Image

Information is updated daily on: 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.

Nominated as today’s Better Angels are the small businesses and community members in Wellsburg who stepped up to organize a 4th of July fireworks display after the festivities had been cancelled due to the pandemic. Together, they were able to set up a fireworks presentation that could be enjoyed safely from around the whole town in their homes or cars. I’m proud you were all able to find a way to celebrate our Independence Day and feel a sense of community during these uncertain times.

Image

 

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN: MCCONNELL'S COVID-19 RELIEF PROPOSAL DOES NOT DO ENOUGH FOR WEST VIRGINIANS

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the partisan, Republican COVID-19 emergency funding proposal announced by Senator Mitch McConnell on Monday. To see the West Virginia priorities left out of McConnell’s proposal, please click here.

“It has been more than four months since Congress came together to pass the bipartisan CARES Act. In that time we haven’t heard a peep from Mitch McConnell, but I have heard directly from thousands of West Virginians about their difficulties getting unemployment insurance after being laid off due to the virus, getting approved for small business loans, and having access to enough PPE and testing to feel safe at work or in their community.

“Instead, Mitch McConnell again released a strictly partisan proposal that does not meet the needs of West Virginians during this challenging time. It does nothing for the millions of children – at least 10,000 in West Virginia – dealing with homelessness made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal does not provide dedicated funding for rural hospitals as they fight this pandemic on the front lines. It does not make broadband hotspots available to local libraries for students and families without reliable internet at home. It doesn’t even provide additional relief for our counties and cities as they struggle to provide essential services throughout the pandemic.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am committed to finding bipartisan solutions that ensure West Virginians are not left behind in this emergency package, but I’m not going to sugar coat it – we’ve got a lot of work to do. I hope my Republican colleagues are open to negotiating a meaningful package that meets the needs of not only West Virginians, but of all Americans as we continue to battle this pandemic.”

MANCHIN: WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS NEED HOTSPOTS FOR TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) advocated for the inclusion of his bill, the HOTSPOTS Act, in the upcoming COVID-19 relief package as well as funding to expand and support telehealth programs for Veterans and West Virginians.

“I introduced the HOTSPOTS Act to expand hotspot access for libraries in rural and low income communities and hopefully we can include this legislation in the COVID-19 package we’re working on right now. So many rural areas, especially Appalachia, have no connectivity whatsoever… if these hotspots were given to a Veteran, they would be able to connect for their telehealth appointments, but right now they can’t. Can you give me a sense of where the devices are going and that West Virginia is getting their fair share? Can you also determine where the VA telehealth infrastructure is going and how you’re helping Veterans get high speed internet access? That’s what we’re having problems with. There’s no use to having an iPad if you have no connectivity,” said Senator Manchin.

To watch Senator Manchin at the SVAC hearing, please click here.

MANCHIN CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAMS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Charleston, WV – This week, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 35 of his bipartisan colleagues in urging United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue critical flexibilities that have allowed students to access vital meals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. If extended throughout the 2020-2021 school year, children would maintain access regardless of school opening status, and struggling school nutrition programs would benefit from additional financial relief.

The Senators said in part, “The COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools around the country to close their buildings and shift instruction to online and distance-learning models. For many children, school breakfast and lunch may be the only healthy and regular meals they receive. We want to thank USDA for its flexibility granting waivers of school meal program requirements this past school year and this summer. The 2020-2021 school year will likely be marked by similar closures, with many children having to learn from home. The economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in millions of parents losing their jobs, and millions more students will be dependent on school-provided meals. School meal program directors must begin procuring food, equipment, and supplies and placing orders now in preparation for the upcoming school year.”

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $2.5 MILLION FOR WVU COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE

Charleston, WV – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $2,500,543 from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support operating, administrative, and preventive maintenance costs in order for West Virginia University (WVU) to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the way students will be attending school and college in the fall, creating uncertainty for students, families, teachers, and institutions,” said Senator Manchin. “This funding from the FTA will help WVU prepare for changes in providing transportation to students as they return to campus for fall classes. This crisis is far from over and as the Senate works on another COVID-19 relief package, I will keep fighting for funding that supports our schools in their preparation, no matter what classrooms look like this fall.”

 

TESTING

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.

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 to testing sites will be included below. The full list of verified testing sites and events is available on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.

Newly added or updated testing events:

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020

DUNBAR
LOCATION: Shawnee Sports Complex, 1 Salango Way, Dunbar, WV
HOURS: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Testing open to everyone. No appointment needed.



THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020

CHARLESTON
LOCATION: Capital High School, 1500 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV
HOURS: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Testing open to everyone. No appointment needed.

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

RAVENSWOOD
LOCATION: River Front Park, 220 Riverfront Park, Ravenswood, WV
HOURS: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.


SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2020

RIPLEY
LOCATION: Cedar Lakes Conference Center, 82 FFA Drive, Ripley, WV

HOURS: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.



Newly added or updated testing locations:

CHARLESTON
LOCATION: Charleston Area Medical Center

CAMC offers drive-thru Coronavirus testing in Teays Valley and Charleston for pre-screened patients.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have Coronavirus, you can use CAMC's 24/7 Care app to talk to a provider anytime, day or night, to determine if you need tested. The cost is $49 per visit for the public; free for CAMC employees and their immediate family. Simply download the 24/7 Care app, set up an account, and request a visit. A CAMC provider will call you or video chat with you and give you an order to be screened, if necessary. Only patients with a physician's order may be screened at the drive-thru locations.

 

MOUNT HOPE
LOCATION:  J.W. & Hazel Ruby West Virginia Welcome Center off of Route 19, 55 Hazel Ruby Lane, Mt Hope, WV 25880
HOURS: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Operated by Fayette County Health Department

 


TEAYS VALLEY
LOCATION: Charleston Area Medical Center

CAMC offers drive-thru Coronavirus testing in Teays Valley and Charleston for pre-screened patients.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have Coronavirus, you can use CAMC's 24/7 Care app to talk to a provider anytime, day or night, to determine if you need tested. The cost is $49 per visit for the public; free for CAMC employees and their immediate family. Simply download the 24/7 Care app, set up an account, and request a visit. A CAMC provider will call you or video chat with you and give you an order to be screened, if necessary. Only patients with a physician's order may be screened at the drive-thru locations.

 

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?

WV 211:

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.

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

__________________________

Any new or updated resource information will be posted below. All information is available and updated daily on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.

Truist (BB&T) LISC Partnership Grants for Small Businesses 

Deadline to apply is August 3
Click below for more info:
https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/small-business-assistance/small-business-relief-grants/truist/

 

Relief for eligible taxpayers who need funds from IRAs and other retirement plans

Key Points:
The CARES Act can help eligible taxpayers in need by providing favorable tax treatment for withdrawals from retirement plans and IRAs and allowing certain retirement plans to offer expanded loan options.

Withdrawals:
Individuals eligible for coronavirus-related relief may be able to withdraw up to $100,000 from IRAs or workplace retirement plans before Dec. 31, 2020, if their plans allow. In addition to IRAs, this relief applies to 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, profit-sharing plans and others.

Loans:
Individuals eligible to take coronavirus-related withdrawals may also, until Sept. 22, 2020, be able to borrow as much as $100,000 (up from $50,000) from a workplace retirement plan, if their plan allows. 

Important information about these withdrawals and loans is in IRS News Release 2020-172 and IRS Notice 2020-50. In addition, the IRS has posted FAQs that provide additional information regarding this relief.

 

To learn more, call my office Toll Free at (855) 275-5737, email me, or find me on social media:

Facebook     YouTube     Twitter

Unsubscribe