Patrick St. Bridge is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call our center at 304-744-7517 before leaving your home. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, please search our site for the nearest alternative location.


CLARKSBURG
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care Center, 101 Emily Dr., Clarksburg, WV 26301
HOURS: Mon-Sun 8am – 8pm

The Clarksburg MedExpress is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call 304-623-5094 before leaving your home. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, please search our site for the nearest alternative location.


ELKINS
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care Center, 613 Randolph Ave., Elkins, WV 26241
HOURS: Mon-Sun 8am – 8pm

The Elkins MedExpress is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call our center at 304-636-8422 before leaving your home. If you are seeking care unrelated to COVID-19, our center continues to offer convenient, quality care for everyday injuries and illnesses. Click here to find another MedExpress location.


GRAFTON
LOCATION: Grafton High School, 400 Yates Avenue, Grafton WV 26354
HOURS: As needed from noon-4pm 

To pre-screen, please call 304-265-0400.


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. 
  

HUNTINGTON
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care Center, 3120 US Route 60, Huntington, WV 25705
HOURS: Mon-Sun 8am – 8pm

The Huntington MedExpress on US Route 60 is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call 304-522-3627 before leaving your home. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, please search our site for the nearest alternative location.

 
KINGWOOD
LOCATION: Kingwood Elementary School parking lot
HOURS: Mon-Fri  10am – noon and 1pm-4pm

To pre-screen, please call 304-329-7285.

 
LEWISBURG
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care Center, 1560 Jefferson Street N, Lewisburg, WV 24901
HOURS: Mon-Sun 8am – 8pm

The Lewisburg MedExpress is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call our center at 304-645-2164 before leaving your home. If you are seeking care unrelated to COVID-19, our center continues to offer convenient, quality care for everyday injuries and illnesses. Click here to find another MedExpress location.


LOGAN
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care Center, 123 Enterprise Drive, Logan, WV 25601
HOURS: Mon-Sun 8am – 8pm

The Logan MedExpress is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call our center at 304-752-0183 before leaving your home. If you are seeking care unrelated to COVID-19, our center continues to offer convenient, quality care for everyday injuries and illnesses. Click here to find another MedExpress location.


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. 

 
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.


MARTINSBURG
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care, 83 Retail Commons Parkway, Martinsburg, WV 25403
HOURS: Mon-Sun 8 am – 8 pm

The Martinsburg Commons MedExpress is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call 204-264-9730 before leaving your home. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, please search our site for the nearest alternative location.


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.
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.


MORGANTOWN
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care, 956 Maple Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505
HOURS: Mon-Sun  8am – 8pm

The Morgantown MedExpress on Maple Drive is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call our center at 304-291-5805 before leaving your home. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, please search our site for the nearest alternative location.


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

Operated by Fayette County Health Department


OAK HILL
LOCATION: Mountain Laurel Medical Clinic, 119 Main St, 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.


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. 


PARKERSBURG
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care, 1500 Grand Central Avenue, Vienna, WV 26105
HOURS: Mon-Sun   8am-8pm

The Parkersburg MedExpress on Grand Central Ave. is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call our center at 304-485-3627 before leaving your home. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, please search our site for the nearest alternative location.

 
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. 


PRINCETON
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care, 277 Greasy Ridge Rd., Princeton, WV 24740
HOURS: Mon-Sun  8am-8pm

The Princeton MedExpress is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call our center at 304-425-7615 before leaving your home. If you are seeking care unrelated to COVID-19, our center continues to offer convenient, quality care for everyday injuries and illnesses. Click here to search for another location.

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

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: Lobby open Mon-Fri 5:30 am - 5 pm, Emergency Room open 24 hours

304-647-4411

As part of our precautions for Coronavirus preparedness, we have limited entrance points to Greenbrier Valley Medical Center. The only access points for patients and visitors are through the Emergency Department and Front Lobby Entrances. At these locations we will have posted 2 employees to provide screening for those entering the facility. The front lobby will be open Monday through Friday 5:30 am to 5:00 pm and the Emergency Department will be open 24/7.


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.


SUMMERSVILLE
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care, 5870 Webster Rd., Summersville, WV 26651
HOURS: Mon-Sun  8am-8pm

The Summersville MedExpress is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call our center at 304-872-3709 before leaving your home. If you are seeking care unrelated to COVID-19, our center continues to offer convenient, quality care for everyday injuries and illnesses. Click here to search for another location.


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. 


WESTON
LOCATION: Market Place Shopping Center, 100 Market Place Mall, Weston WV 26452
HOURS: Mon-Fri  9am-1pm and 2pm-7pm

To pre-screen, please call 304-517-1584.


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.


WHEELING
LOCATION: MedExpress Urgent Care, 10 Elm Grove Crossing Mall, Wheeling, WV 26003
HOURS: Mon-Sun  8am-8pm

The Elm Grove MedExpress is a designated COVID-19 testing location, subject to testing supply availability. If you have shortness of breath, fever, cough or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call our center at 304-242-4228 before leaving your home. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, please search our site for the nearest alternative location.

 

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.

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

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 supplies for collecting patient samples for COVID-19 testing, including swabs, media needed for transport, and conservation of the samples. 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.

WV Work Remote Connection Initiative Launched to Help Businesses Support Remote Workers During Pandemic

As businesses struggle to adapt to their employees working from home, it has become apparent that many small to medium sized firms don’t have the network capacity and bandwidth to support more than a few remote workers. This can be due to inadequate office connectivity, server bandwidth, out-of-date equipment/software, or a combination of these factors.

Alpha Technologies, an IT services firm headquartered in Hurricane, WV, is working to address this rapidly growing challenge by offering the West Virginia Work Remote Connection Initiative (WV-WRC) to any small-to-medium sized business across the state. The program offers secure server and connectivity to any business that needs it at no cost for 90 days.  To learn more about the West Virginia Work Remote Connection Initiative or to apply, http://www.alpha-tech.us/, or contact Alpha Technologies at 304-201-7485 | wv-wrc@alpha-tech.us

FOR TAXPAYERS

The Department of Treasury and the IRS have announced further guidance with regards to the upcoming tax filing deadline. On March 20, 2020, the federal filing and tax payment deadline were moved from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. 

The Department of the Treasury and the IRS are still encouraging citizens to file their taxes as soon as possible to be able to issue refunds to people in a timely fashion. For those responsible for federal tax payments, all individuals and non-corporate tax filers can defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including the self-employment tax) payments until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest, while corporate taxpayers will be able to defer up to $10 million of federal income tax payments.

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

 

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

 

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