The questions everyone has been asking. Governor Northam updates Virginians on the adherence to the employer and employee support, quarantine for high-risk individuals, and relief offered to those affected by the novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak.
“Everyone must play a role to help flatten the curve and mitigate the spread of the virus, and that starts with social distancing.” Said Governor Northam of Virginia. The nation needs relief while Americans try and cope with the effects of the coronavirus.
Closure of Non-Essential Businesses
Governor Northam, mandated all non-essential businesses to close their doors and non-essential employees to stay home, in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. Meaning all restaurants are to offer delivery, carry out or curbside pick-up only; any businesses that can’t adhere to the 10-person; 6 feet apart rule, including employees, must close down to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This goes into effect midnight and will last at least 30 days.
Protect High Risk Victims
Virginians who are over the age of 65, have chronic health conditions, or underlying medical conditions are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and are recommended to self-quarantine. You are encouraged to regularly stay in contact with family or friends who are at a higher risk from COVID-19.
Sustain Public Gatherings
In conjunction with the White House, Governor Northam, told Virginians to avoid non-essential gatherings with a maximum of 10 people in a single space. Non-essential gatherings may include but not limited to grocery stores, restaurants, fast food chains, airplanes, buses, trains, medical facilities, pharmacies, distribution centers, etc.
Mandatory Social Distancing
All fitness centers, nail salons, restaurants, theatres, indoor parks, are mandated to keep their capacity to 10 individuals or close their doors. The food industry is encouraged to offer pick-up and carry out options.
Support is HERE!
The following was announced by Governor Northam in reference to those working Americans affected by the COVID-19 outbreak:
NO Waiting for Employment Benefits: The Virginia Employment Commission has been directed to waive the one-week waiting period to ensure that Virginians are receiving benefits rapidly.
Enhanced Eligibility for Workers to Receive Unemployment:
You may be eligible if:
- An employer needs to temporarily slow or cease operations due to COVID-19
- An employee has been issued a notice to self-quarantine by medical official and not receiving compensation from employer
- An employee must stay at home to care for an ill family member and not receiving medical leave from employer.
Fewer restrictions for those who are previously unemployed: Meaning, individuals receiving unemployment insurance will be given special consideration on deadlines, work searches and mandatory appointments.
Mortgage Relief
Saturday March 21, 2020; President Trump ordered foreclosures and evictions to cease across the United States for 60 days, as well as, forbearance or disaster relief options to homeowners who can’t afford their mortgage due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Virginia in particular, officials have urged mortgage lenders to refrain from credit reporting for missed payments.
Low-Interest Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus
Fairfax County and the surrounding DC areas, are now eligible for the disaster loan being offered by U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Companies that are eligible are small businesses, non-profit’s, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises. Businesses may qualify for up to $2 million with an interest rate of 3.75% and 2.75% for non-profits. These loans can be repaid over a 30-year period and can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills. The deadline for this application is December 17, 2020.
Relief for Employers:
Small businesses are the backbones of America. Are you a business owner who is shaken by the unknowns of how the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 may actually affect your business? Call us today, to see if you qualify for the Disaster Loan in response to the Coronavirus. When disaster strikes, NumberSquad is here to remote into your success.
Employers who temporarily cease or stop operations will not be penalized for increased unemployment benefit application from employees.
As well, Governor Northam has issued rapid response funding to businesses eligible to stay operational during this time. These funds may be used for services such as utilities or cleaning services for your office.
Department of Motor Vehicles Closures: DMV 75 locations and mobile units, will be closed to the public. If you need to renew your registration or license you are encouraged to do so online. If you are unable to renew online or your registration expires before May 15, DMV is granting a 60-day grace period due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Courts were Granted a Judicial Emergency: Closed until April 6, 2020 and includes a prohibition on new evictions cases for tenants who are unable to pay their rent due to the novel coronavirus.
Utilities: The State Corp Commission office issued an order to directing companies that regulate water, gas, and electric, to suspend disconnected services for a minimum of 60 days to offer relief to any businesses or individuals immediately affected by COVID-19.
For a comprehensive list of actions Governor Northam has announced to combat COVID-19 in Virginia, visit virginia.gov/coronavirus
