Dear Jack,

It has been a hard couple of weeks for all of us. So much is happening with the COVID-19 situation, and I'm sure it must be difficult to keep up. I want to make sure you all are up-to-date and informed on everything we're doing in Virginia to keep everyone safe and cared for during this pandemic. 

As of today, Governor Northam has ordered Virginia schools closed through the end of the academic year.

In addition, as of 11:59pm on March 24th, many non-essential businesses will be ordered to close, including:

• Theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues, museums, and other indoor entertainment centers;
• Fitness centers, gymnasiums, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities;
• Beauty salons, barber shops, spas, massage parlors, tanning salons, tattoo shops, and any other location where personal care or personal grooming services are performed that would not allow compliance with social distancing guidelines to remain six feet apart;
• Racetracks and historic horse racing facilities;
• Bowling alleys, skating rinks, arcades, amusement parks, trampoline parks, fairs, arts and craft facilities, aquariums, zoos, escape rooms, indoor shooting ranges, public and private social clubs, and all other places of indoor public amusement.

Places that are CLOSED for dine-in but may offer delivery and takeout options:

• Restaurants;
• Dining establishments;
• Food courts;
• Farmers markets;
• Breweries;
• Microbreweries;
• Distilleries;
• Wineries; and
• Tasting rooms.

Essential businesses that may remain open, but are urged to social distancing guidelines:

• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers that sell food and beverage products or pharmacy products, including dollar stores, and department stores with grocery or pharmacy operations;
• Medical, laboratory, and vision supply retailers;
• Electronic retailers that sell or service cell phones, computers, tablets, and other communications technology;
• Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers as well as automotive repair facilities;
• Home improvement, hardware, building material, and building supply retailers;
• Lawn and garden equipment retailers;
• Beer, wine, and liquor stores;
• Retail functions of gas stations and convenience stores;
• Retail located within healthcare facilities;
• Banks and other financial institutions with retail functions;
• Pet stores and feed stores;
• Printing and office supply stores; and
• Laundromats and dry cleaners.

For more information, see Governor Northam's press release: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/march/headline-855292-en.html

Today's numbers (as of 3/23):

Tests performed: 3,697

People diagnosed with COVID-19: 254

COVID-19 patients hospitalized: 38

COVID-19 patient deaths: 6

The Commonwealth of Virginia has launched a new website for COVID-19 information and updates: 

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/

Here, you can find health and safety updates, information for impacted employers and workers, Medicaid changes, and updates regarding COVID-19 testing. Some of the most requested information regarding COVID-19 is posted below.

Support for Affected Workers

• No waiting for unemployment benefits. Governor Northam has directed the Commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission to waive the one-week waiting period to ensure workers can receive benefits as soon as possible.

• Enhanced eligibility for unemployment. Workers may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if an employer needs to temporarily slow or cease operations due to COVID-19. If a worker has been issued a notice to self-quarantine by a medical or public health official and is not receiving paid sick or medical leave from their employer, they may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. In addition, a worker may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they must stay home to care for an ill family member and are not receiving paid family medical leave from their employer.

• Fewer restrictions. For individuals receiving unemployment insurance, Governor Northam is directing the Virginia Employment Commission to give affected workers special consideration on deadlines, mandatory re-employment appointments, and work search requirements.

Support for Affected Employers

• Regional workforce teams will be activated to support employers that slow or cease operations. Employers who do slow or cease operations will not be financially penalized for an increase in workers requesting unemployment benefits.
• The Governor is authorizing rapid response funding, through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, for employers eligible to remain open during this emergency. Funds may be used to clean facilities and support emergency needs.
• Governor Northam is directing all employers to follow U.S. Department of Labor guidance on workplace safety.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

• Virginia has officially received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). 
• Small businesses and non-profits located throughout the state can now apply for a loan of up to $2 million from the SBA to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses. 
• To submit a loan application for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, please visit: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Corporate, Sales, and Individual Taxes

• Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can also request to defer the payment of state sales tax due tomorrow, March 20, 2020 for 30 days.
• When granted, businesses will be able to file no later than April 20, 2020 with a waiver of any penalties. 
• The Virginia Department of Taxation is extending the due date of payment of Virginia individuals and corporate income taxes. While filing deadlines remain the same, the due date for individual and corporate income tax will now be June 1, 2020.
• Please note that interest will still accrue, so taxpayers who are able to pay by the original deadlines should do so. 

More information on deferring payment and how to file can be found here: http://www.tax.virginia.go

Medicaid

Working with the Department of Medicaid Assistance Services, Governor Northam is increasing access to healthcare for Virginia’s 1.5 million Medicaid members and thousands of low-income residents. Steps include:

• Eliminating all co-payments for all Medicaid and FAMIS covered services in Virginia, including COVID-19-related treatment as well as other medical care.
• Ensuring current Medicaid members do not inadvertently lose coverage due to lapses in paperwork.
• Permitting Medicaid members to obtain a 90-day supply of many routine prescriptions, an increase from the 30-day supply under previous rules.
• Waiving pre-approval requirements for many critical medical services, and enacting automatic extensions for approvals that are already in place.
• Medicaid members will no longer need pre-approval for many critical medical services, and they will receive automatic extensions for approvals that are already in place.
• Expanding access to telehealth, including allowing Medicaid reimbursement for providers who use telehealth with patients in the home

More information can be found at: https://coverva.org

As always, please reach out to my office if you need any assistance. My Senate email address is [email protected] and my in-district phone number is (571) 367-9080. I hope you and your family are able to stay safe and healthy during these challenging times.

Sincerely,