As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the Commonwealth and country, I urge you to continue taking smart measures to protect yourself and others. The following is a breakdown of local, state, and federal updates as well as resources that may be helpful to you and your loved ones.
Please note that information is continuously changing and this information may be less accurate at a later date.
Jobs
While many have unfortunately experienced a reduction in hours or a loss of their job, there are some retailers and other businesses who are hiring. You can read more about it at the Times-Dispatch. Information related to filing for unemployment can be found below under "The Commonwealth's Response."
Access to Food
You can text “FOOD” to 877-877 to find food resources available closest to you.
Additionally, if you are a senior, many grocery stores are offering “senior shopping hours” so you can minimize your risk of getting the coronavirus. NBC12 reported on several stores that have time set aside for older customers.
As you are shopping, remember that other people need necessary supplies (such as hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and bread) as much as you do.
City of Richmond Response
The City of Richmond will be closed through at least the end of the month. Certain services such as fire and emergency services management and utility emergencies are still available. You can review the list and information on accessing the City services you need here. You can call the City of Richmond and Henrico County’s “Coronavirus Hotline” at 804-205-3501 every day from 8 am to 8 pm for public health related questions.
Richmond Public Schools will be closed through the end of the school year for both students and staff. According to Superintendent Jason Kamras, high school seniors on track for graduation will still receive diplomas this year and students will not be held back due to school closure. If you have questions related to school closure or Richmond Public Schools' policies and procedures during this time, you can submit them here. If you have a student at home, the Department of Education has issued a "Parent Handbook," which you can find below under "The Commonwealth's Response."
Finally, RPS is offering grab and go meals at a number of locations throughout the City. You can find the meal distribution sites and other school resources here.
The Commonwealth’s Response
The Commonwealth is under a State of Emergency. Governor Northam is hosting updates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on the coronavirus and the Commonwealth’s response via Facebook live: www.facebook.com/GovernorVA. Tune in at 2:00 p.m.
At this point, the Governor has taken the following executive actions (you can read them all here and here is a FAQ for Executive Order 53):
Social Distancing: Prohibits Virginians from non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people and asks those with chronic health conditions or aged 65 or older to self-quarantine. State and local authorities can disperse crowds in public exceeding the 10 person limit.
Businesses: Mandates and provides enforcement for all restaurants to close but allows provide carry-out and takeaway options. Recreation and entertainment businesses are considered non-essential and must close to the public. Essential retail establishments (such as grocery stores) may remain open and should adhere to social distancing recommendations and enhanced sanitizing practices. Non-essential retail is limited to no more than 10 patrons or they must close. All other professional businesses must utilize telework as much as possible. Violations of the executive order may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Support for Workers: Waives the one-week waiting period and enhances eligibility for unemployment benefits to ensure workers can receive benefits as soon as possible. Find more information at www.vec.virginia.gov.
Utilities: The State Corporation Commission issued an order directing utilities, such as electric, natural gas, and water companies in Virginia, to suspend service disconnections for 60 days to provide immediate relief for any customer, residential or business, who may be financially impacted by COVID-19.
Healthcare: Increases access to healthcare by eliminating all co-payments for services covered by Medicaid and expanding access to telehealth services, including allowing Medicaid reimbursement for providers who use telehealth with patients in the home.
Child Care: Increases support and flexibility for families enrolled in Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy program and issues guidance for childcare providers, which includes limiting capacity to 10 individuals per room and prioritizing care for children of essential personnel.
Schools: The Department of Education sent guidance to school divisions on how to continue instruction and has a "Parent Handbook" for school-aged children.
Taxes: Requests the Department of Taxation to extend the due date of payment of Virginia individual and corporate income tax. It is now due on June 1, 2020. Business impacted by COVID-19 can also request to defer their state sales tax for 30 days.
DMV: Suspends the enforcement of Motor Vehicle Safety Inspections for 60 days. The DMV’s 75 offices are closed to the public. Online services remain available, which includes renewing a license or vehicle registration. If you cannot renew online, the DMV will grant a 60-day extension.
Courts: The Supreme Court of Virginia granted a judicial emergency. From March 16 through April 6, non-essential, non-emergency court proceedings in all district and circuit courts are suspended (there are exemptions). This includes new eviction cases for tenants who are unable to pay rent as a result of the coronavirus. The Virginia Poverty Law Center has issued guidance on evictions and tenant's rights, that you can read here.
You can get up to date information on the Governor’s Health and Safety Measures, which includes information for workers, employers, utilities, healthcare, childcare, and more at https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus-updates/.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Health is a good resource for fact-based information and statistics on the spread of the coronavirus. Information is updated daily at noon.
The Federal Response
The Center for Disease Control remains a critical source of information on the coronavirus’ spread nationally. Visit coronavirus.gov to stay abreast of new information.
On March 5, an $8 billion emergency spending package to combat the spread of the virus on the local, state, and national levels was passed by the federal government and signed by the President. Additionally, the "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" passed and provides for paid sick leave, free testing, and expanded unemployment benefits. The Senate passed a $2 trillion stimulus bill, which hopes to give Americans some relief, aid to health workers on the front lines, and support companies. The bill includes a $367 billion loan program for small businesses and $500 billion lending fund for industries, cities, and states. Many Americans can expect $1,200 checks. Unemployment insurance benefits have been enhanced and eligibility expanded with workers receiving an additional $600 weekly for four months (on top of state unemployment benefits). Keep in mind that the House has not yet voted on this legislation.
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are providing special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and businesses. The deadline to file your federal taxes has been extended to July 15, 2020.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development authorized the Federal Housing Administration to halt foreclosure and evictions for the next 60 days.
The US Small Business Administration approved an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Virginia. Small businesses and nonprofit organizations can apply for low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses.