| Over 59 Million COVID-19 Tests Completed |
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that more than 59 million COVID-19 tests have now been completed nationally – averaging over 810,000 per day over the past seven days.
We know that increased testing is a key part of safely returning to work and school while closely monitoring and containing the spread of COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, Congress has worked with the administration to provide vast resources to increase testing capacity around the country.
According to an article in the New York Times, only 8 states have met their testing requirements including West Virginia!
Click here to read the NYT article.
Click here on the global COVID-19 testing data.
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| Positively West Virginia |
Earlier today, I was spoke with Jim Matuga on Positively West Virginia this morning on issues facing small business owners and what I hope to see in the next COVID-19 package.
Click here to watch the interview.
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| Re-Opening Our Schools |
These past few weeks, I have held meetings with superintendents, teachers, and others to listen to their concerns and discuss plans for the start of the school year. While ultimately state and local officials have the responsibility to develop a plan that works for their schools, Congress and the federal government must provide resources for schools to adjust to the pandemic.
I am closely monitoring the policies of local school boards, Governor Justice, and the Trump Administration as they work with parents, principals, and teachers to educate students during this challenging time. West Virginia educators are working towards reopening the states public schools on September 8th. All West Virginia superintendents have to submit a plan to the state that must be approved before we can send kids back to school safely.
Returning to in-person learning that ensures the safety of our children and our educators, and their families should be our top priority. That is in the best interests of our children's educational and mental well-being, according to the experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics. That goal must be weighed against the health risks associated with in person instruction.
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| Small Business Assistance |
To date, over 16,000 West Virginia small businesses have benefited from the Paycheck Protection Program! Applications on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) are OPEN. Small business owners can visit the SBA website for more information on what programs may be best for your business.
REMINDER: The Paycheck Protection Program deadline to apply is next week on August 8th!
Click here, for more information on PPP.
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| Free COVID-19 Testing Locations |
Free COVID-19 testing will be offered in the counties listed below:
Gilmer County Marion County
July 31st and August 1st August 1st
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
809 Medical Drive, Suite 3 Windmill Park
Glenville, WV 900 Ogden Avenue
Fairmont, WV
Taylor County Brooke County
August 8th August 14th & 15th
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Grafton High School Bethany College
400 Yates High School Avenue Hummel Field House
Grafton, WV 6268 Main Street
Bethany, WV
For more information on upcoming testing locations, click here.
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| West Virginia Strong - The Comeback Plan |
In May, Governor Jim Justice announced his plan for reopening the economy. Reopening will not happen suddenly, but with time. We should be able to open in a safe and cautious manner as long as we continue to follow the social distancing guidelines.
Phase one began on Thursday, April 30th. From there, each phase of the reopening process for Weeks 2-6 will begin on Monday of each subsequent week. COVID-19 case numbers will continue to be monitored throughout the entire reopening process.
The STAY-AT-HOME order was lifted on Sunday, May 3rd and a SAFER-AT-HOME was put in place on Monday, May 4th.
Earlier this month, Governor Jim Justice announced starting on Tuesday, July 7, West Virginia will have an indoor face covering requirement in all public indoor places where social distancing cannot be maintained. Do your part to slow the spread and keep each other safe.
More information on the indoor face covering requirement, click here.
More Information, click here.
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| CDC Recommendations |
We encourage everyone to follow the CDC recommendations on how to help protect yourself and others.
Take these steps to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which the chorus to Country Roads lasts about that long.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% of alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in the community.
- Wear a cloth face covering in public settings.
Take these steps to protect others:
- Stay home if you are except to receive medical care.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and throw away the tissue.
- Clean and disinfect touched surface areas daily.
For more updated information from the CDC click here.
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| West Virginia Resources |
Over six thousand COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in West Virginia as of today. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources established a toll-free hotline for questions from the public and medical providers concerning the pandemic. The department also has a website with the most up-to-date information regarding the confirmed and pending cases.
Click here for more information.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
Toll-Free Hotline 24/7
1- 800 - 887- 4304
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